ÊÃÁ: Êèåâñêàÿ ãîðîäñêàÿ áèáëèîòåêà URL: http://lib.misto.kiev.ua/ZHURNAL/ROMANOWSKIJ/juan.dhtml 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 Såñîr, 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, Såñîr? DON JUAN (looks up) Oh, not at all. LEPORELLO My supper! Såñîr, 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, Såñîr. 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 Såñîr, 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 Såñîr - 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 Såñîr! 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 Såñîr! 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) Såñîr, 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. Såñîr, 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, Såñîra! Diego - I must speak with you at once. DONA ANNA I leave you, gentlemen. Farewell. DON DIEGO Good bye. OTTAVIO Farewell, Såñîra. 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, Såñîr. 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 Såñîr.... 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 Såñîr! Såñîr! 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, Såñîr, 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, Såñîr. 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, Såñîr! 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 Såñîr, 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, Såñîr. 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 Såñîr.... 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 Såñîr, 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 ïàïve. 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 Which has allowed him to defy the king, Laugh at his foes, and scorn the agents of The Holy Inquisition. It's no wonder, Then, that our women, with their customary Severity of judgment are prepared To break their pledges and to mock their husbands, And seek the answers to unuttered prayers In Don Juan's arms. However, on my part, I find myself increasingly reluctant To join my voice to theirs in condemnation Of that supposedly repugnant man. (a contemptuous smile plays on his lips; the preacher is gone; the poetic thinker takes his place) What makes our women flock to him, I ask? Is he indeed so irresistible, Or is the alternative so unappealing? CONCHITA Ottavio, take me there. I want to see That man. OTTAVIO See him? And why? CONCHITA I cannot say. OTTAVIO Ah, sister! What about that youthful rhymester, That balladeer? CONCHITA He is of common birth. He loves me well, sweet creature that he is, So credulous, so soft - so ordinary. I want to see the fabled man of passion, The legendary lover, whose dark eye Pierces a maiden's heart at once, who knows No obstacles.... nor fear. OTTAVIO (prosaically) His eyes are blue. At least, that's what his former mistresses Tell their acquaintances at public functions. CONCHITA No matter. Take me there, dear brother, please! OTTAVIO I might as well. I have to be there too If only to pick up Diego's corpse. I wanted purity, not calculation - To be accepted based on my own merits Or shown the door. Alas, the one I love Will now have reason to consent without Being too picky. Married on such terms, I doubt there'll be much happiness in store For us. Well, go. I'll meet you at the convent. I need to be alone for now. Adieu. CONCHITA I'm off, then. She leaves. OTTAVIO What a melancholy epoch. I do not want unearned advantages! Diego, pompous fool! I am ashamed to own I almost wish you were the better swordsman! Curtain. ACT TWO SCENE FOUR At the Commander's statue. Early evening. Conchita runs in, looks furtively around, goes to the statue, looks up. CONCHITA How boring is that face! How grim and ugly. My future husband is far more attractive. And his opponent? Ah, how much I'd give To steal a glance! I've heard so many rumors About his ways, his manner, his appearance! He's quite tall, I fancy; dark, and slender, With gentle hands and formidable strength. His eyes - blue? brown? - shine like the brightest stars, A frolicsome half-smile plays on his lips. The intrepid traveler, the gallant lover! Suppose I should encounter him! What then? What would he say and how would I react? "Good morning, Såñîrita!" Truly, I Would in all likelihood just lose my tongue! I ought to be prepared. "What is your name?" "Conchita, sir." What vapid nonsense, really! Why would he even bother with my type? And yet.... But quiet now! There's someone coming. She hides behind the statue. Enter Don Juan, sheet of paper in hand. He looks furtively around, places the sheet on the pedestal, produces an ink bottle and pen, starts writing. Enter the Bag Lady (former Hostess). THE BAG LADY Ah, kind Såñîr! So handsome and so noble! I know you have some coins for me. You do Look generous. Såñîr? DON JUAN (interrupted; with furious civility) I beg your pardon? THE BAG LADY A little silver for the unworthy beggar! DON JUAN Oh, go away! (resumes writing) THE BAG LADY So rude! (philosophically) Such are the times. And yet, when I was younger and much prettier, The jolly hostess of a seedy inn, I often was a marvelous success Even with your aristocratic kind. Say, fellow, do I know you?! My, you seem Mighty familiar, even in this light. DON JUAN (writing) Away, I said. THE BAG LADY That formidable posture, That haughty look, those eyes sparkling with mischief - We must have met before. (a pause) There is a scar On your left thigh. DON JUAN Please leave. You're most annoying.... What did you say? (a pause) Indeed. (a pause) Can't be. THE BAG LADY Oh, yes. You are that boy who slew Commander Sanchez. I know you now. Well, look at you. You've changed. That noble gray in your once jet-black locks Is an improvement, surely; and your wrist Is firmer now, I'm certain. You've acquired A touch of wisdom in your look. Most charming. Well, on my part, you see, I'm out of training. Once famous for my looks and easy ways, I used to keep an inn; now I am ruined. They like a hostess who is young and fresh; They're all the same - all! commoners and nobles; The beauty of experience is lost On them completely. Bastards. I don't blame them. Bless them - let them enjoy it while they can As best they can. Now, how about some silver? Don Juan takes out some silver, gives it to her. THE BAG LADY I thank you