eronymo, the prior's confidant, comes this way! (_drawing his cowl over
his face in great agitation_) should he observe me-- my liberty--
perhaps my life-- friend, farewell! (_going._)

_Ben._ (_opening a side door in the palace_) Stay, stay! go down this
passage; at the end of it, turn to the left-- it leads to the garden;
traverse it, and you will find a little door unlocked, which will let
you out unseen within a bow-shot of your monastery.

_Mich._ Heaven's blessing be with you! a thousand, thousand thanks!

[Exit hastily.

_Ben._ (_calling after him_) That's right! a little further! take care,
there are two or three steps. To the left, to the left!-- that's it--
your most obedient servant-- (_with a low bow; after which he turns from
the palace_) and now-- mum, mum!

Enter father _Jeronymo_.

_Jer._ Bless you, son!

_Ben._ Save you, father!

_Jer._ Was not a friar of our order here even now?

_Ben._ Not that I saw-- (_aside_) there's a good round lie now!

_Jer._ I suppose, then, I was mistaken.

_Ben._ I suppose you were: I can't conceive any thing more likely.

_Jer._ (_aside_) I could have sworn, that father Michael-- this shall be
inquired into further-- _salve_, son!

[Exit.

_Ben._ (_bowing_) Your sanctity's most obedient.-- And this is the
prior's confidant? then the prior's confidant is as ill-looking a
hang-dog, as I've set my eyes upon this many a day!

Enter _Fishermen_.

_Ben._ Now lads, now! why, you look busily.

_1st fish._ Well we may, signor: the viceroy entertains all the grandees
of Messina this evening, and our fish will bear a treble price. Come,
come, look to the nets, lads, (_they go to their boats_)

_Ben._ Ay, ay! good luck to you! and now I'll seek my lord with this
letter. So, so, my reverend father Coelestino!-- a convent of nuns under
your direction! only separated by a party-wall!-- ha, ha! that looks to
me very much as if-- hush, hush, signor Benedetto! what you are saying
is not quite so charitable as it should be! bless my heart, bless my
heart, how naturally is a man disposed to think the worst he can of his
neighbours! ah, fy upon you, Benedetto; fy upon you!

[Exit.

_1st fish._ (_in the boat_) Now, lads, are you ready?

_2d fish._ Ay, ay! pull away!

_1st fish._ Off we go then.

_All._ Huzza!

GLEE.

Ply the oar, brother, and speed the boat;
Swift o'er the glittering waves we'll float;
Then home as swiftly we'll haste a