The Marriage of Figaro

(Le nozze di Figaro)

by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Cast
CONTE DI ALMAVIVA (baritone)
LA CONTESSA DI ALMAVIVA (soprano)
SUSANNA (soprano)
FIGARO (bass)
CHERUBINO (soprano or mezzo-soprano)
MARCELLINA (mezzo-soprano)
BARTOLO (bass)
BASILIO (tenor)
DON CURZIO (tenor)
BARBARINA (soprano)
ANTONIO (bass)
CHORUS
peasants and the count’s tenants

ACT ONE SUSANNA

Look a moment, dearest Figaro.
Count Almaviva’s Castle near Seville
FIGARO
(A half-furnished room with a large armchair in Twenty...
the center. Figaro is measuring the floor.
Susanna is trying on a hat in front of a mirror.) SUSANNA
Look a moment.
No. 1: Dilettino
FIGARO FIGARO
Five...ten...twenty... Thirty...
thirty...thirty-six...forty-three...
SUSANNA
SUSANNA Look a moment,
How happy I am now; look here at my cap!
you’d think it had been made for me.
FIGARO
FIGARO Thirty-six...
Five...
SUSANNA
SUSANNA Look here at my cap.
Look a moment, dearest Figaro.
FIGARO
FIGARO Forty-three...
Ten...
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SUSANNA FIGARO
Look a moment, etc. For what reason?

FIGARO SUSANNA
Yes, dear heart, it’s better that way. (tapping her forehead)
You’d think it had been made for you. I have my reasons here.

SUSANNA FIGARO
Look a moment, etc. (with a similar gesture)
Why won’t you let them
FIGARO be transferred here too?
Yes, dear heart, etc.
SUSANNA
SUSANNA Because I don’t want to;
How happy I am now, etc. are you my servant or not?

FIGARO FIGARO
Yes, dear heart, etc. But I don’t understand
why you should so dislike
SUSANNA, FIGARO the most convenient room in the castle.
Ah, with our wedding day so near...
SUSANNA
SUSANNA Because I am Susanna and you are a fool.
How pleasing to my gentle husband
FIGARO
FIGARO Thank you, don’t be too complimentary!
How pleasing to your gentle husband Tell me, would we be better off anywhere else?
SUSANNA, FIGARO No. 2: Dilettino
Is this charming little cap
which Susanna made herself, etc. FIGARO
If perchance Madame
SUSANNA should call you at night.
What are you measuring, ding ding: in two steps
my dearest Figaro? from here you’d be there.
And then when the time comes
FIGARO that my master wants me,
I’m seeing if that bed dong dong: in three bounds
the Count is giving us I am ready to serve him.
will look well here.
SUSANNA
SUSANNA Likewise some morning
In this room? the dear little Count,
ding ding: may send you
FIGARO some three miles away,
Indeed, our generous lord ding, ding, dong dong: the devil may
is giving it to us. send him to my door,
and behold, in three bounds...
SUSANNA
For my part, you can keep it. FIGARO
Susanna, hush, hush, etc.
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SUSANNA FIGARO
And behold, in three bounds...ding,ding... Well I never! The double-dealer!
Listen!
SUSANNA
FIGARO Wait, the best is yet to come: Don Basilio,
Quickly! my singing teacher and his factotum,
while giving me lessons
SUSANNA repeats the same theme every day.
If you want to hear the rest,
drop those suspicions that do me such wrong. FIGARO
Who! Basilio! The scoundrel!
FIGARO
I will hear the rest: SUSANNA
dubious suspicions make my spine shiver. Did you think
that my dowry was given
SUSANNA for your sake?
Well, then; listen and keep quiet.
FIGARO
FIGARO I had so flattered myself.
Speak, what’s been happening?
SUSANNA
SUSANNA He bestowed it
My lord the Count, in the hope of a few half-hours of dalliance
weary of pursuing beauties which feudal right...
from far and near,
wants to try his luck again FIGARO
within his own castle walls. What! On his estates
But it is not his wife, mind you, has the Count not abolished all that?
who whets his appetite.
SUSANNA
FIGARO Maybe, but now he regrets it,
Who is it, then? and intends to redeem it with me.

SUSANNA FIGARO
Your own little Susanna. Bravo! I like that!
What a fine nobleman!
FIGARO Some amusement is required; you’ve found...
You? (A bell rings.)
SUSANNA FIGARO
The very same; and he is hoping Who rang? The Countess.
that to his noble project
my being so close will be very helpful. SUSANNA
Goodbye, goodbye, my handsome Figaro.
FIGARO
Bravo! Tell me more. FIGARO
Keep smiling, my treasure!
SUSANNA
This is his graciousness, SUSANNA
this is how he looks after you and your bride. And you, keep your wits about you!
(kisses him and leaves)
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FIGARO BARTOLO
(alone, pacing furiously about the room) (taking the contract from Marcellina)
Bravo, my noble lord! Good, I’ll do all I can.
Now I begin to understand Be quite frank and tell me everything.
the mystery and see clearly (aside)
into the heart of your plans. I should relish marrying off my former servant
To London, eh? to the man who once engineered
You as minister, I as courier, my ward’s elopement.
and Susanna as confidential attaché.
It will never happen; I, Figaro, say so! No. 4: Aria
BARTOLO
No. 3: Cavatina Revenge, oh, sweet revenge
FIGARO is a pleasure reserved for the wise,
If you would dance, my pretty Count, to forgo shame, outrage
I’ll play the tune on my little guitar. is base and utter meanness.
If you will come to my dancing school With astuteness, with cleverness,
I’ll gladly teach you the capriole. with discretion, with judgment,
I’ll know how; but soft, it’s possible...The matter is serious;
every dark secret but, believe me, it shall be done.
I’ll discover better by pretending. If I have to pore over the law books,
Sharpening my skill, and using it, if I have to read all the extracts,
pricking with this one, playing with that one, with misunderstandings, with hocus-pocus
all of your schemes I’ll turn inside out. he’ll find himself in a turmoil.
If you would dance, etc. If I have to pore over, etc.
(He leaves. Bartolo and Marcellina enter, she All Seville knows Bartolo,
with a contract in her hand.) the scoundrel Figaro shall be overcome!
(He goes.)
BARTOLO
And you wait for the very day MARCELLINA
fixed for the marriage All is not lost;
to speak to me about this? hope still remains.
(Susanna enters carrying a lady’s cap, dress
MARCELLINA and a length of ribbon.)
I haven’t yet lost hope, But here comes Susanna. I must try out my plan;
my dear doctor; I’ll pretend not to see her.
to put an end to wedding plans (as if to herself, but loudly)
even more advanced than this So that matchless pearl
a mere pretext has often sufficed; is his chosen bride!
and he has, apart from this contract,
other obligations to me SUSANNA
but enough of that! (aside)
Susanna must be frightened She’s talking about me.
and artfully induced
to refuse the Count; MARCELLINA
out of revenge, But after all, one would expect
he will take my part, nothing better from Figaro:
and thus Figaro will become my husband. “I’argent fait tout”.
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SUSANNA I know my position,

(aside) and do not breach good manners, etc.
What an evil tongue! Just as well
we know it for what it is. MARCELLINA
(making a curtsy)
MARCELLINA The bride-to-be!...
Excellent! What discretion she has!
With those downcast eyes SUSANNA
and air of piety! (making a curtsy)
And then... The lady of honor...

SUSANNA MARCELLINA
(aside) (making a curtsy)
I’d better go. The Count’s favorite...

MARCELLINA SUSANNA
What a sweet young bride! All Spain’s beloved...

(They both start to leave and arrive at the door MARCELLINA

together.) Your merit...

No. 5: Duettino SUSANNA

Your fine dress...
MARCELLINA
(making a curtsy) MARCELLINA
Go on, I’m your servant, Your position...
magnificent lady.
SUSANNA
SUSANNA Your age...
(making a curtsy)
I would not presume so much, MARCELLINA
sharp-witted dame. By Bacchus, I might grow rash
if I stay here longer.
MARCELLINA
(making a curtsy) SUSANNA
No, you go first. Decrepit old Sibyl,
you make me laugh.
SUSANNA
(making a curtsy) MARCELLINA
No, no, after you. (making a curtsy)
Go on, I’m your servant, etc.
MARCELLINA
(making a curtsy) SUSANNA
No, you go first. (making a curtsy)
I would not presume so much, etc.
SUSANNA
(making a curtsy) MARCELLINA
No, no, after you. (making a curtsy)
The bride-to-be! etc.
MARCELLINA, SUSANNA
(making a curtsy)
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SUSANNA SUSANNA
(making a curtsy) (imitating him)
The lady of honor! etc. Ah, the pretty ribbon and night-cap
(Marcellina goes off in a rage.) belonging to your beautiful god-mother.

SUSANNA CHERUBINO
Off with you, you ancient pedant, Please, give it to me, sister,
you arrogant blue-stocking! give it to me, I beg you.
Just because you’ve read a couple of books (Cherubino snatches the ribbon from Susanna’s
and bored madame when she was young ... hand.)
(She lays the dress over the back of the chair.)
SUSANNA
CHERUBINO Give me back that ribbon at once!
(entering) (Susanna tries to take it from him; he dodges
Susannetta, is that you? around the chair.)

SUSANNA CHERUBINO
Yes, it’s me; what do you want? O dear, o beautiful, o blest ribbon!
You’ll have to kill me to get it back!
CHERUBINO (He kisses the ribbon over and over again.)
Ah, my love, what a misfortune!
SUSANNA
SUSANNA (starts to chase him then stops as if tired)
Your love? What’s happened? What impudence is this?

CHERUBINO CHERUBINO
The Count, because he found me Come on, don’t fuss.
alone with Barbarina yesterday, In fair exchange
is sending me away, I wish to present you
and if the dear Countess, with this little song of mine.
my beautiful godmother, (He pulls the song out of his pocket.)
does not plead with him on my behalf,
I must go away, and never see you again, SUSANNA
Susanna mine. What am I supposed to do with this?

