by Giovanni Battista Pergolesi, libretto by G. A. Federico

“ Uberto Amazing!
Serpina (To Vespone) You get back! The master might be in a hurry, But I'm not, get it?
Uberto Oh, splendid!
Serpina (To Vespone) Again! Oh, you really are trying my patience. If you want a pair of slaps, I'll give them to you! (beats Vespone)
Uberto Hey, where are you? Hey, Serpina! Shouldn't you stop?
Serpina Let me teach some manners to that rascal!
Uberto But in front of your master?
Serpina What, because I am a servant, I have to be trodden on, I have to be abused? No sir! I want to be respected, I want to be revered, like I was mistress, arch-mistress, mega-mistress! ”

“ I have something in my heart, And I don't know if it's love or if it's pity. I hear a voice telling me: Uberto, consider yourself. I stand between yes and no, Between “I want” and between “I don't want,” And more and more I am mixed up. Ah! Miserable, unlucky, what will become of me!
(Enter Serpina with Vespone, dressed as above)
Recitative - Favorisca, signor, passi
Serpina If it please you, Signor, this way.
Uberto Mistress. And this is?
Serpina This is he.
Uberto (To himself) What a brute! Truly, he has a stormy face.
(To Vespone) So, my dear Captain Tempesta, You plan to marry my girl? ”

“ At home you will be the second master, I promise you.
(Enter Uberto, dressed to go out.)
Uberto I hope that my servant – or now, better to say, my mistress – will grant me permission to leave the house.
Serpina Look at this! Without my permission, he got himself dressed.
Uberto Now indeed your impertinence has come to the summit. Arrogant! And she dared to ask me to marry her!
Serpina (to Vespone) Hide in that room for a minute, And at the right time, come out.
Uberto Here she is now. Let's get this over with. Can I or cannot I? Will you, or will you not, my lovely mistress –? ”