" Please pay for the stamp." " Yes." "I'll see to it." "Volpone agreed to deliver the goods." "I'll settle it this morning." "Bring Volpone to me when he arrives." "Well, sir." " Here." " Here." "Any news about my ship?" " Which one?" " The Sagittaire." "Dead calm, unending calm." "I promised one thousand piastres to Santa Maria if my ship came in before tonight." "What does it matter if it comes or not?" "I am Signore Volpone." "Listen, Volpone." "You told Corvino about the arrival of my goods." "You told him they're at his disposal." "You asked him to pay in advance." "So tell us where they are." "Are the goods in your warehouse, or are they not?" "They are on my ship." "Is it still sailing at sea?" "Unless it has sunk." "The Sagittaire is a 3-master, newly rigged." "She's a good ship." "My client has paid 3000 gold chequins." "We are running late and I still see nothing." "So far, Lieutenant, the habits of this Levantine were not known in Venice." "It is a swindle." "There is a big word!" "The Sagittaire may be here at any hour." "Perhaps she's held up by a storm, or Barbary pirates." "We demand delivery without delay of the goods we paid for!" "Lieutenant, give me one hour, one short hour." "What a fuss." "I have sound credit in Venice." "Who do they take me for?" "I will reimburse Mr. Corvino." "Hey!" "Hey!" "I'll get money and come back." "If he is not repaid within one hour, you go to jail." "I will lend you 1000 chequins, not a penny more." "Friendly prices." "1000?" "1000?" "I need 3000." " 1000." " I'll pay you back tomorrow morning." "I understand." "And you will sign an I.O.U. for 1200." " Well, buy it." " Yes, 500 chequins." "What?" "It's worth 1000 chequins..." " ...and you buy it for 500?" " That's my rule." "It's not worth 500 or 1000." " But at least 3000 chequins." " Then keep it." "Lend me 3000 chequins." "Aside from the ring, I'll sign a pawn-ticket." " You know me." " Not very well." "I'm Volpone." "I own two ships." " The Furace." " I was told it was seized." "But no, no!" "And another, the Sagittaire." "The Sagittaire?" "But it sank, the Sagittaire." " It sank?" " Yes." "What are you telling me?" "Three boats sank last night because of fog." "I was told by a sailor who came to change currency." " Go ahead." " Three boats?" "But what dreadful news." "Are you sure?" "Quite sure." "No reason why mine is among them." "Or none why it is not." "Cauliflower, fine cauliflower!" "The Sagittaire?" "Lost?" "Lost." "Everything went down." " False news!" " It sank this morning." "I'll lodge a complaint against you!" "That's him!" "Ah!" "What you want with me?" "Hi!" "How awful!" "When you're here for three months like me, you'll get used to it." "Of course, the food is not very good, and the rats are too friendly." " You've been here three months?" " Yes." " But why?" "Debts." "I have more fun spending money than earning it." " Ah?" "That's good, that." " And you?" "I almost made a fortune." "But because of a swindle..." "It wasn't even a swindle!" " When I say a swindle..." " Tell me all about it." "It's an injustice." " I said five for one chequin." " I won't argue over so little." "Do you know the owner of the Sagittaire?" "What did you say?" "The Sagittaire?" "Why?" "The captain asked me to tell Volpone that the Sagittaire would be late." " You're sure he did?" " Yes." "And at Corfu, some sailors told my men that the Sagittaire secretly carried diamonds and pearls brought by caravans." "These bars!" "I'd like to blow them up and throw myself into the river." "It's impossible." "I could kill myself ten times." "You won't molder here long." "You're here as a mere swindler." "Since so many citizens have been imprisoned for fraud the state has improved." "The hardest part is not prison." "The worst is to have lost the ship." "With all of the cargo." "Guess what was in my Sagittaire." "Two sacks of precious stones." "With pearls from the Persian Gulf!" "I bought them from an emir of the interior who had won them in battle." "Alas, it's all at the bottom of the sea among the fish and seaweed." "I'd better go join them!" "There's always time to go there." " Did you see your ship sink?" " I tell you..." " Did you?" " No." "So!" "Hey!" "Hey!" "The Sagittaire is in sight!" "Volpone's ship!" "It sank!" "Near the Lido." "It's a ghost ship." "It's true!" "Come and see!" "I'm going." "I'll vouch for his debt." "He's an unfortunate but honest man." "Then, sign here." "He will be released, since you vouch for him." "But we must wait for the judge's order." " Can I talk to him now?" " Yes." "Only you give me hope." "Ah, yes!" "You get out of here, you'll see." " So you say." " I won't forget you." "I never forget." "Neither kindness nor wickedness." "If I get out of here, Venice will hear of me." "I'll be rich." "Very rich." "Well, wait to be rich." "Get me out of here when you're very rich." "But be sure I'm not back too soon." " We'll answer for his debt." " His bail was posted." "How?" "By whom?" "Signior Corbaccio." "He took pity on this honest man." "The scoundrel!" "You should take my ring as collateral." "No." "If your ship is definitely lost..." "You can repay me...when you can." "If by chance your ship is found you'll repay me, shall we say, 10,000 chequins." "Simply sign an I.O.U." "Oh, I don't know how to thank you enough." "Don't thank me." "You're too passionate." "One must be charitable." "Just sign an I.O.U." "Volpone, sir." "I'll no longer torment you." " What do you want?" " You are an honest man." " Honest man?" "Who?" " But you!" "I removed my complaint." "You are kind, all of you." "The Sagittaire!" " It has docked!" " At dock?" "At pier?" "You knew, you old scoundrel!" "Are you saying I acted out of my own interest?" "Him, maybe, but not I. My devotion is yours, Volpone." "Mine, too." "I will prove it." " You called me an old scoundrel?" " It was only a joke." "Mosca!" "You are free." "Volpone has paid your bail." "Volpone was true to his promise, Lieutenant." "Yesterday in prison." "Today, a palace." "Always victor over adversity, and taking men for a pack of monkeys." "Tonight, the whole city around my