Zerlina

Zerlina is a simple, honest country girl who is easily impressed by Don Giovanni's promises of a life of luxury. Zerlina tells her fiancé, Masetto, that he 'need not have any doubt' about her fidelity but she quickly changes her mind when left alone with Giovanni:

ZERLINA: I'd love to be a lady...

DON GIOVANNI: Come then, my fairest treasure!

ZERLINA: I will!

When she is discovered by Masetto, Zerlina knows exactly what to say to calm her jealous lover: 'Will you beat me black and blue then? / Yet I'll kiss the hand that strikes me, / Though you're cruel, I'll be kind.'