Viva la buona compagnia

English Libretto or Translation:

Leonora goes back into the room, closing the door.

Scena

All resume their places. A flask is passed round.

STUDENT
Here's to our good company!

PREZIOSILLA, ALCALDE, GIRLS, MULETEERS, PEASANTS
Hurrah!

STUDENT
lifting his glass
Health here, eternal glory later!

PREZIOSILLA, ALCALDE, GIRLS, MULETEERS, PEASANTS
doing likewise
Hear, hear!

STUDENT
Are you already with the angels, Trabuco?

TRABUCO
What? In this hell-hole?

STUDENT
And did that little thing with you
come for the celebration?

TRABUCO
I don't know.

STUDENT
By the way -
is it a cock or a hen?

TRABUCO
A traveller's money is all I notice.

STUDENT
Very prudent of you.
turning to the Alcalde
You saw him arrive.
Why didn't he come supper?

ALCALDE
I don't know.

STUDENT
It’s said he asked for vinegar and water
ha, ha! to refresh himself.

ALCALDE
It may be.

STUDENT
It’s true that he's delicate and beardless?

ALCALDE
I know nothing.

STUDENT
(He won't talk.)
to Trabuco
I turn to you again.
Did he ride the mule
Side-saddle or astride?

TRABUCO
impatiently
This is a bore!

STUDENT
Where did he come from?

TRABUCO
rising
I know sooner or later I'll go to heaven!

STUDENT
Why?

TRABUCO
Because you're making me
Suffer purgatory.

STUDENT
Where are you going now?

TRABUCO
To the stable,
to sleep with my mules,
who know no Latin
and aren't Bachelors of Arts.
To sleep with my mules,
who know no Latin;
to sleep with my mules
who aren't Bachelors of Arts.

He takes up his saddle and leaves.

PREZIOSILLA, ALCALDE, STUDENT, GIRLS, MULETEERS, PEASANTS
Ha, ha - he's fled!