ALEXANDER PUSHKIN 1799-1837
THE STONE GUEST, 1830
Leporello. O statua gentilissima Del’ gran’ Commendatore! …Ah, Padrone! Don Giovanni
SCENE I
Don Juan and Leporello
DON JUAN
We’ll wait for nightfall here. Ah, finally We’ve reached Madrid. We’re at the gates, and soon I’ll be flying down the streets I know so well, My cape up past my mustache, hat tipped low Over the eyebrows — who could recognize me?
LEPORELLO
O sure! No one could recognize Don Juan! So many just like him — thousands!
DON JUAN Come on, Who could know it’s me?
LEPORELLO
The first policeman, Gypsy girl, or drunk sidewalk musician, Or one of your prancing brother cavaliers Wrapped in his cape, sword tucked under his arm.
DON JUAN
1 What does it matter if I’m recognized! Just so the king himself doesn’t see me, There’s no one else I fear in all Madrid.
LEPORELLO
By breakfast word will surely reach the king That Don Juan, on his own, is back from exile, In Madrid, without permission — what Do you suppose he’ll do?
DON JUAN
He’ll send me back. He probably won’t — wouldn’t cut off my head. My crime record is not against the state. He likes me — sent me away for my own good, To spare me harassment from the family Of my latest victim…
LEPORELLO
Absolutely! And where for your own good you should have stayed.
DON JUAN
A most obedient servant! I almost died From constant boredom in that hole. What people! What a country! Sky? … say more like smoke. And all the women? Ha! Let me tell you, My dear dense Leporello, I wouldn’t swap The last girl peasant left in Andalusia For even the number one beauty there. Oh, yes, at first I liked them well enough: Their blue eyes, fair skin, yes, their modesty. But most of all it was the novelty; But, thank God, soon I had them figured out — I learned, you can’t get near them, it’s a sin — No life in them, wax dolls is all they are; 2 But our girls!… Ah, look where we are. This is A place we know. You recognize it, don’t you?
LEPORELLO
And how could I forget the blessed Convent Of St. Anthony. During your visits — Frequent — I stood in this very grove, Holding both horses. O yes, I do remember Those long nights — much more pleasant were your visits To St. Anthony’s than mine.
DON JUAN (pensively)
Poor Inez! She’s gone, but oh my, how I loved that girl!
LEPORELLO
Inez! That dark eyed girl? Ah I remember. Three months you spent in that pursuit. At last Just barely, with the devil’s help, you won.
DON JUAN
It was July…at night. I always found And odd, agreeable something in her gaze, So sad, her lips, so deathly pale. It’s strange. I think you may have overlooked her beauty. It’s true, there was not much in her you would call Classically beautiful — except the eyes, Only the eyes, the way she looked at me — I’ve never seen a look that told so much. Her voice was soft and weak — a suffering voice. Her husband was a swine — severe, too strict As I found out too late… My poor Inez!
LEPORELLO
Oh well, after her were others. 3 DON JUAN
There were.
LEPORELLO
And long as we’re alive there’ll be still others.
DON JUAN
There will.
LEPORELLO
So now which one here in Madrid Will we be calling on?
DON JUAN
Laura, of course! Let’s hurry off to see her.
LEPORELLO
Right!
DON JUAN
I’ll go straight in the door — and if she should Have company — I’ll show him to the window!
LEPORELLO
Absolutely! Now we’re cheering up, Can’t let dead ladies worry us too long! And who’s this coming our way?
(Enter a Monk)
4 MONK
She’ll come soon. Now who are you— not Dona Anna’s servants?
LEPORELLO
No, we are high class gentlemen, on our own, Just strolling by.
DON JUAN
For whom are you waiting?
MONK
Dona Anna should be coming soon. This is her husbands tomb.
DON JUAN
Dona Anna De Solva? Wife of the esteemed Commander? Killed by…? the name escapes me…
MONK
That reprobate, That heartless, godless, villainous Don Juan!
