GIANNI SCHICCHI

Italian libretto

by

GIOACHINO FORZANO

English version
by

EDOARDO

COPYRIGHT

1918

by

G.

PETRI

RICORDI & COMPANY

PERSONAQQI
GIANNI SCHICCHI

50 anni

LAURETTA

21 anni

ZITA

LA

detta

VECCHIA,

cugina di Buoso

RINUCCIO,
I

PARENTI
DI

BUOSO

GHERARDO,
NELLA,

60 anni

nipote

24 anni

Zita

di

nipote

Buoso

di

sua moglie

40 anni
34 anni

GHERARDINO, loro figlio

BETTO DI SIGNA, cognato

anni

di

Buoso, povero e malvestito,

DONATI

eta indefinible

SIMONE,

cugino

MARCO, suo
LA CIESCA,

Buoso

di

70 anni

45 anni

figlio

moglie

di

Marco

38 anni

MAESTRO SPINELLOCCIO, medico

SER AMANTIO DI NICOLAO, notaro
PINELLINO, calzolaio
GUCCIO, tintore

CHARACTERS
Ycarsi

GIANNI SCHICCHI

50

LAURETTA

21

"The Old Woman,"

a cousin to Buoso
RINUCCIO, Zita's nephew
GHERARDO, Buoso's nephew

ZITA,

THE
RELATIVES

OF

BUOSO
DONATI

called

60

24

NELLA,

his

wife

GHERARDINO,
BETTO of Signa,
-

poor

and

their

son

40

34

a cousin to Buoso,

shabbily

age

clothed,

unguessable.

SIMONE,

MARCO,

his

cousin to Buoso

son

.LA CIESCA, Marco's wife

MASTER SPINELLOCCIO, physician

AMANTIO DI NICOLAO, notary
.

PINELLINO, shoemaker
GUCCIO, a dyer

70

45

38

LA CAMERA DA LETTO
L'azione

sinistra di faccia al pubblico

rottolo e la scala; quindi

al

ml

svolge

si

una

DI

Nel fondo a

di Arnolfo.

ballatoia

1299 in Firenze.

la

porta d'ingresso; oltre un piane-

ftnestra a vetri fino a terra per cui si accede

terrasso con la ringhiera di legno

della casa.

BUOSO DON AT

cite

gira esternamente la facciata

cui si scorge la torre

un Unestrone da

sinistra

Sulla parete di destra una scaletta di legno conduce ad un

Su cui trovansi una stipe

altra porticina.

sparsi qua e

un tavolo; sopra

Id,

il

una porta.

destra nel fondo

Sotto

scala

la

un

Sedie, cassapanche, stipi

letto.

il

tavolo oggetti d'argento.

BUOSO DONATI'S BEDROOM

The

action takes place in 1299, in Florence.

At

The bed-chamber of Buoso Donati.

main

beyond,

etitrance;

French window giving

front of the house.
a very large

stairs,

Chairs,

access

The

chest

wall, a

wooden

narrow wooden

chests,

the

right,

audience,

the

large

then,

surrounds

On

bannister.

rear

the
left,

toiver can plainly be seen.

staircase leads up

of drawers and a door

To

facing

which

terrace

the

terrace has a

another small door.

silverware.

to

and

window through which Arnolfo' s

Along right-hand
balcony.

landing

the

left,

staircase;

in

the

and

coffers are scattered here and

gallery.

in

there.

the

to

a small

Under

rear,
table

the

the

bed.

bearing

! !

GIANNI SCHICCHI

ACT ONE
/)t

the

four corners of

bed, four

the

tall

candlesticks

lighted candles.

is

with four

In front of the bed, a three-branch candelabrum unlighted. There

sunshine and the glow of candles. It is nine o'clock in the morning.
Through the half open bed-curtains can be seen a red silk drapery

covering a body.

Buoso's relatives, kneeling, with their faces buried in their hands,

bend down close to the ground. Gherardino, Seated on the Hoor, to the
left and near the ivall, turns his back to the other relatives^ intent at
playing zvith marbles. The relatives form a semi-circle ; on the left side
of the b-ed, first of all can be seen the old woman, then Rinaccio, Gherardo and Nella; Betto of Signa remains somewhat isolated in the center
because his poverty and his shabby appearance make the other relatives
look upon him with contempt. To the right, Ciesca, Marco and Simone
are facing the old

From

woman.

group rises the customary mumbling sound of prayers.

This mumbling is interrupted by sobs, plainly forced and fabricated by a
drawing of the breath through the throat. Each time that Betto of
Signa takes a chance at a sob, the other relatives raise their faces from
between their hands and frown upon Betto. During the mumbled praythis

ers the folloiving exclamations are heard:

The Old Woman

My

poor, poor

Buoso

Simone:

Poor, poor, poor dear cousin!

RiNuccio:

Poor, poor dear Uncle!

Marco and Ciesca

Gherardo and Nella

Oh

Buoso

Buoso
Betto:

My

good brother-in-law!

(//e is interrupted by Gherardino letting a chair drop

to

the floor

with a crash, and the relatives, with the excuse of quieting Gherardino throzv a formidable "hush" in Betto' s face.)

Gherardo:

For days and days

{To Gherardino ivho

I'll

shed bitter tears.

is pulling at this coat

tails,

saying something)

Hush
Nella:

Days, you said?

Months!

{As above)

Hush!
{Gherardino goes

to

the old

woman.)

