Aur. Yes, if I cannot do it to more purpose with my counsel. Let us first play the fairest of our game; 'tis time enough to snatch when we have lost it.
[Exeunt.
SCENE III.—A Chapel.
The Duke, Valerio, Attendants. At the other door, Laura, Violetta, Beatrix, Mario. Instrumental and vocal music; in the time of which, enter Aurelian and Camillo. After the music, enter Sophronia, Lucretia, Hippolita, and other Nuns.
Duke. [To Valerio, who had whispered to him.] I needed not those marks to know her. She's one continued excellence; she's all over miracle.
Soph. [To the Duke.] We know, sir, we are not capable by our entertainment, of adding any thing to your pleasures; and therefore we must attribute this favour of your presence, to your piety and devotion.
Duke. You have treated me with harmony so excellent, that I believed myself among a choir of angels; especially when I beheld so fair a troop behind you.
Soph. Their beauty, sir, is wholly dedicated to heaven, and is no way ambitious of a commendation, which, from your mouth, might raise a pride in any other of the sex.
Cam. I am impatient, and can bear no longer. Let what will happen—
Aur. Do you not see your ruin inevitable? Draw in a holy place! and in the presence of the Duke!
Mar. I do not like Camillo's being here: I must cut short the ceremony. [Whispers Sophronia.