The Marriage of Figaro
Cast:
CONTE DI ALMAVIVA (baritone)
LA CONTESSA DI ALMAVIVA (soprano)
SUSANNA (soprano)
FIGARO (bass)
CHERUBINO (soprano or mezzo-soprano)
MARCELLINA (mezzo-soprano)
BARTOLO (bass)
BASILIO (tenor)
DON CURZIO (tenor)
BARBARINA (soprano)
ANTONIO (bass)
CHORUS
peasants and the count's tenants
Overture
ACT ONE
SCENE ONE
A partly furnished room, with an easy-chair in the centre.
Figaro with a measure in his hand, Susanna at the mirror, trying on a hat decorated with flowers.
Duettino
FIGARO
measuring the room
Five ... ten ... twenty ... thirty ...
Thirty-six ... forty-three
SUSANNA
to herself, gazing into the mirror
Yes, I'm very pleased with that;
It seems just made for me.
Take a look, dear Figaro,
Just look at this hat of mine.
She continues to gaze at herself
FIGARO
Yes, my dearest, it's very pretty;
It looks just made for you.
SUSANNA and FIGARO
On this morning of our wedding
How delightful to my (your) dear one
Is this pretty little hat
Which Susanna made herself.
Recitative
SUSANNA
What are you measuring,
My dearest Figaro?
FIGARO
I'm seeing if this bed
Which the Count has put aside for us
Will go well just here.
SUSANNA
In this room?
FIGARO
Of course; his lordship's
Generously giving it to us.
SUSANNA
As far as I'm concerned, you can keep it.
FIGARO
What's the matter?
SUSANNA
tapping her forehead
I've my reasons in here.
FIGARO
doing the same
Why can't you
Let me in on them?
SUSANNA
Because I don't choose to.
Are you my slave, or not?
FIGARO
But I don't understand
Why you so dislike
The most convenient room in the palace.
SUSANNA
Because I'm Susanna and you're a dolt.
FIGARO
Thanks, you're too flattering: just see
If it could go better anywhere else.
Duettino
FIGARO
Supposing my lady
Calls you at night:
Ding ding: in two steps
You can be there from here.
Or if it should happen
That his lordship should want me,
Dong dong: in three bounds
I'm there at his service.
SUSANNA
And supposing one morning
The dear Count should ring,
ding ding, and send you
Three miles away,
Dong dong, and the devil
Should lead him to my door?
Dong dong, in three bounds ...
FIGARO
Hush, hush, Susanna.
SUSANNA
Listen.
FIGARO
Quick, tell me!
SUSANNA
If you wish to hear the rest,
Banish those suspicions
Which do me wrong.
FIGARO
I burn to hear the rest:
Doubts and suspicions
Freeze my blood.
Recitative
SUSANNA
Well then, listen and keep quiet.
FIGARO
Speak: what's there to tell?
SUSANNA
The noble Count,
Tired of scouring the countryside
For fresh beauties,
Wants to try his luck again
In his own palace,
Though, let me tell you, it's not his wife
Who wets his appetite.
FIGARO
Well, who then?
SUSANNA
Your little Susanna.
FIGARO
You?
SUSANNA
The very same, and he's hoping
That being so close will be most useful
To his noble project.
FIGARO
Bravo! Go on.
SUSANNA
This is the gracious favour, this the care
He bestows on you and on your wife.
FIGARO
Have you seen such condescension!
SUSANNA
Wait though: there's better to come.
Don Basilio, my singing teacher and his
Factotum, repeats this same theme daily
When he gives me my lesson.
FIGARO
What, Basilio? The scoundrel!
SUSANNA
Did you imagine
He gave me a dowry
For the sake of your beaux yeux?
FIGARO
So I'd flattered myself.
SUSANNA
He intends it
To obtain from me certain half?hours ...
Which feudal privilege ...
FIGARO
What! Didn't the Count
Abolish that in his domain?
SUSANNA
He did, but now regrets it; and it seems
He wants to bring it back for me.
FIGARO
Well! Very pretty:
How charming of his lordship!
He wants some fun: he'll get it ...
A bell rings
FIGARO
Who's ringing? The Countess.
SUSANNA
Goodbye, goodbye, goodbye. Figaro, my dear.
FIGARO
Courage, my dearest.
SUSANNA
And you be wary.
Exit
SCENE TWO
FIGARO
feverishly pacing up and down the room, rubbing his hands
Well done, my noble master! Now I begin
To understand the secret ... and to see
Your whole scheme clearly: to London,
Isn't it, you go as minister, I as courier,
And Susanna ... confidential attachée ...
It shall not be: Figaro has said it.
Cavatina
FIGARO
If, my dear Count,
You feel like dancing,
It's I
Who'll call the tune.
If you'lI come
To my school,
I'll teach you
How to caper.
I'll know how... but wait,
I can uncover
His secret design
More easily by dissembling.
Acting stealthily,
Acting openly,
Here stinging,
There mocking,
All your plots
I'll overthrow.
Exit
SCENE THREE
Bartolo and Marcellina enter.
Recitative
BARTOLO
And you waited until the day
Appointed for his wedding
To tell me this?
MARCELLINA
with a contract in her hand
Oh, my dear doctor,
I'm not giving up:
To break off engagements
Even later than this
A pretext has often sufficed, and besides
This contract he has certain pledges to me
I could mention ... but enough; now
We must frighten Susanna; we must somehow
Make her reject the Count's advances.
To revenge himself,
He'll take my part,
And so Figaro will become my husband.
BARTOLO
taking the contract from Marcellina's hand
Well, I'll do all I can, without reserve.
Tell me everything.
aside
I'd enjoy
Giving him my old servant for a wife
For having stolen my intended from me.
Aria
BARTOLO
Revenge, yes, revenge
Is a pleasure meant for the intelligent;
To forget insults and outrages
Is always low and base.
With astuteness and acuteness,
With judgment and discernment,
I can do it ... The case is serious;
But, believe me, I'll bring it off.
If I have to search the whole legal code,
If I have to read through the whole statute book,
With a quibble or a paraphrase
I'll find some obstacle.
All Seville knows Dr. Bartolo:
That rascal Figaro will lose the day!
Exit
SCENE FOUR
Recitative
MARCELLINA
All is not lost yet;
I still have hopes.
Susanna enters, carrying a lady's cap, a ribbon, and a dress.
But here comes Susanna: I'll make a start.
Let's pretend not to see her.
aside, loudly
And that's the pearl of virtue
He intends to marry!
SUSANNA
holding back, aside
She's talking of me.
MARCELLINA
But, after all, from Figaro
One can't hope for anything better:
Money means everything.
SUSANNA
aside
A spiteful tongue! It's lucky
Everyone knows the worth of what she says.
MARCELLINA
Bravo! such discretion!
And those modest eyes
And demure expression,
As well as ...
SUSANNA
aside
I'd better go.
MARCELLINA
What a charming bride!
Both make to leave at the same time, and meet near the door.
Duettino
MARCELLINA
making a curtsey
After you,
Gracious lady.
SUSANNA
making a curtsey
I'd not be so bold,
Worthy ma'am.
MARCELLINA
No, you go first, pray.
SUSANNA
No, no, after you.
SUSANNA and MARCELLINA
I know my place,
I'd not so presume.
MARCELLINA
A bride?to?be first.
SUSANNA
A lady in waiting.
MARCELLINA
The Count's favourite.
SUSANNA
The toast of Spain.
MARCELLINA
Your qualities.
SUSANNA
Your dress.
MARCELLINA
Your position.
SUSANNA
Your age.
MARCELLINA
aside
I'll fly into a rage
If I stay here any longer.
SUSANNA
Decrepit old witch,
She's a laughing?stock.
Exit Marcellina in a fury
SCENE FIVE
Recitative
SUSANNA
Get away, you old frump!
Putting on high and mighty airs
Because you've read a couple of books
And used to torment my lady in her youth …
She puts the dress over the easy?chair
CHERUBINO
entering hurriedly
Susanna dear, is it you?
SUSANNA
Yes, it's me. What do you want?
CHERUBINO
Oh my dearest, what a misfortune!
SUSANNA
Your dearest! What's happened?
CHERUBINO
Yesterday the Count,
Because he found me all alone
With Barbarina, dismissed me:
And if the Countess,
My lovely godmother, doesn't intercede
To get me pardoned, I'll have to go away
And never see my dear Susanna again!
SUSANNA
Never see me again! Well then!
But isn't your heart secretly sighing
Any longer for the Countess?
CHERUBINO
Ah she fills me with too much respect!
How lucky you are, to be able
To see her whenever you wish!
You dress her in the morning
And undress her at night; you fix
Her pins, her laces ...
sighing
If only I could be in your place ...
What have you got there? Let me see ...
SUSANNA
imitating him
Oh what a pretty ribbon, and the nightcap
Of so lovely a godmother ...
CHERUBINO
Oh give me it, my dear.
Give me it, I beg.
He snatches the ribbon from her hand.
SUSANNA
Give it back at once.
She tries to take it back: he dodges round the easy-chair.
CHERUBINO
O dear, sweet, fortunate ribbon!
I'll not give it up except with my life.
He kisses the ribbon again and again.
SUSANNA
beginning to run after him, but then stopping as if tired
What is this insolence!
CHERUBINO
Go on, don't be angry!
In exchange for it I'll give you
This little song of mine.
He pulls a song from his pocket
SUSANNA
And what am I to do with it?
CHERUBINO
Read it to my lady,
Read it for yourself,
Read it to Barbarina, Marcellina,
Read it to every woman in the palace.
SUSANNA
Poor Cherubino, have you gone mad?
Aria
CHERUBINO
I no longer know what I am or what I'm doing,
Now I'm burning, now I'm made of ice ...
Every woman makes me change colour,
Every woman makes me tremble.
At the very word love or beloved
My heart leaps and pounds,
And to speak of it fills me
With a longing I can't explain!
I speak of love when I'm awake,
I speak ofit in my dreams,
To the stream, the shade, the mountains,
To the flowers, the grass, the fountains,
To the echo, the air, the breezes,
Which carry away with them
The sound of my fond words ...
And if I've none to hear me
I speak of love to myself.
SCENE SIX
Cherubino, seeing the Count appoaching, hides behind the easy?chair.
Recitative
CHERUBINO
Ah, I'm lost!
SUSANNA
Heavens ...
SUSANNA
The Count!
