"THE NYMPH" "People, people." "I ask God's forgiveness." "Annunziata, who's the penitent?" "The Sguessa woman." "She was a whore who did dirty things for the Third Infantry." "I'll never do it again." " Is she a shameless woman?" " Yes, a daughter of the night." "I confess," "I enjoyed doing it!" "But I'm a lost soul!" "I have sinned too much!" "God forgive me!" "She's repented." "She's going to be a servant for the St. Anna nuns." "I was too depraved!" "I repent!" "I pray for you and the glory of God." "Remember, that Jesus Christ was a young man." "He was courted and tempted by wicked females who even scented his hair with caresses and sweet words." "But he decided to stay pure, like the Madonna." "St. Thomas said that, that thing is worse than murder and allowed only between married couples, and when they procreate, they must think obsessively about God!" "They're not sins." "They're the well-being of the earth." "Chastity, dear daughters and dear sons, is the most welcome gift at the throne of the Virgin Mary." "The sins of the flesh throw the gates of hell wide open." "Those who have enjoyed the pleasures of this earth will burn in the eternal flames in the lap of Satan!" "So many horrors at the hearth, so many sins committed in your homes, in consecrated places of work and prayer." "Too much perversion and too many sins, too much disgusting behavior and filth." "Repent and save yourselves and the Kingdom of Heaven will be yours." "I'm here, Donna Annunziata." "Where are you taking me?" "What sighs." "What sighs." "Can you hear them?" "They're ravaging each other." "This is the devil's feast." "I really like you." "Goodness!" "It's huge." "It scares me." "I can't wait any longer." "I can't wait anymore." "Console me." "You are consoling me." "Oh, how you are consoling me." "Laugh in this silence" "Singing silence" "You're singing." "It's that lance corporal." "Which lance corporal?" "You're the only one I love, Miluzza." "He doesn't tell you words of love" "But he tells silence of love" "Even Father Armando says that the sins of the flesh are not mortal sins." "Isn't that right for dogs and cats, bulls and cows, lions and panthers who do it outside, even, and in front of everybody?" "You're right." "Then why did Jesus, creator of the universe, put that thing where he put it:" "Amongst the soft valley between the buttocks?" " Granddad, wake up." " What is it?" "It's 5:00." "You give me a fright every morning." "I'm aching all over." "Put your socks on." "They're so heavy, they're like bags." "They're old, like me." "Go and put the coffee on." "They're sleeping." "Milu', where are you going today?" "To the market or to dress the priest's sores?" "It's Monday." "I go to the priest's house." "At last." "Milu', is that you?" "Good morning, Father Aspreno." "I'm burning all over." "The ointment's on there." "I'm full of sores." "St. Gervasio, protector of the delicate parts, help me." "What's it like under there?" "They're as red as flames, that's why they're burning." "While you're in that area, how is it?" "It's like a dumpling." "Oh, that's better." "That's lovely." "Your cool hand eases it much better than the cream." "Thanks be to God." "It's getting bigger." "Leave it to God." "How are things with you?" "Fine." "Okay, then." "That's enough for now." "And remember, say five Ave Maria's." "Your grandfather..." "Your grandfather is nice." "He's interesting." "He's an artist." "He once had to pay the duty on some wine but he got so angry, he drank it all to avoid paying." "It runs in the family." "You're mother's the same." "Know how I met her?" "It was at the spring." "She was washing and singing." "The more she sang, the more I fell in love." "She was beautiful!" "I'll take those two peppers." " How are your aches?" " Terrible." "You poor thing." "Nicolino, have you finished your work?" "Keep your hands to yourself, you rascal." " Nannina, have you got five minutes?" " Of course." "Pin my hair up." "Miluzza, hurry up with that water." "Gioacchino, is that jacket ready?" "Almost." "What a lovely voice Miluzza has." "She was nearly a princess." "She was nearly a princess." "Don't let him hear you." "It upsets him." "Didn't he know when he married you?" "Your father told him:" ""My daughter is full of life." "Are you up to it?"" "He was honest." "He knew Gioacchino wasn't worth much as a man, that he had that defect..." "So what?" "The work of the hands is worth more than that of the bean." "I've always liked Gioacchino." "I've always loved