Richard V.Hamilton. On late renaissance sculpting (Don Juan's Last Adventure) a theatrical essay in two acts --------------------------------------------------------------- Copyright © 1994 by Author Email: PnNBr@aol.com --------------------------------------------------------------- CAST OF CHARACTERS: Don Juan (Scene One, 20; other scenes, 35). Commander Rodrigo Sanchez, 30. The Hostess, (Scene One, 30; other scenes, 45). Don Diego, Dona Anna's brother, 40. Don Ottavio, 25. Dona Anna, 35. Conchita, Don Ottavio's sister, 18. Leporello, Don Juan's servant (Scene One, 25; other scenes, 40). First Robber Second Robber The Statue, marble. ACT ONE SCENE ONE A cheap sort of inn, just beyond the city line of Madrid. Two tables with benches; stage-center, a door leading to the hostess' rooms. Stage-left, Don Juan, sitting, drinking wine from a large cup, trying to write poetry on a scrap of paper. A red rose on the table, north of the sheet. Standing beside him with an impatient air is Leporello. LEPORELLO S¥á®r, it's midnight. (exasperated) Midnight! (sorrowfully) And I'm hungry. Why don't we call the hostess? DON JUAN ....Moonlight.... What? LEPORELLO It's late. DON JUAN Now, Leporello, hold your tongue. Look: I must finish this. LEPORELLO Oh, really? DON JUAN Yes. This tiny ode here is my key; my password! When sweet Dolores from her balcony Blows me a kiss tomorrow night, I'll know That I have won the battle. LEPORELLO (lugubriously) Ah, Dolores? Is that the name of our new passion, then? DON JUAN (enthusiastically) Dolores, yes!... you ugly ape!... Dolores, With her exquisite wrists and marble shoulders, Dolores of the scarlet lips, Dolores The wonderful, the sweet, the only one. LEPORELLO Quite right - but what of.... what of Dona Inez, Dona Maria, Gilda, Carmencita, And the three dozen other wenches, whom We used to honor with nocturnal visits? DON JUAN (smiles) I'm bound to make mistakes, I'm only twenty. LEPORELLO Mistakes, that's what they were? DON JUAN The greatest one Was to engage a disrespectful servant. Enter Don Rodrigo and the Hostess. The Hostess is strumming her guitar and laughing. DON RODRIGO Dear Hostess, I can hardly wait! I'm burning! Pray torture me no longer; there's the door, Your rooms beyond it. THE HOSTESS (laughing) Now, now, Don Rodrigo! You're too impatient for a married man. DON RODRIGO Please don't remind me! THE HOSTESS Why, your noble spouse I'm sure would be exceptionally angry If she somehow found out about her husband's Adventure with an inn proprietress, A woman of no rank, a shady wench Who serenades your lordship every week In this - as you once put it - squalid hole. Be patient! I have customers, it seems. DON RODRIGO Well, sing a song for me at least, dear hostess. A pause. The Hostess looks at Don Rodrigo mockingly, then turns to regard Don Juan. THE HOSTESS (to Don Juan) You mind, S¥á®r? DON JUAN (looks up) Oh, not at all. LEPORELLO My supper! S¥á®r, tell her we want our supper first. You know my meals to me are most important. DON JUAN (angrily and quietly) Do hold your tongue, you knave! DON RODRIGO (after regarding Don Juan suspiciously) Proceed, my dear. THE HOSTESS (sings) Darling, my forests are boundless and green, The air in my parks always fragrant and keen; River and ocean, the tide and the shores - All that is mine shall be yours. Duke, I'd be willing, if I weren't near Dying of love for a young balladeer; Bless him, he's certain he's done nothing wrong Stealing my heart with a song. So young and fair, She was eager to hear One more time that one tune Which once, under the moon, Was so sweet to her ear. That playful air By the young balladeer Still unceasingly raves In the turbulent waves Of the Guadalquivir. Darling, my oaken doors never give way, Their locks are heavy and sound; and you may Loathe me; but being my wife is your lot, Whether you're willing or not. Roaming the banks, he kept asking the tide What had become of his volatile bride, Deeply repentant, suspecting the truth, Mourning her beauty and