Mozart - Cosi fan tutte ( acte 1 ) (ST eng - en -fr -de- esp)

My Dorabella is incapable of such a thing; heaven created her as faithful as she is beautiful. My Fiordiligi could not be false to me. I believe her constancy is as great as her beauty. My hair is already grey, so I speak with authority; but let us finish these arguments now. No, you have told us they could be unfaithful. You must prove it, if you are an honourable man. - Let us forget about proving it. - No, no, we want to, or out with your sword, out with your sword, and we'll break off this friendship. - But it's sheer madness - He cuts me to the quick - to try to find that evil - who lets fall from his lips - which, when found, makes us unhappy. - a word that does her wrong. Draw your sword! Choose whichever of us you prefer. I'm a man of peace and don't go in for duels, except at table. Either fight, or tell us immediately why you think our sweethearts are capable of infidelity. Sweet simplicity, how delightful you are! Stop your joking, or I swear by heaven... And I swear by earth, I'm not joking, my friends. I only want to know what kind of animal these beautiful creatures of yours are: whether, like us, they have flesh, bones and skin, whether they eat like we do, whether they wear petticoats; in short, whether they are goddesses or women. They're women; but such women... And you claim to find fidelity in women? How truly delightful you are, simplicity! Fidelity in women is like the Arabian phoenix: everyone says that it exists but no one knows where. - Dorabella is the phoenix! - Fiordiligi is the phoenix! - Dorabella! - Fiordiligi! It is not this one, it is not that one, it never existed, it never will. Poets' nonsense! Old men's absurdities! All right then, listen, but without flying into a rage. What proof have you that your sweethearts are always faithful to you? What makes you so sure their hearts are constant? Long experience. Superior upbringing. - Lofty thoughts. - Similarity of temperament. - Unselfishness. - Strength of character. - Promises! - Protestations! - Vows! Tears, sighs, caresses, fainting... Allow me to laugh. Heavens! Stop making fun of us! Just a minute. Suppose I were to prove to you today that they are just like all the others? - It's impossible! - It isn't so! - Let's bet on it. - Let's bet on it. - A hundred gold pieces. - A thousand, if you like. - Your word on it. - Our word of honour. And you swear that no word nor hint nor gesture will reveal this to your Penelopes? We swear it. - On your honour as soldiers? - On our honour as soldiers. And you will do everything I tell you? - Everything. - Absolutely everything. Excellent fellows! Excellent Don Alfonso! We shall amuse ourselves at your expense. And what shall we do with a hundred gold pieces? I shall give my goddess a beautiful serenade. I shall give a banquet in honour of my Venus. Shall I be invited as well? You will certainly be there, sir! And again and again we shall toast the god of love! Oh, look, sister... and tell me if you could ever find a more beautiful mouth, a nobler face! Just look here a moment: see the fire in his eyes. See how fiery arrows seem to shoot from them. Here you can see a likeness of both soldier and lover. Here you can see a face that both delights and threatens. I am happy! If ever my heart should change its affections, may Love... condemn me to a life of anguish. I feel in the mood to do something quite mad this morning. I've a certain fire, a certain tingling in my blood. When Guglielmo comes, if you knew how I'd like to play a joke on him. To tell you the truth, I also feel something unusual in my heart. I could swear that marriage isn't far away. Give me your hand; I'll tell your fortune. Ah, what a lovely M! And here's an S. Splendid: marriage soon! - Well, I'd like that. - And I'd have no objection. But why on earth are our lovers so late in coming? - It's already midday. - Here they are. No, it isn't; it's Don Alfonso, their friend. Welcome, Don Alfonso. My compliments. What is it? Why are you alone? You're weeping? Speak, for pity's sake. What's happened? - My beloved... - My idol... Cruel fate! I want to tell you, but haven't the heart. My lips can only stammer, the words won't come, but stick in my throat. What will you do? What shall I do? Oh, what a great calamity! Things couldn't be worse. I'm sorry for you and for them. Heavens! For pity's sake, Don Alfonso, don't make us die of suspense. You must arm yourselves with constancy, my children. Oh, heavens! What dreadful thing has happened, what misfortune? Perhaps my beloved is dead? Is mine dead? They aren't dead, but only a little less than dead. - Are they wounded? - No. - Are they sick? - Not even that. What then? They've been called to