him, haven't I, Gioacchino?" "Yes, yes." "Even when Sergeant Barracuda was here?" " With his Sicilian whiskers." " Be quiet!" "All right, I lost my head for him." "Never mind." "But when Miluzza was born, you carried on." "Miluzza is Gioacchino's daughter." "He adores her." "Mama, the water's ready." "Let's go." "The water's ready." "It's bath day today." "Do I really have to have one?" " Don Raffaele, you go." " I don't feel very well." "Go and wash!" "You stink like goats!" "Go on!" "Do I really have to?" "You're obsessed with taking baths." "What are you laughing at?" "You stink like goats!" "Lovely, Miluzza." "What lovely little hairs." "You're growing up." "It must have been granddad in the toilet this morning." " God, what a stink." " What do you mean?" "It's a smell." "Everyone of us has his own, because we're all like little houses." "You need eyes to see, you need a mouth to talk, sing, kiss and swear." "Breasts are the chairs of the drawing room, which is the belly." "At the end of the house is the toilet, which is there to remind people that they're animals." "Have your lice gone?" "Those little lice who were so attached to you?" "They made a nest in here." "Have they all gone?" "Mama... when I was a child, why did you tell me you found me in a rose?" "Because you're as pretty as a rose." "But I was born in here and I'm happy." "Did I make you suffer?" "I'd had a lot of fun before." "With dad?" "Of course, with dad." "Miluzza, don't be late." "Have you ever seen your parents doing disgusting things?" " No." " I have." "They did a lot of moaning." "There was a light near the Madonna of Pompeii." "Mama was underneath and dad was on top of her." "I've got a stomach ache." "You ate too many figs." "Hurry!" "Make sure you get it all." "Is Annuzza still in there?" "Go and see." "Is she still ill?" "Yes, mama." " How are you?" " Come inside." " Are you ill?" " Shut the door." "I was waiting." "Get down." "Lift yours up too." "Let me see." "You've got so many hairs." "Close your eyes." "Now, tell me what you feel." "A wood." "No, a bush." "Do you like the bush?" "There aren't many leaves, but it has a great smell." "Nicolino, tell us the story of Catuccio." "Milu', want to hear the story of Catuccio, when he met an enormous, hairy bear in the woods?" "Lift up your skirt and show me your cave!" " Good morning, Don Gioacchino." " Hello." " Are my trousers ready?" " Of course." "Come inside, you can try them on." "There's no need." " It's best if he does." " Willingly." "They grow up quickly!" "They're the prettiest girls in the world." "That's the one I like, with the curly, brown hair." "This place is full of cockroaches." "Look, the bottles are covered in dust, and there are cobwebs the size of sheets." "I once saw a fight between a cat and a whoring mouse." "It was a fight to the death." "Right?" "I've been here for 20 years;" "it happens all the time." "Do you want a liter of wine?" "I'll give you a good measure." "Come on." "Milu', I'll see you later at home." "Good-bye, Annu." "Pretty, isn't she?" "You didn't fill it last time." " Know what I'll do?" " I'll pour it myself." "What a nice, little ass you have." "It fits into one hand." "Let me feel." "It's scented." "It is Coty?" "Mosche', you like to tease." " Can I pay you tomorrow?" " All right." " Goodbye, Mosche'." " Bye-bye." "I'll take a chance." "Goodbye." "Whores always breed daughters who are whores." "Keep your hands to yourself!" "Nunziata?" "Come on." "Why that face?" "Nunziatina is kind, she's a hard worker." "It's terrible." "It's a disease." "She cries, slaps her face, swears to never do it again." "But when she gets the itch, there's no stopping her." "I thought she'd improve with age." "That's enough, Nunziatina!" "Miluzza will be back soon." "Miss." "Miss!" "Miss, why are you running away?" "I'm a decent, young man, you know." "I don't talk to anyone, and certainly not in front of everyone." "Excuse me." "The two of us... could we meet somewhere quiet tomorrow?" "3:00 at the spring." "Yes, miss." "What's wrong?" "He's crying." " My respects." " Good morning." " Ma'am." " Good morning." "Hey, kid, give me some wine." "At once, sir." "Thank you." " I can't go on like this." " Gioacchino." "I'll do something silly." "Come on, don't be like that." "Life can be nice if you're easy to please." "Do you think a man can put up with this?" "You're right, but what can I do?" "But I felt like it." "But I love you." "I love you too, but you can't expect a man to..." "You're right." "I