 | Les brigands |  |
ACT I.
Scene.—A rugged mountain pass—at the back a practicable path from the stage winds up the mountain. Entrance to a cavern R. Stool R. Trees on the mountain. Barbavano, Domino, and other Brigands discovered. —Horn sounded.Dom.
The horn on yonder mountain has loudly sounded thrice!
Assemble, comrades, come! gather round, gather round in a trice.
Five or six Brigands enter R. and L.
Bar.
(crossing R.)
Who goes there?
Voices
(without)
Brigands, all! brigands, all!
Bar.
The countersign deliver!
Dom.
The watchword, quickly!
Voices.
(without)
Pistol-slugs, hand-grenades, cannon-balls, thunder-bombs.
Dom.
Through the briar and bramble prickly,
Let them pass! let them pass! our brave captain arrives.
[the other Brigands enter by the mountain path, R.
Chorus of Brigands.
Two by two, or three by three,
Four by four, as the case may be,
Do we scour the glades nocturnal,
Prowling after deeds infernal.
Enter Carmagnola with more Brigands, L.
Dom.
Carmagnola!
Car.
Hold your tongue—hide yourself!
Dom.
But why?
Car.
Will you be off?
Dom.
What mystery is rife, sir?
Car.
No answer I give—if you value your life, sir,
Hide yourself!
Dom.
Let us hide.
Chorus
as before.
Two by two, three by three,
Four by four, as the case may be,
Thus we prowl through glades nocturnal,
As we compass deeds infernal.
[they conceal themselves behind rocks.—Enter over mountain L. a venerable Hermit, followed by eight young Peasant Girls.— Day breaks.
Fiametta.
For many a mile, till we are weary,
Good hermit, have we followed thee—
And yet thy cavern bleak and dreary
We grieve to say, we do not see.
Ah! tell us kindly,
Where, so blindly—
Where on earth are we going to?
Hermit
(in a disguised voice)
This is the road to wisdom true.
Zerlina.
It is a pretty road, no doubt,
And a pleasant road to travel by,
But it seems very much to wind about,
Ah! tell us kindly,
Where so blindly—
Where on earth will it take us to?
Hermit.
(as before)
This is the road to wisdom true.
Fia.
Say, shall we soon arrive?
Ah! tell us kindly,
Trusting blindly—
Say, shall we soon arrive?
The Hermit
(throwing off his beard and gown, and appearing as Falsacappa, Chief of the Banditti).
We have arrived, my dears!
Wom.
Falsacappa!
Cecinella.
We are lost—hope is past!
Fal.
Yes, 'tis I—'tis Falsacappa—
You never dreamt of this, ha, ha!
All.
Falsacappa!
Fal.
Who is the chief, whose brown banditti
Pillages every passer by?
All.
Falsacappa!
Fal.
Who is the dread of town and city?
Who is the robber chief? Reply!
All.
Falsacappa!
Fal.
Often I bid my band assemble,
Collar a traveller, all a-tremble—
And he in a fright,
Unhappy wight,
Cries as he falls, terrified quite,
“'Tis Ernesto Falsacappa.”
All.
Falsacappa!
Fal.
Who is the chief whose reckless blade is
Sheathed when he sees a woman's dress?
All.
Falsacappa!
Fal.
Who, when he meets with fair young ladies,
Tempers his code with gentleness?
All.
Falsacappa!
Fal.
Oft, when I bid my band assemble,
Many a pretty girl, all a-tremble,
Falls at my feet, enamoured, quite,
Crying aloud, mad with delight,
“'Tis Ernesto Falsacappa!”
All.
Falsacappa!
Long live Falsacappa! / Mercy, Falsacappa!
Fal.
What do you fear, pretty dear?
Not Falsacappa, my darling?
Quickly, away you go—presto, presto!
Off to your duty below—presto, presto!
All, all, away—excepting ye,
Who are my brave lieutenants three.
Brig.
Now to our, &c.
Ensemble.
Women
When of our charms they think, they think, they think,
The terrible fellows, they wink, they wink,
Ogle us all—they do—they do!
Its flattering pr'aps, but startling too!
Bri.
Now to our hiding places go, &c.
These sweet girls with dancing eyes, sir—
These fair maidens are our prize, sir,
Oh captain, say that they are ours—
Fal.
