"THE MYSTERIOUS CAVALIER" "Speak!" "Who stole the letter?" " I don't know!" "He passed out." "Resume again as soon as possible." "You must make him talk, no matter what!" "It's impossible that he doesn't know." "As my secretary he handled all of my letters." "It's been three days since that letter disappeared and you still haven't found the slightest trace." "You're too hard on me, your Highness." "You know it's difficult for me to investigate so as not to arouse the interest of the Council of Ten or your husband, the Doge." "Under these conditions I need more time." " I can't wait!" "If they stole that letter it's because someone wants to make it public!" "Think of the shame it will bring on me." "You shouldn't have kept it." "It was just a reminder.." "Something distant." "The rulers should never keep reminders." "It's not just that." "There's something I haven't told you." "If the letter is made public it won't just affect me, but also my husband." "The Doge?" "Yes." "It speaks clearly of Venice's accession to a secret alliance against Russia." "This is very serious!" "That letter could be used as an instrument of blackmail." "That's why we must find it!" "Why can't you make this man talk?" "He has resisted the kind of suffering that would make anyone talk." "He'd rather die than confess." "How can you say that?" "When I arrested your secretary," "I felt it opportune to investigate into the man's past and family." "Well?" "Well, I found out that Morin is Giacomo Casanova's brother." "I'm afraid there's little we can do if he's as tough as that demon." "Casanova!" "He's like a curse." "Whenever there's intrigue in Venice he's always involved." " I don't think he's involved this time." "He wouldn't dare set foot in Venice again with the bounty that weighs on him." "Don't say a word to anyone or they'll kill me!" "Where is he?" " There." "Morin." "There's someone here to see you!" " Who is it?" "He wants to talk to you!" " Who is it?" "Antonio." "Antonio!" "Giacomo?" "You, in Venice?" "It's lunacy!" " Why are you here?" " You shouldn't have come!" "How could I stay in Paris knowing you're here?" "After you saved my life helping me escape from Venice." "Look at you!" "What do they want?" "Someone stole a compromising letter from the Doge's wife." " A letter?" "Who stole it?" "I swear I'm innocent." "You must believe me." "I didn't know anything!" "I swear!" "Nothing?" " Nothing, I swear!" "Don't swear!" "I know you too well, you're protecting someone!" "A woman, perhaps!" "I can't take it anymore!" "They've kept me locked up in this hell for a week!" "And death would feel like a liberation!" "You'd sacrifice your life for who has betrayed you?" "Anyway, even if I talk, it will still be the end of me!" "Tell me her name at least." "Where is she?" "I'll find that letter!" "It's pointless." "That letter is far away now..." "And she is dead." "Dead?" " Yes." "Killed by the police as she was leaving Venice." "Who was she?" "What was her name?" "I know nothing about her." "She always hid everything..." "All I know is her name was Hilda, that she was from Vienna, and she lived in Burgstrasse, 22." " Hilda, Burgstrasse, 22." "Nothing else?" " Nothing else." "She gave me this ring before she died." "It's the only thing I could hide from the search." "It means something." "But she could only pronounce these words." ""This will be of..." And nothing more." "Give it to me!" "What do you want to do?" " I must find a way to get you out of this tomb." "Promise me you'll hold out." " I don't know." "You must hold out." "At least for a few days!" "The guards!" "Promise you'll do as I ask." " I'll try." "Goodbye, Antonio." "Be brave!" "You said knight of..." " Seingalt." "He insists you receive him." "Show him in." "Tell me, knight of Seingalt." "Perhaps better known to your Highness by the name of..." "Giacomo Casanova." "How dare you?" "I heard you were looking for me... so I hurried to present myself." "Arrest this man!" "I'm a grown man!" "I can walk by myself." "Pity." "I came here to talk to you... about a certain letter." "One moment!" "Leave me alone." "I warn you, if you try to trick me it will be the noose for you." "The kind of tie a man with good taste would never wear!" "You know who has that letter?" "Do you know?" "I haven't the slightest idea..." "But I'm the only man in the world capable of getting it back." "Because I have reliable information that will lead me to the letter." "What guarantee do I have that you're telling the truth?" "My presence here, despite the bounty that weighs on me." "You're an impudent man." "Are you aware of the difficulty of this endeavour?" "Our best men have been looking for that letter for days in vain." "I know, I know everything." "I also know that whoever takes on this deed will be risking their life." "Then why do it?" "For my brother." "Very well." "I don't see why I shouldn't accept your