TUTTI Sempre questo lo lo stile Del gran mondo signorile; Come cambiano di veste Così cambiano d'umor. Noi felici, noi contenti, Benchè rozzi servitori! Non facciamo complimenti Nelle nozze e negli amori: Niun segreto è in noi rinchiuso, Parla sempre aperto il muso; Siam ne' giorni della festa Pari ai giorni di lavor,
Entra Edoardo.
EDOARDO Buoni amici! … Voi sapete Come fu crudel mio fato.
CORO Ma, signore, che volete? Tale il mondo ognora è stato. Non virtudi, ma denari Comperare or ponno amor.
English Libretto or Translation:
SCENE 1 A gallery. Servants of the Baron.
No. 17 - Chorus and Aria
CHORUS 1ST GROUP Then the wedding won't take place?
2ND GROUP Everything has gone up in smoke.
1ST GROUP Who caused the trouble?
2ND GROUP Whs does everyone look so sad?
ALL This has always been the fashion of the world of the aristocracy; they change their moods as easily as they change their clothes. We are happy and content, although we are only lowly servants. We don't stand on ceremony in either marriage or love. We have no secrets, we are frank and honest. On festive occasions or on work days, we are always the same.
Enter Edoardo
EDOARDO My good friends! You know how cruelly fate has treated me.
CHORUS But sir, what do you expect? The world has always been like that. Money, not virtue, has the power to buy love.