The Barber of Seville
Overture
ACT ONE
SCENE ONE
Just before sunrise. A small piazza in Seville with narrow streets running off in all directions. Dr. Bartolo's house in centre stage; it has a small balcony, overlooking the piazza, above the front door.
Introduction
Fiorello enters from the right, slowly, surveying the scene, urging his hired musicians to follow him
FIORELLO
Piano, pianissimo, without a word,
all gather around me here.
CHORUS
Piano, pianissimo, here we are.
FIORELLO
All is silence, no one is near
our songs to disturb.
Count Almaviva, wrapped in a cloak, enters from down left
COUNT
Fiorello … ho!
FIORELLO
Sir, I am here.
COUNT
Well! … and our friends?
FIORELLO
They are all ready.
He crosses to the musicians
COUNT
Bravi, bravissimi, softly softly;
piano, pianissimo, utter no word.
CHORUS
Piano, pianissimo, without a word.
FIORELLO
Without a word, gather round.
COUNT
Piano, utter no word.
The musicians tune their instruments, and the Count sings, accompanied by them
Cavatina
COUNT
Lo in the smiling sky,
the lovely dawn is breaking,
and you are not awake,
and you are still asleep?
Arise, my sweetest love,
oh come, my treasured one,
soften the pain, oh God,
of the dart which pierces me.
Oh joy! Do I now see
that dearest vision:
has she taken pity
on this soul in love!
Oh, moment of love!
Oh, moment divine!
Oh, sweet content
which is unequalled!
Recitative
Ho, Fiorello?
FIORELLO
M'Lord …
COUNT
Say, have you seen her?
FIORELLO
No, sir.
COUNT
Ah, how vain is every hope!
FIORELLO
Behold, sir, the dawn advances.
COUNT
Ah, what am I to think! What shall I do?
All is vain. Well, my friends!
CHORUS
softly
M'Lord …
The Count is in despair, he dismisses the musicians
COUNT
Retire, retire.
He gives a purse to Fiorello
I have no longer need
of your songs or your music.
Fiorello pays the musicians off
FIORELLO
Good night to all.
I have nothing further for you to do.
The musicians surround the Count, thanking him and kissing his hand. Annoyed by the noise they makem, he tries to drive them away. Fiorello
does the same.
CHORUS
Many thanks, sir, for this favour:
better master, nor a braver,
ever did we sing a stave for.
Pray, good sir, command our throats!
We will ever sing and pray for
one who gives its gold for notes! etc.
COUNT
Silence! silence! cease your bawling,
nor like cats with caterwauling
wake the neighbours - stop your squalling.
Rascals, get away from here!
If this noise you still keep making,
all the neighbours you'll be waking. etc.
FIORELLO
Silence! Silence! What an uproar!
Cursed ones, away from here!
What a devilish commotion,
I am furious, do you hear!
Cursed ones, get out, get out,
scoundrels all, away from here! etc.
Fiorello manages to push the musicians slowly out of the piazza
Recitative
COUNT
Indiscreet rabble!
FIORELLO
They had nearly,
with their importunate clamour,
awakened the whole neighbourhood.
At last they're gone!
Exit Fiorello
Figaro offstage left
FIGARO
La la la la la la la la la la.
COUNT
Who is this coming now?
I'll let him go by:
unseen, under this archway,
I can see what I want,
Dawn is already here,
but love is not shy.
He hides down left
Figaro enters with a guitar around his neck
Cavatina
FIGARO
La ran la le ra la ran la la.
Make way for the factotum of the city.
La ran la la, etc.
Rushing to his shop
for dawn is here.
La ran la la, etc.
What a merry life,
what gay pleasures
for a barber
of quality.
Ah, bravo Figaro,
bravo, bravissimo, bravo!
La ran la la, etc.
Most fortunate of men,
indeed you are!
La ran la la, etc.
Ready for everything
by night or by day,
always in bustle,
in constant motion.
A better lot
for a barber,
a nobler life
does not exist.
La la ran la la ran la, etc.
Razors and combs,
lancets and scissors,
at my command
everything's ready.
Then there are "extras"
part of my trade,
business for ladies
and cavaliers …
La la ran la …la …la.
Ah, what a merry life,
what gay pleasures,
for a barber
of quality.
All call for me,
all want me,
ladies and children,
old men and maidens.
I need a wig,
I want a shave,
leeches to bleed me,
here, take this note.
All call for me,
all want me.
I need a wig,
I want a shave,
here, take this note.
