The second act passed before the hermit’s grotto on Monte Siràch. Enter Captain Mucioalbano with two comic Saracen soldiers. They have searched all the mountain and this is the only grotto they have found; they hope it will prove to be the right one, for they are tired and hungry.
“Come out, come out, come out,” exclaims Captain Mucioalbano.
“You are a pagan,” says a voice within.
“Yes, I know,” shouts the captain, “but never mind that. Come out, I want to speak to you.”
Enter, from the grotto, Silvestro who declares he will have no dealings with Turks.
“That has nothing to do with it,” says the captain. “I come from Constantine, Emperor of the World,”—and he tells him about the twelve years’ illness, the constant irritation and the mysterious vision.
Silvestro bows his head, crosses himself, and says—
“I understand.”
“Then do not keep his Majesty waiting,” says the captain. “Come at once and cure him.”
Silvestro agrees to come, but not till he has celebrated Mass, at which he invites them to be present. They laugh at the idea—Saracens at Mass, indeed!—and when they see that he is serious they laugh more; it is, in fact, such a good joke that in a spirit of What next? they accept his invitation, intending to jeer. First, however, they want something to eat. Silvestro has nothing for them; besides, one does not eat before Mass.