table." "Count Rinaldi, Prince Bragatta." "Even a judge of the high court." "I told my cook to buy a salmon." "The judge bought it." "I said: buy the judge with the salmon." "You'll see the judge." "And my three rogues." " Corbaccio, Corvino and Voltore." " That's a lot." "You'll see the most beautiful women of Venice." "Countess Rinaldi, the Duchess of Ferrara, and Flora, Titian's model." "Never were so many beauties seated around a table." "The table of a humble mortal." "Mosca, it will be magnificent, superb!" "Your guests are late, Volpone." "And yet punctuality is the attribute of kings." "There is plague in Venice." "Many people dying." "I saw three funeral gondolas this afternoon." "I felt sick yesterday." "I canceled the dinner and told the important guests." "Ah?" "Really?" "And us?" "Of no importance." "Do you know the previous owner died of fever?" "Perhaps the palace is not healthy." "We will all die." "We're in no hurry for that." "I do not feel well." "Please excuse me." "Don't mind me." "Amuse yourselves." "He was expecting a judge!" "How ill he looks." "The whites of his eyes are yellow." "That large body seemed so strong." "Bad diseases have rotted him from within." "He'll fall suddenly." "He won't enjoy his palace long." "Ill-gotten gains..." "Did you hear?" "The nasty monkeys." "All the infamy of mankind." " Why not ignore their pettiness?" " When I have the opportunity to despise men more, I am delighted." "It's not enough." "Me, if I had your gold, I'd make them puppets and I would pull the strings." "That's a pleasure that would cost me dear." "No, only the smell of money is enough to make men drunk." "Just make them smell your ducats." "Heads will turn, women will crawl to you, merchants give you credit." "Poets will praise you." "It's the magic of money." "If I was sure to keep the money, what a wonderful hoax." "Try to see." " I have an idea." " Yes?" "They think I'm ill." "I'll pretend to be ill." "But a patient who's worse by the hour." "A moribund patient." "I have no wife." "No wife, no children." "No heir." "And who?" "Who will inherit Volpone's wealth?" " Beautiful." " They'll start slobbering." "The dance around my gold begins, Volpone's gold." "Dear Volpone, poor Volpone." "My friend Volpone." "Men will give me money." "Women will offer me..." "One of the most beautiful situations." "We'll force them." " But you must help me." " You can count on me." "Hey!" "Bring breakfast, the Master rises!" " He is not dead?" " Not yet." "I thought he wouldn't last the night." "The master is awake?" "The dying do not sleep much." "Take your mandolin, play his favorite tune one last time." "I'm afraid he won't hear the bells of Venice ring many more times." "But don't let anything show." "Keep smiling faces." "Be lively and cheerful in your work." "Come!" "It's good to keep him happy." "Money, money, makes men fools." "Foolish, who hides it in his chest." "Foolish, who saves it." "So foolish, who lends it." "More foolish, who feasts with it." "Spit on it or kiss it it's always bad." "Your purse is full of madness." "Money is wiser than you." "Thanks, my dear friends." "Thank you, brave singer." "Is it true that music can heal the sick?" "What a night I spent." "I didn't expect to be alive this morning." "I need a little rest." "Thank you for your care, my dear friends." "Now leave me alone." "Have they gone?" "There, it's locked." "Now you may rise." "Adieu infirmity, and welcome good cheer!" "Hail, my gold!" "My sun, my riches." "Fill my hands, fruits of my harvest." "Ring through my fingers, musical coins." "But you, Mosca, why do you not greet my gold?" " Ah sir, it hurts me." " Why?" "Because it is imprisoned in your chests." "If I could, I would give it wings!" "Fool!" "Give it freedom when it was so hard to catch?" " What would you do with it?" " Me?" "One night of love with Dona Maria." "A coat of brocade like the French king's, to allure women." "A mighty feast with my friends." "My portrait by Titian." "The nobility of the pope." "Stop there, before you reach the bottom." "Have you really spread the rumor my will was done with the name of the heir left blank?" "Yes, they are in agony." "They think you wait too long to die." " Who?" " The favorites." " Voltore, Corbaccio, Corvino." " Shout from the rooftops..." " ...that the end is near." " Of course." " Wait." "What will you say?" " Here, I'll go to Corbaccio." "Signor Corbaccio!" "Mosca?" "He won't last the night." "You have every chance." "I came to warn you alone." "We never see you anymore!" "We visited the Doge's villa." "Bravo!" "What news of Volpone?" "He's near the end." "Good, send me the clients for the funeral bouquets." "You'll have your share." " Have a glass?" " Later." "Haven't the time." "Signor Corvino!" "He will not last the night." "I came to warn you." "Only you." "Colomba!" "Colomba!" "My love?" "I'm going out to pay my last respects to Volpone." " You're leaving me alone again?" " Don't dare leave the house!" "Or even go to the window!" "Moreover, I'm locking you in tight." "Very good, my love." "Two." "Exhale." "Three." "Inhale." "Exhale." "Flex the leg." "Move the waist slightly." "What generosity, signore notary to sacrifice your precious time for our poor master." "Softly, softly." "Have you drawn up the will?" " It's all in order." " Do you have it?" "It's here." "But not signed." " It will be." " And the name of the heir is left out." "People are so wicked." "My name, written in my hand it is a delicate business." " Yes." " Count on me." "Don't rush him." "The mere sight of a will can frighten the dying." "Be tactful, don't be abrupt." "But don't be too slow either." "I brought a fine golden cup..." " ..." "I wish I could give him." " That's nice." "I feel like waking him." "He will be so pleased." "Volpone, sir?" "The notary has come to see you." " He is the first, as usual." " Thank him for me." "He brought you a fine golden cup..." " ...to drink from when you are better." " Oh, my kind friend!" "Tell him..." " ...to come back often." " You hear?" "I can't see very well, but I can still touch it." "Here, take it." "How