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.
Ben. All things go cross to men of sense: Would I had been born with the brains of a shop-keeper, that I might have thriven without knowing why I did so. Now, must I follow my master to the prison, and, like an ignorant customer that comes to buy, must offer him my backside, tell him I trust to his honesty, and desire him to please himself, and so be satisfied.
[Exit.
Duke. [To Val.] I am overjoyed; I'll see her immediately: Now my business with Don Mario is at an end, I need not desire his company to introduce me to the abbess; this assignation from Lucretia shows me a nearer way.—Noble Don Mario, it was my business, when this accident happened in the street, to have made you a visit; but now I am prevented by an occasion which calls me another way.
Mar. I receive the intention of that honour as the greatest happiness that could befal me: In the meantime, if my attendance—