Ho, Figaro, Figaro, Figaro, etc.
Heavens! what a commotion!
Heavens! What a crowd!
One at a time,
for pity's sake.
Ho, Figaro! - I am here!
Figaro here, Figaro there,
Figaro up. Figaro down.
Quicker and quicker
I go like greased lightning,
make way for the factotum of the city,
Ah, bravo, Figaro,
bravo, bravissimo,
On you good fortune
will always smile.
La la ran la, etc.
I am the factotum
of the city.
Recitative
FIGARO
Ah! ah what a happy life!
Little fatigue, and much amusement,
always with some money in my pocket,
noble fruition of my reputation.
So it is: without Figaro
not a girl in Seville can marry;
to me come the little widows
for a husband; with the excuse
of my comb by day,
of my guitar by night,
to all, and I say it without boasting,
I honestly give service.
Oh, what a life, what a trade!
Figaro goes up right on the way to his shop; the Count comes out of hiding
Now, away to the shop -
COUNT
(It is he, am I mistaken?)
FIGARO
(Who may this be?)
COUNT
(Oh! It's certainly he!) Figaro …
FIGARO
My master … Oh! Whom do I see?
Your Excellency …
COUNT
Hush! Be prudent!
I am not known here,
nor do I wish to be.
I have the best of reasons.
FIGARO
I understand, I'll leave you alone.
COUNT
No
FIGARO
What can I do?
COUNT
No, I tell you, stay here.
Perhaps for my purpose
you've come at the right time.
But tell me, you wily rascal,
how did you come here,
in the flesh to run the world …
FIGARO
Misery brought me, sir!
COUNT
What a scoundrel!
FIGARO
Thank you.
COUNT
Are you behaving yourself?
FIGARO
And how! And you, why in Seville?
COUNT
I will explain. On the Prado
I beheld a flower of beauty, a maiden,
the daughter of a silly old physician,
who recently established himself here;
enamoured of this damsel,
I left home and country;
and here I came,
and here, night and day,
I watch and wander near this balcony.
FIGARO
Near this balcony? A physician?
You are very fortunate;
the cheese fell right on the macaroni!
COUNT
Explain!
FIGARO
Certainly. In this house
I am barber, surgeon,
botanist, apothecary, veterinary …
In other words. I run the house.
COUNT
Oh, what luck!
FIGARO
But this is not all. The girl is not
the daughter of the physician.
She is only his ward.
COUNT
Oh, what a consolation
FIGARO
But … hush …
COUNT
What is it?
FIGARO
The balcony window opens …
The Count and Figaro run away. The door opens and Bartolo comes out of the house.
BARTOLO
I shall return in a few minutes.
Don't let any one in. If Don Basilio
should come to inquire for me,
let him wait.
He locks the door from outside
I wish to hasten my marriage with her.
Yes, this day
going off down the left-hand street
I am going to conclude this affair.
COUNT
This very day conclude
his marriage with Rosina!
Oh, the foolish old dotard!
But tell me,
who is this Don Basilio?
FIGARO
A famous intriguing match-maker,
a hypocrite, a good-for-nothing,
with never a penny in his pocket …
He has lately turned music-maker,
and teaches this girl.
COUNT
Well, that's good to know.
FIGARO
Now you must think of a way
to please the pretty Rosina.
Witn a simple little song
you can explain it all to her, sir.
COUNT
A song?
FIGARO
Certainly. Here is my guitar.
Come, let's start.
COUNT
But I …
FIGARO
Heaven give me patience!
COUNT
Well, we'll try …
Canzone
COUNT
If you want to know my name,
listen to the song I sing.
I am called Lindoro,
who faithfully adores you,
who wishes to marry you,
your name is on my lips,
and you are in my thoughts,
from early dawn till late at night.
Rosina answers from behind the shutters
ROSINA
Continue, beloved,
continue to sing.
FIGARO
Listen! What could be better?
COUNT
What happiness!
FIGARO
Bravo! Now continue.
COUNT
Sincere and enamoured Lindoro,
cannot give you, my dear, a fortune.
Rich, I am not.
but heart I can give,
a loving spirit
which, faithful and true,
for you only breathes,
from early dawntill late at night.
Rosina answers again from inside
ROSINA
Sincere and enamoured Rosina
her heart to Lindoro …
She breaks off and leaves the balcony
Recitative
COUNT
Oh, Heavens!
FIGARO
I imagine someone entered her room.
She has gone inside.
