"No one can dance as gracefully as I" "It looks well here" "No, perhaps it's better here lt makes me look more distinguished" "All must bow to this artistry and beauty" "Once there was a king   who grew tired of being alone" "He searched and he found" "But there were three who wanted to marry him" "What was he to do?" "He despised show and beauty ln the end he chose innocence   innocence and goodness" "Cinderella, will you stop singing that song" "In a corner by the fire   let me sing my song" "Once there was a king   and on and on" "Are you going to stop or not?" "Otherwise I'll give you ..." "Who can that be?" "Show a little charity" "It's a beggar." "Clear off" "Take this" "Have some breakfast" "Perhaps heaven will reward you   before the day is done" "No one can inspire love like us l cannot bear this anguish." "How cruel my fate is" "is he still here?" "Bread and coffee too?" "Help me!" "Lovely daughters of Don Magnifico, Prince Ramiro is on his way" "He will take you to his palace" "There will be singing and dancing" "Then the loveliest of his guests   will become his darling bride" "So the Prince ...?" "... is on his way" "And the loveliest of his guests ...?" "... is the one he will choose" "Cinderella, come here" "My shoes and my bonnet" "Cinderella, come here" "My feathers and my necklace" "Cinderella, come here Cinderella, go there" "Cinderella, go up Cinderella, come down" "How they bully me" "They really want to kill me" "Don Ramiro will surely fall for me" "He'll surely fall for me" "Their ruin is at hand." "I could burst with laughter" "Give them half a crown" "Thank you." "We are at the Prince's bidding" "Are you still here?" "What a stink!" "Go away or you'll be sorry I'd have given that half-crown to you   but I haven't half a penny" "I'd split my heart in two to share it with the less fortunate" "Perhaps by tomorrow you'll be happy" "Cinderella, get our ribbons and cloaks ready" " The lotions and powders" " My diamonds" "Listen to me, sisters" "What sisters?" "Do not defile us with such a word" "Be careful not to say it again" "There's always some new madness to endure" "There's not a moment to lose" "We'd better tell our father I want to be the first to tell him the news" " Excuse me, I'm the elder" " No, I want to tell him lt's my right. I'll waken him, and you come along" " You won't beat me" " Here he is himself" "My feminine offspring" "I reject your approaches I was having a marvellous dream" "And you came and disturbed me" "They're embarrassed" "Worthy daughters of a Baron" "Be quiet and pay attention" "Reflect on my dream" "It was partly obscure and partly clear I dreamed of a donkey" "He was very solemn" "Suddenly something miraculous happened" "Hundreds of feathers came sprouting from its neck" "Then off it flew lt landed on a steeple   as if it were on a throne" "And down below   the church bells rang" "Suddenly I was wakened by your chattering" "What such a confused dream might mean   I'll explain to you now" "The church bells mean joy in my house" "The feathers are you" "And the flying means going up in the world" "As for the donkey, that's me lf you think carefully you'll see the donkey is the father" "You'll both give birth to princes" "Grandfather will hug a dozen of your offspring" "A little king here, your servant" "A baby king there" "And the glory will fall on me" " lt seems that very soon ..." " Prince Ramiro   who three days ago   came to live half a mile away   will choose a wife" "He sent us an invitation" " And shortly ..." " ... he'll come for us" "And he'll choose the most beautiful" "The Prince, although I don't know him, will choose ..." "He's invited you ..." "A wife ..." "I'm going to faint I've been robbed of my speech" "But I feel that the princedom will be ours" "My dream has become reality and the donkey can fly" "Cinderella, bring me my coffee" "My children, half this house has fallen down   and the rest is in danger" "Let's shore it up" "Use your wits" "Speak politely, put on your finest clothes" "A prince's hand is at stake" "The house is deserted ls there anyone there?" "No reply" "Disguised like this I shall observe the ladies" "is no one coming?" "Yet wise Alidoro said I'd find someone wise and pretty here   someone worthy of me to marry" "To marry and not to love" "This harsh rule obliges me to make a difficult choice" "I'll search" "We'll see" "Once there was a king ..." "My heart is pounding" "Am I a monster?" "Yes" "No, sir" "Something sweet and mysterious   sparkled in those eyes" "Why is my heart pounding so?" "I would tell