King Teodoro and His Creditors. From the Comic Opera, “Il Re Teodoro.”
[About 1730, the Corsicans rose in rebellion against the Genoese, who had long been masters of the island; and a German baron of the name of Theodor von Neuhoff, who landed with supplies for the insurgents, received the title of king. Being obliged to leave in order to raise additional forces, he was arrested for debt. Casti’s opera is founded on this circumstance, and represents him as coming to Venice, under a feigned name, with his companion Gafforio, in desperate straits for money.]
Gafforio. Cast away grief, my king!—this sorrow, Surely, is most unworthy thee! Teodoro. I’ve neither kingdom nor coin,—and borrow I cannot—a monarch who would be? Gaff. Ah! remember the great Darius, Marius, and Themistocles— And many a worthy man and pious,— Surely the fate of such as these, Heroes of every age and nation, Ought to be a consolation. Teod. All these stories, my son, I know, Having read history, like yourself, But the want that presses so Is not history now, but pelf.
[Achmet, Sultan of Turkey, dethroned and banished, but plentifully supplied with funds, takes up his quarters at the same hotel as Theodore. The latter’s creditors, hearing he is at Venice, demand his arrest, and he is imprisoned.]
Teod. Then this catacomb Is the tomb Of all my vast design? Is this the kingdom, this the throne, Are these the glorious realms unknown, I thought should yet be mine? Belisa (his sister). With your passion for reigning, I’ve told you, my brother, One day or another To gaol you would go! Gaff. Keep courage, O Leader, For Regulus olden And Bajazet, Soldan, Had worse fates, you know! Teod. Have done, once for all, With your musty old stories, Your heroes and glories,— Don’t bother me so!
[All Theodore’s friends come to take leave of him, and he adjures them:]
Oh! go, and do not grieve me! For pity’s sake be still. All. That which attracts the human heart, How vain and frail it seems to be! Teod. Good heavens! how very weary, How infinitely dreary, Are good and virtuous people That preach morality! Gaff. In order to avenging Your wrongs and impositions, At all the courts of Europe I will present petitions. Achmet. For Theodore the banished We’ll take up a collection, And I shall be most happy, Contributing my fraction. Taddeo (landlord). As long as, in this city, In prison, sir, you stay, I shall be glad to send you Your dinner every day! Belisa. Cheer up, O my brother! The laws of this day Are always in favour Of him who can’t pay! As soon as they see That you have not a groat They must set you free, If they wish it, or not! All. Take comfort, farewell!— Never anything stable In this world did dwell! Teod. In peace kindly leave me, I’ve told you before— I’ve had enough preaching, And wish for no more! Giovanni Battista Casti (1721–1803).