do you feel, my dear friend?" "Oh, how heavy it is." "How kind to think of a dying man." "If I could only give you my health!" "That would be better." "Of what use is all my money now?" "My three houses..." "400,000 chequins... ..my ships, my jewels..." "what use?" "Don't leave me, I have only you left." "You hear?" "I won't last long." "May God forgive me my sins." "I was too fond of money." "Yes, I cheated my neighbor." "You are the most honest man in Venice." "You're a good man." "I will have masses said for the repose of my soul." "I'm tired." "He is very weak." "It must be the doctor." "Or the priest." "Go out that way." "It's better they don't meet you." "Be quiet." "And rest assured." "Upon his last sigh, I'll be with you." "Mosca!" "Well done, you're making progress." " Who is the rascal waiting outside?" " It must be Corvino." "After the vulture, the crow to peck at your skin." "You're going upstairs?" "I thought your legs were paralyzed?" "What brings you here?" "An affair?" "Your thoughts are no better than your reputation." "I wouldn't stake anything on it." "I don't need your loan!" "Gentlemen, speak softly in the house of the dead." "What, already?" " He's taking a nap." " He's still lingering!" "Have a little patience." " Who will go in first?" " That's me." "No, me." "We'll toss for it with a gold coin." "I'm waiting." " Tails!" " It's heads." "Follow me." "And my coin?" "Don't worry, it's safe." "You can't let him suffer like this." "I mentioned this to a doctor." "He gave me some medicine." " Yes?" " It's very soothing." " It will calm him down." " Well, well." "Yes!" "It shortens suffering." "I brought a small bottle, in case." "He's very suspicious of drugs and doctors." "I also know an excellent doctor." " No, no doctor." " Why?" "They're charlatans, disturbing the work of God." "In his place, I would rather die without warning." " Is the will done?" " The heir's name is still missing." "The wretched will isn't ready." "And maybe he's at his last gasp." "Hey, that's new, isn't it?" "Is it a gift?" " The cup?" "From the notary." " To get the inheritance." " I wonder." " It's all too obvious." " But what did Volpone say?" " Oh, he has lost his mind." "Give him a gift and you become his best friend." "The pack of rascals." "They want his inheritance!" "Starting today, I'll make Volpone a partner in my business." "Tell him!" "This is the first installment, 300 chequins." "He will take this medicine more easily than your bottle." "When the old miser hears ducats ringing it's like raising the lid of his coffin." "It's Corvino, your friend Corvino is here." "Money, money. 300 chequins." "Your friend Corvino brought you 300 chequins." "Oh, Corvino!" "300 chequins." "Oh, thank you, thank you." "Oh, oh, noble friend." "You hear?" "Noble friend." "He has never said that to anyone." "Take the chance, say a few kind words from the heart." "Ah, Volpone!" "If I could give my blood to restore your health I would not hesitate." "My wife Colomba prays for you all day." "And I've decided to give you a share in my business." "Oh, what kind people." "Oh, how sad to die when you are surrounded with such friends!" "He has tears in his eyes." " Corbaccio is getting impatient." " That old usurer?" "That 85-year-old skeleton?" "What is he doing here?" " He comes every day." " Every day?" "I'm staying!" "You are not alone, my dear Volpone." "I won't leave you!" "Get rid of him!" "Done." "Don't you go with your wife to the sermon on Friday?" "She went there alone?" "Who told you?" " All Venice knows." " It's a joke." "Don't get angry." " I'm only repeating the rumor." " Who told you she was there?" " I forbade her to go." " Well then, you must feel safe." "Shall I go and see if Venice's beauty is at home?" "Mind your own business!" "I'm old enough to look after my wife." "Laugh away, hoard your money!" "One day it might run away!" "Not likely!" "But your wife might." " I'm not worried!" " Nor I." " Where were you this morning?" " My lord!" "Ah ha!" "You're pale!" " Where were you?" " Where I should be." "At home." " Why did you turn pale?" " You scared me coming in." " Swear you were here!" " I swear." "Of course, a false oath more or less, who cares!" "When did you last see Mosca?" "Which Mosca?" "You don't know?" "He knows you, though." "He speaks of your charms and knows you go to the sermon!" " He seems to know." " What an abomination!" "Why should this stranger dishonor me?" "I did not leave the window." "You didn't leave?" "Didn't I forbid you to open the window?" " Even on such a hot day?" " I'll show you!" "Exchanging glances, or words, or even love letters!" "If ever I'm rich and Volpone decides to die you'll see, I'll have you guarded by eunuchs!" "I like to visit the dying." "Yes..." "I have seen many, already." "I am 85." "Four brothers died before me, two sisters, friends, enemies..." "I'm still alive." "I've seen more than one in the cradle, then the grave." "I've buried them all." "I knew him when he was fit and dashing." "Well, now." "How is he today?" " Very bad." " Good." "It's the end." " His pulse?" " Imperceptible." " Good!" "His breathing?" " Whistles like a pipe." " Good!" "Urine?" " Red like old wine." "Good, good." " And his tongue?" " Hard, dry and thick." " Like a shoe." " Excellent!" "Is he cold or sweating?" " Cold, like a cellar." " Then he won't last long." "I know, myself." "I've seen much already." "The moment comes, when the air stops." " Ah yes?" " Yes." "Like a pump." "Pump, pump!" "And then, he expires." "The end!" " Is his will done?" " It is, yes." "Volpone called in the notary today." " He wants to make a codicil." " A codicil?" "But why?" "He won't change my legacy?" "You showed me." "20,000 chequins to Corbaccio." "He can't change what is written." "He hasn't the strength." "Let's approach." "Volpone?" " Well, now." " Alas." "Volpone, sir, can you hear me?" "He can't hear." " Try." " No use, he's unconscious." "Try again." "Tell him it's his old friend Corbaccio." "Volpone, sir." "It is that old scoundrel Corbaccio." " Hush!" " It is safe." "He's come to see if you're dead, he's getting