The Viceroy’s Carriage by Prosper Mérimée

 The Viceroy’s Carriage by Prosper Mérimée


 

The author is famous for Carmen, which is one of the best operas, thanks in large part to the contribution of Bizet.

I for one never heard of this Carriage of the Viceroy before this morning.

It is not a bad play, but I could not say that this is a masterpiece.

This is a light comedy, where the main character is the viceroy.

He is the representative of the Spanish crown in one of its territories in Latin America.

As the highest ranking official in Lima, Peru the man enjoys a privileged position, something like a governor of a province.

He receives a carriage from Spain, which is his pride and joy, much like a Rolls Royce or a Bentley would be today.

 The viceroy is supposed to show this splendid vehicle as he goes to church.

But the problem is that the weather is beastly and the man is suffering, even if he loathes admitting that his condition is serious.

He listens to some complaints, some of which are rather funny:

-          There is a lady that complains that a parrot has been trained to mock her, every time she passes in front of the owner’s home

-          The lady requires the parrot to be hanged and the possessor to be hanged

The viceroy is infatuated with an actress Ms Pericona and he wants to hear what the rumors are

The subordinate that reports to him – Martinez falls into the trap and starts spilling the beans without thinking of the consequences

-          Your highness, they say that a man was seen coming out half naked from her place

-          What?

-          I am just saying what I hear

-          And what else

-          There is a toreador who received a gift from her

-          No…

-          During a bullfight she gave him a gift

-          What do you say you son of bitch, you disgraceful scum

Very angry, the jealous viceroy is ready to kill the messenger.

Indeed, Martinez is sent to a remote province

-          Your Excellency, this is worse than prison

-          I only said what the gossip is

Pericona arrives at the residence and instead of showing remorse when the supposed lover shows displeasure she is even haughtier.

-          I want something from you

-          But I heard about the toreador and the half naked man

-          This is just envy and false rumors

-          Should I believe that?

And in the manner that some shrewd women have, the actress turns the situation around and instead of defending she attacks.

-          I want the carriage!

And the viceroy surrenders and the carriage with team and all is given away, only to get involved in an accident, on the first trip out.

 

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