Fr. Rich. Tis agaynst our oath On any, though the great'st, extremity To addmitt women thether.
Abbot. That I knowe:
Yet in som out-office see them chear'd,
Want nothinge that the cloyster can affourd.
Theire bewtyes, though my eye be bleynd at them,
Deserve no lesse; I looke on theire distresse
And that I pitty. Ech one lend a hand
To take off from theire present misery
And ease theire tender shoulders; when they are cheer'd
And better comforted, I'l finde occatione
To enquire further from them.
Pal. Heaven be as kind To you as you to us!
Abb. Feare not fayre damselles:
This place, though not within the monastery,
Yet stands within the cloysters previledge
And shallbee unto you a sanctuary.
Scrib. No other wee expect it.
Abb. Guide them in: [Bell ring. Bewty and youthe to pitty 'tis no sinne.
The bell ringes to mattens. Enter the Lord de Averne and his Lady. Dennis and others.
Fr. Jhon. Harke, the bell ringes to mattens.
Fr. Rich. See withall
Our noble patron with his lovely lady
Prepare for theire devotion. Nowe, Friar Jhon,
Your letcherous eye is conninge.
Fr. Jhon. I knowe my place.