ffered count Benvolio to exert all his efforts freely, convinced that
all his efforts would have been exerted in vain.

_Jer._ And in acting thus, you would have done wisely: else, if the
viceroy had been denied admittance to his friend, he might have spread
abroad, that you feared lest his arguments should dispel Venoni's
illusion.

_Prior._ True; therefore should he demand to see our novice, even let
his wish be gratified-- this hated youth is ours beyond reprieve, this
Venoni whom Josepha preferred to me, this Venoni to whom alone I impute
my disappointment. I had worked upon the superstition and enthusiasm of
the weak-minded Hortensia; I had persuaded her, that happiness and
virtue existed not, except within the walls of a convent; already she
saw in fancy her daughter's head encircled with a wreath of sainted
glory, and she placed her in the Ursuline convent, in hopes that the
example of the nuns might induce her to join their sisterhood-- Josepha
was in my power defenceless!

_Jer._ And yet she defeated your views!

_Prior._ She did, oh, rage! though snares were laid for her at every
step, though where'er she turned, her eye met seductions of such
enchanting power, as might have thawed the frozen bosom of chastity
herself! but virtuous love already occupied Josepha's whole heart; and
no room was left for impurer passions: or if for a moment she felt her
wavering senses too forcibly assailed, she only pronounced the name of
Venoni, and turned with disgust from every thought of pleasure, whose
enjoyment would have made her less worthy of his love. But the hour of
my revenge approaches! Venoni----

_Jer._ His last abode is prepared: his wealth once secured to our
monastery, the donor shall be soon disposed of.

_Prior._ I hear a noise-- tis Venoni: ever about this hour he comes to
bathe yonder grating with his tears. Let us retire: solitude and the
ideas which Josepha's tomb suggests, can but increase the confusion of
his mind, and rivet the chains which bind him in our power. He is here:
follow me in silence.

[Exeunt.

[As they go off on one side, _Venoni_ enters on the other: he
walks slowly; his arms are folded, and his head reclines on his
shoulder.

_Venoni._ It was no mistake! oh, man, man! frail and inconstant! yes;
for an instant I felt pleasure, and yet Josepha is no more; but the
dream was of thee, my beloved, and oh! it was so fair, so lovely!
however it is gone, and I am mysel