youth. So young and fair, She'd been eager to hear One more time that one tune Which once, under the moon, Was so sweet to her ear. That playful air By the young balladeer Still unceasingly raves In the turbulent waves Of the Guadalquivir. DON RODRIGO Ah, what a charming voice you have, my precious. THE HOSTESS You think so? DON JUAN Leporello. LEPORELLO Yes, the supper.... DON JUAN (gives him the rose) Take this to her, and beg her to accept it, -. My humble tribute to her charming voice. LEPORELLO Take.... no! I'm sorry, but I must object. DON JUAN You imbecile! LEPORELLO No, no, S¥á®r. I can't. The lady's lover's apt to take offence And use his fist upon my frontal view. DON JUAN I might resort to that ahead of him. Don't press me. Go! LEPORELLO Oh, fine! I go, I go. Leporello walks over to the Hostess and Don Rodrigo. LEPORELLO S¥á®r, my master wishes me to speak To our dear hostess here, yet on my part I must declare before you think me rude That I am doing this against my will. I'm forced, coerced, compelled, and badly threatened. Please grant your pardon! I respect you greatly, You have no equals, such is my opinion. You must take pity on this sorry wretch Who's taking liberties, for I'm infringing, Perhaps, upon your privacy. Forgive me. You are the greatest of the great.... DON RODRIGO (icily) What do you want? LEPORELLO Just this. This rose - a little worn, I fear, Would look most charming in the lady's hair; At least my master thinks so, though I would, If I were daring, second his opinion.... It is a gift - quite innocent, at that. We mean no harm - besides, the lady always Can throw the thing away again whenever She likes - for, after all, her dazzling beauty.... DON RODRIGO My friend, go back at once and tell you master That, while his parents have, quite evidently, Neglected to improve the lad's upbringing By introducing spanking to his lessons, I might, if need be, set this defect right. THE HOSTESS S¥á®r - please! After all, he is so young.... DON RODRIGO Young and impertinent. THE HOSTESS ....And quite good-looking. DON RODRIGO Ah, so that's it! LEPORELLO S¥á®r! DON JUAN (approaching) Hey, Leporello, What's keeping you? LEPORELLO My lord.... DON RODRIGO (to Don Juan) My lad, I'm tired Of you and of your servant. You must leave. DON JUAN (coldly) Must I? Indeed. DON RODRIGO Yes. THE HOSTESS Don Rodrigo, please! DON RODRIGO You like the boy. THE HOSTESS (blushing) Of course I do. He is Most amiable, sweet, and.... DON RODRIGO And good-looking. (roars) Enough now! Very well, please go inside. This will be settled in no time whatever, And, once it's settled, one of us will enter Your bedroom - to announce the pleasant news. THE HOSTESS S¥á®r! DON RODRIGO Begone! Don Juan smiles at the Hostess and nods. Dismayed, she withdraws into her rooms. A pause. LEPORELLO (quietly and intensely, to Don Juan) S¥á®r, please! Please? Do beg him to forgive you. He is Commander Sanchez, Don Rodrigo, The best man of the sword in all of Spain! DON JUAN Isn't she lovely, though? LEPORELLO I might as well Start seeking new employment. He'll be killed. DON RODRIGO My boy, this time, I think I'll let it slide. However, I must warn you that you ought to Be more discreet in public places. DON JUAN (dreamily, looking at the Hostess' door) Yes. She is so beautiful! It's overwhelming. And what a voice! Oh, she'll be mine - tonight! DON RODRIGO (not believing his ears) What did you say? DON JUAN (as if seeing him for the first time) I? What? Ah, we must fight. Yes, I remember now. Well, I forgive you. It's settled. You may leave. LEPORELLO There goes my supper. S¥á®r, forgive me if I don't attend Your funeral. For here's my resignation. DON RODRIGO (springs to his feet) Insolent dog! DON JUAN (coming out of his trance, threateningly) Excuse me? DON RODRIGO I shall teach you Some manners, wretch! DON JUAN (smiles, in a bantering tone) Indeed! Are you a teacher? DON RODRIGO Your name, sir! (draws his sword) DON JUAN Of the noble house of Alba I am Don Juan. (draws his) LEPORELLO