Enter BENITO.

Ben. So, now the fray is over, a man may appear again with safety.—­Oh, the rogues are caught, I see, and the damsels delivered.  This was the effect of my valour at the second hand.

Aur. Look, look, Camillo! it was my perpetual fool that caused all this; and now he stands yonder, laughing at his mischief, as the devil is pictured, grinning behind the witch upon the gallows.

Ben. [To MARIO.] I see, sir, you have got your women, and I am glad on’t:  I took them just flying from the nunnery.

Duke. [To LAU.] You see that fellow knows you too.

Mar. Were these women flying from a nunnery?

Ben. These women? heyday! then, it seems, you do not know they are your nieces.

Duke. His nieces, say you?  Take heed, fellow, you shall he punished severely, if you mistake.

Cam. Speak to Benito in time, Aurelian.

Aur. The devil’s in him; he’s running down-hill full speed, and there’s no stopping him.

Mar. My nieces?

Ben. Your nieces?  Why, do you doubt it?  I praise heaven I never met but with two half-wits in my life, and my master’s one of them; I will not name the other at this time.

Duke. I say, they are not they.

Ben. I am sure they are Laura and Violetta; and that those two rogues were running away with them, and that, I believe, with their consent.

Vio. Sister, ’tis in vain to deny ourselves; you see our ill fortune pursues us unavoidably. [Turning up her mask.] Yes, sir, we are Laura and Violetta, whom you have made unhappy by your tyranny.

Lau. [Turning up her mask.] And these two gentlemen are no ravishers, but—­

Ben. How, no ravishers?  Yes, to my knowledge they are—­[As he speaks, AURELIAN pulls off his mask.] No ravishers, as madam Laura was saying; but two as honest gentlemen as e’er broke bread.  My own dear master, and so forth! [Runs to AUR. who thrusts him back.

  Enter VALERIO, and whispers the Duke, giving him a paper; which
  he reads, and seems pleased.

Mar. Aurelian and Camillo!  I’ll see you in safe custody; and, for these fugitives, go, carry them to my sister, and desire her to have a better care of her kinswomen.

Vio. We shall live yet to make you refund our portions.  Farewell, Camillo; comfort yourself; remember there’s but a wall betwixt us.

Lau. And I’ll cut through that wall with vinegar, but I’ll come to you, Aurelian.

Aur. I’ll cut through the grates with aquafortis, but I’ll meet you. 
Think of these things, and despair, and die, old gentleman.
                           [AURELIAN and CAMILLO are carried off on
                            one side, and LAURA and VIOLETTA on
                            the other.