A Servant of Two Masters Smeraldina Lines
- when you told me of Federigo's death, when you agreed that Silvio and I could be betrothed, ah, then! My heart blossomed! My voice sang out! My blood kindled into a fiery furnace ablaze with flames of feeling, athrob with the pulsations of -
(to audience) She does go on.
As for me, I might as well be dead. Doomed forever to be wed to one for whom I feel not the slightest ardor. While the one upon whom I have bestowed my heart totally must languish and pine from now until eternity in a prison built by Dame Fortune's caprice! Bereft of his beloved! As I, bereft of mine!
(who has heard every word) Please, Signorina - chill out a little.
Painful.
And devious.
Oh Smeraldina. I am so miserable.
Coraggio, Signorina - he's not all that bad. Why, if you and I could trade places -
Now there's an idea
He's coming Signorina. Oh, you look terrible - I mean, here, let m - uh - freshen you up a little.
I am not Frederigo. I am his sister, Beatrice.
I knew he was too good to be true.
Oh, I already feel as if I am at death's door, Smeraldina. I cannot face Federigo now!
I'll get you something to drink. (going into the inn as Beatrice comes out)
At the risk of being blunt: you don't want to marry me.
In a nutshell.
Ah — so we're in this together?
Like most men, he does know how to prolong the agony doesn't he? At this rate, a woman might prefer premature ejaculation.
On the contrary, it is very serious business. So serious that I must have your word of honor not to reveal my secret until I allow it.
Maybe I should consider a sex change.
Oh, you have said the word - after! After the light has faded! After the sun has set! After the warmth of summer has waned! After the ice of winter has frozen my heart!
Mistress, please, you'll make yourself sick!
Oh, Smeraldina - would you?
Signorina! Do not talk nonsense. All I mean is, he's quite a catch. If we belonged to the same - world- and if he had the desire - well, I'd be honored to be his wife. He's dashing, witty, and has a certain... je ne sais quoi. I can't quite put my finger on it but he has a definite aura.
Never! Never, never, nev-
Signorina! Give him a chance!
Our secret. (all three clasp hands) If it was good enough for Hamlet, it's good enough for us. (in a ghostly voice) "Swear."
We do swear.
But I love Silvio.
Well, you can't always get what you want (launching into Mick Jagger) "But you get what you neeeeeeed!"
May I speak to the point?
What a relief!