TOSCA by Giacomo Puccini Cast FLORIA TOSCA, a celebrated singer (soprano) MARIO CAVARADOSSI, a painter (tenor) BARON SCARPIA, chief of police (baritone) CESARE ANGELOTTI, former Consul of the Roman Republic (bass) A SACRISTAN (baritone) SPOLETTA, a police agent (tenor) SCIARRONE, a gendarme (bass) A JAILER (bass) A SHEPHERD BOY (alto) Soldiers, police agents, altar boys, noblemen and women, townsfolk, artisans

ACT ONE muttering loudly as though he were addressing someone.) The Church of Sant’Andrea della Valle (To the right, the Attavanti chapel. To the left, SACRISTAN a painter’s scaffold with a large painting Forever washing! And every brush is filthier covered with a cloth. Painter’s tools. A than an urchin’s collar. basket. Enter Angelotti in prisoner’s clothes, Mister Painter...There! dishevelled, tired, and shaking with fear, (Looks toward the scaffold with its painting nearly running. He looks quickly about.) and is surprised on seeing nobody there) No one...I would have sworn ANGELOTTI the Cavalier Cavaradossi Ah! At last! In my stupid fear I thought had come back. I saw a policeman’s jowl in every face. (Puts down the brushes, mounts the scaffold (Stops to look around more attentively, and examines the basket, remarking:) calmer now that he recognizes the place. No, I’m mistaken. Sighs with relief as he notices the column The basket has not been touched. with its basin of Holy Water and the (The Angelus sounds. The sacristan kneels Madonna.) and prays in hushed voice.) The column...and the basin... Angelus Domini nuntiavit Mariae, “At the base of the Madonna” et concepit de Spiritu Sancto. my sister wrote me... Ecce ancilla Domini; (Goes up to the Madonna and searches fiat mihi secundum Verbum tuum about at the base. He gives a muffled shout et Verbum caro factum est of joy as he picks up the key.) et habitavit in nobis... This is the key, and this is the chapel! (Enter Cavaradossi from the side door. He (With the utmost care, he puts the key in the sees the sacristan kneeling.) lock of the Attavanti chapel, opens the gate, goes in, closes the gate and disappears CAVARADOSSI within. Enter the sacristan from the rear, What are you doing? carrying a bunch of painter’s brushes, and 2

SACRISTAN (rising) CAVARADOSSI Reciting the Angelus. And you, mysterious beauty... (Cavaradossi mounts the scaffold and crowned with blond locks. uncovers the painting: it is of a Mary Your eyes are blue Magdalene with great blue eyes and a and Tosca’s black! cascade of golden hair. The painter stands in silence before it and studies it closely. SACRISTAN (to himself) The sacristan turns to speak to Cavaradossi Jest with knaves and neglect the saints... and cries out in amazement as he sees the uncovered picture.) CAVARADOSSI Oh, holy vessels! Dissimilar beauties are together blended Her picture! by the mystery of art: yet as I paint her portrait, Tosca, CAVARADOSSI my sole thought is of you. Whose? SACRISTAN (to himself) SACRISTAN These various women That strange girl who has been coming here in rivalry with the Madonna these past few days to pray. smell of the devil. Such devotion...such piety. Jest with knaves and neglect the saints... (He waves towards the Madonna from But we can have no truck whose base Angelotti has taken the key.) with these agnostic dogs. Enemies of the Holy Government! CAVARADOSSI Jest with knaves and neglect the saints... It is so. And she was so absorbed Yes, they are sinners, the whole pack of in fervent prayer that I could paint them! her lovely face unnoticed. Let us rather make the sign of the cross. (to Cavaradossi) SACRISTAN (to himself) Excellency, may I go? Away, Satan, away! CAVARADOSSI CAVARADOSSI As you wish. Give me my paints. (He resumes his painting.) (The sacristan does so. Cavaradossi paints rapidly, with frequent pauses to observe his SACRISTAN work. The sacristan comes and goes; he Your basket’s full... carries a small basin in which he continues Are you fasting? his job of washing the brushes. Suddenly Cavaradossi leaves his painting: from his CAVARADOSSI pocket he takes a medallion with a portrait I’m not hungr y. in miniature, and his eyes travel from the miniature to his own work.) SACRISTAN Oh hidden harmony (ironically rubbing his hands) of contrasting beauties! Floria Oh! So sorry! is dark, my love and passion... (He cannot contain a gleeful gesture as he glances avidly at the full basket. He picks it SACRISTAN (to himself) up and places it to one side.) Jest with knaves and neglect the saints... Be sure to close up when you leave. 3

CAVARADOSSI (At Tosca’s call, Cavaradossi motions Run along! Angelotti to be quiet.)

SACRISTAN CAVARADOSSI I’m going. Go and hide! It’s a jealous woman! (Exit at the rear. Cavaradossi continues Only a moment and I’ll send her away. working, his back to the chapel. Angelotti appears at the gate there, and puts the key in TOSCA the lock, believing the church is still Mario! deserted.) CAVARADOSSI CAVARADOSSI (in the direction of her voice) (turns at the creaking of the lock) Here I am. Someone in there! (Startled by the painter’s movement, ANGELOTTI Angelotti stops as though to return to his (Feeling suddenly weak, he leans against the hiding-place, but looks up and cries out in scaffold.) joy as he recognizes Cavaradossi. I’m faint with exhaustion. I can’t stand up. Smothering his cry, he stretches out his arms towards the painter as toward an CAVARADOSSI unexpected friend in need.) (He fetches the basket from the top of the scaffold and pushes Angelotti towards the ANGELOTTI chapel with words of encouragement.) You! Cavaradossi! There’s food and wine in this basket. Heaven itself has sent you! Don’t you recognize me? ANGELOTTI Has prison, then, wrought such a great Thanks! change in me? CAVARADOSSI CAVARADOSSI Quick now! (He looks closely at Angelotti’s face and (Angelotti enters the chapel.) finally remembers. Quickly drops his palette TOSCA and brushes, and comes down from the (still from without, calling angrily) scaffold. He looks about warily as he goes Mario! Mario! Mario! up to Angelotti.) CAVARADOSSI (opening the gate) Angelotti! The Consul I am here... of the lamented Roman Republic! (He runs to close door at right.) TOSCA (bursts in with a kind of violence, thrusting ANGELOTTI Cavaradossi aside as he tries to embrace I have just escaped from Castel her, and looks around suspiciously) Sant’Angelo. Why was it locked? CAVARADOSSI CAVARADOSSI I am at your service. That was the sacristan’s wish. TOSCA (from without) Mario! 4

TOSCA CAVARADOSSI With whom were you talking? (still somewhat distraught and thoughtful) So very happy! CAVARADOSSI With you! TOSCA (struck by his tone) Say it again! TOSCA You were whispering with someone else. CAVARADOSSI Where is she?... So very happy!