She tries to conceal Cherubino.
Woe is me!
COUNT
entering
Susanna, you seem to be
Agitated and confused.
SUSANNA
My lord ... pray excuse me
But ... suppose someone caught us ...
I beg you to leave.
COUNT
One moment and I'll leave you.
Listen.
He seats himself in the easy?chair and takes Susanna's hand, which she withdraws with an effort.
SUSANNA
I mustn't listen.
COUNT
Just two words. You know
That the king has appointed me
Ambassador in London: I planned
To take Figaro with me ...
SUSANNA
My lord, if you'd allow me ...
COUNT
rising
Speak, speak, my dear, and with that right
Which today you may assume of me as long as you live,
tenderly, trying to take her hand again
Ask, require, demand.
SUSANNA
Let me go, my lord; I claim no right,
Nor wish, nor intend to ...
I'm so unhappy!
COUNT
But no, Susanna, I want to make you happy!
You well know how much I love you:
Basilio has already told you; now listen.
If you'll give me a few minutes
In the garden at dusk ...
For that favour, ah, I'd pay ...
BASILIO
off?stage
He's just gone out.
COUNT
Who spoke?
SUSANNA
Oh, heavens!
COUNT
Go out, and see no one comes in.
SUSANNA
I’m to leave you here alone?
BASILIO
as before
He'll be with my lady: I'll go and look for him.
COUNT
indicating the easy?chair
I'll get behind here.
SUSANNA
Do not hide there.
COUNT
Hush, and get rid of him.
The count goes to hide behind the chair: Susanna interposes herself between the page and him. The Count pushes her gently aside. She withdraws; the page steals in front of the chair and curls up inside it. Susanna covers him with the dress.
SUSANNA
Alas! What are you doing?
SCENE SEVEN
BASILIO
entering
Susanna, Heaven be with you:
Have you by any chance seen the Count?
SUSANNA
What should the Count be doing here
With me? Please go away.
BASILIO
Just a moment, listen;
Figaro's looking for him.
SUSANNA
aside
Oh heaven!
aloud
He's looking for the one
Who, after you, hates him most.
COUNT
aside
We'll see how I am served.
BASILIO
I've never heard the proposition
That one who loves the wife must hate the husband.
To tell you how the Count loves you ...
SUSANNA
Begone, base agent
for another's lust:
I don't need
Your propositions,
Your Count and his love ...
BASILIO
There's no harm done: everyone
To his own taste: I'd have thought
That for a lover you'd prefer,
Like any other woman,
A generous, prudent, and discreet nobleman
To a youngster, a page?boy ...
SUSANNA
To Cherubino?
BASILIO
To Cherubino, that amorous cherub
Who at daybreak this morning
Was prowling about here
Trying to get in ...
SUSANNA
Slanderer!
It's an invention!
BASILIO
To you, anyone who keeps his eyes open
Is a slanderer. And that little song?
Tell me in confidence: I'm a friend
and won't let it go any further;
Was it for you, or for my lady ...
SUSANNA
bewildered, aside
Who on earth told him about that?
BASILIO
By the way, my daughter,
It would be wise to warn him:
At table he gazes at her so often
And with such avidity,
That if the Count noticed ... On that point,
You know, he's ferocious.
SUSANNA
You wretch!
Why do you go around
Spreading such lies?
BASILIO
I? You wrong me: I sell only what I buy.
I don't add a jot
To what everyone is saying.
COUNT
Emerging from his hiding?place
Really, what is everyone saying?
BASILIO
Very pretty!
SUSANNA
Oh heaven!
Trio
COUNT
to Basilio
What do I hear? Go at once
And send the seducer packing.
BASILIO
My presence is ill?timed.
Pray excuse me, my lord.
SUSANNA
almost fainting
Unhappy me, I'm ruined!
I'm overcome with misery.
BASILIO and COUNT
supporting Susanna
Ah! the poor child's fainted!
Lord, how her heart is beating!
BASILIO
Gently, gently, on to this seat.
They draw her towards the chair to let her sit down.
SUSANNA
reviving
Where am I? What's going on?
How dare you! Go away!
She repulses them both.
COUNT
We're only helping you;
Do not be alarmed, my dear.
BASILIO
We're only helping you;
Your honour is quite safe.
to the Count
What I said about the page
Was only my suspicion.
SUSANNA
It's a plot, it's quite untrue;
Don't believe this deceiver.
COUNT
That young fop must go.
SUSANNA and BASILIO
Poor boy!
COUNT
Poor boy!
I've found him out again.
SUSANNA
How so? What?
BASILIO
What? How so?
COUNT
Yesterday I found
Your cousin's door locked;
I knocked, and Barbarina opened it
More flustered than usual,
My suspicions aroused by her appearance,
I looked and searched in every corner,
And very, very softly
Lifting the tablecloth,
There I saw the page ...
He illustrates his actions with the dress and discovers the page.
Ah, what do I see?
SUSANNA
Oh, cruel heavens!
BASILIO
laughing
Better and better!
COUNT
You paragon of virtue!
Now I see how it is.
SUSANNA
Nothing worse could come about.
Heavens above, what's to happen?
BASILIO
Every woman's alike!
There's nothing new about it.
Recitative
COUNT
Basilio, go off
To Figaro at once.
I want him to see...
pointing to Cherubino, who does not move
SUSANNA
And I want him to hear: go on.
COUNT
to Basilio
Wait!
to Susanna
What assurance! What's your excuse
When your guilt is obvious?
SUSANNA
Virtue has no need of excuses.
COUNT
But when did he come in?
SUSANNA
He was with me
When you came in here,
And was asking me to beg my lady
To intercede for him: your arrival
Threw us into confusion,
And so he did himself in there.
COUNT
But I sat down there myself
When I came into the room!
CHERUBINO
Then I hid myself behind it.
COUNT
And when I placed myself there?
CHERUBINO
Then I quietly crept round and hid here.
COUNT
to Susanna
Heavens! Then he heard
All that I was saying to you?
CHERUBINO
I did everything I could not to hear.
COUNT
Deceitful boy!
BASILIO
Restrain yourself: someone's coming.
COUNT
to Cherubino
And you're still there, you little viper!
dragging him out of the chair
SCENE EIGHT
Enter Figaro with a white veil in his hand; villagers dressed in white scatter before the Count flowers arranged in little baskets.
Chorus
VILLAGERS
Blithe maids,
Scatter flowers
Before our
Noble lord.
His generous heart
Has preserved intact for you
The chaste purity
Of a still fairer flower.
Recitative
COUNT
in surprise to Figaro
What's all this nonsense?
FIGARO
aside to Susanna
Here we go:
Back me up, my dear.
SUSANNA
aside to Figaro
I'm not hopeful.
FIGARO
to the Count
My lord, do not disdain
This humble expression of our affection.
Now that you've abolished
A privilege so painful to lovers...
COUNT
That privilege exists no more: what now?
FIGARO
Today we've come to gather the first fruit
Of your generosity: our wedding
Is already arranged: may it please you
To crown her, whom this gift of yours
Has preserved spotless, with this
White veil, symbol of virtue.
COUNT
aside
Devilish sly!
But I must dissemble.
aloud
My friends, I thank you
For your honest feelings,
But for this I do not deserve
Any tribute or praise:
It was an unjust privilege,
And by abolishing it in my domain
I have restored to nature and duty their rights.
ALL
Hurrah! hurrah! hurrah!
SUSANNA
What nobility!
FIGARO
What justice!
COUNT
to Figaro and Susanna
To you I promise
To perform the ceremony,
But give me leave a while.
I wish to complete your happiness
Before my closest friends and in richest style.
aside
Marcellina must be found.
aloud
Leave me, friends.
Chorus
VILLAGERS
scattering the remaining flowers
Blithe maids,
Scatter flowers
Before our
Noble lord.
His generous heart
Has preserved intact for you
The chaste purity
Of a still fairer flower.
Exeunt villagers.
Recitative
FIGARO
Hurrah!
SUSANNA
Hurrah!
BASILIO
Hurrah!
FIGARO
to Cherubino
And you're not cheering?
SUSANNA
He's unhappy, poor boy,
Because my lord has dismissed him from the palace.
FIGARO
On this happiest of days!
SUSANNA
On a wedding day!
FIGARO
When everyone applauds you!
CHERUBINO
kneeling
Forgive me, my lord..
COUNT
You don't deserve it.
SUSANNA
He's still a child.
COUNT
Less so than you think.
CHERUBINO
I did wrong, I know; but I'll never mention...
COUNT
raising him
Enough, enough: I pardon you.
Nay, I'll do more: there is a vacancy
For an officer in my regiment;
I nominate you; go at once; goodbye.
He turns to go; Susanna and Figaro stop him.
SUSANNA and FIGARO
Ah! just until tomorrow...
COUNT
No, he must go at once.
CHERUBINO
I'm ready, my lord, and will obey you.
COUNT
Then embrace Susanna
For the last time.
aside
That took them by surprise.
Exeunt the Count and Basilio.
Cherubino embraces Susanna, who stands confused.
FIGARO
to Cherubino
Well, captain, won't you give me your hand?
aside
Before you go
I want a word with you.
aloud, with assumed joy
Goodbye, master Cherubino!
How your fate changes in a moment!
Aria
FIGARO
No more, you amorous butterfly,
Will you go fluttering round by night and day,
Disturbing the peace of every maid,
You pocket Narcissus, you Adonis of love.
No more will you have those fine feathers,
That light and dashing cap,
Those curls, those airs and graces,
That roseate womanish colour.
You'll be among warriors, by Bacchus!
Long moustaches, knapsack tightly on,
Musket on your shoulder, sabre at your side,
Head erect and bold of visage,
A great helmet or a head?dress,
Lots of honour, little money,
And instead of the fandango,
Marching through the mud.
Over mountains, through valleys,
In snow and days of listless heat,
To the sound of blunderbusses,
Shells and cannons,
Whose shots make your ears sing
On every note.
Cherubino, on to victory,
On to military glory!
Exeunt omnes to the sound of a march.
ACT TWO
SCENE ONE
A handsome room with an alcove, a dressing-room on the left, a door in the background - leading to theservants' quarters - and a window at the side.
The Countess, alone.
Cavatina
COUNTESS
O love, bring some relief
To my sorrow, to my sighs;
O give me back my loved one
Or in mercy let me die.