GIANNI SCHICCHI
Months

CiESCA

The Old Woman:

Why,

know

for years and years

weep

I'll

all

my

life!

She turns

{She pushes Gherardino away, annoyed.

to

Nella and

Gherardo)

away?

Can't you send that child

Don't bother!

(Gherardo gets up, takes the boy by the hand, and dragging him
along, takes him away through the small door at left.)

Oh! Buoso, Buoso,

All:

From Paradise
See how we mourn
Nella (Betto bending

to

his

for you in your demise

whimpers a few words into Nella's

left

ear)

Impossible

Betto

'Tis

RiNUCx;io

rumored

Truly ?

Signa.

in

(bending towards Nella, in a lamenting tone)

What's rumored

Nella:

Signa?

in

They're saying that....

(She whispers
RiNUCcio

(in a natural voice)

No.
Betto:

.o. .0. .0.

rumored

'Tis

CiESCA (bending tozvards Betto,

his ear.)

Signa!

in

in a

What's rumored
Betto:

into

lamenting tone)

Signa

in

They're saying that....

(He whispers
CiESCA

(in

her natural voice)

No.

.o. .o.

into

her ear.)

Marco, you know

What's rumored in Signa?
They're saying that....
(She whispers into his ear.)

Marco

Betto:

The Old Woman

What-a-at ?
'Tis

rumored

in

Signa.

(in a lamenting tone)

know now
Whatever may be
Can't

we

all

That's rumored in Signa?

GIANNI SCHICCHI
Betto

There are many rumors....

....Half words here and there....

For

somewhere

instance,

Someone
"If old

did declare

man Buoso now

The convent and

Another said:

He
SiMONE

(in

has

'I

left to the

gives up his ghost

monks

the

know

monks even

his mill"....

the middle of this narrative has also gotten up

zvith

And who

Indeed?....

rumored

in

Simone:

'Tis

rumored

in

Signa?....

All

'Tis

rumored

in

Signa

(A

pause.

Though

others)

the

listen
:

Signa.

kneeling,

still

to

said it?

'Tis

Betto

most"....

will get the

that in his will

the

relatii'es

nozv

keep

their

bodies erect.)

Gherardo

Oh

Simone

CiE^CA

Simone

The Old Woman:

Speak!

Marco

The Old Woman

are the oldest here....

You who have been town

Simone {thinks a

You

sheriff all this year

What's your opinion ?

while, then with an air of gravity)

was filed in the town

There is no hope for us, at all
But if by mere good luck
The will is in this room
If Buoso's will

The flower
All:

If

hall

of our hopes again might bloom!

Buoso's will

The flower

is

hidden

in

this

room
bloom

of our hopes again might

Simone and Nella move

The old zi'oman, Ciesca
and Marco rush to the coffer down front, along right hand wall.
Gherardo, zi^io returns without the hoy, joins Simone and Nella.

{Instinctively, they all

jump

to

their feet.

totvards the chest of drazvers up stage.

Rinticcio goes tozvards the clwst on top of the stairs.)

RiNUCCio

Oh

Lauretta, Lauretta,

Let's hope

my

from now on

sweetheart

we'll

never part

parchments being
thrown in haste and confusion. Betto, chased azcay by everybody,
wanders about the room, zcheit, suddenly, his glance falls upon
the silver tray bearing on top a silver seal and silver scissors.
Cautiously, he stretches his hand tozvards the tray. But from up
stage at this moment comes a false alarm from Simone zvho thinks
he has found the zuill.)

{A feverish search for

the

will.

Rustling

of

::

!;

GIANNI SCHICCHI
Simone:
(All

11

Ah!,

'

Betto has an innocent look upon his face.

Simone, scanning a parchment more closely)

around.

turn

No

I'm wrong

{The search starts again. Betto grabs the seal and scissors; he
rubs them hard on the cloth of his sleeve after iirst breathing hard
upon .them several times. He examines them critically and puts
them in his pocket. He is now slowly pulling the tray towards
himself; but an exclamation from the Old Woman makes all turn
around.)

The Old Woman

Ah

(She scans a parchment more closely)

I'm wrong!

No.

(The search

Betto grabs the tray and puts

starts again.

his coat, holding

under

(Reading from a

"The
(All rush

it

tight in place with his arm.)

it

We're saved

RiNuccio

last will of

Buoso

roll

of parchment)

Donati.''

towards him with outstretched Jiands

to

grab

the

will,

but Rinuccio, holding the parchment tightly in his left hand, raises
his

right

to

stop

Aunt,

As
Ah,

still.)

'tis

who found

a recompense,
tell

me

if

Has made me
If we find all

On

of relatives who, burning zinth

avalanche

the

impatience, cannot keep

this

tell

the will

me....

Uncle Buoso

poor

Unck

legatee

of us suddenly rich,

joyous occasion

Would you

consent that

should marry

Lauretta, Schicchi's fair daughter?

That thought would make me happier on this day

And I could make her mine the first of May!

All (except

the

Old

Woman)

All right!
All right!

There's time to talk

RiNucao

The Old Woman

it

over

Come, come, show us the will

What do you fear?
We're all on pins and needles waiting here!
Aunt
:

If in that will there be

I

leave you free to

no hitch

wed even

a witch!

! !!!