proposal." "But I warn you." "You have a month." "If you don't bring back that letter, your brother will pay with his life!" "A month!" "It's enough." "You may go." " There are two more things." "What?" " In order for me to get that letter I need more precise information..." "Does it have a seal?" "It's fair." "Here." "The letter that was stolen from me" "Is identical to this one, in every way." "It's also tied with string... and it bears my seal." " Thank you." "And the other thing?" "You must have me arrested." " Arrested?" "Just for a few hours, of course." "You will give as of now provisions for my escape." "The whole world will know that Casanova, arrested by the Doge's police, escaped from the Piombi." "Nobody will suspect I am working for you." "Very well." "You're killing me!" "If Saint Gennaro doesn't help us this is going to end badly!" "In four days, despite the bounty, you've managed to go back to Venice, to talk to your brother, to be received by the Doge's wife, to get arrested, then break free and cross the border," "And now you're a Knight!" "As long as San Gennaro helps us." " Yes, but don't push it!" "He may get mad." "Since I put myself under his protection Saint Gennaro hasn't had a moments rest!" "What's there in Vienna, more trouble?" "You only want to stay in Naples." " That's a city!" "Not like Venice that's always underwater." "Three aces, I won." "Hold it!" "Not enough." "Five." "Your Excellency, please..." "There are four aces in a deck." "I've got three, but you've got another five." "Where did you get them?" " That's not all..." "Seven." "Want more?" "Here's nine." "That will teach you to challenge me." "I don't get it!" "With your talent we could be rich like kings!" "Like Popes!" "Instead we're going to Vienna." "It's for my brother, Gennaro." "His life now depends on a letter similar to this one." "And I must save him." "If you want you can stop and go back." "Leave you?" "Me?" "Never!" "Good, I knew you had the courage!" "It isn't a matter of courage, it's a matter of salary..." "For the last 3 years, 7 months and 24 days, you owe me 365 gold coins!" "I'm not leaving you!" "I'm here on behalf of Miss Hilda." "You understand me?" "Hilda." "I don't know her." "But she gave me this address before she died." "I don't know who you're talking about." "The last owner died many years ago." "I'm the only person living here." "Alone!" "Go to the Rooster's Inn and ask for Gennaro, my servant, and send him here." "Sometimes I really don't understand you." "I really don't!" "We sat here for five hours to look at what, a woman?" "No way!" "An old abandoned house." "Perhaps you're right." "I was sure there was something strange going on in there." "But I'm mistaken." "Watch out!" "A woman got out of there!" "We must find a way to talk to her!" "Come on, move!" "Me?" " Yes, you!" "Like that time in Paris." " No, no..." "But, let's be clear!" "No more than four!" " Hurry!" "Where are you going, scoundrel?" "Come on, walk, move!" "I said move!" " Easy, you're smashing me!" "But not from behind with heels!" "Is this your purse?" " Yes, thank you." " On your knees, scoundrel!" "Thank you, lady." "My respect." "Now get out of here!" "Thank you, now I must go." " Shall I escort you?" "I'm sorry but I must go alone." " Alone?" "So graceful?" "That might be dangerous." "And perhaps it's even more dangerous to be escorted by you." "You think so?" " I'm sure of it." "You're kind but too insistent." " That's your fault." "Yes?" " Because you insist on being so graceful!" "Now go, please." " I believe that's impossible." "Have you ever heard of the soldier from Pompei?" "Never." " Good." "During the eruption that buried the city, he remained at his post, faithful to orders, without ever moving." "Well I'm like him." "As far as I know Vienna isn't threatened by volcanoes." "And now, anyway, your duty is fulfilled." "What do you mean?" " I've arrived." "You live here?" "Yes." "Then goodbye." "Coach!" "Take me to..." " To?" "Go!" "I was lucky to find this carriage." "Where do you want to go?" "Sir, I don't know you, but you look like a gentleman, so once again, leave me alone!" "Am I so unbearable?" "It's not that..." "I can't explain now." "Besides, what do you want from me?" "That you don't disappear from my life, not knowing who you are.." "and where I can find you." "Listen, we mustn't see each other again." "Why?" "Is there something stopping us?" "Something I can't know?" "Tell me." "I'm here to help you." "The more I look at you, the more I feel that for you I'm ready to do.." "anything." "Thank you, but you can't do anything for me." "Nobody can." "If you really want to help me, go away... ..and don't look for me again." "Is that what you wanted to say?" "You're asking the impossible, I promise I won't follow you, but you promise we'll meet again." " No, no." "Then I'll come and visit you at Burgstrasse, 