Enter Susanna
SCENE TWO
Recitative
COUNTESS
Come in, dear Susanna,
And tell me the rest ofthe story.
SUSANNA
There's no more to tell.
COUNTESS
So he tried to make love to you?
SUSANNA
Oh, his lordship
Doesn't pay such compliment
To girls like me;
He came to offer me money.
COUNTESS
Cruel man, he loves me no longer!
SUSANNA
Yet how
Can he be jealous of you?
COUNTESS
That is the way
Of modern husbands: on principle
Unfaithful, by nature fickle,
And by pride all jealous.
But if Figaro loves you ... Only he could
FIGARO
singing off-stage
La la la ...
La la la ...
entering
SUSANNA
Here he is! Come in, friend:
My lady's getting anxious ...
FIGARO
You've no cause
To be worried about that.
After all, what's it all about?
My bride attracts his lordship.
And so he'd like
Secretly to revive
His feudal right:
It's all possible and natural.
COUNTESS
Possible!
SUSANNA
And natural!
FIGARO
Very natural!
SUSANNA
Have done with you!
FIGARO
I've done.
That's why he decided
To choose me as courier, and Susanna
As confidential attachée to the embassy;
And because she persistently refuses
The post of honour he had planned for her,
He threatens to favour Marcellina.
That's the whole story.
SUSANNA
And you're so bold as to treat lightly
So serious a matter?
FIGARO
Aren't you glad I can
Treat it lightly? Here's my plan.
to the Countess
By Basilio I've sent a letter
Warning his lordship
About an assignation
Which you've made with a lover
For the time of the ball.
COUNTESS
Oh heaven! what do I hear?
To so jealous a man! ...
FIGARO
All the better;
The more easily can we harass him,
Confuse him, embroil him,
Foil his designs,
Fill him with suspicions, and make him
Realise that this new game which
He's trying to play on me can be played on him;
So let him waste his time in fruitless search.
Then, without him having made any plan
To prevent us, the time of our wedding
will suddenly be upon us, and in your presence
indicating the Countess
He 'd not dare to oppose it.
SUSANNA
That's true, but in his stead
Marcellina will oppose it.
FIGARO
Wait: quickly let the Count know
That towards evening
You'll be waiting in the garden:
We'll get young Cherubino,
Whom I advised not to leave just yet,
To go there in your place,
Dressed as a woman.
If monsieur is caught by milady,
This is the only way by which
He can be made to grant her wishes.
COUNTESS
to Susanna
What do you think?
SUSANNA
Not bad.
COUNTESS
In our situation ...
SUSANNA
When he's determined ...
COUNTESS
Have we time enough?
FIGARO
The Count has gone out hunting,
And won't be back for some hours;
He is about to go
I'll go and send Cherubino
To you at once; I leave to you
The task of disguising him.
COUNTESS
And then?
FIGARO
And then ...
If, my dear Count,
You feel Ii ke dancing,
It's I
Who'll call the tune.
Exit
SCENE THREE
Recitative
COUNTESS
I'm grieved, Susanna.
That that youth should have overheard
The Count's follies: you just don't know …
But why ever did he
Not come straight to me?
Where's his song?
SUSANNA
Here it is: and when he comes
Let's make him sing it.
Hush, someone's coming: it's he.
Enter Cherubino
Come in, my gallant captain.
CHERUBINO
Oh don't call me by that
Horrid title! It reminds me
That I am forced to leave
A godmother so kind.
SUSANNA
And so beautiful!
CHERUBINO
sighing
Ah ... yes ... indeed!
SUSANNA
imitating him
Ah ... yes,... indeed ... hypocrite!
Make haste, sing to my lady
The song you gave to me
This morning.
COUNTESS
Who wrote it?
SUSANNA
indicating Cherubino
Look: he's blushing
All over his face.
COUNTESS
Take my guitar
And accompany him.
CHERUBINO
I'm all a-tremble ...
But if my lady wishes ...
SUSANNA
Yes, indeed she does … don't keep her waiting.
She plays the introduction on the guitar
Arietta
CHERUBINO
You ladies
Who know what love is,
See if it is
What I have in my heart.
All that I feel
I will explain;
Since it is new to me,
I don't understand it.
I have a feeling
Full of desire,
Which now is pleasure,
Now is torment.
I freeze, then I feel
My spirit all ablaze,
And the next moment
Turn again to ice.
I seek for a treasure
Outside of myself;
I know not who holds it
Nor what it is.
I sigh and I groan
Without wishing to,
I flutter and tremble
Without knowing why.
I find no peace
By night or day,
But yet to languish thus
Is sheer delight.
You ladies
Who know what love is,
See if it is
What I have in my heart.
Recitative
COUNTESS
Bravo! a charming voice!
I didn't know you sang so well.
SUSANNA
Oh, I must say
Everything he does, he does well.
Come along, handsome soldier;
Figaro will have told you ...
CHERUBINO
He's told me everything.
SUSANNA
Let me see: this will do splendidly.
We are of equal height … Off with your jacket.
She takes off his jacket
COUNTESS
What are you doing?
SUSANNA
There's nothing to fear.
COUNTESS
But if someone should come in?
SUSANNA
Let him, what harm are we doing?
But I'll lock the door.
She does so
But how am l
To dress his hair?
COUNTESS
Take one of my caps
From my dressing-room.
Quickly!
Susanna goes into the dressing-room to get a cap: Cherubino approaches the Countess and shows her his commission, which is sticking out of his breast pocket. The Countess takes it, opens it and notices that the seal is missing.
What is this paper?
CHERUBINO
My commission.
COUNTESS
They're in a hurry!
CHERUBINO
I've just had it from Basilio.
COUNTESS
In their haste they've forgotten the seal.
She returns it to him
SUSANNA
coming back
What seal?
COUNTESS
Of his commission.
SUSANNA
What, so soon!
Here's the cap.
COUNTESS
to Susanna
Hurry! That's right.
Woe betide us if the Count should come.
Aria
SUSANNA
She takes Cherubino with her and makes him kneel before her, a little way from the Countess who sits down.
Come ... kneel down ...
Stay still here ...
Keep quiet; now turn round ...
Bravo ... that's very good.
Now turn and face me,
Cherubino looks tenderly toward the Countess.
Here! your eyes towards me ...
Look straight in front at me ...
My lady isn't here.
That collar a bit higher.
Those eyes cast down,
Your hands folded before you ...
Then let's see how you walk
When you're on your feet.
aside to the Countess
Look at the little rascal,
Isn't he handsome?
What roguish glances,
What airs, what graces!
If women fall in love with him,
They have good reason why.
Recitative
COUNTESS
This is too silly!
SUSANNA
I'm almost inclined
To bejealous myself.
taking Cherubino by the chin
You little scamp,
You've no right to look so pretty!
COUNTESS
No more of this childishness!
Now pull these sleeves up
Above the elbow,
Then the dress will go on
More comfortably.
SUSANNA
doing so
There!
COUNTESS
Still higher,
Like that ...
She discovers a ribbon tied round his arm.
What's this ribbon?
SUSANNA
That's the one he stole from me.
COUNTESS
untying the ribbon
And this blood?
CHERUBINO
Blood? ... I don't know how ...
I slipped a little while ago
And grazed myself against a stone
So I tied up the scratch with this ribbon.
SUSANNA
Let's see: it's nothing much. Look!
His arm's whiter than mine! Like a girl's ...
COUNTESS
Are you still chattering?
Go into my room, and fetch a piece
Of plaster which is on my desk.
Exit Susanna. The Countess looks hard at the kneeling Cherubino.
As for this ribbon ... I'd say ...
examining the ribbon
By the colour ...
I'm sorry to have lost it ...
SUSANNA
re-entering with the plaster and scissors
Here you are.
Now what to tie his arm with?
COUNTESS
Bring another ribbon
Along with my dress.
Exit Susanna by the rear door, taking with her Cherubino's mantle.
CHERUBINO
Ah! that one would have healed me faster.
COUNTESS
Why? This one is better.
CHERUBINO
But when a ribbon
Has bound the hair, or touched the skin
Of some ...
COUNTESS
interrupting him
... other person,
It's good for wounds, is that it?
That's a virtue I was not aware of!
CHERUBINO
My lady mocks me when I must leave her.
COUNTESS
Poor boy, it's hard!
CHERUBINO
I'm so unhappy!
COUNTESS
What, crying?
CHERUBINO
Oh heaven! would that I could die now!
Perhaps near the final moment
These lips would dare ...
COUNTESS
Be sensible: what is this nonsense?
She wipes his eyes with her handkerchief. A knock at the door is heard.
Who's knocking at the door?
SCENE FOUR
COUNT
outside the door
Why is this locked?
COUNTESS
My husband! Oh heavens! I'm lost!
to Cherubino
You here without a coat on!
In this state; he'll have had that letter ...
And he's so jealous!
COUNT
What is delaying you?
COUNTESS
I'm alone ... yes, all alone.
COUNT
To whom were you talking?
COUNTESS
To you ... of course, to you.
CHERUBINO
After what's happened, he'll be furious ...
I don't know what to do!
Cherubino runs into the dressing-room and locks the door; the Countess takes the key.
COUNTESS
Heaven protect me in this danger!
She hurries to open the door to the Count.
SCENE FIVE
COUNT
entering
What does this mean? You never used
To lock yourself in your room!
COUNTESS
I know; but I ...
I was in here trying …
COUNT
Go on, trying ...
COUNTESS
... some clothes on ...
Susanna was with me ...
But now she's gone to her room.
COUNT
In any case,
You seem perturbed:
Look at this letter.
COUNTESS
aside
Heavens! it's the letter
Figaro wrote him!
Cherubino noisily knocks over a table and chair in the dressing-room.
COUNT
What is that noise?
Something fell in your room.
COUNTESS
I heard nothing.
COUNT
You must have weighty matters on your mind.
COUNTESS
Of what?
COUNT
There's someone there.
COUNTESS
Who do you think it could be?
COUNT
I'm asking you ...
I've only just come in.
COUNTESS
Ah yes, Susanna ... of course.
COUNT
But you told me she went to her room.
COUNTESS
To hers or mine, I didn't notice ...
COUNT
Then why, if it's Susanna,
Are you so agitated?
COUNTESS
with a forced smile
About my maid.
COUNT
I don't know;
But certainly you're agitated ...
COUNTESS
Rather than agitating me,
Which she doesn't, my maid is agitating you.
COUNT
That's true indeed, as you'll see.
