Tis Pity She's a Whore

Giovanni, son of Florio (a citizen of Parma), is in mental anguish and has confessed his heart to the Friar: the young man is desperately in love with his own sister, Annabella. The Friar demands that Giovanni examine his heart and conscience, and remember his learning and reason, rather than court lust and death. Giovanni agrees, and promises to pray with the Friar for deliverance from his unnatural desires.

In the streets of Parma, the nobleman Grimaldi is ready to fight with Vasques, the servant of noble Soranzo. While Vasques is just a servant, he serves a man of higher station than Grimaldi, and so feels himself worthy of such a match. As Vasques is winning, Florio enters with Soranzo and Donado (another citizen), and breaks up the fight. Soranzo states that he knows the reason for the altercation: Grimaldi wants to marry Florio’s daughter Annabella, just as Soranzo does. While Florio appreciates this passion and rivalry, he will not condone bloodshed, nor will he ignore