the battlefield by royal command. Alas, what do I hear? - And when do they go? - At once. - And is there no way of preventing it? - None. Not a single farewell? The unhappy creatures haven't the courage to face you; but, if you wish it, they're ready. Where are they? My friends, come in! Oh, heavens, I feel that my feet are reluctant to approach you. My lips are trembling and cannot pronounce a word. It is in terrible moments that the hero shows his courage. Now that we have heard the news, only one small thing remains for you to do: summon your courage and plunge your swords into both our hearts. My idol, you must blame fortune if I have to leave you. Ah, no, no, do not go! No, cruel man, you shall not go! I'll tear out my heart first! I'll die at your feet first! What do you say to that? Do you see that? Steady my friend: he who laughs last... Thus fate cheats mortal men of their hopes. Ah, in the midst of such ill fortune, who could ever love life! Would could ever love life? Ah, no, no, do not go! No, cruel man, you shall not go! I'll tear out my heart first! I'll die at your feet first! What do you say to that? Do you see that? Steady my friend: he who laughs last... Thus fate cheats mortal men of their hopes. Ah, in the midst of such ill fortune, who could ever love life! Would could ever love life? Oh, heavens! That is the funeral drum which comes to take me from my beloved. My friends, there is the ship. I am fainting! I am dying! How wonderful is the life of a soldier. Every day a different place; much today, little tomorrow; now on land, now on sea. The noise of trumpets and pipes, the explosion of guns and bombs strengthens your arm and your fine spirit, urging them on to triumph. How wonderful is the life of a soldier. There is no more time, my friends; you must go where destiny, or rather duty, calls you. - My love! - My idol! - My beloved! - My darling! Ah, for one single moment... Your regiment's ship has already left; you can catch up and join it with a few friends who are waiting for you in a smaller vessel. Embrace me, oh, my beloved! I am dying of sorrow! Promise me that you will write to me... Write to me twice a day... - Do not doubt it, my love! - Of course, my dearest! - ...every day, my darling! - ...if you can. I shall burst if I don't laugh! Be faithful to me alone! Be true to me as you promised! Farewell! Farewell! Farewell! My heart is breaking in two, my dearest love! I shall burst if I don't laugh! Farewell! How wonderful is the life of a soldier. Every day a different place; much today, little tomorrow; now on land, now on sea. The noise of trumpets and pipes, the explosion of guns and bombs strengthens your arm and your fine spirit, urging them on to triumph. How wonderful is the life of a soldier. Where are they? They've gone. Oh, the cruel bitterness of parting! Take heart, my dearest children; look, in the distance, your lovers are waving to you. Bon voyage, my darling! Bon voyage! Oh, heavens! How swiftly the ship is sailing away! It is disappearing already! It is no longer in sight! Oh, may heaven grant it a prosperous voyage. May good luck attend it to the battlefield. And may your sweethearts and my friends be safe. May the wind be gentle, may the sea be calm, and may the elements respond kindly to our wishes. I'm not a bad actor! Well then, at the pre-arranged place the two champions of Venus and Mars will be waiting for me; I must go and meet them now, without delay. What grimaces, what buffoonery! All the better for me, they will fall more easily; they are the sort of people most likely to be capricious in their affections. Oh, the poor fellows! To stake a hundred gold pieces on women! “Whoever bases his hopes on a woman's heart” “ploughs the sea and sows the sand” “and hopes to catch” “the wanton wind in a net.” What an abominable life a lady's maid leads! From morning till night, sweating, toiling, labouring, and then, after doing all this, we get nothing out of it for ourselves. I've been beating the chocolate for half an hour. Now it's ready, and is it my lot to stand and smell it with a dry mouth? Isn't my mouth just like yours? Oh, gracious mistresses, why should you get the real thing and I only the smell of it? By Jove, I'm going to taste it. Oh, it's good! Someone's coming. Oh, heavens, it's my mistresses! Ladies, here's your breakfast. Goodness, what's the matter? What's happened? Where is there a dagger? Where is there some poison? Ladies, I say! Ah! get out of my way! Beware the sad consequence of a desperate love. Close those windows; I hate the light. I hate the air I breathe. I hate myself. Who mocks my grief? Who consoles me? Ah, flee, for mercy's sake! Flee! Flee, for mercy's sake! Let me be alone. Implacable desires, which