ACT II


Scene 1
A room in Don Beltrán's house. Don García, informally dressed, reading a letter. Tristán and Camino.
Don García: "Circumstances force me to do what I would never consider proper otherwise. You will know why tonight if you will accompany the bearer of this letter to a particular balcony. He will also tell you what must not be trusted to pen and paper. God keep you in His care." Who wrote this note to me? Camino: Lucretia de Luna. Don García: I knew it! Something told me it was her! She is the one we saw today at noon, That pretty girl, at the silversmith's! Camino: I suppose you are right! Don García: Oh, man! I'm in luck! Now tell me all you know about that girl. Camino: I am surprised you do not know already! I need not tell you she is beautiful. You saw her for yourself. But you could not Have known how smart she is, and well-thought of Besides. Her father is a widower, And he is very old and has a lot Of money. And...he has no other heirs. Don García: Did you hear that, Tristán? Tristán: I did, indeed, And I must say I think she sounds just right. Camino: I need not say her family is well-known, And quite respected. The Luna's always are. Her mother's name, you know, was Mendoza. Her parents on both sides are good people. Lucretia, in effect, could marry a king. Don García: Well, love will have to give me powerful wings To fly to such unscaléd heights, I'm sure. Just tell me where she lives. Camino: At Victoria. Don García: How can I fail! Let's see...the letter says That you will be my guide to "heaven's gates." Camino: Of course. I only want to help you both. Don García: And I am very grateful, as you will see. Camino: I will return tonight at ten for you. Don García: Tell Lucretia she can count on me. Camino: Well, in the meantime, rest. God bless you, sir.
Exit.
Scene ii
Don García: Aha! Just look how love has smiled on me! Has any man had luck like this before? Tristán, you see...of course...the coachman said The prettier one was called Lucretia, right? The one I want to meet? The one I spoke With has to be the one who wrote the note! Tristán: Well, that makes perfect sense. Don García: The other one... Why would she want to write a note to me? Tristán: You can find out what's going on tonight. Don García: This cannot be a trick. I'll know her voice She speaks so soft and tenderly.
Scene iii
A page enters with a letter.
Page: Don García, they sent this letter to you.
(He removes his hat and kneels.)
Don García: Oh, stand up, will you! Page: I was born to serve. Don García: And put your hat back on, now, please. Let's see.
(He reads to himself.)
"There's a certain matter we must solve tonight. Meet me alone at seven, at San Blas." Signed, Don Juan de Sosa. Damn! A duel!! And I thought Juan was my good friend. What could He have against me? I have just arrived!
(To the page.)
Go tell Don Juan I understand his note.
(Exit the Page.)
Tristán: García! Why are you so pale? What's wrong? Don García: Tristán, it's nothing. Tristán: Tell me what is wrong. Don García: No, no. Tristán: It must be something serious. (Aside) Don García: Tristán, go get my cape and sword. Right now.
(Tristán leaves.)
I have not given any cause for this.
Scene iv.
Don Beltrán, Don García, then Tristán:.
Don Beltrán: García... Don García Sir? Don Beltrán: Let's go riding today. I have something to talk about with you. Don García: Was there something else?
(Enter Tristán who gives García his riding cape and sword.)
Don Beltrán: There is. Just where Are you going dressed like that? It's hot today. Don García: I was going to the count's, our neighbor's house; We were going to play a game of cards. Don Beltrán: I do not think you ought to take a chance And play cards with people you don't know. You only arrived here yesterday. Well, go. Just be sure you remember two important things: Place your bets in cash and do not talk. That's all I have to say. Enjoy yourself. García I will follow your advice. Don Beltrán: Before you leave, Be sure you choose a horse and get it ready. Don García: Right away.
(Exit.)
Don Beltrán: I will see you, later.
Scene v
Beltrán and Tristán.
Don Beltrán: I cannot get his words out of my mind! (Aside) Did his advisor really tell the truth?
To Tristán.
