_Pri._ And by what means then have I veiled from every eye the fate of the wretched Lodovico, who for twenty years has expiated in the gloom of our subterraneous cells the crime of having revealed our convent secrets; and yet who on earth suspects, that he has not long since sought the grave, the victim of an accidental malady? Jeronymo, fear nothing; give me but time, and the success of my design is certain. _Jer._ I would fain believe it so-- yet forget not, that father Michael-- _Pri._ His fate is decided. It’s true, I as yet accuse him only on suspicions, but these suspicions are enough. I will not live in fear, and tomorrow-- some one approaches. _Jer._ As well as the moonlight enables me to discern, tis Venoni-- perhaps he returns hither, hoping that the viceroy may not be yet departed. _Pri._ Let us retire. I have still much to say to you-- summon our friends to my cell, that our proceedings may be finally arranged. Afterwards we will rejoin Venoni, and spare no pains to confirm him in that resolution, which secures at once his destruction and my revenge. Silence! he is here! [Exeunt. _Venoni_ enters hastily. _Venoni._ Benvolio! friend! he is gone! how abruptly did I quit him! how ungratefully have I repaid his kindness! ah, whither is my reason fled! he said-- I was in danger! in danger? and what then have I left to fear? what have I still left to lose? my life? oh, I were happy-- too, too happy-- if the moment of parting with it were even now arrived! Enter father _Michael_, with a dark lantern; which he afterwards just opens to observe Venoni, and having ascertained his person, closes it again looking round cautiously. _Mi._ (_in a low, hurried voice_) That voice could be none but his. Venoni! answer! is it thou, Venoni? _Venoni._ Who speaks? ha! father Michael? _Mi._ (_closing the lantern_) I sought you-- I must speak with you-- I must save you! _Venoni._ Save me? _Mi._ The viceroy has been here: was he admitted? _Venoni._ He was-- I saw him. _Mi._ Mentioned he a letter? _Venoni._ He did. _Mi._ I was not suffered to see him: they suspect me, and confined me in my cell a prisoner, till he had left the monastery. I am compelled then to address myself to you; but I must be speedy: one moment only is allowed me, while the prior and his confederates are engaged in their secret councils. Venoni, collect your powers of mind; summon up all your strength; this is a moment which demands courage and resolution-- your Josepha is lost to you-- _Venoni._ For ever! _Mi._ And know you the man who tore her from your arms? know you the man who-- _murdered_ her? _Venoni._ Murdered her? almighty powers! what mean you? whom mean you? _Mi._ Your rival! your friend! the man who today possesses most influence over your mind, and who tomorrow will become despotic master of your destiny: the tiger whose tongue submissively licks your hand today, and whose talons will tear out your heart tomorrow.