A Curious Mishap

Monsieur de la Cotterie, a wounded French lieutenant held captive, has been lodging with monsieur Filiberto, a rich Dutch merchant. Filiberto has a daughter Giannina ... and monsieur de la Cotterie's health does not seem to be getting any better. When he realises that he is in love, he would like to do the right thing; in order not to abuse the merchant's hospitality, he decides to leave. But the matter is not quite so simple. Not only does Giannina return his emotions, but there are also her maid Marianna and the lieutenant’s servant Guascogna, who don't much like the idea of the separation, and Miss Costanza, who has lately been calling at Filiberto's home more and more often ...

In this comedy full of amiable, conciliatory characters – written 250 years ago, allegedly based on real events – Carlo Goldoni mocked the people who like to meddle in other people's business and “help” their fellow men and women while risking getting caught in their own trap.