You were; now you're a corpse. DON RODRIGO On guard, then! LEPORELLO (to Rodrigo) Lordship, do you need a servant? They cross swords. Rodrigo is pressing. Don Juan is reduced to defending himself. A bench is overturned. Rodrigo presses harder and soon has Juan against the wall. Don Juan attempts a thrust and Rodrigo disarms him. His sword is poised to strike the decisive blow. Leporello dashes forward and grabs Rodrigo's hand, forcing it upward. Don Juan, seeing this, pulls the dagger from Rodrigo's belt and stabs him in the chest. Rodrigo falls and lies motionless. LEPORELLO Oh, no! DON JUAN (calmly) He's dead. LEPORELLO Oh, no! What have we done! DON JUAN (slowly) You are a loyal servant, Leporello. You're more than that. You are now my accomplice. LEPORELLO Oh, no! DON JUAN Oh, yes. See to it that the body Is not discovered here; take it away. LEPORELLO Alone? DON JUAN I'd help you, but his lordship here Promised that one of us would surely keep The hostess company.... Commander Sanchez Will not be missed till dawn. For a while, master and servant look each other in the eye. Don Juan places his sword on the table, shrugs, and enters the Hostess' rooms. Leporello sits down on the bench. SCENE TWO At the Commander's Statue, outside the convent. Dona Anna is praying. Presently she rises from her knees. Enter Don Diego. DON DIEGO Sister, don't go. I have to speak to you. DONA ANNA Diego - oh! You've scared me! What's the matter? DON DIEGO My darling Anna - I admire your virtues, Your faith, your loyalty; and, as your brother, I'm proud of you. But, also as your brother, I am allowed.... well.... certain liberties Among which one is to be always frank. I might sound coarse at times; do please forgive me. DONA ANNA You are a brute sometimes, I must admit, Although I love you none the less for that. DON DIEGO Permit me, therefore, to remind you kindly That fifteen years have now elapsed since he.... (indicates the statue with a nod) ....Your estimable and courageous husband.... DONA ANNA Diego, please. DON DIEGO Oh, fine! But listen further. Tonight, my castle will be freshly cleaned, Ten thousand candles will be lit; my cook - The jolly Frenchman from Anjou - shall do His utmost to delight some fifty eaters. There will be women - young and old, all married, Their husbands, too - all splendid cavaliers, And also - and I stress this - we shall have A number of unmarried gentlemen Who shall be bored, unless they're entertained By someone of your stately grace and presence, Of your vitality, your wit, your knowledge. Pray don't deny me, Anna - come! do come! DONA ANNA Diego - I believe I've had the pleasure Of patiently conversing on this head With you - well.... say, a thousand times, at least. Although delightful each and every time, The topic now has lost some of its freshness. DON DIEGO But Anna, sister! - love you as I might A brother cannot well replace a husband Where it's a husband's place to claim his rights. DONA ANNA At home, you mean? But I.... DON DIEGO I mean in bed. DONA ANNA Diego! DON DIEGO Listen now. There is no shame In telling you this, not for me, at least. These sallow cheeks, this grim, unhealthy pallor, This hair with streaks of gray, this sullen look, The premature decay of the once-splendid body, All this - it could be helped, if only you Could force yourself into selecting one Of those three hundred estimable suitors I could procure for you with perfect ease. Just say the word! DONA ANNA Diego, let me tell you Once and for all - I am not interested In men, and if you wish to know the reason, Be good enough to listen. A pause. DON DIEGO Please go on. DONA ANNA After my husband's death, pain and remorse Were much too great - another man was quite Unthinkable, although back then, I was, As I remember now, somewhat attractive. Later, when years of grief had subtly stripped me At least in part of beauty, I could still Attract and charm and please and entertain, Endowed by grief, if nothing else, with something Which in these parts passes