COUNT
Oh, damnation!
I am feverish, on fire!
At any cost
I must see her, speak to her!
You, you must help me.
FIGARO
Ha, ha, what a frenzy!
Yes, yes, I shall help you.
COUNT
Bravo. Before nightfall
you must get into the house.
Tell me, how can you do it?
Come, let's see some feat
of your imagination.
FIGARO
Of my imagination!
Well, I shall see … But nowadays …
COUNT
Yes, yes! I understand.
Go ahead, don't worry;
your efforts will be rewarded.
FIGARO
Truly?
COUNT
On my word.
FIGARO
Gold in abundance?
COUNT
To your heart's content.
Come, on your way.
FIGARO
I'm ready. You cannot imagine
what a prodigious devotion
makes me feel towards Lindor
the sweet thought of gold.
Duet
FIGARO
At the idea of this metal
portentous, omnipotent,
a volcano within me
commences to erupt, yes. etc.
COUNT
Come, let's see what effect
this metal will have on you,
some real demonstration
of this volcano within you, yes. etc.
FIGARO
You should disguise yourself …
For instance … as a soldier …
COUNT
As a soldier?
FiGARO
Yes, sir.
COUNT
As a soldier, and for what purpose?
FIGARO
To-day a regiment is expected here.
COUNT
Yes, the Colonel is a friend of mine.
FIGARO
Excellent!
COUNT
And then?
FIGARO
By means of a billet,
that door will soon open.
What say you to this, sir?
Don't you think I've hit it right?
Isn't it a fine idea,
happy thought, in very truth! etc.
COUNT
Isn't it a fine idea,
happy thought, in very truth! etc.
FIGARO
Softly, softly … another thought!
See the power of your gold!
You must pretend to be drunk.
COUNT
Drunk?
FIGARO
Even so, sir.
COUNT
Drunk? But why?
FIGARO
Because the guardian, believe me,
the guardian would less distrust
a man not quite himself,
but overcome with wine.
BOTH
Isn't it a fine idea,
happy thought, in very truth! etc.
COUNT
Well, then?
FIGARO
To business.
COUNT
Let's go.
FIGARO
Bravo.
The start to leave in opposite directions
The Count calls Figaro back
COUNT
Farewell! But the most important thing
I forgot to ask: tell me,
where do I find your shop?
FIGARO
My shop? ... you cannot mistake it …
Look yonder… there it is …
Number fifteen, on the left hand,
with four steps, a white front,
five wigs in the window,
on a placard, "Pomade Divine"
a show-glass, too, of the latest fashion,
and my sign is a lantern …
There, without fail, you will find me. etc.
COUNT
Five wigs,
FIGARO
A lantern,
There, without fail, you will find me.
COUNT
I understand.
FIGARO
You had better go now.
COUNT
And you watch out …
FIGARO
I'll take care of everything.
COUNT
I have faith in you …
FIGARO
I shall wait for you yonder …
COUNT
My dear Figaro …
FIGARO
I understand, I understand …
COUNT
I will bring with me …
FIGARO
A porse well filled.
COUNT
Yes, all you want,
but do your part …
FIGARO
Oh, have no doubt,
all will go well.
COUNT
Oh, what a flame
of love divine,
of hope and joy
auspicious sign!
With fire unknown
my soul is burning,
and fills my spirit
with will to dare.
Oh, what a flame, etc.
Oh glorious moment
which inspires my heart,
with fire unknown
my soul is burning,
and fills my spirit
with will to dare. etc.
FIGARO
I almost can hear
the clinking of coin,
gold is coming …
Already it's here.
Gold is coming,
silver is coming,
filling the pockets …
Already it's here.
With fire unknown
my soul is burning,
and fills my spirit
with will to dare. etc.
Exeunt
SCENE TWO
A courtyard in Bartolo's house
Cavatina
ROSINA
a letter in her hand
The voice I heard just now
has thrilled my very heart.
My heart already is pierced
and it was Lindoro who hurled the dart.
Yes, Lindoro shall be mine,
I've sworn it, I'll succeed.
My guardian won't consent,
but I will sharpen my wits,
and at last, he will relent,
And I shall be content.
Yes, Lindoro etc.
I am docile,
I am respectful,
I am obedient,
sweet and loving.
I can be ruled,
I can be guided.
But if crossed in love,
I can be a viper,
and a hundred tricks
I shall play
before they have their way.
I am docile, etc.
Recitative
ROSINA
Yes, yes, I shall conquer.