was wrong." "Calm down; don't say another word." "This was the last time, I promise." "Give me a smile." "Come on, give me a smile." " Morning, miss." " Good morning." "I hired a bicycle." "Would you like a ride?" "Get on." "Ready?" "Sorry, I'm not very good at this." "Let's stay here." "No one ever comes this way." "It's a nice place here." "Don't you ever go dancing with your girlfriends?" "I've never been dancing." "That flower's nice in your curls." "Because, you see," "I like you." "Listen, do you do the things we do in my town... between boys and girls?" "What do you mean..." "kisses, caresses?" "Yes, kisses, caresses, but lots of other things too." "For example?" "I don't understand." "Explain it to me." "I can't explain it in words." "No, wait." "I need to do something." "Oh, God, were you watching?" " Don't be embarrassed." " Go away!" "Don't be afraid." "Wait, I won't hurt you." "I won't hurt you." " Come, come to me." " No!" "Come here to me." "You're really pretty." "Wait..." "You're not wearing underpants." "You'll drive me crazy." "Come here." "Wait!" "Wait!" "Where are you going?" "Home." "I've got a stomach ache." "Wait, wait!" "Can I see you tomorrow?" " May I?" " Here's our guest." "Greetings from the Armed Forces." "A nice, Sicilian cassata." "Straight from the Bella Napoli cake shop." "White, red and green, like the Italian flag." " Make pasta with tomatoes and basil." " Come." "With all the famine about, is it right to have such a feast?" "Where did you get the parmesan?" "What does it matter?" "Eat up, today's a holiday." "There's more sauce if you want it." " Guests first." " Not too much." "Come on." "You're a strapping lad." "There's only one flask of wine." "Smells delicious." "It's the tomatoes." "Mouthwatering." "It's exquisite, Nunziata." " Tasty, isn't it?" " It's very nice." "Mom's a good cook, eh?" "Music!" "Watch them do the 'casque.'" "Nunziata's always liked dancing." "At your age, Don Raffaele?" "I can still make sparks!" " Will you dance the tango with me?" " I'd be honored." "Madame..." "Not like that." "One... two... three and four." "Have you enjoyed yourself?" "Yes, I have." "But it could be better." "Quiet!" " Hear that?" " What?" " It's coming from Naples." " Let's go and see." "Are they fireworks?" "It sounds like fireworks from the Madonna de Carmine." " Are you coming?" " We'll clear the table first." " Will you help me?" " Nunzia!" "What's happening?" "Miss!" "Miss..." "Wait, wait, Miss." "I'm leaving for the front tonight." "I wanted to ask you if you'd wish me good luck." " See you again, I hope." " Good luck." "Goodbye!" "Be careful." "Dad, is it thunder?" "No, they're bombs." "Help us, Virgin Mary!" "Let's hope she can." " Shall I call mom?" " Stay where you are." "Jesus, Jesus." "It's too much!" "Oh, God!" "What is it?" "It's burning." "Be quiet and push!" "Push!" "Push!" "It's only blood." " Push!" " You did it!" "What have you done?" "You've killed her!" "Do you want to ruin me?" "I didn't do it!" "Help me, somebody!" "Help me!" "People aren't wicked." "At least, they aren't always wicked." "Sometimes, people seem wicked, but they're only sad." "That's worse." "Just look at your father." "He hasn't been the same since Nunziata died." "He no longer eats, sleeps or works." "He's like a crazy man." "Gioacchino really adored your mother." "The market of cheer is herel" "Pizza!" "Hot pizza!" "Buy yourselves a chicken." "Pizzal Pizzal" "A pizza and a garlic bag is beautiful as well" "I'll make you eat a pizza..." "Neapolitan" "Come." "Pizza Margherita." " Give me one too." " Here you are." "Don Peppe Amabile." " My dear Fafe'." " Would you like a pizza?" "Perhaps later." "I've work to do." "Can you read and write?" " Yes, why?" " Do you want to work at the factory?" "Ciro's gone and I need someone right away." "I wouldn't mind some money." "A fixed wage, granddad!" "You'll get two or three lire a day." " Milu', give me some pizza." " Coming up." "Pizza!" "That's the bell." "Everyone to work!" "Go inside." "It's late." "Tomorrow I'm going to work at Don Peppe Arecce's factory!" "Good girl." "He's a decent man, an honest man and you'll like it there." "Excuse me, Don Peppe." "I've taken the liberty of finding someone to take Ciro's place." "She's young, but bright and intelligent." "Here she is." "Miluzza Ferrigno." "Margherita's told me about you." "Be careful, eh?" "I'm surprised at you." "You've worked here for years but you didn't notice the last lot was watered down." " Don Peppe, a moment." " I'll