22!" "No, for the love of God!" " When shall we meet?" "Tomorrow." " At the Prater." " At the Prater." "Near the swan lake." "But now go, and promise you won't follow me." "Stop!" "Go!" "Let this man go!" "Where did you get that ring?" "I don't have to answer to you." "Follow me, I'll take you to our leader." "He came in through the back, we almost killed him..." "He's one of us." "Who are you?" "A Venetian, an exile." "My name is Giacomo Casanova." "You escaped from the Piombi." " Yes." "Quite an impressive feat." "Nobody has ever succeeded before." " Exactly!" "Why were you arrested?" " For stealing that letter." "The Doge's wife ordered my arrest hoping to get the letter." "Who was your contact in Venice?" "Hilda." "Did you know..." " She was killed?" "Yes." "She died in my arms." "Indeed, she sent me here." "How did you leave town in spite of the guards?" " Why do you ask?" "Mere curiosity." "Why not make yourself known by us right away?" "I've been trying to since I arrived in Vienna." "Have a seat, Mr. Casanova." "There's an empty place." "It was meant for Hilda." "The purpose of this meeting is very important..." "We have been under a lot of pressure lately to ally ourselves with the Slavic people increasing Russian strength in the region." "But there is a stronghold in Europe that goes against our will:" "Venice!" "The Doge refuses to sign any treaties with us." "He must be brought down." "Today, I mean, tonight, we can say that we have reached this goal." "Thanks to certain friends in Venice, we have managed to gain possession of a crucial document, more valuable than any treaty." "This letter, which for its contents could be considered dishonourable, will soon reach its final destination:" "The hands of the Empress of all of Russia, Catherine II." "And she will make it known to all of Europe." "You can imagine the consequences." "One of us will receive the assignment of conveying it in Russia" "Our task tonight is to designate the lucky one." "I believe Mr. Casanova would be the best ambassador." "And why?" "He's known as a frivolous man, nobody will suspect him." "That seems like an excellent idea." "Are you ready to deliver this letter, Mr. Casanova?" "I ask for nothing more." "To you, then." "I regret not to share your enthusiasm for the knight of Seingalt." "What do you mean?" "That you're a Venetian." " So what?" "I imagine the Republic has sent its best spies across Europe." "You'll be the first suspect, Mr. Casanova." "And your death would pain us, believe me." "But not as much as losing this letter." "Will you return it, please?" "Baron Polsky is right." "It will be my care to designate secretly a trustworthy person for this delicate task." "For this night, the letter will remain here, locked up." "And by tomorrow it will already be on its way to St. Petersburg." "Gentlemen..." "I would be very grateful if you will all join me at the party I'm hosting tonight to hide the purpose of our meeting." "Will you join us, Mr. Casanova?" "I would ask you not to desert.. the party." "All of Vienna will be curious to meet you." "No, nothing." "No one is more convinced than I, and at night it's even better." "I brought you a slice of strudel, you'll like it." "Never as much as your smile!" "Is it true that London women have their faces covered with freckles?" "Yes, but not only their faces." "Are Parisian women really so elegant?" "I can't say, I seldom saw them with their clothes on!" "Did I say something embarrassing?" "As the lady of the house, I must protest." "We haven't danced the minuet." "Am I to blame?" " Sure!" "You've kidnapped all the dames." "No, not all them The most beautiful one got away!" "The most beautiful women in Vienna are here tonight." "I hadn't noticed." "You're the only one I've noticed since I arrived." "What are you staring at with such interest?" "Oh, nothing." "I was just trying to protect my poor eyes from the brilliance of yours." "Paola!" "Shall we dance?" "This Italian music is so charming." "It's true." "It's so airy and fragile..." "Don't you agree, knight?" "Why are you here?" "You shouldn't have!" "Why didn't you come to the appointment?" "I don't know how you got invited to this party." "Count Yepatiev is very cautious when choosing his guests." " As you can see!" "Right, I'm a fool." "I'm forgetting you're Giacomo Casanova." "How did you know?" "Everyone is talking about you in the kitchen." "The cook even put salt in the cakes because of you!" "I'm one of the servants." "I'm lady companion of the countess." "You're disappointed, aren't you?" " Not at all." "The only thing I want to know is.." "if you're happy to see me again." " You're making fun of me!" "That isn't very nice!" "I thought you were sincere." " And I am!" "Please, believe me, even if they tell you I am a liar." "It doesn't matter." "I know it may sound incredible, it even sounds it to me..." "I only saw you