are torturing me, do not leave this soul of mine until my anguish makes me die. If I remain alive, I shall show the Furies a miserable example of fatal love, with the horrible sound of my sighing. Miss Dorabella, Miss Fiordiligi, tell me, what's happened? Oh, such a terrible calamity! Hurry up and tell me. Our lovers have left Naples. Is that all? They'll come back. Who knows? What do you mean, who knows? Where have they gone? To the battlefield! So much the better for them; they'll return laden with laurels. But they could die! Well then, so much the better for you. - Stupid girl, what are you saying? - The simple truth. If you lose two of them, there are still all the others left. Ah, if I lost Guglielmo, I think I'd die! Ah, if I lost Ferrando, I think I'd go and bury myself alive! Well done! That's what you think, but it's not true. There's never yet been a woman who died of love. To die for a man! There are as good fish in the sea as ever came out of it. And do you think that a woman could love another, after such a man as Guglielmo or Ferrando? The others have everything that they have got. Now you love one man; you'll love another; one's worth as much as another, because none of them is worth a thing. But let's not talk of that; they're still alive, and they'll come back alive; but they are far away, and instead of wasting your time in useless tears think how you're going to amuse yourselves. Amuse ourselves? Certainly! And what's even better, make love like the devil, as your dear lovers will be doing at the battle front. Do not insult those splendid souls, those paragons of purest love and faithfulness! Oh, come on! The days are past when you could tell such stories even to children. You think men and soldiers... will be faithful? You think men will be faithful? You think soldiers will be faithful? Don't let anyone hear you, for goodness' sake! They're all made of the same stuff; the fickle leaves, the inconstant winds have more stability than men. Lying tears, false glances, deceitful voices, treacherous caresses, these are their outstanding qualities. They love us only for their own pleasure; then they despise us and deny us love, nor is it worthwhile asking mercy of these barbarians. Oh, women, let us pay back in their own coin the pernicious, impertinent race of men. Let us love to suit ourselves, for our own gratification. How silent it is! What an air of melancholy pervades these rooms! Poor girls! It's not entirely their fault; we must console them. I'm a little anxious about Despina; that cunning little minx might recognize you; she could upset the apple-cart completely. We'll see. Despinetta! Who's knocking? My dear Despina, I need you. - And I don't need you. - I can do you a bit of good. An old man like you can't do anything for a young girl. Speak softly, and look. - Is that for me? - Yes, if you're good to me. And what do you want? Gold's my weakness. And gold you shall have; but you must be loyal. Is that all? - Here I am. - Take this, and listen. You know that your young ladies have lost their lovers. I know. I know everything. Well then, to console them a little, and, so to speak, push one nail out with another, if you could just find a way of persuading them to receive two charming gentlemen who wish to try... You understand me already? There's a tip of twenty crowns for you if you help them succeed. This idea appeals to me. But with these silly creatures... Enough. Listen. Are they young? Are they handsome? And, above all, have they plenty of money, these aspiring suitors of yours? They have everything that could appeal to ladies of good judgement. Do you want to see them? Where are they? They're here. May I bring them in? I'd say so. My friends, I present you to pretty Despinetta; your heart's consolation depends on her alone. By this hand, which I kiss with delight, by those eyes so full of charm, may the beautiful eyes of my beloved look serenely upon me. How strange they look! What clothes! How odd they are! What moustaches! I don't know whether they are Walachians or Turks. What do you think of their looks? To be frank, they've such peculiar faces, it's enough to put anyone off love. Now the matter's quite decided: if she doesn't recognize us there's nothing more to fear. Hey, Despina! Oh, Despina! - My young ladies! - Now's the moment! Play your cards well. I'll hide in here. Worthless, arrogant girl! What are you doing here with such people? Send them away at once, or both you and they will be sorry. Ah, ladies, forgive us. See at your beautiful feet two wretches languishing and burning with passion for your perfection. Good heavens! What do I hear? What despicable creature is responsible for this monstrous outrage? - Oh, calm - Who? - your indignation! - What