._ A double ruin, rather, if I grant;
For what can I expect from such a father,
When such a son betrays me! Could I think,
Of all mankind, that Frederick would be base?
And, with the vanity of vulgar souls,
Betray a virgin's fame? One, who esteemed him,
And I much fear did more than barely so--

But I dare note examine myself farther, for fear of confessing to my
own thoughts, a tenderness of which he is unworthy.

_Enter_ HIPPOLITA.

_Hip._ I watched till your old gallant was gone, to bring you news of
your young one. A mischief on these old dry lovers! they are good for
nothing but tedious talking; well, yonder's the prince at the grate; I
hope I need say no more to you.

_Luc._ I'll come when I've recovered myself a little. I am a wretched
creature, Hippolita! the letter I writ to the prince--

_Hip._ I know it,--is fallen into his father's hands by accident. He's
as wretched as you too. Well, well, it shall be my part to bring you
together; and then, if two young people, that have opportunity, can be
wretched and melancholy--I'll go before, and meet Ascanio. [_Exit._

_Luc._ I am half unwilling to go, because I must be accessary to her
assignation with Ascanio; but, for once, I'll meet the prince in the
garden-walk: I am glad, however, that he is less criminal than I
thought him. [_Exeunt._

SCENE IV.--_The Nunnery-Garden._

HIPPOLITA, ASCANIO, _meeting_ LAURA _and_ VIOLETTA.

_Hip._ I hear some walking this way.--Who goes there?

_Lau._ We are the two new pensioners, Laura and Violetta.

_Hip._ Go in, to your devotion: These undue hours of walking savour
too much of worldly thoughts.

_Lau._ Let us retire to the arbour, where, by this time, I believe,
our friends are.--Good-night, sister.

_Hip._ Good angels guard you. [_Exeunt_ LAU. _and_ VIO.] Now, brother,
the coast is clear, and we have the garden to ourselves. Do you
remember how you threatened me? But that's all one, how good soever
the opportunity may be, so long as we two resolve to be virtuous.

_Asca._ Speak for yourself, sister, for I am wickedly inclined. Yet, I
confess, I have some remorse when I consider you are in religion.

_Hip._ We should do very well to consider that, both of us; for,
indeed, what should young people do, but think of goodness and
religion; especially when they love one another, and are alone too,
brother?

_Asca._ A curse on't! here comes my lord, and Lu