once, but what I feel for you I've never felt for another woman!" "Please stop!" "I don't believe you, I don't want to!" "You can't help it." "Leave now." "If someone sees us..." " Why do you care?" "You don't know the secrets hidden in this house." "Don't be fooled by the party atmosphere." "You may think that nobody saw you enter this room, but I'm sure we're being watched by a hundred eyes!" "That someone's spying on us!" " How did you end up here?" "I came here about a year ago." "I knew nothing then." "Then I realized that my every action was being watched, any contact with the outside prevented." "But why?" " I don't know." "I've never known the reason why." "I'm like a prisoner here." "You can't stay here!" "You'll come with me!" " No, please!" "You don't know these people." "It's dangerous to go against them." "I know, but I'll succeed if you trust in me." "Now, I'm in need of your help." "Listen, tonight, after the party, I must get back in here." "You?" "Why?" " Someone's life is at stake, who is very dear to me." " I don't understand." "I can't say more." "Believe me, you must trust me!" "What can I do?" " Just leave the door open for me." "Very well, I'll try." "Is this person really so dear to you?" "He's my brother." "His life depends on me." "And on you now." "What's with you?" "You keep pulling my hair!" "Forgive me, lady, I'm a little nervous." "It seems like everyone's out of their mind in this house!" "All because of that Venetian gentleman." "Yet you've never seen him!" "Besides, I found him so vain, conceited!" "May I retire to my room?" "Go, my dear." "I'll do it myself." "It's you, Joseph!" "You frightened me!" "I'm sorry, lady." "I was checking that everything is in order." "Please, Joseph, accompany me upstairs, I don't have a lantern." "My pleasure, lady." "I'll just make sure the front gate is locked." "Don't worry, I saw it myself!" "Let's go." "Goodnight, lady." "Wait a moment, I'll get my lantern." "What is it?" " Did you hear that?" "A noise from below!" " I didn't hear anything." "Anyway, who could it be?" "It's all locked." "Goodnight, lady." " Goodnight." "I understand your disappointment, Knight of Seingalt." "Such a waste of effort!" "Escaping from the Piombi and from Venice, reaching Vienna, risking your life in an old abandoned house," "spending a sleepless night to get in a cold cellar and not find what is sought!" "Well, I haven't slept a wink either." "While everyone else is sleeping confident," "I don't know why, I foreboded this visit." "Perhaps because it seemed impossible that a man as frivolous as you could accomplish all the feats you boasted of." "Calm down, I wouldn't advise it..." "Mr. Casanova!" "That love letter is already on its way with a trusted messenger to Warsaw, destined for St. Petersburg." "It's a woman." "I can tell you now." "Because you won't leave here alive." "Are you so sure?" "Look..." "When this gong will sound the palace will be in alarm." "Soon after the women of Europe will mourn the untimely end of the most refined and improvident Don Juan of our time." "If you live long enough!" "The gong!" "Who was it?" "You!" "Are you crazy?" " Much worse!" "I'm in love!" "How dare you?" " Go on, I know what you're going to say!" "You'll scream and I'll be thrown out like a dog!" "But I want all of Vienna to know that the irresistible Casanova has been rejected by the most adorable woman!" " But.." " Go on!" "What are you waiting for?" "Please don't make me think that you may not reject me, because..." "I may understand but not justify you!" "Love must not be justified!" "It's illogical, absurd and just for this, sublime!" "It's the most noble of human feelings!" "You shouldn't talk like that!" " I shouldn't?" "How can a man near death think of what he should or should not?" "You think I don't know?" "You just have to ring a bell and I'll be dead!" "But I don't care." "I'll die happily." "I've been close to you in your room." "I smelled your perfume, I looked into your eyes, and I felt that you were upset, and perhaps even moved." "Look at my hand trembling!" "But not out of fear, I swear!" "It's because it touched yours, and is now uncertain as a young lover." "Why should I care about my life?" "It's no longer mine, it's yours!" "Only yours.." "Quick, go hide in next room!" "What's going on?" "What's wrong?" "A man was killed downstairs." "Who?" "Polsky!" " Polsky?" " Yes." "Somebody tried to steal some important documents." "And the assassin is still in the building." "It's frightening!" "Who was it?" "Who was it?" "Welcome." "Whose carriage is that?" " A traveller who's just arrived, Count Lehmann." "He's with a woman?" " No, just his servant." "No woman heading to the border?" " No." "Are there any other roads to the border?" " None." "Prepare two horses." "I'm sorry, the only two horses we have are needed for that carriage." "Just two?" " Yes, and they're for