Fryderyk Franciszek Adam’s Reviews > The Servant of Two Masters > Status Update

Truff. Yes, sir, I did, that was the very trick. I took on the job without thinking; just to see what I could do. It did not last long, 'tis true; but at any rate I can boast that nobody would ever have found me out, if I had not given myself away for love of this girl here.

Flor. Signora Beatrice, where is your servant?
Beat. Why, here! Truffaldino, of course.
Flor. Truffaldino? he is my servant!
Beat. Is not yours called Pasquale?
Flor. Pasquale? I thought Pasquale was yours!
Beat. [to Truff.]. How do you explain this?
Truff. [makes silent gestures asking for forgiveness].
Flor. You rascal!
Beat. You knave!

Pant. [to Clar.]. What is all this whispering about?
Clar. Nothing, sir. She had something to say to me.
Sil. [to Clar.]. May I not know?
Clar. How inquisitive they all are! And then they talk about us women!

Sil. [to Doc.]. Sir, I beg you, let everyone do as they will; do not be so put out about it. Now that I am happy, I want all the world to be happy too. Is any one else going to be married? let them all get married.
Smer. [to Sil.]. What about me, sir?
Sil. Whom are you going to marry?
Smer. The first man that comes along, sir.
Sil. Find him then; I am here.

Pant. And you have found your young gentleman at last? so I hear.
Beat. Yes, Heaven has made us happy.
Doc. A nice reputation you have made yourself!
Beat. Sir, you have no business with my affairs.

Truff. The fellow's nowhere to be seen. His master wants to dress, and he goes out on his own and is nowhere to be found.
Flor. Of whom are you speaking?
Truff. Of Pasqual'. I love him, he is a good friend of mine, but he's a lazy dog. Now I am a servant worth two.

Flor. What strange things have happened in the course of this one day! Tears, lamentations and anguish, and then at last consolation and happiness. From tears to laughter is a happy step, which makes us forget our agonies, but when we pass from pleasure to pain the change is even yet more acutely perceptible.

Truff. [aside]. For invention, for promptness and for intrigue I will challenge the Attorney-General.

Flor. [aside to Truff.]. Are you so devoted a friend to Pasquale?
Truff. I love him as if he were my own brother. Now I am going to the lady, and I am going to tell her that it was all my fault; she may scold me as she pleases and do what she will to me, but I will protect Pasqual'. [Truff. moves towards Beat.
Flor. Well, [aside] He's certainly a very loyal and affectionate character.

Truff. [aside to Flor.]. For the love of heaven, your honour, do not say it was Pasqual'. I'd rather you told the lady it was me. You can give me a beating if you like, but don't, don't let any trouble come to Pasqual'.