He therefore bargains with Falcone [a narrow-souled
villain] for the hand of Isabella. The deed of the Falcone property is
restored to the Count upon an agreement that the lady shall marry
the usurer- this contract being invalid should Falcone change his mind
in regard to the marriage, or should the maiden demur- but valid
should the wedding be prevented through any fault of Tortesa, or
through any accident not springing from the will of the father or
child. The first Scene makes us aware of this bargain, and
introduces us to Zippa, a glover's daughter, who resolves, with a view
of befriending Isabella, to feign a love for Tortesa [which, in fact
she partially feels], hoping thus to break off the match.
The second Scene makes us acquainted with a young painter
(Angelo), poor, but of high talents and ambition, and with his servant
(Tomaso), an old bottle-loving rascal, entertaining no very exalted
opinion of his master's abilities. Tomaso does some injury to a
picture, and Angelo is about to run him through the body when he is
interrupted by a sudden visit from the Duke of Florence, attended by
Falcone. The Duke is enraged at the murderous attempt, but admires the
paintings in the studio. Finding that the rage of the great man will
prevent his patronage if he knows the aggressor as the artist,
Angelo passes off Tomaso as himself (Angelo), making an exchange of
names.
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