for wit, - an asset Valuable in Madrid, where laughter is - While reasons to repine are in abundance - Of value. Now that I'm much older still, As in four years I shall be joyless forty, There are but two things with whose aid I might Be able to attract a man. They are My title and your money. I'm so made That the mere thought of buying knowingly Sham happiness might force me to renounce All matters secular - and go into a convent. DON DIEGO You're wrong. You're very pretty. DONA ANNA Pray desist, Diego. I must go. Ah, look, your friend Ottavio has arrived. Enter Ottavio, out of breath. OTTAVIO Good day, S¥á®ra! Diego - I must speak with you at once. DONA ANNA I leave you, gentlemen. Farewell. DON DIEGO Good bye. OTTAVIO Farewell, S¥á®ra. Anna leaves. DON DIEGO Well, then! What's the matter! You look a fright, my friend - all sweat and dust. OTTAVIO No wonder - when I've travelled leagues and leagues In no time whatsoever from Seville! Horses kept melting under me like snow! I bring bad news, Diego. DON DIEGO Well, then. Speak. OTTAVIO I didn't see him, but I saw his servant. DON DIEGO Whose servant? OTTAVIO I shall tell you presently. Do you remember - fifteen years ago, When Don Rodrigo - may he rest in peace - Whose marble likeness here she visits daily - When he was killed - you promptly sent a challenge To his assassin? DON DIEGO Yes. OTTAVIO And that the king, In order to protect him - as you claimed - Exiled him? DON DIEGO Yes. OTTAVIO And that, before he left, He sent you a dispatch, in which he stated That challenges to him were sacred things, And that, no matter how prolonged his absence, A week, a month, a year, a century, - He would regard your challenge as still valid? DON DIEGO Yes, I remember that. OTTAVIO Now I must tell you That his exile is over, that your foe Is on his way - indeed, a quick hour's ride From here. DON DIEGO Why, he! OTTAVIO Unfortunately, yes. A pause. DON DIEGO Well, I must act. OTTAVIO Indeed, my friend. My horses Are at your service. Now, in Barcelona You have two ships, I think. With any luck You could reach Italy in a few days. DON DIEGO Ottavio - what, you thought I would escape? OTTAVIO What else is there to do? Well, you could hide In someone's cellar, but the other way Seems much more certain. DON DIEGO You're quite mad, Ottavio. One would suppose that you'd gone back to drinking, Spending your days in bed and nights at taverns! ....That I should hide or flee? defile forever My noble name and my proud ancestry? OTTAVIO Think of your sister. Once you're gone, she'll be Crushed and alone, in abject poverty. DON DIEGO It's one thing to be poor; it's quite another To have a ghastly coward for a brother. OTTAVIO (looking intently at Diego) You are afraid, S¥á®r. DON DIEGO Fear in itself Is not ignominy. It is an instinct, A hindrance which one knows how to surmount When one's good name and honor are at stake. OTTAVIO S¥á®r.... DON DIEGO Enough! I'm going to prepare My sword and pistols. Fare thee well, Ottavio. Oh - and I'm sure I'm glad to see you sober. He leaves stage-left. A pause. OTTAVIO Deuce take the pompous fool! Oh, Dona Anna! He leaves stage-right. Off-stage, Ottavio shouts. A pause. Stage-right, enter Leporello. LEPORELLO S¥á®r! S¥á®r! It's safe, there's no one here! DON JUAN (stealing in) Well! Here we are - back home, and none too soon. Who was that fellow I knocked down out yonder? LEPORELLO A watchman, naturally. I say, S¥á®r, You ought to be aware of your surroundings. DON JUAN Forgive me, my good man. I'm out of sorts. This absent-mindedness will be my downfall. (a pause) Look at this convent! Many years ago A child of sixteen, I would seek my peace Under that somber wall - and write a poem For Gilda - my abominable lust For her was overwhelming. Man! what fun! My yet unhardened, vulnerable heart Had not a moment's rest; my sight was blurred, My senses stunned, when half-awake, half-dead I dreamed of her at night; the silly boy! She was from Naples, was my maiden passion. (as an afterthought) Back