Count." "1000 florins will suffice?" " 1000 florins!" "If the Count would like to rest, I'll take care of the horses." "May I go?" " Yes." "We're leaving in half an hour." "Well, I think that will be a little difficult." "Why?" "How long does it take to hitch the horses?" "It's not that, the horses were reserved for someone else." "The Count needs the horses right away!" "We must cross the border before daylight!" "I'm sorry, tell your master that it's impossible." "Well, who's taken those horses?" "Me." "I'm sorry, sir, but perhaps you don't know that my master is Count Lehmann." "Really?" "Very interesting." "You see, it is that we are much in a hurry." "Perhaps." "But I'm not accustomed to argue with servants!" "It did not take this setback!" "The letter must be in Petersburg within three days!" "And we may get stuck here for long!" "I did all I could but that gentleman is unyielding." "But I could resort..." "No, not that." "We can't draw any attention." "Certainly the woman with the letter." "I must take it from her at all costs." "We must do something." "Go and get at least two saddle horses." "But Countess, the distance to cover is immense." "Riding for three days..." "Go!" "Don't waste time!" "Come in!" "Do I have the pleasure of speaking to Count Lehmann?" "Of course!" "I am Giacomo Casanova, Knight of Seingalt." "I'm sorry about what just happened." "I was not aware we had the same destinations." "That is to say?" "We're both going to Petersburg." " Well?" "Although I'm not in a hurry,.." "as you appear to be," "I'm here to offer you a seat in my carriage." "Thank you, but I've made arrangements." " I'm pleased for you." "Goodnight." "Goodnight." "Did you find the horses, Ivan?" "I'm desolate, Count, but it was impossible." "I understand you're forced to stay here." "I confess I do like the idea." " Yes?" "Heck, you don't meet a gentleman like you on every trip, and a meat pie like this in every inn." "It's going to be a jolly night!" "The innkeeper has two pleasing daughters." "Have you noticed?" " Frankly, no." "It's unforgivable!" "A young man like you shouldn't let them get away!" "Or perhaps you prefer to drink?" "Or play cards?" "It's the same, long as I don't get bored." "And tomorrow we'll set off." "Unless you intend to spend the rest of your life here." "Look, I'm willing to accept your offer." " Yes?" "On one condition: we leave right away." "At night?" "The roads full of highwaymen!" "It would be imprudent, and tiring!" "But why all the hurry?" "Some important business?" " Not at all." "I can also wait." "In your pleasant company, the night will pass quickly." "Ivan?" "Set another place at the table." "No, we can manage." "Go with my servant, I'm sure you'll be friends!" "Here." "You can both drink to our health!" "Go, Ivan." "So, let's see..." "Very good!" "Not bad, this inn, I'd never have thought it!" " You think so?" "You don't?" "You really are hard to please!" "What more could you ask from an inn in the middle of the steppe?" "Moreover I see that you too know how to travel well." "You have everything!" "A woman's blouse?" "You're indiscreet!" " And you not sincere." "You wanted me to believe you weren't interested in women." "Shall we eat?" " Sure." "I'm starving!" "It's incredibly hot in here!" "You don't mind, do you?" "And you?" " Me?" "I'm fine as I am." "I see..." "Then let's serve this fine meal!" "For you, for me..." "And for you again." "That's it!" "Oh, God!" "What a gloomy look, my friend!" "At your age?" "Come on, lad, cheer up!" "I'll show you a game." "I learnt it in Russia in spring of '37." "If you don't mind, I'll use my spoon!" "Pay close attention to my movements because I don't want to deceive anyone." "Attention and concentration!" "One.." "Two..." "Three!" "Will you blow on this hand?" "No?" "Here!" "Not amused?" "Then I'll attempt something even more sensational: the spoon!" "I'll just slip it into into my pocket." "Like that!" "Do you know where it is now?" "You have it!" "You're sceptical?" "Shall we check?" "Your game doesn't amuse me at all, believe me." "Pity!" "Then I'll try with champagne." "From centuries the only guaranteed cure against melancholy." "Forgive me, I can be so clumsy!" "But this champagne has an exceptional temperament!" "Take off your jacket." "But you must get changed, absolutely!" "You really are the most delightful liar I've ever seen!" "And you're the most insolent man I've ever met!" " Don't blame me." "It's not my fault, it's your beauty." "I couldn't leave your graces covered up for much longer!" "When did you know?" "From the start!" "That's why I'm here..." "Really?" " You don't believe me?" "What other reason would I have to steal your horses and appear so shameless?" " That's what I was wondering." "And you?" "Why do you disguise yourself?" "Are you in danger?" "Tell me, I'm here to help you." "Trust me, I'm willing to do anything for