Vice. (indignant at the prior’s success) This artifice—this insidious language——
Pri. (pressing his point) Yes, yes! I see how it will be! she, whom heaven scarcely balanced in your heart, soon abandoned, soon forgotten, soon replaced——
Venoni. (almost frantic) Never, never!
Vice. Rash youth! pronounce not——
Pri. You have sworn a thousand times to live near her, to die near her——
Venoni. (in the most violent agitation) I have! I have sworn it! I will keep my vow, and—hark! (the bell strikes nine; at the first sound Venoni starts, and utters a dreadful shriek; the blood seems to curdle in his veins, and he remains in an attitude of horror like one petrified.)
Pri. (triumphant) Ah, listen to that bell! twas at this very hour, that Josepha’s eye-lids closed for ever! twas at this very hour, that— (the bell ceases to strike; Venoni recovers animation)
Venoni. Josepha! oh, my Josepha! (he rushes towards the grate, sinks on his knees, and extends his arms through the bars towards the tomb.)
Venoni. (after a short pause starts up, comes forward, and embraces the viceroy in a hurried manner) Farewell! I am grateful for your zeal; but my fate is irrevocable!
Vice. Cruel youth! yet hear——