SUSANNA CHERUBINO
Never see me again? Dear me! Read it to the mistress;
So you’ve given up read it yourself;
sighing in secret for the Countess, have you? read it to Barbarina, Marcellina,
to every woman in the castle!
CHERUBINO
Ah, she fills me with too great a respect! SUSANNA
Lucky you, who can see her Poor Cherubino, you must be mad!
whenever you want to,
who dress her in the morning, No. 6: Aria
and undress her at night, who arrange
CHERUBINO
her pins, her lace.
I no longer know what I am, what I do;
(sighing)
now I’m all fire, now all ice; every
Ah! If I were in your shoes —
woman changes my temperature, every
What have you got there? Tell me —
woman makes my heart beat faster.
 7

The very mention of love, of delight, SUSANNA

disturbs me, changes my heart, and I don’t want to hear anything.
speaking of love, forces on me a
desire I cannot restrain! COUNT
I no longer know what I am, etc. Just a couple of words: you know
I speak of love while I’m awake, that the king
I speak of love while I’m sleeping, has named me the ambassador to London;
to rivers, to shadows, to mountains, I had intended to take Figaro with me.
to flowers, to grass, to fountains,
to echoes, to air, to winds, SUSANNA
until they carry away My lord, if I may dare —
the sound of my useless words.
I speak of love while I’m awake, etc. COUNT
And if no one is near to hear me (rising)
I speak of love to myself. Speak, speak, my dear, and with that right
(Seeing the Count in the distance, Cherubino you have of me today, as long as you live
hides behind the chair.) (tries to take her hand again)
you may ask, demand, prescribe.
COUNT
Quick, saddle me a horse! SUSANNA
Let me go, my lord, I have no rights,
CHERUBINO
I’m done for! I do not want them, not claim them.
Oh, what misery!
SUSANNA
I’m afraid ... COUNT
Ah no, Susanna, I want to make you happy!
COUNT You well know how much I love you;
To the hunt! Basilio has told you that already. Now listen,
if you would meet me briefly
SUSANNA in the garden at dusk,
The Count! ah, for this favor I would pay...
(She tries to conceal Cherubino.)
Poor me! BASILIO
(outside the door)
COUNT He went out just now.
(entering)
Susanna, you seem to be COUNT
agitated and confused. Whose voice is that?

SUSANNA SUSANNA
My lord, I beg your pardon, Oh, heavens!
but...indeed...the surprise...
I implore you, please go. COUNT
Go, and let no one come in.
COUNT
One moment, then I’ll leave. SUSANNA
Listen. And leave you here alone?
(sits down on the chair and takes Susanna’s
hand; she draws it forcibly away)
 8

BASILIO that he who loves the wife

(outside) should hate the husband.
He’ll be with my lady, I’ll go and find him. The Count loves you.

COUNT SUSANNA
(points to the chair) Get out, vile minister of others’ lechery!
I’ll get behind here. I have no need
of your preaching,
SUSANNA nor of the Count or his lovemaking!
No, don’t hide.
BASILIO
COUNT No offence meant.
Hush, and try to make him go. Everyone to their own taste. I thought you
(The Count is about to hide behind the chair: would have preferred as your lover,
Susanna steps between him and the page. The as all other women would,
Count pushes her gently away. She draws back; a lord who’s liberal, prudent and wise,
meanwhile the page slips round to the front of to a raw youth, a mere page.
the chair and hops in with his feet drawn up.
Susanna rearranges the dress to cover him.) SUSANNA
To Cherubino?
SUSANNA
Oh dear! What are you doing? BASILIO
To Cherubino! Love’s little cherub,
BASILIO who early today
(entering) was hanging about here
Susanna! Heaven bless you! waiting to come in.
Have you seen his lordship by any chance?
SUSANNA
SUSANNA You insinuating watch,
And what should his lordship that’s a lie.
be doing here with me?
Come now, be gone! BASILIO
Do you call it an insinuation
BASILIO to have eyes in one’s head?
But listen, And that little ditty,
Figaro is looking for him. tell me confidentially, as a friend,
and I will tell no one else,
SUSANNA was it written for you or my lady?
(aside)
Oh dear! SUSANNA
(aloud) (aside)
Then he’s looking for the one man Who the devil told him about that?
who, after yourself, hates him most!
BASILIO
COUNT By the way, my child,
(aside) you must teach him better.
Now we’ll see how he serves me. At table he gazes at her so often
and so wantonly,
BASILIO that if the Count noticed it — on that subject,
I have never heard it preached as you know, he’s quite wild —
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SUSANNA BASILIO
You wretch! Softly, softly, on to this chair.
Why do you go around
spreading such lies? SUSANNA
(recovering and drawing away)
BASILIO Where am I? What is this?
I! How unfair! That which I buy I sell, What insolence, get out of here! etc.
and to what is common knowledge
I add not a tittle. BASILIO
We are here to help you,
COUNT and your honor is perfectly safe.
(emerging from his hiding-place)
Indeed! And what is common knowledge? COUNT
We are here to help you;
BASILIO don’t be alarmed, my treasure.
(aside)
How wonderful! BASILIO
Ah, what I said about the page
SUSANNA was only a suspicion of mine.
(aside)
Oh heavens! SUSANNA
It is a malicious scandal,
No. 7: Terzetto don’t believe the impostor, etc.
COUNT COUNT
What do I hear! Go at once, No, the young reprobate must go! etc.
and throw the seducer out!
SUSANNA, BASILIO
BASILIO Poor boy! etc.
I came here at the wrong moment!
Pardon me, my Lord. COUNT
Poor boy! Poor boy!
SUSANNA But I’ve caught him again!
I’m ruined, unhappy me!
I’m crushed with fright! SUSANNA
How’s that?
COUNT
Go at once, etc. BASILIO
What!
BASILIO
At the wrong moment, etc. SUSANNA
What?
SUSANNA
I’m ruined, etc. BASILIO
(She appears to faint.) How’s that?
COUNT, BASILIO SUSANNA, BASILIO
(supporting her) How’s that? What?
Ah, the poor dear is fainting!
Oh God, how her heart beats! COUNT
Yesterday I found
 10

your cousin’s door was locked; COUNT

I knocked and Barbarina opened But how long has he been here?
much more sheepishly than usual.
Suspicious at her manner SUSANNA
I went searching in every corner, He was with me
and raising up the table covering when you arrived, he was asking me
as gently as you please, to ask my lady to intercede for him!
I found the page! Your arrival threw him into a panic,
(He shows them what he means and lifting the so he hid.
dressing-gown on the chair discovers
Cherubino.) COUNT
Ah, what’s this I see? But I sat there myself
when I came into the room.
SUSANNA
Ah, cruel fortune! CHERUBINO
I was round the back then.
BASILIO
Ah, better yet! COUNT
And when I went round the back?
COUNT
Most virtuous lady, CHERUBINO
now I understand your ways! I slipped quietly to the front and hid here.

SUSANNA COUNT (to Susanna)

It couldn’t have turned out worse; My God! Then he heard everything
ye just gods, what next! I was saying to you!

BASILIO CHERUBINO
All pretty women are the same, I tried as hard as I could not to hear!
there’s nothing new in this case!
COUNT
COUNT Oh, villainy!
Basilio,
go and find Figaro at once; BASILIO
I want him to see — Be careful, someone’s coming.
(points to Cherubino, who stays where he is)
COUNT (to Cherubino)
SUSANNA And you stay here, you little reptile.
And I want him to hear; go. (He pulls him out of the chair.)

COUNT (to Basilio) (Figaro enters, carrying a white veil, followed by

Wait. peasants, the girls dressed in white, and strewing
(to Susanna, aside) flowers out of little baskets before the Count.)
What brazenness! What excuse
is there when your guilt is so obvious? No. 8: Chorus
CHORUS
SUSANNA Carefree girls, scatter flowers
An innocent person needs no excuse. before this noble master of ours.
His great heart preserves there,
the spotless purity of a more lovely flower.
 11

COUNT FIGARO
(surprised, to Figaro) What a just man!
What’s all this nonsense?
COUNT
FIGARO (to Figaro and Susanna)
(aside, to Susanna) I promise to perform the ceremony,
The ball is rolling. I ask but a brief respite,
Back me up, my love. so that in the presence of my loyal people,
and with due pomp and splendor
SUSANNA
(aside, to Figaro) I may make you completely happy.
It’s hopeless. (aside)
We must find Marcellina.
FIGARO (aloud)
(to the Count) Go, my friends.
My lord, do not disdain
this tribute of our affection, CHORUS
well-deserved (scattering the rest of the flowers)
now that you have abolished a right Carefree girls, scatter flowers
so hated by all true lovers. before this noble master of ours.
His great heart preserves there,
COUNT the spotless purity of a more lovely flower.
That right is no more; what do you want now? (they leave)
FIGARO FIGARO
We are the first to benefit Hurray!
from your wisdom: our marriage
is already arranged, now it remains for you SUSANNA
to bestow upon this woman, Hurray!
chaste by your gift,
this white veil, symbol of purity. BASILIO
Hurray!
COUNT
(aside) FIGARO
What devilish cunning! (to Cherubino)
But I must keep up the presence. And you’re not going to cheer?
(aloud)
I am grateful, my friends, SUSANNA
for your honorable feelings. He’s upset, poor lad,
But I do not deserve because the master’s turning him
tributes and praise; out of the castle.
by abolishing from my estates
an unjust right, I but restore FIGARO
to duty and nature their own. Ah! On such a special day!

ALL Susanna
Hurray! Hurray! Hurray! A wedding-day!

SUSANNA
What a virtuous man!
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FIGARO FIGARO
(to the Count) (to Cherubino)
When everyone is praising you! Hey, captain, give me your hand.
(softly)
CHERUBINO I must speak to you
(kneeling) before you go.
Forgive me, my lord! (aloud)
Farewell little Cherubino!
COUNT How your destiny has changed all at once!
You don’t deserve it.
No. 9: Aria
SUSANNA
He’s still only a child. FIGARO (to Cherubino)
No more will you, amorous butterfly,
COUNT flit around the castle night and day,
Less of a child than you think. upsetting all the pretty girls,
love’s little Narcissus and Adonis, etc.
CHERUBINO No more will you have those fine plumes,
I know, I was in the wrong; but from my lips — that soft and stylish hat,
those fine locks, that striking air,
COUNT those rosy, girl-like cheeks.
(raising him) No more will you, etc.
Very well, very well, I forgive you; Among warriors swearing by Bacchus!
I will go even further: I have a post free Great mustachios, holding your pack,
in my regiment for an officer; a gun on your shoulder, a sabre at your side,
I elect you to fill it. head held high, frank of feature,
Leave at once. Farewell. wearing a great helmet or a turban,
(He starts to leave. Susanna and Figaro stop winning honors, but little money,
him.) and in place of the fandango
a march through the mud.
SUSANNA, FIGARO Over mountains, over valleys,
Just until tomorrow — through the snow and burning sun.
To the music of trumpets,
COUNT
of shells and cannons,
No, he must leave at once.
with balls sounding thunder,
CHERUBINO making your ears ring.
To obey you, my lord, I am ready. Cherubino, on to victory,
on to victory in war!
COUNT
Come, for the last time (They leave, marching like soldiers.)
give Susanna a kiss.
(aside)
This blow is unexpected.
(The Count and Basilio leave.)
ACT TWO
The Countess’s boudoir
(Cherubino embraces Susanna, who is still
confused.) (To the right is a door, to the left a dressing-
room. A door at the back leads to the servants’
 13