kindly. DON JUAN Go away. THE BAG LADY So rude! She leaves. DON JUAN Talk if you would of aging gracefully. Well, almost finished. Two more lines. Let's do it. (writes) Enter Don Diego. DON DIEGO Såñîr Don Juan! DON JUAN Yes, yes. Wait. Just a second. DON DIEGO (sonorously) Shall we begin? DON JUAN (writing) Yes, presently. Don Diego draws his sword. DON DIEGO I have No time to waste. DON JUAN (turns to him) Sooner or later, sir, You'll burn in hell, so what's another moment To you? DON DIEGO I beg to differ. I intend To send you there ahead of me. DON JUAN To be Your scout? DON DIEGO Unworthy wretch! DON JUAN Do cease, Såñîr, Your protestations. Look, this is important, For it concerns your sister. DON DIEGO Scoundrel! What! My sister, too! Interminably wicked! DON JUAN Yes, I'm a scoundrel. All you gentlemen Are proper, kindly, virtuous, and devoted. Which is, perhaps, why I'm the only one Who's thought of dedicating a few verses To Dona Anna. I'm the ghastly villain Who dares to offer love where pity's due, A gallant's kiss by way of sympathy, A husband's hand where one would click one's tongue Apologetically, and turn away. My villainy shall soon be duly punished, I see. Be careful. Pious ecstasy Might cause you mischief yet. DON DIEGO Dare you provoke me! DON JUAN However scanty, sir, your education Ought to enable you to tell apart - For, take my word for it, it's no great art - A threat - to warn you - and a provocation To make you fight. DON DIEGO On guard, sir. He thrusts. Don Juan jumps back, draws. DON JUAN Steady, steady! I'm glad I've made my point. Well, when you're ready. They fight. Don Juan disarms Don Diego. DON JUAN You've dropped your sword, it seems. Pray pick it up. Don Diego does. Don Juan disarms him again. DON JUAN Ah, you're so clumsy. Well, let's try again. They do. Don Juan wounds Diego in the shoulder. The latter drops his sword. DON JUAN Now that you've had your fun, Såñîr, please leave. DON DIEGO Villain. DON JUAN Oh, really, spare me your objections. You came here to defend Rodrigo's honor. You have defended it, though somewhat clumsily. What more, pray, do you want? And, if it is My company, then - well, I must decline. Your talk is utterly unstimulating. Have a physician dress your wound, and have A good night's rest. Tomorrow, you'll feel better. Adieu, Såñîr. DON DIEGO Stay, libertine! (draws his dagger) This dagger I pulled from Don Rodrigo's chest. DON JUAN Indeed. Well, good for you. I give you my permission From now on to regard it as your own. Dispose, then, of it as you like. You could Use it to plug a certain orifice Too private to be named. Adieu, Såñîr. Don Diego throws him a terrible look, leaves staggering. Don Juan returns to his poem. Conchita comes out, but before he has time to notice her, Leporello runs in, agitated, wearing a nobleman's clothes - and she hides again. LEPORELLO Såñîr, Såñîr! DON JUAN Ah, Leporello! LEPORELLO Whew! So glad to see you. You're alive and well. DON JUAN Indeed, my friend. Why? LEPORELLO I just heard, my lord, That Don Diego, sword in hand, was looking For you. DON JUAN What then? LEPORELLO I rushed to intervene. DON JUAN You did? Are you, perchance, of noble birth? Is there a title I don't know about? You take too much upon yourself, my friend. During the following exchange, Conchita slips from behind the statue and steals away unnoticed. LEPORELLO I merely do my best to serve your lordship. DON JUAN What's with the costume? LEPORELLO This? Oh. My disguise. I was afraid of being recognized. DON JUAN (amused) What was I thinking! Sure. Don Leporello, The most illustrious valet in Spain In order to conceal his true identity Must wear the rich dress of a cavalier. So simple, yet so brilliant. LEPORELLO Thank you. Now.... DON JUAN There must be something terribly important At hand, that you should fear being discovered. I hate to interrupt you, for I'm sure that Your enterprises of great pitch and moment Are more important than the little errand You'll have to run for me; and yet, I must Insist. Here, take this letter to her castle; And, once you're done, unseal this little note And read it carefully; you'll find it curious. LEPORELLO Whose castle? DON JUAN Dona Anna's. What's the matter? LEPORELLO Her brother, sir.... DON JUAN There's been an accident. He pricked his shoulder on my sword. LEPORELLO I knew it! Arrangement of affairs, my master's forte. The husband's dead, the brother wounded; now Send Leporello to the grieving widow With a love note! She'll die of happiness. DON JUAN Hush! She must not know who I am. You hear? Don Pedro is my name. LEPORELLO Why, that is wise. I'm not the only one with a disguise. DON JUAN Well, go. LEPORELLO Såñîr, you scorn the living, but Surely you must respect the dead! DON JUAN What, the Whole lot of them, pray, or someone specific? LEPORELLO Him! (points at the statue) DON JUAN (gives the statue an appraising look) Oh! Indeed, I do respect him. LEPORELLO Not really. Or, at least, it doesn't show. DON JUAN Pray what is it you'd like to see me do? Invite this chunk of marble trash for dinner? LEPORELLO Well, anything is better than contempt. DON JUAN Have it your way! I'm getting married shortly.... LEPORELLO (his eyes flash; joyously) Married, my lord? DON JUAN Yes. Either that - or death. Love at my age could not withstand rejection. LEPORELLO Who is the bride, my lord? DON JUAN Why, Dona Anna Of course, you fool! LEPORELLO Oh, no! Reflect, my lord! She's past child-bearing. DON JUAN What is that to me? Besides, one never knows until one's tried. I am in love! Hot tears shed by a man Who'd never wept before are proof enough Of the heart-rending purity of feeling. LEPORELLO Pray reconsider! DON JUAN Hush. My mind's made up. However, since tomorrow I'll be dining With Dona Anna at her place, suppose I should invite this heap of stone to join us? LEPORELLO What blasphemy, my lord! DON JUAN A gesture, merely. If that is not respect, what is? Now, go And tell him that I'll be expecting him. LEPORELLO Whom? DON JUAN Why, the statue. LEPORELLO What astounding madness! DON JUAN Go on! LEPORELLO No way! DON JUAN What, are you superstitious? A bit of thrashing, then, might make you braver. LEPORELLO Please don't. I go. DON JUAN Ah, good. Leporello approaches the statue. LEPORELLO (to the