Zingaretta
Na zijn avances heeft de ijdele Riccardo klappen gekregen van zigeunerin Lisetta.
Valentino
Are you alright?
Riccardo
(Whimpering) I thought this was a love story.
Valentino
It is! It is!
Riccardo
She nearly broke my neck!
Valentino
No, no, that’s her way of saying she likes you!
Riccardo
By killing me?
Valentino
It’s her gypsy blood! Don’t you see those eyes?
Riccardo
Yes. They frighten me.
Valentino
There is passion burning in them.
Riccardo
Too hot for me to handle.
Valentino
Don’t underestimate yourself. You’re the most desired bachelor of Napoli!
Riccardo takes a scared glance at Lisetta on the other side of the stage.
Riccardo
If I can get anyone, why would I torment myself for her?
Valentino
Because tonight is your night, filled with insatiable desire. Don’t you hear the Mediterranean?
He secretly encourages the spectator with the ocean drum to start playing again. Riccardo looks up attentively, when he hears the sound of the waves.
And the crickets chirping their love songs?
Krrr-krrr… Another spectator makes the ratched sound on the guiro. Riccardo gradually regains his confidence and the sparkle reappears in his eyes.
Riccardo
You’re right. I feel irresistable.
Valentino
(Whispers) She wants you. But she won’t give in that easy.
Bzzz-bzzz… The buzzing bow further thickens the sensually charged atmosphere.
Leave her some space. Be gentle.
Riccardo
Oh, I will be gentle alright!
He is ready to launch a new seduction attempt and produces his mouth spray to morally fortify himself… but Valentino gently pushes his hand down.
Valentino
You don’t need all that. Keep it plain.
He straightens Riccardos shoulders and softly pushes him forward.
Just… don’t be yourself!