LEPORELLO
Oho, so it would seem that Don Juan’s fame Has now breached even monastery walls, And holy anchorites now sing his praise.
MONK
Perhaps you know him, then?
5 LEPORELLO
We? Not at all! And where might he be now?
MONK
Nowhere near here. He’s far away in exile.
LEPORELLO
Thank God for that. The farther, the better. Those degenerates — Bag them together, throw them in the sea!
DON JUAN
What kind of…
LEPORELLO
Quiet: I know what I’m saying…
DON JUAN
So it was here they buried the Commander?
MONK
Here, yes. His wife arranged the monument. She manages to come here every day To weep and pray that his poor soul may find Repose eternal!
DON JUAN
6 Sounds like a strange widow! But not bad looking?
MONK
We chaste monks do not As a rule closely observe a woman’s charms, But lying is a sin: even a saint Could not ignore such beauty — it’s a miracle.
DON JUAN
No wonder then our late friend was so jealous. He kept his Dona Anna locked up tight, Not one of us caught even a brief glimpse. I think I’d like to have a talk with her.
MONK
O Dona Anna never speaks with men.
DON JUAN
Not even you, my Father — not with you?
MONK
That’s altogether different. I’m a monk. But here she is.
(Enter Dona Anna)
DONA ANNA
Please open for me, Father.
MONK
Coming, Señora; I’ve been expecting you.
7 (Dona Anna follows the Monk.)
LEPORELLO
Well, what’s she like?
DON JUAN
I couldn’t see a thing Under that somber window’s garb she’s wearing — Just the pale flash of a slender heel.
LEPORELLO
That’s all you need. With your imagination You’ll need less than a minute to sketch the rest. Your mind is more agile than a painter’s, It makes no difference to you where you start — A leg, an eyebrow…
DON JUAN
Quiet, Leporello, I’m planning to make her acquaintance,
LEPORELLO
Is that so! What will it be next! He’s killed the husband Now he wants to soothe the widow’s tears. Is anyone more shameless?
DON JUAN Evening’s here. Before the moon can climb much higher on us And spoil this darkness with excess glare. Let’s get inside Madrid. (Leaves.)
LEPORELLO
8 A Spanish grandee Waits for darkness like a thief, and fears The moon — good God! What a damned life we lead! How much more must I take? I’ve had enough!
SCENE II
A Room. Supper at Laura’s.
FIRST GUEST
Never in my life, Laura, I swear, Have I seen you more splendid than tonight. How perfectly you interpreted your role.
SECOND GUEST
The strength with which you let it all unfold!
THIRD GUEST
And with such art!
LAURA
I must admit, it did Go well tonight. The gestures and the words Came without effort, all from inspiration, The lyrics flowed as if not from obedient Memory, but from my heart…
FIRST GUEST
How true! And even now your eyes retain that shine, Your cheeks still show that flame — don’t let it pass Yet, Laura, don’t let that joy diminish Before it can bear fruit; so sing now, Laura, Sing something for us. 9 LAURA
Hand me my guitar. (Sings)
ALL
O brava! brava! Exquisite! Superb!
FIRST GUEST
Our thanks to you, enchantress. You have cast A deep spell on our hearts. Of life’s delights Music is surpassed only by love; But love also is melody… Just look: Even your somber guest Carlos is touched.
SECOND GFUEST
What marvelous sounds! Within them so much soul. But who composed the lyrics, Laura?
LAURA
Don Juan.
DON CARLOS
What’s that? Don Juan?
LAURA
He wrote them — who knows when? My everlasting friend … my fickle lover.
DON CARLOS
Your Don Juan is an atheist, a scoundrel, And you, you are a fool.
10 LAURA Have you gone mad? I have only to say one word — my slaves My Lord, will slit your noble Spanish throat,
DON CARLOS
(Rises) Then call them in.
FIRST GUEST
Stop this nonsense, Laura./ Don Carlos, don’t be angry. She’s forgotten…
LAURA
What — that in a clean, fair duel Juan Honorably bumped off Carlos’ brother? A shame it wasn’t Carlos.