Did you spend the day with Don García? Tristán: All day!! Don Beltrán: Forget if you can, Tristán, That he's my son and tell me what you think Of him. You never let me down before. Tristán: I haven't known him long enough to say. Don Beltrán: I think that you're afraid to tell the truth. You've been with him enough for you to tell What kind of man he is. Just tell the truth. Tristán: You promised me one day, some time ago... Don García..., whom I respect..., I think... Don Beltrán: You know I keep my promises, Tristán. You know that you can say what's on your mind. Tristán: Don García has an excellent mind. His reasoning is sharp. He's sometimes proud And childish, careless, too often playful, too. It's obvious that he's from Salamanca. He's learned the students' way of saying things. They all speak recklessly and exaggerate. They also lie without a second thought. They boast and brag about all kinds of things. Today, he told at least seven lies... I'd say in less than an hour, more or less. Don Beltrán: Oh, Lord... Tristán: You should not be surprised at that. I still have not told you the worst part yet. He tells such simple lies that anyone Could catch him in them. He's not too good at lying! Don Beltrán: Oh, God... Tristán: If you had not insisted, I Never would have told you anything To upset you like this. Don Beltrán: I know you did not mean To do me any harm. I had to know. Tristán: I need not tell you, sir, the trouble I Would have if García should find out that I Have told you this. Don Beltrán: No need to worry there. Go tell them to get the horses ready now.
(Exit Tristán.)
Scene vi
Don Beltrán: Oh, Lord, how could You have allowed something Like this to happen? There must be a good reason. You must want it this way. My only son! My only hope and consolation here On earth! Held back by such a defect in His character! Parents have always had These problems, I am sure. When will we learn! He has to marry as soon as possible, Before they found out what he is really like And no one will accept him as their son. Marriage, I am sure, will make him a better man. No one can take a marriage lightly, ever! All the scolding in the world, the best Advice, won't change him like his wife will do!
Scene vii
Tristán and Beltrán.
Tristán: Since you said you were in a hurry to leave, They're shoeing the horses at the courtyard wall. The dapple's trying out a different gait, And the bay is studying how to hold its head. Don Beltrán: Go tell García we are ready to ride. Tristán: He is waiting for you there. He looks just fine. Madrid will think that dawn has come again.
(Exeunt.)
Scene viii
A living room in Don Sancho's house. Isabel and Jacinta are there.
Isabel: And just as you advised, Lucretia wrote García that she would be waiting there For him, out on her balcony, so you Could talk with him. Camino took the note. You can be sure that he delivered it. Jacinta: I'm in Lucretia's debt. Isabel: She is a your friend. Jacinta: What time is it? Isabel: I think it's five o'clock. Jacinta: I can't stop thinking of Don Juan. I dreamt That he was jealous, that he thought I liked Somebody else! (They look out their window.) Isabel: Oh! Ma'am! Beltrán is here And riding next to him...the American! Jacinta: What are you saying?! Isabel: I said the man you met Today while at the silversmith's is on The other horse!! See? Look, there, for yourself. Jacinta: I'll be! I swear I think you're right. Did you ever Hear of such a thing? How could that rascal Pretend to be American, when he Is Beltrán's son? Isabel: The men who play that trick Think money is the key to everything. He must have thought King Midas has more power Over you than handsome, young Narcissus. Jacinta: He also lied when he told me that he Had been observing me for all this year. Beltrán told me his son had just arrived From Salamanca yesterday. Isabel: Well, think, My lady, maybe what has happened is... He saw you just one year ago in Madrid. And then he left for school in Salamanca! Besides, how can you blame a man who wants To win someone like you, even if He tells some little lies? It's obvious That he is serious. He sent his father To speak to you and brought him to your home. It can't be just good luck, Jacinta, that He saw you and then fell in love that quick. He sent his father to talk about a wedding!! Jacinta: I think you're right. And I will bet the time Between his seeing me and speaking to His father was very brief. Isabel: He found out who You are, met his father at the shop, Told him what he felt and he, knowing Just how wonderful you are, then and there, Decided to come right over to discuss it. Jacinta: He loves his son. That must be how it happened. But however it transpired, I am glad. I like what I have seen. His father has Agreed. He loves me. So, consider it done.