rooms; on one side, a window. The Countess is SUSANNA

alone.) Here he is. Come, my friend,
my lady is getting impatient.
No. 10: Cavatina
FIGARO
CONTESSA There is no need to worry
Grant, love, some relief about all this.
to my sorrow, to my sighing. After all, what does it amount to?
Give me back my treasure, My lord has taken a fancy to my bride;
or at least let me die. so he wants
Grant, love, etc. to reinstate in secrecy
(Susanna enters.) the feudal ‘droit de seigneur’.
This is both possible and natural.
COUNTESS
Come, Susanna dear, COUNTESS
finish what you were saying. Possible?
SUSANNA SUSANNA
It’s finished already. Natural?
COUNTESS FIGARO
So, he wanted to seduce you? Absolutely natural, and, if Susanna agrees,
absolutely possible.
SUSANNA
Ah, my noble lord SUSANNA
would hardly flatter a woman Stop talking nonsense!
of my station to that extent;
he came with a business proposition. FIGARO
I’ve already said it all.
COUNTESS So he decided that I should be his courier
Ah, the cruel man loves me no longer. and Susanna his ‘confidential attaché,’
and because she obstinately and consistently
SUSANNA
refuses to accept the honor
Why then
he would bestow upon her,
is he jealous of you?
he’s threatening to protect Marcellina’s
COUNTESS interests;
He’s like all modern husbands, that’s the whole situation.
compulsively unfaithful,
SUSANNA
naturally headstrong
And have you the nerve to joke
and jealous out of pride.
about such a serious matter?
But if Figaro loves you, he alone could —
FIGARO
FIGARO
Isn’t it enough that, while joking,
(offstage, singing)
I’m giving the matter some thought?
La la la...
Here’s the plan:
la la la...
(to the Countess)
(enters)
I’ll see he gets a note from Basilio
revealing that you have arranged
 14

an assignation with a lover SUSANNA

during the ball. If he can be convinced —

COUNTESS COUNTESS
O heavens! What are you saying! Where and when?
He’s such a jealous man —
FIGARO
FIGARO The Count has gone out hunting
So much the better, and will not be back for some time:
it makes it easier for us to perplex him, (leaving)
confuse him, ensnare him, upset his plans, I’ll go and send Cherubino to you at once,
make him suspicious, and show him that and you can see to his costume.
this “modern” game
he would like to play on me, COUNTESS
can be played on him; And then?
so that while he’s chasing shadows
and getting nowhere, FIGARO
suddenly, before he’s had time And then? —
to meddle with our plans, If you would dance,
the time for the wedding will have come my noble lord,
and there’ll be no way ‘tis I will call the tune, yes.
(to the Countess) (He goes out.)
that he can dare to oppose my vows.
COUNTESS
SUSANNA It makes me so sad, Susanna,
Maybe, but if you foil him to think that this lad should have overheard
there’s still Marcellina. the Count’s indiscretions! Ah! you can’t
imagine —
FIGARO But why ever
Wait, you go and tell the Count at once did he not come to me?
that you’ll meet him this evening in the garden; Where is the song?
young Cherubino,
who, on my instructions has still not left, SUSANNA
we will send dressed as a woman Here it is; we’ll make him sing it to us.
in your place. Hush, somebody’s coming.
This is the only way It is he!
by which my lord, caught (Enter Cherubino.)
in flagrante by my lady, Come in, come in, fine officer!
can be made to do what we want.
CHERUBINO
COUNTESS Oh! Don’t call me
What do you think? by that dreaded name!
It reminds me that I have got to leave
SUSANNA my godmother, who is so good —
It’s not a bad idea.
SUSANNA
COUNTESS And so beautiful.
Given our circumstances.
 15

CHERUBINO COUNTESS
(with a sigh) Bravo! What a lovely voice;
Ah yes, indeed! I didn’t know you could sing so well.

SUSANNA (imitating him) SUSANNA

Ah yes indeed! You great hypocrite! Oh truly,
Come on, sing the song everything that he does he does well.
you gave me this morning Come over here quickly, my fine soldier;
to my lady. Figaro told you —

COUNTESS CHERUBINO
Who is the author? He told me everything.

SUSANNA (pointing to Cherubino) SUSANNA

Look, he’s got two little patches Let me see; it should fit you to perfection;
of red on his cheeks. we’re just the same height.
Take off your cloak.
COUNTESS (She helps him off with his cloak.)
Fetch my guitar
and accompany him. COUNTESS
What are you doing?
CHERUBINO
I’m shaking so much — SUSANNA
but if Madame wishes — Don’t worry.

SUSANNA COUNTESS
She wishes, of course she wishes. But if someone should come in —
No more chat.
(Susanna plays the refrain on her guitar.) SUSANNA
Let them, what wrong are we doing?
No. 11: Song I’ll shut the door.
(She does so.)
CHERUBINO But how shall we
You who know what love is, dress his hair?
ladies, see whether it’s in my heart.
What I experience I’ll describe for you; COUNTESS
it’s new to me. I don’t understand it. Fetch one of my caps
I feel an emotion full of desire, from the closet, quickly!
that is now pleasure, and now suffering. (Susanna leaves; Cherubino approaches the
I freeze, then I feel my soul burning up, Countess and, taking them from his breast-
and in a moment I’m freezing again. pocket, shows her his commission papers; the
I seek a blessing outside myself, Countess takes them from him, opens them and
from whom I know not, or what it is. notices that the seal is lacking.)
I sigh and moan without meaning to, What are these papers?
palpitate and tremble without knowing it.
I find no peace night or day, CHERUBINO
and yet I enjoy languishing so. My commission.
You who know what love is, etc.
COUNTESS
What hasty people!
 16

CHERUBINO SUSANNA
Basilio gave it to me just now. I’m even jealous myself!
(taking Cherubino by the chin)
COUNTESS Look, you little monster,
In their haste, they have forgotten the seal. could you please stop being so handsome?
(She returns the commission.)
COUNTESS
SUSANNA That’s enough fooling about.
(returning) Push the sleeves up
The seal on what? above his elbows
so that the dress fits better.
COUNTESS
The commission papers. SUSANNA
(obeying)
SUSANNA There we are.
Well I never! What eagerness!
Here’s the cap. COUNTESS
Further up, like this.
COUNTESS (discovering a ribbon wound round his arm)
(to Susanna) What’s this ribbon?
Don’t waste time: that’s fine:
we’ll be in trouble SUSANNA
if the Count should come! That’s the one he took from me.

No. 12: Aria COUNTESS

(unwinding the ribbon)
SUSANNA
And this blood?
Come here, get down on your knees,
and stay still there! CHERUBINO
Gently, now turn around again. That blood — I don’t know how,
Bravo, that’s just fine. but I slipped down just now —
Now turn your face around, a stone — I grazed my arm,
ha! Don’t make such eyes at me; and I bound up the cut with the ribbon.
keep looking straight on ahead.
Madame is not there. SUSANNA
Pull this collar a bit higher, Show me — it’s not much, my goodness!
keep your eyes down lower, His arm is whiter than mine! A girl —
your hands across your chest,
we’ll see how you walk COUNTESS
when you’re on your feet. Will you never stop playing the fool?
Look at the little colt, Go to my closet
look how handsome he is! and fetch a piece of the court-plaster
What a crafty expression, that’s on my dressing-table.
what an outfit, what a figure! (Susanna leaves.)
If women fall in love with him, As for the ribbon,
they have their reasons why. I would really be loath to part
with that color.
COUNTESS
What a lot of nonsense! SUSANNA
(returning with the plaster and a pair of
 17

scissors) COUNT
Take these, (outside the door)
now how to bandage his arm? Why is it shut?

COUNTESS COUNTESS
Get another ribbon My husband! Oh God! He’ll kill me.
as you’re going for your dress. (to Cherubino)
(Susanna leaves through the door at the back, You here, without your cloak!
taking Cherubino’s cloak with her.) Dressed like this! A note received,
his terrible jealousy! —
CHERUBINO
The other one would have healed me more COUNT
quickly! Why the delay?

COUNTESS COUNTESS
Why is that? This is better. I’m alone — oh yes — I’m alone —

CHERUBINO COUNT
When a ribbon Who are you talking to?
has bound the hair
or touched the skin of a — COUNTESS
To you, of course, to you.
COUNTESS
(interrupting) CHERUBINO
— stranger, After what’s happened, knowing his temper —
it has the power of healing, is that so? there’s only one thing to do.
Well, d’you know, I never knew that! (He slips into the closet and shuts the door, the
Countess takes the closet key.)
CHERUBINO
My lady jests, and I am about to depart. COUNTESS
Heaven protect me in this hour of danger!
COUNTESS (She runs to open the door to the Count.)
Poor child! How unfortunate!
COUNT
CHERUBINO (entering)
Oh what misery! What’s happening! It used never to be your
habit to lock yourself into your room!
COUNTESS
And now he’s crying — COUNTESS
True, but I —
CHERUBINO I was trying on —
O God! What can I not die!
Perhaps in the last moments COUNT
1 would find the courage... Go on, “trying on —?”

COUNTESS COUNTESS
Be sensible, what’s all this nonsense? Some clothes;
(She dries his eyes with her handkerchief. A Susanna was with me,
knock is heard at the door.) but she’s gone to her room.
Who knocks on my door?
 18

COUNT COUNT
Anyway, I can see I wouldn’t know,
that you’re uneasy. but you’re certainly worried.
Look at this piece of paper.
COUNTESS
COUNTESS (aside) I think it’s you,
Heavens! It’s Figaro’s note. rather than me who is upset by that girl.
(Cherubino knocks over a table and chair in the
closet; they fall with a crash.) COUNT
That’s perfectly true, and you’ll see why.
COUNT
What’s that noise? No. 13: Terzetto
Something fell over in the closet.
(Susanna enters by the door through which she
COUNTESS left and stops on seeing the Count, who is on the
I heard nothing. side nearest the closet, speaking towards the
closet door.)
COUNT
You must have something important on your COUNT
mind. (knocking at the door of the dressing room)
Susanna, now, come out.
COUNTESS Come out, I order you.
Such as?
COUNTESS
COUNT Wait, and listen;
There’s somebody in there. she cannot come out.

COUNTESS SUSANNA
Who, for instance? What has happened?
Where has the page gone?
COUNT
I’m asking you, COUNT
I’ve only just come here. And who dares to forbid it? Who?

COUNTESS COUNTESS
Ah yes, Susanna, of course. Modesty forbids it.
She’s in there trying on
COUNT her new gown for the wedding.
Who, you said, went to her own room.
COUNT
COUNTESS The matter’s quite clear;
Either her room or in there, I didn’t notice. her lover is in there.

