_Fred._ Any where rather than in a cloyster; for, truly, I suppose, all your prayers there will be how to get out of it; and, upon that supposition, madam, I am come to offer you my service for your redemption. Come, faith, be persuaded, the church shall lose nothing by it: I'll take you out, and put in two or three crooked apostles in your place. [_Bell rings within._ _Luc._ Hark, the bell rings; I must leave you: 'tis a summons to our devotion. _Fred._ Will you leave me for your prayers, madam? You may have enough of them at any time, but remember you cannot have a man so easily. _Luc._ Well, I'll say my beads for you, and that's but charity; for I believe I leave you in a most deplorable condition. [_Exeunt Women._ _Fred._ Not deplorable neither, but a little altered: If I could be in love, as I am sure I cannot, it should be with her, for I like her conversation strangely. _Asca._ Then, as young as I am, sir, I am beforehand with you; for I am in love already. I would fain make the first proof of my manhood upon a nun: I find I have a mighty grudging to holy flesh. _Fred._ I'll ply Lucretia again, as soon as ever her devotion's over. Methinks these nuns divide their time most admirably; from love to prayers, from prayers to love; that is, just so much sin, just so much godliness. _Asca._ Then I can claim that sister's love by merit. Half man, half boy; for her half flesh, half spirit. [_Exeunt._ SCENE II.--_A Street._ AURELIAN _and_ CAMILLO. _Aur._ I'll proceed no farther, if Benito goes: I know his folly will produce some mischief. _Cam._ But Violetta desired me, in her note, to bring him, on purpose to pass the time with her woman, Beatrix. _Aur._ That objection's easily removed: I'll supply Benito's place; the darkness will prevent discovery; and, for my discourse, I'll imitate the half wit and patched breeding of a _valet de chambre._ _Cam._ But how shall we get rid of him? _Aur._ Let me alone for that. _Enter_ BENITO. _Ben._ Come, are we ready, gallants? The clock's upon the stroke of eight. _Aur._ But we have altered our resolution; we go another way to-night. _Ben._ I hope you have not broke my assignation? _Aur._ Why do you hope so? _Ben._ Because my reputation is engaged in't: I've stipulated, upon mine honour, that you shall come. _Aur._ I shall beat you, if you follow me. Go, sirrah, and adjourn to the great looking-glass, and let me hear no more from you till to-morrow morning. _Ben._ Sir, my fidelity, and, if I may be so vain, my discretion, may stand you in some stead. _Aur._ Well, come along then; they are brave fellows, who have challenged us; you shall have fighting enough, sir. _Ben._ How, sir, fighting? _Aur._ You may escape with the loss of a leg, or an arm, or some such transitory limb. _Ben._ No, sir; I have that absolute obedience to your commands, that I will bridle my courage, and stay at home. [_Exit._