you." "I want to help you." "My hand and my sword are at your service." "Believe me." "It's hard to explain." "On my trip depends.." " Depends?" "No, it's pointless." "You'll never believe me." "Why?" "I feel you're sincere." "Tell me!" "I'm running away, and my father might be close behind!" "You father?" "Why is he chasing you?" " Because..." "He wants me to marry a man I hate!" "I managed to escape, but it wasn't easy." "As I told you, my father sent all his servants after me." "If I can get to Petersburg tomorrow, I'll be safe." "I have an aunt there who will protect me." "Now you know my secret..." " What do you want me to do?" "Help me, let's not lose one more minute, let's leave now!" "I'll be so grateful!" "My jacket and my hat, Ivan, We've wasted enough time." "Do you think he wanted the letter?" " No way!" "I thought so too at first." "Instead he's nothing but a womaniser!" "Pity, though." "After all..." "Hitch the horses, we're leaving now." "But the gentleman..." " He's decided to stay for the moment." "Will you hitch the horses or not?" " Of course!" "At once!" "Sir!" "For the love of God!" "They tricked me, Gennaro." " How did it happen?" "It must have been the servant." "He caught me off guard." "Poor brother, this time it's the end!" "No one can get the letter out of Catherine's hands now." "Her Majesty's perfume." "Her Majesty's dress." "Her Majesty's lotion." "Her Majesty's belt." "And the husband?" "He was convinced the man under her bed was the cleaner!" "It really is unbelievable!" "The perfect husband!" "Everyone out!" "Well?" "I have the letter, your Majesty." " Give it to me." "Let's see who'll win now." "An insignificant Venetian princess, or Catherine of Russia?" "The great Catherine!" "Inform Count Orlov that we wish to soon meet all the foreign ambassadors, all of them, after the bear hunt of tomorrow." "Stir their curiosity telling them I will publicly comment a jealous document, of very particular value!" "Who in the world can now prevent it?" "Your sword, sir." "Do you have any other weapons?" "I'm sorry Sir, but armed people cannot enter in the Imperial Palace." "Wait at the inn without moving, we may leave at any time." "Follow me." "Mr. Casanova!" "Mr. Casanova!" "Let him pass, Lieutenant." "I'll show him the way." "I saw you and I wanted to greet you." "Surprised to see me here?" " A little." "How's your head?" " It's strange, your presence always makes me dizzy." "Last time I believe I even lost my senses!" "You're not a man to hold a grudge." "I confess that I like you." "You bestow strange caresses to those you like." "I can also tell you the truth now." "I had a mission to accomplish." "Oh, but then I've been for you a boring and untimely suitor!" "The other night, yes." " And now?" "Guess." "What is the purpose of your visit?" " Knowing the Empress." "The only sovereign in Europe that I don't know, and the most interesting." "You haven't chosen the best time." "Her Majesty is ten miles from Petersburg, for the great bear hunt." "Do you think I'll have a chance to approach her?" "During the hunt?" "Oh, no!" "Maybe later, at the reception Her Majesty is holding for the European ambassadors." "I'll be there too, and I'll do so that you can meet her." "What do the beaters say?" "They've been tracking a bear of gigantic proportions for two days." "When will you give up this dangerous obsession?" "When I'm old." "The bears of all Russias have to fear for many years, then." "And not only the bears." "Bears have at least one advantage over men." " Which is?" "They're not jealous, and may be settled with one blow, well aimed to the heart." "Please, Orlov, go see what has become of this famous bear." "It won't exist just in your imagination?" "Do you want to get rid of me?" "This hardly seems the ideal place." "Go." " You'll stay alone?" "Don't worry, I can defend myself." "Are you hurt?" " I hope not." "Help me." "Careful." "Rest for a moment." " Yes, thank you." "What's your name?" " Giacomo Casanova, your Majesty." "You know me?" "The fame of your beauty has travelled." " You're a flatterer." "Quite timely though, I must admit." "Tell me, what can I do for you?" " Let me venerate you!" "You don't like wasting time." "Right." "So you've found me here on time for your fall." "You're right, Casanova." "And what's more serious, you're the first man I agree with." "Will you fetch my horse and follow me to the palace?" "Willingly." "We had better rest a while." "Boris, go away." "Would you help me?" "If you're hungry, help yourself without ceremonies." "Don't feel a slave to the etiquette." "Consider me a woman like any other." "It isn't easy." " Why?" "Because I'm an Empress?" " No, not because of that." "What is it?" " A misstep." " Lean on me." "Like this?" " Like this." "Relax your leg." "You're Venetian, right?" "Then you know Adolfin, the ambassador." "He's a man I despise." "Me too!" "Then