statue) Noble Såñîr! My master's whims are known throughout this land. He means well, I assure you. Like, for instance, The other day, he wooed a local girl, The daughter of a farmer.... DON JUAN Make it brief. You have a letter to deliver, mind you. LEPORELLO (to Don Juan) Look here, you have your own style; I have mine. (to the statue) So! With all due respect, I must, Såñîr, Obey my master's orders. I see how It might be difficult for stone to travel; The laws of gravity and locomotion Cannot be disregarded easily. It seems, however, that your noble widow, Who is intent on throwing dinner parties For rogues and libertines, gives her permission To Don Juan here to bring a friend. And since I hardly qualify as one, he wonders - Not I! He! - whether you would not be busy Tomorrow night.... Ah! ah! My Lord! DON JUAN What now? LEPORELLO I thought it moved just now. DON JUAN Your eloquence Could move a mountain, let alone a statue. To me, you sound just like a politician. Long-winded speeches, meaningless, and boring, A mere excuse for being dull and idle, For taking money from the honest man And rendering no true service in return. You make me sick! Confounded cowardice! Look, it's so simple. Watch me, imbecile. (approaches the statue) Commander, join me for a modest meal At Dona Anna's place tomorrow night. THE STATUE (thunderously) I WILL. Don Juan and Leporello spring back. DON JUAN (drawing his sword) See how effective simple words can be?... A pause. LEPORELLO I'm gonna die. DON JUAN Indeed, you do surprise me. I thought you were immortal. LEPORELLO Master, please, Let's leave this place. Let's show our countrymen That, great though he once was, Såñîr Columbus Was not the only one who could discover New continents. DON JUAN Shut up. You have the letter. Deliver it. I'll see you at the inn. He leaves. LEPORELLO I cannot move! Letter! I'm not a mailman! Ah, villain! Traitor! Coward! Enter Ottavio. OTTAVIO Ah, it's you! Where is your master, my good man? LEPORELLO Ottavio? Oh, thank you! thank you! Someone sane, at last. My master is a sordid libertine, A perfect demon! OTTAVIO Yes. Why serve him, then? LEPORELLO Quite right! Greed is my downfall, good Ottavio! I am of noble birth. OTTAVIO You are? LEPORELLO I am. A long, long time ago I made a promise To that rogue's uncle that I'd see to it That their line would not perish. Greed, Ottavio. The uncle put it in his ghastly will That on the day Don Juan's first child was born, I would inherit half of his estate. My own relations being all impoverished, I eagerly agreed. And thereupon I had to, for as long as it would take, Look after him; protect him, follow him Wherever he had half-a-mind to go. What better way than to become his servant? Now, all is lost! For Dona Anna could No longer bear a child. Or could she? Oh, How cruel is my lot! OTTAVIO What? Dona Anna?! LEPORELLO He's set to marry her, the filthy rogue. OTTAVIO A lifetime's hope is shattered. LEPORELLO That's correct. OTTAVIO Ah! All is lost. LEPORELLO The property and income. OTTAVIO Tomorrow I was going to propose. Would throw myself at Dona Anna's feet, Would kiss the hem of her beloved dress, Would sing her beauty, soak her hand in tears. Alas! LEPORELLO Alas! He could have married briefly Some wench, bred her a child, and left. Why not? Men do it all the time - so, why not he? And I - I would have had my half-estate, My income, even my good name! The rogue! OTTAVIO The demon! LEPORELLO Oh, the libertine! OTTAVIO The beast! A pause. LEPORELLO It has been prophesied that I should gain Salvation if I wed a fallen woman And bring her back into the world of virtue. Plenty of fallen women here; however How can I bring one where I've never been? I wouldn't know my way around.... And yet.... (a pause; judiciously) But why two missives? Did I hear him say That one of them was - what? addressed to me? To me! Since when, pray, has it been a custom For lord and servant to communicate In writing? Is he mad? I shouldn't wonder. He unseals one of the scrolls, reads the first few lines, suddenly presses the letter to his chest, staring into space wildly. OTTAVIO Revenge? Bah! I am not Diego. Death? LEPORELLO (clutching the letter, looking around at the statue) I - can't - believe - my - eyes! I must be dreaming. OTTAVIO I must be dreaming. What an awful dream! LEPORELLO Such dreams are rare - why, I must not awaken! OTTAVIO Such nightmares can be fatal; wake and rise. Oh, Dona Anna! LEPORELLO (suddenly realizing) Why, but you're in love! This Dona Anna must be quite a lass To occupy so many people's thoughts. OTTAVIO What should I do? LEPORELLO Off hand, I'd say, get drunk. OTTAVIO I might as well. That inn just down the road Must be forever the poor poet's lot. Still better than the noose up in the attic. LEPORELLO Right. For a man of rhymes, you're too pragmatic, My dear young friend. Such are the times, they say. OTTAVIO I'm off, then. LEPORELLO Yes, yes, please. Do go away. Ottavio leaves. LEPORELLO Reality or dreamland? Truth or fiction? Whose game? Darkness or light? Whose jurisdiction? Read it again? I'm frightened. Come what may! Success was long in coming. What a day. He reads. Don Juan's voice resounds through the loud speaker. DON JUAN'S VOICE The ghastly sinner called Såñîr Don Juan, A humble scion of the house of Alba, I hearby do declare that, being clear Of mind, and sound of body, I have made My will. A certain enterprise which I Propose to undertake tomorrow will be In my near future the deciding factor. Thus, should I fail, as well I might, my plan Is to become a monk; in which event All I possess - my money, my estate, My horses and my ship must pass to him Who trades under the name of Leporello. We've known each other for some twenty years; We have been friends. LEPORELLO Oh, my! DON JUAN'S VOICE Though he believes - A queer attempt at self-justification - That he has stuck with me through thick and thin Only to satisfy his greed; that petty hopes Of gold and fame sustain his loyalty. He is in error. We've traversed the world, We've shared, as equals will, clothes, meals, and lodgings; I would assume, unless I'm much mistaken, That once or twice we've even shared a woman. Dear Leporello, as my only friend, Must promise, in exchange for my donation, To see to it that, when I die, my body