Della mia bella incognita

English Libretto or Translation:

SCENE ONE
A magnificent hall in the Ducal Palace, Mantua.
Doors at the far end lead to other rooms; all are splendidly illuminated and thronged with a courtly company of knights and ladies in rich attire. Pages pass to and fro. The merrymaking is at its height. From within, the sound of music.
The Duke and Borsa emerge from a door at the far end.

No. 2 - Introduction

DUKE
I intend to clinch my affair
with that nameless beauty of the bourgeoisie.

BORSA
The girl you've seen in church?

DUKE
Every feast?day for the past three months.

BORSA
Where does she live?

DUKE
In a quiet back?alley;
a mysterious man goes there every night.

BORSA
And does she know
who her admirer is?

DUKE
No, she doesn't.

A group of ladies with their cavaliers cross the room.

BORSA
What a bunch of beauties! Look at them!

DUKE
But Ceprano's wife beats them all.

BORSA
Don't let the Count hear you, my lord!

DUKE
What do I care?

BORSA
He might tell another woman.