_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!