Mar. Unhappy youth!
Vic. Tomorrow?
Pri. But ere he renounces the world for ever, he intreats permission to take leave of those dear and illustrious persons, who once did not disdain to look upon him as their son.
Hor. (greatly agitated) No, no! I cannot—I dare not——
Vic. (seriously) Sister—Venoni must not be refused.
Pri. Reflect, dear lady; the ear of true piety is never closed against the sighs of the wretched. The poor youth is already in the palace, and—
Vic. (eagerly) Already here?—where, where is he?
Mar. Who waits? (servant enters) signor Venoni—conduct him hither instantly, away! Exit servant.
Pri. (observing the viceroy’s emotion) Ah! my good lord, what a heart have you for friendship! happy, thrice happy he whose worth or whose misfortunes can inspire you with such interest and such zeal! (The viceroy answers by a gesture of contemptuous impatience)
[Venoni, in the habit of a novice, pale, wild, and haggard, enters, conducted by the servant, who retires.