DON CARLOS
It was stupid Of me to get angry.
LAURA
Aha, you’re stupid! You confess! Now let’s make up!
DON CARLOS
Forgive me Laura, I was wrong. But yet, you know It’s still unsettling for me to hear that name…
LAURA
But must I be to blame if every second That name happens to wind up on my tongue?
11 GUEST
Well, just to show you’re not too angry, Laura Give us another song.
LAURA
Yes, for good-bye. It’s late, already night. What shall I sing? Ah, here’s one. (Sings)
ALL
Beautiful! Magnificent!
LAURA
Good night, gentlemen!
GUESTS
Good night, Laura!
(They go out. Laura stops Don Carlos.)
LAURA
You crazy fool! Stay here with me a while, I’ve taken a liking to you; you remind Me of Don Juan, how you stood up to me, And clenched your teeth…that growling…
DON CARLOS
Lucky man! You used to love him. (Laura nods.) Loved him deeply?
LAURA Deeply.
12 DON CARLOS
And you still love him?
LAURA
At this very moment? No, I don’t love him. I can’t love two at once. And now it’s you I love.
DON CARLOS
Then tell me, Laura, Just how old are you?
LAURA
Eighteen whole years.
DON CARLOS
So very young. And you will still be young Another five or six years. Men will crowd Around you half a dozen more summers — Caresses, flattery, expensive gifts, The night air filled with heartfelt serenades — They’ll kill each other for you in dark alleys. But the time will come, my dear, when those sweet eyes Will droop, eyelids will wrinkle and turn dark, Those lovely locks will flash long strands of gray And they will call you old, an aging lady — When that day comes, and come it will, dear Laura, All too soon, what will you say?
LAURA
That day! Why worry about “that day?” Such talk! Is that the only thing you think about? Come out onto the balcony. Such sky! 13 The air is warm and barely moving, lemon Fragrance fills the night, and laurel. The moon Shines bright against a thick, violet darkness, Watchmen prolong the melodic cry “All’s Well.” While far away now, in the north — in Paris — Perhaps dark clouds have overspread the sky, A cold rain is falling and the wind is howling — But what’s all that to us? I’ll tell you, Carlos, All I want is another smile from you… —Like that —
DON CARLOS
You charming little devil! (Someone knocking at the door)
DON JUAN
Hey! Laura!
LAURA
Who’s there? Whose voice is that?
DON JUAN
Unlock the door..
LAURA
It can’t be — oh, my God! (Opens door. Enter Don Juan.)
DON JUAN
Hola!
LAURA
Don Juan! 14 (Laura throws herself on his neck)
DON CARLOS
What’s this — Don Juan!
DON JUAN
Laura, my dearest girl! Who’s here with you, my Laura ?
DON CARLOS
It is I, Don Carlos.
DON JUAN
Well here’s an unexpected meeting! Tomorrow, first thing, at your service.
DON CARLOS
No! Tonight — at once!
LAURA
Don Carlos, stop it right now! You’re not on some back street — this is my house — Please leave at once.
DON CARLOS
(Not listening to her) I’m ready for you. Well, Do you have a sword or not?
DON JUAN
So you can’t wait. 15 If you insist, permit me. (They fight)
LAURA
Oh! Oh, Juan! (Throws herself on the bed. Don Carlos falls.)
DON JUAN
Get up, Laura, it’s finished.
LAURA
What happened? He’s dead. O marvelous! And in my room! What can I do now, you killer, devil? And how will I get rid of him?
DON JUAN
Perhaps He’s still alive.
LAURA (Examines the body)
Alive? Oh he’s dead, just look, Damn you, you stabbed him through the heart. Of course You couldn’t miss: the little three edged wound Has stopped bleeding and he’s stopped breathing.
DON JUAN
What could I do? He asked for it.
LAIURA Oh, Juan, It’s so annoying, always the same old tricks — And you’re never to blame! Now where were you? How long have you been back?