then, Italian girls were much in fashion, Their poignant beauty sung throughout the land. LEPORELLO Much more so than their husbands, sword in hand. DON JUAN Say, Leporello - that astounding likeness, That marble image - was it there before? I don't remember it. LEPORELLO Nor I. It seems They've been artistically inclined here in our absence. DON JUAN (goes through the gate and looks closer) Looks like a monument, Italian style. Some follower of Michelangelo. LEPORELLO Who, the deceased? DON JUAN The maker. LEPORELLO Oh, I see. DON JUAN There's no inscription here. What modesty. To rig up something so original And carve no name upon the pedestal. Were I the author of this force and grace I would have carved mine right across the face. What do you think? LEPORELLO So help me, I don't like it. DON JUAN Why not? LEPORELLO Artistic gibberish aside, It's too morose for me, too grim. It's scary. DON JUAN I would agree with you, my Leporello, Did I not find a certain fascination In all things sinister. LEPORELLO Your friend the devil Might well agree with you. I, on my part, do not. DON JUAN And yet you've stuck with me for twenty years. LEPORELLO Employment is quite scarce these days, my lord. DON JUAN And then, you're never overworked, nor bored. LEPORELLO Bored - no, not anymore! DON JUAN Enough. Your silly fears Are, first, ungrounded, second, most annoying. LEPORELLO Just as you please, S¥á®r. However, toying With royal orders! DON JUAN Please! LEPORELLO Well, yes, it's true: The king was most considerate to you, Not harsh at all, most kind. Yet, for a while It sounded like a permanent exile. DON JUAN Oh, yes - my lot was cast before I could Defend myself - now, a reluctant rover, I roam the world. Bah! Never fear, good servant! We shall set off again, but not before My score is settled. The repugnant viper Who once made it his business that his challenge, His cause and his complaint were widely known, Indeed so widely that His Majesty Had to exile me - he shall die tonight. For perfidy must never go unpunished. I've suffered long enough. LEPORELLO Take my advice And let us leave. DON JUAN Come, Leporello. Here, Deliver this dispatch to Don Diego And tell him that tomorrow night, at ten He'll find me waiting at a certain inn Just on the outskirts, and the one he knows So well. LEPORELLO Must I? DON JUAN Parole d'honneur! LEPORELLO Your Grace, How do you know he won't laugh in my face? DON JUAN He won't. He's pompous, prejudiced, and boring. Do you suppose in all these years he's grown Original enough to scorn a foe, Discard an insult, disregard a challenge? Go. LEPORELLO My good lord, I beg you to consider. DON JUAN Consider what? LEPORELLO Another vicious murder! DON JUAN Murder? Oh, no. The ghastly guilt that binds us Together has no place here. An opponent Is never an assassin.... (roars) Go, you knave! Leporello does, reluctantly. DON JUAN Fifteen long years - and not a line of verse. A decade and a half of amorous adventures, Of hopeful evenings, when the belle's soft eyes Grow softer still with lust, when hands Are joined reluctantly at first, a kiss, A tress of hair against one's cheek - and then The night, so splendid in its vibrant darkness, Soothing and hopeful, full of expectations Beyond the wildest dreams, and then - the end, The shameful morning, when the bold seducer Crawls out of bed, and, throwing furtive glances At his fair victim, gathers up his boots, His shirt, his cloak, his sword and, on tip-toe, Beats an uncouth retreat. The horse is saddled, The road is clear - he's off at lightning speed, And, having traveled a respectful distance, He finds a castle, inn, a squalid den, To mark a new prey, to begin again. And then, of course, it oftentimes so happens That one's detained - and then, it never fails But that the belle will have a brave avenger - The husband if, through some farcical folly She happens to be married, or her brother, Should she not have the pleasure; and they come, Brimming with pious wrath and deadly venom, And offer one to have