GIANNI SCHICCHI

13

all

Uncle Buoso who cared so much for me

No doubt has left me there enough for three!
Gherardino

(to

who comes

back)

follow Zita

wards

who moves

She looks for

the table.

the scissors to

around the

cut the ribbons

roll,

but she ^nds

neither

Run, run to Gianni Schicchi

Tell him to come right over with his girl
As Rinuccio's poor head is in a whirl!

tray.

ning

nor the
She looks around, scan-

is

the

faces

the

of

off

Zita

with

other

expression

Betto's

incredible!

ribbon

These pennies will be handy

For you to buy some candy!

scissors

the

relatives.

(Giving him two coins)

tears

her

(reading)

out.)

the one containing the will.)

"To my dear cousins

Simone!"

Zita and

Dear, dearest Buoso

Simone:

The Old Woman

Simone:

Dear, dearest Buoso

three

(In an impulse of gratitude lights the

candles on

candelabrum)

the
:

All these three candles

Will burn for thee!

Melting

'till

ended

Inside the lee

Rest thou in peace

Dear, dearest Buoso

All (whispering)
Dear, dearest Buoso
I hope he has bequeathed

The

me

this

house!

old saw-mills of Signa

And then his mule

hope he has bequeathed ....
I

The Old Woman

Hush

it's

open

(Behind the old woman standing close to the

on top of each other as tight as they can.

table, the relatives press

Marco and Betto have

climbed on a chair.

All their faces can plainly be seen, absorbed

in the reading of the

xvill.

All mouiths can be seen moving as

people read without emitting actual sounds.

overshadows

woman

all

faces....

when

Suddenly, a cloud

until they take a tragic look ...

.till

the

fairly drops

on the stool placed in front of the deik.

Simone is the first of the petrified group to move; he turns around
and seeing the three candle.^, he had lighted a few moments before,
blows on them and puts them out; he drops the bed curtains comold

pletely, then

he puis

tives

move towards

stay,

like

ahead.)

the

fingers.

She unrolls the parchment from

which a second roll appears

(Gherardino rushes

The Old Woman

will to Zita;
to-

hands the

(Ritiuccio

RiNUCCIO

all

the candles oui.

Slowty, the other rela-

There they
and sit down.
graven images, eyes wide open and staring straight
different

chairs

!!

! ! !!

GIANNI SCHICCHI
SiMONE

So it was true! The convent and the priest

Will fatten on the wealth of that old beast!

All the good florins

CiESCA

Are now
Gherardo

Betto:

RiNuccio:

let

will

fill

the

have

feast at will

my

to restrain

constant thirst

to the

They

will

joy,

And

we'll

feast in

full

fill

ever content

pine in distress, without a cent

from me
Holy See!

stolen thus

is

fully satisfy the

What

and lurch

theft

without a thought

off

monks and nuns

All happiness

made by

the coffers of the church!

While the monks drink

To
Marco

to

Fine trick to cut us

To

Nella

15

cheer in the cellars of the convent!

Raise up, ye monks, your heads in prayer bent!

The Old Woman

The

whole land

be for you
on watery stew
Fat squabs and juicy steaks will be your fare!
fat of the

While we

will

have to

Simone:

Thick mutton chops

Nella:

And pork

Marco

Fresh-killed hare!

will

live

loin

Betto:

And

All:

Yes, pheasants and spring chickens!

RiNuccio:

Of

The Old Woman

fat pheasants

course,

And

who

could forget that tasty bite!

with your cheeks so rubicund and bloated

Full of health by Donati's gold promoted

You will laugh in our faces ah ah ah

They thought they would inherit ah ah ah
:

Those

All

(all rise, pointing

at

fool Donati geese

each other.

ah

ah

ah

'With poisoned laughter)

Ah! ah! ah! ah! ah! ah! ah! ah! ah! ah!
See, there goes a Donati

See

him down there?

He

thought he'd be for sure his Uncle's heir

Ah! ah! ah! ah!
Ah! ah! ah! ah!
(Bursting with anger, with clenched Asts)
Yes, yes,

we know you

smile amid your prayers

At the wonderful joke on Buoso's

heirs!

::!

!!

GIANNI SCHICCHI
(Again they

sit

doivn tenth a thump.

17

pause.

feiv are

now

really

weeping.)

Who

The Old Woman

would ever have thought

his last journey would be taking
would be crying and sobbing without faking!

When Buoso

We
Voices

we

Couldn't

To

any scheme

find

change that

will ....

To upset it.
To alter it!.
Simone
Simone
Oh
.

The Old Woman

You

Marco

You who have been

Simone (makes

are the oldest here!

know

Who

all

year!

this

Impossible!)

a gesture as if to say:

RiNuccio

town-sheriff

one

there's but

man

could advise this clan

And who might

save us....

Who?....

All:

Gianni Schicchi

RiNuccio

(They

Woman

The Old

And
You

of disappointment.)

gesture

Schicchi

his fair daughter

will

No more
Gherardino

make

all

Of Gianni

to speak

do well
I

say

no more!

(rus'hing in out of breath, yells at

the

top

of his voice)

He's on his way!

Who?....

All:

Gherardino

Gianni Schicchi

The Old Woman

Rinuccio:

Who

Because

A
This

not

moment

to

him
hoped.

The Old Woman

Few

is

him?

sent for

sent for

the

have

{stopping him short)

Look here

if

he

Gianni Schicchi

comes

come here and

bother us

him down-stairs

Gherardo
Gherardino)

(to

You

are to take

orders from no

will surely kick

I

one but your

There
father
!

there

(He spanks Gherardino

and throws him
the

room

to

into

the right

on top of the

stairs.)

19

GIANNI SCHICCHI
Simone:

The Old Woman

!!