DON JUAN 16 I just arrived — But have to keep it quiet — I’m not pardoned.
LAURA
And thought at once of your dear Laura? All right so far, but let’s not go too fast. I’m not convinced. You were prowling around I bet, and saw my house.
DON JUAN
Oh, Laura, no, How could you doubt me — just ask Leporello! I’m staying out of town in some damned dump, And came to Madrid to look for Laura. (Kisses her)
LAIURA
Darling! Not now.. not with that corpse… What shall we do?
DON JUAN
Leave it for now. First thing tomorrow morning I’ll wrap him in my cape, escort him out And leave him at the crossroads.
LAURA
Just be sure No one can see you doing it. It’s good You arrived when you did and not a minute Sooner. Your friends were here with me for supper. They’d just left. Imagine, just imagine What you might have done if you had caught them!
DON JUAN
17 Laura, how long were you in love with him?
LAURA
With him? You must be kidding.
DON JUAN
But confess: How many times were you unfaithful to me While I was gone?
LAURA
And you, my dear tomcat?
DON JUAN
I think that we can talk about that later.
SCENE III
The Commander’s Monument
DON JUAN
All’s for the best. The purely accidental Killing of Don Carlos brings me here In humble monk disguise — where every day I see that lovely widow, and I, it seems, Have also caught her eye, though until now we’ve only nodded piously. Today I’ll break the ice. It’s time for conversation… Yes, but how? “May I presume”…or no: “Señora” … Bah, whatever comes to mind Is what I’ll say, without premeditation, Like an improvising, livelong serenader... It’s time she should be coming. Without her I think the good commander’s getting bored. How huge they’ve made him out to be — what shoulders! 18 They’ve turned him into veritable Hercules!… When really he was short, pedestrian, And if he stood on tiptoes couldn’t stretch His hand as high up as his statue’s nose. In our encounter at the Escurial He charged into my sword blade and dropped dead Like a dragonfly stuck on a pin — he was A brave and proud man — always looked so ponderous…. Ah! here she is.
(Enter Dona Anna)
DONA ANNA
He’s here again. Good Father, I have disturbed your pious meditations — Forgive me.
DON JUAN
It is I who should beg you, Señora, for forgiveness if I’ve kept you From a free outpouring of your grief.
DONA ANNA
No, Father, my grief is deep inside. Your presence in no way prevents my prayers From rising humbly heavenward, so please Let your voice join with mine in supplication.
DON JUAN
For me to pray with you here, Dona Anna! But how could I deserve so sweet a fate? I would not dare, with these poor sinful lips Repeat a saintly prayer issuing from yours — But only from afar, with reverence, Shall I observe you, as with silent bows You spread your raven locks over pale marble, 19 To me it will seem as if an angel Had paid a secret visit to this tomb; I cannot let my troubled heart disturb Your prayer. Speechless and amazed I stand And think — happy the one whose hard cold marble Is warmed by her celestial respiration And sprinkled by the tears of her sweet love…
DONA ANNA
What speeches….they sound so strange just now.
DON JUAN
Senõra?
DONA ANNA
Addressed to me. You are forgetting…
DON JUAN
What? That I am an unworthy hermit? That I Should hold my sinful voice to whispers here?
DONA ANNA
But I thought you were.. I don’t understand…
DON JUAN
But I see: you’ve known all along. You’ve known!
DONA ANNA
What have I known?
DON JUAN 20 That I am not a monk — And at your feet I beg that you forgive me.
DONA ANNA
Oh, my god, get up! Just who are you?
DON JUAN
A wrenched victim of a hopeless passion!
DONA ANNA
Good Lord, right here? So close beside this tomb? Go away!
DON JUAN
One minute, Dona Anna! One brief minute!
DONA ANNA
What if someone comes?
DON JUAN
The gate is closed. Just give me one quick minute!
DONA ANNA
What do you want that’s so important?
