[_Exit_ FREDERICK.

_Val._ Our endeavours are in vain, sir; there has been inquiry made
about all the palaces in Rome, and neither of the masking habits can
be discovered.

_Duke._ Yet it must be a woman of quality. What paper's that at my
foot?

_Val._ [_Taking up the letter._] 'Tis sealed, sir, and directed to the
prince.

_Duke._ [_Taking the letter._] 'Tis a woman's, hand. Has he got a
mistress in town so soon? I am resolved to open it, though I do not
approve my own curiosity. [_Opens and reads it._

_Now my fear is over, I can laugh at my last night's adventure. I find
that at fifty all men grow incorrigible, and lovers especially; for,
certainly, never any creature could be worse treated than your
father;_ [How's this, Valerio? I am amazed.] _and yet the good, old,
out-of-fashion gentleman heard himself rallied and bore it with all
the patience of a Christian prince._ [Now, 'tis plain, the lady in
masquerade is a mistress of my son's, and the undutiful wretch was in
the plot to abuse me.] _Ascanio will tell you the latter part of our
misfortune, how hardly we got into the cloister._ [A nun, too! Oh, the
devil!] _When we meet next, pray provide to laugh heartily; for there
is subject sufficient for a plentiful fit, and fop enough to spare for
another time._
LUCRETIA.

_Val._ Lucretia! now the mystery is unfolded.

_Duke._ Do you know her?

_Val._ When I was last at Rome I saw her often; she is near kinswoman
to the present Pope; and, before he placed her in this nunnery of
Benedictines, was the most celebrated beauty of the town.

_Duke._ I know I ought to hate this woman, because she has affronted
me thus grossly; but yet, I cannot help it, I must love her.

_Val._ But, sir, you come on too much disadvantage to be your son's
rival.

_Duke._ I am deaf to all considerations: Pr'ythee do not think of
giving a madman counsel. Pity me, and cure me, if thou canst; but
remember, there's but one infallible medicine,--that's enjoyment.

_Val._ I had forgot to tell you, sir, that the governor, Don Mario, is
without, to wait on you.

_Duke._ Desire him to come in.

_Enter Don_ MARIO.

_Mar._ I am come, sir, to beg a favour from your highness; and 'tis on
the behalf of my sister Sophronia, abbess of the Torr' di Specchi.

_Val._ Sir, she's abbess of that very monastery where your mistress is
inclosed.