Hor. You know no ill of him.——
Vic. I know him to be a flatterer: what would you more?
Hor. Well, I protest, it never struck me that he flattered.
Vic. Very likely; and yet my good sister, it’s possible that he might be flattering, while to you he appeared so be speaking the pure simple truth.
Hor. However, if not for his own sake, at least endure him for mine. He is my friend; you are now the chief person in the island; and should you compel me to reject his offered visit, such a mark of contempt from the viceroy of Sicily might injure the good prior in the world’s opinion.
Vic. If the good prior be in fact as good as you assert, the contempt of the viceroy of Sicily or of any other viceroy, must be to him a matter of the most absolute indifference. However, be it as you please.
Hor. I thank you; (to the servant) the prior’s visit will be welcome. Servant bows, and Exit.
Hor. Ah! did you but know the good man’s heart as well as I do, this unreasonable dislike——
Vic. Unreasonable? ah! Hortensia; have we not all then reasons but too strong for abhorring the sight of this Cœlestino? was it not his advice, which induced you to place Josepha in that fatal convent?
Mar. Right, right, Benvolio; twas his advice, twas his alone.