SCENE SIX
Susanna enters by the door through which she went out, but slops on seeing the Count, who is talking by the dressing-room door.
Trio
COUNT
Susanna, come out of there,
Come out, I command you.
COUNTESS
distressed, to the Count
No, stop ... listen ...
She can't come out.
SUSANNA
aside
What's this row about?
Where has the page got to?
COUNT
And who dares forbid it?
COUNTESS
Decency forbids it.
She's in there
Trying on her wedding dress.
COUNT
aside
It's all too plain:
There's a lover in there.
COUNTESS
aside
It's all too horrible:
Whatever will happen?
SUSANNA
aside
I think I understand:
Let's see how things work out.
COUNT
Well, at least speak,
Susanna, if you're there ...
COUNTESS
No, no, you're not to.
towards the door
I order you, be silent.
Susanna hides in the alcove.
COUNTESS and COUNT
Be careful, pray!
Try to avoid
An open scandal.
SUSANNA
aside
Oh heaven! There's bound to be
A catastrophe,
An open scandal.
Recitative
COUNT
Then you won't open it?
COUNTESS
Why do I have
To open my own room?
COUNT
Very well then; as you please ...
We'll open it without the key ... Ho there!
COUNTESS
What?
Would you hazard
A lady's reputation?
COUNT
That's true; I was in error.
I can go myself and bring the tools
Without any outcry
Or scandal before the servants.
Kindly remain here ...
But so that my suspicions
Shall be completely quieted,
First of all I'll lock the other doors.
He locks the door leading to the servant's quarters.
COUNTESS
aside
What folly!
COUNT
You will have the goodness
To come with me.
Let me offer you my arm. Let's go.
COUNTESS
Let's go.
COUNT
indicating the dressing-room
Susanna will have to stay there till we return.
Exeunt
SCENE SEVEN
Susanna hurries out of the alcove.
Duettino
SUSANNA
at the door of the dressing-room
Open quickly, open;
Open, it's Susanna.
Come out of there ...
You must get away at once.
Cherubino comes out of the dressing-room.
CHERUBINO
Oh dear, what a terrible scene!
What a dreadful thing to happen!
They try first one door, then another, but find them all locked.
SUSANNA
Leave without delay!
That way, that way.
SUSANNA and CHERUBINO
The doors are locked.
Whatever shall we do?
CHERUBINO
We can't give up.
SUSANNA
He'll kill you if he finds you.
CHERUBINO
He'll kill me if he finds me.
Just let me look outside here.
He goes to the window overlooking the garden.
It gives on to the garden.
He is about to jump out; Susanna stops him.
SUSANNA
Stop, Cherubino!
She goes to look, but steps back.
Don't, for pity's sake!
CHERUBINO
Let me go: rather than harm her
I'd leap into the fire.
I embrace her through you.
freeing himself from Susanna.
Farewell; so be it!
SUSANNA
He'll kill himself, for certain.
Stop, for pity's sake!
Cherubino jumps out; Susanna lets out a shriek, sits down for a moment, then goes to the balcony.
Recitative
Just look at the little demon! How he runs!
He's a mile away already.
There's no time to lose, though.
I'll go into the dressing-room:
Let the blusterer come: I'm ready for him.
Susanna goes into the dressing-room and locks the door behind her.
SCENE EIGHT
Re-enter the Countess and the Count with tools for opening the door: he examines all the doors.
COUNT
All is as I left it; so will you
Open it yourself, or must I ...
He is about to force the door open.
COUNTESS
Alas! Stay
And hear me for a moment.
The Count throws the hammer and pincers on a chair.
Do you think me capable
Of failing in my duty?
COUNT
As you please.
I'm going into that room
To see who's locked in there.
COUNTESS
Yes, you'll see ...
But listen to me calmly.
COUNT
So it's not Susanna!
COUNTESS
No, but it's someone else
Whom you could not reasonably
Allow yourself to suspect: for tonight
I was preparing a harmless
Diversion ... and I swear to you
In honour ... in honesty ...
COUNT
Who is it? Tell me ...
I'll kill him.
COUNTESS
Listen.
Oh, I dare not.
COUNT
Speak out.
COUNTESS
He's a child ...
COUNT
A child? ...
COUNTESS
Yes, Cherubino.
COUNT
aside
Has destiny decreed that I'm to find
That page wherever I go?
aloud
What! Hasn't he gone? The scoundrels!
This explains my doubts, the confusion,
The plot of which the letter warned me.
Finale
COUNT
vehemently, at the dressing-room door
Now out you come, you imp of Satan,
You villain, without delay.
COUNTESS
restraining the Count by force
Oh my lord, your anger
Makes my heart tremble for him.
COUNT
You still dare to cross me?
COUNTESS
No, listen ...
COUNT
Go on, speak.
COUNTESS
I swear to heaven that your suspicions ...
The state in which you'll find him ...
His collar untied ... his chest bare ...
COUNT
His collar untied? ... his chest bare? ...
Pray continue ...
COUNTESS
So as to dress him up as a woman.
COUNT
Ah, I see; you shameless creature,
I'll punish him for this!
He goes to the dressing-room, then turns back.
COUNTESS
Your anger does me wrong,
Your suspicion is an insult.
COUNT
Give me the key!
COUNTESS
He is innocent,
And you know it ...
She hands him the key.
COUNT
I know nothing of the sort.
Hence from my sight!
You are faithless, wanton ...
You've sought to disgrace me.
COUNTESS
I'll go ... yes ... but...
COUNT
I'll not hear you.
COUNTESS
I am guiltless.
COUNT
I can read it in your face.
He shall die, die and I'll be rid
Of the source of all my torment!
COUNTESS
Oh, to what extreme will
His blind fury lead him?
The Count opens the dressing-room and Susanna steps out, staying in the doorway.
SCENE NINE
COUNT and COUNTESS
Susanna!
SUSANNA
My lord!
Why this astonishment?
You've drawn your sword
To kill the page,
Well, here you see
That imp of Satan.
COUNT
aside
What do I see?
My head is spinning.
COUNTESS
aside
What can have happened?
Susanna in there?
SUSANNA
aside
They're both baffled
And can't understand.
COUNT
to Susanna
Are you alone?
SUSANNA
Look and see
Who can be hidden there.
COUNT
Let's see, let's see,
Who is hidden in there.
He goes into the dressing-room.
COUNTESS
Susanna, I'm fainting;
I can't breathe.
SUSANNA
gaily, showing the Countess the window from which Cherubino jumped
Don't worry, take heart now,
He's already in safety.
COUNT
coming out in confusion
How could I make such a mistake!
I can hardly believe it.
If I did you wrong,
I beg your forgiveness;
But to play such a jest
Is sheer cruelty.
SUSANNA and COUNTESS
The Countess holds a handkerchief to her lips to cover her perturbation.
Your wild accusations
Do not deserve to be pardoned.
COUNT
I love you!
COUNTESS
Do not say that!
COUNT
I swear it!
COUNTESS
That is untrue!
I'm a faithless, wanton creature
Who's always deceiving you.
COUNT
Help me, Susanna,
To calm her anger.
SUSANNA
This is the punishment
For your suspicions.
COUNTESS
So this is the reward
I can expect
For the loyalty
Of my faithful heart!
SUSANNA
pleading
My lady!
COUNT
Rosina!
COUNTESS
Cruel man!
I am no longer she,
But the wretched object
Of your neglect,
Whom you delight
To make suffer.
SUSANNA and COUNT
Confused and repentant,
I’m (he's) sufficiently punished;
Have pity now.
COUNTESS
Cruel man!
My heart cannot bear
So great a wrong.
COUNT
But the page locked in there? ...
COUNTESS
It was only to test you.
COUNT
And all your trembling? ...
COUNTESS
Only to tease you.
COUNT
But this cruel letter? ...
SUSANNA and COUNTESS
Figaro wrote it,
And sent it by Basilio ...
COUNT
The traitors! I'll ...
SUSANNA and COUNTESS
He who can't forgive others
Doesn't deserve to be forgiven.
COUNT
Well then, ifyou will,
Let's make peace all round;
Rosina, do not be
So harsh to me.
COUNTESS
Oh Susanna,
How soft-hearted I am!
Who would ever believe
In a woman's fury?
SUSANNA
With men, my lady,
You turn and turn about,
But you see it always
Ends like this.
COUNT
Look at me ...
COUNTESS
Ungrateful!
COUNT
I wronged you, and I repent it!
He kisses the Countess's hand repeatedly.
ALL THREE
From this moment
My (his) heart will learn
To know you (me, her) better.
SCENE TEN
FIGARO
entering
My lord and lady,
The musicians are outside:
You can hear
The trumpeters and the pipers.
With the singing and dancing
Of your vassals,
Let us hasten
To celebrate our wedding!
He takes Susanna by the arm and is about to lead her off; the Count detains him.
COUNT
One moment: not so fast.
FIGARO
The crowd is waiting.
COUNT
Before you go,
Remove a doubt of mine.
SUSANNA, COUNTESS and FIGARO
aside
This is getting difficult;
How will it end?
COUNT
aside
Now I must
Play my cards carefully.
showing the letter received from Basilio
Master Figaro, do you know
Who penned this letter?
FIGARO
pretending to examine it
I've no idea.
SUSANNA, COUNTESS and COUNT
to Figaro
You've no idea?
FIGARO
No, no.
SUSANNA
Didn't you give it to Don Basilio?
COUNTESS
To deliver?
COUNT
You're deceiving me.
FIGARO
No, no.
SUSANNA
And you don't know about the gallant ...
COUNTESS
This evening in the garden ...
COUNT
You know now ...
FIGARO
I've no idea.
COUNT
In vain you seek a defence or an excuse.
Your very face accuses you;
I can se you're trying to lie.
FIGARO
My face is the liar, not I!
SUSANNA and COUNTESS
to Figaro
You sharpen your wits in vain;
We've revealed the secret,
There's no more to be said.
COUNT
What's your answer?
FIGARO
Nothing, nothing.
COUNT
So you admit it?
FIGARO
No, I don't, sir.
SUSANNA and COUNTESS
to Figaro
Hold your tongue, stupid,
This comedy must be ended.
FIGARO
taking Susanna by the arm
Then to end it happily
According to theatrical practice,
Let a marriage ceremony
Now follow.
SUSANNA, COUNTESS and FIGARO
to the Count
Oh my lord, do not refuse;
Grant my (their) wishes.
