Ben. Not that I saw— (aside) there’s a good round lie now!
Jer. I suppose, then, I was mistaken.
Ben. I suppose you were: I can’t conceive any thing more likely.
Jer. (aside) I could have sworn, that father Michael—this shall be inquired into further—salve, son! Exit.
Ben. (bowing) Your sanctity’s most obedient.—And this is the prior’s confidant? then the prior’s confidant is as ill-looking a hang-dog, as I’ve set my eyes upon this many a day!
Enter Fishermen.
Ben. Now lads, now! why, you look busily.
1st fish. Well we may, signor: the viceroy entertains all the grandees of Messina this evening, and our fish will bear a treble price. Come, come, look to the nets, lads, (they go to their boats)
Ben. Ay, ay! good luck to you! and now I’ll seek my lord with this letter. So, so, my reverend father Cœlestino!—a convent of nuns under your direction! only separated by a party-wall!—ha, ha! that looks to me very much as if—hush, hush, signor Benedetto! what you are saying is not quite so charitable as it should be! bless my heart, bless my heart, how naturally is a man disposed to think the worst he can of his neighbours! ah, fy upon you, Benedetto; fy upon you! Exit.
1st fish. (in the boat) Now, lads, are you ready?