Duke. Yet again that senseless argument? 
The vows of chastity can ne’er be broken,
Where vows of secrecy are kept.  Those I’ll swear with you. 
But ’tis enough at present, you know my resolution. 
I would persuade, not force, you to my love;
And to that end I give you this night’s respite. 
Consider all, that you may fear or hope;
And think that on your grant, or your denial,
Depends a double welfare, yours and mine. [Exit.

Luc. 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?