her, but I don't dare I want to say something, but I keep silent" "There's something enchanting about her face" "There's something enchanting about his face" "How lovely that smile lt enters my heart and brings me hope" "I'm looking for the Baron's daughters" "Where are they?" "I can't see them here" "They're in the other rooms" "They'll be coming" "Goodbye to my hopes" "But who are you?" "I don't really know" " Don't you know?" " Not really" "My father isn't my father, so my sisters ..." "My mother was a widow, but she was their mother too" "My father, stuffed with pride   isn't my father, so my sisters ... I'm getting into a muddle" "Please forgive me   for being so simple" "She's captivated me, I love her simplicity" "Cinderella, come here" "Who is shouting?" "Whichever way the wind blows, I never have a moment's rest I have to do everything" "Her voice and her face are heavenly I'm quite lost, I'm no longer myself" "Goodbye, sir" "I'm coming" "But I'm leaving my heart behind" "My heart is in flight, it's no longer my own" "How strange to find such a pretty face in such shabby clothes" "Don Magnifico has not appeared I'd like to announce the arrival of the pretend Prince" "I was wisely advised to dress as a groom" "This way I'll learn what's in the girls' hearts" "While Dandini plays the Prince ..." "A million pardons." "His highness the Prince ...?" " He will soon be here" " When?" "In three minutes" "Hurry up, daughters I'll hurry them along myself" "A century is like a moment at their dressing-tables" "What a fool" "Yet Alidoro is convinced I'll find pure goodness in this house" "We'll see." "I'll approach his daughters" "What a noise!" "I'm not mistaken, it's Dandini" "Hurry to choose your bride" "Time is flying" "The princely line will otherwise die out" "Just as the bee in April flies playfully   from the lily to the rose   looking for a flower of his own" "I go from one beauty to another" "I have seen so many" "But I can't find sense or a beautiful face   an exquisite morsel for me" "Prince ..." "Sire ..." "How you honour us" "What a flood of honours lt's nothing" "How pretty, how gracious" "Will that do?" "They're the image of their father" "Be careful, you idiot" "Be kind, and lower your eyes" "They make me lose my mind" "And with a shot from a double cannon   a breach has been opened" "I'm sure this comedy will end in tragedy" "He's looking at me and sighing." "There's no doubt, he's my slave" " Idiot" " Thank you" "How cheerful" "Such a lovely mouth and eyes" "You are the eighth and ninth wonders of the world" "Like father like daughters" "Your highness, what are you saying?" "They are truly Etruscan" " Will that do?" " You're beginning to go too far I'm playing the grandee, and I have to shoot in style" "Make sure you don't let him go" "To continue the discussion which I haven't started yet ... I've come back from my travels to my father" "And finding him close to death   I've been ordered to marry, or lose my inheritance, so I've   invited everyone in the vicinity   hoping to find a delicate morsel for myself I've spoken   and now I'll take a breath" "Such eloquence" "Such a lovely outfit" "But the other one is looking at me" "There she is." "How my heart is beating" "Lovely girls, if you would deign to take the arm of a knight   the carriage is ready" "Father, your excellency, don't keep us waiting" "What are you doing here?" "Bring my hat and cane" "Proceed with your baronial foot   to my magnificent royal quarters" "I'll follow you" "But she's the one I want to see again" " Leave me alone - ls he shouting at her?" "Time is pressing" "Leave me alone" "Just one word" "Sir, just one word ..." "Take me to the Prince's house" "And just for an hour   let me dance" "What's wrong?" "He's standing like a statue" "My pretty girl   you've got ideas" "You ill-mannered, idle girl" "Let's watch this" "Leave me, I must go" "Are we going or not?" "My heart is torn" "Just a half-hour, a quarter I'll make mincemeat of you" "Stop!" "Your lordship" "Get away" "Your highness" "She's a filthy ignorant servant" "Servant?" " Servant?" " He means ..." "The lowest of the low" "She has ideas above her station   this dear girl" "But she's good for nothing" "Go to your room and do the dusting" "I can't hold my anger back" "Shall I always have to stay among the cinders?" "Gentlemen, persuade him to take me to the ball" "For ever among the cinders?" "My record says that there are three sisters with Don Magnifico" "Three sisters" "As the Prince is going to choose a bride   I ask to see the third" "Are