Cam. Let us hide in the dark walk till they are past.

Aur. But then Benito will be caught, and, being known to be my man, will betray us.

Ben. I hear some in the garden:  Sure they are the ladies, that are taken with my melody.  To it again, Benito; this time I will absolutely enchant them. [Fums again.

Aur:  He is at it again.  Why, Benito, are you mad?

Ben. Ah, madam! are you there?  This is such a favour to your poor unworthy servant. [Sings.

  But still between kissing Amyntas did say,
  Fair Phillis, look up, and you’ll turn night to day.

Aur. Come away, you insufferable rascal; the house is up, and will be upon us immediately.

Ben. O gemini, is it you, sir?

Within. This way; follow, follow.

Aur. Leave your scraping and croaking, and step with us into this arbour.

Ben. Scraping and croaking!  ’Sfoot, sir, either grant I sing and play to a miracle, or I’ll justify my music, though I am caught, and hanged for it.

  Enter MARIO, and Servants.

Mar. Where is this serenading rascal?  If I find him, I’ll make him an example to all midnight caterwaulers, of which this fidler is the loudest.

Ben. O that I durst but play my tune out, to convince him!  Soul of harmony!  Is this lewd? [Plays and sings softly.

Cam. Peace, dear Benito:  We must flatter him.

Ben. [singing softly.] Mettez le tete: The notes which follow are so sweet, sir, I must sing them, though it be my ruin—­Parler d’amour. [LAURA and VIOLETTA in the Balcony.

Lau. Yes, we are safe, sister; but they are yet in danger.

Vio. They are just upon them.

Lau. We must do something:  Help, help! thieves, thieves! we shall be murdered.

Mar. Where?  Where are they?

Lau. Here, sir, at our chamber-door, and we are run into the balcony for shelter:  Dear uncle, come and help us.

Mar. Back again quickly:  I durst have sworn they had been in the garden.  ’Tis an ignis fatuus, I think, that leads us from one place to another. [Exit MARIO, and Servants.

Vio. They are gone.  My dear Camillo, make haste, and preserve yourself.

Cam. May our next meeting prove more propitious!

Aur. [To BENTIO.] Come, sirrah, I shall make you sing another note when you are at home.

Ben. Such another word, and I’ll sing again.

Aur. Set the ladder, and mount first, you rogue.

Ben. Mount first yourself, and fear not my delaying. 
If I am caught, they’ll spare me for my playing.
                                              [Sings as he goes off.
  Vouz entendrez parler d’amour. [Exeunt.