If I could only
send him this letter.
But how? There is none I can trust.
My guardian has a hundred eyes …
Well … well … meanwhile I'll seal it.
From my window I saw him, for an hour,
talking with Figaro, the barber.
Figaro is an honest fellow,
a good-hearted soul …
Who knows, he may be the one
to protect our love!
Figaro enters from upstage, Rosina hides her letter.
FIGARO
Good day, Signorina.
ROSINA
Good day, Signor Figaro.
FIGARO
Well? How are you?
ROSINA
I am dying of boredom.
FIGARO
The deuce! Is that possible!
A lovely girl, full of spirits …
ROSINA
Ah! You make me laugh!
Of what us is my spirit,
what good is my beauty,
if I am always shut up
between four walls
and feel as f I am living
inside a sepulchre?
FIGARO
A sepulchre? Heavens! …
But I must talk with you
The street door is being opened
ROSINA
My guardian is coming.
FIGARO
Truly?
ROSINA
Definitely. I hear his footsteps.
FIGARO
retreating upstage
Adieu, adieu! I will see you soon again!
I've something to tell you.
ROSINA
And I too. Signor Figaro.
FIGARO
Bravissima. I go.
He hides himself
ROSINA
What a nice fellow he is!
Bartolo enters from street
BARTOLO
Oh, that menace of a Figaro!
What a rascal, what a villain,
what a scoundrel!
ROSINA
(He's off again. Always shouting.)
BARTOLO
They don't come any worse!
He has made a hospital
of the whole household
with opium, blood and sneezing powder.
Signorina, the barber ... have you seen him?
ROSINA
Why?
BARTOLO
Why? Because I want to know!
ROSINA
Has he, too, put you in a rage?
BARTOLO
And why not?
ROSINA
All right, I shall tell you.
Yes, I saw him, I spoke with him,
I like him, ¡ enjoy talking with him.
I find him handsome.
(Choke on that, wicked old man!)
Rosina goes up to her room
BARTOLO
What a charming little miss!
The more I love her,
the more she disdains me.
There is no doubt, it is the barber
who has put her up to this.
Oh! Devil of a barber …
You shall pay for this!
enter Basilio
BARTOLO
Don Basilio, you come at the right time.
By force or by love,
by tomorrow I must marry Rosina.
Is that clear?
DON BASILIO
Eh, you speak wisely,
and it is for that very reason I have come.
But keep this secret …
Count Almaviva has arrived.
BARTOLO
Who? The lover incognito of Rosina?
DON BASILIO
The very same.
BARTOLO
The devil! Something must be done.
DON BASILIO
Certainly. But very hush hush.
BARTOLO
That is to say?
DON BASILIO
Just this, that plausibly,
we must begin
to invent a story
which will put him in a bad light
with the public, making him seem
a man of infamy, a doomed soul …
I shall attend to this;
within four days,
on the word of Basilio,
he'll be thrown out
of this town.
BARTOLO
Do you really think so?
DON BASILIO
Without a doubt! I have my own system,
and it is fool-proof.
BARTOLO
And you would dare?
But... slander …
DON BASILIO
Ah, what is calumny!
Don't you know?
BARTOLO
In truth, I do not.
DON BASILIO
No? Then hear and be silent.
Aria
Calumny is a little breeze,
a gentle zephyr,
which insensibly, subtly,
lightly and sweetly,
commences to whisper.
Softly softly, here and there,
sottovoce, sibilant,
it goes gliding, it goes rambling.
Into the ears of the people,
it penetrates slyly
and the head and the brains
it stuns and it swells.
From the mouth re-emerging
the noise grows crescendo,
gathers force little by little,
runs its course from place to place,
seems the thunder of the tempest
which from the depths of the forest
comes whistling, muttering,
freezing everyone in horror.
Finally with crack and crash,
it spreads afield, its force redoubled,
and produces an explosion
like the outburst of a cannon,
an earthquake, a whirlwind,
a general uproar,
which makes the air resound.
And the poor slandered wretch,
vilified, trampled down,
sunk beneath the public lash,
by good fortune, falls to death.
Recitative
Now what do you say?
BARTOLO
Eh! That may be true, but meanwhile
we are wasting valuable time.
No, I want to do things my own way.
Let's go into my room.
Together the marriage contract
we must prepare. When she is my wife,
moving off to his room
I shall know very well
how to keep off these
love-sick dandies.
DON BASILIO
following him
(If there is money to make,
I am always on hand.)
