Luc. I am so frighted, I cannot stay to thank you.
                                       [Exeunt LUC.  ASCA. and HIP.

Duke to Fred. ’Tis a mistake, the ambassador knows nothing of her:  I’m resolved I’ll know it of herself, ere she shall depart.—­Ha!  Where is she?  I left her here.

Fred. [Aside.] Out of your reach, father mine, I hope.

Duke. She has either shifted places, or else slipped out of the assembly.

Fred. I have looked round:  She must be gone, sir.

Duke. She must not be gone, sir.  Search for her every where:  I will have her.

Fred. Has she offended your highness?

Duke. Peace, with your impertinent questions.  Come hither, Valerio.

Val. Sir?

Duke. O, Valerio, I am desperately in love:  That lady, with whom you saw me talking, has—­But I lose time; she’s gone; haste after her,—­ find her,—­bring her back to me.

Val. If it be possible.

Duke. It must be possible; the quiet of my life depends upon it.

Val. Which way took she?

Duke. Go any way,—­every way; ask no questions:  I know no more, but that she must,—­must be had. [Exit VALERIO.

Fred. Sir, the assembly will observe, that—­

Duke. Damn the assembly; ’tis a dull insignificant crowd, now she is not here:  Break it up, I’ll stay no longer.

Fred. [Aside.] I hope she’s safe, and then this fantastic love of my father’s will make us sport to-momorrow. [Exeunt.

SCENE III.

  Enter LUCRETIA, ASCANIO, and HIPPOLITA.

Luc. Now that we are safe at the gate of our convent, methinks the adventure was not unpleasant.

Hip. And now that I am out of danger, brother, I may tell you what a novice you are in love, to tempt a young sister into the wide world, and not to show her the difference betwixt that and her cloister.  I find I may venture safely with you another time.

Asca. O, sister, you play the brazen-head with me,—­you give me warning when time’s past.  But that was no fit opportunity:  I hate to snatch a morsel of love, and so away.  I am for a set-meal, where I may enjoy my full gust; but, when I once fall on, you shall find me a brave man upon occasion.

Luc. ’Tis time we were in our cells.  Quick, Hippolita; where’s the key?

Hip. Here, in my pocket—­No, ’tis in my other pocket:—­Ha, ’tis not there neither.  I am sure I put it in one of them.

Luc. What should we do, if it should be lost now?

Hip. I have searched myself all over, and cannot find it.

Asca. A woman can never search herself all over; let me search you, sister.