CAVARADOSSI TOSCA Who? How faintly you say it! (sits on the steps next to Cavaradossi) TOSCA Do you not long for our little house She! That woman! that is waiting for us, hidden in the grove? I heard her quick steps Our refuge, sacred to us and her dress rustling. and unseen by the world, protected with love and mystery? CAVARADOSSI Oh, at your side to listen there You’re dreaming! to the voices of the night as they rise through the starlit, TOSCA shadowed silences: Do you deny it? from the woods and from the thickets and the dry grass, from the depths CAVARADOSSI (trying to kiss her) of shattered tombs I deny it and I love you! scented with thyme, TOSCA (with gentle reproach) the night murmurs Oh no! Before the gentle Madonna, its thousand loves no, Mario! and false counsels First let me pray and offer these flowers. to soften and seduce the heart. (She approaches the Madonna, arranges Oh wide fields, blossom! And sea winds artfully about her the flowers she has throb in the moon’s radiance, ah, brought, and kneels to pray; then rises to rain down desire, you vaulted stars! address Mario, who has resumed his work.) Tosca burns with a mad love! Now listen: tonight I am singing, CAVARADOSSI but the program will be brief. Ah! Sorceress, I am bound in your toils... Wait for me at the stage entrance, and we two shall go alone together TOSCA to your villa. Tosca’s blood burns with a mad love!

CAVARADOSSI (his thoughts still CAVARADOSSI elsewhere) Sorceress, I will come! Tonight? TOSCA TOSCA Oh, my love! It is the time of the full moon, when the heart is drunk with the nightly fragrance of the flowers. Are you not happy? 5

CAVARADOSSI CAVARADOSSI (looks towards where Angelotti went out) Come here! But now you must let me work. TOSCA TOSCA The shameless flirt! And to me! You dismiss me? CAVARADOSSI (serious) CAVARADOSSI By pure chance I saw her yesterday... You know my work is pressing. she came here to pray... and I, unnoticed, painted her. TOSCA I am going! TOSCA (Glancing up she sees the painting.) Swear! And who is that blond woman there? CAVARADOSSI CAVARADOSSI I swear! Mary Magdalene. Do you like her? TOSCA (her eyes still on the painting) TOSCA How intently she stares at me! She is too beautiful! CAVARADOSSI CAVARADOSSI (laughing) Come away! Ah, rare praise! TOSCA TOSCA (suspicious) She taunts and mocks me. You laugh? I have seen those sky-blue eyes before. CAVARADOSSI What foolishness! CAVARADOSSI (unconcerned) (holding her close and gazing at her) There are so many in the world! TOSCA (insisting) TOSCA (trying to remember) Ah, those eyes... Wait... wait... It’s the Attavanti! CAVARADOSSI What eyes in the world can compare CAVARADOSSI with your black and glowing eyes? Brava! It is in them that my whole being fastens, eyes soft with love and rich with anger... TOSCA (blindly jealous) Where in the whole world are eyes Do you see her? She loves you! Do you love to compare with your black eyes? her? TOSCA CAVARADOSSI (won over, resting her head on his shoulder) By pure chance... Oh, how well you know the art of capturing women’s hearts! TOSCA (still persisting in her idea) Those footsteps and whispers... But let her eyes be black ones! Ah... She was here just now... 6

CAVARADOSSI TOSCA My jealous Tosca! How you do hurry me along!

TOSCA CAVARADOSSI Yes, I feel it, I torment you (mildly reproving, as he sees her jealousy unceasingly. return) Come, again? CAVARADOSSI My jealous Tosca! TOSCA (falling into his arms, with up-turned cheek) TOSCA No, forgive me! I know you would forgive me if you knew my grief. CAVARADOSSI (smiling) Before the Madonna? CAVARADOSSI You are my idol, Tosca. TOSCA All things in you delight me: She is so good! your storming anger But let her eyes be black ones! and your pulsing love! (A kiss, and Tosca hurries away. Cavaradossi TOSCA listens to her withdrawing footsteps, then I know you would forgive me carefully opens the door half-way and peers if you knew my grief. out. Seeing that all is clear, he runs to the Say again chapel, and Angelotti at once appears from those consoling words... behind the gate.) Say them again! CAVARADOSSI CAVARADOSSI (opening the gate for Angelotti, who has My life, my troubled one, beloved. naturally heard the foregoing dialogue) I shall always say: “I love you, Floria.” She is good, my Tosca, but, as she trusts Set your uneasy heart at rest, her confessor, she hides nothing. I shall always say: “I love you”. So I must say nothing. It’s wiser so.

TOSCA ANGELOTTI (disengaging, lest she be won completely) Are we alone? Good heavens! What a sin! You have undone my hair. CAVARADOSSI Yes. What is your plan? CAVARADOSSI Now you must leave me! ANGELOTTI As things stand now, either to flee the State TOSCA or stay in hiding in Rome. My sister... You stay at your work until this evening. And will you promise that, blond locks CAVARADOSSI or black, by chance or otherwise, The Attavanti? no woman shall come here to pray? ANGELOTTI CAVARADOSSI Yes, she hid some women’s clothes I swear it, beloved. Go now! under the altar there, 7 a dress, a veil, a fan. CAVARADOSSI As soon as it gets dark You needn’t now, the path’s deserted. I’ll put these garments on... ANGELOTTI (about to go) CAVARADOSSI Good-bye! Now I understand! That prudent behavior CAVARADOSSI (running towards him) and that fervent prayer If there’s any sign of danger, in so young and beautiful a woman go to the garden well. had made me suspect There’s water at the bottom, some secret love! but half-way down, a little passage Now I understand! leads to a dark room. It’s a sure, It was the love of a sister! impenetrable hiding place! (The report of a cannon. The two men look ANGELOTTI at each other in alarm.) She has dared all to save me from that scoundrel Scarpia! The cannon of the castle!