be right there." "Goodness!" "Stop biting your nails." "Theresa, why don't we go to Rome?" "With all the things we have to do, you want to throw money away?" "We've never been on a trip." "Madonna, it's so hot!" "It's so hot." "Aren't you hot?" "Pass me a towel." "Here." "What is it?" "You look bothered." "Why are you so irritated?" "No, it's nothing." "Tukeey made me angry at the factory." " Haven't you finished?" " Yes." "Leonora." "Coming." "It's so hot." "Good night, uncle." "Button this up." "I was going to bed." "Have a blessed night." "Let's go Rosine." " Night, master" " Good night." "How old is our niece?" "Fifteen." "Peppe..."Papi"..." " The warning!" " Jesus!" "The warning!" "Aren't you afraid of the bombs?" "No." "Thank you." "What are you doing?" "Jesus... what am I doing?" "Don't tell anyone, please." "You've got a good job, start your dowry, find a nice, young man." "Who'll marry me, with my mother's reputation?" "All you have to do is whistle." "Just be careful you don't let them touch you from the waist down." " Miluzza." " I'm coming." "Who do you want?" "Does Miluzza Ferrigno live here?" " Yes, I'll call her for you." " Thank you." "Get off my car!" "Get off of my car!" "How are you?" "I'm sorry, but nobody told me." "Didn't Margherita tell you?" "We have to go to Salerno." " How do I do that?" " Don't worry." "Some merchants have arrived from out of town." "We have to check the goods." "No better person than Miluzza for that." "Give me the address." "I'll join you by train." "Don't be silly." "You'd get lost." "Get in the car." " Go." " Go." "We can go together." "May the Virgin Mary go with you." " Where are they going?" " For work." "Don Peppe's a decent man." "I don't like it." "People will talk." "Perhaps you'd better hide." " People might gossip." " All right." " Like this?" " Yes, good girl." "This is lovely." "It's like a living room." " Like it?" " Yes!" "Tell me something:" "Have you ever been to Ravello?" "Ravello, no." "But aren't we going to Salerno?" "We're going to Ravello instead." "As you wish." "Tell me something else:" "Have you ever been in a big hotel?" "No, there are elegant people there." "I'd be ashamed like this." "Know what we'll do?" "We'll buy you a nice dress." "Like Cinderella." "Remember her?" "Yes, yes." "Greta Garbo came here." "Did you know that?" "The famous American actress... the film actress... came here with her great love." "I'll show you their room later." "Yes, yes!" "Look at her!" "Look what she's wearing!" "What's she plopped on her head?" "Dessert." "Which do you want?" "Two." "This is the actress." "She's lovely." "Look at this view." "The sea's wonderful." "Even now when it's clouded over." "It's wonderful." "How beautiful." "It's like a fairy tale." "I like it." "You'll push me over." "I really like it." "Do you like it?" "And I like you." "I like you very much." "You mustn't worry." "Just trust me." "You drive me crazy." "Crazy, crazy." "Crazy, crazy." "Keep still." "Be quiet." "Crazy, crazy." "Calm down!" "You were right to take that dress off." "It's best they don't see it at home." "You know." "I've never had a girl, not a real one, like you." "I'm not used to these things, never thought of it before." "But now, you..." "You won't abandon me?" "Are you crazy?" "I've lost my mind over you." "I love you." "I want to protect you." "But I mustn't be seen near your home." "Get out here." "What are you doing here?" " Be brave." " Why?" "What happened?" "It happened so suddenly." "You're father didn't even realize." "Calm down!" " It's my fault!" " No, it's not." "He looks like he's asleep." "Lean on me." "Rest for a moment." "I love you so much." "So do I." "Family Ferrigno." "What's this funeral coach?" " Don Peppe sent it." " The commendatore sent it." "Then put it on the coach." " Look at that coach!" " And such an expensive wreath!" "What expense!" "What a funeral!" "Don Peppe is very fond of us." "He's a very kind person." " What about the funeral then?" " There's something going on." "When my son died, he didn't even send a bunch of flowers!" "Be quiet!" "Must you speak like that about a poor orphaned girl?" "Don Peppe's a decent man." "He's never touched you, has he?" "He wouldn't dare!" "As they say: "The hair on a pussy pulls harder than a pair of oxen."" "She won't have hairs on her pussy yet." "Have you?" "I've got a fox's tail!" "She was seen in Don Peppe's car when he came back from Salerno." "In his car?" "Didn't you know?" "Well, well, the little orphan..." " Who