maybe you'll be pleased to know that tonight he'll have an awful surprise." "The Doge's wife letter?" " Who told you?" "Then maybe you'll be pleased to know that, in Venice, I personally contributed to purloin it." "Therefore, my debt towards you increases." "But you're a creditor that embarrasses me." " Why?" "Because you're too undemanding." "You're not asking me anything..." " Can I therefore dare?" "What are you waiting for?" "Then grant to your most gossipy servant to be the first to read that letter." "Which better revenge I could have hoped in the horrid Piombi jail where I was thrown by order of that woman?" "No, please, not now." "I was forgetting that the seal must be broken in the presence of the Venetian ambassador." "Would you put it back into the casket?" "Disappointed?" " Not at all." "On the contrary, with you close to me, I've just realised something I never dared hope for!" " Such as?" "What more could I ask for in life?" "Saving the greatest queen in Europe, and be treated with the benevolence granted to her most loyal subjects." "I don't dare not ask for more!" "I wouldn't want to abuse her benevolence." "Just a moment!" "Where are you going?" "Far away!" "As far away as possible." "To try and forget these hours that have given me, for a moment, the illusion to consider you not as an empress,.." "but as a woman." "No!" "Don't be in such a hurry." "And put more wood in the fire." "Come in." "I gave orders to be left alone." "Excuse me, I wanted to tell you that the hunt is over." "The bear was captured." "Thank you, Count Orlov." "And give orders that during tonight's ceremony no one can leave the palace!" "No one will be able to leave the palace?" " No." "Come." "Forgive me, it pains me, but I must leave the city!" " Really?" "Would you get me a pass?" " I'm sorry, but you'll open the dance with us, and until then you will not move from our side." "Look at Adolfin, Ambassador of Venice." "How quiet he is." "Serene and confident." "He certainly ignores what awaits him." " I think nobody here suspects it." "Indeed, you're the only one to know." "At 10 o'clock I'll read the letter." "Can I see your pass?" " I don't understand." "Until tomorrow no one can get in or out without a pass." "It's Her Majesty's will." "Good..." "Countess Lehmann may pass!" "Casanova!" "Why are you deserting the party?" "I confess I was rather bored... until a minute ago." " What's changed now?" "Everything!" "Since you arrived." " Really?" "Didn't you want to meet Her Majesty?" "Yes, thank you, I've already had the honour." "You don't sound enthusiastic." "Catherine is very interesting as a queen, but little, as a woman." "Oh, yes?" "And who would be an interesting woman, for example?" "You!" "I figured that you'd say that." "You lie so well, it's a pleasure to believe you!" "Now, accompany me." "Over there?" "All those boring people!" "You wouldn't want to spend the entire night alone." "I wouldn't dream of it!" "Why don't we go away together?" "You're too presumptuous." " And you are... too beautiful!" "A magnificent evening, your Majesty." " Yes, it's started well." "But I'm sure you'll appreciate the finale even more!" "I don't doubt it!" "Well?" " Careful, she might see us." "You're right, we can't stay here." "It would take an undisturbed place." "But I came here specially from my country home." "It's almost 10 o'clock, your Majesty." "Bring the letter." "Let's go back to your house." "I feel we will spend there divine hours." "I'm forgetting!" "It's impossible to leave the palace." "Don't worry about that." "I have a pass." "Gentlemen... certainly you've wondered why my sudden invitation tonight." "The time has come to satisfy your curiosity." "Count Orlov will now read a letter that regards, rather intimately, the family of the current Doge of the Republic of Venice." "Your Majesty, I don't think..." " Count Adolfin, please!" "If there had to be some intervention on the part of your Republic, it had to take place two months ago, when we offered our alliance." "Read, Orlov." ""My kind and generous queen..."" ""I shall forever be haunted by the memory of your resplendent shoulders,"" ""and of your tempting lips."" ""When you will read these words..."" "Well?" "I don't know if I should continue." " Don't be an idiot!" "As you wish." ""When you will read these words,"" ""Your ardent, impetuous, admirer"" ""Will be, alas, far from you and from old Russia,"" ""on the road to Venice."" ""I hope you'll forgive me for the letters exchange which I had to do under your very eyes to help another queen, mine."" ""Your unworthy servant, Giacomo Ca..."" "Scoundrel!" "Are you crazy?" " Never been smarter!" "My house isn't this way, this is the road to Warsaw!" " Precisely!" "What?" " I'm going to Warsaw, you?" "Stop, I want to get off!" " I advise it." "You're despicable!" "Leaving a woman in the steppe!" "I saw a hut not far from