Browing through forum archives today I stumbled across this post by hydrogonian, who was having trouble coming to terms with his experiences with women. It reminded me of a famous Opera.
Mozart's character Don Alfonso, a cynical old player, offers this advice to two young men (Ferrando, Guglielmo) who are angry and despondent after having their illusions shattered:
Don Alfonso
Well then, take them as they are:
Nature can't make exceptions
And create two women of a different stuff
Just to suit your tastes: in such matters
You must be philosophical.
Come along then;
Let's find a way
Of putting things together.
Tonight I still want to see
A double wedding;
Meanwhile listen to my song:
Take heed, and you'll be happy.
(Andante)
Don Alfonso
Everyone blames women, but I forgive them
If they change their love
A thousand times a day;
Some call it a sin, others a habit,
But I say it's a necessity of their heart.
The lover who finds that he's been deceived
Should blame not others
But his own mistake;
Whether they're young or old, fair or plain –
Repeat with me: They all act that way!
Ferrando, Guglielmo and Don Alfonso
Così fan tutte!
Note 1: I modified the translation slightly from this translation source. Here is the original italian (librettist: Lorenzo da Ponte)
Note 2: Alfonso does recommend marriage, although it's probably worth noting that he himself was NOT married, and that marriage in the 18th century Holy Roman Empire was probably less of a risk for men than it is today.
Note 3: The full title of the opera and literal translation is: Così fan tutte, ossia La scuola degli amanti (Thus Do They All, or The School For Lovers). Most of the show is Ferrando and Guglielmo in disguise, with Alfonso teaching them how to seduce their own girlfriends.
Quote: (06-17-2010 06:51 AM)hydrogonian Wrote:
I didn't ever want to feel contempt for women... I always wanted to give each individual her fair chance. But I feel that I can cut out a lot of time and headache by just assuming every single one has no real character ... and treat her accordingly. However, this is a sad way to exist...
Whats your perspective?
Whats the solution?
Mozart's character Don Alfonso, a cynical old player, offers this advice to two young men (Ferrando, Guglielmo) who are angry and despondent after having their illusions shattered:
Don Alfonso
Well then, take them as they are:
Nature can't make exceptions
And create two women of a different stuff
Just to suit your tastes: in such matters
You must be philosophical.
Come along then;
Let's find a way
Of putting things together.
Tonight I still want to see
A double wedding;
Meanwhile listen to my song:
Take heed, and you'll be happy.
(Andante)
Don Alfonso
Everyone blames women, but I forgive them
If they change their love
A thousand times a day;
Some call it a sin, others a habit,
But I say it's a necessity of their heart.
The lover who finds that he's been deceived
Should blame not others
But his own mistake;
Whether they're young or old, fair or plain –
Repeat with me: They all act that way!
Ferrando, Guglielmo and Don Alfonso
Così fan tutte!
Note 1: I modified the translation slightly from this translation source. Here is the original italian (librettist: Lorenzo da Ponte)
Note 2: Alfonso does recommend marriage, although it's probably worth noting that he himself was NOT married, and that marriage in the 18th century Holy Roman Empire was probably less of a risk for men than it is today.
Note 3: The full title of the opera and literal translation is: Così fan tutte, ossia La scuola degli amanti (Thus Do They All, or The School For Lovers). Most of the show is Ferrando and Guglielmo in disguise, with Alfonso teaching them how to seduce their own girlfriends.