CHAN 3057 Book Cover.qxd - Chandos

CHAN 3057 BOOK.qxd 13/7/07 3:51 pm Page 122and so is he, Sir!But the culprit is not me!That cruel man, the Prince of Darkness,stole my innocence away.(quietly to Donna Elvira)Donna Elvira! Have compassion!For you know his wicked way,for you know him and you know his wickedway.(to Zerlina)Of Masetto I know nothing,I know nothing, nothing,absolutely nothing,(indicating Donna Elvira)as this lady will inform you.We were walking, simply talking,I spent this past hour with her.(to Don Ottavio rather confused )And as for you, Sir, I’ve no excuses…I felt so frightened…It was confusing…out there the torches…in here the darkness..I was surrounded…the doorway…the darkness…then… well… I…(indicating where he was trapped )First I went this way…then I went that way…What can I say?…What to say…1718But had I known I’d have gone this way…(cleverly moving towards the door)perhaps this way!(He flees.)Scene 10Donna ElviraStop him, somebody stop him!MasettoHe’s running like the wind.ZerlinaHow cleverly he slipped through ourfingers!Don OttavioMy good friends, after all we have witnessed,there can be no more doubt that Don Giovanniis the vile assassin of Donn’ Anna’s father. Itwould be best if you would stay in this house awhile; it is time to enlist the hand of justice, andI assure you, I’m resolved to take action. It isduty that calls, compassion, affection.AriaDon OttavioWill you remain with my treasureand offer to dry her tears;show her your compassionand calm her anxious fears.19Tell her I do her bidding,I shall avenge her father;with news/tales of death and justice,gladly I shall return.(Exit.)Scene 11Walled cemetery. Various equestrian statues,amongst them that of the Commendatore.RecitativeDon Giovanni (leaping over the wall, laughing)Ah! Ah! Ah! Ah! This is perfect! She’ll never findme here. A lovely night too, it’s so clear and soquiet; just the night to be running around onthe prowl for more women. What time is it? Itisn’t even ten o’clock yet: I’m longing to knowexactly how it ended between Leporello andDonn’ Elvira. I hope he was careful!Leporello (from the other side of the wall )He’s determined to be my undoing!Don Giovanni(It’s him.) Hey Leporello!Leporello (from on the wall )Who’s calling?Don GiovanniDon’t you know your master?LeporelloI wish I’d never met him!Don GiovanniWhat d’you mean?LeporelloOh, is that you? Excuse me.Don GiovanniWhat has happened?LeporelloWearing your clothes got me very nearlymurdered!Don GiovanniWell, wasn’t that an honour, quite an honour foryou?LeporelloMy Lord, some honour.Don GiovanniNow, now. Come here, come here. I have suchpretty tales to tell you.LeporelloBut what are you doing here?Don GiovanniCome down here and I’ll tell you. (Leporellojoins him.) Since you left me and vanished, I’vehad so many wonderful adventures. I shall savethose for later: but the best one I have to tell younow.LeporelloAnother woman…122123