is it?" " Me." "Go away!" "Open up or I'll start yelling!" "I couldn't bear it any longer." "I was going crazy." "My granddad!" " Tomorrow we'll go to Ravello." " No, not after the funeral." "I know I was wrong." "But I wanted to show you how much I love you." "You made me look like a hussy in front of everybody." " You said you'd protect me." " I do want to protect you." "Wait." "Here." "Take this money." "Get out, you beast!" "You beast!" "Get out!" "Get out!" "I can't live without you!" "You whore!" "Is it true you go with dirty, old men?" "Surprise!" "Good evening, pretty lady!" " What are you doing?" " Let's have some fun!" "You're good at that." "Don't scream." "We'll be quick." "Are you trying to act the Saint?" " Are you kicking me?" " The old man's okay but not us?" "This is fresh meat." "Are you biting me?" "See if anyone's coming." "What are you doing?" "Get out of this house!" "I'll kill you all!" "All of you!" "I'll kill you all!" "Granddad's little one." "I'm here now." "Don't worry." "Everything's all right now." "Everything's all right." "What's the matter?" "I called for you yesterday, but you were out." "What's up?" "There were three of them." "They wanted me to do dirty things." "Then granddad came back, thank God." "He grabbed a knife and they ran away." "They're all beasts." "Calm down." "Have you ever done it?" " What?" " Those disgusting things." "Did you do anything when you went with Don Peppe?" "Me?" "It's always been them." "He, the others." "Perhaps because of my mother, they all think that I, too..." "You mustn't ever make a mistake." "Once you put out a hand, they pull you by the hair." "When I was as young as you I had a nice voice." "They sent me to Maestro Bonocore for lessons." "But, as old and fat as he was, he fell in love with me." "When we traveled around for the operas he used me and forced me to play games with him, though saving my virginity." "He was a beast." "He came to a bad end." "Poor guy." "He died of a bad heart, in my arms, ruining my life." "No more theaters for me!" "People are wicked." "Now, be brave." "It'll pass." "See?" "I'm settled down now." "So will you." "You should keep out of sight for a while." "The gossip will die down and there's no fun in repeating it." "Stay in the house." "I'll find you work as a seamstress and things will settle down." "I'd die, shut up in the house." "I'm scared when granddad's not home." "Stay with me." "Do you want to ask for public repentance then?" "I'd rather kill myself." "Don't do that." "No, please go away." "You don't know." "My wife has received three anonymous letters from people." "This town's full of rogues and spies." "Milu', you have to leave." "Go to Ravello, to the Vittorio Hotel." "I don't want to." "Everyone despises me here." "I don't want to!" "Where is he?" "In that shameless girl's house?" "Where shall I hide?" "Under the bed." "Is he here?" "I know that rogue's here!" "You hussy, you!" "You shameless girl!" "I'll kill you, for what you've done to me!" "Stop, Donna Theresa!" " She's a filthy hussy!" " How dare you!" "Rinse your mouth out!" " She's an innocent soul!" " What?" "She's a whore!" "Shame on her!" " She's up to mischief with my husband!" " Get out of my house!" "Get out of here!" "Shame on you!" "She's a poor, innocent creature!" "Take it out on the guilty party!" "Get out of here!" "Tell Don Peppe that I might be old..." "Careful." "I'm Turchetti, the lawyer." "Turchetti!" "I'm old but I'll kill him all the same!" "You can come out." "They've gone." "Virgin Mary." "What happened?" "What a mess!" "Get out of here, you shit head!" "No, Milu'!" "You can't kick me out like this!" "You can't kick me out!" "Get out or I'll call your wife!" "Just think..." "Don Peppe." "He seemed such a decent man." "But you too, little one, should be more careful." "You've got the same blood as me and your mother." "And that look in those eyes that are always wandering." "Then I'm a lost woman." "No, little one." "But you have to find some self-respect." "It's the only way you'll get others to respect you." " Have you seen my grandfather?" " No, I haven't." "Have you seen my grandfather?" " Come to the shelter with me." " No, not without my granddad." "Come to the shelter when you've found him." "Granddad!" "Where are you?" "Granddad!" "Little one." "Help me." "Please, help me!" "Help!" "Open up!" "Who is it?" "I'm a soldier from Corbara." "I've escaped from Sicily." "There's a German downstairs." "A German?" " Don't worry." " What?" "He must have