Venoni. (whom the prior has assisted to rise, casts round him a wild unconscious look, and unable to support himself reclines his head on the prior’s bosom) What has happened? where am I?
Pri. In the arms of that tender friend whose sympathy—
Venoni. (struck by the voice, and recollecting himself, raises his head, fixes his eyes on the prior, and repulses him with a look of extreme horror) Thou? thou? oh, eternal justice!
Pri. (astonished) How is this? you drive me from you; and does then the sight of me inspire you with disgust?
Venoni. (shuddering) Disgust?
Pri. In what have I offended? what is my crime?
Venoni. (exasperated beyond bounds) And still dare you ask? inhuman! still dare you ask—what is your crime? oh, monstrous hypocrisy! oh, guilt beyond belief! she is dead! and still dare you ask—in what have you offended?
Enter father Anastasio and father Nicolo.
Ana. Tis in vain that—
Pri. Silence! (with calm dignity) hear me, Venoni! tis plain that your senses are disordered, and I therefore listen to these insults without resentment: these insults which I have so little deserved from you. But I know well that your injustice proceeds not from your heart; and when this paroxysm of delirium is past—