COUNT COUNTESS
Susanna! Why then An ugly situation;
are you so worried? who knows what will come of it?

COUNTESS SUSANNA
(with a little, forced smile) I think I understand.
On account of my maid? Let’s see what happens.
 19

COUNT COUNTESS
Susanna! And why should I
open my rooms?
COUNTESS
Wait! COUNT
Well don’t, then,
COUNT we’ll open them without a key. Ho there!
Come out!
COUNTESS
COUNTESS What?
Listen! Would you openly question
the honor of a lady?
COUNT
Come out! COUNT
True. I’m in the wrong; without noise,
COUNTESS without creating a scandal among our people,
Wait! I can myself fetch the necessary tools.
You wait here; but so that my suspicions
COUNT may be proved to be completely groundless,
I order you! I shall lock all the doors first.
(He locks the door at the back which is that
COUNTESS
leading to the servants’ quarters.)
She cannot come out.
COUNTESS
COUNT
(aside)
Well then, speak at least,
What imprudence!
Susanna, if you’re in there.
COUNT
COUNTESS
Condescend to come with me;
No, no, no, no, no, no,
my lady, I offer you my arm, let’s go!
I order you to be quiet.
COUNTESS
COUNT
Let’s go!
My wife, be reasonable,
a scandal, an uproar, COUNT
can be avoided, I beg you! (pointing to the closet)
Susanna will stay here until we return.
SUSANNA
(They go out.)
Heavens! A disaster,
a scandal, an uproar, (Susanna comes out of her hiding place.)
will certainly result!

COUNTESS
No. 14: Duettino
My Lord, be reasonable, SUSANNA
a scandal, an uproar, Open, quickly, open;
can be avoided, I beg you! open, it’s Susanna.
Come out, now, come out,
COUNT come on out of there.
You will not open, then?
CHERUBINO
(entering, confused and out of breath)
 20

Oh dear, what a terrible scene! SUSANNA

What a disaster! He’ll kill himself, ye gods!
Wait, for pity’s sake!
SUSANNA (Cherubino jumps; Susanna cries out, sits down
This way, that way... for a moment and then runs to the window.)
O just see how the little devil runs!
CHERUBINO He’s a mile away already.
What a disaster! But there’s no time to lose;
let’s go into the closet.
SUSANNA, CHERUBINO When that bully returns, I’ll be waiting for him.
The doors are locked. (She goes into the closet and closes the door
What will happen next? behind her. Enter the Countess with the Count
who is carrying tools for opening the door: he
CHERUBINO
carefully examines every door in the room.)
No use staying here.
COUNT
SUSANNA
All is as I left it;
He’ll kill you if he finds you.
will you open the door yourself, or must I —
CHERUBINO (He is about to force open the door.)
(looking out of the window)
COUNTESS
Look down here a moment,
Alas, wait a moment
(getting ready to jump)
and listen to me.
it opens on the garden.
(The Count throws the hammer and pliers down
SUSANNA on a chair.)
(restraining him) Do you think me capable
Wait, Cherubino, of besmirching my honor?
wait, for pity’s sake!
COUNT
CHERUBINO As you will.
No use staying here, I’m going to see
who is in that closet.
SUSANNA
Wait, Cherubino! COUNTESS
Yes, you will see,
CHERUBINO but listen to me calmly.
He’ll kill me if he finds me.
COUNT
SUSANNA It is not Susanna, then?
It’s too high to jump.
Wait, for pity’s sake! COUNTESS
No, but it is a person
CHERUBINO of whom you could have
Leave me, leave me! not the slightest suspicion:
To save her he was helping us prepare
I would leap into flames! an innocent charade for this evening,
I embrace you for her! and I swear to you that honor and virtue —
Farewell! So be it!
(He jumps out of the window.)
 21

COUNT and the state in which you’ll find him,

Who is then? Tell me — his collar loosened, his chest bare...
I’ll kill him.
COUNT
COUNTESS Collar loosened, his chest bare...
Listen — go on!
ah, my courage fails —
COUNTESS
COUNT Was to dress him in girl’s clothing.
Speak.
COUNT
COUNTESS Ah, I understand, worthless woman,
It is a child. and I’ll soon get my revenge.

COUNT COUNTESS
A child? Your outrage wrongs me,
you insult me by doubting me.
COUNTESS
Yes ... Cherubino. COUNT
Ah, I understand, worthless woman,
COUNT (aside) and I’ll soon get my revenge.
It seems to be my fate Give me the key!
to find the page at every turn!
(aloud) COUNTESS
What? Hasn’t he gone? Scoundrels! He is innocent...
This is the reason for my doubts, this is the
intrigue, the plot the note warned me about. COUNT
Give me the key!
No. 15: Finale
COUNTESS
COUNT He is innocent, you know it...
(going impetuously to the door of the dressing
room.) COUNT
If you’re coming out, low-born brat, I know nothing!
you wretch, don’t be slow about it. Get right out of my sight.
You are unfaithful and impious,
COUNTESS and you’re trying to humiliate me!
Ah, sir, your anger
makes my heart tremble for him. COUNTESS
I’ll go, but...
COUNT
And yet you dare to oppose me? COUNT
I won’t listen.
COUNTESS
No, listen. COUNTESS
but...
COUNT
Go on, speak! COUNT
I won’t listen.
COUNTESS
I swear by Heaven that every suspicion,
 22

COUNTESS COUNT
(giving him the key) We’ll look, someone could be in there, etc.
I am not guilty! (He goes into the dressing-room.)

COUNT COUNTESS
I read it in your face! Susanna, I’m finished.
He shall die and be no longer I cannot breathe.
the source of my troubles.
SUSANNA
COUNTESS Softly, don’t worry,
Ah! Blind jealousy, he’s already safe.
what excesses you bring about!
(The Count unsheathes his sword and opens the COUNT
dressing-room door. Susanna comes out.) (emerging from the dressing-room in confusion)
What an error I made!
COUNT I hardly believe it;
Susanna! if I’ve done you wrong,
I beg your pardon,
COUNTESS but playing such jokes
Susanna! is cruel, after all.

SUSANNA COUNTESS, SUSANNA

Sir! Your foolish acts
What is this amazement? deserve no pity.
Take your sword
and kill the page, COUNT
that low-born page I love you!
you see before you.
COUNTESS
COUNT Don’t say it!
A revelation!
I feel my head spinning! COUNT
I swear!
COUNTESS
What a strange tale! COUNTESS
Susanna was in there! You’re lying.
I’m unfaithful and impious,
SUSANNA and trying to humiliate you.
Their heads are muddled.
They don’t know what happened! COUNT
Help me, Susanna,
COUNT to calm her anger.
(to Susanna)
Are you alone? SUSANNA
Thus are condemned
SUSANNA the suspicious.
See yourself whether anyone is in there.
COUNTESS
Should then a faithful
lover’s soul
 23

expect in return SUSANNA, COUNTESS

such harsh thanks? The letter is from Figaro
and for you through Basilio.
COUNT
Help me, Susanna, etc. COUNT
Ah, tricksters! If I could...
SUSANNA
Thus are condemned, etc. SUSANNA
My lady! He deserves no pardon
who withholds it from others.
COUNT
Rosina! COUNT
Well, if you please,
COUNTESS let us make peace;
Cruel man! Rosina will not be
I am now no more than unforgiving with me.
the miserable object
of your desertion, COUNTESS
whom you delight in Ah, Susanna, what a soft heart I have!
driving to despair. Who would believe again
Cruel, cruel man! in woman’s anger?
This soul cannot bear
to suffer such wrong. SUSANNA
With men, my lady,
COUNT we must hesitate and falter,
Confused, repentant, you see how honor soon
I’ve been punished enough; falls before them.
have pity on me.
COUNT
SUSANNA Look at me!
Confused, repentant,
he’s been punished enough; COUNTESS
have pity on him. Ungrateful man!

COUNT COUNT
But the page locked inside? Look at me!

COUNTESS COUNTESS
Was only to test you. Ungrateful man!

COUNT COUNT
But the trembling, the agitation? Look at me! I was wrong and I repent!

COUNTESS SUSANNA, COUNTESS, COUNT

Was only to ridicule you. From this moment on
he/I/you will try to learn
COUNT to understand, etc.
And that wretched letter? (Figaro enters.)

FIGARO
My lords, the musicians
 24

are already outside. SUSANNA, COUNTESS, COUNT

Hear the trumpets, You don’t know?
and listen to the pipes.
With singing and dancing FIGARO
for all the peasants... No, no, no.
let’s hurry out
to perform the wedding! SUSANNA
Didn’t you give it to Don Basilio?
COUNT
Calm down, less haste. COUNTESS
To take it...
FIGARO
The crowd is waiting. COUNT
Do you understand?
COUNT
Calm down, less haste, FIGARO
relieve me of a doubt Alas, alas!
before you go.
SUSANNA
SUSANNA, COUNTESS, FIGARO And don’t you remember the young fop?
A nasty situation;
how will it all end? etc. COUNTESS
Who tonight in the garden...
COUNT
Now I must play COUNT
my cards carefully, etc. Now you understand?
Do you know, my good Figaro,
FIGARO
who wrote this letter?
I don’t know.
(He shows him a letter.)
COUNT
FIGARO
In vain you look for defenses, excuses,
I don’t know.
your own face accuses you;
SUSANNA I see very well you’re lying.
You don’t know?
FIGARO
FIGARO My face may be lying, but not I.
No.
SUSANNA, COUNTESS
COUNTESS You’ve sharpened your wits in vain;
You don’t know? the whole secret is out,
and there’s no use complaining.
FIGARO
No. COUNT
What’s your answer?
COUNT
You don’t know? FIGARO
Simply nothing.
FIGARO
No. COUNT
Then you admit it?
 25

FIGARO ANTONIO
I do not! (showing the pot)
See these carnations!
SUSANNA, COUNTESS
Go on, keep quiet, you fool, COUNT
the little game is over. Into the garden?

FIGARO ANTONIO
To give it a happy ending Yes!
as is usual in the theatre,
we’ll proceed now SUSANNA, COUNTESS
to a matrimonial tableau. (quietly)
Figaro, get ready!
SUSANNA, COUNTESS, FIGARO
Come sir, don’t be obstinate; COUNT
give in to my/their wishes. What’s this I hear?

COUNT SUSANNA, COUNTESS, FIGARO

Marcellina, Marcellina, The fellow has upset everything.
how long you delay in coming! etc. What is that drunkard doing here?
(Antonio comes rushing in, holding a pot of
crushed carnations.) COUNT
(to Antonio)
ANTONIO That man, where did he go?
Ah! Sir!, sir!
ANTONIO
COUNT Quick as a flash, the scoundrel fled
What has happened? right away out of my sight!