Be laid to rest under the convent's threshold, That all who cross it might debase my bones, For I have sinned; and that no name be carved Upon my tomb. However, should I live And love tomorrow night, my Leporello Is still entitled to whatever portion Of my commodities he may find useful. Be happy, friend, if happiness indeed Is possible under the sun. God bless you. Just one thing more. Should anything befall A certain Dona Anna; should she be In need of money or advice - give both. A nobleman (which, I suspect, you are, Though you conceal it for some murky reason) Must never stoop to arrogance. Your friend, Companion and compatriot Don Juan. LEPORELLO (doubtfully) Is he in danger? Loyalty indeed! The incorrigible twaddler! Must I look For him? What is the rascal up to? He leaves. Curtain. SCENE FIVE The same scene as in Scene One, Act One. Ottavio and Don Juan. A guitar leaned up against the table. Cups, bottles. Ottavio is somewhat drunk and continues drinking. OTTAVIO By Jove, you are good company, Don Pedro. I live again, though barely. Since you know So many things, tell me - in your opinion, What kind of man is this Don Juan? DON JUAN He's civil, A gentleman; well-mannered. OTTAVIO Yes, but why This rapid change of attitude? At once He spares a foe and then he promptly marries? I've heard so much - Madrid is full of rumors; This last adventure does not sound like him At all. DON JUAN People do change. OTTAVIO Yes, I suppose They do. And yet.... Only a month ago What was Don Juan to me? Merely a name. He's now a giant, man! A gruesome warlock Of boundless pow'r, but is he real? Is he Of bone and flesh, like you and I? Can he Feel hunger?... thirst?... DON JUAN Well, he must have some feelings. OTTAVIO You are too good, Don Pedro. Enter Conchita. OTTAVIO Sister, here! Dear sister - let me introduce you. Come. This is my friend Don Pedro. (to Don Juan) Look, Conchita Though still a child, is spoiled beyond salvation. Mental debauchery, outward propriety, A certain primness of one's ways: that's our society. CONCHITA Ottavio.... OTTAVIO (quite drunk) But you see, a woman's nature Must have an outlet.... CONCHITA (to Don Juan) Pardon me, my lord. My brother always acts like this when he Is suff'ring from a broken heart. I didn't Quite hear your name. DON JUAN Don Pedro, Såñîrita, Quite at your service. OTTAVIO (to Don Juan) Imagine, poor Conchita is so eager To brighten up her dull life with romance, She seems to have decided she's in love With - whom d'you think? Don Juan! She's never seen him Except in dreams.... CONCHITA You are mistaken, Brother. We've met, Don Juan and I. OTTAVIO Yes, in your dreams. CONCHITA No, in reality. OTTAVIO But when? CONCHITA Just now. OTTAVIO (an attempt at livening) He's in the neighborhood? CONCHITA Indeed he is. OTTAVIO Well, what's he like, tell me? CONCHITA (looking Don Juan in the eye) He's short and fat. He's elderly, he has no teeth; he wears A simple dress. DON JUAN (to Conchita, pointedly) Only one leg, I think. CONCHITA A patch over his right eye.... DON JUAN ...while the left one Is missing altogether. CONCHITA A big belly. OTTAVIO (drunkenly) But if he be such a repugnant knave, How come, then.... CONCHITA Well, you see, a woman's nature Must have an outlet. Ottavio drops his head on the table and falls asleep. DON JUAN Finally! I say, A moralist can never hold his liquor. CONCHITA It's true, though. DON JUAN What? CONCHITA Those ghastly things he said About my character. I am a prude, A hypocrite, a swindler, and a liar. DON JUAN It takes all kinds to make the world. CONCHITA And you? DON JUAN I - what? CONCHITA You aren't quite a prude, I grant you. But all those other traits? Where is your servant? DON JUAN I don't know what to tell you. CONCHITA It's quite simple. Just offer me your hand and lead me through That door - the guest room, I believe, or is it? (a pause) Didn't this wretch just tell you that I loved you? And didn't I myself confirm it promptly? I love you, Juan. DON JUAN I wouldn't put it past you. A shrewd disguise is worth exactly nothing; Serfs turn aristocrats; and marble talks. A sure sign that the world has lost its mind, Or I mine. Women love you sight unseen, A moralist calls you his friend - what else Is there in store for me? CONCHITA A song. She rises, picks up the guitar, sits on the table, strums. DON JUAN A song? CONCHITA I know some new ones. Would you like to hear An old one, though? I reckon it was written Ere I was born. It's very soothing. Listen. She begins to sing. CONCHITA (sings) ....So young and fair, She was eager to hear.... Don Juan springs to his feet. Conchita falls silent. DON JUAN I'll never change. It's hopeless. But at least I know it now. I might as well admit That there's no longer room for me in Spain. Tomorrow, then, aboard a chartered ship.... CONCHITA You've heard this song before? DON JUAN I will not ruin Her life with my abominable presence. Tomorrow.... Should I pay a farewell visit? Bah! What's the use? Futility and weakness! And selfishness. This is my lot. (to Conchita, as an answer to her cue) ....I wrote it. CONCHITA I thought as much. DON JUAN You seem to do a lot Of thinking in your spare time. Yet, I like you. CONCHITA You like me? Why? DON JUAN Your opalescent beauty, The quickness of your eye, the graceful wrist, Your voice - have stirred in me a host of feelings Which I cannot resist. CONCHITA You find me pretty? DON JUAN Astonishingly so. But there's much more Than vulgar beauty in your charming image. You're vital, bold, impetuous, strong, and tender. You're life itself. He comes up to her, walks around her, stands behind her and speaks into her ear in an undertone. DON JUAN Alluring and inspiring, You're every poet's dream. You're very pretty. You are.... well.... pretty. Yes. Pretty's the word. (waits for inspiration; none comes) Pretty is what you are. Yes. Very pretty. This is no good. He steps away from her. She turns around, amazed, still expectant, a little impatient. CONCHITA Well, what's the matter now? DON JUAN No good at all. There is a limit, surely, To one's abasement! There! I've had enough! Heavy stomping off-stage. CONCHITA Anything wrong? DON JUAN What is that sound? CONCHITA What sound? The stomping is louder. DON JUAN That - damn it! Marble walking! Look, Conchita.... He