(Exeunt.)
Scene ix
The park in Atocha. Don Beltr&anacute; and Don García in riding clothes on horseback.
Don Beltrán: And how about that horse? Don García: He's the best! Don Beltrán: He really is a beauty. Don García: Perfectly trained: He is spirited and proud, yet controlled. Don Beltrán: He was your brother Gabriel's own horse. Don García: There's no one in Atocha riding now. So you can say whatever is on your mind. Don Beltrán: You mean whatever is troubling me, Garcia. Do you consider yourself a gentleman? Don García: Of course! I am your son. Don Beltrán: And that is it? Don García: What else is there? Don Beltrán: I can't believe you think That way. A gentleman is made, not born. Your actions make you worthy of respect. How do you think the noble houses started? The actions of their founders established them. Nobility does not consider birth: The deeds of brave, good men and women, although They may have lived in poverty, have brought Great honor to their children and decendants. Good deeds or evil deeds will make a person Good or bad. Don't you think that's so? Say something. Don García: That one's deeds determine one's nobility? Of that there is no doubt. But don't deny it: Nobility can pass down to one's heirs. Don Beltrán: Will you admit that honor must be earned? Then you'll admit the opposite is true: The honor one inherits can be lost. Don García: That's true. Don Beltrán: Therefore, although you are my son, If you persist in doing wrong, you will Not be a gentleman of honor long. And if your way of life makes people think That you cannot be trusted, then what good Are my accomplishments or those of your Ancestors? Do you know what I have heard? Just let me tell you what I learned about Your life at Salamanca, how your tricks And lies made quite a stir. You call yourself A gentleman? Please. Don't make me laugh. If to call a man a liar is enough To justify a fight, no matter if He is well-known or a total stranger, Can you imagine what will happen if It's true!! You know, we have traditions which Can guarantee that we are trustworthy. Certain customs have required that we Defy that man who claims that we have lied. Are you so cruel that you could use your sword And challenge every man who knew for sure That you are telling lies? Are you so weak As to live addicted to a vice that brings No pleasure or rewards? Some men are caught By sensuality; money has Brought many to their knees. And some fall prey To power. Others simply have to have Fine foods and wine. The chance to win new friends Make some men like to gamble. Others are Compelled to murder, simply for revenge. Necessity makes thieves of men. And pride, Like the desire for praise, make some men want To fight. It seems that every vice can bring Men pleasure or some benefit. But what Can lying do, except dishonor you? Don García: Whoever said I lie has lied to you. Don Beltrán: You're lying now! Can't you defend yourself Without telling me another lie? Don García: If you Have made your mind up to distrust me, then, I can't say anything that you'll believe. Don Beltrán: Don't you think I'd be a fool to believe That you're the only one who tells the truth And everybody else is telling lies? What you must do is prove them wrong by what You do and not by what you say. Pretend The world has just begun. Be still and talk As little as you can, but always tell The truth!!. Now, look. Right now, we have a king Who is a just and worthy man. That means He will not let your errors slide because He has his own mistakes to hide. Now, think! The men you will be dealing with at court Are grandees and are gentlemen of rank. And once they know your weaknesses, you'll lose All their respect. You are a man, now, with A sword. Your family is respected and I am your father, after all. There is No more to say. One lecture is enough, I think, for anyone who has good sense. Just so you know I have your best interests At heart, I'll tell you now that I have found A wife for you, a woman you deserve. Don García: Lucretia? Don Beltrán: There has never been a girl More blessed with all a man would want to have. Jacinta is my friend Pacheco's daughter. She is the one to give me my grandchild. Don García: But what about Lucretia! I love her! Aside Don Beltrán: Now tell me what you think of all I've said. Don García: Lucretia! She's the only one I want!! Aside Don Beltrán: Well, say something!! Why won't you answer me? Don García: I'm sorry but I can't do what you ask. Don Beltrán: Why not? Don García: Because I'm married. Don Beltrán: Married?!! How?!! How could you be and I know nothing of it? Don García: I had to marry her. It was a secret. Don Beltrán: Is this what being a father has come to mean? Don García: Do not get so upset. I'll tell you why. You might just think that things are better now. Don Beltrán: Well tell me, boy!! I can hardly breathe! Don García: This had better be good. Aside
(Very quickly)