ANTONIO SUSANNA
What insolence! Who did it? Who? (to Figaro)
You know, the page...
SUSANNA, COUNTESS, COUNT, FIGARO
What are you saying, FIGARO
what’s this, what is it? (to Susanna)
I know everything, I saw him.
ANTONIO (laughing loudly)
Listen to me! Ha ha ha ha!

SUSANNA, COUNTESS, COUNT, FIGARO COUNT

Go ahead, speak up! Be quiet over there!

ANTONIO FIGARO
Listen to me! Ha ha ha ha!
From the balcony that looks out on the garden
I’ve seen a thousand things thrown down, ANTONIO
but just now, what could be worse? Why are you laughing?
I saw a man, my lord, thrown out!
FIGARO
COUNT Ha ha ha ha.
From the balcony? You’re tipsy from break of day.
 26

COUNT SUSANNA, COUNTESS

(to Antonio) What a brain! A genius!
Tell me again,
a man from the balcony? FIGARO
That surprised them!
ANTONIO
From the balcony. COUNT
I cannot believe it.
COUNT
Into the garden? ANTONIO
(to Figaro)
ANTONIO When did you grow so big?
Into the garden. When you jumped you weren’t like that.

SUSANNA, COUNTESS, FIGARO FIGARO

But sir, it’s the wine talking! That’s how people look when they jump.

COUNT ANTONIO
Go on anyway; Who says so?
you didn’t see his face?
SUSANNA, COUNTESS
ANTONIO (to Figaro)
No, I didn’t. Is the fool being stubborn?

SUSANNA, COUNTESS COUNT

Hey, Figaro, listen! (to Antonio)
What are you saying?
COUNT
No? ANTONIO
To me it looked like the boy.
ANTONIO
No, I didn’t see him. COUNT
Cherubino!
FIGARO
Go on, old blubberer, be quiet for once. SUSANNA, COUNTESS
Making such a fuss for three pence! Damn you!
Since the fact can’t be kept quiet,
it was I who jumped from there! FIGARO
At this moment
COUNT he must be on horseback,
You? Yourself? arriving at Seville.

SUSANNA, COUNTESS ANTONIO

What a brain! A genius! No, that’s not so; I saw no horse
when he jumped out of the window.
FIGARO
That surprised them! COUNT
Patience!
ANTONIO Let’s wind up this nonsense!
You? Yourself?
 27

SUSANNA, COUNTESS ANTONIO

How, in the name of Heaven, will it end? Perhaps it is a list of your debts.

COUNT FIGARO
So then you... No, the list of innkeepers.

FIGARO COUNT
Jumped down. (to Figaro)
Speak.
COUNT (to Antonio)
But why? You leave him alone.

FIGARO SUSANNA, COUNTESS, FIGARO

Out of fear... (to Antonio)
Leave him/me alone, and get out.
COUNT
What fear? ANTONIO
I’m leaving, but if I catch you once more...
FIGARO
Here inside SUSANNA, COUNTESS, COUNT
I was waiting for that dear face... Leave him alone.
When I heard an unusual noise...
you were shouting...I thought of the letter... FIGARO
and jumped out confused by fear, Get out, I’m not afraid of you.
and pulled the muscles in my ankle!
SUSANNA, COUNTESS, COUNT
ANTONIO Leave him alone.
(showing the page’s papers)
Then these papers must be yours, ANTONIO
and you lost them? I’m leaving, etc.

COUNT FIGARO
(seizing them) Get out, I’m not afraid of you.
Here, give them to me.
SUSANNA, COUNTESS, COUNT
FIGARO Leave him alone, and get out.
I am in a trap. (Antonio leaves.)

SUSANNA, COUNTESS COUNT

Figaro, get ready. (opening the papers)
Well now?
COUNT
(quickly glancing at the papers) COUNTESS
Tell me now, what letter is this? (softly to Susanna)
Heavens! The page’s commission!
FIGARO
(taking some papers from his pocket and SUSANNA
pretending to look at them) (softly to Figaro)
Wait, I have so many, just a moment. Ye gods! The commission!
 28

COUNT MARCELLINA, BASILIO, BARTOLO

Speak up! You, sir, who are so just,
you must listen to us now.
FIGARO
Oh, what a brain! SUSANNA, COUNTESS, FIGARO
It’s the commission They have come to ruin me,
that the boy gave me a while ago. what solution can I find?

COUNT COUNT
What for? They have come to avenge me.
I’m beginning to feel better.
FIGARO
It needs... FIGARO
They are all three stupid fools,
COUNT whatever have they come to do?
It needs... ?
COUNT
COUNTESS Softly now, without this clamor,
(softly to Susanna) let everyone speak his mind.
The seal!
MARCELLINA
SUSANNA That man has signed a contract
(softly to Figaro) binding him to marry me,
The seal! and I contend that the contract
must be carried out.
COUNT
Your answer? SUSANNA, COUNTESS, FIGARO
What, what?
FIGARO
(pretending to think) COUNT
It’s the custom... Hey, be silent!
I am here to render judgment.
COUNT
Come on now, are you confused? BARTOLO
Appointed as her lawyer
FIGARO I am here in her defense,
It’s the custom to place a seal on it. to publish to the world
her legitimate reasons.
COUNT
This rascal drives me crazy, SUSANNA, COUNTESS, FIGARO
the whole thing’s a mystery to me. He is a rogue!
SUSANNA, COUNTESS COUNT
If I survive this tempest Hey, be silent! etc.
I won’t be shipwrecked after all, etc.
BASILIO
FIGARO Known as a man of the world,
He pants and paws the ground in vain. I come here as a witness
Poor man, he knows less than I do, etc. of his promise of marriage
(Marcellina, Bartolo and Basilio enter.) when she loaned him some money.
 29

SUSANNA, COUNTESS, FIGARO COUNTESS

They are all mad, etc. Go on! Pluck up your courage
and tell him to wait for you in the garden.
COUNT
Hey, be silent, we’ll see about that. COUNT
We will read the contract (aside)
and proceed in due order. I shall soon know
if Cherubino got to Seville;
SUSANNA, COUNTESS, FIGARO I sent Basilio to find out.
I am confused, stupefied,
hopeless, dismayed! SUSANNA
Surely some devil from Hell Oh heavens! And Figaro?
has brought them/us here!
COUNTESS
MARCELLINA, BASILIO, BARTOLO, You need say nothing to him,
COUNT for I myself shall go instead of you.
A telling blow, a lucky chance!
Victory is right before our noses; COUNT
some propitious power He should be back before evening.
has surely brought them/us here!
SUSANNA
Oh God! I’m afraid —

ACT THREE COUNTESS

Remember my peace of mind is your hands.
A great hall in the castle, festively decked for a (She leaves.)
wedding.
COUNT
COUNT (pacing up and down) And Susanna? Who knows, she may have
What a situation this is! revealed my secret; oh, if she has said anything,
An anonymous letter, I shall make the old one the bride.
the maid shut in the closet,
my lady in a state of confusion, SUSANNA
a man who leaps (aside)
from the balcony into the garden, Marcellina!
another one who says that it was him; (to the Count)
I don’t know what to think. My lord!
Could it perhaps be one of my servants?
Such people are habitually presumptuous. COUNT
But the Countess — What is it you want?
ah, there one cannot doubt without offence!
She has too much self-respect, SUSANNA
and respect for my honor too. You do look angry!
My honor —
where, devil take it, human frailty exists! COUNT
(The Countess and Susanna enter but stop by Do you want something?
the door, unseen by the Count.)
SUSANNA
My lord, your lady
has had one of her dizzy attacks
and begs the loan of your smelling-salts.
 30

COUNT SUSANNA
Take it. If it pleases you, I’ll come.

SUSANNA COUNT
I’ll bring it straight back. And you won’t fail me?

COUNT SUSANNA
Ah no; No, I won’t fail you.
keep it yourself.
COUNT
SUSANNA You’ll come?
For myself?
Common women SUSANNA
don’t suffer such ailments. Yes.

COUNT COUNT
Not even when a girl loses her beloved You won’t fail me?
when she is on the point
of having him for her own? SUSANNA
No.
SUSANNA
By paying off Marcellina COUNT
with the dowry you promised me... You won’t fail me?

COUNT SUSANNA.
That I promised you! When? No, I won’t fail you.

SUSANNA COUNT
That’s what I had understood. My contented heart
now feels full of joy!
COUNT
Yes, had you been willing SUSANNA
to understand me yourself. Forgive me if I am lying,
all you who understand love’s ways!
SUSANNA
It is my duty, COUNT
and your Excellency’s wish is my command. Then you’ll come to the garden?

No. 16: Duet SUSANNA

If it pleases you, I’ll come.
COUNT
Heartless! Why until now COUNT
did you leave me to languish? And you won’t fail me?

SUSANNA SUSANNA
Sir, every lady No, I won’t fail you.
has her time to say yes.
COUNT
COUNT You’ll come?
Then you’ll come to the garden?
 31

SUSANNA COUNT
Yes. And why were you
so cold to me this morning?
COUNT
You won’t fail me? SUSANNA
With the page there?
SUSANNA
No. COUNT
And to Basilio,
COUNT when he spoke for me?
So you’ll come?
SUSANNA
SUSANNA But what need have we
No! of someone like Basilio —

COUNT COUNT
No? True, true,
and promise me now —
SUSANNA if you fail me, dear hear t —
I mean, yes, if you wish it. But the Countess
is waiting for the salts.
COUNT
You’ll not fail me? SUSANNA
That was only a pretext,
SUSANNA without which I could not have spoken.
No!
COUNT
COUNT (trying to kiss her)
So you’ll come? Sweetheart!
SUSANNA SUSANNA
Yes! Someone’s coming.
COUNT COUNT
You’ll not fail me? (aside)
She’s mine for sure.
SUSANNA
Yes! SUSANNA
(aside)
COUNT
Hope in vain, my cunning sir!
Yes?
(She turns to leave, but meets Figaro in the
SUSANNA doorway.)
I mean, no, I’ll not fail you...
FIGARO
COUNT Hey, Susanna, where are you going?
My contented heart, etc.
SUSANNA
SUSANNA Quiet; you’ve won your case
Forgive me if I am lying, etc. without a lawyer.
(leaves)
 32

FIGARO FIGARO
What has happened? And I’m done for!
(follows her)
MARCELLINA (aside)
No. 17: Recitative and Aria At last I shall be the wife of a man I adore.
COUNT FIGARO (to the Count)
Their case is won! What’s that? My lord, I appeal...
What trap have I
fallen into? Tricksters! COUNT
I’m going to...I’m going to The ruling is a fair one, either pay up or marry.
punish you in such a way... Well done, Don Curzio.
the punishment shall be what I choose...
But what if he should pay the old CURZIO
suitor? Pay her! With what? And then there is Your Lordship is most kind!
Antonio, who will refuse to give his niece in
marriage to the upstart Figaro. By flattering the BARTOLO
pride of that half-wit... What a magnificent ruling!
Everything’s falling into my scheme...
I’ll strike while the iron’s hot. FIGARO
Shall I live to see What makes it magnificent?
a servant of mine happy
and enjoying pleasure BARTOLO
that I desire in vain? We’re all avenged —
Shall I see the hand of love
FIGARO
unite a lowly person
I shan’t marry her.
to one who arouses feelings in me
she does not feel herself? BARTOLO
Shall I live to see, etc. You will.
Ah no! I shall not leave
that carefree creature in peace; CURZIO
you were not born, bold fellow, Either pay her or marry her.
to give me torment She lent you two thousand crowns.
or perhaps to laugh
at my unhappiness. FIGARO
Now only hope I am a gentleman, and without
of my revenge the consent of my noble parents —
consoles my soul
and makes me rejoice! COUNT
Ah, I shall not leave, etc. Where are they? Who are they?
(Enter Marcellina, Don Curzio, Figaro and
Bartolo.) FIGARO
Let me go on looking;
CURZIO after ten years I hope to find them.
The dispute has been resolved:
Pay her or marry her. No more to be said. BARTOLO
So you’re a foundling?
MARCELLINA
I breathe again! FIGARO
No, lost, doctor, or rather, stolen.
 33

COUNT BARTOLO
How? There is your mother.

