2 Scene 2
ALDORA
Pensive, cousin, you have remained.
ROSAURA
I find no satisfaction in my fate, Aldora.
Those announcements I fear.
I do not know if I should choose an ungrateful man as my lord.
I would like, my cousin,
to first see and know these gentlemen
whom my vassals have proposed to me.
And if from any of them I like the art, the presence, the wit,
to know his condition
and to read in the depths of his soul,
the heart, the pleasure, speech, and understanding.
To understand the intention, to examine the nature
of his heart, whether gentle or ambitious and foolish.
But if none of this I can know,
and I have to throw myself into the deep sea of choosing a man
who will govern this empire and my soul with total freedom,
perhaps ambitious or blind,
what pleasure can I have when, oh God,
I consider myself a slave, being lady and vassal, being mistress?
ALDORA
You think wisely.
But it is impossible to penetrate the secrets
of the hearts and the soul.
The most I can do for you,
since you know my skill with magic arts,
is to first show you, in flesh and bone,
these proposed princes.
And if it is possible to know the causes by the effects,
seeing what they occupy themselves with
it will be easy to know which is wise,
which arrogant or modest,
which prudent or studious
which loving and which tender.
And likewise, it is necessary that you decide for one of them
before, in their presence, shame prevents you from choosing
ROSAURA
Oh, Aldora! How much I owe you.
If you want to do what you say, quickly, cousin, quickly, quickly.
For you know that we women almost always sin out of curiosity.
Perform your magic, execute your wonders, I am dying to see them
ALDORA
You will see them soon; listen.
ROSAURA
With all my soul I listen.
ALDORA
Unfortunate spirits who live in the dreadful kingdom,
by those black flames without light and with fire,
I call you, I urge you, and I command
that together you show at the same time,
the most excellent princes, in the manner they are:
from Poland, Frederick; from Transylvania, Robert;
from Scotland, Edward; from France, Partinuplés…
Is that enough?
ROSAURA
Yes, cousin; I am amazed.
ALDORA
Well, make these four figures appear before our eyes shortly.
The four appear on stage as she has named them.
ROSAURA
Heaven help me,
what do I see, beautiful Aldora? What is this?
ALDORA
This one you see so gallant,
who before a mirror transfers the perfections
of his valiant and graceful body, is Frederick, from Poland.
She points to each one.
That one who is reading, studious and distracted,
is Edward, from the kingdom of Scotland, noble prince.
Wise, ingenious, and judicious, philosopher and astrologer.
That one, who adorns his gallant chest with clean steel,
is the brave Robert, Prince of Transylvania.
The one there, absorbed, looking at the sun of a beautiful portrait,
is the famous Partinuplés, noble heir of France
for being the nephew of the king,
who offers him in marriage to Lisbella, his cousin.
Noble prince, modest, gentle, courtly,
brave, with great spirit and sensible.
He is the most worthy to be your master among the others.
If he were not – as I have told you—arranged his marriage
with Lisbella.
ROSAURA
With Lisbella?
That’s why, Aldora, that’s why I lean towards that man.
ALDORA
It has difficulty, as I have told you.
ROSAURA
Ah, Aldora! If it did not, another would please me.
But, if he is another’s, how not to attempt an impossibility,
out of envy or desire, even if he has fewer qualities?
ALDORA
Is not the one from Poland handsome?
Is not the one from Scotland wise?
Beautiful the one from Transylvania?
ROSAURA
If the one from Poland admires his graces in his mirror
and boasts of them;
how will he have flattery for me?
If he is a philosopher from Scotland, an astrologer and star-gazer;
how will he have time to caress me,
occupying his thoughts and taking time from study?
If Robert is so brave, who doubts that he will destroy
the wall of my heart with force and tyranny?
And if it were him, the fierce monster that threatens
to ruin my life and that of this empire?
ALDORA
Is it not much worse to surrender to another beauty?
ROSAURA
Do not exaggerate, for everyone knows
that there is no exception in greatness.
I attempt the difficult; the easy is within everyone’s reach.
ALDORA
Well, empress, since Partinuplés pleases you,
I offer you all the help I can.
I will make a portrait of you appear before his sight
and thus love will begin to take effect.
Come with me.
ROSAURA
I go with you.
From today, tyrant god, blind child,
I am a humble butterfly that burns in your sweet fire.