Venice Saved by Weil Simone;Panizza Silvia;Wilson Philip;

Author:Weil, Simone;Panizza, Silvia;Wilson, Philip;
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing Plc

Act Two

Scene One

PIERRE, RENAUD

Pierre has been ordered by the Council of Ten to appear before them immediately. He does not see this as a bad sign, but cannot disobey without exciting suspicions. But he has a good idea: Jaffier will replace him this night. He will command the conspirators’ capture of the city and then will be in charge of commanding Venice and its dependant territories. Thus, even if there has been a moment of weakness – which Pierre does not believe – this responsibility and power will restore Jaffier’s courage. Pierre is happy to think that he will have the good fortune he deserves. Pierre has already had this substitution accepted by the Marquis of Bedmar, on condition that Renaud agrees. Renaud consents, but is astonished.

RENAUD

I for one would not give up for anything the reward that I’ve been promised for my part in the conspiracy: you know that I am to have a high responsibility at the Court of Madrid.

He is convinced that thinking beings tend without exception to exercise all the power it is possible for them to exercise. This seems to him to be the law of thinking beings, just as gravity is the law of matter. [15] To give up power voluntarily seems to him to be against nature.

PIERRE

That’s because you have no idea what friendship is. You would be right if this were anybody other than Jaffier. But Jaffier is more me that I am myself. Here he is. Would you leave us for a while? I shall sound him out.

Scene Two

PIERRE, JAFFIER

Pierre announces to Jaffier his new office, almost drily. Jaffier: explosion of simultaneous regret and gratitude.

JAFFIER

You are the only man in the world capable of this. But I do not want it. I shall replace you tonight, but afterwards … .

PIERRE

No, no, it is better like this. This great fortune is by rights more yours than mine. You are by far the more capable man. At last you will possess the city you love – and how you love this city! You will be its master.

JAFFIER

Yes, all this beauty will be mine; how can I even imagine it?

In this evocation (which would be best given to Jaffier), mention should be made of the time (noon), the course of the sun and the light.

Friendship and happiness, crescendo; at the zenith, Violetta arrives.

Scene Three

PIERRE, JAFFIER, VIOLETTA

Violetta is bursting with joy because of the festival.

VIOLETTA

Oh! I wish it were tomorrow! Have you never seen the Festival of Venice? Nothing in this world is comparable; you shall see, tomorrow! What joy for me! Tomorrow I shall be able to show you my city in its most perfect splendour! There will be such beautiful music … .

(Monteverdi) etc. [16] She regrets that Pierre cannot be there; at least Jaffier will see … etc. Pierre and Violetta talk politely, but Jaffier speaks little.

Scene Four

PIERRE, JAFFIER

JAFFIER

You seem to have a liking for this girl. Do you have any instructions for me, about what to do with her tonight? Should

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