COUNT
aside
Marcellina, Marcellina,
How slow you are in coming!
SCENE ELEVEN
Antonio the gardener comes in furiously with a broken pot of carnations.
ANTONIO
Oh my lord ... mylord ...
COUNT
What's the matter?
ANTONIO
How dare he! Who did it? What was it?
COUNTESS, SUSANNA, COUNT and FIGARO
What's he saying? What's wrong? What's happened?
ANTONIO
Listen.
COUNTESS, SUSANNA, COUNT and FIGARO
Go on, then, speak.
ANTONIO
Every day I see all kinds of things thrown
From the balcony overlooking the garden;
But just now (it couldn't be worse)
I saw a man, my lord, thrown down!
COUNT
From the balcony?
ANTONIO
D'you see these carnations?
showing them the broken flower-pot
COUNT
Into the garden?
ANTONIO
Yes!
SUSANNA and COUNTESS
aside to Figaro
Figaro, think quickly!
COUNT
What do I hear?
SUSANNA, COUNTESS, and FIGARO
aside
He's taken aback.
aloud
What's this drunkard doing in here?
COUNT
to Antonio
So you saw a man: where did he get to?
ANTONIO
The scroundrel took to his heels
And was out of sight at once.
SUSANNA
aside to Figaro
You must know it was the page ...
FIGARO
aside to Susanna
I know, I saw him.
laughing loudly
Ha, ha, ha!
COUNT
to Figaro
Be quiet,sir.
ANTONIO
to Figaro
What's there to laugh at?
FIGARO
to Anionio
You're drunk from morn till night.
COUNT
to Antonio
Now tell me again, a man from the balcony?
ANTONIO
From the balcony.
COUNT
Into the garden?
ANTONIO
Into the garden.
SUSANNA, COUNTESS and FIGARO
My lord, it's the wine in him talking!
COUNT
Go on though: didn't you see his face?
ANTONIO
No, I didn't.
SUSANNA and COUNTESS
aside to Figaro
Figaro, did you hear that?
FIGARO
to Antonio
You whining old fool, do be quiet
Making such a fuss over nothing!
scornfully touching the carnations
Since the fact can't be concealed,
It was I who jumped down from there.
COUNT and ANTONIO
What? It was you?
SUSANNA and COUNTESS
aside
What presence of mind!
FIGARO
Why so surprised?
COUNT
I just can't believe it.
ANTONIO
to Figaro
How have you grown so tall, then?
After the jump you weren't so big.
FIGARO
Jumping does that to one.
ANTONIO
Who'd have thought it?
SUSANNA and COUNTESS
aside
The fool is persistent!
COUNT
to Antonio
You, what do you say?
ANTONIO
It looked like that boy to me.
COUNT
Cherubino!
SUSANNA and COUNTESS
aside
Wretched man!
FIGARO
Of course, it was he,
Back on horseback from Seville,
From Seville where he'd been.
ANTONIO
No, no, that's not so.
I didn't see any horse jump down.
COUNT
Give me patience! Let's have done with this nonsense.
SUSANNA AND COUNTESS
aside
Merciful heaven, how will this end?
COUNT
violently, to Figaro
So it was you ...
FIGARO
... who jumped down.
COUNT
And why?
FIGARO
I was afraid ...
COUNT
Afraid of what?
FIGAR0
indicating the servants' quarters
I was shut up in there
Waiting for that dear little face ...
There was an unusual coming and going
And noise ... you were shouting, there was
That letter ... I lost my nerve and jumped
Down in terror and wrenched a muscle in my foot!
rubbing his foot as if he had hurt it
ANTONIO
Then these letters which you dropped
Will be yours?
He hands some folded papers to Figaro: the Count seizes them.
COUNT
Here, give them to me.
FIGARO
aside to Susanna and the Countess
I'm caught in a trap.
SUSANNA AND COUNTESS
aside to Figaro
Figaro, think quickly!
COUNT
opening the paper, then promptly refolding it
Well, tell me, what's this paper?
FIGARO
Wait just a moment ... I've so many.
He takes some letters from his pocket and pretends to look through them.
ANTONIO
I expect it'll be a list of his debts.
FIGARO
No, alist ofthe tavern-keepers.
COUNT
to Figaro
Speak up.
to Antonio
And you, let him be.
SUSANNA, COUNTESS and FIGARO
Let him (me)be and go away!
ANTONIO
All right, I'll go, but if l catch you again! …
Exit
FIGARO
Oh go away: I'm not afraid of you.
COUNT
opening the letter again and then refolding it; to Figaro
Well?
COUNTESS
aside to Susanna
Oh heavens! the page's commission!
SUSANNA
aside to Figaro
Good Lord! the commission!
COUNT
ironically to Figaro
Take courage!
FIGARO
as if recollecting something
Oh what a head! it's the commission
The boy gave me a while ago.
COUNT
What for?
FIGARO
It lacked...
COUNT
It lacked?
COUNTESS
aside to Susanna
The seal!
SUSANNA
aside to Figaro
The seal!
COUNT
to Figaro, who pretends to be thinking
Well, answer!
FIGARO
It'susual ...
COUNT
Go on, why hesitate?
FIGARO
It's usual to seal it.
COUNT
seeing the paper lacks the seal and tearing it up
This rascal's driving me mad.
throwing the paper aside in a fury
The whole thing's a mystery to me.
SUSANNA and COUNTESS
aside
If I survive this storm
I'll fear no further shipwreck.
FIGARO
aside
In vain you fume and stamp, sir,
You'll get nothing out of me.
SCENE TWELVE
MARCELLINA, BASILIO and BARTOLO
entering, to the Count
Oh my just and noble lord,
Hear us now, we pray.
COUNT
aside
They've come to work my vengeance.
I feel consoled.
SUSANNA, COUNTESS and FIGARO
aside
They've come to foil me.
What solution can there be?
FIGARO
They're three stupid blockheads.
What are they doing here?
COUNT
Now quiet: without interruption
Let each say what he wishes.
MARCELLINA
This man has made a contract
Promising to marry me;
And I request that the contract
Shall be ratified.
SUSANNA, COUNTESS and FIGARO
What'sthis?
COUNT
I will have silence.
This is for me to judge.
BARTOLO
I represent this lady
And appear here as her counsel;
I come to argue
Her legitimate plea.
SUSANNA, COUNTESS and FIGARO
He s a rogue!
COUNT
Keep quiet, there;
This is for me to judge.
BASILIO
As a man of standing,
I come here as a witness
Of the promised marriage,
On which she lent him money,
SUSANNA, COUNTESS and FIGARO
They'reall mad.
COUNT
Let's see it,
Let us read the contract.
Everything must be done in proper order.
SUSANNA, COUNTESS and FIGARO
aside
I'm stunned and bewildered,
Stupefied and desperate!
he devil in hell for certain
Has brought them here.
MARCELLINA, BASILIO, BARTOLO and COUNT
aside
What a blow, what a splendid stroke,
Everyone is baffled;
Providence, that smiles on us,
Has brought us (them) here.
ACT THREE
SCENE ONE
A rich hall, with two thrones, prepared for the wedding ceremony.
Recitative
COUNT
pacing up and down
What a mix?up this is!
An anonymous letter ...
The maid locked in the dressing?room ...
My lady flustered ... a man jumping down
From the balcony into the garden ...then
Another who claims it was he...
I don't know what to think: it might
Have been one of my vassals ... such rabble
Are bold enough ... but the Countess ...
No, to doubt her is an insult ...
She has too much respect for herself
And for my honour ... my honour ...
In which, dammit, human frailty exists!
SCENE TWO
Enter the Countess and Susanna; they stay in the background, unseen by the Count.
COUNTESS
Go on, tak c courage: tell him
To meet you in the garden.
COUNT
to himself
I'll find out if Cherubino
Went to Seville: I've sent
Basilio to enquire ...
SUSANNA
Oh heavens! if Figaro ...
COUNTESS
Say nothing of it to him: I myself
Intend going in your place.
COUNT
Before this evening he should be back ...
SUSANNA
Oh Lord! I dare not.
COUNTESS
Reflect that my happiness is in your hands.
She hides
COUNT
And Susanna? Who knows if she
Has betrayed my secret? ...If she's spoken
I'll make him marry the old woman.
SUSANNA
aside
Marcellina!
to the Count
My lord I. ...
COUNT
What do you want?
SUSANNA
I believe you're angry!
COUNT
What have you come for?
SUSANNA
My lord ... my lady
Has the vapours, as usual.
And requests your smelling salts.
COUNT
Take them.
SUSANNA
I’ll bring them back at once.
COUNT
No, you may keep them
For yourself.
SUSANNA
For me?
Such ailments are not
For girls in my position.
COUNT
A girl who loses her bridegroom
On the point of winning him ...
SUSANNA
Paying Marcellina off
With the dowry you promised me …
COUNT
That I promised you? When?
SUSANNA
That's what I understood.
COUNT
Yes, if you had cared
To come to an understanding.
SUSANNA
It's my duty,
And my lord's wish is my command.
Duettino
COUNT
Cruel one, why have you
Caused me thus to languish?
SUSANNA
My lord, a woman always
Needs time before she says „Yes“.
COUNT
Then you'll come into the garden?
SUSANNA
If it pleases you, I'll come.
COUNT
You won't fail me?
SUSANNA
No, I won't fail you.
COUNT
You'll come?
SUSANNA
Yes.
COUNT
You'll not fail?
SUSANNA
No.
COUNT
You'll really come?
SUSANNA
No!
COUNT
No?!
SUSANNA
Yes!!
If it pleases you, I'll come.
COUNT
In contentment I feel
My heart full of joy.
SUSANNA
aside
Forgive my deception,
You who truly love.
Recitative
COUNT
Then why were you
So distant to me this morning?
SUSANNA
With the page there ...
COUNT
And to Basilio,
Who spoke on my behalf...
SUSANNA
But what need have we
Of a Basilio ...
COUNT
That's true, indeed.
Promise me again ...
If you fail me, my dear ...
But the Countess
Will be waiting for the smelling salts.
SUSANNA
Oh, that was just a pretext; I couldn't
Have spoken to you without one.
COUNT
taking her hand
Dearest!
SUSANNA
Someone's coming.
COUNT
aside
She's mine, I'm sure now.
SUSANNA
aside
Wipe off that smile, my cunning master.
