gates, and service over
this half hour! By St Dominic, it is as I expected--thou hast fallen in
with the Superior, and hast been ordered home with penance.

_Ans._ Not so, Jacobo. The Superior and I roll on in different orbits.
Saturn and Venus are as like to jostle as we upon our travels.

_Jac._ Well, I've an idea that there's something wrong, and my news will
not be very agreeable to you: the key is, in future, to be delivered to
the Superior at nine o'clock, and, if required, it must be sent for.

_Ans._ Indeed! then he must suspect that we are not so regular. Still, I
must out to-night, Jacobo--I must indeed!

_Jac._ Impossible!

_Ans._ (_giving him money_). I must, Jacobo. Here's for thy wine, much
watching needs it.

_Jac._ The Superior calls me, brother; I only wish there was brotherhood
in our drinking. The noble juice which mantles in his cup would cheer me
in my vigils.

_Ans._ And that will purchase it. I must be out to-night. Let the
Superior have the key, but do not lock the door. You understand, Jacobo?

_Jac._ I do; but there's danger in it. Holy Virgin! the Superior comes
this way. Anselmo, you had better to your cell.

_Ans._ I detest it. Now must I play the hypocrite.

_Enter Superior followed by Jacobo._

_Sup._ (_observing Anselmo_). Thou here, my son! I thought thee at thy
cell.

_Ans._ I wish'd to seek it; but till vesper chimes
I must employ in teaching melody;
But that the coffers of our holy church
Receive the thrift, my mind were ill at ease
Thus mixing with the world; for holy vigils
Are better suited to my early years.
(_Kneeling._) O bless, my father, my untoward youth
And teach my thoughts to find the path to Heav'n.

_Sup._ (_bending over Anselmo_). Bless thee, my child, may thy young heart
Turn now to Heav'n, as Samuel's did of old!
May holy thoughts pervade thy youthful mind!
May holy dreams enrich thy peaceful sleep!
May heavenly choristers descend in visions,
And point thee out the joys awaiting those
Who dedicate on earth their lives to Heav'n.

[_Exit Superior, after blessing Anselmo.--Anselmo, still kneeling,
watches the departure of the Superior._

_Ans._ (_rising._) He's safe.

_Jac._ Hah, hah! do you edify?

_Ans._ Peace, peace, Jacobo! 'Tis time that I were gone.

_Jac._ You will return before the door is lock'd?

_Ans._ Because you will not lock it. I shall be home at midnight: it
must be so, Jacobo. If not, expect no