The Venetian Woman (La Venexiana)

Even those women who look different by their attire,

are not merely objects of love when they remove their clothes,

but they are capable of loving just like men.

THE VENETIAN LADY

Nena, come, I want to go out.

Right away, Milady.

Nena.

Let's go.

The plague is over.

A year of rejoice for Venice.

It took the plague away. Good fortune for travelers.

The ones from last year

came by unnoticed. They looked boneless because of fear.

See that wall? In there were

the ones infected.

They died one by one.

Their plague is over.

And, since we are good people, God is sending us a bit of everything.

In the meantime, patience.

Sooner or later,

Venice will sink.

Now, let's leave sadness over board. Joy on board!

Let us enjoy while we can.

Is this the church I must visit?

Yes, here we are.

Have a good look at this church, and then think of your amusement.

Tonight Venice will be hospitable

and generous to the young ones.

- Please, buy me a candle. - No, thanks.

Sir, get some candles. Come on, get some.

Look, the Doge is coming out.

What are you doing? We must follow the procession.

Yes, come on.

No, come.

Go.

Move aside, the Doge is coming through.

Make way.

I am sorry.

Excuse me.

Thanks.

I lost her for ever.

Fair maid, listen to me.

I'm a stranger here, I deserve a little attention.

Answer to me.

You must always listen to foreigners.

Then, take my gift to your lady.

To my lady?

That angel from paradise was your lady, right?

I won't listen to you.

Among all Venetians,

she won me over.

Say no more.

I fell for her fairness

and her grace.

No, never.

Tell her I'm hers, in love with her for ever.

I'm hers.

- I can't. - Do it for me.

- I'm inclined to help you. - Then, do so.

My lady noticed you.

- Me? - Yes, you.

- Have you seen...? - But the message is serious.

Don't turn against me.

I can't say it.

Besides, Lady Valeria is married to the most jealous man.

Her name is Valeria? So sweet a name!

- Will you tell her about my love? - Maybe.

Don't leave me in uncertainty.

We'll see.

Yes or no?

Who knows?

I'll wait all night before the Church

for an answer from your lady.

You go and wait.

Tell me everything.

How curious you are, Milady! You are so anxious tonight!

- So? - In just a moment.

Didn't you have an assignment?

Be patient. You'll thank me.

No more games.

Don't play fool.

I'll tell you no more.

- Why? - 'Cause you called me a fool.

Speak at once.

You saw him?

I think it was him.

How is he up close?

Oh, God, he's so beautiful!

Holy Mary!

What did you say?

I didn't speak.

- You didn't? - No.

But he did say something.

Yes, but I didn't listen to anything.

Because of my reserve,

my consideration for you, and because it's none of my business,

but only yours.

But I heard his last word.

The last word?

Then say it, whatever it is.

He said: Commend me to your Lady!

Only that?

And then: I'm hers!

He also said:

I'll wait for her answer all night.

Don't make him wait for my answer. Run.

At my place, at midnight.

Run and bring him to me.

How wonderful! It's him.

Who?

The boy we saw when we were going back home.

I've seen nothing more beautiful.

Extraordinary.

It's not possible. Was it a dream? He's gone.

How happy I'd be if I could touch him,

if I could reach that beautiful young man.

Since I'm dressed as a widow, he surely thought I was old.

My Nena, how sickly I feel!

Nobody in Venice could cure me.

Anyone will do, so long as he's not castrated.

You're right, you're right.

It will also happen tonight,

and tomorrow will come.

And at night...

Alone at night in Venice? You'll get lost.

- Shall I come along? - No, thanks.

Yes, come.

Go on, come.

I'll take you to a fine place.

You're looking for the finest lady,

and I'm looking for someone like you.

- Where are you taking me? - Come.

The Doge has passed a bill

that looks fit for foreigners.

I don't want to be rude, but...

You want to make love?

That's what I came to Venice for.

This is Venice too.

You see? They all are at your feet.

The Doge has ordered women of pleasure

to show their bare breasts

to incite men,

so that they don't go the wrong way.

Beatrice, show him home!

Come, let's go.

- Who are they? - Gentlemen,

Venetian noblemen who have nothing else to do.

Oria.

- What are you looking for at this time? - Nothing.

- You want to ride in this one? - Scoundrel.

- What are you looking for? - A little water for my lady.

And, you're coming here to get that water?

You need something done?

I won't have anything to do with a swine like you!

Go to hell, then.

And get your bush cleaned up sometime.

Come, come.

Be quiet, gentlemen. And look at me.

- Something your ears... - Have never heard.

- And your eyes... - Have never seen.

Take a sit.

A tree lover.

I'm gonna tell you an incredible story.

In their village, in ancient times,

phalli carried wisdom about.

Lucky them!

These phalli

could use their hands.

- They were fat and mighty. - It's not true.

What do you know?

- Phalli tell the story. - The story never tells the truth.

One day, these phalli, in accord

with beautiful tits,

put on the throne...

Hi.

A king named Phallusest I.

You're being looked at.

It's my husband.

Little phalli.

Poverty will ruin you.

Will you come with me?

We'll show a different show to my husband.

Little phalli

couldn't stand this torture

and decided to revolt against the tyranny of the Phallusests.

Are you embarrassed?

Why should I be embarrassed?

So?

No, I'm sorry. My mother is waiting. Thanks.

And then they

called everyone to arms.

Who called them?

Who do you expect? The Phallusests.

And King Phallusest punished them

by putting all of them in little sacks

and giving a sack to every phallus. And so it's been up till now.

- I salute Your Excellency. - It's you?

Did you deliver the message?

I can only love her.

I care only for her. I'm desperate.