Let them be!
Bri.
Oh, but why?
Fal.
Shut them up in the cave—all in solitude quite—
We will decide on their fate by lot, by lot, to-night
All.
By lot to-night!—to-night!
Fal.
Now to your hiding places go, &c.
Bri.
Now to our hiding places go, &c.
Women
When of women they think, &c.
[some of the Brigands enter with the women into the cave— others exeunt R. and L. Pietro enters over the mountain, L.
Fal.
Wine and women! they think of nothing else! Ha, Pietro,
what's the matter?
Pie.
Captain, a deputation of your men is anxious to have a word
with you.
Fal.
Very good—fire away.
Bar.
Well, captain, we've got a greviance.
Fal.
Most men have.
Bar.
Ah, but ours is not an every day grievance.
Fal.
I'm glad of that. What do you complain of?
Bar.
Well we havn't enough work to do—
Far.
That, certainly is not an every day grievance—but descend
to particulars.
Dom.
Well, then, the business don't pay. Last week we marched
ninety miles to steal seventeen francs.
Bar,
Which had to be divided among sixty-three claimants.
Car.
And ten francs of it you took yourself. Now it is our unanimous
opinion that—
(aside to the others)
What is our unanimous opinion?
(they whisper to him)
Oh! of course, yes,
(aloud)
—it is our unanimous
opinion that something must be done!
Fal.
(aside to Pie.)
What shall I say?
Pie.
Better promise them something, or perhaps, if you gave them
the ten francs—
Fal.
(after consideration)
I think I would rather promise them something,
(aloud)
Gentlemen, you desire that something should be done.
Good. Something shall be done forthwith. Upon my honour,
gentlemen.
Bar.
We don't like the security!
Fal.
Well then, by the head of my daughter, Fiorella, I swear, that
to-morrow morning you shall be employed upon a most lucrative expedition
—there! Ah—here she comes!
Enter Fiorella over mountain from L., she carries a carbine.
Song—Fio.
A hat and a bright little feather—
Gun on my shoulder, so—
A dagger in scabbard of leather,
A pistol for a foe!
And when the banditti are sleeping,
Down in yon rocky dell,
My bright eyes a vigil are keeping
My father's sentinel!
A carbineer if you can show me,
Doomed to be shot is he—
Bang! bang!
Ah, 'tis Fiorella, they know me!
The brigand's daughter, she!
I climb just like a chamois ranger—
When I meet with terrible danger
My young heart is all a-fire!
My courage, I've shown, is high mettled.
My hand, though few my years,
Already finally has settled,
A dozen carbineers!
A carbineer if you can show me,
Doomed to be shot is he!
Bang! Bang!
Ah, 'tis Fiorella—they know me!
The brigand's daughter I!
All.
Ah, 'tis Fiorella—we know thee!
The brigand's daughter thou!
Fal.
My daughter!
Fio.
My father!
(they embrace
Fal.
Gentlemen, I will explain the expedition to which I referred.
You are aware that a marriage is announced between the Princess of
Grenada and our young sovereign the Duke of Mantua?
Bar.
We are!
Fal.
Good. In honour of this marriage, certain entertainments will
be given at the ducal palace; in issuing these invitations it is possible that
we may be overlooked, nevertheless, gentlemen, we will be there, you
understand, we will be there. Now go.
Pie.
Long live Falsacappa!
(more loudly as if to excite the others.)
Long live Falsacappa!
All.
(very quiety.)
Long live Falsacappa!
Fal.
Really, gentlemen, this enthusiasm overpowers me, the exertion
must be tremendous. No doubt you would like to lie down after it—go,
my friends, and recruit exhausted nature.
[exeunt Dom. R., Bar. and Car. into the cavern.
Fio.
Papa, do you know that this is your birth-day?
Fal.
My birthday? to be sure it is!
Fio.
Well, here is a little present.
[giving box.
Fal.
A little present?
(opens it and a little Jack-in-the-box gend'arme
springs out.)
Hullo, what's this? Agend'arme?
Fio.
A gend'arme? That's my little professional joke.
Fal.
Then your little professional joke is in very bad taste. Don't
you joke on serious subjects again.
Fio.
There's—there's something else.
Fal.
(looking into box.)
Why so there is, a portrait.