you giving me an extra daughter?" "The third sister" "She ... died" "That's not what's written here" "They're talking about me" "No, she didn't die" "You keep quiet" "Look here" "If you so much as breathe I'll kill you" "Did she die?" "Your highness" "She died" "You can see from their amazed expressions   how their heads are reeling" "They're full of doubt and uncertainty" "You can see from their amazed expressions   how their heads are reeling" "They're full of doubt and uncertainty" "If you say one more word I'll kill you" "Help, don't leave me." "What ever will become of me?" "This is making me so angry" "Everything will change" "Their pride will be blown away like dust" "Your tears will turn to smiles" "My daughter" "Are you calling me your daughter?" "My step-father doesn't want to be my father" "Whereas you ..." "But then, comparing your rags   with mine, I'd be a worthy daughter to you" "Come with me, my daughter" "Where to?" "To the Prince's party" "Just because I gave you some food, are you going to make fun of me?" "Away with you I should lock the doors" "Thieves might get in, and then   I'd really be in trouble" "Raise your thoughts, for everything has changed" "You will trample treasures underfoot" "You will steal everyone's heart" "Don't be afraid, come with me" "A God whose throne will last for ever   is the inspiration for my words" "If you are still unsure   see who I am" "In heaven   in the deep mystery of heaven   on the high throne of power   the Lord of the world watches over us" "And the thunder rolls softly at his feet" "He knows and sees everything" "He does not let goodness perish" "He sees your crying and distress as you sit by the fire" "He sends a bolt of thunder   to change your cruel life" "The picture has altered" "Your suffering is about to end" "Do you hear something approaching?" "You will ride to triumph in my coach" "You're confused" "Do you have nothing to say?" "Your head is spinning   like a ship in a storm   tossing up and down" "But the cloud has passed and peace has come" "Your fate has changed" "Your innocence will shine forth" "Well done, Don Magnifico" "You've given us a dissertation on wines and vintages I pay homage to your talent" "It's clear he's studied hard" "Go down to our cellar lf you're still standing at the thirtieth tasting   I'll promote you to master of the cellar" "I can spot talent, and I reward wisdom" "Your highness is a well of kindness" "The more comes out, the more remains" "Daughters, you're safe." "My promotion is a sure sign" "Little Clori, little Tisby keep the Prince happy I'm going to the cellar" "Find out what they're like and report everything back to me" "Run along and carry out my orders." "Did you hear?" "I heard" "Faithful vassal, I bid you farewell" "I'm all yours now I imagine you are well sculpted" "And that Cupid did the sculpting I am the elder" "So I beg preference I am the younger one, and won't grow old so fast" "Little girl, she really knows nothing" "She's like unsalted water" "Neither one thing nor the other" "Please take my merits into account" "Look, I don't have to wear rouge" "But her pale complexion is just powder" "Please favour me" "Ladies, do you want to break me in two?" "I have two regal eyes and I don't wear spectacles" "Trust me, my heart beats for you alone" "I bow to your highness" "I'll bring a petition" " We'll meet again" " Perhaps, perhaps not I curtsey to you" "And I bow to the ground" "Inasmuch as thirty bottles have been tasted   and he has drunk enough for three   and is still steady on his feet   his majesty is pleased to appoint him cellarman" "Director of the glasses, with wide-ranging powers" "President of the vintage" "And this is why we're all here crowding round you" "Director?" "Governor?" "President?" "Cellarman?" "My heart is jumping for joy" "Take down what I have to say I want six thousand copies made" "Our pens are poised" "We, Don Magnifico, in capitals idiot, in capitals" "WE, DON MAGNlFlCO   Duke and Baron of ancient Montefiascone   manager, president, and twenty etceteras" "In the splendour of his authority   receive the following order:" "For fifteen years no wine may be mixed   with a single drop of water" "The penalty is strangulation, etcetera, etcetera" "Baron, etcetera, it's ready now" "Now post it up round the city" "Now we'll prepare supper" "Wine will pour like a flood" "A prize of sixteen crowns   for whoever drinks the most Malaga" "Quiet, hush" "Not a sound" "Tell me truthfully, what are the two girls like?" "Softly, in an undertone ln strictest