a fencing session In some dark place with them. They cannot bear To think that their beloved belle prefers A stranger's charms to theirs; they hope that steel Will serve them better than their wit and flesh. I don't know why. In all this time - no love, No poetry, no rest, no happiness. Well, time to go. Whoa, hush now! Someone's coming. Enter Dona Anna running, frightened. DONA ANNA Help me, S¥á®r! They're after me! I'm lost! She runs to the statue, looks back. Don Juan, drawing his sword, steps between her and the First Robber. The latter attacks him, and Don Juan easily puts him out of action by knocking him down with the hilt of his sword. The Second Robber runs in, only to stop abruptly, the point of Juan's sword at his throat. DON JUAN I'm sorry, sir, to interrupt your errand. You must be pressed for time. THE SECOND ROBBER S¥á®r, don't hurt me. DON JUAN Why would I hurt you? Your repugnant being, Your thoughts, your deeds are punishment enough. Pick up your comrade, pray and do relieve me Of your wearisome talk and of your presence. The Robber drags his companion across and off the stage. DONA ANNA Thank you, S¥á®r. You've saved my life. DON JUAN I did My duty as gentleman, no more. You ought to be more careful, my dear lady. DONA ANNA This place was once so safe! DON JUAN And you - so young. Precisely. But, as we are prone to change, So are the streets. What brings you here at this Unholy hour? DONA ANNA S¥á®r.... DON JUAN Were you a maiden Of gentle seventeen, I would assume It was a young heart's love. Were you a crone, Hunched, wheezing, grumbling - I would say, Remorse. You're neither quite the latter nor the former. Well, do not answer. Why, I must admit I'm being impolite - forgive me, pray, And, then, with your permission.... (he bows, turns; stops) By the way, You wouldn't know, perchance, whom is this image Meant to depict? No? Very well, good night. (walks towards the exit stage-right) DONA ANNA S¥á®r, a moment. DON JUAN Yes? DONA ANNA Just now I thought I knew you. DON JUAN Yes, indeed, how very curious! Thoughts that will cross one's mind at times! However, I must be on my way. DONA ANNA Yes, I can see that. You are a traveler. DON JUAN Is that a vice? DONA ANNA A plight, sir. DON JUAN Truly! DONA ANNA In your case it is. Reluctant journeys are a subtle torture, A painful duty for some men. You have Perhaps good reasons to be living thus - Always the road, the inn, the road again. DON JUAN Yes, do go on. DONA ANNA Well.... In my observation, There are two kinds of journeymen. One, when One finds one's joy in the mere act of motion, Traversing pointlessly both land and ocean Mounted, on board a vessel, or on foot; The other, when the rover, glum and mute Is making his escape. Guilt and remorse Are his pursuers. He may kill his horse, Hide, cheat, dream up new names, build reputations, Make war and serve a dozen different nations - And yet, do as he might, he won't attain His peace; thus, all his battles are in vain. And so, although I haven't heard your story, It seems to me you fit the latter category. A pause. DON JUAN Forgive me. I've been rude. DONA ANNA Oh, not at all. (a pause) I come here often to reflect and pray. This marble statue here was once erected In mem'ry of my hapless, poor late husband Ruthlessly slain some fifteen years ago By someone called Don Juan, a libertine. Don Juan goes to the statue, touches the marble. DON JUAN Commander Sanchez. DONA ANNA Yes, that was his name. How did you know? Were you his friend? DON JUAN Not quite. (a pause) I've heard of him. And so, for fifteen years, You've mourned him. Ah, you must have loved him so! DONA ANNA Not really. DON JUAN No?... DONA ANNA A certain sentiment Compels me to be faithful to his grave. DON JUAN Propriety? DONA ANNA No. Guilt. For on the day Of his untimely death, I loved another. Platonically, of course. He was a youth Of most imposing qualities - a poet Of quite an irresistible appeal. He disappeared - I haven't seen him since. DON JUAN What was his name? DONA