impatient!" " Hush!" "Shut up!" " You scared?" "Listen." "Hey, Volpone!" "Scoundrel of the Levant!" "Have you finished poisoning Venice?" "Not dead yet?" "Running after girls!" "Swallowing money!" "Full of false boasts!" "So!" "I'll bury you too!" "Oh, you laughed at old Corbaccio." "Often." "Because he was old." "Because he dressed poorly." "He did not benefit from life." "He will bury you anyway!" "He's too weak now to make a codicil." "Who knows?" "He may get better." "Look at the cup the notary brought for the codicil." " Corvino brought 300 sequins." " Ah?" "I'd beware, if I were you." "You may think your legs strong, but..." " A gift?" "I've nothing to give." " This ring?" "It's worth 1000 sequins." "I paid almost 150." " No, too much." " But this will save you 20,000." "No." "I have another ring." "I'll go look for it." "It will look just as good to him." "He can't see clearly." "He may come to in the meantime." " I'll return the ring when he's dead." " When is the notary coming?" " At any moment." " You'll take it off his finger..." " ...as soon as he dies?" " Upon his death, but not before." "If I come back in time, we'll change it with another." " Yes." " Business is difficult." "Is he gone?" "Shut the door." "Mosca, now that we have earned our day let's drink to the health of these fools." "OK, dear master." "I'll call the musicians?" "And maybe bring some women?" "Colomba!" "For love God made you so beautiful." "Colomba!" "For love your arms are so soft." "Your eyes are gleaming stars." "Your voice, sweet music." "Night is nearly over." "Life, alas, is brief." "Colomba!" "For love God made you so beautiful." "Colomba!" "Open your heart, don't lose a day." "Hear the wise voice who calls you." "Listen!" "Why worry... (curses)" "Tomorrow." " What do you have there?" " Nothing, adjusting my garter." "Hands off, I'll complain to your master." "He will marry me." " No." " We love each other." " He's over 50 years old." " I like the old." " Not possible." " I'll be his wife." " You're after the inheritance." " They say he will die." " I doubt it." " You're marrying him for his wealth." "That's not it." "I used to think it was annoying to marry." "To have only one man it gets boring." "Now I'll try one." " Yes?" " A little old." " Why not Volpone?" " Yes." "Also, my grandmother was an illegitimate child." "So was my mother, and so am I." " I want a legitimate child." " That sounds legitimate." "You see?" "I am reasonable." " You know the formalities?" " Not very well." "You need two witnesses, friends of Volpone's." "Shall I name two?" " Yes, Mosca." "But who?" " I suggest Corbaccio, the pawnbroker." " He's disgusting." " As a husband, but as a witness..." " Corvino, the silk-merchant." " The husband of Colomba?" "Yes." "I advise you to go see them this morning." " But don't mention me." " Thanks, I'll go." "They were in bed overnight." " The old man is still alive." " Mosca's having fun." " He sips his wine, nibbles his food." " What is he playing at?" " Congratulations on your marriage." " With whom?" " Canina." " She thinks I'm generous." "She doesn't want you for money." "I would be proud to inspire such feelings." "Come, let's drink." "Nothing like this wine to give strength!" " Never in the morning." " Keep me company." "Mr. Voltore, your health." "Don't worry about mine." "Corbaccio, I'll live to be 100!" "What beautiful eyes your wife has, my dear Corvino." "I have never felt so happy." " I like to see you like this." " A pity they can't see me." "They haven't been punished enough." "Don't worry about that scum." "I will crush their bones, slowly." "I'm not bad, Mosca." "But I had to come here to discover the dregs of humanity." "Scavengers!" "Mosca." "20 chequins." "20 chequins if you find me a punishment for Corbaccio and Corvino." "Something serious." "Mosca." " 30." " 30 chequins?" "That oils my imagination." "Let me think." "Suppose this." "Corvino brings you his wife and she lies in your bed?" "He keeps her so jealously!" " Would I earn my 30 gold pieces?" " It's worth 50, but just a dream." " I don't pretend I'll succeed." " Corbaccio." "In the state you were in, he feels sure to outlive you." "He might make you his heir, to become yours." "He'll disinherit his son, Captain Leone?" "Why not?" "Kiss me!" "Drink, and go at once." " Immediately?" " You've aroused my blood with this story of Corvino." " You asked me to lunch." "At your age, it digests fast." "Go!" "My friends." "The carnival starts tomorrow." "Visitors are here." "It is the right time." "I have better things to do for now than rob the lords and boyars." " What?" " I have secret thoughts." "Excellency!" "I was just looking for you, Excellency." " What are you up to?" " Burning a candle to our success." "The candles don't count." "Help yourself, and Heaven helps you." "How is he?" "Much better." "Impossible." "Even better, extraordinary." "He sat up in bed." "And he asked to eat." "That's not the worst." "Do you know what he called for suddenly?" " Guess." " I don't know." " A woman." " Impossible." "It is dangerous." "He may overdo it." " Bring him one." " Canina?" " Yes." " You know her plans?" " No." " She has designs." "I think it's in your interest to keep her away from his bed." " Find him another one." " The merchant, your neighbor..." " ...has offered his daughter." " His daughter?" "19 years old." "One of the 7 or 8 virgins of Venice." "He has answered." "He comes tonight." "Don't let him come." "The merchant has an idea in his head." "He hopes to steal the inheritance in a jiffy." " We must get him out of there." " Yes, yes." "I thought you would help me." "You're the most interested." "You understand?" "Do you think this place is suitable for this exchange?" " God sees us everywhere." "It's all the same." " Let's go out." "Canina." "Exactly..." "She must be going home." "Hide your feelings, eh?" "It's important that we keep her confidence  so we can continue to read her game." "I must go to the Rialto, but I'll come back." "This man sells his wife." "The other will sell his son." "They'd sell God if they had him." "Money, money, money." "In