She is about to leave and near the door meets Figaro
SCENE THREE
FIGARO
Susanna, where are you going?
SUSANNA
Hush. We've won our case
Without a lawyer.
Exit
FIGARO
What's happened?
He follows her
SCENE FOUR
Recitative and Aria
COUNT
We've won our case! What do I hear!
I've fallen into a trap!
The traitors!
I'll punish them so! The sentence
Will be at my pleasure ... But supposing
He has paid off the claims of the old woman?
Paid her? How? ... and then there's Antonio
Who'll refuse to give his niece in marriage
To a Figaro, of whom nothing is known.
If I play on the pride
Of that half-wit ...
Everything favours my plan ...
The dice is cast.
Must I see a serf of mine made happy
While I am left to sigh,
And him possess a treasure
Which I desire in vain?
Must I see her,
Who has roused in me a passion
She does not feel for me,
United by the hand of rlove to a base stave?
Ah no, I will not give you
The satisfaction of this contentment!
You were not born, bold fellow,
To cause me torment
And indeed to laugh
At my discomfiture.
Now only the hope
Of taking vengeance
Eases my mind
And make me rejoice.
Exit
SCENE FIVE
Recitative
DON CURZIO
Entering; to Marcellina, Bartolo, the Count, and Figaro who follow him.
The case is decided.
"Pay up, or marry her." That's all.
MARCELLINA
I breathe again.
FIGARO
And I'm done for.
MARCELLINA
aside
At last I'll be married to the man I love.
FIGARO
to the Count
My lord, I appeal ...
COUNT
The judgment is fair:
"Pay up, or marry her." Quite right, Don Curzio.
DON CURZIO
Your lordship is too kind.
BARTOLO
An excellent judgment!
FIGARO
In what way excellent?
BARTOLO
We are all avenged.
FIGARO
I won't marry her.
BARTOLO
Oh yes, you will.
DON CURZIO
"Pay up, or marry her. " She lent you
Two thousand pieces of silver.
FIGARO
I am of gentle birth, and without
The consent of my noble parents ...
COUNT
Where are they? Who are they?
FIGARO
Let me goon looking fort hem;
For ten years I've been hoping to find them.
BARTOLO
Were you a founding? ...
FIGARO
No, lost, doctor, or rather stolen.
COUNT
Stolen?
MARCELLINA
What's that?
BARTOLO
Your proof?
DON CURZIO
Your witness?
FIGARO
The gold, the jewels and the embroidered clothes
Which, in my infancy,
The bandits found upon me
Are the true indications
Of my noble birth, and moreover
This mark upon my arm.
MARCELLINA
A spatula on your right arm?
FIGARO
Who told you that?
MARCELLINA
Great heaven!
It's he ...
FIGARO
It's I, indeed.
DON CURZIO
Who?
COUNT
Who?
BARTOLO
Who?
MARCELLINA
Raphael.
BARTOLO
And robbers stole you?
FIGARO
Near a castle.
BARTOLO
There stands your mother.
FIGARO
My nurse? ...
BARTOLO
No, your mother.
COUNT and DON CURZIO
His mother!
FIGARO
Do I hear aright?
MARCELLINA
And there stands your father.
She runs to embrace Figaro
Sextet
MARCELLINA
Dearest son, in this embrace
Recognise your mother.
FIGARO
to Bartolo
Father dear, do the same,
Do not leave me longer here to blush.
BARTOLO
Do not let conscience
Stand in the way of your desire.
He embraces Figaro
DON CURZIO
He's his father, she's his mother:
The wedding can't go forward.
COUNT
I'm astounded, I'm amazed:
To leave here would be for the best.
MARCELLINA
Beloved son!
BARTOLO
Beloved son!
FIGARO
Beloved parents!
The Count makes to leave, but Susanna, entering with a purse in her hand, detains him.
SUSANNA
Just a moment, pray, my lord.
I have the money ready here.
I've come to pay for Figaro
And set him free.
COUNT and DON CURZIO
We don't know where we are.
Just look over there.
SUSANNA
turning and seeing Figaro embracing Marcellina
Already reconciled to her as wife?
Great heaven, how faithless!
to Figaro
Leave me, wretch!
She starts to go
FIGARO
Detains her; she struggles
Stay a moment.
Listen, my dearest.
SUSANNA
Listen to that!
boxing Figaro's ears
MARCELLINA, BARTOLO and FIGARO
It's the result of her full heart;
What she did, she did for love.
COUNT and DON CURZIO
I rage, I burn (he rages, he burns) with fury;
Fate has overcome me (him).
SUSANNA
I rage, I burn with fury;
This old woman has overcome me.
MARCELLINA
to Susanna
Dearest daughter,
Calm your bitterness,
And embrace his mother,
Who now will be yours too.
She runs to embrace Susanna
SUSANNA
His mother?
ALL
His mother.
SUSANNA
Your mother?
FIGARO
And this is my father,
Who'll tell you it's true.
SUSANNA
His father?
ALL
His father.
SUSANNA
Your father?
FIGARO
And this is my mother,
Who'll tell you it's true.
All four embrace
SUSANNA, MARCELLINA, BARTOLO and FIGARO
My heart
Scarcely can support
The bliss
Of this moment.
COUNT and DON CURZIO
My heart
Scarcely can support
The raging torment
Of this moment.
The Count and Don Curzio exeunt
SCENE SIX
Recitative
MARCELLINA
to Bartolo
And t here, my dear, is t he sweet pledge
Of our old love ...
BARTOLO
Let's not talk now
Of so remote a past: he's my son,
You are my consort;
And we'll get married when you wish.
MARCELLINA
Today; it can be a double wedding.
giving the paper to Figaro
Take this; it is the contract for the sum
You owe me; let it be your wedding present.
SUSANNA
throwing down a purse of money
Take this purse too.
BARTOLO
doing the same
And this as well.
FIGARO
Thank you; I'll take all I'm given.
SUSANNA
Let's go and tell my lady
And my uncle all that's happened;
Who could be as happy as I am?
FIGARO
I am.
BARTOLO
I am.
MARCELLINA
I am.
ALL
And I don't care how furious the Count is!
Exeunt arm in arm
SCENE SEVEN
Enter Barbarina and Cherubino.
BARBARINA
Come, dear page, come to our house.
here you'll find
All the prettiest girls of the estate.
And you shall be the prettiest of them all.
CHERUBINO
But woe betide me if the Count
Should find me; you know
He thinks I've left for Seville.
BARBARINA
Oh well, ifhe does find you
It won't be anything new. Listen!
We're going to dress you like one of us
And then all go
To present flowers to my lady.
Cherubino, have faith in Barbarina.
Exeunt
SCENE EIGHT
Enter the Countess.
Recitative and Aria
COUNTESS
Susanna's not come! I'm impatient
To know what the Count said
To her proposal; the plan seems to me
Somewhat rash, and with a husband
So impetuous and jealous ...
But where's the harm?
To change my clothes
With those of Susanna, and hers with mine,
Under cover of darkness ... Oh heavens!
To what humiliation am I reduced
By a cruel husband, who after having
First loved me, then neglected and finally
Deceived me, in a strange mixture
Of infidelity, jealousy and disdain,
Now forces me to seek help from my servant!
Where are those happy moments
Of sweetness and pleasure?
Where have they gone,
Those vows of a deceiving tongue?
Then why, if everything for me
Is changed to tears and grief,
Has the memory oft hat happiness
Not faded from my breast?
Ah! if only my constancy
In yearning lovingly for him always
Could bring the hope
Of changing his ungrateful heart!
Exit
SCENE NINE
Enter the Count and Antonio.
Recitative
ANTONIO
whith a cap in his hand
I tell you, sir, that Cherubino
Is still in the castle;
Look, here's his cap to prove it.
COUNT
But how? By this time
He ought to be in Seville.
ANTONIO
If I may say so, all Seville's in my house.
There he's been dressed as a girl,
And he's left his other clothes there.
COUNT
The traitors!
ANTONIO
Let's go, and you can see for yourself.
Exeunt
SCENE TEN
Enter the Countess and Susanna.
COUNTESS
What things you're telling me!
And what did the Count say then?
SUSANNA
You could read in his face
His indignation and anger.
COUNTESS
Gently now: it will be the easier to catch him,
Where is the rendezvous
That you suggested?
SUSANNA
In the garden.
COUNTESS
Let's fix a place for it. Write to him.
SUSANNA
I write? ... but ... my lady ...
COUNTESS
Write, l tell you,
And I'll take it all upon myself.
Susanna sits down and writes
A song to the zephyr...
Duettino
SUSANNA
To the zephyr ...
COUNTESS
dictating
"How sweet the breeze
SUSANNA
repeating the Countess's words
The breeze ...
COUNTESS
"Will be this evening...
SUSANNA
Will be this evening ...
COUNTESS
"In the pine grove.
SUSANNA
questioning
In the pine grove?
writing
In the pine grove.
COUNTESS
The rest he'll understand.
SUSANNA
I'm sure he'll understand.
Together they re?read what has been written.
Susanna folds the letter.
Recitative
SUSANNA
The letter's folded … how shall I seal it?
COUNTESS
taking out a pin and giving it to her
Here ... take this pin.
It will serve as seal. Wait ... write
On the back of the letter,
„Send back the seal.“
SUSANNA
It's stranger than
The seal on the commission.
COUNTESS
Quick, hide it … I hear people coming.
Susanna puts the note in her bosom
SCENE ELEVEN
Enter Cherubino dressed as a peasant girl, Barbarina, and other village girls dressed in the same way, with bunches of flowers.
Chorus
PEASANT GIRLS
Accept, noble lady,
These roses and these flowers,
Which we have picked this morning
To show you our affection.
We are only humble girls
From the village,
But the little that we can give
We offer with all our hearts.
Recitative
BARBARINA
These, my lady,
Are the girls of the district,
Who have come to offer what little they have
And beg your pardon for being so bold.
COUNTESS
How kind! I thank you.
SUSANNA
Aren't they pretty!
COUNTESS
indicating Cherubino
And who, tell me,
Is that charming girl
Who look so shy?
BARBARINA
That's one of my cousins, who came
Yesterday evening for the wedding.
COUNTESS
We should honour this fair stranger.
to Cherubino
Come here ... let me have your flowers.
She takes the flowers from Cherubino and kisses his forehead. Aside.
How she blushes!
to Susanna
Susanna, don't you think ...