In Salamanca, sir, there lives A certain family. Pedro de Herrera is As proud as he can be, The father of a loverly girl, No one could ask for more, All the gifts that nature gives... She has them by the score. Let me keep my story short, She is a noble lass, But fortune has not favored her: They're as poor as sassafras. Besides, she'll never, ever win The title to their land. Her father has two older boys His heirs, by the court's command. One night she took the Phaeton out To Tormes' leafy banks, 'twas there I saw her beauty shine. I still am giving thanks! I still don't know why people say That love sets us on fire. I think Cupid shot me with ice: My heart froze with desire. I could not move; I couldn't speak. I felt my face turn red! I could not see; I couldn't walk. I felt like I was dead. I found out where she lived at last And passed her house each day; I walked along her street at night, You'd think I'd lost my way. I wrote her lovely notes to say My love was honest, true. I found a maid to carry them. There was nothing I could do. A goddess, too, responds to love, That's all I have to say: She pitied me, or fell in love. She answered me one day. I wrote her more and better notes And she liked what I said: So much, in fact, I found myself One evening in her bed!!! And things were really going great. We were learning more and more, When all at once, we heard a noise!! Her father, at the door!!! I guess because I didn't know All that I ought to do, My luck turned bad, she kicked me out... But what am I telling you? Just like a woman, she got upset And threw me on the floor. I think she knocked me out, I guess, I don't remember more. She pushed me down behind her bed. Her father entered the place. She pretended she was glad he'd come, And pulled him to her face. He thought, of course, it was a hug; She wanted to catch her breath. She knew if he should see me there It meant our certain death. Her father started to explain That he had wonderful news: She was to marry a Monroy, There was no need to choose. Then I came to and heard them speak. She said her piece quite well: She did not tell her father no Nor hopes of mine dispel. Her father stood as if to leave... You won't believe a thing... I curse the man who invented the watch, 'cause mine began to ring!! Don Pedro heard it, came back in And asked "What is that sound?" His daughter said, "My cousin James Sent me his watch from town, Since where he lives there is no one Who knew how to repair A watch as fine as Cousin James',... He trusted me with its care." Her father said,"Give it to me! I'll bring it back tonight!" But Sancha stumbled over her bed... Her name is Sancha, right?... She had to take it from my neck Before her father came. I handed it to her and quick, But bad luck fooled our game. The cord that kept my watch in place Caught on a gun I had. The gun went off and Sancha fell. I thought her dad went mad! He called for help and woke the house. I had to draw my sword. His two sons came, and with their men. The blood I think I poured! Although I got the best of them, When the fates do not agree There's nothing any man can do I could not quite get free. I fought my way out through the door But had to go back in; The handle of my sword got caught On a knocker made of tin. The brothers fought me furiously, And Sancha awoke at last. She pushed the door closed on their hands, We both were locked in, fast. We pushed a chest against the door To cool their rage some more. We tried to fortify the room, But they broke through the door. I learned delay can not dispel The anger of some men: Noblemen, affronted, want To make wrongs right again. Standing there, next to her, She having done no wrong, And knowing that she shared my fate, I had to go along. I had to reward her loyalty, I had to end her fear, I had to soothe all my desires, And live another year! I asked them to forget our feud By grafting our family trees. They saw the danger in saying no But did not quite agree. They talked it over and considering that Our wealth is not the least. Their father found a bishop who Said, "Marry! Find a priest!" We followed the bishop's orders and Were married that very day. We agreed not to tell you then Since you had had no say. I guess you had to find this out One day during your life. Would you rather I had died? Or lived For a poor, but noble, wife? Don Beltrán: It is obvious that fate had intervened And found for you a wife you can respect. The only thing I must complain about Is that you did not tell me soon enough. Don García: I was afraid that you would be upset. Don Beltrán: If she is from a good, old family, It does not matter that she might be poor. If only I had known about this sooner! Consider what a fix you've put me in!! I never would have promised Doña Jacinta! And now I have to tell her you got married. Go get your horse. Be home before it's dark. We have a lot to talk about tonight. Don García: I will. Do you hear the bells for evening prayers?