MARCELLINA FIGARO
What? Nurse?

BARTOLO BARTOLO
Any proof? No; your mother.

CURZIO CURZIO, COUNT

Any evidence? His mother?

FIGARO FIGARO
The gold, the gems, the embroidered clothes What are you saying?
which, as a baby,
were found on me by the robbers, MARCELLINA
these are the real proofs There is your father.
of my noble birth; and, above all,
this mark here on my arm — No. 18: Sextet
MARCELLINA
MARCELLINA
(embracing Figaro)
A spatula stamped on your right arm?
Recognize in this embrace
FIGARO your mother, beloved son.
Who told you?
FIGARO
MARCELLINA (to Bartolo)
Oh God! My father, do the same,
It’s him! and let me no longer be ashamed.

FIGARO BARTOLO
True, it’s me! (embracing Figaro)
Resistance, my conscience
CURZIO no longer lets you rule.
Who? (Figaro embraces his parents.)

COUNT CURZIO
Who? He’s his father? She’s his mother?
It’s too late for the wedding now.
BARTOLO
Who? COUNT
I’m astounded, I’m abashed,
MARCELLINA I’d better get out of here.
Raffaello!
MARCELLINA, BARTOLO
BARTOLO Beloved son!
And you were stolen by robbers?
FIGARO
FIGARO Beloved parents!
Near a castle. (Susanna enters.)
 34

SUSANNA SUSANNA
Stop, stop, noble sir. (to Bartolo)
I have a thousand double crowns right here. His mother?
I come to pay for Figaro
and to set him at liberty. BARTOLO
His mother.
MARCELLINA, BARTOLO
Beloved son! SUSANNA
(to the Count)
CURZIO, COUNT His mother?
We’re not sure what’s taking place.
Look over there a moment. COUNT
His mother.
FIGARO
Beloved parents! SUSANNA
(to Curzio)
SUSANNA His mother?
(seeing Figaro hugging Marcellina)
So he’s reconciled with his bride; CURZIO
ye gods, what infidelity! His mother.
(She wants to leave but Figaro detains her.)
Leave me alone, villain! SUSANNA
(to Marcellina)
FIGARO His mother?
No, wait!
Listen, darling! MARCELLINA
His mother.
SUSANNA
(boxing Figaro’s ears) MARCELLINA, CURZIO, COUNT,
Listen to this! BARTOLO
His mother!
MARCELLINA, BARTOLO, FIGARO
A natural action of a good heart, SUSANNA
pure love is demonstrated here, etc. (to Figaro)
Your mother?
SUSANNA
(aside) FIGARO
I’m boiling, I’m raging with fury; And that is my father,
an old woman has done this to me. etc. he’ll say so himself.

COUNT, CURZIO SUSANNA

I’m/he’s boiling, I’m/he’s raging with fury; (to Bartolo)
destiny has done this to me/him, etc. His father?

MARCELLINA BARTOLO
(to Susanna) His father.
Calm your anger,
my dear daughter, SUSANNA
embrace his mother, (to the Count)
and yours as well, now. His father?
 35

COUNT MARCELLINA
His father. Today; it’ll be a double wedding.
(to Figaro, handing him a piece of paper)
SUSANNA Take back this promissory note
(to Curzio) for the money I lent you, it’s your dowry.
His father?
SUSANNA
CURZIO (throwing down the purse)
His father. Take this purse too.

SUSANNA BARTOLO
(to Marcellina) (doing the same)
His father? And this as well.

MARCELLINA FIGARO
His father. Splendid! Go on throwing,
and I’ll go on collecting!
MARCELLINA, CURZIO, COUNT,
BARTOLO SUSANNA
His father! We must go and tell what’s happened
to my lady and our uncle.
SUSANNA Who is as happy as I am?
(to Figaro)
Your father? FIGARO
Me!
FIGARO
And that is my mother, BARTOLO
who’ll say so herself, etc. Me!

CURZIO, COUNT MARCELLINA

My/his soul can barely resist any longer Me!
the fierce torture of this moment.
ALL
SUSANNA, MARCELLINA, BARTOLO, And the count can rage until he bursts,
FIGARO as far as I’m concerned!
My soul can barely resist any longer (With their arms round each other they all leave
the sweet delight of this moment. together. Enter Barbarina and Cherubino.)
(The Count and Don Curzio depart.)
BARBARINA
MARCELLINA Come, let’s go, handsome page,
(to Bartolo) and you will find that all the pretty girls
Here he is, my friend, the offspring in the castle are at my house,
of our old romance. and you will be the prettiest of all.

BARTOLO CHERUBINO
Let’s not rake up But if the Count should find me!
the far distant past; he is my son, I’d be for it! You know
you are my spouse, he believes I’ve already left for Seville.
and we’ll get married as soon as you like.
 36

BARBARINA COUNT
Oh, how wonderful! If he finds you, How can he be, when by this time
it won’t be the first time. he should have arrived in Seville?
Listen, we’re going to dress you like us,
then we’re all going together ANTONIO
to present some flowers to the Countess. Forgive me; today Seville is in my house.
Cherubino, trust Barbarina. There he dressed up as a woman
(They leave. Enter the Countess, alone.) and left his clothes.

No. 19: Recitative and Aria COUNT

Rogues!
COUNTESS
Still Susanna does not come! ANTONIO
I am anxious to know Let’s go, and you can see for yourself.
how the Count received the proposal. (They leave. Enter the Countess and Susanna.)
The scheme appears rather daring,
with a husband so forceful and jealous! COUNTESS
But what’s the harm in it? What are you saying?
Changing my clothes for those of Susanna, And what did the Count say?
and she for mine, under cover of night.
Heavens! To what humble and dangerous state SUSANNA
I am reduced by a cruel husband, One could see that he was
who, after having with an unheard-of disgusted and enraged.
combination of infidelity, jealousy and disdain
— first loved me, COUNTESS
then abused and finally betrayed me — Gently, and it will be easier to ensnare him!
now forces me to seek the help of a servant! Where did you arrange
Where are the golden moments to meet him?
of tranquility and pleasure;
what became of the oaths SUSANNA
of that deceitful tongue? In the garden.
Why did not, when my life
COUNTESS
changed into tears and pain,
We must make it more precise. Write.
the memory of that joy
disappear from my breast? SUSANNA
Where are the golden moments, etc. I, write to him? But my lady —
Ah! If then my constancy
still loves through its sorrow, COUNTESS
the hope yet remains Write, I tell you,
of changing that ungrateful heart. the responsibility will be mine.
Ah! If then my constancy, etc. (Susanna sits down and begins to write.)
(She leaves. The Count enters with Antonio.)
No. 20: Dilettino
ANTONIO
(holding a hat in his hands) SUSANNA
I am telling you, my lord, (writing)
that Cherubino is still in the castle, On the breeze.
and that his hat proves it.
COUNTESS
What a gentle zephyr —
 37

SUSANNA COUNTESS
zephyr — Hide it quickly; I hear someone coming.
(Susanna tucks the letter into her bodice.
COUNTESS Barbarina and a group of peasant girls enter,
will sigh this evening — all dressed alike and carrying posies of flowers.
With them is Cherubino, dressed like the girls.)
SUSANNA
this evening — No. 21: Chorus
COUNTESS CHORUS
beneath the pines in the thicket... Receive, beloved protectress,
these roses and violets
SUSANNA we gathered this morning
beneath the pines? to prove our love for you.
We are only peasant girls
COUNTESS and we are all poor,
Beneath the pines in the thicket. but what little we possess
we give you with a good heart.
SUSANNA
Beneath the pines in the thicket. BARBARINA
These girls, my lady,
COUNTESS come from the village;
He will understand the rest. the little that they have they offer you
and ask you to forgive their boldness.
SUSANNA
Certainly, he’ll understand. COUNTESS
How kind of you! I thank you.
COUNTESS
He will understand the rest. SUSANNA
How pretty they are!
COUNTESS
Little tune on the breeze, etc. COUNTESS
(indicating Cherubino)
SUSANNA Tell me, who is
What a gentle zephyr, etc. that charming girl
(Together, they reread the letter, then Susanna with the modest air?
folds it.)
BARBARINA
SUSANNA She’s a cousin of mine,
I’ve folded the letter, but how shall I seal it? who arrived this evening for the wedding.
COUNTESS COUNTESS
(removing a pin and handing it to Susanna) Let us honor the pretty stranger.
Here, take this pin, (to Cherubino)
it will serve for a seal. Come here, give me your flowers.
Wait, write on the back of the letter, (She takes the flowers from Cherubino and
“Return the pin.’’ kisses his forehead.)
You’re blushing!
SUSANNA
(to Susanna)
It’s stranger
than the seal on the commission.
 38

Susanna, does she not bear “Barbarina, if you love me

a resemblance to someone else? you can have anything you like.’’

SUSANNA COUNT
The living image! I said that?
(Antonio and the Count enter furtively; Antonio
has Cherubino’s hat with him. Creeping up BARBARINA
behind Cherubino, he snatches the bonnet from Yes, you.
his head and claps on the hat.) Now give me, my lord,
Cherubino in marriage,
ANTONIO and I’ll love you like I love my kitten.
The great rogue! Here’s your officer!
COUNTESS
COUNTESS (aside) (to the Count)
O heavens! Well, it’s your turn now.