She resembles someone?
SUSANNA
To the life!
SCENE TWELVE
Enter the Count and Antonio. Antonio, holding Cherubino's cap, enters very quietly, pulls off Cherubino's head?dress and puts the cap on him.
ANTONIO
There you are! there's your officer!
COUNTESS
aside
Mercy on us!
SUSANNA
aside
The scamp!
COUNT
to the Countess
Well, madam? ...
COUNTESS
My lord, I am as annoyed
And surprised as you are.
COUNT
But this morning?
COUNTESS
This morning ...
We wanted to dress him up
As he's dressed now
For this evening's party.
COUNT
to Cherubino
And why have you not left?
CHERUBINO
quickly pulling off his cap
My lord ...
COUNT
I shall know
How to punish your disobedience.
BARBARINA
Your lordship, your lordship,
You've told me so often
When you've kissed and caressed me,
„Barbarina, if you'll love me
I'll give you whatever you want“.
COUNT
I said that?
BARBARINA
Yes, you did.
So please give me, sir,
Cherubino for a husband,
And I'll love you as I love my kitten.
COUNTESS
to the Count
Well, now it's your turn ...
ANTONIO
to Barbarina
Well done, my girl!
You've learnt your lesson well.
COUNT
aside
What man, demon or god is it
That turns everything I do against me?
SCENE THIRTEEN
Enter Figaro.
FIGARO
My lord ... if you keep
All these girls here,
There'll be no party, no dancing ...
COUNT
Indeed! You're wanting to dance
With an injured foot?
FIGARO
He pretends to stretch his leg and then tries to dance.
Oh, it doesn't hurt any more.
He calls to the girls and tries to leave, but the Count calls him back.
Come, my pretty ones ...
COUNT
By good fortune,
The flower?pots were only earthenware.
FIGARO
That's right,
Come along now, come along ...
He tries to leave, but Antonio calls him back.
ANTONIO
Meanwhile the page
Was galloping off to Seville?
FIGARO
Galloping or trotting, off he went.
Come along, my dears.
He is about to leave
COUNT
again bringing him back
And his commission
Was left in your pocket ...
FIGARO
Yes indeed,
What a lot of questions!
ANTONIO
to Susanna, who is making signs to Figaro
Stop making signs to him, he doesn't understand.
taking Cherubino by the hand and presenting him to Figaro
Here's someone who claims
That my nephew?to?be is a liar.
FIGARO
Cherubino!
ANTONIO
There you are.
FIGARO
to the Count
What's this story of his?
COUNT
No story; but he says it was he
Who jumped on the carnations this morning ...
FIGARO
He says so! ... well, if I jumped down
It's possible that he too
Could have done the same.
COUNT
He too?
FIGARO
Why not?
I never dispute what I don't know.
A Spanish march is heard in the distance.
Finale
FIGARO
There's the march ... let's go.
Take your places, ladies, take your places.
Susanna give me your arm.
SUSANNA
Here it is.
Figaro takes Susanna's arm; exeunt omnes except the Count and Countess.
COUNT
aside
Such presumption!
COUNTESS
aside
I feel like ice.
COUNT
My lady ...
COUNTESS
Say no more now.
Here are the two couples:
We must receive them;
One especially has your protection.
Let us sit down.
COUNT
Let's sit.
aside
And plan my revenge.
They sit.
SCENE FOURTEEN
Enter hunters with rifles on their shoulders; villagers; two young girls carrying a bridal head?dress with white feathers; two others, a white veil; two more, gloves and bouquet; Figaro with Marcellina, Bartolo with Susanna. Two girls begin the chorus, which the others take up. Bartolo leads Susanna to the Count, and she kneels to receive the head?dress etc. from him. Figaro leads Marcellina to the Countess: similar business.
TWO GIRLS
Faithful and
Honourable girls,
Sing praises
To our wise lord.
By renouncing a right
Which outraged and offended,
He leaves you pure
For your lovers.
ALL
Let us sing praises
To our wise lord.
Susanna, while kneeling during the chorus, pulls the Count's coat, shows him the letter, then lifts her hand on the audience's side to her head, where the Count takes the letter under cover of adjusting her headdress. He puts it furtively in his breast pocket. Susanna rises, making him a curtsey; Figaro comes to receive her, and a fandango is danced. Marcellina rises slightly after; Bartolo comes to receive her from the Countess's hands. The Count moves aside, takes out the letter, and pricks his finger; he shakes it, presses it, sucks it; seeing the letter sealed with a pin, he throws the pin down.
COUNT
Just like a woman,
To stick a pin in everywhere.
Ha, ha! I see her meaning.
FIGARO
watching it all; to Susanna
Some flirt, in passing,
Has slipped him a billet doux
Sealed with a pin,
On which he's pricked his finger.
The Count reads the letter, kisses it, looks for the pin, finds it and puts it in his sleeve.
Our Narcissus is looking for it ? what fun!
Recitative
COUNT
Now go, friends, and let the wedding
Celebration be arranged for this evening
With the richest ceremony. I wish there
To be splendid entertainment, with singing
And fireworks, a grand banquet and ball;
You shall see how I treat those dear to me.
The chorus and march are repeated.
Exeunt omnes
ACT FOUR
SCENE ONE
The garden, with two pavilions. Night.
Cavatina
BARBARINA
Searching for something on the ground
Oh dear me, I've lost it ...
Oh, wherever can it be?
I can't find it ... my cousin
And my lord... what will they say?
SCENE TWO
Recitative
FIGARO
entering with Marcellina
What's the matter, Barbarina?
BARBARINA
Oh cousin, I've lost it.
FIGARO
What?
MARCELLINA
What?
BARBARINA
The pin
His lordship gave me
To take back to Susanna.
FIGARO
To Susanna? The pin?
Even at your age
You know the practices ...
Do you do everything so well?
BARBARINA
Why are you getting angry with me?
FIGARO
Can't you see I'm joking? Look ... this
searching the ground fo ra moment, after having dexterously taken a pin from Marcellina's dress or cap, and giving it to Barbarina
is the pin the Count gave you
To take back to Susanna:
It was used to seal a note.
You see, I know all about it.
BARBARINA
Then why ask me if you know it all?
FIGARO
I wanted to hear how his lordship
Sent you on this errand.
BARBARINA
Nothing remarkable!
"Here, my girl, take this pin
To pretty Susanna, and say
This is the seal oft he pine?grove.
FIGARO
Aha! The pine?grove!
BARBARINA
Oh yes, and then he added:
"Take care no one sees you!
But you won't tell?
FIGARO
Trust me.
BARBARINA
It can't concern you at all.
FIGARO
Oh, not at all.
BARBARINA
Well, goodbye, cousin:
I'm going to Susanna and then to Cherubino.
She dances off
SCENE THREE
FIGARO
Mother...
MARCELLINA
My son?
FIGARO
All is over.
MARCELLINA
Calm yourself, my son.
FIGARO
All is over, I say.
MARCELLINA
Patience, patience and yet more patience;
Things are serious and we must think them out.
But wait, you don't know whom the joke is on.
FIGARO
Oh mother, that pin was the one
He picked up a little while ago.
MARCELLINA
That's true ... but this only
Justified your being on your guard
And keeping your eyes open:
But you don't know if in fact ...
FIGARO
I'll be on the alert! I know
Where the meeting has been arranged for.
MARCELLINA
Where are you going, my son?
FIGARO
To avenge all husbands. Farewell.
Exit furiously
SCENE FOUR
MARCELLINA
Quickly, I must warn Susanna ..
I believe her innocent: that face ...
That air of modesty ... And yet even
Were she not ... Ah! when her heart
Is not personally involved,
Every woman is drawn to the defence
Of her own poor sex,
So unjustly oppressed by these ungrateful men.
Exit
SCENE FIVE
The depths of the garden. Enter Barbarina alone, with some fruit and sweetmeats.
Recitative
BARBARINA
"In the left-hand pavilion," he said: this is it.
Suppose he doesn't come? Oh, these tiresome people!
I could hardly get them to give me an apple,
A pear and a pastry. " Who's it for, my dear?
"It's for someone, sir." " We know that."
Oh well, his lordship hates him, but I love him;
It cost me a kiss, but what does it matter?
Someone's bound to pay it back.
She hears someone coming.
Mercy on us!
She flees in fright into the left pavilion.
SCENE SIX
Enter Figaro alone, with a cloak and dark lantern.
FIGARO
aside
That's Barbarina.
He hears people coming,? aloud
Who goes there?
BASILIO
entering with Bartolo and a group of workmen
Those whom
You invited to come.
BARTOLO
What a sinister scowl!
You look like a conspirator;
What on earth is all this mystery about?
FIGARO
You'll soon see.
In this very spot
There'll be celebrated the union
Of my virtuous bride
And our feudal lord ...
BASILIO
Ah, good, good!
I see now how it is.
aside
They've settled it without me.
FIGARO
Do not go away
From hereabouts: meanwhile
I must go and give some instructions;
I'll be back very shortly;
When I whistle, all of you rush out.
Exeunt all
SCENE SEVEN
Recitative and Aria
FIGARO
re?entering alone, in a cloak
Everything is ready; the hour
Must be at hand; I heard someone ...
Is it she? ... no, no one ... it's very dark
Tonight ... and now I begin
To learn the foolish art
Of being a husband.
Traitress! at the very moment
Of our wedding ...
He reading with pleasure, and I,
Watching him, unwittingly laughing at myself.
Oh Susanna, Susanna,
What anguish you have cost me!
With that sweet face
And those innocent eyes ...
Who would have believed it!
Ah, to trust women is sheer folly.
Just open your eyes,
You rash and foolish men,
And look at these women;
See them as they are,
These goddesses, so called
By the intoxicated senses,
To whom feeble reason
Offers tribute.
They are witches who cast spells
For our torment,
Sirens who sing
For our confusion,
Night owls who fascinate
To pluck us,
Comets who dazzle
To deprive us of light.
They are thorned roses,
Alluring vixens,
Smiling she?bears,
Malign doves,
Masters of deceit,
Friends of distress
Who cheat and lie,
Who feel no love
And have no pity.
The rest I need not say,
For everyone knows it already.
SCENE EIGHT
Enter Susanna and the Countess, both in disguise, and Marcellina.
Recitative
SUSANNA
Marcellina told me, my lady,
That Figaro would be coming.
MARCELLINA
He's here already;
Lower your voice a little.