looks tentatively at the door, approaches her again. DON JUAN Your eyes - abysmal, full of love and life! I've never seen such eyes! And then, your lips Are coral lips, and then.... The stomping ceases. DON JUAN (listening intently) So, that's the trick! He's gone. Conchita! CONCHITA (eagerly) Yes? DON JUAN Come here, my love. And have a drink with me. And sing a song. She comes close to him, dragging the guitar on the floor. He takes her free hand, bends and kisses it. The lights fade briefly, come on again. It is an hour later. Ottavio is still asleep at the table. Conchita is sitting on Don Juan's lap; they are kissing languidly. CONCHITA I love you so. Oh, darling, take me, take me! He lifts her in his arms and rises; he walks somewhat unsteadily towards the door, center stage. Both laugh. The lights fade again. The main theme from the ballad plays softly. A beam of light strikes the backdrop. It is morning. Ottavio moans, continueds to asleep at the table. Don Juan comes out of the center-stage door, carrying his doublet, his cloak, his boots, his sword, and his hat. He looks around furtively, sees Ottavio, shrugs, begins hastily to dress. He leaves quickly without once turning around. Ottavio wakes up. He moans, straightens with difficulty. Conchita walks out of the guest room slowly, clad in a semblance of a nightshirt. CONCHITA Morning.... The sun.... OTTAVIO Oh, yes. Ouch! CONCHITA Yes. He's gone. OTTAVIO Who? CONCHITA (with helpless malice) Why, the gentleman. OTTAVIO Don Pedro? CONCHITA ....Yes. OTTAVIO Oh, yes. He is. I see. And I was going To follow him, except I fell asleep. What time is it? Why are you here, Conchita? Last night, what were we drinking here? My head Is going to explode. CONCHITA Ottavio dear, You are ridiculous. OTTAVIO I cannot help it. CONCHITA I thought you were in love. OTTAVIO Indeed I am. It is annoying, though, that love should sharpen At once all senses. Hence, acute hangovers Will always follow nights of tortured bliss. I suffer, have a drink, suffer some more - And then - this. CONCHITA Poor Ottavio. So devoted, So loyal and so generous! You know, I might have something to confess, should you Be willing to attend. OTTAVIO Well.... Ouch! My head! Yes, darling. What? CONCHITA It's just occurred to me That in the whole wide world, no one but you Has ever loved me. Ottavio forces himself to think. OTTAVIO Yes. What then? CONCHITA And now, You have your tragedy as I have mine. I've sipped the wine; I know what bliss is like. I stole my moment from fate's pocketbook; You chose to follow your convictions. You Refused to steal. The enlightened thief, however, Is just as sick as the benighted martyr, For bliss is unattainable for either Of them. Where does this leave us? OTTAVIO Bliss? What bliss? Why are you dressed like this? CONCHITA Me? Dressed? Oh, come. OTTAVIO (realizing) Has something happened? CONCHITA Yes. OTTAVIO And you were.... willing? CONCHITA Of course. OTTAVIO Don Pedro? CONCHITA Who? Oh, yes. Don Pedro. OTTAVIO The scoundrel! CONCHITA Why? I tell you I was willing. She moves a carafe of wine towards herself, takes the ring off her finger, twists it, letting the contents of a hidden cavity drop into the wine. OTTAVIO What are you up to, sister? What's that? CONCHITA Poison. Want some? They look each other in the eye. OTTAVIO You frighten me. CONCHITA Do I? Not really. What is the point in living like you do? You'll never have that which you covet most. It would be impolite of us to hinder Your Anna's and my Juan's sweet happiness With our grim presence. We shall die for them, Bravely and quietly. Right here. Right now. OTTAVIO Don Juan? CONCHITA He and the swordsman of last night With whom you shared a cup of wine are one. A pause. OTTAVIO (smiting his brow) Of course! I'm such a fool! You knew it, though? CONCHITA Of course I did. OTTAVIO And still you were quite willing? CONCHITA Yes. OTTAVIO What a scoundrel! CONCHITA No. OTTAVIO You want to die? CONCHITA Of course. Do you imagine I'd endure A lifetime in the house of Don Diego Now that I've known Don Juan? OTTAVIO He hasn't changed, then. Anna is free! CONCHITA Ah, is she? Think again. If she has loved him - which is very likely - Do you imagine she might look at you Once, never mind regard you as her husband? You're mad, you know. OTTAVIO You're right. Oh, you're so right. The poison, then?... CONCHITA ....is ready. Here's your cup. She pours two cups. They each take one, raise them. OTTAVIO My final drink. CONCHITA Yes. Here's to love eternal! Enter Leporello. He assesses the situation quickly. LEPORELLO Now, now! You put those down! You hear? At once! He runs up to them. They look at him uncertainly. He takes their cups from them, sets them down on the table. LEPORELLO My friend and master has been here, it seems. OTTAVIO Please leave. We have some business to transact. LEPORELLO Indeed you do. You'd better sober up. CONCHITA How do you know he has been here? Suppose You should be wrong? LEPORELLO Bah! No great mystery In it. For when I see a half-dressed woman Staring despondently, and next to her A man who looks as though he's been cuckolded Who makes his wine a tiny bit more potent By introducing poison to his cup, I daresay I can tell whose brush has painted The masterpiece. I've missed him, I'm afraid. Where did he go? Huh? Answer me! OTTAVIO My friend, Is it your place to stay when you've been asked To leave? LEPORELLO No harm, Ottavio. Hold your peace. Tell me where I might find my master, and I swear I'll leave you to your childish games. CONCHITA But why this urgency to find your master? What danger is he in? I'm sure he's safe. LEPORELLO He who sets out to fight the pow'rs of evil And seeks not God's assistance can't be safe. The statue's missing from the pedestal. A ton of marble wandering at large Is bound to work some mischief before long. After delivering my master's note To his old flame, I wandered here and there Till daybreak. I was miserable; and then Returning to the gate of the ancient convent, I looked - and lo! no statue! CONCHITA (to Ottavio, indifferently) Is he mad? OTTAVIO Just slightly. (to Leporello) Friend, your master isn't here. Why don't you try some other place? LEPORELLO I will, After a moment's respite. Ah, my nerves! You think it's easy roaming lifeless