(taking out portrait.)
Your portrait, Fiorella? This is a surprise, and in court dress, too.
Kiss me.
(kisses her.)
Why how grave you look! what's the matter, have
you got a grievance too?
Fio.
Yes, I have.
Fal.
Oh, I thought so.
Fio.
Father, I don't like this life, and that's the truth: it isn't
respectable, it isn't indeed. I own to having felt serious scruples lately.
Fal.
Oh! only lately.
Fio.
Yes, since the day when our band attacked that comfortable
young farmer.
Fal.
Which comfortable young farmer? We've attacked so many
comfortable young farmers.
Fio.
I mean Fragoletto,—last Wednesday. Well, while you were all
engaged pillaging his house, I couldn't assist—I couldn't move a finger,
my eyes were fixed on him, and as I looked at his beautiful face, I began
to think that this sort of thing was extremely wrong. I—hush, someone
comes.
Brigands
(without.)
Here he is, bring him in.
Dom.
A prisoner! a prisoner!
[enter Dom. leading Fra., followed by the rest of the band enter from all sides, five or six Brigands, R.
We've seized this very little chap,
Perhaps he isn't worth a rap—
If but a franc he'll us allow,
Why that is something anyhow.
Fio.
(aside,)
Tis he!
Fra.
(aside.)
Tis she!
Fio.
(aside.)
Tis he, I must dissemble.
Dom.
My friends, he's safe, all right,
I've got him, and I've got him tight!
Fra.
Your sense, not over bright,
Allow me to awaken,
You say you got me tight,
I think you are mistaken,
Quite mistaken,
One blow and down you go.
[frees himself, knocking down Dom., the other Brigands threaten Fra. with daggers.
All.
Die, reckless little fellow!
Fio.
(drawing her dagger and defending Fra.)
Oh dear no! oh dear no!
[she takes his hand.
Fal.
This inaning
Want's explaining,
There's a mystery somewhere here;
Perhaps my daughter,
(As I've caught her,)
Will consent to make it clear.
Ensemble.
Fal.
This inaning
Wants explaining, &c.
Fra. & Fio.
This inaning
Wants explaining?
Well, to me the girl/lad is dear.
So, your daughter,
(As you've caught her)
Condescends to make it clear.
Brig.
This inaning
She's explainining—
Why to her the lad is dear!
Thus, your daughter
(As you've caught her)
Condescends to make it clear.
All.
Yield!
Fra.
Certainly. I yield to this charming young lady. You are all
very zealous fellows, but, like many other zealous fellows, you give
yourselves a great deal of unnecessary trouble.
Fal.
Explain yourself.
Fra.
I will, captain: your men lay in wait for me during the last half
hour. They then rushed out upon me, and seizing me by the throat,
they swore they would drag me into your presence. Nothwithstanding
the oppressive weather, they carried their threat into execution, with a
display of energy worthy of a better cause. See how pumped they are.
They might have spared themselves the trouble, as I was coming of my
own accord.
Fal.
Coming of your own accord! Why, you must be mad.
Fra.
No; not exactly mad—I'm in love.
Fal.
It's the same thing.
I'm in love with your daughter.
Fal.
Indeed! I'm very much flattered—
Fra.
Not at all. I'll tell you all about it.
Your taste for depredation,
At first I was rather annoyed,
But that was of brief duration.
For, Miss, when you then met my view,
Vanished all traces of sorrow,
I hoped 'twould be my fortune to
Be robbed again tomorrow.
“You may pillage all day,” thought I,
“Pillage, and burn, and slaughter,
“So that you let me stand by,
“Gazing upon your daughter.”
These men of your commanding,
For, when you left me all alone,
My walls alone were standing!
You took my wheat and barley crop,
The hook with which I reap them,
My clock—my bed—my razor-strop—
You've got them—you may keep them.
You may pillage all day, say I, &c.
Fal.
Fire and fury—why, this amounts to a declaration! You appear
to forget, sir, that you are—
Fra.
An honest man? Ah, I thought that would be an objection.
Fal.
Marry my daughter to an honest man! Never!
Fra.
(taking his hand)
I honour your sentiments, sir. They do
credit to your head and your heart. You are quite right—you are a
scoundrel of the deepest dye, and you want another scoundrel of the
deepest dye for a son-in-law. Isn't it so?