Donati can't marry the daughter of a peasant!

One who came into Florence from the back-woods

always wrong to mix with the new rich
1

It's
I

RiNuccio:

don't want him

You

are

all

He's smart

come!

to

wrong!
and keen-eyed

He knows the law

And all the tricks
That lawyers practice.
Always good-humored, and full of fun
At all parties, when looking for some

who

'Tis Gianni Schicchi

His bright brown eyes

jest

finds the best!

light

up with charm and grace

That strangest face

Upon which his big nose projects a shade
That never seems to fade.
Just like that!

What

matters one's ancestors' wondrous fame?

nowadays and not your name

'Tis deeds that count

Our Florence

is

a great, big, robust tree

That covers with its shade Signoria Square;

But its roots get more strength and longer life
From the new streams that flow from everywhere;
And our Florence grows large, and broad and high
While new towers and domes rise to the sky!
Before reaching its mouth the Arno river
Doth send through Santa Croce a joyous quiver

With

its

singing so sweet, so full of

That brooks and torrents join with

fire

their full

choir

Thus do come men

To make more

rich

of skill in art and science

and splendid our Florence!

hills come every year

One more Astolfo, builder without peer!
And let come Giotto from the Mugel forest
And the Medicis, merchants fair and honest

Let from Val d'Elsa's

Dismiss

all

thoughts derived from snobbish lore

be Gianni Schicchi to our door.

And welcome

(A knock
'Tis he!

May

is

heard at the door)

he come in?

(The relatives make a meaningless gesture. Rinuccio

door and Gianni Schicchi enters with Lauretta.)

opens the

21

GIANNI SCHICCHI
Gianni Schicchi and Lauretta

Gianni (stops on

the

threshold and looks around at the relatives)

(To judge from their air so grave and sad

Buoso Donati's state can't be so bad!)
RiNUCCIO
Lauretta, between the
landing and the door)

(to

(Gianni

slowly

Woman,

zvho

moves towards
turns

the

Old

on

him.
the

notices

Coming further front he

candelabra around the bed!)

Lauretta

Gianni
Rino!

My

back

her

Ah!

dear sweetheart!

He's dead!

Why pale and haggard?

What piercing dart!
Do speak, beg you!
My dear sweetheart
What cruel dart!
What cruel dart!

Why

solemn vesper?

this air of

They are

all

(aside):

better actors than a jester!

Gherardo
Gianni

It

(like a

(low, falsely)
I
I

comprehend your grief

feel it heart and soul!

wasn't a partial

loss,

his

to

these matters

in

such a loss!

was the whole!

it

person saying anything coming

Well

at

mind)

Well, what can

you do ?
In this old world, so vain,
If

you lose on one side

You
(Annoyed

at seeing

may

gain....

them playing

You
And

The Old Woman

still

lose your
find his

their part in fr^ont of

him)

Buoso

hoarded money!

(rushing iozvards him like a zvild beast}':

All for the convent!

Gianni

Oh, what a portent

The Old Woman

It is

a portent, yes

it

is

a portent!

why I tell you now;

Go home with your fair daughter
Go away, go away from here
That's

I won't let my nephew

Get married to a pauper

For

Lauretta

Rinuccio

My

aunt

am

in love

Father, father, I love him!

The Old Woman

Well,

don't give a rap!

Gianni

More

pride,

my

little

dove!

!
!

! !!

!!!

!!

!!

! !!

GIANNI SCHICCHI

23

Gianni {bursting with indigation)

So for the greed that stills thy vile old heart
Thy nephew from my girl wouldst tear apart
Thou mean old wretch
:

Lauretta

Rinuccio

(Each stretching towards

Rinuccio, do not leave

Remember our

When
I

the

me
in Fiesole

(together)

oh
Extinguished

is

the

first

(escapes and rushes to him)

I

Papa,

hope,

thy ray

can't be joined together

Upon

Papa,

of

May
(escapes and rushes to Lauretta)

My
My

want him
want him

aunt,

aunt,

want her
want her

Sweetheart

Sweetheart

Gianni
(pulling

his

daughter

ZiTA
toivards

the door)

Miserly

Fiesole

fondest

Farewell,

remember

You promised to be irue

And that bright night, all
Was singing, dear, of you

did consent to a kiss

We

they have free)

Lauretta, dear,

great bliss

one bright night

arm

other the

woman!

(pulling Rinuccio to the right)

Stop your cheap insults

Without a dowry
say no
I will say no

Mean, avaricious
You greedy wench

I will

Come, come, Lauretta

Rinuccio,

Dry quick your

Stop all that nonsense

I'm sure you cannot love her!

dearest eyes,

This match would surely cost you

Far more sighs

Come

on, child,

(taking

-More pride,

More

pride,

Come,

(The

ceme

hack his daughter)

my
my

say,

dove!
dove!

we must go

Nonsense

Nonsense

Come, Rino, come

(taking back Rinuccio)

You're not
You're not

Come,

remain neutral and content

exclamations no-w and then.)
relatives

come

in love
in love

say,

we must go

Ihemseh'cs

zvitli

fcxi

!!

!!

GIANNI SCHICCHI
The

Relatives

Who

Oh

25

cares to listen to quarrels of lovers

Let's see about the will
pill

what a

(Gianni, almost at the door, moves to drag Laureite away.)

RiNUCCio (freeing

his

hand from

his aunt's grasp)

Master Giovanni
Will you please wait a moment?