every house, all along the streets all over the city, all over the world." "It makes them dance." "Disgusting." " Mr Corvino?" " Myself." "What is it?" "Mr Corvino, I'm most embarrassed." "Things can be said about me." " But I'm not a bad girl." " I'm listening." " If I marry Signore Volpone..." " If you marry?" "!" "Good idea." " Very good idea." " In that case, ...are you willing to be one of my witnesses at the marriage?" "One of the witnesses?" "Yes, my dear Canina!" "Let's talk it over." "Will it be right away?" "No hurry, I've made up my mind." "It will go smoothly." "Come see me tomorrow." "Do nothing without me." " You can count on me." " How can I thank you?" "If I can make you happy don't be shy." " Did you know?" " What?" " Canina plans to marry Volpone." " Yes." "And Volpone accepted?" "If he can enjoy her without paying, why not?" "I thought he didn't want a courtesan." " He has other prey." " The merchant's daughter..." " ...is no Canina." " That's what you think?" "She's just as dangerous." "You must choose." "I must speak to my wife." "Come back later, I'm too upset." "Well, you don't really need Volpone's riches it's too much money." "Listen, Mosca." "There are circumstances where duty comes first." " For brave souls." " Even if it costs us?" " I admit that." " Mosca." "It seems to me that my duty is not to abandon Volpone..." " ...in his sinking hours." " Bravo, Corvino." "Volpone is my friend." "And not a stranger." "My wife and I are always ready to help him." "Naturally." "Half an hour passes quickly." "The dead don't talk." "In short, in your place..." "I wouldn't hesitate." "And I would find it less humiliating than if my wife frolics without my knowing." "From the moment she obeys me, my honor is safe." " You think it's a good idea?" " I don't see any other way." "Listen!" " Tell Volpone." " What?" "He will not find another friend like me." "And it is my great affection for him that makes me consent." "And that..." "And that..." "You'll be there tonight with Colomba." "Good." "Good." "Is it this ring?" " You find it pretty?" " It's not ugly." "Not bad." "Warm, soft..." "Beautiful stone." "Far East." "An Indian diamond." "I have bigger ones at home." "Since you're a friend, 2000 chequins." "2000 chequins." "Oh, but look at this chain." "Solid gold!" "There is also a pendant." "Take it out of its nest." "It's as white as it is hot." " How lovely." " Isn't it beautiful?" "3000 chequins." " Shall I return it?" " Put it back in its hiding place." "The poor thing." "I don't need money yet, Corbaccio." "But if you're a friend, you can help me." "Listen, I want to marry Volpone." "Marry Volpone?" "!" "You're crazy!" "But he's dying, Volpone." "He's already cold, Volpone." "I want you..." " ...to be my witness." " Me?" "!" "Witness for what?" "His coffin?" "That the pulse has stopped beating?" " That his breath is no more?" " Witness for the marriage, Corbaccio." "Witness for the burial, as you like." " Go!" " Oh, Mr. Corbaccio." "Go!" "So, goodbye, Mr. Corbaccio." "I'm worried about Canina." "You know her." "When she gets involved, it will turn his head into wood." " What do you want me to do?" " You must give Volpone such a proof of your friendship that it will push all others under the table." " Canina, Voltore..." " It must cost me nothing." " Naturally." " Good, good." " Except 20 chequins for me." " You can have 10." "Make a will, and make Volpone your sole heir." "What do you mean?" "Disinherit my son?" "For half a day." "Once Volpone dies, your son will be rich." " No, of course not." " So?" " Well, let me think." " About what?" "It's a risky case." "Oh, it's not a bad deal." "I won't pay anything, but I'll do it." " Well, is that it?" " I don't like it." " Why not?" " It shows too much of my breasts." " It's fashionable." " Not to visit a dying man." "Let me judge what is appropriate." " Look here..." " Well?" "It's very pretty." "Here, sit down." "Come!" "I'll put a little perfume on you." "Not that much." "We're not going to the ball." "Hurry up." "I hope he's still alive." " I've lost!" " Play again." " I am penniless." " Ask your father." " You won't get a cent from him." " Not even a fart when he dies!" "Can you give me 500 chequins, captain?" "Ah, there you are, scoundrel." "You're Volpone's parasite, his spy." "Has he given you the boot at last?" "Would you give me 500 chequins if I earned you 300,000?" "Why can't you earn them yourself?" "I'm a soldier, not a peasant." "You can't swindle me." "You can give me the 500 when you get the 300,000." "Word of honor as a soldier?" "You're thinking up some hoax." "Of course." "If we could make lots of money honestly... ..there'd be no one left to farm the land." " Do you swear?" "500 chequins?" " 500, I swear." "You want to get rid of someone?" "Just this." "I'll tell you a secret." " But you must keep your bargain." " I swear." "Good." "Your father is the king of usurers." "You think when he dies, you'll get his loot?" " Who else?" " Corbaccio has disinherited you." " He's with the notary now." " Disinherited me?" "!" "The inheritance goes to someone else." " What villain has devised this?" " I, your servant." "But on behalf of my master." "I'm a scoundrel and I've spilled the beans for 500 chequins." "The old miser's disinherited me." "For that, he'll go to hell!" "Come on." "If you're lying to me, I'll run you through!" "Keep that pin for the Turks." "No, no, I don't want to." "Stop blubbering." "What will people think?" " Leaving me alone with a stranger." " No, he's a friend." "Here is my wife Colomba, to watch over your sleep." "Beautiful child." "Sweet child." "Stay, stay with me." "Blessed Corvino, to have such a delightful woman." "I'm a poor old dying man." "How compassionate you are not to leave me during my agony." "I'll stay with you." "I'll nurse you." "I'll take care of you." "Don't mope." " Poor man, I pity him." " See, you needn't have worried." "Don't be afraid if the fever agitates him a bit." " I'll come back." " And if he violates my honor?" "Don't worry, I'll defend it." " He will do nothing?" " No." "So to