DON JUAN
Death. Oh let me die at once here at your feet, Let my poor dust also be interred here, But not alongside that dust dear to you, 21 Not here close by — but somewhere farther off, There, by those doors, or over near that gate, Where your soft passing foot or rustling hem Might brush my gravestone as you make your way To bow your curly head and weep sweet tears On daily visits to this haughty tomb.
DONA ANNA
You must have lost your mind.
DON JUAN
Then is to wish An end to misery a mark of madness, Dona Anna? If I were mad, I’d wish To stay alive and still retain some hope To touch your heart at last with tender love; If I were mad, I would spend all my nights Beneath your balcony, my serenades Would prohibit your sleep; I would not hide My feelings from you, on the contrary I would attempt to dwell within your sight; If I were mad my suffering would never Be in silence…
DONA ANNA
This is what you’re calling Silence?
DON JUAN
A chance! This one chance, Dona Anna Has carried me away — for otherwise Never would you have learned my sad secret.
DONA ANNA
And how long have you been in love with me? 22 DON JUAN
A long time or a short time — who can say? But only since that moment have I known How precious this brief life is, only since That moment have I understood “delight.”
DONA ANNA
You must go away! You’re much too dangerous.
DON JUAN
Dangerous — why?
DONA
Listening to you scares me.
DON JUAN
Then I’ll be silent: just don’t drive away The one for whom the sight of you is his Sole joy. I entertain no soaring hopes, Make no demands on you, but I must see You once again, if now it is to life I am condemned.
DONA ANNA
Go — this is not the place for such wild speeches and such madness. Come See me tomorrow. If indeed you swear You will observe all proper dignity I shall receive you: but in the evening, later— I’ve not been home to anyone since I Became a widow…
DON JUAN 23 Dona Anna! Angel! May God now comfort you, as you today Have comforted a wretched suffering soul.
DONA ANNA
Now go away.
DON JUAN
But please, just one more minute.
DONA ANNA
No — I have to go.. For now no prayer Will come into my mind. You have distracted Me with too much worldly talk. My ears Have long, so long been unaccustomed to it. Tomorrow I shall see you.
DON JUAN
I dare not Believe, dare not succumb to happiness Tomorrow I shall see you — and not here, Not like a sneaking thief!
DONA ANNA
Until tomorrow! Tell me your name.
DON JUAN
Diego de Calvados.
DONA ANNA
Goodbye, then, Don Diego. (Leaves) 24 DON JUAN
Leporello!
(Leporello enters)
LEPORELLO
What is your pleasure?
DON JUAN
Dear Friend Leporello! I’m happy! “Tomorrow — in the evening, later…” Tomorrow, Leporello — get me ready… I’m happy as a child!
LEPORELLO
With Dona Anna? You spoke with her? you mean to say she made Two kind remarks while she was in your presence, Or you gave her your best monastic blessing?
DON JUAN
No Leporello, no. I’m meeting her, She has agreed to meet!
LEPORELLO
It can’t be true! Oh widows — all alike.
DON JUAN
And I’m so glad! I’m ready to sing and hug the entire world!
25 LEPORELLO
And the commander? What will he say now?
DON JUAN
You think he might be starting to feel jealous? Surely not: he is a man of reason And seems so much more tranquil since his death.
LEPORELLO
But maybe not, Look up there — at the statue.
DON JUAN
What for?
LEPORELLO
I think it’s looking straight at you— It’s angry.
DON JUAN
Step right up, then, Leporello, Invite it to pay its respects chez moi — Or no — at Dona Anna’s, then — tomorrow.
LEPORELLO
Invite a statue — why do that?
DON JUAN
Well surely Not to have a pleasant conversation. Ask the statue to come to Dona Anna’s Tomorrow evening, make it rather late, To stand guard at the door. 26 LEPORELLO
These whims of yours — Who’s this joke on?
DON JUAN
Just do it LEPORELLO
But…
DON JUAN Do it.
LEPORELLO
Beautiful, estimable statue! Don Juan, my master, humbly begs that you Pay your respects… Yei God, I can’t go on, I’m scared.