ANNA Don Pedro. A pause. DON JUAN Goodness gracious! So, to atone for that innocent prank, You doom yourself to solitude and boredom! DONA ANNA Not quite so innocent, nor just a prank. I loved the boy with all my heart. That night I was prepared, in youthful recklessness, To cast my virtue at his feet. My husband's Untimely death prevented me from falling So low. DON JUAN Just one more question. Fifteen years Is a considerable interval. And yet Who knows?... Well! Do you love that rascal still? DONA ANNA Whom? DON JUAN Why, Don Pedro. DONA ANNA In my mind, he's still A boy of twenty. DON JUAN That is not an answer. DONA ANNA You're indiscreet. DON JUAN Just that? I'm insolent, I have no manners; I'm a ghastly brute. But - do you love him still? DONA ANNA Well, I don't know. It's been so long.... DON JUAN ....since credulous Dolores Agreed to grant the boy a rendezvous. DONA ANNA Dolores! You remember, then. DON JUAN Indeed. They look each other in the eye. DONA ANNA And so.... DON JUAN What is your true name, pray? DONA ANNA And yours? Don Juan smiles and averts his eyes for a moment. DON JUAN Don Pedro, at the time, had nothing to conceal. DONA ANNA That so? DON JUAN Parole d'honneur! DONA ANNA I'm Dona Anna. You haven't changed much. DON JUAN (laughs) Just a few gray streaks, A wrinkle here and there; but otherwise I'm just as silly, I suppose. DONA ANNA And I? DON JUAN Remove that hood that I might look at you. DONA ANNA Oh, but.... DON JUAN For the old time's sake! She removes her hood. He looks at her appraisingly at first; presently, his expression changes; his eyes flash. Dona Anna is neither shy nor coquettish. A pause. DON JUAN (smiling) Goodness me! You're just as beautiful - but no; much more! What? DONA ANNA Shameless flatterer! DON JUAN I never flatter. Listen, Dolores - Anna! Let us have Dinner someplace - your place? For I have much To tell you. I have traveled, I have seen A dozen countries. DONA ANNA Yes - tomorrow, then.... DON JUAN Tomorrow? Why not now? DONA ANNA It's late. I have A reputation to uphold; thus, lest your visit Should be wrongly interpreted by some Improperly imaginative neighbors - Pray call on me tomorrow afternoon. DON JUAN I cannot wait that long! DONA ANNA I've waited longer. They look each other in the eye. She leaves quickly. DON JUAN (with an exasperated gesture) I can't believe myself! Ah! shameless fool! She's aged! she's much too old! restrain yourself! Destroy that woman's peace with hopes and dreams, Would you? Abandon her, like all those others? Would you, you ghastly sinner? Quick, to horse - Away from here! France, Wales, Americay! Where is that most abhorrent Leporello? Deuce take him! Leporello! Knave! To horse! Curtain. SCENE THREE Don Diego's house. Conchita and Don Diego. DON DIEGO Conchita, child, what brings you here so late? CONCHITA My lord, I beg you - I must speak to you. DON DIEGO Indeed, we have so much to tell each other. Tomorrow morning, come again. I'll be Entirely at your service. CONCHITA No, my lord. I must not leave here with a heavy heart. Waiting would kill me outright. I must speak At once, and have your answer. DON DIEGO Now? CONCHITA Directly. DON DIEGO Well, since, in fact, there's still a little time.... But I must warn you, I shall go quite soon. CONCHITA This won't take long. My lord, since our engagement I've been so anxious - it is difficult For me to speak. My lord, I hardly know Where to begin. DON DIEGO You worry me, my child. What's on your mind? CONCHITA My lord, I'm but eighteen. I must, to someone of your stamp, seem quite ¯ ¯ve. Were life a golden cup containing wisdom, Anxiety, experience, delight, Sorrow and grief, abandon, love and hatred - I'd say I'd never touched my lips to its Mysterious and potent liquid. I Am to this day a simple country girl. When Mother said I should be good to you, I followed her advice. When our engagement Was publicly announced - I trembled, but Still I complied; but now, the day is near On which we wed. I must confess to you A terrible, dark