[ACT I.]
[SCENE I.]—The port of Messina—on one side the viceroy’s palace.
Benedetto, Teresa, Carlo, Pietro, Giovanni, and servants are discovered.
Ben. Bless my heart! bless my heart! no signs of them yet! tis past mid-day, and yet not coming? surely some misfortune has happened, or they must have been in sight ere this.
Teresa. Your impatience makes the time seem long, Benedetto; else you’d know, that on these great occasions it wouldn’t be for the viceroy’s dignity to move with more expedition. Besides, all the grandees of Messina are gone out to receive and conduct him to his palace; and with such a crowd of gallies and gondolas, take what care they may, I’m sure, twill be a mercy, if half the good company dont get tumbled into the water.
Ben. Well, well, Teresa, perhaps you’re in the right; but no wonder, that every minute appears an age, till I once more embrace the knees of my excellent master. However, I’ll be calm, Teresa, I’ll be calm; I’ll wait quietly for the arrival of the gondolas without uttering a single impatient word. Only, my good Carlo, do just run up the leads of the palace, and try whether you can’t see the gallies coming at a distance.
Carlo. That I’ll do with all my heart, master steward, and I’ll make what speed I can.
Ben. Oh, I’m not at all impatient; I assure you, I can wait very contentedly for your return: so pray dont hurry yourself; only my dear good fellow, do just make as much haste as you can.
[Exit Carlo.
Ben. Bless my heart! what an agitation I am in! oh, how happy will Sicily be under this good man’s government! how happy too will it make the poor marchioness, when after an absence of four long years she again embraces her invaluable brother.