Dom. Thus good intentions are misconstrued by wicked men; you will never be warned till you are excommunicated.
Gom. Ah, devil on him; there's his hold! If there were no more in excommunication than the 419 church's censure, a wise man would lick his conscience whole with a wet finger; but, if I am excommunicated, I am outlawed, and then there is no calling in my money.
[Aside.
Elv. [Rising.] I have read the note, father, and will send him an answer immediately; for I know his lodgings by his letter.
Dom. I understand it not, for my part; but I wish your intentions be honest. Remember, that adultery, though it be a silent sin, yet it is a crying sin also. Nevertheless, if you believe absolutely he will die, unless you pity him; to save a man's life is a point of charity; and actions of charity do alleviate, as I may say, and take off from the mortality of the sin. Farewell, daughter.—Gomez, cherish your virtuous wife; and thereupon I give you my benediction.
[Going.
Gom. Stay; I'll conduct you to the door,—that I may be sure you steal nothing by the way. Friars wear not their long sleeves for nothing.—Oh, 'tis a Judas Iscariot.
[Exit after the Friar.
Elv. This friar is a comfortable man! He will understand nothing of the business, and yet does it all.
Pray, wives and virgins, at your time of need,
For a true guide, of my good father's breed.[Exit.
ACT III.
SCENE I.—The Street.
Enter Lorenzo in a Friars Habit, meeting Dominick.
Lor. Father Dominick, father Dominick; why in such haste, man?