Di fare il segno convenuto

English Libretto or Translation:

COLOMBINA
turning restlessly downstage again
The moment approaches
to give the agreed signal,
and Arlecchino is waiting!

She sits down agitatedly, turning her back to the door on the right. This opens and Tonio enters in the costume of the servant Taddeo, with a well-laden basket on his left arm. He stops to gaze at Nedda with a mock-tragic air.

TADDEO
It is she!
Heavens, how beautiful she is!
The audience laughs.
If I could but reveal
to this beauteous creature
this love of mine
which would move the stones!
Her husband's far away, why not risk it?
We are alone and no one can suspect us.
Come on; let's try. Ah!

COLOMBINA
turning round
Is that you, you dog?

TADDEO
without moving
Yes, it's me.

COLOMBINA
And Pagliaccio has left?

TADDEO
as before
He's left.

COLOMBINA
What are you standing there for?
Where's the chicken you bought?

TADDEO
Here it is, divine maid!
throws himself on his knees and offers the basket with both hands to Colombina, who goes towards him
Yes, here are both of us
at your feet,
for the moment has come,
o Colombina,
to open my heart to you.
Will you hear me?
From the day …

Colombina goes to the window, opens it and makes a signal, then turns to Taddeo.

COLOMBINA
snatching the basket from him
How much did you spend at the shop?

TADDEO
One?fifty.
From that day my heart …

COLOMBINA
Don't bother me, Taddeo!

Arlecchino jumps in through the window, puts on the ground a bottle he carries under his arm, and goes towards Taddeo, while the others pretend not to see him.

TADDEO
I know that you are pure
and chaste as the snow!
But though you show yourself harsh,
O cannot put you out of my mind!

ARLECCHINO
taking him by the ear, giving him a kick and forcing him to rise
Go and get some air!

TADDEO
retreating comically towards the right?hand door
Heavens! they love each other!
I yield at your words.
to Arlecchino
My blessing on you! …
There … I'll watch over you