speak." " Farewell, dear friend." " Goodbye!" " My wife will watch over you." " Yes..." "Give me your hand..." "It warms me." "A beautiful hand..." "Warm, young blood." "The warmth feels good." "When my grandmother felt ill she put a rabbit on her legs." "That relieved her." " Gently, gently." " Is he laughing at me?" "Volpone can hear you." "Sit there." "Your father is coming." "Will you wait there?" "Be quiet." "I'll be back." " I'll bring you a blanket." " No coverings!" "Give me your hand." "Your hand..." " Do you want me to get better?" " But of course." " I will recite a prayer for you." " Do you really want..." " ...me to be cured?" " Yes." "Then I'll heal." "I know a charm." "If a virtuous woman puts her hand on your heart..." "You place your hand on the heart." "And repeat three times, "Be healed."" "The sick person rises." "He is cured." " Where did you hear that?" " In the Decameron or some other devotional book." "Come, let's try." "Say three times "Be healed, Volpone."" "Like this?" ""Be healed, Volpone."" "Two more times." ""Be healed, Volpone." "Be healed, Volpone."" "Oh, a miracle, Madonna!" "A miracle!" "I'm cured, you have healed me." "Incredible!" "I'll run and tell Corvino." "We'll tell him together." "I feel so young I could dance." "No, be careful not to catch cold." "Not while you stay with me." "Your soft hands warm me." "Are these not strong arms?" "These lips..." "Are these not warm lips?" "What are you doing?" "!" "Lie down, you're feverish again!" "Don't worry, my dove, I'm as tough as two porters." "Let me go, please!" "You've healed me, you've resurrected me." " No, let me go!" " I have risen!" "Let me go!" "Call for help if you like." "I won't!" "Let me go!" "No one will hear you." "Don't be stupid!" "You'll make me angry!" "Help!" "Ah ha!" "Scoundrel of the Levant!" "I'll teach you to sully the women of Venice and to rob their sons!" "To the gallows!" "To the gallows!" "Scoundrel!" "Ho, guards!" "Rape!" "This goat of the Levant has forced a Venetian sheep." "Quick, guards!" "Rest, madame." "And don't worry about anything." "Quick, guards!" "Take him to the gallows!" "Have him whipped!" "What's this?" "You swore to remain quiet." "I'll shout from the roofs of Venice." "To the gallows!" "To the garrote!" "Tan his hide and gut him!" "He's dead!" "You've killed my fiance!" "If I was your fiance, I would attack the Indies!" "Lord be praised, he's alive." "Alive, for the gallows!" " You called?" " Come!" "Gentlemen, this is a mere domestic quarrel, of no importance." "We're sorry to disturb you for nothing." "No, stay!" "Leone, Captain of the fleet." "Volpone, the Levantine, tried to violate a Venetian lady." " I lodge a complaint against him." " At your orders, captain." "You tried to assault this lady?" "Not her, she's worth five chequins." "Corvino's wife." " I will testify." " Will you testify too?" " No, I'm ashamed." " Well done!" " Are you a witness?" " I was at the other end of the palace." "I need witnesses!" "And you, what did you see?" "Nothing!" "Are you still here?" "Come, let's go home quickly." "Nobody move!" "The man on the floor is the Levantine." "The woman who was raped is her." " So, off to the court." " But the witnesses?" " All the rest of you." "Onward!" "I'll hang him myself!" "He cajoled my father." "To the gallows!" "Stop!" "Help!" "Help me!" "Proof!" "Who wants to see written evidence?" "To the gallows!" "Keep your shirt on, captain." "The judge will see to that." "You come, too." "And the accused, get up." "I saw nothing." "Volpone can't walk." "He can be carried!" "If you refuse, you'll be jailed." "Make an effort." "Things look nasty." "I don't want to go." "He tortured me." " Mosca, help me, dear Mosca!" " A trial is but a card game." " With nimble hands, you win." " They'll question me!" "The strappado, I've seen it once." " Listen, Mosca." " What's this?" "Carry him along!" "Don't touch me, don't touch me!" "Mosca will help me." "My servants will carry me." "We'll follow you." "Keep an eye on them." "Don't make me come back!" "Let's go!" "What's this talk of an arrest an attempted rape?" " Notary, save your money." "Leone complained." "Volpone will be hanged." " The hangman?" " And all his money confiscated." "Save me, illustrious notary." "You know all the ways of justice." "I'll make you my sole heir." "While I'm alive, I'll give you half." "But not the strappado!" " What did Leone want?" " To kill him." "I'll explain later." " My life cut in half!" " You can save him." "Judges are hard to corrupt." "But maybe with good arguments..." "Precisely." "Don't say a word." "Look half-dead." "Like you'll die any moment." "Here, a devil's drug that will turn your stomach and make you pale." "Better a green throat than a gallows rope." " I'll ask for leeches." " You want to kill me?" "It's safer for you to be really ill." "You see?" "Say your wife went to see Volpone out of pity..." " ...without your permission." " But what of my honor?" "It's no dishonor in Venice." "And swear that you received nothing from Volpone." "He ruined me." "I gave him my money, my jewelry." "So you are a man of honor." "If I tell the judge it was a joke Volpone will disinherit me." "It'll cost me 3000 chequins." "Don't worry, you have the inheritance." "But back Volpone against your son or all is lost." " 3000 chequins." " Lost?" "No, I will speak." "Lost?" "3000 chequins?" "I'll never do business with a will again." " I'll go to the pawnshop." " A complicated case." "We'll get to the bottom of this." "Attempted rape of a married woman." "Plaintiff:" "Leone, captain of the fleet." "Have the witnesses arrived?" "Everyone is here, but I ask permission to speak for Volpone." "He is ill and cannot defend his honor unjustly attacked by this knave." "What knave?" "This maniac, in a fit of rage attacked him." "My poor client, who was blameless received such blows he is now in the hands of doctors trying to revive him." "His presence is necessary." "Have him carried here." "You have to pity him and if this madman had a remnant of humanity..." " ...the sight would soften his heart." " How much did he pay you?" "What