CAVARADOSSI CAVARADOSSI Scarpia? That licentious bigot who exploits They’ve discovered your escape! the uses of religion as refinements Now Scarpia lets loose his pack of spies! for his libertine lust, and makes both the confessor and the hangman ANGELOTTI the servant of his wantonness! Good-bye! I’ll save you, should it cost my life! But delaying until nightfall is not safe. CAVARADOSSI (with sudden resolve) I will come with you. We must be on guard! I fear the sunlight! ANGELOTTI CAVARADOSSI Someone’s coming! The chapel gives onto a vegetable garden: beyond that is a cane field that winds along CAVARADOSSI through If we’re attacked we fight! meadows to my villa. (They leave quickly by the chapel. Enter the sacristan running, bustling and shouting.) ANGELOTTI Yes, I know. SACRISTAN Joyful news, Excellency! CAVARADOSSI (He looks towards the scaffold, and is Here is the key. Before evening surprised that once again the painter is not I shall join you there. there.) Take the woman’s costume with you. He’s gone. I am disappointed. He who aggrieves a misbeliever ANGELOTTI earns an indulgence! (bundling together the clothes from under (Priests, pupils and singers of the chapel the altar) enter tumultuously from every direction.) Should I put them on? The whole choir is here! Hurry! (Other pupils arrive tardily, and at length 8 all group Long live the King! Let’s celebrate the themselves together.) victory! etc. (Their shouting is at its height when an PUPILS (in great confusion) ironic voice cuts short the uproar of songs Where? and laughter. It is Scarpia. Behind him, Spoletta and several policemen) SACRISTAN (pushing some of the priests along) SCARPIA In the sacristy. Such a hubbub in church! A fine respect! SOME PUPILS But what’s happened? SACRISTAN (stammering with fright) Excellency, the joyous news... SACRISTAN You haven’t heard? SCARPIA Bonaparte...the scoundrel... Prepare for the Te Deum. Bonaparte... (All depart crest-fallen; even the sacristan hopes to slip away, but Scarpia brusquely OTHERS detains him.) Well? What? You stay here!

SACRISTAN SACRISTAN (cowering) He was plucked and quartered I shan’t move! and thrown to Beelzebub! SCARPIA (to Spoletta) CHORUS And you search every corner, Who says so? It’s a dream! It’s nonsense! track down every clue.

SACRISTAN SPOLETTA It’s a true report. Very well. The news just reached us. SCARPIA (to other policemen) CHORUS Keep watch at the doors, Let’s celebrate the victory! without arousing suspicion! (to sacristan) SACRISTAN Now, as for you... And tonight weigh your answers well. a mighty torch procession, A prisoner of State a gala evening at Farnese Palace, has just escaped from Castel Sant’Angelo. and a new cantata for the great occasion He took refuge here. with Flora Tosca! And in the churches, SACRISTAN hymns to the Lord! Heaven help us! Now get along and dress, and no more shouting. SCARPIA On with you to the sacristy! He may still be here. Where is the chapel of the Attavanti? CHORUS (laughing and shouting gaily) Double pay...Te Deum...Gloria! 9

SACRISTAN SACRISTAN That is it there. (peering into the basket) (He goes to the gate and finds it half-open.) Empty! Empty! It’s open...Merciful Heaven! And there’s another key! SCARPIA What do you say? SCARPIA (On seeing the policeman with the basket) A good sign. Let’s go in. What’s that? (They enter the chapel and then return. Scarpia, balked, has a fan in his hands SACRISTAN (taking the basket) which he shakes nervously.) They found this basket It was a bad mistake in the chapel. to fire the cannon. The cheat has flown the roost, but left behind SCARPIA a precious clue, a fan. Have you seen it before? Who was the accomplice in his flight? SACRISTAN (He puzzles over the situation, then Yes, indeed! examines the fan; suddenly notices the coat (hesitant and fearful) of arms.) It’s the painter’s basket...but...even so... The Marchesa Attavanti! It’s her crest... SCARPIA (looks around scrutinizing every corner of Spit out what you know! the church. His gaze rests on the scaffold, the painter’s tools, the painting...and he SACRISTAN recognizes the familiar features of the I left it for him filled Attavanti in the face of the saint.) with excellent food... Her portrait! The painter’s meal! (to the sacristan) Who painted that picture? SCARPIA (attentive, seeking to discover more) SACRISTAN Then he must have eaten! The Cavalier Cavaradossi. SACRISTAN SCARPIA In the chapel? No. He had no key, He! nor did he want to eat. He told me so (One of the policemen returns from the himself. chapel bringing the basket which Cavaradossi gave to Angelotti.) So I put the basket safely to one side. Libera me domine! SACRISTAN (He shows where he put the basket, and Heavens! The basket! leaves it there.)

SCARPIA (pursuing his own thoughts) SCARPIA (to himself) He! Tosca’s lover! A suspect character! It’s all clear now... A revolutionary! The sacristan’s food became Angelotti’s booty! (He sees Tosca, who enters in haste.) Tosca? She must not see me. 10

(He hides behind the column with the basin SCARPIA of Holy Water.) It is a noble example that you give; Iago had a handkerchief, and I a fan filled with holy zeal, you draw to drive a jealous lover to distraction! from Heaven the mastery of art to revive the faith of men. TOSCA (runs towards the scaffold sure of finding TOSCA (distraught and preoccupied) Cavaradossi, and is taken aback at not You are too kind. seeing him there) Mario! Mario! SCARPIA Pious women are so rare... SACRISTAN (at the foot of the scaffold) Your life’s the stage... The painter Cavaradossi? (significantly) Who knows where the heretic is; yet you come to church to pray. and with whom? He’s slipped away, evaporated TOSCA (surprised) by his own witchcraft. What do you mean? (He slips away.) SCARPIA TOSCA And you are not Deceived? No... as other strumpets are He could not betray me! (points to the portrait) who have the dress and face of Magdalene SCARPIA and come to scheme in love. (circling the column, he advances towards the astonished Tosca. Dips his finger in the TOSCA (at once aroused) basin, and offers her the Holy Water. Bells What? In love? Your proof? sound outside, summoning the faithful to the church.) SCARPIA (showing her the fan) Divine Tosca, Is this a painter’s tool? my hand awaits your delicate hand. TOSCA (grabbing it) Not out of idle gallantry A fan! Where was it? but to offer Holy Water. SCARPIA TOSCA There on the scaffold. Obviously (touching Scarpia’s hand and crossing somebody surprised the lovers, herself) and she lost her feathers in her flight! Thank you, Sir! TOSCA (studying the fan) (Slowly the central nave of the church fills The crown! The crest! It’s the Attavanti’s! with the faithful - people of every station, Oh, prophetic doubt! rich and poor, townsmen and peasants, soldiers and beggars. Then a cardinal, with SCARPIA (to himself) the head of the convent, proceeds to the I’ve hit the mark! main altar. Before that altar, the crowd jams into the central nave.) TOSCA (forgetting both the place and Scarpia, tries to hold back her tears) 11

And I came sadly here to tell him SCARPIA that in vain, tonight, the sky will darken: (with a scandalized air and tone of rebuke) for the lovesick Tosca is a prisoner... In church!

