Well, I've an idea that there's something wrong, and my news will not be very agreeable to you: the key is, in future, to be delivered to the Superior at nine o'clock, and, if required, it must be sent for.
Ans. Indeed! then he must suspect that we are not so regular. Still, I must out to-night, Jacobo—I must indeed!
Jac. Impossible!
Ans. (giving him money). I must, Jacobo. Here's for thy wine, much watching needs it.
Jac. The Superior calls me, brother; I only wish there was brotherhood in our drinking. The noble juice which mantles in his cup would cheer me in my vigils.
Ans. And that will purchase it. I must be out to-night. Let the Superior have the key, but do not lock the door. You understand, Jacobo?
Jac. I do; but there's danger in it. Holy Virgin! the Superior comes this way. Anselmo, you had better to your cell.
Ans. I detest it. Now must I play the hypocrite.
Enter Superior followed by Jacobo.
Sup. (observing Anselmo). Thou here, my son! I thought thee at thy cell. Ans. I wish'd to seek it; but till vesper chimes I must employ in teaching melody; But that the coffers of our holy church Receive the thrift, my mind were ill at ease Thus mixing with the world; for holy vigils Are better suited to my early years. (Kneeling.) O bless, my father, my untoward youth And teach my thoughts to find the path to Heav'n. Sup. (bending over Anselmo).
Bless thee, my child, may thy young heart
Turn now to Heav'n, as Samuel's did of old!
May holy thoughts pervade thy youthful mind!
May holy dreams enrich thy peaceful sleep!
May heavenly choristers descend in visions,
And point thee out the joys awaiting those
Who dedicate on earth their lives to Heav'n.
[Exit Superior, after blessing Anselmo.—Anselmo, still kneeling, watches the departure of the Superior.
Ans. (rising.) He's safe.
Jac. Hah, hah! do you edify?
Ans. Peace, peace, Jacobo! 'Tis time that I were gone.
Jac. You will return before the door is lock'd?
Ans. Because you will not lock it. I shall be home at midnight: it must be so, Jacobo. If not, expect no further gifts from me; and what is more, a full confession of the many times you have been bribed to secrecy. [Exit Anselmo.
Jac. Why, what a penance if this should be discovered! They know how much I love my wine, and always punish me with water. I should have to drink the Guadalquiver dry before the Superior would give me absolution. Well, we all have our besetting sin; and a pot of good wine will put my soul in more jeopardy than all the temptations that the world contains. I suppose I must forget to lock the door. I'll only bolt it; that will satisfy my conscience as a porter. [Exit Jacobo.
Scene II.
Street before Don Gaspar's lodgings.—Enter Antonio.
Ant. I wonder where my master is! I expected him sooner. He may be in his chamber, but 'tis impossible to say. Why, here comes Beppa, and that knave Garcias with her. I've often thought they are too intimate; I will retire and watch them.
Enter Beppa, followed by Garcias.—Antonio advances behind.
Bep. But, Garcias, is this true?
Gar. It is, upon my faith! Sancho revealed it in his cups. Don Perez, afraid to encounter with Don Gaspar, has hired bravos to dispatch him.
Bep. I rejoice at it. A wretch like him deserves no better fate, and my poor mistress will be well revenged. Indeed, his servant is no better.
Gar. What! your dear husband?
Bep. My scoundrel husband! Unhappy day I married him! It was but yesterday that I found him kissing another.
Gar. Indeed!—You can revenge yourself.
Bep. I almost wish I could.
Gar. (kissing her hand). Then kiss again.
Bep. Pshaw! that's but poor revenge.
Gar. I'll join the bravos, and strike him down, if you will marry me.
Bep. Not so, good sir: it were indeed to make a better choice, to take a murderer in second wedlock. I ask but to be free; and leave the time to Heaven.
Gar. Then fare ye well. [Exit Garcias.
Ant. A very pretty proposal, and a very pretty plot have I discovered! yet will I conceal my knowledge. (Shows himself.) Good day, again, my Beppa! Who is that friend of yours? (smacking lips in imitation of kissing).
Bep. (after a pause). Well, good husband, how could I help it?
Ant. How could you help it!
Bep. My mistress ordered me.
Ant. Oh, I understand!
Bep. Yes, only a little by-play, you know.
Ant. Or else you must quit your service. Pray who is the gentleman to whom your mistress is making love?
Bep. That's a secret.
Ant. Of course she gave you ten moidores for me.
Bep. Really I don't remember.
Ant. Indeed! why, thou—thou—
Bep. Good morning. I must to my mistress. Adieu, Antonio. [Exit Beppa.
Ant. Well; I like thee better than usual. Thou hast refused him for me, and would not have him murder me; that's something in a wife now-a-days. I have obtained a key which fits my master's door; and now I feel assured he'll not come back, I'll find his secret out. I must be quick. Suppose he should be there. Impossible! he would have summoned me. At all events I'll risk it. [Exit Antonio.
Scene III.
Interior of Don Gaspar's room.—Enter Antonio.
Ant. Pugh! what a heat I'm in! I really tremble with delight or fear—I can't tell which. If he should come, what shall I say? Oh, the news I gained from Beppa. That will do. (Looking round.) Well, I see nothing after all. Why should he keep his chamber locked? But, then, there's that chest; let me try—locked fast;—nothing to be gained from that. Still, he comes in by some other