Figaro who has been hiding up stage, comes forward.
FIGARO
Bravo! All goes well! I heard everything.
Hurrah for the good Doctor! Poor idiot!
Your wife? Come, come!
Don't make me laugh!
While they are shut up in that room
I shall try to talk to the girl …
Rosina comes down from her room
But here she is.
ROSINA
Well, Signor Figaro?
FIGARO
Great things are happening, Signorina.
ROSINA
Yes, indeed?
FIGARO
We will be celebrating a wedding.
ROSINA
What do you mean?
FIGARO
I mean to say
that this fine guardian of yours
plans to be your husband by tomorrow.
ROSINA
What nonsense!
FIGARO
Oh, I swear it.
He has locked himself
in that room with your music-master
to draw up the contract.
ROSINA
Yes? Well, he is much mistaken!
Poor fool!
He has me to deal with …
But tell me, Signor Figaro,
a little while ago under my window
were you talking with a gentleman?
FIGARO
crossing to right, away from Rosina, and making up a story
Yes, with my cousin.
A fine young man,
with a good head and a warm heart.
Poor fellow, he has come here
to finish his studies and to seek his fortune.
ROSINA
A fortune? Oh, he'll make it.
FIGARO
I doubt it.
Confidentially he has one great fault.
ROSINA
A great fault?
FIGARO
Yes, a great one. He is dying of love.
ROSINA
Really? That young man, you know,
interests me very much.
FIGARO
Good Lord!
ROSINA
Don't you believe it?
FIGARO
Oh, yes!
ROSINA
And tell me, his beloved,
does she live far away?
FIGARO
Oh, no That is ... here … two steps …
ROSINA
But is she pretty?
FIGARO
Oh, pretty, enough!
I can give you her picture in two words:
deliciously plump, high-spirited,
black hair, rosy cheeks,
sparkling eyes, enchanting hands.
ROSINA
And her name?
FIGARO
And her name too! Her name,
what a lovely name! She is called …
ROSINA
Well, what is she called?
FIGARO
Poor little dear! …
She is called R ... o …
ROSINA
Ro …
FIGARO
S ...i …si ...
ROSINA and FIGARO
Ro-si …
FIGARO
n … a … na … Rosina!
ROSINA
Rosina!
Duet
ROSINA
Then it is I … You are not mocking me?
Then I am the fortunate girl!
(But I had already guessed it,
I knew it all along.) etc.
FIGARO
You are, sweet Rosina,
of Lindoro's love, the object.
(Oh, what a cunning little fox!
But she'll have to deal with me.) etc.
ROSINA
But tell me, to Lindoro
how shall I contrive to speak?
FIGARO
Patience, patience, and Lindoro
soon your presence here will seek.
ROSINA
To speak to me? Bravo! Bravo!
Let him come, but with caution,
meanwhile I am dying of impatience!
Why is he delayed? What is he doing?
FIGARO
He is awaiting some sign,
poor man, of your affection;
send him but two lines
and you will see him here.
What do you say to this?
ROSINA
I shouldn't see him …
FIGARO
Come, courage.
ROSINA
I don't know …
FIGARO
Only two lines …
ROSINA
I am too shy.
FIGARO
But why? But why?
Quickly, quickly, give me a note.
ROSINA
A note? … Here it is.
She takes a letter from her bsom and gives it to him
FIGARO
(Already written … What a fool I am!
She could give me a lesson or two!)
ROSINA
Fortune smiles on my love,
I can breathe once more.
FIGARO
(in cunning itself
she could be a professor.)
ROSINA
Oh, you alone, my love,
can console my heart.
FIGARO
(Women, women, eternal gods,
who can fathom their minds?) etc.
ROSINA
Oh, you alone, my love,
can console my heart. etc.
ROSINA
Tell me, but Lindoro …
FIGARO
Is on his way. In a few minutes
he'll be here to speak to you.
ROSINA
Let him come, but with caution.
FIGARO
Patience, patience, he'll be here.
ROSINA
Fortune smiles on my love,
I can breathe once more.
Oh, you alone, my love,
can console my heart. etc.
FIGARO
(Women, women, eternal gods,
who can fathom their minds?) etc.
Figaro leaves through the street door
Recitative
ROSINA
Now I feel better.
That Figaro is a nice young man.
Bartolo enters from his room
BARTOLO
With fair words may I know
from my Rosina what brought
this fellow here this morning?
ROSINA
Figaro? I know nothing.