SCARPIA (to himself) TOSCA The poison bites home already! God will pardon me. He sees me weeping! (She leaves in great distress, Scarpia TOSCA accompanying her and pretending to ... a prisoner of the royal jubilee! reassure her. As she leaves, he returns to the column and makes a sign.) SCARPIA (to himself) The poison bites home already! SCARPIA (sweetly to Tosca) (to Spoletta, who emerges from behind the Oh, gracious lady, column) what avails you? Three men and a carriage...Quick, follow For I see wherever she goes! And take care! a rebel tear mars your fair cheek SPOLETTA and moistens it. Yes, Sir. And where do we meet? Oh, gracious lady, why are you grieving? SCARPIA Farnese Palace! TOSCA (Spoletta hurries out with three policemen.) It is nothing! Go, Tosca! Now Scarpia digs a nest within your heart! SCARPIA (insinuating) Go, Tosca! Scarpia now sets loose I would give my life the soaring falcon of your jealousy! to wipe away those tears. How great a promise in your quick suspicions! TOSCA (unheeding) Now Scarpia digs a nest within your heart! Here I am heartbroken, while he, Go, Tosca! in another’s arms, mocks at my anguish. (Scarpia kneels and prays as the cardinal passes.) SCARPIA (to himself) The poison bites deep. CHORUS Adjutorum nostrum in nomine Domini TOSCA (her anger rising) qui fecit coelum et terram. Where are they? Could I but catch Sit nomen Domini benedictum the traitors! Oh, dark suspicion! et hoc nunc et usque in saeculum. Double loves now nest inside this villa! SCARPIA Oh, traitor! My will takes aim now at a double target, (with immense grief) nor is the rebel’s head the bigger prize... Oh, my fair nest befouled with mud! Ah, to see the flame of those imperious eyes (with quick resolve) grow faint and languid with passion... I’ll fall upon them unexpected! For him, the rope, (turns threateningly towards the portrait) and for her, my arms... You shall not have him tonight, I swear! 12

CHORUS the lower floor, where Maria Carolina, the Te Deum laudamus: Queen of Naples, is giving a party in Te Dominum confitemur! honour of Melas.) (The sacred chant from the back of the The Diva’s still missing from the concert. church startles Scarpia, as though And they strum gavottes. awakening him from a (to Sciarrone) dream. He collects himself, makes the Sign Wait for Tosca at the entrance: of the Cross.) tell her I shall expect her after the concert. SCARPIA Or better... Tosca, you make me forget God! (rises and goes to write a note) (He kneels and prays devoutly.) Give her this note. (Exit Sciarrone. Scarpia resumes his seat at CHORUS, SCARPIA the table.) Te aeternum She will come for love of her Mario! Patrem omnis terra veneratur! And for love of her Mario she will yield to my pleasure. Such is the profound misery of profound love... ACT TWO For myself the violent conquest Scarpia’s apartment on an upper floor has stronger relish than the soft surrender. of the Farnese Palace I take no delight in sighs or vows exchanged at misty lunar dawn. (A table set for supper. A wide window I know not how to draw opening on the palace courtyard. It is night. harmony from guitars, or horoscopes Scarpia is at the table taking his supper; from flowers, nor am I apt at dalliance, every now and again he pauses to reflect. He or cooing like the turtle dove. I crave, looks at his watch; he is angry and I pursue the craved thing, preoccupied.) sate myself and cast it by, and seek new bait. SCARPIA God made diverse beauties Tosca is a good falcon! as he made diverse wines, and of these Surely by this time God-like works I mean to taste my full. my hounds have fallen on their double (He drinks. Enter Sciarrone.) prey! And tomorrow’s dawn will see SCIARRONE Angelotti on the scaffold Spoletta’s here. and the fine Mario hanging from a noose. (He rings a bell. Enter Sciarrone.) SCARPIA Is Tosca in the palace? Show him in. In good time, too. (Enter Spoletta. Scarpia questions him SCIARRONE without looking up from his supper.) A chamberlain has just gone Well, my fine man, how did the hunt go? to look for her. SPOLETTA (aside) SCARPIA (points towards the window) Saint Ignatius help me! Open the window. It is late. (to Scarpia) (The sound of an orchestra is heard from We kept on the lady’s trail, 13 following her to a lonely villa He stops abruptly as he hears, through the lost in the woods. open window, the choral cantata being She entered there and soon came out alone. sung in the Queen s apartment.) At once with my dogs I vaulted over the garden wall and SCARPIA (to Spoletta) burst into the house. Bring in the Cavalier. (Exit Spoletta. To Sciarrone) SCARPIA Fetch Roberti and the judge. Well done, Spoletta! (Exit Sciarrone. Scarpia sits down again. Spoletta and four bailiffs bring in Mario SPOLETTA Cavaradossi; then enter Roberti the I sniff... I scratch... I rummage executioner, the judge with a scribe, and Sciarrone.) SCARPIA (sensing Spoletta’s hesitation, rises CAVARADOSSI (with disdain) scowling and pale with anger) Such violence. And Angelotti? SCARPIA (with studied courtesy) SPOLETTA Cavalier, please be seated. Nowhere to be found. CAVARADOSSI SCARPIA (in a rage) I want to know... Ah, dog! Traitor! Snout of a snake. SCARPIA To the gallows! (indicating a chair at the other side of the table) SPOLETTA Be seated. Jesus! (trying to appease Scarpia’s wrath) CAVARADOSSI (declining) I’ll stand. The painter was there... SCARPIA SCARPIA As you wish. Are you aware that a Cavaradossi? prisoner... (Tosca’s voice is heard in the cantata.) SPOLETTA (nods and quickly adds) CAVARADOSSI And he knows where the other is. Her voice! He showed such taunting irony in every word and gesture SCARPIA that I arrested him. (who has paused on hearing Tosca’s voice) You are aware that a prisoner SCARPIA (with a sigh of satisfaction) fled today from Sant’Angelo Castle? Not bad, not bad. CAVARADOSSI SPOLETTA (waving towards the I did not know it. antechamber) He is there. SCARPIA (Scarpia paces up and down, pondering. And yet it’s reported 14 that you sheltered him in Sant’Andrea, CAVARADOSSI gave him food and clothing... I deny it.

CAVARADOSSI (unflinching) SCARPIA Lies. And clothes?

SCARPIA (still quite calm) CAVARADOSSI ...and took him I deny it. to a suburban place of yours. SCARPIA CAVARADOSSI And refuge in your villa? I deny that. What proof have you? And that he’s hidden there?

SCARPIA (sweetly) CAVARADOSSI (vehemently) A faithful servant... I deny it! I deny it!