SUSANNA (aside) ANTONIO

The little rascal! (to Barbarina)
Well said, girl!
COUNT You’ve learnt from a good master.
(to the Countess)
Well, my lady-? COUNT
(aside)
COUNTESS I don’t know what man, devil or god
I, my lord, am as annoyed is turning everything against me.
and as surprised as yourself.
(Enter Figaro.)
COUNT
And this morning? FIGARO
My lord, if you keep
COUNTESS all the girls here,
This morning there’ll be no party and no dancing.
we were going to dress him up as a girl
for today’s festivities, COUNT
just as they have done now. Indeed? You want to dance
with a twisted ankle?
COUNT (to Cherubino)
But why did you not leave? FIGARO
(moves his foot a few times and then begins to
CHERUBINO dance)
(quickly taking off his hat) It’s not hurting so much now.
My lord — (He calls the young girls and starts to leave but
the Count calls him back.)
COUNT Come, my pretty ones.
I shall punish you
for your disobedience. COUNTESS
(to Susanna)
BARBARINA How will he get out of this mess?
Your Excellency!
You say to me so often
when you hug me and kiss me:
 39

SUSANNA COUNT
(to the Countess) No story, but he does say that he jumped
Let’s leave him to it. into the carnations this morning.

COUNT FIGARO
Lucky the flowerpots He says that? Could be ... if I jumped,
were made of clay! it might well be that he did so too.

FIGARO COUNT
It certainly was. He too?
Come, then, let’s be off.
(He tries to leave but Antonio calls him back.) FIGARO
Why not?
ANTONIO I don’t accuse anyone of lying
Meanwhile the page unless I’m sure.
was galloping to Seville.
No. 22: Finale
FIGARO
Galloping or walking, good luck to him! (The wedding march is heard in the distance.)
Come on, pretty lasses.
FIGARO
(He tries to leave.)
There’s the march, let’s go!
COUNT To your posts, my beauties, to your posts.
(blocking his way) Susanna, give me your arm.
And he left his commission behind
SUSANNA
in your pocket.
(giving her arm)
FIGARO Here it is.
But of course! (They leave, except the Count and the
What a question! Countess.)

ANTONIO COUNT
(to Susanna, who is making signs to Figaro) Shameless!
Useless to make signs to him;
COUNTESS
he doesn’t understand,
I feel cold as ice!
(taking Cherubino by the hand and presenting
him to Figaro) COUNT
and here is someone who’s making Countess!
my future nephew out to be a liar.
COUNTESS
FIGARO Don’t speak now.
Cherubino! Here are the two couples;
we must receive them.
ANTONIO
In the end the question
Now the penny’s dropped.
involves your protégée.
FIGARO Let us be seated.
(to the Count)
COUNT
What the devil’s his story?
Let us be seated
(aside)
 40

and meditate on revenge. The Narcissus is looking for it.

(They sit. Enter hunters with guns slung over Oh, what foolishness!
their shoulders. Village folk, peasant boys and
girls. Two young girls carry in the hat of white COUNT
feathers; two more a white veil, two others Come, my friends,
gloves and a posy of flowers. Then come Figaro and for this evening let all the trappings
with Marcellina and Bartolo with Susanna. of a wedding be made ready
Bartolo leads Susanna to the Count; she kneels with richest magnificence.
and receives the hat, etc. from him. Figaro I want the feast to be a grand one;
likewise take Marcellina to the Countess.) songs, torches, a grand feast and a ball.
And all shall see how I treat
TWO GIRLS those who are dear to me.
Faithful lovers,
zealous in honor, CHORUS
sing the praises Faithful lovers, etc.
of such a wise master.
Renouncing a right
that insults and offends,
he renders you spotless ACT FOUR
to your lovers. The castle garden
CHORUS (There is an arbor to the right and one to the left.
Sing the praises of such a wise master! Night. Barbarina enters, searching for something
(While kneeling before the Count Susanna tugs on the ground.)
at his robe and shows him a note; she raises her
hand to her head and the Count under the No. 23: Cavatina
pretense of adjusting her hat takes the note and BARBARINA
hides it. Susanna pays her respects and rises. I have lost it, unhappy me!
Figaro goes to receive her. They dance the Ah, who knows where it is?
fandango. Marcellina rises presently and I cannot find it, I have lost it,
Bartolo steps up to receive her from the unhappy me, etc.
Countess.) And my cousin, and my lord —
what will he say?
COUNT (She leaves.)
(takes out the note and reacts as if he has
pricked his finger; shakes it, presses it, sucks it, FIGARO
and seeing that the note was sealed with a pin, (enters with Marcellina)
throws the pin on the floor, saying:) Barbarina, what’s the matter?
Hmmm, as usual..
women have pins sticking out BARBARINA
everywhere. Ah! Ah! I get the idea! I’ve lost it, cousin.

FIGARO FIGARO
(to Susanna) What?
That was a love-letter
that someone gave him in passing, MARCELLINA
and it was sealed with a pin, What?
on which he hurt his finger.
BARBARINA
The pin
 41

the master gave me FIGARO

to return to Susanna. No, nothing at all.

FIGARO BARBARINA
To Susanna, the pin? Goodbye, handsome cousin.
So young, I’m going first to Susanna
yet you already do and then to Cherubino.
everything so well? (She leaves.)

BARBARINA FIGARO
What’s the matter? Are you angry with me? Mother!

FIGARO MARCELLINA
Can’t you see I’m only joking? Look. My son!
(He searches on the ground for a moment, after
having dexterously taken out a pin from FIGARO
Marcellina’s dress and gives it to Barbarina.) This is the end.
This is the pin the Count gave you
to return to Susanna; MARCELLINA
it was sealing a letter. Keep calm, my son!
See how I know it all?
FIGARO
BARBARINA This is the end, I tell you.
Then why ask me if you know it all already?
MARCELLINA
FIGARO Calm, calm and more calm.
I’m curious to know how his lordship This is a serious
came to give you such an errand. matter, and must be seriously considered.
But if you think about it,
BARBARINA we still don’t know who’s tricking who.
Is that all!
Here, my girl, take this pin FIGARO
to the lovely Susanna, and say to her: Ah, that pin, mother, was the same one
“This is the seal of the pine-trees!” I saw him pick up a little while ago.

FIGARO MARCELLINA
Aha! “Of the pine-trees.” True, but at most
this gives you the right
BARBARINA to be on your guard and suspicious.
Truth to tell, he added: You don’t really know —
“Take care no one sees you.”
But you won’t say anything. FIGARO
I must be crafty, then! I know
FIGARO where the assignation is to take place.
Of course not.
MARCELLINA
BARBARINA Where are you going, my son?
Nothing’s worrying you, is it?
FIGARO
To avenge all husbands! Goodbye!
(He storms out in a rage.)
 42

MARCELLINA (aloud)
I must warn Susanna quickly ... Who goes there?
I believe her to be innocent —
that face, that modest air! — BASILIO
And supposing she were not? ... (enters with Bartolo and a group of workers)
ah, when we are not obsessed with self-interest Those who you invited.
every woman will march to the defense
of her own poor sex BARTOLO
against ungrateful men What a grim face!
who only seek wrongly to oppress it. You look like a conspirator!
The he-goat and the she-goat What the devil
live in friendship, are all these sinister preparations for?
the he-lamb and the she-lamb
fight no wars. FIGARO
The wildest of the beasts You’ll see in a little while.
in the forest or the plain, This is where we shall
his mate does not constrain celebrate the rite
or use with force. between my virtuous bride
Only we poor women, and the feudal lord.
who love our men-folk so,
BASILIO
are treated by these beaux
Ah, good, good,
so cruelly without cause.
I understand now:
(She goes out.)
(aside)
(Enter Barbarina, alone, carrying some fruits They’ve come to an agreement without my help.
and sweetmeats.)
FIGARO
BARBARINA Don’t you move from here.
‘In the arbor on the left’, he said. Meanwhile,
This is it! And if he doesn’t come? I’m going to issue some instructions
My word, what generosity! and I’ll be back in a minute.
Begrudging me an orange, a pear, a cake! When I whistle, come quickly.
‘Who is it for, miss?’ — (All go off, except Bartolo and Basilio.)
‘Oh, for a gentleman.’
BASILIO
‘We know that!’ Well!
He’s in a fine old state!
My lord hates him and I love him.
But it cost me a kiss — no matter. BARTOLO
Perhaps someone will give it back to me. What’s happened?
(She hears someone coming.)
I’m lost! BASILIO
(Frightened, she runs into the arbor on the left.) Nothing.
The Count fancies Susanna,
(Figaro enters wearing a cloak and carrying a she agreed to an assignation
small lantern) and Figaro is put out.
FIGARO BARTOLO
(to himself) Well? He should just put up with it.
‘Tis Barbarina!
 43

BASILIO No. 26: Recitative and Aria

Many have had to, so why shouldn’t he?
And anyway, what good can it do? FIGARO (enters alone, with the cloak)
In this world, my friend, Everything is ready: the hour must be near.
it’s always dangerous to mix with the mighty. I hear them coming;
The odds are inevitably in their favor. it’s she; no, it’s no one.
In those years, when inexperience The night is dark,
made my judgement worthless, and I’m already beginning
I, too, was foolishly impulsive, to ply the foolish trade
played the fool I now abjure. of cuckolded husband.
But with time and dangers met, Traitress! At the moment of my wedding
Dame Common Sense appeared ceremony he enjoyed reading her letter,
chased the whims and stubbornness and seeing him I laughed at myself
from my silly head. without knowing it.
To a little cabin Oh, Susanna, Susanna,
she led me one fine day, how much pain have you cost me!
and from the wall With that artless face, with those innocent eyes,
of that quiet hut who would have believed it!
an ass’s skin she took. Ah, it’s always madness to trust a woman!
‘Take this, my son,’ she said, Open your eyes for a moment,
Then she went and left me. rash and foolish men,
While I looked at the gift look at these women,
in silent wonder, look at what they are.
the sky grew dark, You call them goddesses,
the thunder rolled, with your befuddled senses,
mixed with hail, and pay them tribute
the rain beat down. with your weakened minds.
I might as well They are witches who work spells
protect my limbs to make you miserable,
with the ass’s coat, sirens who sing
I thought. to make you drown,
The storm passed; screech-owls that lure you
scarce two steps I take to pluck out your feathers,
when a dreadful wild beast comets that flash
confronts me, to take away your light.
I can feel already They are thorny roses,
the greedy teeth upon me, cunning vixens,
and hope is dead. hugging bears,
But the fetid smell spiteful doves,
of my covering destroyed masters of deceit,
the beast’s appetite, friends of trouble,
and in disgust it turned and slunk who pretend, lie,
back to its forest lair. feel no love,
Thus fate taught me a lesson, feel no pity,
that shame, danger, no, no, no, no, no!
disgrace and death The rest I won’t say,
may be warded off because everyone knows it already.
by the skin of an ass. Open your eyes for a moment, etc.
(They leave.) (He hides among the trees.)
 44