Fal.
Well, it isn't prettily expressed, but as you put it in that way,
it is so. You see family traditions must be preserved, and a Falsacappa
never yet was guilty of a mésalliance.
Fra.
Good! Then I'll qualify at once—I join your band.
Fio.
What devotion!
Fal.
But what proof have we of your courage?
Fra.
Try me! Give me a deed of blood!
Fal.
I will. Come, gentlemen, we will make a short excursion into
the mountains to see what stuff this young fellow is made of.
[Exeunt Fal. and Brigands, L. who sing chorus “We've got this very little chap.”
Fra.
Good, I follow.
(to Fio.)
Mademoiselle, it is for you that I
have taken this desperate step—won't you say something to me?
Fio.
Yes—well—I've heard all you've said—
Fra.
Well!
Fio.
And I never was so happy in all my life!
Fra.
My love!
(trying to embrace her.)
Fio.
Oh dear no—not yet. We will get to that by degrees. It is
better to begin at the beginning. This is the beginning.
[shakes hands formally
Fra.
Well, it's very pleasant as far as it goes! Now I'm off!
[exit, L.
Enter the Duke of Mantua over the mountains—he is elegantly attired in riding dress. Fio. sees him and cries out.
Pie.
Hey! what's the matter?
Fio.
Look, a young gentleman!
I beg your pardon—I've lost my way—will you be so good as to
direct me to the town?
Pie.
Oh, it's a very difficult road, my lord, you'll want a guide. I'll
go and find one. I won't be a moment.
Pri.
There's no hurry, my friend, take your time
(sighing and looking
at Fio.)
Oh, there's no hurry!
Pie.
Hold him tight. I'll be back with the band in a minute.
(aloud).
I'm off, sir!
[exit, L.
Fio.
(aside)
He's very handsome! And to think that in a few minutes
he'll be—Ah, it's a pity!
Pri.
This is quite an adventure.
Fio.
(aside)
I think you'll find it is!
Pri.
I don't want to frighten you—but I can't help saying that you're
uncommonly pretty.
Fio.
Oh, I'm not a bit frightened. I've heard it before.
Pri.
It's quite romantic, falling in with you here all alone in the
mountains. In about five minutes I shall be over head and ears in love
with you.
Fio.
Five minutes! If it takes as long as that it's no use beginning.
In five minutes you'll be—
(aside)
It is a pity! He's extremely nice!
(aloud)
Now, if you'll take my advice you'll be off as fast as your legs
can carry you. Come, trot!
Pri.
So I will, when that aged hermit returns.
Fio.
Ah, you'd better not wait for the aged hermit. He won't come
back alone.
Pri.
No—of course. He'll bring a guide.
Fio.
A guide! Do you know what I am?
Pri.
Well, let me see! Yes! I should say an innocent little
shepherdess.
Fio.
Unsophisticated soul!
Pri.
Well, what are you, then?
Fio.
Listen! my father is a brigand chief.
Pri.
And you?
Fio.
I am—start not—his daughter.
Pri.
Impossible!
Fio.
But true!
Pri.
I don't like brigands.
Fio.
I do. It's a matter of taste.
Pri.
And your father will return with his men?
Fio.
Yes—there are sixty-six of them.
Pri.
Oh! Then pr'aps I'd better go?
Fio.
Well, perhaps you had.
Pri.
And if I do, what will you think of me?
Fio.
I shall think you a great donkey if you don't.
Pri.
That decides me. I go. Which is the way?
Fio.
I'll tell you.
Rondeau. Fiorella.
Take the turning on the right sir—
When you've travelled pretty far,
Take the footpath down the height, sir,
Till you reach a rocky bar—
You will see a pathway winding
Where those stately pine trees are,
Mind you're careful this in finding,
Let it be your guiding star—
Please to leave my hand alone, sir,
Listen pray to what I say
If you must squeeze, squeeze your own, sir,
I want mine to point the way.
Climb and grapple like a tar,
Then you'll see a cottage humble
Where you're sure to get a car.
Take it with a horse, unless sir,
Modest charges you debar—
It will drive to your address, sir,
If it is not very far.
[he kisses her
Oh, go away!
He dares embrace me!
Have done—have done—yet I like it too!