CAVARADOSSI SCARPIA (craftily, becoming calm) The facts! Who’s my accuser? Come, Cavalier, you must reflect. In vain your spies ransacked my villa. This stubbornness of yours is not prudent. A prompt confession saves enormous pain. SCARPIA Take my advice and tell me: Proof that he is hidden well. where is Angelotti?

CAVARADOSSI CAVARADOSSI Suspicions of a spy! I don’t know.

SPOLETTA (offended) SCARPIA He laughed at our questions... Be careful. For the last time, where is he?

CAVARADOSSI CAVARADOSSI And I laugh still! I don’t know.

SCARPIA (harshly) SPOLETTA (to himself) Beware! This is a place for tears! Oh, for a good whipping! Enough now. Answer me! (Enter Tosca breathless.) (He rises and angrily shuts the window to be undisturbed by the singing from the SCARPIA (to himself) floor below, then turns imperiously to Here she is! Cavaradossi.) TOSCA Where is Angelotti? (sees Cavaradossi and runs to embrace him) CAVARADOSSI Mario, you here? I don’t know. CAVARADOSSI (speaking low) SCARPIA Of what you saw there, say nothing. You deny you gave him food? Or you will kill me! (Tosca indicates she understands.) 15

SCARPIA (solemnly) SCARPIA Mario Cavaradossi, You protest too much! Perhaps you fear the judge awaits your testimony. you may betray yourself. (to Roberti) (to Sciarrone) First, the usual formalities. Sciarrone, what does the Cavalier have to And then... as I shall order. say? (Sciarrone opens the door to the torture chamber. The judge goes in and the others SCIARRONE (appearing) follow. Spoletta stations himself at the door He denies everything. at the back of the room. Tosca and Scarpia are now alone together.) SCARPIA (raising his voice, towards the open door) SCARPIA Keep pressing him! And now let’s talk together like good (Sciarrone goes out and shuts the door.) friends. Come now, don’t look so frightened. TOSCA (laughing) You know it’s quite useless. TOSCA (with studied calm) I am not afraid. SCARPIA (serious, pacing back and forth) We shall see, Madam. SCARPIA What about the fan? TOSCA (Passes behind the sofa where Tosca is It seems that one must lie to please you? sitting and leans upon it. He still adopts a gallant air.) SCARPIA No, but the truth might shorten TOSCA (with feigned indifference) an extremely painful hour for him... That was foolish jealousy. TOSCA (surprised) SCARPIA A painful hour? What do you mean? So, the Attavanti was not at the villa? What are you doing in that room?

TOSCA SCARPIA No, he was alone. The law must be enforced.

SCARPIA TOSCA Alone? Are you quite sure? Oh, God! What’s happening? What is happening? TOSCA Nothing escapes a jealous eye. Alone. SCARPIA Alone. Your lover’s bound hand and foot. A ring of hooked iron at his temples, SCARPIA so that they spurt blood at each denial. (Taking a chair he places it in front of Tosca, sits down, and studies her face.) TOSCA (bounds to her feet) Indeed! It isn’t true! It isn’t true! Oh, leering devil! TOSCA (annoyed) (a prolonged groan from Cavaradossi) Yes. Alone! He groans! Oh, pity! Pity! 16

SCARPIA keep him from giving the order) It is up to you to save him. No! Stop!

TOSCA SCARPIA Good, good! But stop it! Stop it! Will you speak?

SCARPIA (shouting) TOSCA Stop, Sciarrone! No, no! Ah, monster! Murderer... you’re killing him! SCIARRONE (appearing) Stop everything? SCARPIA It’s your silence SCARPIA that’s killing him. Everything. (Sciarrone returns to the torture chamber, TOSCA shutting the door.) Monster, do you laugh And now the truth! at this ghastly torment?

TOSCA SCARPIA (with fierce irony) Let me see him. Tosca on the stage was never more tragic! SCARPIA (to Spoletta) No! Open the door so she can hear his groans better. TOSCA (managing to get near the door) (Spoletta opens the door and stands stiffly Mario! on the threshold.)

CAVARADOSSI’S VOICE CAVARADOSSI’S VOICE Tosca! I defy you.

TOSCA SCARPIA Are they still torturing you? Harder! Harder!

CAVARADOSSI’S VOICE CAVARADOSSI’S VOICE No. Courage... and be silent. I despise pain! I defy you all!

SCARPIA SCARPIA (to Tosca) Come on, Tosca, speak! Speak now...

TOSCA (strengthened by Mario’s words) TOSCA I know nothing. What can I say?

SCARPIA SCARPIA Wasn’t that enough for you? Come, speak... Roberti, start again... TOSCA TOSCA Oh, I know nothing! (throwing herself in front of the door, to Must I lie to you? 17

SCARPIA TOSCA Where’s Angelotti? What have I done to you in my life? It is I you torture so. TOSCA It is my spirit... No, no! (Bursts into convulsive sobs) Yes, my spirit you are torturing. SCARPIA Speak up, come, quickly. SPOLETTA (continues to pray) Where’s he hiding? Nil inultum remanebit! (Scarpia, profiting from Tosca’s breakdown TOSCA goes towards the torture chamber and I can stand no more. Oh, horror! orders the resumption of the torment. There Stop this torture... is a piercing cry, Tosca leaps up, and in a It’s more than I can bear... choking voice says rapidly to Scarpia:) I can stand no more... no more... TOSCA CAVARADOSSI’S VOICE In the well, in the garden... Ah! SCARPIA TOSCA Angelotti is there? (Turns imploringly to Scarpia, who signals to Spoletta to let her come near; she goes TOSCA to the open door and is overwhelmed by the Yes. horrible scene within. She cries out in anguish to Cavaradossi.) SCARPIA Mario, will you let me speak? (loudly, towards the torture chamber) Enough, Roberti! CAVARADOSSI’S VOICE No. SCIARRONE (re-opening the door) He has fainted! TOSCA (pleading) Listen, I can bear no more... TOSCA (to Scarpia) Murderer! CAVARADOSSI’S VOICE I want to see him. Fool! What do you know and what can you say? SCARPIA Bring him in here. SCARPIA (Sciarrone re-enters and then Cavaradossi, (enraged at this, shouts furiously at in a faint, carried by the policemen, who Spoletta) lay him on the sofa. Tosca runs up, but on Shut him up! seeing her lover spattered with blood, (Spoletta goes into the torture chamber, covers her face in fright and horror. Then, returning after a moment. Tosca, overcome ashamed of her show of weakness, she with emotion, has fallen prostrate on the kneels beside Cavaradossi, kissing him and sofa. Sobbing, she appeals to Scarpia. He weeping. Sciarrone, Roberti, the judge and stands silent and impassive. Spoletta, the scribe go out at the rear. At a sign from meanwhile, mumbles a prayer under his Scarpia, Spoletta and the policemen stay breath: Judex ergo cum sedebit quidquid behind.) latet apparebit nil inultum remanebit.) 18

CAVARADOSSI (as he comes to) SCIARRONE (bursting in, very perturbed) Floria! Excellency! Bad news!