have you been paid?" "Silence!" "Make your report." "Me and my men were watching the Cabaret to monitor suspicious individuals." "Suddenly, there were cries of "Rape, rape!"" "It seemed very funny to us." "It is rare to find a reluctant woman in Venice." "We went in the house and found this gentleman Leone." "He was lunging about with his sword." "But as for actual rape, we saw nothing." "Alas." "There was just this lady." "Colomba, wife of the merchant?" "She was crying." "Perhaps because of what had happened or what this man did." "I had to stop him." "I threw him on the floor." "He disgusted me!" "In fact, the man was fidgeting like a pig." "Volpone, the victim of this drunkard." " And that one was there too prowling around." " Mosca, Venetian." " Occupation?" "Mackerel, hustler." "The parasite, the fly feeding on Volpone's meat!" "The fork Volpone uses for scavenging through the garbage." "Do not insult the witness." "I am the guardian of my poor, ill master." "And her..." "Canina." "Profession?" "Nothing in particular." " Nothing in particular?" "!" " Shut up." "They are all here." "It was an uproar." "So I decided to bring them all here." "Thank you." "The case seems confusing." "Bring the accuser." "The Captain is the accused." "You accuse me, you old wig?" "You're insulting again." " He finds excuses in his wine." " Give your evidence, Leone." " I went to the Levantine's house." " At his invitation?" "I'd blush to be invited there." " I went secretly..." " Let us record his confession." "Silence, wig." "What was I saying?" "I went secretly because that rogue..." "So there you see we're all scoundrels." "He told me that my father had disinherited me." "You hear how he talks about his father?" " A father who disinherited his son!" " There were good reasons." "Hush, liar!" "I was confused." " I heard cries for help." " The illusion of drunkenness." " He already had her on the bed." " Imagine a dying man, forcing a lady." " So I went at him." " That is true." "Colomba, can you confirm this story?" "Let me go home." "I have forgiven him." "I am ashamed." "I beg Your Grace." "I understand your discomfort." "But justice requires your answer." "Did he use violence?" "I don't know, sir." "But then, who would know?" "I ask you again." "Did he embrace you?" "Did he touch you indecently?" "No, it was I who touched him." "I put my hand on his heart, and the miracle took place." "What miracle?" "He was cured." "She's feeble-minded." "Explain yourself clearly." "No, I am ashamed!" "I want to go home." "Is there anything we can learn?" "Speak for your wife, Corvino." "Tell us what happened." "Please, your honor, I told her our dear friend Volpone was dying." "She went to pray at his bedside, and I never left her." "Liar!" "You dragged her there." " That man is full of wine!" " And a treacherous slanderer!" "I swear by the banner of St. Mark!" "He brought her there!" "He's the most jealous man in Venice." "Yes, he locks me in my room." "The lie is proven." "Who's lying?" "I'll cut off your ears!" "Captain Leone, for the last time!" "You do not respect the court!" "You are alone in your statements." "Unless your father will testify?" "His father, whom he tried to kill?" " Yes, he rushed at him." " He had proof of his wickedness." "He disinherited me!" "His only son!" "Here, read." "Allow me." "There is a mistake." "It was a trivial paper, given to my poor friend to make him believe he'd survive." "A little white lie for a dying man." "You old goat!" "Here he is, your honor:" "the seducer, the satyr!" "Look at those eyes, already faded by death." "This withered hand, this pale face." "Ah, my friend!" "My poor worthy friend!" "You struggle with death, while we fight for your honor." "If you could only speak you would challenge these insults." "But here you lie, inert!" "Inert?" "Your Excellency, may I touch him with the point of my knife?" "He'll dance like a bear." "It'll be a miraculous recovery!" "Stop!" "Captain Leone!" "Put your knife away!" "There's still one witness:" "Canina." "Don't be intimidated." "I blush before all these men." "Did Volpone act against your will?" "Against it!" "He treated me like a saint." "A saint?" "A rogue!" "I ask you all, do any of you consider Volpone a dishonest man?" " The best of masters." " My very good friend, perfectly solvent." "A good man." "If I lost him, I'd lose everything." "So you see, slander collapses." "But hurry, your excellency." "His cheeks are frozen." "Pass your sentence!" "Return his honor before he passes away." "The court, considering that the charge brought against Volpone is based on the evidence of a witness who contradicts the others that the lady did not complain of ill treatment that her husband feels no suspicion that the disability of the accused makes the use of violence questionable and that all but one testify to Volpone's respectability hereby decides: the accused is declared innocent." "As for you, Captain Leone." "No longer bring such light charges against honest citizens who may seek redress." "Ignoble, absolutely disgusting!" "It was I who lied?" "I, captain of the fleet?" "This judge supports these pirates?" "All because a captain of the fleet has no money!" "And only with money can you buy the judges of Venice!" "With money?" "You hear?" "He accuses you!" "I heard." "Arrest this man." "He will be tried for perjury and contempt of court." "I, who defended you rabble against the Turks?" "The plague upon you and all your houses!" "Carry the patient carefully." "We must preserve his health." "Your honor is restored to you." "It should heal quickly." "A triumph for you and for me." "I felt inspired." "Give one look to your Canina." "My friend Volpone, I'm here beside you." "I did not leave." "I hope you realize what I did for you." "My friends, thank you." "Tears come to my eyes." "A glass of wine." "Lies have parched my throat." "I was a little tired." "But I feel better." "I've found myself." "I've come back a new Volpone." "You're clearly an honest man." "There is a justice." "The name of the heir is still left blank on the will." "And you'll soon see your