(Exit Don Beltrán.)
Scene x
Don García: It seems to me I got away with it! My father left, believing everything! He can't say now that lying is a vice Without rewards or pleasures. I enjoyed Seeing how he took me at my word. And my reward is that I will not have A wife I do not want. What a laugh! He scolded me because he knows I lie, And yet he fell for the biggest lie I've told! The ones who love us most are the biggest fools. It seems that people who tell the truth Believe that everybody else does, too. They fall for every lie they hear! But now, Don Juan is somewhere waiting for me to fight.
(To someone offstage)
Ho! Get over here and bring my horse. Such awful things are happening since I Came home from school, I think I will go crazy: I'm in love, then married, then challenged to a duel!
Scene xi
Don Juan and Don García.
Don Juan: You've shown the kind of man you are, again. Don García: How could anyone who knows my family Think badly of me? You had best explain. I cannot wait to hear why you oppose My moving to Madrid. Don Juan: The girl you said You took out to the river, late last night, Is why you owe me an explanation. Let Me say that we have been engaged for just Two years. You say you've been here for a month. You must have known about that girl and me Because you kept out of my sight for all This time. You have insulted me, you see. It all comes down to making up your mind: You either stop going out with her, or else You draw your sword and may the best man win. Don García: It really is too bad when someone does Not understand the situation. You Called me out for that? Don Juan de Sosa! Why, you have never met the lady who I took out to the river. She could never Be your fiancée!! She's married, and Besides, she just came to Madrid last week. The only person she knows here is me. And if the woman I was with last night Were who you think she is, I'd swear right now To never see her, ever, ever again. I give my word! Or take me for a liar! Don Juan: What you say makes perfect sense. It's over.
(He offers him his hand.)
Don García: Oh, not so fast!! The fact you doubted me, Then challenged me, means it's not over yet. You were free to call me out, but once you did, I have no choice because of the family name: I have to win or die. Don Juan: I still am mad... Although I have no cause. Prepare to fight.
(They draw swords and fight.)
Scene xii
Don Juan, Don García and Don Félix.
Don Félix: Now gentlemen! Since I am here, you'll stop! Don García: I'd like to meet the man who could stop me! Don Félix: Just put your swords away! You both are wrong. There is no reason for you two to fight. Don Juan: García has already said that, too. But since a challenge has been made, he drew His sword, instead of backing down. Don Félix: You both Responded as you should. You proved your worth. But let me have the honor of making peace. Shake hands, now, and offer your forgiveness.
(They shake hands.)
Don García: Since that is what you want, that is what we'll do. Don Juan, from here on out, watch how you throw Your weight around. When something is important, You should, perhaps, try something else before You challenge someone to a duel! Do not Begin your battles with your last resort.
(Exit.)
Scene xiii
Don Juan and Don Félix.