TOSCA (covering him with kisses) SCARPIA (taken aback) Beloved... What are you looking so worried about?

CAVARADOSSI SCIARRONE It is you? It is news of defeat!

TOSCA SCARPIA How you have suffered. How? Where? What defeat? Oh, my soul! But this just God will punish him! SCIARRONE At Marengo. CAVARADOSSI Did you speak? SCARPIA (impatient) Blockhead! TOSCA No, beloved... SCIARRONE Bonaparte has won! CAVARADOSSI Truly not? SCARPIA And Melas? TOSCA No! SCIARRONE No. Melas has fled! SCARPIA (loudly to Spoletta) (Cavaradossi, having listened to Sciarrone In the well... with anxious expectation, now, in sheer in the garden. enthusiasm, finds the strength to rise Get him, Spoletta. threateningly towards Scarpia.) (Exit Spoletta. Cavaradossi has heard; he rises threateningly towards Tosca, but his CAVARADOSSI strength fails him and he falls back on the Victory! Victory! sofa, bitterly reproachful as he exclaims:) The avenging dawn now rises to make the wicked tremble! CAVARADOSSI And liberty returns, Ah, you have betrayed me! the scourge of tyrants!

TOSCA (beseeching) TOSCA (trying desperately to calm him) Mario! Mario, be still! Have pity on me!

CAVARADOSSI CAVARADOSSI (Rejecting her embrace and thrusting her You see me now rejoice from him) in my own suffering... Accursed woman! And now your blood runs cold, hangman, Scarpia! TOSCA (beseeching) (Tosca clutches Cavaradossi and with a Mario! rush of broken words tries to calm him, 19 while Scarpia answers with a sardonic TOSCA smile.) (still staring at Scarpia, she advances towards the table. She sits resolutely facing SCARPIA him, then asks in a tone of the deepest Go, shout your boasts! Pour out contempt:) the last dregs of your vile soul! How much? Go, for you die, the hangman’s noose awaits you. SCARPIA (imperturbable, as she pours his (shouts to the policemen) drink) Take him away! How much? (Sciarrone and the policemen seize (He laughs.) Cavaradossi and drag him towards the door. Tosca makes a supreme effort to hold TOSCA on to him, but they thrust her brutally What is your price? aside.) SCARPIA TOSCA Yes, they say that I am venal, Mario, with you... but it is not for money that I will sell myself SCARPIA to beautiful women. Not you! I want other recompense (The door closes and Scarpia and Tosca if I am to betray my oath of office. remain alone.) I have waited for this hour! TOSCA (moaning) Already in the past I burned Save him! with passion for the Diva. But tonight I have beheld you SCARPIA in a new role I had not seen before. I?...You rather! Those tears of yours were lava (He goes to the table, notes his supper to my senses and that fierce hatred interrupted midway, and again is calm and which your eyes shot at me only fanned smiling.) the fire in my blood. Supple as a leopard My poor supper was interrupted. you enwrapped your lover. (Sees Tosca, dejected and motionless, still In that instant at the door) I vowed you would be mine! So downhearted? Come, my fair lady. Mine! Yes. I will have you... Sit down here. Shall we try to find (He rises and stretches out his arms together a way to save him? towards Tosca. She has listened motionless (Tosca bestirs herself and looks at him. to his wanton tirade. Now she leaps up and Scarpia, still smiling, sits down and takes refuge behind the sofa.) motions to her to do the same.) Well then, sit down, and we shall talk. TOSCA (running towards the window) And first, a sip of wine. Ah! It comes from Spain. I’ll jump out first! (He refills the glass and offers it to Tosca.) A sip to hearten you. SCARPIA (coldly) I hold your Mario in pawn! 20

TOSCA SCARPIA Oh, wretch... Do you hear? Oh, ghastly bargain... It is the drum that leads the way for the last (It suddenly occurs to her to appeal to the march Queen, and she runs to the door.) of the condemned. Time passes! (Tosca listens in terrible dread, and then SCARPIA (ironically) comes back from the window to lean I do you no violence. Go. You are free. exhausted on the sofa.) But your hope is vain: the Queen would Are you aware of what dark work merely grant pardon to a corpse! is done down there? (Tosca draws back in fright, her eyes fixed They raise a gallows. By your wish, on Scarpia. She drops on the sofa. She then your Mario has but one more hour to live. looks away from him with a gesture of (He coldly leans on a corner of the sofa supreme contempt.) and stares at Tosca.) How you detest me! TOSCA TOSCA I lived for art, I lived for love: Ah! God! never did I harm a living creature! Whatever misfortunes I encountered SCARPIA (approaching) I sought with secret hand to succor. Even so, even so I want you! Ever in pure faith, my prayers rose TOSCA (with loathing) in the holy chapels. Don’t touch me, devil! I hate you, hate you! Ever in pure faith, Fiend, base villain! I brought flowers to the altars. (She flees from him in horror.) In this hour of pain, why, why, oh Lord, why SCARPIA dost Thou repay me thus? What does it matter? Jewels I brought Spasms of wrath or spasms of passion... for the Madonna’s mantle, TOSCA and songs for the stars in heaven Foul villain! that they shone forth with greater radiance. In this hour of distress, why, SCARPIA why, oh Lord, You are mine! why dost Thou repay me thus? (trying to seize her) (kneeling before Scarpia)

TOSCA TOSCA Wretch! Look at me, oh, behold! (retreats behind the table) With clasped hands I beseech you! And, vanquished, I implore SCARPIA (pursuing her) the help of your word... Mine! SCARPIA TOSCA Tosca, you are too beautiful and too loving. Help! Help! I yield to you. And at a paltry price; (A distant roll of drums draws slowly near, you ask me for a life. I ask of you an then fades again into the distance.) instant. 21