DON JUAN
You coward! I’ll fix you!…
LEPORELLO
Sorry. Don Juan, my master, bids you come tomorrow Evening, rather late, to your wife’s house And stand watch…
(The statute nods its head in agreement.)
Ai!
DON JUAN
27 What’s going on?
LEPORELLO
Ai!
Ai, ai, I’m dying!
DON JUAN
What’s wrong with you?
LEPORELLO (Nods his head)
The statue…ai!
DON JUAN
What’s all this — bowing?
LEPORELLO
No! Not me — it!
DON JUAN
Of all the stupid nonsense!
LEPORELLO
Try it yourself.
DON JUAN
Just watch me now, useless. (To the statue) I, commander, am inviting you To come tomorrow to your widow’s, where I’ll be, to stand guard at the door. Will you?
28 (The statue nods again.)
Oh God!
LEPORELLO
See what I told you?
DON JUAN
Let’s just go.
SCENE IV
Dona Anna’s room
Don Juan and Dona Anna
DONA ANNA
I have received you, Don Diego, though I am afraid my dreary conversation May soon bore you: as a humble widow I think always of my loss. I mix My tears together with my smiles, like April. Why so silent?
DON JUAN
Deeply, quietly, I am enjoying the thought of being here, Alone, with lovely Dona Anna — here Not there, beside a fortunate mans tomb — to see you here, no longer on your knees Before a spouse in marble.
DONA ANNA
Don Diego, 29 So jealous — how can my husband in his grave Cause you such torment?
DON JUAN
I should not be jealous. He was the one you chose.
DONA ANNA
Oh no, my mother Ordered me: take Don Alvaro’s hand. For we were poor, and Don Alvaro rich.
DON JUAN
O lucky man! he brought his useless treasures To lay at the feet of the high goddess — And tasted the sweet bliss of paradise! If only I had met you first, how gladly I would have offered all my rank and riches, Everything for just one gentle glance! I would have enslaved myself to your desires, I would have become a student of your whims, The better to anticipate them — life For you would have become endless enchantment. Alas! Fate has for me ruled otherwise.
DONA ANNA
Diego stop: it is wrong for me To listen to you — I cannot love you, A widow must be faithful to the grave. If you could know how dearly Don Alvaro Loved me! For Don Alvaro was so faithful That if widowed he would not receive Infatuated ladies — but stay a true And loving spouse.
DON JUAN 30 Dona Anna, spare me— Constant reminiscence of your husband Wounds may heart. Punish me no further, Though punishment may be what I deserve.
DONA ANNA
But why? You are not bound by sacred ties Unto another are you? In loving me You have done wrong to neither me nor heaven.
DON JUAN
I have to you! My God!
DONA ANNA
But what wrong have You done to me? You must tell me.
DON JUAN
Never! I can’t — ever!
DONA ANNA
Diego what’s the matter? If you’ve done wrong to me, then you must tell me.
DON JUAN
Absolutely not!
DONA ANNA
This is strange, Diego, I must ask, demand …
31 DON JUAN
No, no!
DONA ANNA
So! This is how you honor and obey! What was it you announced to me just now? That you wished to become my humble slave? I’m growing angry. Diego, answer me, How have you done me wrong?
DON JUAN
I dare not say. Knowing would only make you detest me.
DONA ANNA
No, no. I shall forgive you in advance. But I do wish to know.
DON JUAN You should not wish To know so terrible and deadly a secret.
DONA ANNA
Terrible! You are tormenting me. I’m dying with curiosity — what is it? How could you ever have injured me? I didn’t know you — I have no enemy, And never have had one. Except the man Who killed key husband.
DON JUAN
(To himself) Now we’re getting to it. Then tell me, the unfortunate Don Juan — You don’t know him? 32 DONA ANNA
No, never in my life Have I seen him.
DON JUAN
But deep inside your heart You feel an enmity?
DONA ANNA
My sense of honor Requires it, but are you not attempting now To evade my question, Don Diego — I demand to know…
DON JUAN
What if Don Juan… What if you met him?
