ISABELLA.
And have you nuns no farther privileges?
FRANCISCA.
Are not these large enough?
ISABELLA.
Yes, truly; I speak not as desiring more,
But rather wishing a more strict restraint
Upon the sisterhood, the votarists of Saint Clare.
LUCIO.
[Within.] Ho! Peace be in this place!
ISABELLA.
Who’s that which calls?
FRANCISCA.
It is a man’s voice. Gentle Isabella,
Turn you the key, and know his business of him;
You may, I may not; you are yet unsworn.
When you have vowed, you must not speak with men
But in the presence of the prioress;
Then, if you speak, you must not show your face;
Or if you show your face, you must not speak.
He calls again. I pray you answer him.
[Exit Francisca.]
ISABELLA.
Peace and prosperity! Who is’t that calls?
Enter Lucio.
LUCIO.
Hail, virgin, if you be, as those cheek-roses
Proclaim you are no less. Can you so stead me
As bring me to the sight of Isabella,
A novice of this place, and the fair sister
To her unhappy brother Claudio?