(To

the

old zvoman)

Instead of losing your temper

Show him

that testament

(To Gianni)

Do see if you can help us

I know you will invent
Some device, a new scheme, a trap, a
A way out of this mess I know you
:

Gianni

(pointing to the relatives)

To
Lauretta (kneeling

in

plot

can

No

crowd ?

help that

front of him)

sir,

I'm not the

man

Oh, my beloved Daddy

He's handsome as a King
I'm going to Porta Rossa
To buy our wedding-ring

do mean it
say no
I swear from Ponte Vecchio
I'll throw myself below
Yes, father,

And

you

if

What

still

shivers

Poor me,

What

want

a chill

to die

(She weeps.

Gianni

(in the tone of a

Give
(Rinuccio hands
the room.

it

The

man who
me

to him.

feels constt*ained to

pause.)

condescettd)

Donati's will

Gianni reads

relatives first follow

it

as he paces up and dowii

him with

their

eyes,

then,

unconsciously, start walking in his foot-^teps, like chicks after a

hen, with the exception of Simone who remains seated on the

bench

to

the right

and .Shakes

his

head doubtfully.

prevails.)

Gianni:

(The

It can't

be done!

relatives leave Schicchi

and move up stage.)

Great an.viety

!!

GIANNI SCHICCHI
RiNUccio AND Lauretta

27

Farewell, oh fondest hope

Extinguished is thy ray

We cannot be united

Upon

the

Gianni:

It can't

(At

this, all the relatives

first

of

May!

be done!

drop again upon their chairs with a thud.)

RiNuccio AND Lauretta:

Farewell, oh fondest hope,

Extinguished

Gianni

thundering voice)

(in a

And
(All the relatives

yet

jump

Gianni (stops
pursuit

an

their feet

to

and rush towards Gianni.)

wedded
May!

will be

the first of

He makes

idea.

in the center of stage a frozen

of

Rinuccio and Lauretta:

Perhaps we

Upon

thy ray.

is

quiet

upon

/lils

gestures,

face, as if in hot

looking

straight

All the relatives crowd around him, Sinione included. As

Gianni towers above tliem, the relatives keep their faces upturned
Slozvly, Gianni's face
to him, like chicks] awaiting their food.

ahead.

becomes severe, he smiles and looks down at the crozvd around

him ... .He stands tall, dominating,, imposing.)

All (almost

in a zvhispcr)

Do
Gianni

tell

us

(in a child-like voice)

Laurettina

Go out, my darling daughter

And bring the little birdie bread and water
(As Rinuccio moves

follow her, Gianni stops him)

to

Alone.
(Lauretta goes out onto the terrace on the left. Gianni follows her
zmth his eyes, and, as soon as the girl has disappeared, he turns
to the

group of relatives crozvding around him)

Who knows

outside

That he gave up

All

No

Gianni

one

Good

No

one

his

Again
is

say

to be told

ghost?

!!

GIANNI SCHICCHI
No

All,:

Gianni

one

(seized by a doubt)

And

The Old Woman

know

will

a thing.

the servants?

meaning tone)

(in a

29

Since he became unconscious

No
Gianni

(to

one has entered here

Marco and Gherardo,

and

his ini)id nozv at ease

made

fully

up):
-

You two

will bring the

dead

man

(Pointing

room

In yonder

with those candles.

to

(to Ciesca

And you

The Women
Gianni

But.

Hush

make

will

Do what

room under

is

a knock at

Gianni (very much put

say

Gianni:

(Betto goes

come
to

the

Simone, Betto and Rinuccio

Ciesca and Nella re-arrange the bed.

the door.)

out, in

a stifled voice)

Who

(in a ivhisper)

might

it

be?

'Tis

Master Spinelloccio

The

physician

to

the ivindoiv,

dark.

and by closing the shutter makes the

All crozvd around the' door and hold

ajar.)

Master Spinelloccio (mith

May
:

bed-curtains and

the

Don't let him get in here!

Give him some excuse....
Tell him Buoso's now taking a quiet rest

room almost

All

bundle which they bring

What's that?

The Old Woman

and Nella)

the ^^airs.

carry the candelabra aivay.

There

carrying a long red

right to the

stairs)

the bed

(Marco and Gherardo disappear under

out again

the

o'erlooking Buoso's shed

foreign accent)

come

in?

Good morning,
Good Master Spinelloccio
He's better

Better!
Better

it

barely

! !!

GIANNI SCHICCHI
Master Spineixoccio Did he

You

All:

full

get

31

relief?

You

bet he did!

bet!

Master Spinelloccio What wondrous height

Has now reached Science's
:

Well,

light

see him, let's see

let'-s

him

(He movesH
All (stopping

hint)

to

enter.)

No!

Master Spinelloccio

he's sleeping!

(insisting)

But I....

Gianni

(half

behind

hidden

and imitating Buoso's

bed-curtains

the

quavering voice)

No no

no

Master Spinelloccio

(At the sound of the dead man's voice, all the reiaitives Start with
fright, but they soon realise it is Gianni imitating Buoso's voice.

However,

has

in his fright, Betto

Master Spinelloccio: Oh! Master Buoso

Gianni

the silver fray fall to the Aoor.)

let

Doctor,

so tired

feel

and

sleepy.

Couldn't you return to see

Yes, as late as you can.
.

Master Spinelloccio

So,

You
Gianni

'Till

me some

time to-night?