confidence" "They're a mixture of insolence, whims and vanity" "Alidoro said a daughter of the Baron ..." "Your tutor knows it all, what a goose he is!" "Whoever wants to, can marry them, but we'll carry on acting" "They're a fickle pair, but the pretence goes on" "Princey, where are you?" "Princey, where are you?" "Why have you abandoned me?" "You'll drive me to despair" " l want you" " No, I do" "Let's not get upset over trifles I can't marry both sisters" "One will be my wife" "And the other?" "The other   I'll give to my friend" "Goodness me, he's a groom I'll be gentle and loving" "Not a groom" "I have a most tender heart" "Not a groom" " Common" " Ordinary" "I feel ill just thinking about it" "This is a scene to remember I feel ill just thinking about it" "Come" "Enter" "Approach" "Wise Alidoro   what is this noise?" "An unknown woman is approaching, her face hidden by a veil" "A lady" "Who is she?" "She hasn't said" "is she beautiful?" "Yes and no" "Who can she be?" "No one knows" " Hasn't she spoken?" " No, madam" " And she's coming here?" " Who knows why?" "I'm already wracked by jealousy" "Why am I feeling ... I've turned to sugar ... such mysterious excitement?" "The flies are buzzing round me" "You've stolen our hearts although you're still veiled" "If you remove your veil, what will happen?" "I scorn the gifts   which fickle fortune showers on us" "He who wishes to marry me   should offer respect, love and goodness" "Her voice enters my heart" "Yet I've heard it before lt brings me hope and makes me a new man" "Lovely, veiled eyes" "Send a piercing glance" "Reveal yourselves   if only for politeness' sake" "Now we'll see this great miracle" "I don't know what to think or to say" "This is some trick, I'm amazed at that face" "Your highness, supper is ready" "Damn!" "The likeness!" "Doesn't she look like Cinderella?" " That's what we thought too" " But then we looked again" " Ours is clumsy" " This one's more refined" "But she's not so lovely that she can scare us" "The other one sits in rags among the ashes" " The old man's puzzled" " She trembles to see me" "Let's not play statues, some of us are hungry" "Let's hurry to supper" "Afterwards we'll dance" "Then the loveliest will be my bride" "Since I'm the Prince today I'm going to eat for four" "I feel I'm sitting in a garden, day-dreaming amid the bushes" "The streams rustle, the birds sing" "My heart swims in a sea of delight" "But underground   very softly   I'm afraid a fire is starting" "Suddenly there will be an earthquake" "Everything will shatter and wake me up" "I feel sure those two are laughing at us behind our backs" "By the new wine, I'll kill them" " Don't get upset, father" " There's plenty to get upset about" "That anonymous lady was the last thing we needed" "Can she compete with us for the Prince's heart?" "It's just that she looks like Cinderella" "She's so like her, they're identical" "That resemblance makes our step-sister bad news for us" "Do you know what kind of storm will break if anyone discovers   how I've wasted her inheritance?" "I've spent everything   to keep you in dresses I've reduced her to a bag of bones" "There would be trouble if anyone found out" "Why worry when we're around?" " Are there any grounds for hope?" " There certainly are" "Well, I'm sure I'll soon be handing out honours ln secret he called me 'my love'" "He sighed deeply and left" "What's a sigh?" "He laughs when he sees me" "A sigh here and a laugh there" "You're clever, papa, tell us what you think I've played two cards and the chosen one will win" "He won't escape you two." "I hope you understand I'm relying on you" "Whichever of my daughters ascends the throne   don't abandon   don't abandon your magnificent papa" "I can just see people drawing me aside" "Raising their hats they'll say:" "'Baron, could you speak to your royal daughter on my behalf?" "'" "'Here's something for yourself.' And he slips me a coin" "I answer, 'We'll see'" "We'll discuss it" "Your request can go to the palace" "As I turn, a little bonnet bows to me" "All sighs and courtesies" "'My dear Baron, you remember that matter ...'" "She knows that without money I turn a deaf ear" "She stretches out her hand   and slips me a coin" "Then I'm gallant:" "'Such lovely eyes,' l say" "'What can I refuse you?" "' 'l only wish to make you happy'" "I waken at midday" "At once I ring the bell" "And a crowd of supplicants surrounds my bed" "They want protection, redress" "Some fool wants to be a professor" "They want exclusive rights to brooches or eel-fishing I'm