_Vic._ Unreasonable? ah! Hortensia; have we not all then reasons but too strong for abhorring the sight of this Cœlestino? was it not his advice, which induced you to place Josepha in that fatal convent? _Mar._ Right, right, Benvolio; twas his advice, twas his alone. _Hor._ I do not deny it; but I appeal to yourself, marquis, whether he gave not good reasons for that advice? the dangers of the voyage-- the inclement season-- ah! had Josepha lived, perhaps the example of that holy sisterhood might have weaned her heart from worldly follies, and inspired---- _Mar._ (_surprised_) How, Hortensia! I hope that in placing your daughter in that convent, no views concealed from me-- (Hortensia _looks confused_) The servant ushers in the _prior_, and retires. _Pri._ Humbly I bend in salutation to this illustrious company! will the lady marchioness deign to confirm my hopes, that at length she begins to bear her afflictions with some serenity? _Hor._ Thanks to your pious exhortations, father, I am at least resigned; more shall I never answer-- for my heart is broken. _Pri._ Little as I dare flatter myself, that a poor monk’s congratulations can be acceptable to your excellency, I cannot refrain from expressing my joy at your newly acquired dignity. But it is not the count Benvolio, whom I congratulate on being appointed governor of Sicily; tis Sicily, on being governed by the count Benvolio. _Vic._ I am perfectly aware, reverend sir, that the high-flown elegance of that compliment can only be equalled by its sincerity; believe me no less sincere, when I assure you on my honour, that my gratitude for your approbation bears an exact proportion to the pleasure experienced by yourself at my appointment. _Pri._ (_bowing_) More can I not desire. Yet must I excuse myself for intruding into your presence at a moment when fraternal attachment must needs make you wish to be undisturbed: but the claims of compassion admit of no delay, and my heart is ever too weak to resist the entreaties of a sufferer. My noble lord and lady, I bring to you the request of an unfortunate youth-- of Venoni. _All._ (_eagerly_) Venoni? _Pri._ His noviciate is nearly expired; tomorrow he will pronounce his vows. _Mar._ Unhappy youth! _Vic._ Tomorrow? _Pri._ But ere he renounces the world for ever, he intreats permission to take leave of those dear and illustrious persons, who once did not disdain to look upon him as their son. _Hor._ (_greatly agitated_) No, no! I cannot-- I dare not---- _Vic._ (_seriously_) Sister-- Venoni must not be refused. _Pri._ Reflect, dear lady; the ear of true piety is never closed against the sighs of the wretched. The poor youth is already in the palace, and-- _Vic._ (_eagerly_) Already here?-- where, where is he? _Mar._ Who waits? (_servant enters_) signor Venoni-- conduct him hither instantly, away! [Exit servant.