DONA ANNA
I would plunge a dagger In the villain’s heart!
DON JUAN
Dona Anna, Where’s your dagger? Here’s my heart.
DONA ANNA
Diego! But what?….
DON JUAN
33 I’m not Diego. I am Juan.
DONA ANNA
Oh God! No, that can’t be. I don’t believe…
DON JUAN
I am Don Juan.
DONA ANNA
Impossible.
DON JUAN
I killed Your husband, did so with no regrets And no intention ever to repent.
DONA ANNA
What are you saying? It cannot be.
DON JUAN
I am Don Juan, and am in love with you.
DONA ANNA
Where am I…where… I’m feeling faint…
DON JUAN
Heaven! What’s wrong? What happened to you, Dona Anna! Get up, get up, wake tip: it’s your Diego, It’s your slave here at your feet.
DONA ANNA 34 Leave me! (Weekly) Oh you, my enemy — you’ve taken all I had in life, you’ve taken…
DON JUAN
Dearest creature! I’m ready to atone for all I’ve done, I’m at your feet now, waiting for your sentence: Say it — and I’ll die; say it — live And breathe only for you.
DONA ANNA
Is this Don Juan…?
DON JUAN
Am I the villain, the monster described To you so often? — oh, dear Dona Anna, Perhaps rumor is not entirely false, Perhaps indeed much evil weighs upon My weary conscience. I have exercised A prolonged aptitude for lechery; But since that first time I caught sight of you, I feel as if I have been born anew. In love with you puts me in love with Virtue, And now before her, for the first time, humbly, Bend my trembling knee in veneration.
DONA ANNA
Oh, Don Juan, he’s eloquent — I know, I’ve heard about him, he’s a sly seducer, They say you are a godless libertine, A veritable fiend. How many poor girls Have you ruined?
DON JUAN 35 Not one of them till now Was I in love with.
DONA ANNA
You think I’ll believe That Don Juan is at last a man in love? That I will not be just another victim?
DON JUAN
If I had only wanted to deceive Do you think I would have confessed my name, That name you cannot bear even to hear? Where is the trickery, the vile deception?
DONA ANNA
Who can fathom you? But why come here? How could you? Here you could be recognized And then your death would be inevitable.
DON JUAN
What is death to me? For one brief moment, One sweet meeting, I would give my life.
DONA ANNA
But how will you escape now, reckless man?
DON JUAN (Kissing her hand)
So poor Juan’s life is of concern to you! Then is there no resentment, no more hatred In your angelic heart, dear Dona Anna?
DONA ANNA
36 Oh, if I could indeed despise you! Nevertheless, it’s time for us to part.
DON JUAN
When can we meet again?
DONA ANNA
I can’t say when. Sometime.
DON JUAN
Tomorrow, then?
DONA ANNA
But where?
DON JUAN
Right here.
DONA ANA
Ohh, Don Juan, why is my poor heart so weak?
DON JUAN
One quiet kiss, a token of forgiveness…
DONA ANNA
It’s time, go now.
DON JUAN
Just one, quiet and cold…
37 DONA ANNA
Aren’t you persistent, then! All right, here’s one. Can that be someone knocking? Hide, Don Juan.
DON JUAN
Goodbye, my darling, till we meet again! (Goes out and runs in again) Ahh!
DONA ANA
But what’s wrong. Ahh! (The commander’s statue enters. Dona Anna faints.)
STATUE
Here on your summons!
DON JUAN
Oh my God! Dona Anna!
STATUE
Leave her alone. It’s finished. You are trembling now, Don Juan.
DON JUAN
I? No. I asked you, and I’m glad to see you.
STATUE
Give me your hand.
DON JUAN
Take it…no, it’s so heavy, 38 The cold stone fingers squeezing with such pressure! Let me go, turn loose — let go my hand! I’m going to die — it’s done — Oh Dona Anna! (They fall through the floor.)
39 40