surrounded by petitions   and by bottles, brocades, candles and foods of every kind" "Stop it!" "That's enough!" "Will you leave now!" "I lock and chain the door lnfuriating opportunists, away with you" "Are you still dreaming that the Prince is thinking of you?" "You're asking me?" "Your highness's servant" "At your service" "This lovely stranger looks so like the poor girl we met this morning" "She's filled my heart with a new desire" "Dandini seems in love with her as well" "They're coming I want to hear them unseen" "Don't run away." "You've made me walk round the terrace four times" "Either change your tone or I'll go ls talk of love hurting you?" "But I love someone else" "Can you say that to my face?" "Don't be angry if I speak honestly" " Who is it you love?" " Excuse me?" "Who is it you love?" "Your groom" "What joy, my love!" "It's going perfectly" "Aren't you tempted by rank and riches?" "Virtue and goodness are the things I value" "Would you be mine then?" "First you must find me, get to know me" "Witness my position I shall fly to you, my darling" "Do not follow me, I command you" "How shall I find you then?" "Take this, and look for me lf you find its companion on my right arm   then, if I don't displease you, I shall be yours" "What do you think, Dandini?" "I think I've changed from Prince to witness" "Then, if I don't displease you, I shall be yours" "What sort of words are these?" "My wise, venerable tutor" "Love has entered my heart." "What should I do?" "Follow your heart" "You are no longer the Prince" "Empty my palace of those silly women" "Prepare my coach" "Let me fly on the wings of the wind" "I swear that I shall find her" "Love drives me on" "Even if she is in Jupiter's arms   I shall find her" "I am charmed by this dear token" "How I shall press you to my heart" "We shall fly and enquire" "We shall search and find" "Sweet hope and cold fear are battling in my heart" "So am I an ex-prince?" "Cast down to nothing in an instant?" "I was really very good at it" "Pardon my haste, but the two girls are in a frenzy" "Could I press you to choose?" "The choice has been made" "Then tell me, I beg you" "Will my offspring come and blossom in these rooms?" "They'll find out later." "For the moment it's a secret" "Which is it, Clorinda or Tisbe?" "Don't be in such a hurry" "Tell their father" "But keep quiet" "Of course, but tell me quickly" "Can no one hear us?" "There's not a fly in the air" "There's a mystery that will amaze you I'm in agony" "Let's sit down" "Quickly, please" "It's a highly unusual situation" "Does he want to marry me?" "I beg you" "Your servant" "Keep your lips sealed   about what I'm going to say I've a safe deposit box inside me" "An important secret, an intriguing mystery" "That's what I have to reveal" "It's extraordinary" "You'll be astounded" "Not batting an eyelid, not taking a breath   I'm listening" "I'll be like a statue" "I'll count every syllable" "A man of wisdom and maturity always gives the best advice lf l married your daughter, how should I treat her?" "I'm going to be a counsellor!" "You're too gracious, your excellency I mean, your highness, listen to me" "Always have thirty servants on call, and one hundred and sixteen horses invite dozens of dukes and counts" "Have ice-cream with every dinner, carriages and coaches" "There's a misunderstanding I don't have dinners I eat the left-overs, and don't mix with gentlemen I stay with the servants and I always go on foot" "You're joking l assure you" "Then what's this?" "It's a fiction" "It's a joke that I'm a prince I'm in disguise" "The real prince has come" "He's unmasked me I'm going back to my post" "I'm Dandini the valet" "I make beds and brush clothes I shave the prince and dress his hair" "For this outrage the real prince   will have to pay" "Don't worry, he won't do a thing" "You'd better leave at once" " l won't leave" " You will" " l'm a baron" " There's a stick waiting" "We'll be seeing each other" "We'll be discussing this" "Once there was a king who grew tired of being alone" "He searched and he found" "But there were three who wanted to marry him" "What was he to do?" "He despised show and beauty ln the end he chose innocence" "Innocence and goodness" "How dear you are to me" "And the man I gave your companion to is dearer still" "What did the Prince mean by pulling such faces?" "I love only a handsome face and an honest heart I prefer his groom" "As for my sisters!" "They seemed to have gone mad" "What's that noise?" "Such awful expressions" "You're back I didn't think you'd be back