streets When you might bump into that statue, walking?.... Let me just sit here for a while and think. He sits. A pause. Leporello looks intently at Conchita. LEPORELLO Look, child, do not despair. You're young and pretty. There will be other men of taste and passion. CONCHITA I am engaged. LEPORELLO So what? Not everyone Is an abominable prude; some customs Become neglected when opposed by instinct. You'll be disdained by some for having left The man to whom you made a flippant promise; But surely others will admire your courage. CONCHITA But will they love me? LEPORELLO Certainly. Why not? You need not think of convents. CONCHITA Are you wealthy? LEPORELLO I might become so before long. CONCHITA And noble? LEPORELLO Indeed I am. Conchita rises, walks over to him. CONCHITA Then prove what you just said. LEPORELLO There's no such thing as trust, I see. What kind Of proof do you require? CONCHITA Why, marry me. OTTAVIO (astonished) Conchita! My dear girl, what are you doing? A former servant! CONCHITA He's of noble birth. OTTAVIO He's middle-aged! CONCHITA He's younger than Diego; Besides, how many men d'you think I'll meet In my lifetime who are as liberal, Who think but little of prior engagements? LEPORELLO Say, stop a bit! I'm not the marrying type! CONCHITA Then take me with you as a long-term mistress. OTTAVIO For shame, Conchita! CONCHITA Now, stay out of this. Last night, I saved my heart. Now, here's a chance For me to save my life, my health, my future. I want to live! OTTAVIO (hotly) Yes, as a fallen woman! CONCHITA I'm at a point where public condemnations, However nicely phrased, scare me no longer. (to Leporello) I shall be waiting in the guest rooms. You May join me if you like. Be brave! Good morning. She exits through the guest rooms door. Leporello looks at Ottavio mockingly. OTTAVIO My friend, don't take her words to heart, I beg you. She isn't quite herself today. You'll be Reasonable, I hope? Leporello's face darkens. LEPORELLO I beg your pardon? OTTAVIO Well, she's of noble birth! LEPORELLO Well, so am I. OTTAVIO You don't expect me to believe you, do you? LEPORELLO Why not? OTTAVIO It is a lie! a fantasy! True gentlemen never become valets! LEPORELLO I was the first one, then. OTTAVIO This is absurd. You are not entering that room! LEPORELLO I will, if need be. What's it to you? OTTAVIO She is my sister, man! LEPORELLO Now, stop provoking me. Your protestations Are most annoying. Entering those rooms Was hardly my concern a flash ago; With your effrontery and lack of wit You have insulted me; your arrogance Is out of place and screamingly uncouth. I almost feel I must. OTTAVIO I will defend her. LEPORELLO Against what, pray? OTTAVIO Your vile intentions, lecher. Leporello rises. Ottavio draws his sword. LEPORELLO My dear Ottavio, you're a hypocrite, A coward, and a fool. It never crossed Your warped mind to defend your precious sister Against her suitor, who was set to marry The girl without obtaining her consent; Nor did you draw when, some six hours ago A well-known libertine seduced her grossly, Taking away her honor and good name. You are incensed, however, when a man Of whose intentions you're quite ignorant, Wishes to pass into your sister's bedroom. You draw because you think that certain kinds Of liberties towards gentle womenfolk Are quite permissible to gentlemen, And yet taboo to plebeians; splendid thinking! Therefore, you are a hypocrite. A coward You are because, while never venturing To measure swords with a notorious fencer You wish to strike a commoner. A fool Because the one whom you would think quite common Is in reality a seasoned swordsman, An old, well-practiced duelist whose blade Is second only to his former master's. OTTAVIO Fine, then! I'll die defending her, that's all. LEPORELLO You'll get yourself most hideously bruised For nothing, I assure you. OTTAVIO Wretch! On guard! LEPORELLO You are quite worthy of the gentlefolk; I give you that; you're just as vain as they, And just as quarrelsome. A mere rebuff - And here you wish to vent your silly anger On someone unconnected with the matter, Pretending all the while that it's your sister On whose behalf you're acting. Ottavio makes an impatient gesture and turns around, vexed. He sheathes his sword. LEPORELLO That's better, sir. OTTAVIO I go. LEPORELLO Far? OTTAVIO One last look At Dona Anna; then - Seville; the sea! They look at each other. Ottavio nods, leaves quickly. LEPORELLO Deuce take the idiot! Now I'm angry. Good! My fear is gone. The statue? Let it come And tell me I'm the murderer. What then? We'll see! But I must never hide again. Enough of that! I've failed to find Don Juan, though. His presence always reassures me so. Enter the Bag Lady. THE BAG LADY Hello there, charmer! Spare some change? LEPORELLO (noticing her) Huh? What? THE BAG LADY Just a few coins. Faith, you must help the needy. LEPORELLO Behind on rent? THE BAG LADY Not in the way you think. LEPORELLO I'm out of change just now. Let someone else Resolve your fiscal problems for you. THE BAG LADY Man, You'd be much kinder if you knew.... LEPORELLO Indeed I am as kind as my poor health permits. Good evening, Ma'am. He puts on his cloak, turns to the exit door. THE BAG LADY You're in a hurry, charmer. Well! I assure you I could be of service To you. Your name is Leporello; right? LEPORELLO It is; what then? THE BAG LADY Oh, don't be testy, dear. In my extensive roaming, I've acquired A skill or two which other folks would give An awful lot to have at their disposal. LEPORELLO Such as? THE BAG LADY Well, I could show you what the future Has, in all likelihood, in store for those Who have some influence upon your life. LEPORELLO Oh, really? Do so. Here's a golden ducat. The lights fade somewhat. Don Juan, dressed as a monk, candle in hand, crosses the stage slowly and exits. THE BAG LADY Your master's lot. He is a monk, you see. Don Diego, in a stately costume, with an air of extreme importance, crosses the stage and exits. THE BAG LADY There's Don Diego - an important man, A statesman and a secret councilor. Conchita, in a luxurious white dress, crosses the stage and exits. THE BAG LADY Your bride. LEPORELLO My bride? The lights snap on to full brightness. THE BAG LADY Oh, no! It's wrong! It's wrong! You cannot have her! She's a