TOSCA (rising, with great contempt) I have changed my mind. Go, go, you fill me with loathing! The prisoner shall be shot... (A knock at the door) (Tosca starts with terror.) Wait a moment... SCARPIA (He fixes on Spoletta a hard, significant Who’s there? glance and Spoletta nods in reply that he has guessed his meaning.) SPOLETTA (entering breathless) As we did with Count Palmieri. Excellency, Angelotti killed himself when we arrived. SPOLETTA An execution... SCARPIA Well, then, have him hanged SCARPIA (significantly stressing his dead from the gibbet. The other prisoner? words) ...A sham one! As we did SPOLETTA with Palmieri! You understand? The Cavalier Cavaradossi? Everything is ready, Excellency. SPOLETTA I understand. TOSCA (to herself) God help me! SCARPIA Go. SCARPIA (to Spoletta) Wait. TOSCA (to Tosca) I want to explain to him myself. Well? (Tosca nods assent She weeps with shame SCARPIA and hides her face. To Spoletta) As you wish. Listen... (to Spoletta) You will let her pass... TOSCA (suddenly interrupting) And remember, at four o’clock. But I demand that he be freed this instant... SPOLETTA SCARPIA (to Tosca) Yes. Like Palmieri. We must dissemble. I cannot openly (Exit Spoletta. Scarpia, near the door, grant pardon to him. All must believe listens to his retreating footsteps, and then the Cavalier is dead. his whole behavior changing, advances (Points to Spoletta) towards Tosca flushed with passion.) This trusted man of mine will see to it. SCARPIA TOSCA I have kept my promise. How can I be sure? TOSCA (stopping him) SCARPIA Not yet. By the orders I give him in your presence. I want a safe conduct, so that he and I (to Spoletta) can flee the State together. Spoletta, shut the door. (Spoletta shuts the door and comes back to SCARPIA (gallantly) Scarpia.) You want to leave? 22

TOSCA her, she thrusts him back in horror. Scarpia Yes, forever. crashes to the floor, shrieking in a voice nearly stifled with blood.) SCARPIA Your wish shall be granted. SCARPIA (He goes to the desk and begins writing. He Help! I am dying! Help! I die! stops to ask:) And which road do you prefer? TOSCA (Watches him as he struggles helplessly on TOSCA the floor and clutches at the sofa, trying to The shortest! pull himself up) Is your blood choking you? SCARPIA And killed by a woman! Civitavecchia? Did you torment me enough? Can you still hear me? Speak! TOSCA Look at me! I am Tosca! Oh, Scarpia!

Yes. SCARPIA (after a last effort he falls back) (As he writes, Tosca goes up to the table to Help! Help! take, with shaking hand, the glass of wine that Scarpia has poured, but as she lifts it to TOSCA (bending over him) her lips, her eye falls on a sharply pointed Is your blood choking you? knife that is lying on the table. She sees that Die accursed! Die! Die! Die! Scarpia at this moment is absorbed in (seeing him motionless) writing, and so, with infinite caution, still He is dead! answering his questions, and never taking And now I pardon him! her eye from him, she reaches out for the All Rome trembled before him! knife. Finally, she is able to grasp the knife. Still watching Scarpia, she hides it behind (Her eyes still fixed on the body, Tosca goes her as she leans against the table. He has to the table, puts down the knife, takes a now finished making out the pass. He puts bottle of water, wets a napkin and washes his seal upon it and folds the paper, and her fingers. She then goes to the mirror to then, opening his arms, advances towards arrange her hair. Then she hunts for the Tosca to embrace her.) safe-conduct pass on the desk, and not finding it there she turns and sees the paper SCARPIA in the clenched hand of the dead man. She Tosca, now you are mine at last! takes it with a shudder and hides it in her (But his shout of lust ends in a cry of bosom. She puts out the candle on the table anguish: Tosca has struck him full in the and is about to leave when a scruple detains breast.) her. She returns to the desk and takes the Accursed one! candle there, using it to relight the other, and then places one to the right and the TOSCA other to the left of Scarpia’s head. She rises This is the kiss of Tosca! and looks about her and notices a crucifix (Scarpia stretches out an arm towards her, on the wall. She removes it with reverent swaying and lurching as he advances, care, and returning to the dead man, kneels seeking her aid. She eludes him, but is at his side and places it on his breast. She suddenly caught between him and the table, and seeing that he is about to touch 23 rises, approaches the door cautiously, goes For you. out and closes it.) (to Cavaradossi) You have one hour. A priest awaits your call.

ACT THREE CAVARADOSSI The platform of Castel Sant’Angelo No... but I have a last favor to ask of you.

(At left, a casemate: there is a lamp, large JAILER registry book with writing materials, a bench If I can... and a chair. A crucifix hangs on one of the casemate walls with a lamp in front. To the CAVARADOSSI right, the door to a small stairway leading up One very dear person to the platform. In the distance, the Vatican I leave behind me. Permit me and the Basilica of St Peter’s. It is still night, to write her a few lines. but gradually darkness is dispelled by the (taking a ring from his finger) grey, uncertain light of the hour before dawn. This ring is all that remains Church bells toll for matins. The voice of a of my possessions. shepherd passing with his flock can be If you will promise to give her heard.) my last farewell, then it is yours. (Orchestra) VOICE OF SHEPHERD JAILER I give you sighs, (hesitates a little, then accepts. He motions there are as many Cavaradossi to the chair at the table, and as there are leaves sits down on the bench.) driven by the wind. Write. You may scorn me, and my heart is sick. Oh lamp of gold, I die for you. CAVARADOSSI (begins to write, but after a few lines a flood (Orchestra) of memories invades him) (A jailer with a lantern mounts the stairs from And the stars shone and the earth was below. He goes to the casemate and lights the perfumed. light in front of the crucifix, and then the one The gate to the garden creaked and a or the table. He sits down and waits, half footstep drowsing. Soon a picket of guards, led by a rustled the sand to the path... sergeant, emerges from the stairway with Fragrant, she entered Cavaradossi. The picket halts as the sergeant and fell into my arms... leads Cavaradossi to the casemate and hands Oh, soft kisses, oh, sweet abandon, a note to the jailer. The latter examines it, as I trembling opens the registry book and writes, as he unloosed her veils and disclosed her beauty. questions the prisoner.) (Orchestra) Oh, vanished forever is that dream of love, fled is that hour... JAILER and desperately I die. Mario Cavaradossi? And never before have I loved life so much! (Cavaradossi bows his head in (He bursts into sobs, Spoletta appears at the acknowledgement. The jailer hands the pen stair head, the sergeant at his side and Tosca to the sergeant.) following. Spoletta indicates where 24

Cavaradossi is and then calls the jailer. He a sharp blade glittered: warns the guard at the rear to keep careful he wrote out the liberating pass, watch on the prisoner, and then leaves with and came to claim the horrible embrace... the sergeant and the jailer. Tosca sees That pointed blade I planted in his heart. Cavaradossi weeping, his head in his arms. She lifts his head, and he jumps to his feet in CAVARADOSSI astonishment. Tosca shows him a note but is You, with your own hand you killed him? far too overcome with emotion to speak.) You tender, you gentle - and for me!