here." "If you want to get back on, hurry up!" "If you still don't know, I'm fleeing." "For the same reason you stole my horses: the letter!" "Don't fool yourself." "Catherine's cossacks will kill you before you reach the border!" "You don't know about the steppe!" "And you don't know who I am!" "Thanks for the horses!" "Three horses, right now, at any price." " I'll give you my best ones." " Help him." "How far to the border?" " 20 versts, but the bridge is unsafe." "I'll cross anyway." " I don't advise it." " I don't care, I'm in a hurry!" "You're always in a hurry." "Elisabetta!" "Surprised to see me?" "What are you doing here?" "I was waiting for you." "Don't you admire my patience?" "I've been waiting since that night." " Please don't joke." " I'm not in the mood." "If you must know, I'm waiting for the coach to Petersburg." "If you keep looking at me like that" "I'll end up believing my presence has upset you." "That's right!" "It's all so unbelievable!" "Finding you here, when I thought you were..." "Distant and serene waiting for a love meeting?" "Is that what you mean?" "But I'm here, banished from that house like the worst servant!" " But why?" "For the most grotesque reason!" "Count Yepatiev thought that I favored your love meeting with his wife." "Can you believe it?" "Me, your accomplice!" "And now I'm here, full of hate for you, for everyone!" "I'll find a job in Russia, to be away from my memories, from everything!" "Elisabetta, how can you talk like that?" " And how should I talk?" "Yes, I should hear you say that I shouldn't think, that I'm the only woman in your life, your only love!" "Is this what you want to say?" "This what I must think?" "The sled is ready behind the house!" "There's not a minute to lose!" "Go to the hell, I'm not leaving anymore!" " What?" "Why stay?" "Leave!" "Some other woman is awaiting you, as always!" "Go!" "I'm not leaving you, even if it costs me my life!" "I know you don't trust me, but every second brings me closer to death, but I don't care!" "I do it because I want you to believe in me!" "To believe in my love!" "Catherine's cossacks are looking for me, to kill me!" "Poor Casanova, the sentimental hero!" "Throwing away his life for the love of an ungrateful girl!" "It's funny..." "It's so funny!" "No, you're the only one I ever really loved." "Will you come away with me?" "Only to be abandoned like countless other women?" "That will never happen, believe me!" "Trust me!" "I really am tempted." "Your voice sounds so sincere..." "But I can't forget that night, in the library... you seemed sincere." "But it was so horrible watching you enter that woman's room." "I can't believe you!" "The cossacks are coming!" " Leave me alone!" "They're on the hill!" "They'll be here in a minute!" "Listen, Gennaro, can you drive the sled?" " The sled?" "Go to Venice and give this letter to the Doge's wife!" "But..." " Just go!" "Come on, get moving!" "Go ahead, I said!" "Get moving!" "The cossacks!" "Save yourself!" "Do you believe me, now?" " Yes, now run away!" "Not without you!" " Please!" "You'll come with me?" " Yes!" "The bridge!" "All is lost!" "We can't go by there!" "There is no other way!" " It won't hold up!" " It must!" "Be brave, Elisabetta, we're safe now." "What's the matter?" "Elisabetta!" "My journey is over." "Don't worry, it's nothing, you'll see!" "We'll get to a village and find help." "No, it's pointless." "I'll stay here, and you'll go alone." "It's your destiny that wants it." " Do not talk like that!" " Why?" "I've been with you until the end." "It was what I dreamed of, and God answered me." "I'm not suffering, you know." "I'm just very cold!" "Hold me tight, my love!" "Kiss me!" "Elisabetta!" "Elisabetta!" "And so, after a dizzying escape,.." "I finally managed to penetrate into the territory of the Republic." "I'm very glad to have freed you from the nightmare that haunted you." "I think now I can ask permission to go." " To go?" "You seem to be forgetting a very important detail." "Which one?" "The letter." "You haven't given it to me." "Oh!" "Right, what a fool!" "Well then?" "Confess that you don't believe my word." "Indeed." "Since you didn't believe my word, allow me to doubt yours." " That is to say?" "I don't see yet freed my brother." "That's fair." "Tell the police chief to release immediately the prisoner that he knows." "Do you like?" "What?" " Weren't you looking at that woman in the gondola?" "No, your Highness." "I was thinking of another woman." "Don't tell me you fell in love on your trip?" " Yes." "And this time without hope." " You, Casanova?" "Is that possible?" "True." "She was the only woman I might have loved." "And I lost her." "What?" "Someone managed to take a woman away from you?" "Yes, a rival against whom it's impossible to fight." "Who?" "Death." "Subs revised and re-timed by edam17@KG January 2014" "Previously subtitled by jandek @ SMz"