heard me." "No, he's sleeping like a fat pig." "Thank goodness!" "He's gone." "Come on." "I'll help you." "My God, it's nasty." "I'll be left with a limp." "Thanks." "I've come from the south, from Sicily." "I was shot in the foot." "I wanted to get home." "My house isn't far..." "four or five kilometers away." "But I didn't make it." "Poor things." "They'll think I'm dead." "You've come from Sicily?" "On foot?" "Almost." "Everything went well until here." " Oh, no!" " What is it?" "The spaghetti." "I'm so stupid." "It's overcooked." "Pity." "Sit down." "A hot meal will do you good." "I haven't got any cheese or pepper." "Oh, wait." "I'll get the tomatoes." "They're the last." "With a bit of salt." "What else can we do?" "Sorry, but you'll just have to make do." "Here." " This is fine, thanks." " Please." "It's hot." "Look what they've done." "It's not my house, you know." "Mine's even worse." "I'm afraid to stay there on my own." "This belongs to Nannina, a friend of mine." "At least you can lock the door here." "It's midday." " Who is it?" " Me!" "The hen's laid an egg!" "It's a miracle!" "She stopped laying after the bombs." "Drink it." "How's your foot?" "How do you feel?" "Better." "Tell me... are you sure this is Nofi?" "Of course." "What bad luck!" "Just a few kilometers from home." "You can't leave now, not with that foot." "I can't wait." "I have to go." "It's dangerous to stay here if a German came." "It's even more dangerous if you leave." "If they see you, they'll shoot." "Germans or Americans." "It's best to wait for nightfall." "Then we'll see." " What is it?" " Know what?" "Naninna has some clothes." " So?" " You can dress up like a woman." "A woman?" "It's not carnival time!" "Take my advice." "Look!" "When she was young, Nannina was a singer in the theater." "This is her "Traviata" costume." "And this one..." "And this one..." "This is "Tosca." It's wonderful." "Lovely, eh?" "Have you seen the photographs?" "She had a wonderful voice, but she didn't have much luck." "All right, but a soldier can't dress up." "What does it matter?" "It's a question of life or death." "Here we are." "Wear this skirt and blouse a shawl and a scarf on your head." "Do as I say." " Over my trousers?" " Of course." "Roll them up." "We're at war." "We've got to make do with what we've got." "I hope I can make it home." "I'll come with you." "I'm on my own here." "Put this on." "Like this." "Virgin Mary!" "Come on." "What is it?" "It's bleeding." "Hear that?" "It's a cart." "You stay here." "I'll go and look." "Good man..." "Just a minute, we need your help." " Which way are you going?" " Who are you?" "I'm with a wounded old lady who has to get to Corbara." "But she can't walk." "Can you give us a ride?" "I can take you as far as St. Egidio." "Quick!" "If those swine hear us, we've had it." "Thank you very much!" "He'll take us as far as St. Egidio, but keep quiet." "I told him you're a woman." "Can we trust him?" "The Blessed Mother of Pompeii has got to help us!" "Giddyap." "Thank you." "Thank you so much." "There was bombing in Sicily, and gunfire." "It was crazy." "Until the Captain shouted:" ""Let's get out of here, lads!"" "So, with no clothes and worn-out shoes we made our escape." "Luckily we knew how to work the land, so we were able to earn a bowl of soup and some money to pay passing truck drivers." "It was the same hell in Pontecagnano too." "Bombs, bullets, gunfire." "It was hell." "That's where they fucked up my foot." "This wood is lovely in the moonlight." "Oh, yes." "That's the path." " Thank you." " May the Virgin Mary protect you." "Thank you." "Thank you so much." "Mine's a very big family." "Apart from my father, Misurino, and my mother, Gesummina, there's my sister, Lucia, and Ciro, the youngest, who's studying to be a priest." "Then Granddad Cosimo and Rusinella, my mother's cousin." "There's a whole lot of us." " Where are we?" " I think we're over St. Egidio." "What time is it?" "It must be about three." "The moon's going down." " Does it hurt?" " A bit." "My house is behind that hill." "It must be at least two kilometers away." "Why bother?" "Let's rest a moment." "No one can see us here." "There." " Lean on this." " Thanks." "What's that?" "Don't be afraid." "It's only a weasel." "I'm sorry." "I used the "tu" form." "It must have caught a mouse or a wild rabbit." "Have you... ever seen a weasel?" "It's a nocturnal animal, smaller than a cat, but nice." "It's built like a panther." "At night, it chooses its prey then leaps and