Have done, sir, papa will trace me—
A minute, and he'll be due—
If he returns—in minutes few
I think he will astonish you!
Go away—go away—
Cross the rocks, &c.
Ensemble.
Fio.
Now you know
How to go—
Not a word,
How absurd!
Go away
Go away!
Pri.
Now I know
How to go,
Not a word?
How absurd!
I'll away
As you say
I'll away!
I'll away!
Exit Prince among the rocks, L. Falsacappa, followed by Pietro enters over mountain, L.
Fal.
Well, where's this young man?
Fio.
Gone!
Fal.
Gone! So he is—I see him—wait a bit!
[cocks his pistol
Fio.
Forbear!
Fal.
Why?
Fio.
He is too good looking.
Fal.
Ha!
[about to strike her—Pie. interferes.
Pie.
Hold! She is your daughter!
Fal.
Ter-rue.
[picture.
Pie.
Tableau.
Fio.
Forgive me—my conscientious scruples—
Fal.
Yes, but what's to become of an industrious hard-working
brigand, whose daughter's scruples cause her to liberate all the young
men he captures?
Fio.
He was so handsome! After all, its only natural.
Fal.
My love, in the present artificial condition of society, we cannot
afford to listen to the promptings of nature. That which is natural is
always unbusiness like. But here come my men. We shall learn how
our young friend has behaved in his inaugural expedition.
Enter all the Brigands and Fragaletto over mountain.
Chorus.
Like a tiger, this little chap
Stopped a party—man, horse and trap;
For his life he cared not a rap—
Such a very brave little chap.
Fra.
Falsacappa, behold my booty,
He is a royal messenger—
Say that I've fairly done my duty,
I shall be quite contented, sir,
I listened, and heard his horses trample,
As I concealed in ambush lay,—
Setting to all a good example,
With this I kept his horse at bay.
[patting his rifle.
Seizing him by the collar, so, sir—
I made the man my prisoner;
“Folly,” said he, “now let me go, sir,
I am a royal messenger.”
All.
He is a royal messenger.”
Fra.
Falsacappa, behold my, &c.
Once I hesitated—
Half a second waited—
Weak it was—but then you see
This line of life is new to me.
Then Fiorella's beauty
Nerved me to my duty—
Her papa I must obey,
And drive all fear away,
Thereupon my eyes began to
Look on my work with proper pride.
I annexed his little portmanteau.
Collared his horse and trap beside.
He resisted swearing gruffly,
Struggled and kicked, despite his fears,
Seizing the fellows jacket roughly,
I laid his whip about his ears!
Clic! clac!
Falscappa, behold my booty, &c.
Fal.
Excellent. Now to examine its contents
(opens valise and takes
out some documents)
Ho! ho! political papers, referring to the marriage
of the Princess of Grenada with our sovereign, the Duke of Mantua.
(reads)
“Deducting the two millions which represent the Princess's
dowry, the sum due by the Court of Mantua to the Court of Grenada is
reduced to three millions. These three millions will be paid over to the
officer who escorts the Princess.”
Pie.
Three millions!
Fal.
It further says that the Princess's portrait is enclosed, for
purposes of identification, as the Prince has never yet set eyes on her
Where is the portrait?
Pie.
Here!
(taking portrait from valise).
Fal.
It's not bad. But she's not as pretty as Fiorella
(taking Fio's
portrait from his pocket and comparing them)
.
Gentlemen, as loyal
subjects I think we are bound not to interfere with the Prince's matrimonial
arrangement. So I shall restore the portrait.
(places his daughter's portrait in casket, pockets the portrait of the princess)
Pie.
Stop! you've made a mistake—you've, ha! ha! you've—ha! ha!
you've put your daughter's portrait in the casket instead of the
princess's.
Fal.
Are you sure that it's a mistake?
Why of course—
Fal.
Pietro, you're an ass. Here, courier—take your valise—take
your valise—take your horse, and take yourself off.
All.
Shame! shame!
Fal.
Silence, and let him pass!
(courier takes valise and exit over
mountain L. rapidly)
Gentlemen, you desired that something should be
done. Very good! To-morrow we put into execution the most magnificent
project that it ever occurred to brigand chief to conceive. Send
for the ladies—to-night I authorise a judicious revel in honour of the
accession to our band.