(To

relatives)

...

feel better?

new man

feel like a

'Till

Master Spinelloccio

Master Buoso.

to-night!

to-night

Even

his voice

It is

a fact,

Praise

am

now seems

my

the

and high

clearer

patients never die

not begging here

All credit must be given

To our

school which has no peer

Until to-night!

GIANNI SCHICCHI
All

'Till

'Till

{Exit Spinelloccio.

to-night,

Doctor

33

to-night

The

vuindozv is throxvn open again: the relatives

turn towards Gianni.)

Gianni:
All:

Was

it

well imitated?

!!

!!

GIANNI SCHICCHI

Schicchi
Schicchi

Schicchi

The Old Woman

Schicchi
Schicchi

35

(to Rinuccio)

fetch the notary!

You run and

(Exit Rinuccio in haste.)

The

zvith great effusion)

Relatives (kissing and embracing each other

Dearest Gherardo
Oh
Zita
Gianni

Marco!

Oh

Nella

Zita

Simone

How much

Oh
Ciesca

they love each other

Oh! happiest of our born

The joke is on the convent!

All:

We

beautiful

Now

Simone;

The

more content!

couldn't be

How

Gianni,

days

love

is

let

among

relations!

us settle

question of division:

All cash in

hand

will go....

In equal shares

All;

(Gianni keeps on nodding assent.)

To me

Simone:

the farmlands

Of Fucecchio.

The Old Woman

Gherardo

For us the lands of Empoli.

For us

The Old Woman

all

(A pause.

The

those of Quintole.

That would leave undivided:

The mule,

Marco

Figline.

For me the farm of Prato.

Betto:

Marco

For me those of

this ancient palace

And

the

The

best of the

saw

mills of Signal

whole

lot!

relatives begin to eye each other askance.)

!!

GIANNI SCHICCHI
SiMONE (simulating ignorance)

Oh

see

37

now

see

now

Being the oldest here

And having been town-sheriff for a year
You say they'll be for me Thank you Thank you
!

The Old Woman

No, no, no, wait a moment

you are old, so much worse for you!

If

Marco and Others

With

his modesty he gives us a thrill!

He'd claim the fattest share in the new

All

Gianni

How

lasting

love

is

relatives.

(he

are

saw

laughs)

The

all

mills of Signa

The
The mule, the saw mills of Signa, the
The mule, the palace, the saw mills of
Of Signa the saw mills, the mule, the
The mule, the saw mills of Signa, the
palace, the mule, the

(aside)

among

will!

,,

for
r

palace

Signa are

all

for

us

^or

me

palace
[

palace \^^^

^^^

palace ....

of Signa
the mule.

(The

slozv

How

mills

announces that someone

All stop shouting and exclaim)

and mournful pealing of a

is

saw

the

dead.

bell

know?

did they

(With

How

stifled voices)

did they learn he'd given up his ghost?

(Gherardo rushes out of the room and rushes down-stairs.)

The game

Gianni:

Lauretta

(peeping in from

lost!

is

left)

Papa, what do you think

Of
Gianni

(nervously)

the bird.

He now

refuses to eat!

Well, give him

now

a drink

(Lauretta

Gherardo (comes again panting and out of

goes

breath.

out

He

again.)

cannot speak,

but moiions "'no" with his head.)

....A stroke has just brought down

The moorish major-domo

Of the mayor of the town!
All

(gaily)

Requiescat in pace!

me

GIANNI SCHICCHI
SiMONE (with an

air of authority)

39

As to the house, the mule and

I move to leave that matter

To

Gianni

leave

it

mills

me

Give

Schicchi.

to

all

Just as you say

saw

the high sense of fairness of Gianni Schicchi!

We

All:

the

the clothes!

must get ready quick!

the xvardrohe and the chest,

on the other side of the bed, a nightcap, a lace handkerchief and

(The old zvoman and Nella take from

night-gozvn.)

The Old Woman

Here

the night cap for you

is

(aside

Schicchi)

to

you leave me the mule

The palace and the mills
If

Of Signa,
You will get
Schicchi:

thirty florins

You'll get them!

(The old woman moves totvards

Simne (drawing near Gianni with an

the

wardrobe rubbing her hands.)

air of nonchalance)

you leave me this house

The mule and the saw mills
If

Of

Signa,

You'll get a hundred florins!

Betto

(to Schicchij afraid of being noticed)

Gianni,

j'ou leave

if

me

This palace with the mule and

I'll fill with gold your pocket

(Meanwhile, Nella

Gianni

is

all

the

saw

'till

it

spills

talking aside to Gherardo.)

You'll

get

mills

'

them

(Ciesca

is

now

talking aside to Marco.)

Nella (moving away from Gherardo who follows her with

his eyes

while she speaks to Schicchi)

Here

is

a bit of old lace

you leave us the mule

We'll make you as rich and fat as the old miller!
All the saw mills of Signa and this villa
If

Gianni:

'

You'll get them!

(Nella returns near Gherardo and whispers something in his ear.

All are rubbing their h-ands gleefully.)

GIANNI SCHICCHi
And

41

here is the night-gown

you leave us the mule
The saw mills of Signa and this villa
For you there is a thousand florins!

CiESCA

If

Gianni

Good

You'll have them.

(Ciesca goes near to Marco, ivhispers in his ear and they rub their
hands gleefully, as do all the others.)