swallows it alive." "Now... will you tell me your name?" "Miluzza." " Pietro." " Pietro?" "Yes, Pietro." "I'm exhausted." "It's so peaceful." "The war seems so far away." "Jesus!" "We fell asleep." "We were tired." "Have you seen how many nice flowers there are?" "Let's go." "Goodness." " Don't give up." " Let's go." "I used to come here to play with my brother Ciro." "See how lovely it is?" "That's my house there." "Let me take these women's clothes off." "If my mother sees me dressed like this, she'll get a shock." " Wait." " What is it?" "Wait a minute." "Why?" "I'm going." "You're going?" "Why?" "You're not going." "Let's go." "Argo!" "That's Pietro!" "Pietro's come back!" "It's a miracle." "How are you?" "You've come back!" "You rascal!" "You've come back!" "Pietro's come back." "It's a miracle!" "My darling son!" "You've come back!" "The Virgin has granted me this!" "I've had a headache since last year." "Thank God!" "We were so desperate!" " I've been lucky." " He's wounded." "He's got a wounded leg." "It's nothing serious." "Eh, this is nothing serious." "Who are you?" "My name's Lucia." "Miluzza." "Come on." "Don't worry." "That hurts." "It's only a superficial wound." "It'll be fine in two days." "Here, take this." "It looked so bad." "I thought I'd be lame for life." " Shut up." "You beast." " Get undressed." "The water is really warm." "The water's nice and hot." "Be careful of drafts." "Look how thin he is." "He's all skin and bones." "Who is she?" "Quiet!" " How long is it since you've washed?" " Who knows?" "Two or three months." "What a stink!" "Get the fattest chicken, the biggest salami." "Prepare the best we have." "I've realized life is nonsense." "Dad, help." "Careful, it's hot." "Careful." "Pietro, we made a novena." " The Virgin Mary brought you back." " I almost died." "What are all of you girls doing in here?" "Get out!" " My son's going to have a bath." " But mama, are you afraid we'll see him naked?" "Of course!" "He's got to feel free." "Everyone out of here!" "My son has been to the war." "Give him a bit of peace to uncover his ass." "Close the door, Ciruzzo." "My lost son has been found." "My honored and saved son." "So many nights I prayed:" ""Madonna with the curl on her forehead, bring him back from the front."" "Are you ready?" "The water's nice and hot." "Stop!" "He's my son and I'll soap him." " This is wonderful." " Wonderful, eh?" "How did you meet?" "He came to my house." "Well, actually it wasn't my home." " Were you alone?" " Yes." "No, there was a German there." "Don't bother her." "Leave her alone, she's tired." "Forgive her, she's just curious." "Have a wash." "Let's go, Rosita." "Leave her alone." "Did you hear that?" "She was with a German!" "You're mad with jealousy." "May I?" "Anyone there?" "Come here, little one." "Come here." "I can't see." "Come closer, I can't hear." " What's your name?" " Miluzza." "One hen has a star on her forehead." " The hen has a star on her forehead?" " That's right." "There you are." " You've met grandma, then." " Yes." "Grandma," "Pietro's here." "I know." "And he didn't even come and give me a kiss." " He didn't?" " No." "He's having a bath first." "He hasn't washed for months." "He must really stink." "Yes, he does." "Don't worry about it." "She's a little demented." "Listen, I'm going." "Where are you going?" "It's for the best." "Don't tell anyone." " I've heard certain things about her." " Yes, yes." "One hop at a time, and in such tremendous pain I was about to faint." "I reached Miluzza's house and here I am now." "Who is this Miluzza?" "Is she a decent girl or a whore?" "No, mother." "I don't know whether Miluzza's an angel or saint." "But she looked after me, she acted as my crutch." "And if it weren't for her, I'd be dead." " By the way, where is she?" " Calm down." "Lucia, where is she?" "Upstairs?" "She's gone." "She's gone?" "Where to?" "When?" " Why does it matter?" " He must like her." "He's gone crazy." "Thanks." "Thanks for taking me away from there." "That town's like a well, a dirty, dark well." "What does it matter?" "We're not going back there." "I don't want to know anything about your past." "But it's only right that you..." "It's right like this." "What do you want to know about me?" "Tell me the truth." "No, but..." "Do you want to know if there have been any girls?" "I've never been in love with them." "Actually," "when I was on my way back from Sicily, near Vibo Valentia," "I met a girl... a whore, a gypsy." "After hunger and fear we mingled