SUSANNA
So one's listening, the other
Should be coming to find me.
We can begin.
MARCELLINA
I'll hide myself in here.
Enters where Barbarina went.
SCENE NINE
SUSANNA
Madam, you are trembling; are you cold?
COUNTESS
The night is rather chilly ... I'll go in.
FIGARO
aside
Now comes the climax of the drama.
SUSANNA
If your ladyship will allow me,
I'll stay among the pine?trees
To take the air for half an hour.
FIGARO
aside
To take the air!
COUNTESS
Stay, and take your time.
She hides herself.
SUSANNA
aside
The rascal's watching,
So we'll have some fun.
We'll reward him for his doubts,
Recitativ and Aria
SUSANNA
At last comes the moment
When, without reserve, I can rejoice
In my lover's arms: timid scruples,
Hence from my heart,
And do not come to trouble my delight.
Oh how the spirit of this place,
The earth and the sky, seem
To echo the fire of love!
How the night furthers my stealth!
Come, do not delay, oh bliss,
Come where love calls thee to joy,
While night's torch does not shine in the sky,
While the air is still dark and the world quiet.
Here murmurs the stream, here sports the breeze,
Which refreshes the heart with its sweet whispers.
Here flowers smile and the grass is cool;
Here everything invites to the pleasures of love.
Come, my dearest, and amid these sheltered trees
I will wreathe thy brow with roses.
SCENE TEN
Recitative
FIGARO
aside
The traitress! this is how
She was deceiving me. Am I awake or dreaming?
CHERUBINO
entering singing
La la la ...
COUNTESS
aside
The page!
CHERUBINO
I hear someone: I'll go
Where I can find Barbarina.
discovering the Countess
Ah, I see a woman!
COUNTESS
Woe is me!
CHERUBINO
Surely not! By that hat I thought
I recognised Susanna in the darkness.
COUNTESS
If my lord should come now! Cruel fate!
Finale
CHERUBINO
aside
Very softly I'll approach her,
My time will not be wasted.
COUNTESS
Oh, if the Count should arrive now
What confusion there will be!
CHERUBINO
Dear Susanna ... she doesn't answer …
She hides her face with her hand ...
Now I'll really tease her.
He takes her hand and caresses it while the Countess tries to free herself.
COUNTESS
disguising her voice
Impudent fellow,
Be off from here at once.
CHERUBINO
Affected flirt,
I know why you're here.
COUNT
from afar, in the attitude of a watcher
There is my Susanna.
SUSANNA and FIGARO
distant one from the other
Here's the bird?catcher.
CHERUBINO
to the Countess
Don't be so hard on me!
SUSANNA, COUNT and FIGARO
aside
How my heart beats in my breast!
Another man is there with her.
COUNTESS
Go away, or I'll call for help.
CHERUBINO
still holding her hand
Give me a kiss, or you'll do nothing.
SUSANNA, COUNT and FIGARO
By his voice, that's the page.
COUNTESS
What, a kiss? What insolence!
CHERUBINO
And why can't I do
What the Count's about to do?
SUSANNA, COUNTESS, COUNT and FIGARO
each aside
What effrontery!
CHERUBINO
Don't be so prudish!
You know I was behind the sofa.
SUSANNA, COUNTESS, COUNT and FIGARO
as above
If the wretch persists in being obstinate,
He will ruin all our plan.
CHERUBINO
Take a kiss then ...
He tries to kiss the Countess, but the Count intervenes and receives the kiss himself.
COUNTESS and CHERUBINO
Oh heavens! The Count.
The page slips into a recess.
FIGARO
I must see what's going on there.
COUNT
Since you won't behave,
Take that, then.
He goes to slap Cherubino; but Figaro approaches at this moment and receives it himself.
FIGARO and SUSANNA
Susanna, who has seen the slap, laughs.
Ah! That's the reward
My (his) curiosity has brought me (him).
COUNTESS and COUNT
Ah! That's the reward
His temerity has brought him.
COUNT
to the Countess
At last that impudent fellow's gone;
Come nearer, my dear,
COUNTESS
As you wish.
Here I am, my lord.
FIGARO
What an obliging girl!
What an open?hearted bride!
COUNT
Give me your little hand.
COUNTESS
Here it is.
COUNT
My dearest?
FIGARO
His dearest?
COUNT
What slender fingers,
What delicate skin!
They pierce me through and through
And fill me with new ardour.
SUSANNA, COUNTESS and FIGARO
aside
His blind infatuation
Deludes his reason
And deceives all his senses.
COUNT
Besides your dowry, my dearest,
Take this jewel too,
Which a lover gives you
As token of his love.
He gives her a ring.
COUNTESS
Susanna owes everything
To her benefactor.
SUSANNA, COUNT and FIGARO
aside
Everything is going splendidly!
But the best is yet to come.
COUNTESS
to the Count
My lord, I see the glow
Of kindled torches.
COUNT
Come then, my Venus,
Let us conceal ourselves in here.
SUSANNA and FIGARO
aside
Foolish husbands,
Come and learn your lesson.
COUNTESS
In the dark, my lord?
COUNT
That's what I would have:
You know I'm not going there
In order to read.
FIGARO
aside
Now she's followed him,
I cannot doubt her deceit.
SUSANNA and COUNTESS
aside
The rogues are in the trap;
The play is going well.
Figaro passes; the Count disguises his voice.
COUNT
Who's there?
FIGARO
What's it to you?
COUNTESS
softly, to the Count
That's Figaro; I'm going.
COUNT
Go on: I'll rejoin you soon.
He retires among the trees; the Countess goes off to the right.
FIGARO
All is quiet and peaceful;
Fair Venus has gone in;
To take her with her lover Mars,
Like a modern Vulcan
I'll catch them in my net.
SUSANNA
disguising her voice
Hey, Figaro! Keep quiet!
FIGARO
Ah, that is the Countess ...
to Susanna
You came in time.
There you'll see for yourself
The Count and my bride;
You can touch them
With your own hand.
SUSANNA
forgetting to change her voice
Speak a little softer:
I shall not stir from here,
But I will be avenged.
FIGARO
aside
Susanna!
to Susanna
Be avenged?
SUSANNA
Yes.
FIGARO
How can you do this?
SUSANNA
aside
I'll trap the villain,
Then I'll know what to do.
FIGARO
aside
The vixen wants to trap me,
I'll lead her on.
with comic exaggeration
Ah, if my lady wishes it!
SUSANNA
Go on, don't waste words.
FIGARO
as above
Here I kneel at your feet
My heart full of fire.
Look at this spot,
And think how you were betrayed.
SUSANNA
aside
How my hand tingles
With impatience and fury!
FIGARO
aside
How my bosom heaves
With impatience and fire!
SUSANNA
altering her voice a little
Without any love?
FIGARO
Let my indignation be sufficient.
Let's waste no more time in vain;
Give me your hand ...
SUSANNA
Speaking in her own voice, and slapping his face
Take it, sir.
FIGARO
What a blow!
SUSANNA
And that too,
And that, and that as well.
FIGARO
Don't beat me so fast.
SUSANNA
Still slapping his face
And that, you rascal,
And that again.
FIGARO
How sweet these blows!
How happy is my love!
SUSANNA
That'll teach you, false one,
To play the seducer.
FIGARO
kneeling
Now peace, my dearest treasure:
I recognised the voice I love
And which keeps my heart in thrall.
SUSANNA
laughing, in surprise
My voice?
FIGARO
The voice I adore.
SUSANNA and FIGARO
Then peace, my dearest treasure,
Peace, my sweetest love.
COUNT
aside, re?entering
I can't find her, though
I've been through all the wood.
FIGARO and SUSANNA
That's the Count, I recognise his voice.
COUNT
Susanna… are you deaf… are you dumb?
calling towards the recess into which the Countess went
SUSANNA
to Figaro
Oh lovely! He didn't recognise her!
FIGARO
Who?
SUSANNA
My lady.
FIGARO
My lady?
SUSANNA
My lady.
SUSANNA and FIGARO
Let's end this comedy, my dearest.
And console this strange lover.
FIGARO
aloud, at Susanna's feet
Yes, my lady, you are my love.
COUNT
My wife, and I unarmed!
FIGARO
Grant some solace to my heart.
SUSANNA
Here I am: do what you will.
COUNT
How dare they!
SUSANNA and FIGARO
Let us hasten, love,
And let pleasure make up for our pain.
Figaro stands and they go towards the left recess.
SCENE ELEVEN
COUNT
Ho there! Bring your swords!
He stops Figaro.
FIGARO
The master! I'm lost!
Susanna goes into the recess; Figaro feigns extreme fright.
COUNT
Ho there, I say! Help!
Enter Antonio, Basilio and the servants with lit torches.
BASILIO and ANTONIO
What's amiss?
COUNT
The scoundrel:
He's betrayed me, he has shamed me,
And with whom, you shall see.
BASILIO and ANTONIO
aside
I'm astounded, I'm bewildered,
I can't believe it's true.
FIGARO
aside
They're astounded, they're bewildered.
What a scene! oh what joy!
COUNT
In vain you resist:
Come forth, my lady,
And receive the reward
Or your virtue.
The Count pulls out by the arm Cherubino, who attempts to resist and is only half seen; then follow Barbarina, Marcellina, and Susanna, who, dressed in the Countess's clothes and holding a handkerchief to her face, kneels at the Count's feet.
COUNT
The page!
ANTONIO
My daughter!
FIGARO
My mother!
BASILIO and ANTONIO
My lady!
COUNT
The plot is discovered,
The traitress is here.
All kneel one after the other
SUSANNA
Forgive me, forgive me.
COUNT
No, no, do not hope for it.
FIGARO
Forgive me, forgive me.
COUNT
No, no I will not.
ALL
Forgive us, forgive us.
COUNT
No, no, no, no, no.
The Countess emerges from the other recess and tries to kneel, but the Count prevents her.
COUNTESS
At least let me plead
Forgiveness for them.
BASILIO and ANTONIO
Oh heavens! What do I see?
A delusion, a vision,
That I can't believe.
COUNT
My Countess, forgive me.
COUNTESS
I am kinder:
I will say "Yes."
ALL
Then let us all
Be happy.
This day of torment,
Of caprices and folly,
Love can end
Only in contentment and joy.
Lovers and friends, let's round things off
In dancing and pleasure,
And to the sound of a gay march
Let's hasten to the revelry.