The Mountebanks Dialogue Folowing Song No. 3

Dialogue Following Song No. 3

GIORGIO.: Three secret cheers for the Captain! ALL (pianissimo). Hurrah! hurrah! hurrah!
ARROSTINO.: How do? How do? Ah! the bride and bridegroom. Allow me. (Kisses her.) Charming - at least I think so - another. (Kisses her again.) Yes, charming. Risotto, my poor fellow, accept my condolences.
RISOTTO.: Condolences? You don't see anything wrong with her?
ARROSTINO.: With her? Oh, no - not with her. My dear friend, she's bewitching. (To MINESTRA.) You are bewitching, aren't you?
MINESTRA.: I believe I'm nice.
ARROSTINO.: You do? I'm delighted to hear it on such good authority.
RISOTTO.: Still, I don't see why you should condole with me.
ARROSTINO.: Don't you? Never mind - you will. Now tell me, Minestra, candidly - what was it you saw in him to admire? It's not his face, of course; nor his figure - we'll put them out of the question. It couldn't be his conversation, because he hasn't any.
MINESTRA.: I don't know. He's got a way with him.
ARROSTINO.: Has he got it with him now?
MINESTRA.: I don't know. I suppose so. ARROSTINO (imperatively). Risotto, give us an example of the way you have with you.
RISOTTO.: It's something like this - (business of ogling).
ARROSTINO.: Oh, my dear girl - really - dear, dear, dear! MINESTRA (apologetically). You've got to be nearer to him for it to tell.
ARROSTINO.: Well, but even then! Now, look at it in cold blood. Think of it ten years hence - when the novelty's worn off.
MINESTRA.: It does look foolish from here. Oh, I almost wish I hadn't!
RISOTTO.: My dear! (Consoling her.)
MINESTRA.: Don't - I'm so inexperienced!
ARROSTINO.: I suppose so. Pity - pity! Never mind - next time you'll be older. Now girls, I have some news for you: the Duke and Duchess of Pallavicini are to pass through the village on their way to Palermo. You don't see a real Duke and Duchess every day, so the best thing you can do is run down and prepare to receive them.
1ST GIRL.: A real Duke and Duchess! Oh, that will be delightful.