artifices of the Monks, and the gross absurdity of their miracles,
wonders, and supposititious reliques. He blushed to see his Countrymen
the Dupes of deceptions so ridiculous, and only wished for an
opportunity to free them from their monkish fetters. That opportunity,
so long desired in vain, was at length presented to him. He resolved
not to let it slip, but to set before the People in glaring colours how
enormous were the abuses but too frequently practised in Monasteries,
and how unjustly public esteem was bestowed indiscriminately upon all
who wore a religious habit. He longed for the moment destined to
unmask the Hypocrites, and convince his Countrymen that a sanctified
exterior does not always hide a virtuous heart.

The service lasted, till Midnight was announced by the Convent Bell.
That sound being heard, the Music ceased: The voices died away softly,
and soon after the lights disappeared from the Chapel windows.
Lorenzo's heart beat high, when He found the execution of his plan to
be at hand. From the natural superstition of the People He had
prepared himself for some resistance. But He trusted that the Mother
St. Ursula would bring good reasons to justify his proceeding. He had
force with him to repel the first impulse of the Populace, till his
arguments should be heard: His only fear was lest the Domina,
suspecting his design, should have spirited away the Nun on whose
deposition every thing depended. Unless the Mother St. Ursula should
be present, He could only accuse the Prioress upon suspicion; and this
reflection gave him some little apprehension for the success of his
enterprize. The tranquillity which seemed to reign through the Convent
in some degree re-assured him: Still He expected the moment eagerly,
when the presence of his Ally should deprive him of the power of
doubting.

The Abbey of Capuchins was only separated from the Convent by the
Garden and Cemetery. The Monks had been invited to assist at the
Pilgrimage. They now arrived, marching two by two with lighted Torches
in their hands, and chaunting Hymns in honour of St. Clare. Father
Pablos was at their head, the Abbot having excused himself from
attending. The people made way for the holy Train, and the Friars
placed themselves in ranks on either side of the great Gates. A few
minutes sufficed to arrange the order of the Procession. This being
settled, the Convent doors were thrown open, and again the female
Chorus sounde