signorina beatrice, allow me to explain. he's fallen in love with the signorina rosaura, daughter of dr. balanzoni and has promised to marry her. oh, no, no. this cannot be true. only too true, i'm afraid. if tonino abandons me, i shall die. if tonino abandons you, here is florindo, ready to serve you. if tonino abandons you, here is one ready to avenge you. in me you will find a faithful lover. with me, you will find unbelievable happiness. i am of noble birth. illustrious blood runs in my veins. i'm not short of money. among my possessions are gold mines. i think you do not find my face too displeasing? you see in me the most handsome man in the world. signorina beatrice, pay no heed to this self-inflated buffoon. don't listen to this effeminate prig. he hasn't a penny to his name. what, beatrice here with two men? - speak, my beloved. - my beloved? open those lips, my beautiful one. my beautiful one? what is this? if tonino has deserted you, then he's a traitor. if tonino has abandoned you, he's an ungrateful swine. tonino

no, signorina beatrice, signor tonino entrusted you to my protection. it is my duty to restrain you. my friendship with signor tonino demands nothing less, as does my love for you. i am determined to go. my heart tells me that i have lost my tonino. what good will there be in staying in verona? here perhaps you may find somebody who'll be convinced of your worth, somebody who would take the place of your dear tonino. i am tonino's or no one's. still. if she stays here, and if her fiance doesn't turn up, little by little i could hope to win her. when he least expects it, i will flee from his protection. ah. oh. oh, here comes that affected dandy lelio forever running after you. heaven knows what would happen if i were not with you. most beautiful venetian, i've just heard from the post driver that you're yearning to return to venice. make use of me. i will give you a coach, horses, grooms, servants, as much money as you like, if you will give the pleasure of accompanying you. what presumptions. signore, permit me to ask, by what right you offer the signo