(Orchestra) TOSCA My hands were reeking with his blood! CAVARADOSSI (reading) CAVARADOSSI Ah! A safe-conduct for Floria Tosca... (lovingly taking her hands in his) ...and for the Cavalier accompanying her. Oh, sweet hands pure and gentle. Oh, hands meant for the fair works of piety, TOSCA caressing children, gathering roses, (reading with him in a hoarse and shaken for prayers when others meet misfortune... voice) ... and for the Cavalier accompanying Then it was in you, made strong by love, her. that justice placed her sacred weapons? (to Cavaradossi with an exultant cry) You dealt out death, victorious hands, You are free! oh, sweet hands pure and gentle.

CAVARADOSSI TOSCA (disengaging her hands from his) (studies the pass and sees the signature) Listen, the hour is near. I have already Scarpia! collected my gold and jewels. A carriage is Scarpia yields? waiting... This is his first act of clemency... But first...Oh, laugh at this, my love... First you will be shot, TOSCA in play and pretense, And his last! with unloaded arms... mock punishment. CAVARADOSSI Fall down at the shot, What? the soldiers leave, and we are safe! And then to Civitavecchia, and there a ship, TOSCA and we’re away by sea! Either your blood or my love, he demanded. CAVARADOSSI My entreaties and my tears were useless. Free! Wild with horror, I appealed in vain to the Madonna and the Saints. TOSCA The damnable monster told me Free! that already the gallows stretched their arms skyward! CAVARADOSSI The drums rolled and Away by sea! he laughed, the evil monster, laughed, ready to spring and carry off his prey! TOSCA Is it yes? He asked, and yes, I promised Where now have pain and sorrow fled? myself to his lust. But there at hand Do you smell the aroma of the roses? 25

Do you feel that all things on the earth TOSCA (carried away with rapture) await the sun enamored? Together in exile we shall bear our love through the world. CAVARADOSSI Harmonies of color... (with tender exaltation) Only for you did death taste bitter for me, TOSCA and CAVARADOSSI and only you invest this life with splendor. And harmonies of song! All joy and all desire, for my being, (ecstatically) are held in you as heat within flame. Triumphant, I now shall see through your transfiguring the soul trembles eyes, with new hope the heavens blaze and the heavens darken; in heavenly and the beauty of all things remarkable increasing ardour. from you alone will have their voice and And in harmonious flight color. the spirit soars to the ecstasy of love. TOSCA The love that found the way to save your life TOSCA shall be our guide on earth, our pilot on the With a thousand kisses I shall seal your waters, eyes, and make the wide world lovely to our eyes; and call you by a thousand names of love. until together we shall fade away (Meanwhile a squad of soldiers has entered beyond the sphere of earth, as light clouds from the stairway. The officer in command fade, ranges them to the rear. Enter Spoletta, the at sundown, high above the sea. sergeant and the jailer, Spoletta giving the (They are stirred and silent. Then Tosca, necessary orders. The sky lightens; dawn recalled to reality, looks about uneasily.) appears; a bell strikes four. The jailer goes They still! don’t come... to Cavaradossi, removes his cap and nods (turning to Cavaradossi with affectionate towards the officer.) concern) And be careful! JAILER When you hear the shot It is time. you must fall down at once... CAVARADOSSI CAVARADOSSI (reassuring her) I am ready. Have no fear, (The jailer takes the registry of the I’ll fall on the instant, and quite naturally. condemned and leaves by the stairway.)

TOSCA (insisting) TOSCA But be careful not to hurt yourself. (to Cavaradossi, speaking low and laughing With my experience in the theatre secretly) I’d know how to manage it. Remember: at the first shot, down...

CAVARADOSSI (interrupting and drawing CAVARADOSSI her to him) (in a low voice. also laughing) Speak to me again as you spoke before. Down. So sweet is the sound of your voice. TOSCA And don’t get up before I call you... 26

CAVARADOSSI cloak. The officer realigns the soldiers. The No, beloved! sergeant withdraws the sentinel from his post at the rear and Spoletta leads the group TOSCA off by the stairway. Tosca follows this scene And fall down properly... with the utmost agitation, fearing that Cavaradossi may lose patience and move or CAVARADOSSI speak before the proper moment. In a Like Tosca on the stage... hushed voice she warns him:)

TOSCA Oh Mario, do not move... You mustn’t laugh... They’re going now. Be still. They are going down... CAVARADOSSI (Seeing the platform deserted, she goes to So? listen at the stair head. She stands there for a moment in fear and trepidation as she TOSCA thinks she hears the soldiers returning. So. Again in a low voice she warns (Their farewells over, Cavaradossi follows Cavaradossi:) the officer. Tosca takes her place on the left Not yet, you mustn’t move... side of the casemate, in position, however, to (She listens: they have all gone. She runs observe what is happening on the platform. towards She sees the officer and the sergeant lead Cavaradossi.) Cavaradossi towards the wall directly Quickly! Up, Mario! Mario! facing her. The sergeant wishes to blindfold Up! Quickly. Come. Cavaradossi who declines with a smile. The Up! Up! grim preparations begin to strain Tosca s (She kneels and quickly removes the cloak patience.) and leaps to her feet, pale and terrified.) TOSCA Mario! Mario! Dead! Dead! How long is this waiting! (sobbing, she throws herself on Why are they still delaying? The sun already Cavaradossi’s body) rises. Oh Mario, dead? You? Like this? Why are they still delaying? It is only a Dead like this? etc. comedy, (From the courtyard below the parapet and I know, but this anguish seems to last from the narrow stairway come the confused forever! voices of Spoletta, Sciarrone and the (The officer and the sergeant marshal the soldiers. They draw nearer.) squad of soldiers before the wall and impart CONFUSED VOICES their instructions.) Scarpia stabbed? There! They are taking aim! How handsome my Mario is! SCIARRONE (The officer lowers his sabre, the platoon Yes, stabbed, I tell you! fires and Cavaradossi falls.) There! Die! Ah, what an actor! CONFUSED VOICES (The sergeant goes up to examine the fallen The woman is Tosca! man. Spoletta also approaches to prevent Don’t let her escape. the sergeant from delivering the coup de Keep an eye on the way out via the stairs! grace, and he covers Cavaradossi with a (Spoletta rushes in from the stairway, and 27 behind him Sciarrone shouting and waving at Tosca.)

SCIARRONE There she is!

SPOLETTA (charging towards Tosca) Ah, Tosca, you will pay for his life most dearly! (Tosca springs to her feet, pushing Spoletta violently, answering:)

TOSCA With my own! (Spoletta falls back from the sudden thrust. Tosca escapes and runs to the parapet, she leaps onto it and hurls herself over the ledge, crying:) Oh, Scarpia! Before God! (Sciarrone and soldiers rush in confusion to the parapet and look down. Spoletta stands stunned and pale.)

Curtain