BARTOLO
He spoke to you?
ROSINA
He spoke to me.
BARTOLO
What was he telling you?
ROSINA
Oh, he told me a hundred trifles …
Of the fashions of France,
of the health of his daughter Marcellina.
BARTOLO
Indeed?
What is the meaning
He seizes Rosina's finger
of your ink-stained finger?
ROSINA
Stained? Oh! Nothing.
I burned myself
and I used the ink
as a medicine.
BARTOLO
(The devil!)
He counts the sheets of paper on the table
And these sheets of paper
There are five now, there were six.
ROSINA
The note paper? You are right.
I used one to wrap the sweets
I sent to Marcellina.
BARTOLO
Bravissima!
He picks up the pen
And the pen,
why was it sharpened?
ROSINA
(Heavens!) The pen!
To draw a flower to embroider.
BARTOLO
To embroider! A flower!
ROSINA
A flower.
BARTOLO
A flower' Oh! You minx!
ROSINA
It is the truth.
BARTOLO
Silence.
ROSINA
Believe me …
BARTOLO
Enough of this.
ROSINA
Sir …
BARTOLO
No more … be quiet.
Aria
BARTOLO
For a doctor of my standing
these excuses, Signorina,
I advise you, my dear child,
to invent a little better.
Better! Better! Better! Better! etc.
Sweets for Marcellina!
A design for your embroidery!
And the scalding of your finger!
It takes more than that, my girl,
to deceive me with success.
More! More! More! More!
Why is that sheet of paper missing?
I mean to find out what's going on.
No, coaxing is useless.
Keep away, don't touch me.
No, my dear girl, give up all hope
that I'll let myself be fooled.
For a doctor of my standing
these excuses, Signorina,
I advise you, my dear child,
to invent a little better.
Come, dear child, confess it all.
I am prepared to pardon you.
You don't answer? You are stubborn?
Then I know well what I'll do.
Signorina, another time
when Bartolo must leave the house
he'll give orders to the servants
who will see you stay inside. etc.
Now your pouting will not help you
nor your injured innocence.
I here assure you, through that door
the very air itself won't enter. etc.
For a doctor of my standing
does not let himself be fooled.
And little innocent Rosina,
disconsolate and in despair,
in her chamber shall be locked
so long as I see fit.
Exeunt
Recitative
Berta enters from upstage
BERTA
From within this room
I thought I heard a noise …
Probably the guardian with his ward …
He never has an hour's peace.
These girls don't want to understand …
She hears a knock and the voice of the Count outside
Knocking!
COUNT
Open.
BERTA
going to open the street door
I'm comig - here I am!
I'm coming - who the de devil is it?
She opens the door. The Count enters disguised as a soldier. He pretends to be drunk. Berta goes out and Bartolo enters.
Finale Act I
COUNT
Hey, good people …
Is no one at home! Hey …
BARTOLO
Who can that be? What an ugly face!
And drunk, too! Who is it?
COUNT
Curses,, is nobody home! Hey …
BARTOLO
What do you want, Signor Soldier?
COUNT
Oh, yes!
Very much obliged.
BARTOLO
(What on earth is he doing here?)
COUNT
You are … wait a minute
You are … Doctor Balordo?
BARTOLO
What Balordo? What Balordo?
COUNT
Ah, ah, Bertoldo.
BARTOLO
What Bertoldo? Oh, go to the devil!
Doctor Bartoio, Doctor Bartolo.
COUNT
Ah, bravissimo,
Doctor Barbaro, bravissimo,
Doctor Barbaro.
BARTOLO
You blockhead!
COUNT
Well and good,
the difference, after all, is trifling.
BARTOLO
shuffling across left in a fury
(I am already out of patience.
Prudence is necessary here.)
COUNT
searching for Rosina
(She does not appear!
How impatient Ifeel!
How long she delays! Where can she be?)
Then you are a doctor?
BARTOLO
Yes, sir, I am a doctor.
COUNT
Ah, very fine! Let me embrace
a colleague here.
BARTOLO
Keep off!
COUNT
Come. I also am
the doctor for hundreds …
I am the vet of the regiment.
My billet for lodgings,
look here it is.
(Oh, come, dearest object
of my happiness!)
BARTOLO
(With rage, with vexation,
in truth I shall burst.
If I don't watch out,
I'll do something rash.)
Rosina enters from her room
COUNT
Hasten, hasten, your adorer,
Full of love awaits you here.