Don Félix: It really was good luck I came along! Don Juan: You mean I really was mistaken, then? Don Félix: You were. Don Juan: But how can you be sure of that? Don Félix: Lucretia's servant told me everything. Don Juan: Then you tell me. Don Félix: The truth is that Jacinta's Coachman did drive her coach to Soltillo grove Last night, and the passengers did have a party. But someone else had borrowed it to go. Jacinta had gone to see Lucretia, too, Then she saw those two man-hungry cousins. You know. Don Juan: The same two girls who used to live with Carmen? Don Félix: Exactly. And those two asked if they could use The coach last night. When it was dark, they took It to the river. Your page...the one you left To follow them?...saw two women ride Into the park at dusk and thought they were Jacinta and Lucretia. Don Juan: So he said. Don Félix: He followed the coach as he was told, and when They reached Sotillo grove, he left them there With their dinner and music and returned to Madrid. It was a shame he did not find you home, Because you could have gone and seen that he Was wrong. Don Juan: Well, that makes perfect sense to me! How glad I am that I was wrong! It does Not matter now that I was really angry. Don Félix: There is something very strange you have to know. Don Juan: What's that? Don Félix: García just arrived in town The day before the party at the river, He rode all day from Salamanca here, Then went to bed and slept throughout The night. The story that he told about The party in the grove was only that: A story. Don Juan: What?!! How can you be so sure? Don Félix: I'm telling you the truth. Don Juan: García a liar? Don Félix: Why, anyone could see that he was lying. All that guff about the crystal and The gold and silver cups and orchestras Concealed in several huts, a certain lie. Don Juan: I'd like to think that you are right, but how Can someone tell such lies and still be brave Enough to fight like him? He'd be a match For Hercules. Don Félix: His bravery was born With him; lying is a vice he learned. Don Juan: Let's go, Félix. I have to ask Jacinta To forgive me and explain how that man's lies Led me to doubt her word. Don Félix: I, for one, Will never believe a thing he says again. Don Juan: And as for me, even when he tells The truth, I can not take him at his word.
Scene xiv
Tristán, García and Camino dressed for travelling at night.
Don García: I hope my father can forgive my lies. Tristán: I think you made up your excuse quite well. But now, what will you do to keep your dad From finding out that you have lied to him? Don García: I'll intercept whatever letters he May send to Salamanca and I'll write Replies to keep the story going, I suppose.
Scene xv
Jacinta, Lucretia, and Isabel at their window. Don García, Tristán and Camino on the street below.
Jacinta: And that is what Beltrán told me about García's marriage. I've never seen him so upset. Can you imagine? I agreed to marry Don García! Lucretia: You mean that Beltrán's son Is the American we met or rather that Young man who said he was from Chile? Jacinta: Yes!! Lucretia: But who told you about the park last night? Jacinta: Don Juan. Lucretia: How did he have time to talk to you? Jacinta: At dusk last night, he found the time. Lucretia: That man Has got a talent for complicating things!! You really ought to get even with him, though. Jacinta: Look! Those three men are coming up the street! Lucretia: It's Don García. He is right on time. Jacinta: Go, Isabel, stand guard inside so we Can talk, then warn us if my uncle comes. Lucretia: My father keeps on talking, on and on About...I don't know what with your uncle. Isabel: I'll let you know if they come out this way.
(Exit. Camino speaks to García.)
Camino: That is the window where you'll see your love.
Scene xvi
Don García and Tristán in the street; Jacinta and Lucretia at their window. It is dark.
Lucretia: You know the situation well enough: You talk to him for me. I'll listen inside. Don García: Lucretia? Jacinta: Don García? Don García: I am the one Who found a jewel today at the silversmith's. I saw its worth then offered my life and soul To have it for my own. I am the one Who would be proud to say that I am yours. I feel like I have just begun to live. I'll do whatever Lucretia wants me to. Jacinta: This man has love enough for everyone!! To Lucretia. Lucretia: He's false... Jacinta: A liar... Don García: Tell me what you want. Jacinta: But it would do no good for you to know. Tristán: Are you quite sure that girl is really her? To García Don García: It has to be. To Tristán Jacinta: I wanted to discuss A marriage which I know can never be. Don García: Why not? Jacinta: You're married, that is why! Don García: I'm not!!! Jacinta: I know you are. Don García: I am not married, I swear To you. Whoever said I was has lied. Jacinta: What do you think? To Lucretia Lucretia: All he does is lie. To Jacinta Jacinta: Why should I believe what you have said? Don García: I swear to God, I'm not a married man. Jacinta: He swears he's not! To Lucretia Lucretia: Liars always swear To Jacinta To make themselves