Enter Zerlina, Fiametta, Cecinella, Bianca, and other peasants.
Chorus.
Come sing, and turn about gaily,
Come hail our new friend with a song,
His heart is brave—he'll prove it daily—
Dignus, dignus, est intrare.
Dom.
Quick, quick, guitars be quickly bringing,
And tambourine.
Fal.
And bring us also many skins of wine,
And we will dance till the gray morning light.
Cho.
Come, sing, &c.
Fal.
'Ere he can join, he, nothing loth,
First must take our family oath.
Fiorella, let him understand
All he must promise to our band.
Fio.
You swear to bow to every measure,
Whatever fortune may occur?
Years three, or six, or nine, at pleasure,
Renewable at option, sir?
Fra.
Yes, I swear it!
Fio.
Here's a brigand's hat,
With a ribbon plait.
If you feel decided yearnings
To enlist in this, our band,
Swear that all your little earnings
To your captain you will hand;
Money, jewels, food, or tillage—
Hand it over—then you may.
Cho.
Money, jewels, food, or tillage,
Hand it over—then you may—
Fio. & Fra.
Sack and pillage town and village,
Sack and pillage all the day.
Fio.
Sometimes, after weary waiting,
We catch women—well, take care—
Lady-folk are fascinating,
If you flirt with them, beware!
All their money you may pillage—
Nothing else, remember, pray!
Pillage, pillage, town and village,
Sack and pillage all the day!
Cho.
Pillage, pillage, &c.
Never fear, my dear young lady,
Hear me swear it, as I sing,
I should be a scoundrel shady,
Did I dream of such a thing!
All the terms that you're revealing,
I agree to cheerfully.
Cho.
All the terms, &c.
Fra.
If a kiss I must be stealing,
I will steal it, dear, from thee.
Fio.
If a kiss you must be stealing,
You may steal it dear, from me.
Cho.
Pillage, pillage, &c.
Cho.
Yes, we will hail our comrade gaily
Worthy is he—he'll prove it daily!
Fal.
We will be quite,
Jolly to-night!
Cho.
We will be quite
Jolly to-night!
Each with his arm round his young lady
Stroll among rocks and valleys shady—
We will be quite
Jolly to-night!
Fio.
Dancing and singing,
Dance and folly,
We'll be jolly
As can be!
Away from me,
Melancholy.
From thought of care I would be free.
Cho.
With song and wine, &c.
We will be quite
Unchecked to night!
We will be quite
Tipsy to-night.
Each with his arm, &c.
Pie.
Listen pray—listen pray—what is that I hear?
Look there—look there—by yonder mountain!
The glitter of armour appears—
Fal.
Danger is near!
All.
Danger is near!
Fal.
I think I recognise the tramp, tramp—
I recognise the tramp, and the tramp, and the tramp—
These are the royal carbineers!
Cam., Dom. & Pie.
These are the royal carbineers!
Fal.
I hear the tramp and the tramp, and the tramp,
All.
The tramp, tramp of the carbineers,
Fra.
If we must fight, why here, why here am I?
Fal.
Stop a bit my man—by and-bye!
Although we show no fear or pallor
Perhaps we can a better plan devise—
Discretion we must exercise,
It is the better part of valour.
Be wary—be wary.
[they conceal themselves.
I'm sure I hear the tramp, and the tramp, &c.
Enter the Carbineers, R. They cross the stage singing.
We are mighty carbineers
All with glorious careers,
But it is most unfortunate,
That though we feel no kind of fears
Somehow we are always too late!
Dom.
(re-appearing)
These muffs their duties have they ended?
Have they gone? to the town descended?
These muffs their duties have not ended—
Fal.
These muffs, I see, have re-ascended!
Silence again!
All.
Silence again!
[they conceal themselves
Carbineers re-enter, L., and cross the stage.
Chorus of carbineers.
We are mighty carbineers, &c.
[exeunt, R.
Bri.
We think we heard the tramp, tramp, &c.
Fal.
Be silent, and we'll baulk the foe—
Be still—be still until they go—
We'll sing, very low—
Quite low—quite low—
Piano—
Pianissimo—
All.
(in a whisper)
We think we heard, &c.
Cho.
With song and wine,
Dance and folly, &c.
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