fallen woman! LEPORELLO But I've been told that I.... THE BAG LADY I know! I know! Well, am I not a fallen woman also? Why don't you marry me instead? Look, man, I may look hideous - I have these wrinkles, And missing teeth and all; but, though I lost Some of my former beauty in my face, I have retained some in my body. Look, I'll show you. LEPORELLO Spare me, woman. THE BAG LADY You don't want me? She laughs drily. Leporello springs to his feet, turns his back to her. THE BAG LADY You're right, you know. One cannot well reverse Revenge when it's been much too long in brewing. When, on that fateful night, your handsome master Entered my bedroom, in our throes of love I knew he had not murdered Don Rodrigo. He was too gentle then to overpow'r A seasoned soldier. You're the murderer! Rodrigo promised me he would arrange For me my fortune after the campaign. Infatuation had him in its grip; He would have scorned the Holy Inquisition, Defied the Pope himself; and left his wife, And married me! After his death, they came - The bailiffs - and the inn was seized; and I Thereafter was deprived of everything. For fifteen years, a single thought I've cherished, A single dream forced my poor broken heart To beat; I would have died a thousand times Of hunger, thirst, disease, cold, beatings, scorn Had I not carried in my mind my vision Of sweet revenge upon my enemy! The hour has come! She produces from her rags a sizable dagger and raises it, aiming at Leporello's back. Die, wicked creature! Die! Leporello turns sharply, dagger in hand; it is evident he has been all along aware of the lady's intentions. But the brave avenger cannot move. The dagger falls from her hand. THE BAG LADY Ten seconds more! Ah, Satan! You've betrayed me! She falls and dies. Leporello replaces his own dagger in its sheath, comes over to the corpse, picks up the blade, examines it. LEPORELLO Atonement! Here's my chance. Be brave, Conchita. He drops the dagger and enters the guest rooms. Curtain. SCENE SIX Dona Anna's castle. Dona Anna is pacing up and down the stage. Now and then she casts a glance at the unsealed scroll on the table. It is evident that she has already read it, perhaps more than once. There is a sizable dagger on the table, under the portrait of Don Rodrigo. A tower clock off-stage strikes eight. DONA ANNA It's evening. Why am I so agitated? So restless? He has changed. He has grown vulgar. Or has he? These days, how does one distinguish Between vulgarity and passion? Where Is the fine line that ought to separate Harassment from affection? Goodness gracious! Anna, my dear, what are you thinking of? What is this flimsy hesitation for? Destroy the brazen note and bolt the door! She sits down, picks up the scroll. Presently, she begins to read, frowning. DON JUAN'S VOICE (in the loudspeaker) A shining blade, quite unexpected, Surged through my night. Dead feelings ventured, resurrected, Into the light. That blazing stripe of dawn! Life, being To all intents A senseless corpse, now started seeing And making sense. Of scarlet silk, of Eastern fashions That never fade, Of Northern mists and Southern passions My love is made. One's set to rip one's song apart, lest It should get free. Chaste Anna, one would be quite heartless To laugh at me. A thousand grim and dismal forces That won't allow A moment's rest my poor resources Oppose me now. In this atrocious game, whose players Had marked their man, Who answered whose unuttered prayers, then, Sweet Ann? I've failed to recognize the pattern And, come what may, I'm looking for my long-lost lantern To light the way. Of all the winding paths, some deadly, Some much longed-for, Which was the one that might have lead me To Anna's door? She, whose half-hearted, mild confessions Were salt and wine; Whose fragile hand throughout our session Would not touch mine. Most frigid ladies of the jury: Look if you must. My bitter tears of helpless fury And love. And lust. The eye of chance, sterile and glassy Silenced my groan. I never kissed in tender passing Her collar bone. My cheek was never pressed, flushed, scorching, Against her thigh. Into her knee I breathed no tortured, Half-sobbing sigh. Of lust we never drank our lavish And fervent dose. My tongue left totally unravished Her gentle toes. I, who, alas, was never granted A say in this, Upon her instep never planted An eager kiss. The tune twangs, and the vision lingers In queer accord; Her palms and wrists and perfect fingers Are unexplored. We never braved, entwined and pining, The sweeping tide. She never thrashed, eyes damp and shining With me inside. Chaste Ann! whose nipples never hardened Against my chest; To whose half-parted lips mine, ardent, I never pressed, Who so reluctantly denied me Her cloudy charms; Who rested neither just beside me, Nor in my arms. The dirk of Chance is cold and steady; Yes - why pretend? - Much harder hearts than mine have dreaded Its stinging end. For all on earth that is as gentle As you are fine, - Real, divine, or transcendental: Sweet love, be mine. A pause. A FEMALE VOICE OFF-STAGE Don Pedro, Madam. DONA ANNA Show him in. Some amiable laughter off stage; Don Juan enters, turns to the maid, says, DON JUAN My pleasure. (to Dona Anna) Good evening, Dona Anna. DONA ANNA Pray come in. DON JUAN I'll only be a moment. DONA ANNA I should hope so. Seducers do not take rejection lightly. It hurts their pride. DON JUAN You are too kind, Såñîra. DONA ANNA Won't you sit down? DON JUAN I might as well; I thank you. He sits. A pause. DONA ANNA And so? DON JUAN I beg your pardon for the crude, Villainous way I spoke to you; it was Unworthy of my feeling towards you. DONA ANNA Feeling? DON JUAN Come, Anna - we're no longer frantic children Drunk on the springtime air. We've had our share Of blunders and confusion. Youth will make A mess of words and meanings; connotations Change on a whim. Not so with us. We know The full weight of each word we choose to utter, The entire significance of views and notions, The complete meaning of our sentiments. DONA ANNA Since yesterday? DON JUAN I fail to see.... DONA ANNA I merely Allude to the unhappy fact that your Maturity was rather long in coming. DON JUAN Oh yes, reproach me - you have every right To do so. DONA ANNA Do I? With regard to me, Except for yesterday, your