three friends:" "Corvino, Corbaccio, Voltore." " What do you think?" " I'll play one last round." " Which one?" " Listen to this, Mosca." " I'll make my will in your favor." " In my favor?" "Don't get excited." " You'll be my heir, as a joke." " That's how I took it." "I'll write your name, and you send word out that I've died." "An excellent joke." "King Carnival will make its debut today in our good city." "Weep, citizens of Venice." "Mr. Volpone has died." "His Majesty, King Carnival..." "A cup of solid silver." "Is he dead?" " A table of porphyry." " Is he dead?" " Two crystal chandeliers." " Mosca, my brave Mosca." " Is he dead?" " Look, I'm finishing the inventory." "Give me the will." "It is ready." "Is he dead?" "Were you called as a notary for the will?" " Will you be a witness?" " Only a witness?" "So to speak." "Is he dead?" "I knew he wouldn't last long." " The will!" " Read it!" "We must wait for a court judge." "Follow me, gentlemen." "Mosca." "What will become of me?" "Are you sure he's dead?" "A glance will convince you." "You see?" "Inert, rigid." "Can we revive him for five minutes so a priest can marry us?" "Anyone can make a mistake." "Shall we take a candle and burn his feet?" "Or put a stake through his heart?" "Not that, not that." "Respect the dead." "You have called me to open the will?" "This is to avoid any dispute." "Give it to me." "We have four witnesses from Venice?" "Volpone's death is agreed on by these witnesses?" "We all agree." "Then we can dispense with calling a doctor." "Do you recognize this as Volpone's stamp?" "No dispute?" ""I, Volpone..." ""...thus distribute my property with this will." ""In recognition of the friendship he has borne me..." ""...the affection he has given me..." ""...and wishing to repay his exceptional devotion ... "" " Exceptional." " Exceptional, good friend." "Silence, you." ""...in a manner that is worthy..." ""I name as sole heir..." ""...and possessor of all my property: my friend Mosca."" "Mosca?" "!" "How?" "Mosca!" "Mosca?" "That scoundrel?" "Mosca?" "Very good." "Come here and let me kiss you, dear man." "It's a fake!" " Mosca falsified it!" " It's forged!" " I want my 2000 chequins!" " The will is forged!" "It's of no value!" "I also protest!" "The beneficiary has committed fraud!" "I swear in the face of heaven Volpone told me I'd be his heir." " No!" "He told me that this morning." " The same promise to you both?" "One of you is not mistaken?" " They are both wrong." " It is likely." "He promised his inheritance to me." " I was his friend." " No, I was!" " Who gave him presents?" " Your gifts were nothing." "I gave him 3000 chequins, plus a ring worth 1000 chequins!" "That's nothing for a usurer." "I gave him my silver." "You did nothing out of friendship." " Not out of friendship?" "!" "Not out of friendship?" "!" "I gave him everything!" "I disowned my son for him!" "I brought him my wife for his cure." "My wife!" "Now it's become clear." "You all confess similar charges." "Justice has been fooled." "Release Captain Leone from prison!" " The only culprit here was Volpone." " That scoundrel, Volpone!" "I strongly agree." "He was a scoundrel." "Death saved the Levantine from the gallows." "But not quite." "You will hang the corpse from the gallows." "The people of Venice shall see the fate of a crook." " I will dance before him." "But my money?" "My 3000 chequins!" " Will you allow me?" " Be quick." "Before he died, Volpone said, "Mosca, I am sorry."" "He admitted he'd harmed his friends." "He chose me because I had served him without hesitation." "Without lusting after his wealth." "But Volpone will make amends." "All that you gave him he asked me to return to you." " You're willing to do this?" " Yes, your honor." "You are a good man." "A small request." "I ask you to spare his body the shame of the gallows." " I'll toss it into the canal." " You're a good soul." "It's a small grace." "Throw him into the lagoon." "But as far as possible." "And me, Mosca?" " And me?" " I'll buy you a husband." "I know a Spaniard with a name as long as the Grand Canal." " Your children will be noble." " Dear Mosca, you're a sweetheart." "I invite you all to the funeral feast of the late Volpone." "Bring some friends with you." "There will be music and pretty women." "I inherited Volpone's wealth." "Not his bile." "You're a good boy." "So loyal." "I've always said so." "You can count on my sincere friendship." "Mosca." "You're a darling, I adore you." "A carved sideboard." "You played your part to perfection." "What part?" "You've enjoyed your imaginary wealth; now it's time to sober up." "My name is Mosca." "But who are you?" "What?" "You look like the late Volpone, my master." "What are you doing in my house?" "Your house?" "Everything here is mine." "You're crazy enough to believe you're going to keep it?" "I'm pretty wasteful." "There are so many parasites." "Everything will be gone in 10 years." " I'll die laughing." " You die well but laugh badly." " Enough!" "Go to hell!" " Ah, that tone displeases me." "No longer speak like that to Signore Mosca." "The only one leaving here is you, sir." "Me?" "You thief!" "Do you want me to call the guards?" "Good idea." "Call the guards." "And the judge too." "You will be hanged tonight." "Call the guards." "Shut up." "You've got me!" "How much do you want?" "I want nothing." "I have everything." "It can't happen like this." "Yes." ""Have the corpse hung from the gallows."" "Do you think I should go?" "Volpone has an hour or two to disappear." "The gallows." "Really?" "I think I should go." "I think for the newly risen Volpone to stay in Venice would be fatal." "Give me the pearls." "I'll leave tonight." "My master taught me not to give anything." "Then let me have half!" "Volpone never shared." "The key." "Let me at least take a coat." "I'll give it to you." "Goodbye, Volpone." "Call the guests!" "Light the fires!" "Music!" "Open the doors and windows!" "Light!" "Air!" "This place smells of greed." "Come in, come in." "This calls for a drink." "Long live Mosca!" "A toast!" "From now on, let no one speak to me of money!"