(Susanna and the Countess enter, disguised in No. 27: Recitative and Aria
each other’s clothes, followed by Marcellina.)
SUSANNA
SUSANNA At last the moment is near when carefree
My lady, Marcellina told me I shall exult in the embrace of him I worship.
Figaro would be coming here. Timid care, be banished from my heart,
and come not to disturb my joy.
MARCELLINA Oh, how the beauties of this place,
He’s here already; of heaven and earth,
lower your voice. respond to the fire of my love.
How night furthers my designs!
SUSANNA Come now, delay not, lovely joy,
So one of them is eavesdropping come where love calls you to pleasure.
and the other is about to come to look for me. The nocturnal torch shines not yet in heaven;
Let’s begin! the air is still murky, and the earth silent.
Here the brook murmurs, the breezes play
MARCELLINA and with gentle sighing refresh the heart.
I shall hide in here. Here flowers are laughing, and the grass is cool;
(enters the arbor into which Barbarina went) all things beckon to love’s delights.
Come, my soul, within this hidden grove.
SUSANNA Come! I would crown your brow with roses!
My lady, you’re shivering; are you chilly? (She disappears among the trees on the opposite
side to Figaro.)
COUNTESS
The air is damp; I’ll go in now. FIGARO
(aside)
FIGARO Shameless woman!
(aside) To have lied to me like that!
This is the moment of crisis. I don’t know if I’m awake or dreaming!
SUSANNA CHERUBINO
Under these trees, if my lady will allow me, (enters singing)
I shall stay to enjoy La la la...
the coolness for half an hour.
COUNTESS
FIGARO (aside)
(aside) The little page!
Coolness! Coolness!
CHERUBINO
COUNTESS I can hear someone; I’ll go in here,
Stay for an hour or more. where Barbarina went.
(She hides.) (seeing the Countess)
Oh! I can see a woman!
SUSANNA
(under her breath) COUNTESS
The rascal’s eavesdropping. Now I’m in trouble!
We’ll have some fun, too,
and pay him out for his suspicions. CHERUBINO
Surely not!
From that hat
 45

I can just see in the dark, SUSANNA, COUNT, FIGARO

that must be Susanna. By his voice, that must be the page.

COUNTESS COUNTESS
If the Count should come now, O cruel fate! A kiss, you say! What temerity!

No. 28: Finale CHERUBINO

And why can’t I do
CHERUBINO what the Count is going to do?
Softly now I’ll come closer to you,
we shall not waste any time. SUSANNA, COUNTESS, COUNT, FIGARO
Rash boy!
COUNTESS
Ah, if the Count comes along CHERUBINO
what a fight there will be! Why make a face?
You know that I was behind the chair!
CHERUBINO
Dearest Susanna! She doesn’t answer, SUSANNA, COUNTESS, COUNT, FIGARO
but hides her face with her hand; If the rake stays much longer
now I shall really tease her. he’ll ruin everything.
COUNTESS CHERUBINO
(trying to get away) (trying to kiss the Countess)
Presumptuous, impudent boy, I’ll take it anyway!
go away from here immediately, etc. (The Count steps between them and receives the
kiss himself.)
CHERUBINO
Skittish, cunning girls, COUNTESS, then CHERUBINO
I already know why you’re here, etc. Heavens! The Count!
(Cherubino runs to hide in the left-hand arbor.)
COUNT
(from a distance) FIGARO
That must be my Susanna! I want to see what they’re doing.
(The Count makes a swipe at Cherubino, but
SUSANNA, FIGARO strikes Figaro instead.)
Here comes the fowler!
COUNT
CHERUBINO So that you won’t repeat
Don’t try to play the tyrant with me! the offence, take that!
SUSANNA, COUNT, FIGARO FIGARO, COUNTESS, COUNT, SUSANNA
Ah, my heart is pounding in my breast! Ah! I have/he has made quite a gain
through my curiosity/his temerity, etc.
COUNTESS
(Figaro and Susanna go off in opposite
Quickly, go, or I’ll call for help!
directions.)
SUSANNA, COUNT, FIGARO
COUNT
There is another man with her.
At last the rogue has gone,
CHERUBINO come nearer, my dearest.
Give me a kiss, or you’ll do nothing.
 46

COUNTESS COUNT
If it please you thus, Let us enter, my fair Venus.
here I am, sir. Let us go in and hide, etc.

FIGARO SUSANNA, FIGARO

What a complaisant woman! All you deceived husbands,
What a good-hearted wife! come and learn your lessons.

COUNT COUNTESS
Give me your hand. In the dark, my lord?

COUNTESS COUNT
I give it to you. It is my wish:
you know that I don’t want
COUNT to go inside and read.
Dearest!
FIGARO
FIGARO The traitress is following him;
Dearest? doubts are foolish now.

COUNT SUSANNA, COUNTESS

What dainty fingers! The rogues are in the trap,
What delicate skin! the affair is beginning well.
I’m tingling, I’m feverish,
I’m filled with new ardor, etc. COUNT
Who goes there?
SUSANNA, COUNTESS, FIGARO
Blind precipitousness FIGARO
deludes reason None of your business!
and always tricks the senses, etc.
COUNTESS
COUNT It’s Figaro! I’m going!
Besides your dowry, beloved,
receive this jewel, COUNT
offered by a lover Go on, I’ll find you soon.
in pledge of his love. (The Count disappears in the bushes. The
(He gives her a ring.) Countess enters the right-hand arbor.)

COUNTESS FIGARO
Susanna owes everything All is peaceful and silent:
to her benefactor. the beautiful Venus has gone
to the embrace of her fond Mars,
SUSANNA, COUNT, FIGARO but a modern Vulcan will soon
Everything is going perfectly! have them in his net.
But the best is coming yet.
SUSANNA
COUNTESS (in a feigned voice)
Sir, I can see the light Hey, Figaro, keep your voice down!
from bright torches.
FIGARO
Oh, there is the Countess.
 47

You come at a perfect moment SUSANNA

to see for yourself How my hand is itching!
the Count with my wife.
You’ll be able to touch them FIGARO
with your very own hand. I can hardly breathe!

SUSANNA SUSANNA
(forgetting to alter her voice) What madness! What fury! etc.
Speak a little lower;
from the spot I shall not move FIGARO
until I am avenged. What madness! What fever! etc.

FIGARO SUSANNA
(aside) But is there no affection between us?
Susanna!
(aloud) FIGARO
Avenged? Let respect be enough.
We must not let time pass in vain,
SUSANNA give me your hand a moment.
Yes.
SUSANNA
FIGARO (in her natural voice, boxing his ears)
How can that be done? Help yourself, sir.
The vixen is trying to catch me,
and I’m going to help her, etc. FIGARO
You slapped me!
SUSANNA
I’m going to catch the villain, SUSANNA
and I know how to go about it, etc. Yes, I did!
Here’s another, and another
FIGARO and still another.
(with comic affectation)
Ah, if it please Madame! FIGARO
Don’t beat me so furiously!
SUSANNA
Get up, not a word! SUSANNA
And another, you sharper,
FIGARO and then still one more!
Ah, Madame!
FIGARO
SUSANNA Oh, most gracious blows!
Get up, not a word! Oh, perfect love! etc.

FIGARO SUSANNA
Here I am at your feet, I’ll teach you, deceitful man,
with my heart full of fire. to play the seducer, etc.
Look around you,
and remember the betrayer! FIGARO
Peace, peace, my sweet treasure;
I recognized the voice which I adore
and carry engraved in my heart.
 48

SUSANNA SUSANNA
My voice? Here I am, I’ll do as you wish.

FIGARO COUNT
The voice I adore. Ah, scandalous, scandalous!

SUSANNA, FIGARO SUSANNA, FIGARO

Peace, peace, my sweet treasure, Ah, let us make haste, beloved,
peace, peace, my gentle beloved. and exchange pain for pleasure.
(The Count returns.) (They move towards the arbor on the left. The
Count grasps Figaro.)
COUNT
I cannot find her, and I’ve combed the forest. COUNT
Help, help, weapons, weapons!
SUSANNA, FIGARO
That’s the Count. FIGARO
I recognize his voice. (feigning great fright)
The master!
COUNT
Hey, Susanna, are you deaf or dumb? COUNT
My men, help, help!
SUSANNA (Enter Antonio, Basilio, Bartolo and Don
Wonderful! He didn’t recognize her! Curzio.)
FIGARO FIGARO
Whom? I’m lost!

SUSANNA BASILIO, CURZIO, ANTONIO, BARTOLO

Madame. What happened?

FIGARO COUNT
Madame? The villain has betrayed me,
has defamed me, and you shall see with whom.
SUSANNA
Madame! BASILIO, CURZIO, ANTONIO, BARTOLO
I’m amazed, confounded,
SUSANNA, FIGARO I can’t believe it’s true.
Let’s terminate this farce, my beloved,
and console this capricious lover, etc. FIGARO
(Figaro throws himself at her feet.) They’re amazed, confounded.
Oh, what a scene, what fun!
FIGARO (Going to the arbor the Count hands out, in
Yes, Madame, you are the light of my life. turn, Cherubino, Barbarina, Marcellina and
Susanna.)
COUNT
My wife? COUNT
Ah, I have no weapons! In vain you resist,
come out, Madame;
FIGARO now you shall be rewarded
Will you grant a cure for my heart?
 49

for your honesty. COUNTESS

...The page! I am more clement,
and answer, yes.
ANTONIO
My daughter! ALL
Ah! All shall be
FIGARO made happy thereby.
My mother! Only love can resolve
this day of torments,
BASILIO, CURZIO, ANTONIO, BARTOLO caprice and folly,
Madame! into joy and happiness.
Spouses and sweethearts,
COUNT to dancing and fun,
The plot is revealed, and let’s have some fireworks!
and there is the deceiver. And to the sound of a gay march
hurry off to celebrate, etc.
SUSANNA
(kneeling) Curtain
Pardon, pardon!

COUNT
No, no, do not expect it!

FIGARO
(kneeling)
Pardon, pardon!

COUNT
No, no, I will not!

ALL EXCEPT THE COUNT

(kneeling)
Pardon! etc.

COUNT
No!
(The Countess emerges from the right-hand
arbor.)

COUNTESS
At least I may obtain their pardon.

BASILIO, CURZIO, COUNT, ANTONIO,

BARTOLO
Heaven! What do I see?
I’m raving! Going crazy!
I don’t know what to believe.

COUNT
(kneeling)
Countess, your pardon! Pardon!