BARTOLO
If I don't watch out,
I'll do something rash.
ROSINA
(A soldier, a guardian,
what am I to do now?)
The Count has seen Rosina and approaches her
COUNT
(It is Rosina! Now I am happy.)
ROSINA
(He looks at me … he is coming near.)
COUNT
(I am Lindoro!)
ROSINA
(Heavens! What do I hear!
Prudence, for mercy's sake )
BARTOLO
seeing Rosina
Signorina, what are you looking for?
Quickly, quickly, leave the room!
ROSINA
I'm going, I'm going, don't shout.
BARTOLO
Quickly, quickly, away from here.
COUNT
And, my girl, I am going too,
BARTOLO
Where, where, sir?
COUNT
To the barracks.
BARTOLO
To the barracks?
COUNT
Oh, this is great!
BARTOLO
To the barracks?
A good joke!
COUNT
Dearest …
ROSINA
Help me …
BARTOLO
Oh, damnation!
COUNT
Then I go …
The Count starts towards the inner room. Bartolo seizes him
BARTOLO
Oh no, sir,
you can have no lodging here.
COUNT
What? What?
BARTOLO
No sense arguing …
I am exempt from lodging troops.
COUNT
Exempt?
BARTOLO
going to his desk
Good sir, just a moment
and I shall show you.
COUNT
aside to Rosina
Since I may not be able to remain here,
take this …
he motions to her to take a note
ROSINA
(Be careful! He is watching us!)
BARTOLO
(Oh, I can no longer find it.)
ROSINA
(We must be careful!)
BARTOLO
(But, yes, yes, I must find it.)
ROSINA and COUNT
(A hundred emotions burn within me,
I can no longer control myself.)
BARTOLO
Ah, here it is.
moving towards the Count and reading the document to him
"By this let it be known
that Doctor Bartolo etc. is exempted..."
COUNT
with a sweep of his hand he flings the paper into the air
Oh, go to the devil!
Don't bother me any more.
BARTOLO
My dear sir, What are you doing?
COUNT
crossing right to Rosina
Silence now, donkey of a doctor;
my lodging is fixed here,
and here I will remain.
BARTOLO
Will remain?
COUNT
Certainly, will remain.
BARTOLO
thrashing the COUNT with his walking stick
I am fed up, my master,
out and quickly, or a good stick
will dislodge you from here!
COUNT
Then you wish to battle?
Good! A battle I will give you.
drawing his sword
A battle is a fine thing!
Let me show you how it's done.
he knocks the stick out of Bartolo's hand
Observe! This is the trench …
You are the enemy …
Attention, and friends …
aside to Rosina
(Drop your handkerchief.)
he lets a letter fall and Rosina drops her handkerchief to cover it
And friends standing here, attention.
BARTOLO
who has noticed the manoeuvre
Stop, stop …
COUNT
What is it? Ah!
BARTOLO
Let me see it.
As Bartolo bends to pick up the letter, the Count puts his sword through it
COUNT
Yes, if it were a prescription!
But a note … It s my duty …
If you will pardon me.
He give the letter to Rosina who quickly exchanges it for
a laundry list
ROSINA
Thank you. Thank you.
BARTOLO
Thank you, thank you, thank you nothing!
Give me the paper, impertinent one!
Quickly, I say!
COUNT
You wish to battle? On guard …
Ih! Ah!
ROSINA
But this paper which you ask for
fell to the floor by chance.
It is only the laundry list.
BARTOLO
Oh, you flirt, come quickly here!
What do I see!
Rosina gives the laundry list to Bartolo; she and the Count
cross left
Berta looks through the spy hole of the street door
BERTA
The barber …
BARTOLO
I was mistaken! It is the laundry list!
BERTA
So many people!
BARTOLO
I am petrified!
COUNT
Bravo, bravo, the old fool!
BARTOLO
Yes. I really am an imbecile,
oh, what a big mistake! etc.
Basilio enters up stage right, singing from a sheet of music
BASILIO
Sol do re mi fa re sol mi
La fa si sol do,
but what confusion this is here. etc.
ROSINA and COUNT
Bravo, bravo, the old fool
in the trap at last he is caught etc.
BERTA
I am petrified, bewildered,
what confusion this is here.
ROSINA
at the fountain, weeping
Once again! The same old story,
I am always oppressed and mistreated!
What a wretched life I live!
I can't stand it any more.
BARTOLO
Ah, poor little Rosina.
COUNT
chases Bartolo away. The others try to restrain him.
