Rene—(Nudging him.) Basil, see the twigs.
(The jesters chuckle and come forward toward the Priest, while the hunter and Simon pass out behind the dormitory. The Abbot also approaches the Priest, followed a few feet back by Louis.)
Louis—(Huskily.) Be wary, Father; it may be a snare.
Abbot—A little wine will bring it to the light.
Basil—Well, it is spring when asses put forth leaves.
Father Benedict—Ay, rue that devils flee from in the dark.
(He looks into the casks.)
Abbot—But when you left the town the dawn was bright.
Father Benedict—The dawn was bright?
Abbot— The day is two hours old.