Venoni.
Lodovico.
Jeronymo, }
Michael, }
Anastasio, } _gray friars_.
Nicolo, }
Benedetto.
Carlo, }
Pietro, } _servants_.
Giovanni, }
Fishermen.

Hortensia, marchioness Caprara.
Veronica.
Josepha.
Teresa.
Sister Lucia.

_The scene lies in Sicily._

ACT I.

SCENE I.-- _The port of Messina-- on one side the viceroy's palace._

_Benedetto_, _Teresa_, _Carlo_, _Pietro_, _Giovanni_, and
servants are discovered.

_Ben._ Bless my heart! bless my heart! no signs of them yet! tis past
mid-day, and yet not coming? surely some misfortune has happened, or
they must have been in sight ere this.

_Teresa._ Your impatience makes the time seem long, Benedetto; else
you'd know, that on these great occasions it wouldn't be for the
viceroy's dignity to move with more expedition. Besides, all the
grandees of Messina are gone out to receive and conduct him to his
palace; and with such a crowd of gallies and gondolas, take what care
they may, I'm sure, twill be a mercy, if half the good company dont get
tumbled into the water.

_Ben._ Well, well, Teresa, perhaps you're in the right; but no wonder,
that every minute appears an age, till I once more embrace the knees of
my excellent master. However, I'll be calm, Teresa, I'll be calm; I'll
wait quietly for the arrival of the gondolas without uttering a single
impatient word. Only, my good Carlo, do just run up the leads of the
palace, and try whether you can't see the gallies coming at a distance.

_Carlo._ That I'll do with all my heart, master steward, and I'll make
what speed I can.

_Ben._ Oh, I'm not at all impatient; I assure you, I can wait very
contentedly for your return: so pray dont hurry yourself; only my dear
good fellow, do just make as much haste as you can.

[Exit _Carlo_.

_Ben._ Bless my heart! what an agitation I am in! oh, how happy will
Sicily be under this good man's government! how happy too will it make
the poor marchioness, when after an absence of four long years she again
embraces her invaluable brother.

_Teresa._ The poor marchioness indeed! well, Benedetto, for my part I
feel no pity for misfortunes which people bring upon themselves. Why did
not the marchioness take her daughter with her to the court of Naples?
why did a mother ever consent to trust her daughter out of her sight!
but forsooth she must be left behind in a convent, where soon afterwards
an epidemi