(Gianni puts on the night-gown. Then, mirror in hand, he arranges

the night-cap and chin band, his face changing expression as if to
Simone is at the windoiv watching for
find the right adjustment.
Gherardo clears up tine table for the notary to ivrite
the notary.
on.
Marco and B^ito pull the bed-curtains and put the room
order.)

in

Nexla

ZiTA
{first

Nella
Undress, dear

For

it is

now

Don't think

it

The Old Woman

Ciesca

little

tot

a crime

To change and wash

Undress, dear

For

bed-time
is

Ciesca

look at Gianni comically, then)

a lot

it

If this

is

now

little

mite

bed-time

game comes out

right

'Tis

wondrous

One must
For who

fall

'

Portentous
in this trap!

could

tell

that

Buoso

You'll get a gingerbread?

Is not this other chap?

do change their An egg becomes a chick
You hate a fellow's will,
plumage For flowers become fruit
A long white gown with
The foxes shed their fur, Monks eat and grow fat
frill
The spider spins his web, But monks will grow poor
The dog seeks a new layer While Ciesca rich for surel A face hard like a mill

All

And

birds

snakes cast their skin

A
A

nose just like a

voice so

bill

weak and

still..

! !

!
!

GIANNI SCHICCHI
Gianni:

First,

43

my

you must heed

warning!

My

dear friends, do be careful!

And keep in mind this law

"Whoever
Himself

To

substitutes

falsify a will

Will

lose, with, his

One hand, and

accomplices,

have to leave the State."

all will

So do keep well

Do you
(pointing to

others

in place of

mind

in

In case

we

are found out

see there our Florence?

Arnolfo's tower which

plainly

is

visible through the

open window)
:

Florence, farewell, farewell, city of charm!

I

wave good-bye with

My
All:

fate

now

is

to

this poor,

handless

beg from farm to farm

arm
!

Florence, farewell, farewell, city of charm!

I

wave good-bye with

My
(A knock

fate

now

is

to

this poor, handless

arm

beg from farm to farm

Gianni jumps into the bed, the

to darken the room and place
a candle on the table at wihich the notary is, to sit to write out
is

heard at the door.

the shutters so

relativesf close

as\

the ziill.
They throw all sorts of things
and then open the door.)

Here

RiNuccio:

is

in

a heap

on the bed

the notary and here the witnesses!

Masters Amantio, Pinellino, Guccio

The Three

(sadly)

Master Buoso, good day

Gianni:

Oh! are you here?

Thank you, Master Amantio
Pinellino, the shoemaker, thank

you

Thank you, Guccio, the dyer, you are too good

To come and act as witnesses for me!
Pinellino (very much moved, aside)

Poor Master Buoso

1 have served him for years
!

And the state he appears

To be in, makes me cry
Gianni

It

was my

My own

firm intention to write out

will with

Paralysis forbids

Therefore

Solempne

my hand
me

want a notary.

et leale ....

understand

.
! !!

GIANNI SCHICCHI
from

(In the meantime the notary has taken

seals,

etc.,

disposing them

Master Amantio:

Thank

all

on the

45

box parchments,

his

tabHe.)

good Master Buoso

you,

Are you sure

paralysis that ails

it's

you?

(GiaHt raises his trembling hands from under the covers^ A move"Poor
Several are heard to mutter:
ment of general pity.

Buoso.")

Oh

that will

do

both witnesses have seen

"Testes viderunt!"

Do you want

Let's begin!

Gianni

Yes, yes, they can

Master Amantio

Then

stay

these folks to hear?

here

commence

I'll

In Dei nomini, anno D. N.

J.

C,

al

eius

salutifera

incarnatione

duecntesimo monagesimo nono, die prima septembris

indictione undecima, ego notaro Amantio di Nicolao, civis Florentiae, per voluntatem Buosi Donati scribe hunc testamentum.

niillesimo,

Gianni (with

and emphasizitig each word)

int'ention

:.

Annullans, revocans

Et

The

Relatives

Wonderful foresight

Wonderful
Master Amantio:

First of

Must
Gianni

all,

hope as

(I

The Relatives

testamentum!

irritans aliud

it

foresight

do

me

tell

about your funeral

late as possible)

Expensive?

be grand?

Impressive?

haven't that kind of pride!

Two

florins

Oh

what modesty

you may spend

at the outside!

Oh! what modesty!

Wonderful man! What

soul!

Generous

heart

He's good and smart

Gianni

leave to the monastery

And
(77;r

the order of Santa Reparata

Say.

The

Relatives

.five liras

(noiv easy in

Splendid

Tis
To

uvrried,

someivhat

relative^,

their
!

slo^dy

get

up)

minds)

Splendid

fair

keep in mind our duty towards the poor!

! !

GIANNI SCHICCHI
Master Amantio
Gianni

Methinks

Who

it's

sum

a small

money

leaves a lot of

For poverty's

47

relief

Will make the people say

"He must have been a thief

The

Relatives

What

principles

What
Master Amantio:

Oh

Thank

Thank you!

Gianni

And

The Old Woman

Thank you

Betto

Thank you

Neli-a

To

To

All (with clenched

you, dear cousin!

of Figline

fields

meadows.

Thank you

Nella and to Gherardo, Empoli's lands]

Thank you
teeth)

To
I

all

in Quintole.

get to the mule.

saw

the house and to the

leave

To my
{all

Marco

my own young

For which
And which

Rexatives

Thank you

Ciesca and to

Now we

The

relations

and Gherardo:

Ciesca and Marco

Gianni

Prato's

Betto,

Thank you
Gianni

To

uncile

Thank

my com

to Zita

Gianni:

Gianni

wisdom

the farm lands of Fucecchio.

Simone:
:

you,

you!

