Abig. I did offend high Heaven so grievously, As I am almost desperate for my sins: And one offence torments me more than all. You knew Mathias and Don Lodowick?20
F. Barn. Yes, what of them?
Abig. My father did contract me to 'em both: First to Don Lodowick; him I never loved; Mathias was the man that I held dear, And for his sake did I become a nun.
F. Barn. So, say how was their end?
Abig. Both jealous of my love, envied each other, And by my father's practice, which is there [Gives a paper. Set down at large, the gallants were both slain.
F. Barn. O monstrous villainy!30
Abig. To work my peace, this I confess to thee; Reveal it not, for then my father dies.
F. Barn. Know that confession must not be revealed, The canon law forbids it, and the priest That makes it known, being degraded first, Shall be condemned, and then sent to the fire.
Abig. So I have heard; pray, therefore keep it close. Death seizeth on my heart, ah gentle friar! Convert my father that he may be saved, And witness that I die a Christian. [Dies.40
F. Barn. I, and a virgin too; that grieves me most: But I must to the Jew and exclaim on him, And make him stand in fear of me.