despicable creature is responsible? Oh, calm your indignation! Ah, I cannot restrain myself any longer. My soul within my breast is full of terror and scorn. - I'm a little suspicious - It delights my heart, - of all this rage and fury. - all this rage and fury. Ah! Forgive me, my darling, this heart is innocent. My soul within my breast is full of terror and scorn. What a fuss! What an uproar! Whatever is all this confusion? Are you mad, my dear young ladies? Do you want to rouse the whole neighbourhood? What's the matter? What's happened? Oh, heavens, look: men in our house! What's wrong with that? What's wrong? On a day like this? After such a terrible event! Heavens! Am I dreaming, or am I awake? My friends, my dearest friends! You here? How? Why? When? How on earth? Goodness, how pleased I am! Play up to me. Don Alfonso, my friend! My dear friend! What a wonderful surprise! - You know them? - Do I know them? They are the dearest friends I have in this world, and they will be your friends, too. And what are they doing in my house? You see at your feet two culprits, two reprobates, my dear ladies! - Love... - Oh, heavens, what do I hear? Love, the all-powerful god, led us here to you. No sooner had we glimpsed the light from your shining eyes - than, attracted by the bright sparks - like amorous, suffering moths, - we came flying before you - both beside you and behind you to implore your pity in plaintive metres. Heavens! What impudence! Sister, what shall we do? Reckless men! Leave this place! And do not let the ill-omened air of scandalous utterances profane our hearts, our ears and our affections. It is useless for you, or for any other, to try and seduce our souls. The steadfast faith which we gave to our dear lovers we shall preserve until death, despite the world and destiny. As a rock stands firm against winds and storms, so this soul will always be strong in its fidelity and its love. In us is kindled the fire that brings delight and comfort, and only death can make us change our affections. As a rock stands firm against winds and storms, so this soul will always be strong in its fidelity and its love. Heartless men, honour this example of fidelity, and may no more uncouth hopes make you bold. For goodness' sake, girls, don't make me look so small. - And what do you want? - Why, nothing. But it seems to me that a little bit of kindness... After all, they are gentlemen, and friends of mine. What? Must I listen... To our sufferings and pity them! The heavenly beauty of your eyes opened a wound in ours which can only be healed by the balsam of love. Open your heart, just for a moment, my dearest, to its sweet light; before you, you will see two faithful lovers breathing their last. Do not be shy, pretty little eyes. Send over here two flashing glances. Make us happy; love us in return, and we, being the happiest of men, will make you happy, too. Look, touch, observe everything! We are two lovable madmen, we are strong and well made, and as anyone can see, whether by chance or because we deserve it, we have nice feet, nice eyes, nice noses. Look, nice feet, observe, nice eyes, touch, nice noses! Observe everything, and these moustaches may be called the triumphs of men, plumes of love. Triumphs, plumes, moustaches! - And you're laughing? - Of course we're laughing. - But what's the matter? - We know already. - Laugh quietly. - You're wasting your breath. Were they to hear you, were they to find you out, the whole thing would be spoilt. - With laughter my sides are splitting. - This laughter of theirs makes me laugh, but I know it must end in tears. I'm bursting with laughter. And may one know the reason for this laughter? Why, for goodness' sake, don't you think we have good reason, my dear sir? How much do you want to pay, and does the bet still stand? Pay half of it. Just pay us twenty-four gold pieces. Poor little innocents! You should still be sucking your thumbs! And have you still the nerve to open your mouth? - We'll talk about it before this evening. - Whenever you like. Meanwhile, be silent and obey me until tomorrow morning. We're soldiers, and like discipline. Well now; go and wait for me in the garden, both of you. I'll send you my orders there. - And don't we get anything to eat today? - What does that matter? When the battle's over, dinner will be all the more delicious. A breath of love from our dear treasures will offer sweet refreshment to our hearts; to our hearts, which, nourished on hope and love, need no further enticement. A breath of love from our dear treasures will offer sweet refreshment to our hearts. Ah, how my destiny has changed all in a moment! Ah, what a sea of torment life has now become for me! As long as the unkind stars let my