_Ans._ Indeed! then he must suspect that we are not so regular. Still, I must out to-night, Jacobo--I must indeed!
_Ans._ (_giving him money_). I must, Jacobo. Here's for thy wine, much watching needs it.
_Jac._ The Superior calls me, brother; I only wish there was brotherhood in our drinking. The noble juice which mantles in his cup would cheer me in my vigils.
_Ans._ And that will purchase it. I must be out to-night. Let the Superior have the key, but do not lock the door. You understand, Jacobo?
_Jac._ I do; but there's danger in it. Holy Virgin! the Superior comes this way. Anselmo, you had better to your cell.
_Ans._ I detest it. Now must I play the hypocrite.
_Sup._ (_observing Anselmo_). Thou here, my son! I thought thee at thy cell.
_Ans._ I wish'd to seek it; but till vesper chimes I must employ in teaching melody; But that the coffers of our holy church Receive the thrift, my mind were ill at ease Thus mixing with the world; for holy vigils Are better suited to my early years. (_Kneeling._) O bless, my father, my untoward youth And teach my thoughts to find the path to Heav'n.
_Sup._ (_bending over Anselmo_). Bless thee, my child, may thy young heart Turn now to Heav'n, as Samuel's did of old! May holy thoughts pervade thy youthful mind! May holy dreams enrich thy peaceful sleep! May heavenly choristers descend in visions, And point thee out the joys awaiting those Who dedicate on earth their lives to Heav'n.
[_Exit Superior, after blessing Anselmo.--Anselmo, still kneeling, watches the departure of the Superior._
_Ans._ Peace, peace, Jacobo! 'Tis time that I were gone.
_Jac._ You will return before the door is lock'd?
_Ans._ Because you will not lock it. I shall be home at midnight: it must be so, Jacobo. If not, expect no further gifts from me; and what is more, a full confession of the many times you have been bribed to secrecy. [_Exit Anselmo._
_Jac._ Why, what a penance if this should be discovered! They know how much I love my wine, and always punish me with water. I should have to drink the Guadalquiver dry before the Superior would give me absolution. Well, we all have our besetting sin; and a pot of good wine will put my soul in more jeopardy than all the temptations that the world contains. I suppose I must forget to lock the door. I'll only bolt it; that will satisfy my conscience as a porter. [_Exit Jacobo._