conduct, sir, Has been beyond reproach. For, after all, Back when I was young, gullible, and weak, Your hasty and mysterious departure Helped save my honor. DON JUAN Well, my consolation, Is - lives and heart aches notwithstanding - That, upon leaving you a second time, I leave you with your honor still intact. If you do love me, though.... DONA ANNA Love you? DON JUAN My word! Why don't we stop pretending! Love me, yes. DONA ANNA I don't remember making a confession To that effect. DON JUAN So much the worse. However, The fifteen years of utter solitude Are proof enough. DONA ANNA I'm happy that you think So highly of yourself, Don Pedro. Pray Continue your fine speech. DON JUAN I've come to say Farewell. Let's part as friends. DONA ANNA You're leaving, then. DON JUAN Forever, Dona Anna. DONA ANNA And that poem? DON JUAN A mere nostalgic message from the past, An echo of that other man, much younger, Much more sincere - although far less in love Than the contemporary version. Burn it. DONA ANNA Farewell, then. DON JUAN Yes, farewell. (he stands) Just one thing more. Of all the subtle, intricate disguises, Of masks and veils, youth is the subtlest one. Only when age removes it from one's face Can its true beauty be discerned. I say I've never seen, nor will I see again Features quite so appealing as yours are. If there's a second woman in the world Resembling you in beauty, heart, and merit - I wish her, above all, that someone might Love her as much as I love you. And now, Before I leave, I must demand an answer. Oh, no! Not that I'm nursing silly hopes, Or deem myself deserving of the honor; I am a stickler, though, for art and form; A wretched pedant who won't see the door Unless it's shown him. Will you marry me? DONA ANNA Oh, no. Of course not. A pause. DON JUAN No? DONA ANNA No. DON JUAN And.... why not? DONA ANNA After my husband's death, in morbid anguish, I made myself two vital promises. One was that I would find and bring to trial His murderer. The other, that I'd never Marry again someone I did not love. DON JUAN Såñîra, please forgive me. I must go. Your reasons are commendable indeed; Yours is the mind, then, of a true logician, Your wisdom does transcend your age and beauty. Farewell, Såñîra. DONA ANNA You're so quick to leave! DON JUAN You'd understand, if you harbored for me A tenth of the mad passion that is now Tearing my chest. DONA ANNA Still, you are impolite. I did not say I wanted you to go Just yet. DON JUAN What more is there to say or do? Please, Dona Anna. DONA ANNA Grace this hapless widow With but another minute of your time. I'd like to ask you something. DON JUAN (impatiently) Ask it then. Be quick! DONA ANNA Tell me, Såñîr, what is your name? DON JUAN Don Pedro. DONA ANNA No; the real one. DON JUAN But why? DONA ANNA Because I need to know. DON JUAN I cannot tell you. What good would knowing it do you? It's been Mixed up in thousands of unpleasant matters. I am a monster, really. I'm a beast, A brute, a villain, and a libertine. DONA ANNA At least you have admitted that Don Pedro Is a fictitious person. DON JUAN Bless his heart! He wrote some poems, leaving me to suffer The consequences. Ha! In all these years The rascal hasn't aged a day. What luck! He served me well and long; at last, he blundered, Exposed his master and betrayed his craft By seeking substance and gratification Where none was due. Fictitious characters Must not expect a genuine reward. DONA ANNA Your name, then? DON JUAN Why - why do you want to know? You have refused. How can it matter now What name I bear? DONA ANNA I want to know the truth. DON JUAN But why? DONA ANNA I want to hear it from your lips. DON JUAN Ah, Dona Anna! Torture me no more! You don't know what you're asking. Let me be. DONA ANNA Your name! DON JUAN Don Juan. Dona Anna grabs the dagger from the table, approaches him. He does not move. DONA ANNA At last! DON JUAN (indifferently) Why, that's a dagger. Dona Anna places it against his throat. DONA ANNA Your death. DON JUAN Why, do it, Dona Anna! Do it! DONA ANNA For all these years of my unceasing torture, For all you've caused me to endure, for this Repugnant place; the dreams defiled and shattered, The guilt that to this day gnaws at my heart, The unfulfilled abominable passion, The tears, the sobs, the wounds, the sleepless nights, For all this, you must die! DON JUAN Then do it! Do it! A pause. She drops the knife on the floor and walks away. He sinks into his chair. A very long, painful pause. They are not looking at each other. Presently, she turns, approaches him, and kisses him on the lips. She walks away again and stands at the right wing, not looking at him. He continues sitting, petrified. DONA ANNA One does look younger in a wedding dress. A pause. DON JUAN (smiling tentatively) A pair of rings. DONA ANNA A veil. DON JUAN A priest. DONA ANNA A carriage. DON JUAN Seville. DONA ANNA Or Italy. DON JUAN Or France. DONA ANNA Or Sweden. Heavy stomping off stage. DON JUAN What's that? The stomping is louder. DON JUAN What's that?!! The Statue! DONA ANNA Juan! The lights fade. A spotlight on Don Juan. He clutches his head, then straightens abruptly, rapidly drawing his sword. The stomping is deafening now. Don Juan drops the sword, clutches his head again. Don Diego is in the room - a spotlight on him. He is holding a dagger in his hand. Abruptly, silence. DON DIEGO I pulled this dagger from Rodrigo's chest. Fresh blood on it. The first blow killed a man. The second one preserves a woman's virtue. He makes as if to stab Don Juan. The latter does not move. Don Diego throws the dagger at Don Juan's feet, walks out stage-left. Lights. Don Juan stares at the dagger, then lifts his gaze and sees Dona Anna, prostrate, motionless. He rushes to her, falls on his knees. DON JUAN Sweet Anna, rise! Dear angel, I repent! Oh, don't be silent! Tell me that you love me! The lights are dimmed. Two monks walk in slowly, carrying candles. One of them has a spare cloak, with a hood. A pause. Don Juan rises slowly, takes the cloak from him. His sword suddenly slips out of his shoulder belt, falling on the floor. He stands motionless for a while. Presently, he puts on the cloak, takes the candle from one of the monks. Curtain. THE END ?? URL: http://lib.misto.kiev.ua/ZHURNAL/ROMANOWSKIJ/juan.dhtml