dearest love be with me, I did not know suffering, I did not know what it was to languish. Ah, how my destiny has changed all in a moment! Ah, what a sea of torment life has now become for me! Let us die, yes, let us die, and so appease the heartless creatures. There is still hope. Don't do it, oh, heavens, don't do it! Heavens, what terrible cries! - Let me go! - Wait! Let arsenic free me from such cruelty. Heavens, was that poison? Poison good and proper that in a few moments will rob them of life. This tragic spectacle freezes my heart. Cruel ones, draw near. See the tragic consequence of a desperate love and at least have pity. This tragic spectacle freezes my heart. Ah! the sun's rays turn to darkness for me! I tremble, and seem to feel my spirit and my whole being faltering, and neither my lips nor my tongue can utter a word. Since these wretched men are so near to death, at least try to show them a little pity. Help, help, everyone, come quickly! Oh, heavens, no one hears us! Despina! Despina! - Who is calling me? - Despina! Despina! What do I see? I think the poor things are dead, or near to expiring. Ah, it's only too true. Crazed with despair, they poisoned themselves. What remarkable love! It would be shameful of you to abandon the poor creatures. You must bring some relief to them. - Whatever can we do? - You must bring some relief to them. They're still showing signs of life; support them a little with merciful hands. And you and I will run to fetch a doctor and an antidote. - Heavens, what a trial this is! - A prettier little comedy - Heavens, what a trial this is! - couldn't be found. A worse disaster couldn't be imagined. The unhappy creatures are sighing. What shall we do? What do you think? At such a terrible moment who could possibly abandon them? How fascinating they are! We could go a bit nearer. His head's as cold as ice! This one's cold too, so cold! - And his pulse? - I can't feel it. This one's beating slowly, so slowly. Ah, if help doesn't come soon, they have no hope of life. They've both become gentler and more amenable. - Poor creatures! - It remains to be seen whether their compassion will lead to love. Their death would make me weep. Here is the doctor, my dear young ladies. Despina in disguise! What a terrible sight! Salvete, amabiles bones puelles! He's speaking a language we don't know. Let us speak then as you command. I know Greek and Arabic, I know Turkish and Vandalic, I also know how to speak Swabian and Tartar. Keep all those languages for yourself; just look at these poor creatures now; they've taken poison; what's to be done? What's to be done, doctor? First I must know the reason, and then the nature of the potion: whether it was hot or cold, a little or a lot, whether they took it all at once or in small doses. They've taken arsenic, doctor; they drank it here. The cause was love and they drank it down at one gulp. Don't worry, don't upset yourselves. Here is proof of my ability. He's taken an instrument in his hand. This is the magnet, that mesmeric stone which originated in Germany, and then became so famous in France. How they writhe about, twisting and turning! They're almost banging their heads on the ground. Ah, hold up their heads. Here we are ready. Hold tight! Tight, tight, go on! Now you are freed from death. They're looking round, they're regaining their strength. Ah, this doctor deserves all the gold in Peru. Where am I? What place is this? Who is he? Who are they? Am I before the throne of Jove? Are you Pallas, or Venus? No, you are the goddess of my soul. I recognize your sweet face and that hand which I now know so well and which alone is my treasure. It's still the effect of the poison. Don't be frightened. That may be so; but such goings-on imperil our honour. For mercy's sake, my beautiful idol! I can no longer resist! Turn your joyful eyes upon me. It's still the effect of the poison. Give me a kiss, my treasure, a single kiss, or I shall die on the spot. Heavens! A kiss! Do what they ask, out of kindness. Ah, that's asking too much of a pure and faithful lover. My faithfulness is outraged, my heart is outraged. A more amusing picture was never seen the world over, but I don't know if it's pretended or real, all this rage and fury. Desperate, poisoned, go to the devil, all of you! You'll certainly regret it if my rage grows any fiercer. A more amusing picture was never seen the world over, but I don't know if it's pretended or real, all this rage and fury. Give me a kiss, my treasure! A single kiss, or I shall die on the spot. - A single kiss! - Heavens! A kiss! Do what they ask, out of kindness. How well I know that such passion could change to the passion of love. Nor would I wish such passion to end in the passion of love.