_Mich._ His talents? his heart? those perhaps are still unknown to our superior:-- but Venoni is immoderately wealthy, and of that the prior was perfectly well informed. But the viceroy returns not, and I dare not tarry longer!-- good old man, give your lord this letter; say that my seeing him before tomorrow is of the utmost importance to Venoni-- to himself! _Ben._ You will return then? _Mich._ Alas! that will be impossible! entreat, that for heaven’s love, the viceroy would deign to visit me at my convent. He must inquire for father Michael. _Benedetto._ For father Michael? I’ll not forget; and he shall have this letter immediately. _Mich._ I thank you-- as to the manner in which I have spoken of my superior, the most profound secrecy---- _Ben._ Oh! mum’s the word. _Mich._ Should it reach his knowledge-- blessed saints, protect me! Jeronymo, the prior’s confidant, comes this way! (_drawing his cowl over his face in great agitation_) should he observe me-- my liberty-- perhaps my life-- friend, farewell! (_going._) _Ben._ (_opening a side door in the palace_) Stay, stay! go down this passage; at the end of it, turn to the left-- it leads to the garden; traverse it, and you will find a little door unlocked, which will let you out unseen within a bow-shot of your monastery. _Mich._ Heaven’s blessing be with you! a thousand, thousand thanks! [Exit hastily. _Ben._ (_calling after him_) That’s right! a little further! take care, there are two or three steps. To the left, to the left!-- that’s it-- your most obedient servant-- (_with a low bow; after which he turns from the palace_) and now-- mum, mum! Enter father _Jeronymo_. _Jer._ Bless you, son! _Ben._ Save you, father! _Jer._ Was not a friar of our order here even now? _Ben._ Not that I saw-- (_aside_) there’s a good round lie now! _Jer._ I suppose, then, I was mistaken. _Ben._ I suppose you were: I can’t conceive any thing more likely. _Jer._ (_aside_) I could have sworn, that father Michael-- this shall be inquired into further-- _salve_, son! [Exit. _Ben._ (_bowing_) Your sanctity’s most obedient.-- And this is the prior’s confidant? then the prior’s confidant is as ill-looking a hang-dog, as I’ve set my eyes upon this many a day! Enter _Fishermen_. _Ben._ Now lads, now! why, you look busily. _1st fish._ Well we may, signor: the viceroy entertains all the grandees of Messina this evening, and our fish will bear a treble price. Come, come, look to the nets, lads, (_they go to their boats_)