Pri. Seize him!
Venoni. (who during the above speeches has remained in silent consternation, on being seized by father Anastasio, &c. bursts out into the most passionate exclamations) What, barbarians! do you dare?—
Pri. Bear him to the chapel!
Venoni. (struggling) Inhuman monsters! the vengeance of heaven—my friends—my cries—help—save me!
Pri. Stifle his shrieks! away with him! (the monks surround him—a handkerchief is thrown over his face, and he sinks into their arms exhausted—the scene drops, as they are conveying him towards the chapel, the prior being the last who follows, pointing to him with a look of triumphant vengeance)
End of Act. II.
[ACT III.]
[SCENE I.]—A dungeon with a concealed door on one side, a tomb on the other, and a gallery above—a grated door in the back.
Lod. (with an iron bar in one hand and lamp in the other, comes feebly from the concealed door) My efforts are unavailing! wretched, wretched Lodovico, the hopes of escape, which thou hast so long indulged, must at length be abandoned forever! in vain has the labour of twenty years forced me a passage from my own cell into this adjoining dungeon: in vain has my persevering vigilance at length succeeded in discovering yonder private door, whose artful concealment during whole years eluded my inquiries—the upper portal—its massive bars—its inflexible locks: increasing age—increasing weakness. Farewell, hope! I will make the attempt no more, (he throws down the iron bar) Oh, faint—faint! my efforts have quite exhausted me—now, even were the means of flight mine, weakness would forbid—I will regain my own cell, sink on my couch of straw, pardon my enemies, and expire! let me see! yes! twas about this spot that I made the opening, and these stones removed—
Pri. (above) For a few moments wait above: you, Jeronymo, precede me with the torch.