, such as I, does not arbitrate
nor dispose of a woman's heart.

_Coronato._ But, after all, she is a peasant.

_Count._ What does that matter? A woman's ever a woman. I distinguish
the grades, the conditions, but as a whole I respect the sex.

_Coronato._ [_Aside._] I understand. Your protection is worthless.

_Count._ How are you off for wine? have you a good supply?

_Coronato._ I have some that is quite perfect, good and exquisite.

_Count._ I shall come and taste it. Mine has turned out ill this year.

_Coronato._ [_Aside._] It is two years that he has sold it.

_Count._ If yours is good, I will take a supply.

_Coronato._ [_Aside._] I do not care for this patronage.

_Count._ Do you hear?

_Coronato._ Yes, I hear.

_Count._ Tell me one thing: if I were to speak to the girl, and induced
her by explanations--

_Coronato._ Your words might do something in my favour.

_Count._ After all, you deserve to be preferred.

_Coronato._ It seems to me, too, that between me and Crispino--

_Count._ Oh, there is no comparison!--a man like you, educated, well
dressed, a respectable person.

_Coronato._ You are too kind.

_Count._ I respect women, it is true, but just because of that, treating
them as I treat them, I assure you, they do for me what they would do
for no one else.

_Coronato._ It is that which I thought too, but you wanted to make me
doubt.

_Count._ I do like the lawyers, who start by making difficulties.
Friend, you are a man who has a good inn, who can afford to maintain a
wife decently. Have confidence in me, I will take up your cause.

_Coronato._ I beg your protection.

_Count._ I accord it. I promise it.

_Coronato._ If you would put yourself out to come and taste my wine--

_Count._ Most gladly, good man. [_Puts his hand on his shoulder._]

_Coronato._ [_Aside._] Two or three barrels of wine will not be ill
spent here.

END OF THE FIRST ACT.

ACT II.

SCENE I.

Susanna _alone, comes out of her house and arranges her wares._

_Susanna._ Bad times, little business to be done in this village. I have
as yet sold but one fan, and that I have given for a price--really just
to get rid of it. The people who can spend take their supplies in the
city. From the poor there is little to earn. I am a fool to lose my time
here in the midst of these peasants, without manners, without respect,
who do not know the difference between a shopwoman of education and
those who sell mi