until dawn l told you so" "But they're absolutely identical" "She was the original, this one's the portrait" " Have you done everything?" " Everything" "Why are you looking at me like that?" "Because of a witch who looks like you I could beat your shoulders" "What have my shoulders got to do with it?" "There's a storm coming" "More than a storm!" "I'd like the valet to be struck by lightning" "Tell me what's happened." "Have you some secret torment?" "Idiot, go and prepare supper" "What a terrible temper!" "But I have the groom in my heart" "Excuse me, my friends" "The Prince's carriage has overturned" "It's you." "But where's the Prince?" " You know him" " The groom!" "Excuse me if by chance ..." "Don't mention it, sir" "He's come here for a reason." "One of you will be his bride" "Cinderella, bring the best chair" "No, I have only a few minutes." "Another carriage is coming" "Hurry up, Cinderella" "Give it to the Prince" "Here he is" "This one." "What do I see!" " The Prince" " Stop" "The bracelet." "It's her" "What joy I feel" "is it you?" "Are you the Prince?" "What a surprise" "Marvellous!" "Silence" "My brain has gone" "What will happen?" "This is a twisted knot, a tangled web" "This is a twisted knot, a tangled web" "The more you try to undo it, the tighter it gets" "Meanwhile my head is spinning I'm feeling in the dark, beginning to go mad" "Silly, slovenly girl" "Who do you think you are?" "It's rude to sit with your betters" "Audacious servant" "Who told you to stay with the likes of us?" "Go to the kitchen and don't come back" "You dreadful people ln vain you try to insult the woman I adore" "Be warned, for my anger will fall on you" "I knew this comedy   would change in the second act" "Now it's a tragedy and I'm really enjoying it" "I've turned to ice I'm struck dumb" "He's turned into an idiot" " But a servant ..." " Be silent I can't contain my anger any more" "Sir, if it's true that in your heart   you have some love for me" "Then pardon them, and let goodness triumph" "Look at those tears, at her frankness and innocence" "Look at that hypocrite" "Your highness, what is it you want?" "Don't speak another word" "She will be my bride" "He's just joking" "Don't you see it's a joke?" "I swear it" "She will be mine" "But I thought that one of my daughters ... I am not for them" "I'm common, I'm ordinary" "The ball has come bouncing back" "And the champion has tossed it back in the air" "Come and reign with me" "Kiss me first" "Embrace me" "Go away" "You heartless people" "You will tremble" "Grumbling, complaining ..." "This is an enchantment" "Shouting and raging ..." "Fuming and crying ... ls it a dream?" "Threatening and sighing ..." "Everything has changed" " So we're a laughing stock - l'm almost blind with rage lt feels like a dream." "Cinderella   will be a princess" "Who are you?" "I asked you for charity, you sent me away" "But Angelina was not deaf to another's misfortunes" "You kept her as a servant, among the cinders, dressed in rags" "Now she will ascend the throne" "What will happen to us?" "You can choose whether to end your days in poverty" "Or go to the throne and beg for pardon I myself have prepared the wedding party" "Now is your chance" "Abase myself to her?" "What despair!" "It's hard, but you must swallow the pill" "And what are your thoughts?" "I'll accept my fate." "After all, humiliation is not going to kill me" "Thank you, heaven." "All my hopes are fulfilled" "Pride has been vanquished." "My pupil will be happy" "Goodness has triumphed, and I am content" "The wheel of fickle fortune   has reached the top and halted for you" "Pride has crumbled into dust" "Goodness has triumphed" "My bride" "Forgive me if I'm still uncertain and confused" "Not long ago I sat among the ashes" "Now I am on the throne" "Your highness, I bow before you" "Will you never call me your daughter?" "Those proud women ..." "Prince, I fall at your feet." "I've forgotten the injustices of old I want to be more than equal to the throne" "My vengeance   will be to forgive them" "I was born into pain and tears" "I suffered while my heart kept silent" "But by magic in the flower of my years   in a sudden flash   my fate has changed" "No, dry your eyes" "Why be afraid?" "Come to me" "A daughter, a sister, a friend I shall be all these to you" "She touches us like a goddess" "Father, husband" "Friend, oh what a moment!" "You are equal to the throne" "But a throne is a trifle to you" "I shan't sit alone by the fire singing sadly any more" "My long days of suffering were a dream, a game"