Page:Hoffmann's Strange Stories - Hoffman - 1855.djvu/268

 respectable man, he is middle aged and good looking, and calls himself Nicolo Musso."

"What!" said Capuzzi, "this must be the manager of the theatre at the People's Gate? What can he want of me?"

Curiosity was so strong, that the Argus, after having pushed the bolts, went down to the door of his house.

"My venerable lord," said Nicolo, bowing humbly, "I do not know how to thank you for the honor you do me in granting me this interview; I have to thank you a thousand times, and I hasten to express to you the sincerity of my admiration. Since the day you came to my theatre, you, in whom Rome entire, knows the science and exquisitely artistic taste, the reputation of my pieces and the amount of my receipts have doubled. I am sorry to learn that bold bandits have assailed you on your return from your previous visit; but I supplicate you, Signor, not to make me suffer for this deplorable accident, by depriving my theatre of the presence of the most distinguished man that Rome has the honor of possessing."

At these words, the old man Capuzzi could not restrain his joy:

"Your theatre," exclaimed he; "yes, certainly I like it, and I render justice to the talent of your actors. But know you, master Nicolo, that I ran the risk of my life, with my illustrious friend, doctor Splendiano? Yes, certainly, your theatre amuses me infinitely, but accursed be a thousand times, the road that leads to it. Why don't you change your place? If you would go and establish yourself on the People's Square, in Babuina street or in Ripetta street, I would gladly become a frequenter; but all the devils in hell would not succeed in making me go again, during the night, into the vicinity of the People's Gate!"

"Alas, you will then ruin me, Signor Capuzzi!" replied Nicolo, in the tone of a discouraged man; "for it is upon you, my worthy protector, that reposed my whole prospect of success, and I came to solicit"

"Solicit? What can I do for you?"