and unseemly secret. My lord, I do not love you. A pause. DON DIEGO Love, my child Is but a word. It is, I know, in vogue, Thanks much to certain frivolous endeavors Of literary nature, coming from The North - from France, that is; one nation that Mocks marriage, scorns the ancient laws, condemns The very thing upon which nature thrives - The family. In Spain, I'll have you know, There is but one remaining gentleman Who shares their ghastly views; but presently We shall be rid of him. CONCHITA My lord, I beg you! DON DIEGO Enough, my child. Though it was most imprudent On your dear parents' part to let you read Those French frivolities, pray rest assured That I shall not allow them in my house. Enough, I say! Go home, and in the morning We will go out - discreetly - in my carriage, And I shall speak to you of life and marriage. Begone. Enter Ottavio. OTTAVIO My lord, it's time. DON DIEGO Dear friend - good evening. A timely visit. Take your sister home. OTTAVIO My lord, a word with you. DON DIEGO Sorry. I'm late. Or, if you wish, you may have dinner here And wait for my return. OTTAVIO But you must not Risk everything, my lord! DON DIEGO A lot you know! Our Lord is on my side. I cannot fail. I go. He leaves. OTTAVIO Sister! CONCHITA Ottavio, why? OTTAVIO Hush. Do sit down. "Our Lord is on my side." The pompous wretch, The blasphemer! He sits down exasperatedly. CONCHITA Ottavio, I am frightened. I do not want to marry him. OTTAVIO I say, After what happens now, I doubt you'll have to. CONCHITA What are you saying? OTTAVIO That one might as well Find the good mason who erected that Much-praised by critics marble masterpiece Outside the convent. Soon there'll be another. The husband's there, we'll need one for the brother. Poor Dona Anna! CONCHITA Brother, please explain.... OTTAVIO Conchita - there are hypocrites in Spain Who think it is their duty to be pompous, Who love tradition which they understand And hate the truth which rather they did not. The nonsense which they call their code of honor Blinds them. Anna - the sweetest one on earth, One of great loyalty - once lost her husband Who left her nothing but a shabby house Swarming with rats, because he was convinced That his barbarous pride was worth far more Than his unhappy wife's peace, love, and welfare. She lost him to a sword-thrust. Fifteen years She spent alone in abject poverty. Each week, her brother paid her an allowance Sufficient quite, perhaps, to keep a dog Alive - but quite unfit for gentlefolk Who know no trade and, ultimately, have No means of learning one. She did accept Her brother's kindness - there's no shame in that. But - what d'you know! The gracious cavalier Who was once dim enough to send a challenge Is now preposterous enough to own it. His confirmation sent, he must now die. The hand that once destroyed the pompous husband Will soon annihilate the hypocrite. The sword is poised to strike, the steel is hot. The convent shall be Dona Anna's lot. A long pause. CONCHITA Say, brother - since you do appear to know him - What is his name? OTTAVIO Whose? CONCHITA Why, Diego's foe's. OTTAVIO Don Juan. CONCHITA What! OTTAVIO Yes. It's only fair, I think That Don Diego, childish as he is, Is set to fight the swiftest blade in Spain. Self-slaughter, after all, is almost murder, And knowingly opposing Juan is nothing Short of self-slaughter. Thus, we might as well Pity the silly wretch. He'll burn in hell Before the sun comes up this morning. CONCHITA I Would like to see that man. OTTAVIO Oh, really? Why? CONCHITA I hardly know myself. OTTAVIO I think I do. CONCHITA You do? OTTAVIO Yes. Sister, sister! It is true That a mere thought of him can fascinate A gentle maiden's heart. His ghastly fame Sets him apart from all. There is in him The mystery of life, so dear to all romantics, The poetry of spheres cherished by women, The brutal force that sets their hearts athrob, The chivalry, the courtesy, the suaveness Of the proverbial cavaliers of old, And then, of course, his legendary courage