Note 481 — Chapter XV
Reading edition
He partly apologizes for this in his Preface to the Reader, by saying that Italian words are introduced into the comedias because of the audiences in Italy. This will do, as far as the Italian is concerned; but what is to be said for the other languages that are used? In the Introyto to the “Serafina,” he makes a jest of the whole, telling the audience,—
But you must all keep wide awake, Or else in vain you’ll undertake To comprehend the differing speech, Which here is quite distinct for each;— Four languages, as you will hear, Castilian with Valencian clear, And Latin and Italian too;— So take care lest they trouble you.
No doubt his comedias were exhibited before only a few persons, who were able to understand the various languages they contained, and found them only the more amusing for this variety.