To Simone

my

leave in equal shares to

Thank
Gianni

great

All bonds and cash in hand

I

Relatives

mind

What

Wonderful keenness!

Gianni:

The

1"

mule,

paid three hundred florins

I
is

the best

mule of Tuscany....

devoted friend....

jumping up

mills.

at once)

What's that?

Gianni Schicchi.

What's that?

-What's that?

. !

GIANNI SCHICCHI
Mulan

The Notary:

49

relinquit eius atnico devoto Joanni Schicchi.

But....

All:

What use do you suppose

Could be that mule

Simone:

Gianni:

To

Gianni Schicchi?....

Do

please keep quiet,

know what

leave

Most

Simone!

things likes best our Gianni Schicchi!

house in Florence to my dear

and devoted friend,

my

affectionte

Gianni Schicchi

The

Gianni

Relatives

Florence, farewell

an outburst of rage)

(in

That
Not on your
To Gianni Schicchi!
That cursed rascal
is

too much!

Farewell, city of charm....

life

We

all

rebel!

--We

all

rebel!

Rather
We.
.

Ah

(At the sound of Gianni's

little

we would
.all.

Ah

wave good-bye

relatives

all

thin.

calm

down, fuming.)
Ah!,

.re.

Ah

The Notary

voice,

Don't you disturb

The final will

Of Master Buosol
Gianni

Master Amantio, I leave

That is my will and such
If they yell

I will

whom

to
it

choose

must remain.

sing the old refrain!.

GUCCIO AND PiNELLINO:

What
Gianni (continuing

his dictation)

And

The

Relatives:

Gianni;

a wonderful

the

saw

man

mills of Signa

Yes, the saw mills of Signa?

And the saw mills

Go to my dear
And most devoted
(I

(farewell, city of

friend....

wave good-bye with

And
(The witnesses and

of Signa (farewell, Florence)

that

charm)

Gianni Schicchi!

this poor,

handless arm!)..

is all!

the notary s^ent rather surprised.)

! !

GIANNI SCHICCHI
Zita,

&l

from your own purse

You'll give one hundred florins to the notary

And

twenty to the witnesses!

Amantio, Pinellino, Guccio (no longer surprised)

Master Buoso! Thank you!

{They move towards

Gianni (stopping them with a wave of

Kind friends

No

hand)

his tremblif^g

bed.)

the

farewells

Please be going!
Let's be brave

Amantio, Guccio, Pinellino {very much upset move towards

What
What

a wonderful
a loss

man
What
!

It's

heart,

a loss

{To

Take

the door)

a real pity t

the

relatives)

good people!
(exeunt.)

{As soon as
tives at

the notary and his witnesses Itave gone out, the rela-

first

remain quiet a moment listening

to

the

vanishing

Then, all, with the exception

footsteps of the three men.
Rinuccio, who has rushed out to join Lauretta on the terrace.)

The

Relatives {with hissing voices

at first, then

Robber

Robber

Traitor

Traitor

Imposter

Robber

of

unth ferocious yells)

Vile scoundrel

Cheap counsel
Robber

{They

all rush in a mass towards Gianni, who, standing on the bed,

defends himself as best he can.
They tear his night-gown to

shreds.)

Gianni

You

miserly

lot

won't consent

won't consent

There
There

is

is

Without

good dowry

dowry now
dowry now

{Grabbing Buoso's stick hanging from a bed post, he wields

around with wonderful eifect)
:

Get out, ye swine!

This house is mine!
This house is mine!

^^^'

Let's rummage!
Let's grab we
all

Yes,

can!

let's

pillage!

it

GIANNI SCHICCHI

The

53

fine silverware!

Silk, velvets and linen!

Let's rummage! Come,
Let's grab all we can!
Ah! ah! ah!

let's

pillage!

Gianni.
{The relatives run around here and there pursued by
Nella
and
Gherardo
hands.
their
They steal all that comes under
all he
yo up stairs and come back laden with loot. Gianni does

can

to

prevent the relatives from carrying away too much.

All,

and rush
as they have their arms full crowd around the door
The stage remains empty.)
doimstairs. Gianni runs after them.
appears,
RiNuccio (luay up stage, opens the large window. Florence

The

bathed in glorious sunshine.

race)

tzvo

lovers remain

ori

the ter-

my dear Lauretta!
This house will be our own!
Behold our radiant Florence

Lauretta,

Fiesole

is

beautiful

Lauretta:

You promised

RiNuccio:

love eternal!

begged a kiss!

my

kiss!

Lauretta:

Yes,

RiNUCCio:

All white and trembling

You turned your face

first

{together)

And

Florence in the valley,

Looked like a Paradise!

(They embrace and remain upstage clasped in each other's arms.)

Hoar)
{returns, laden with bundles which he throws on the
fled!
have
thieves
of
pack
That

Gianni

{Suddenly he stops. Seeing the two lovers, he is siorry for having

been noisy, but the young people do not seem to mind. Gianni's
Very much moved, he comes to the footlights,
face is smiling.
cap in hand, and pointing to the lovers.)
(Taking leave of the audience, wittiout singing)
Tell me, Ladies and Gentlemen,

Whether you could imagine

better use for Buoso's

For my

Have

trick,

sent

my

those good
soul to

hoarded money!

men

Hades

well,

amen!

But, giving Dante credit for this plot

If a good time has been to-night your lot
I

hope to learn your verdict

is

{Makes motion

of applause)

not guilty!

{He bows
Curtain

grarefiilly to

the audience.)