believed. Don García: If heaven wants Your love to be the culminating joy Of my whole life, do not lose our chance For happiness because of something that I can prove so easily. Jacinta: Look how Aside He lies! It really seems he that he has told The truth!! Don García: I offer you my hand and swear You can believe what I am telling you. Jacinta: You are the type of man who promises Anything to every girl he meets. Don García: I'm beginning to think that you don't really trust me. Jacinta: Well, what can you expect? First you claim To be an American, and then you say You've loved me for a year. But I know you Arrived from school just yesterday. Today, You said you married a girl in Salamanca, And now you say you're single? Next, you say You entertained a lady all last night With a banquet at the river when, in fact, You spent the night at home, asleep in bed. Tristán: She knows. Aside Don García: But baby, listen to me, please. You must let me tell you the truth, now that I understand how you have been misled. I'm going through a lot. No matter, though. What matters is to choose our wedding day. How can you blame me for those lies when you Are why I said I married someone at school? Jacinta: How can you say that I'm to blame? Don García: You are! Jacinta: I want an explanation. Don García: I would like To give you one. Jacinta: He's going to do it again! To Lucretia Don García: My father came to talk to me today, To tell me how he found a wife for me. But since I've come to love just you alone I told him I had married while at school. As far as anyone can tell, I am Already married. Only you know it's A lie. That was the only way I could Put off his plans. Your note forced me to do it. That is how it is. My lie really Stands for the truth! Don't you see it means I love you? Lucretia: Is there a chance he might be telling the truth? Aside He is awfully cute. Jacinta: This guy's a liar. To Lucretia I can't believe how fast he makes them up.
(Aloud)
I can't believe that you can be in love. You've only seen me once. We've barely met, And now, you say you want to marry me!! Don García: It's true, I've only seen you once. And yet My love for you has made me take this chance. They say the cause of love may be the gods. If that is true, the effect of love would be Miraculous. The god of love is a child With wings to fly. He must not walk too well! To say you needed time to conquer me Denies the power of this love, Lucretia. You say I love you without knowing you. I know you better than you think. At least, I know how fortune smiled on you. You are A Luna, a Mendoza, your mother is Deceased. You are their only child, as well. Your father has an income more than most, With monthly rents in thousands of doubloons. How can you say I do not know you well? I wish you knew me half as well as I Know you! Lucretia: He's really getting to me, now. Aside Jacinta: Well, don't you think Jacinta's pretty, too? And smart enough that any man would want Her for his wife? Don García: She's pretty and she's smart, But not for me. Jacinta: Then, what is wrong with her? Don García: Not a thing. I do not love her, that is all. Jacinta: And I was going to try to see you two Get married. That is why I called you here. Don García: I'm afraid that all your efforts will lead nowhere. My father tried to do that very thing And I told him that lie to put him off. If everyone insists I marry Jacinta, I swear, I'll find some girl from Istanbul. I cannot stand to think that anyone Will ever be my wife but you, Lucretia. Jacinta: If only what he said were really true! Aside
(Aloud)
How could you lie to me like that!! Tell me!! Have you forgotten? You really have no shame. Today, you told Jacinta you love her, And now you have the gall to say you don't! Don García: Good Lord!! How could I love Jacinta when The only girl I know at court is you? Jacinta: Your shameless lying has gone far enough. How could you lie about what I have seen With my own two eyes? You do not recognize The truth?! It's right before your eyes!! Now, go away. From here on out, just think That all the time I spent here listening to you Was just to amuse myself, to pass the time, You know, as people sometimes read some book To take their minds off business for a while.
(Exit.)
Don García: Lucretia!! You have to hear me out! Come back! Lucretia: Now I am so confused... Aside Don García: It's so unfair! How can you not believe the truth? Come back! Tristán: When liars tell the truth, it doesn't matter. Don García: I can't believe she did that. What is wrong With her? Tristán: You should not be surprised at her. She caught you in a lie. Actually, In four or five. From here on out, I guess, You'll understand the price for lying, just For fun, is-- no one will believe you when You try to start to tell the truth again.
(Exeunt.)

End of Act II

Love's True Lies, Act III


Electronic text by Vern G. Williamsen and J T Abraham
Additional formatting by Matthew D. Stroud
 

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Association for Hispanic Classical Theater, Inc.


Most recent update: 28 Jun 2002