like dogs in the long grass of a smelly field." "Then she gave me a piece of bread." "She had a thigh the size of a shark's tail, all covered in earth." "When the sun went down over the sea, she ran away, leaving behind her a grim, mysterious trail of light." "Though I see dark shadows in your eyes," "I don't want to know anything." "Give me a smile." "You see?" "The fairy peeps out from the window of your eyes." "No more nasty thoughts, eh?" "Ever again." "Give us your blessing, because I want to marry Miluzza." "What?" "Where's Pietro and mother?" "The bride's dress has arrived." "Don't!" "You mustn't look at it." "Put it in mother's room." "It's bad luck to peep." "Pietro, where are you?" "Donna Gesummina's looking for you." "What does she want?" "Let's go." " Mama, did you call us?" " No!" "I didn't call you." "Get out!" "You're always in the way." "Close the door." "Come here, lie down on the bed." " Why lie down?" " It's just a check." " Take your underpants off." " My underpants?" "Why?" "Come on." "Lift these legs and get your underpants off." "One minute." "I have to see if you're still as your mother made you." "I haven't done anything!" "Then what are you scared of?" "Open your legs." "Come on." "Life begins with open legs and ends with a closed box." "What are they doing to you?" "What's the midwife doing here?" "Get out!" "This is women's business!" " This is my business!" " No, it's the family's business!" "I have to know, if she's coming into this family." "Only if there's no trust." "Miluzza's my whole life!" "If you've so much trust in her, why are you so afraid?" "I'll marry Miluzza or no one!" "Calm down." "What is it?" "Don't do that." "Why's everyone so wicked to me?" "Mother has her fixations." "She'll come to love you." "You'll see." "Long live the bride and groom!" "Shall we drink a toast?" "A hundred years of happiness!" "Let's hope." "What a lovely wedding." "It's Lucia's turn next." "Who'll have her?" "Hurrah for Pietro!" "To male heirs!" "Drink up, to your good health!" "My son is to make a new family." "Let's wish him all the best." "Thanks to everyone!" "Congratulations, Donna Gesummina." "Mother, are you happy?" "Let's hope so." " She's beautiful, isn't she?" " She's beautiful, all right, but..." "Let's hope so." "Tonight Meluzza will become your daughter-in-law, with full honors." "Let's hope so." "Donna Gesummina, will you dance this tango with me?" " I have to go somewhere." " Don't be long." "I'll be right back." "Can I speak to you, Rusinella?" "Excuse me." "What a lovely bride." "I convinced myself she's a decent girl and still as her mother made her." "But if she isn't..." "Don't look so miserable." "He's married now." "He's fallen in love." "Forget about him." "What are you doing here?" "It's bad luck to have a man in the newlywed's room." "Mama, I'm a priest." "You're still a man!" "Get out!" "Put this pillowcase on." "Two." "I've brought two pair of underpants." "So I opened my chest and got out my dowry." "Here it is!" "Stop it, mum!" "Yes, Pietro deserves it." "When a son gets married, his mother gets jealous." " I know." "I know." " It'll pass." "Let's hope so." "What's that?" "A bad omen?" "Quiet." "Grandma is saying something." "The hen has a star on her forehead." " What?" " The hen has a star on her forehead." "Let's hope so." "While there's still hope." "Come with me." "Where are we going?" "The newlyweds are riding away!" "Where are they going?" "They've fled." "Lucky things!" "How romantic." "All the best." "Are you happy?" "Yes." "The first time I came in here, it was so lovely, I was frightened." "It seems like a dream to me now." "Have you seen how nice it looks?" "Look at it all." "But why so much stuff?" "It's tradition." "Newlyweds are supposed to stay here for two nights and two days." "It's crazy." "What's the matter?" "Can we turn the lights off?" "Why?" "Are you embarrassed?" "You're trembling." "I don't know why." "I'm here." "You're my angel." "Let's undress this little one." "What's this?" "Buttons, more buttons, hooks and eyes, curls and locks." "It's hell!" "There you are." "What is it?" "What's the matter?" "Come here." "What are you thinking?" "What is it?" "Nothing." "I'm frightened." "Frightened?" "Of me?" "Of my destiny." "I'm your destiny now." "Love... my love." "There's the bridegroom." "Hurry, everyone!" "The bridegroom!" "Throw it down!" "Look!" "I knew it." "Long live the bride!" "To male heirs!" "Long live the newlyweds." "Darling, why are you crying?" "I'm happy."