Come here, what have you done to her?
BARTOLO
Stop … nothing at all …
COUNT
You rabble, you traitor …
ROSINA, BERTA, BARTOLO and BASILIO
Hands off, away, sir.
COUNT
I'd like to knock him down.
ROSINA, BERTA
Good people help … but calm yourself …
Good people, help … for mercy's sake!
BARTOLO, BASILLO
Good people ielp … help me
Good people help, for mercy's sake!
COUNT
Unhand me, unhand me!
Figaro enters, stopping the chase
FIGARO
Stop! What is happening,
what clamour is this? Great gods!
This uproar into the streets
has drawn half the city.
softly to the Count
For heaven's sake, be careful, sir.
BARTOLO
pointing to the Count
This fellow's a rascal!
COUNT
pointing to Bartolo
This fellow's a scoundrel!
BARTOLO
Oh, what a villain!
COUNT
Oh, what a cursed fellow!
FIGARO
Signor Soldier, have respect,
or this basin soon shall teach you
of your manners to beware.
(For heaven's sake, be careful, sir.)
COUNT
Ugly baboon …
BARTOLO
Low-born scoundrel …
ROSINA, BERTA, FIGARO and BASILIO
Be quiet, doctor …
BARTOLO
I'll shout it loud …
ROSINA, BERTA, FIGARO and BASILIO
Hold, sir …
COUNT
I am going to murder …
ROSINA, BERTA, FIGARO and BASILIO
Be silent, for pity's sake!
COUNT
I'm going to kill him
without mercy.
ROSINA, BERTA, FIGARO and BASILIO
Be silent, for pity's sake!
hard knocking against door up left
ROSINA, BERTA and FIGARO
Silence, they are knocking …
ALL
Who can it be?
BARTO LO
looking out into the street
Who's there?
CHORUS
offstage
Open the door in the name of the law!
ALL
The police! Oh, the devil!
FIGARO and BASILIO
Now you have done it!
COUNT and BARTOLO
Have no fear! Let them come in.
ALL
I wonder how on earth
this adventure will end!
Officer soldiers and townspeople burst into the courtyard
CHORUS
Stay where you are. Let no one move.
Good sirs, what's going on?
What's the cause of this disturbance'?
Quickly give an explanation.
BARTOLO
This dog of a soldier,
good sir, has mistreated me,
yes, sir, yes, sir. etc.
FIGARO
I only came, good sir,
to calm this disturbance.
Yes, sir, yes, sir. etc.
BASILIO and BERTA
He is making an infernal noise,
he is threatening to kill us,
yes, sir, yes, sir. etc.
COUNT
As a lodger, this villain
is not willing to accept me.
Yes, sir, yes, sir etc.
ROSINA
Pardon him, poor fellow,
he is affected by wine.
Yes, sir, yes, sir. etc.
OFFICER
I heard you, I heard you.
to the Count
My good man, you are under arrest.
Quickly come away from here.
COUNT
Arrested? I? Stop now!
The Count presents a document to the Officer who, after reading it, salutes smartly; the soldiers present arms
ROSINA
Cold and motionless
like a statue.
I have hardly
breath to breathe etc.
COUNT
Cold and motionless
like a statue.
she has hardly
breath to breathe! etc.
BARTOLO
Cold and motionless
like a statue,
I have hardly
breath to breathe etc.
FIGARO
Look at Don Bartolo,
he stands like a statue!
Oh, I am ready
to burst with laughter etc.
BASILIO
Cold and motionless
I have hardl<
breath to breathe! etc.
BERTA
I have hardly
breath to breathe! etc.
BARTOLO
But sir … for a doctor
But if you … but I would like …
But if we … but if then …
But listen, but hear …
CHORUS
Silence all! That 's enough!
Do not speak, do not shout.
Silence! We'll take care of it.
Silence you! Do not speak.
Everybody go about their business.
Let altercation end.
ROSINA and BASILIO
But if we … but if then …
But if then, but if we …
Silence here! Silence there!
Silence, silence everywhere!
BERTA, COUNT and FIGARO
Silence here! Silence there!
Silence, silence, everywhere!
ALL
My head seems to be
in a fiery smithy,
the sound of the anvils,
ceasless and growing.
deafens the ear.
Up and down, high and low,
striking heavily, the hammer
makes the very walls resound
with a barbarous harmony.
Thus our poor, bewildered brain,
stunned, confounded,
in confusion, without reason,
is reduced to insanity. etc.