Luc. Hark, the bell rings; I must leave you:  ’tis a summons to our devotion.

Fred. Will you leave me for your prayers, madam?  You may have enough of them at any time, but remember you cannot have a man so easily.

Luc. Well, I’ll say my beads for you, and that’s but charity; for I believe I leave you in a most deplorable condition. [Exeunt Women.

Fred. Not deplorable neither, but a little altered:  If I could be in love, as I am sure I cannot, it should be with her, for I like her conversation strangely.

Asca. Then, as young as I am, sir, I am beforehand with you; for I am in love already.  I would fain make the first proof of my manhood upon a nun:  I find I have a mighty grudging to holy flesh.

Fred. I’ll ply Lucretia again, as soon as ever her devotion’s over.  Methinks these nuns divide their time most admirably; from love to prayers, from prayers to love; that is, just so much sin, just so much godliness.

Asca. Then I can claim that sister’s love by merit.  Half man, half boy; for her half flesh, half spirit. [Exeunt.

SCENE II.—­A Street.

  AURELIAN and CAMILLO.

Aur. I’ll proceed no farther, if Benito goes:  I know his folly will produce some mischief.

Cam. But Violetta desired me, in her note, to bring him, on purpose to pass the time with her woman, Beatrix.

Aur. That objection’s easily removed:  I’ll supply Benito’s place; the darkness will prevent discovery; and, for my discourse, I’ll imitate the half wit and patched breeding of a valet de chambre.

Cam. But how shall we get rid of him?

Aur. Let me alone for that.

  Enter BENITO.

Ben. Come, are we ready, gallants?  The clock’s upon the stroke of eight.

Aur. But we have altered our resolution; we go another way to-night.

Ben. I hope you have not broke my assignation?

Aur. Why do you hope so?

Ben. Because my reputation is engaged in’t:  I’ve stipulated, upon mine honour, that you shall come.

Aur. I shall beat you, if you follow me.  Go, sirrah, and adjourn to the great looking-glass, and let me hear no more from you till to-morrow morning.

Ben. Sir, my fidelity, and, if I may be so vain, my discretion, may stand you in some stead.

Aur. Well, come along then; they are brave fellows, who have challenged us; you shall have fighting enough, sir.

Ben. How, sir, fighting?

Aur. You may escape with the loss of a leg, or an arm, or some such transitory limb.

Ben. No, sir; I have that absolute obedience to your commands, that I will bridle my courage, and stay at home. [Exit.