_The monastery.--Procession of monks, choristers, &c., returning from performing service in the chapel.--The organ still playing in the chapel within, Anselmo at the head of the choristers.--They pass on bowing to the Superior, who, with Manuel, remain.--The organ ceases._
_Sup._ (_looking round_). Anselmo hath pass'd on. I do observe, Of late he shuns communion. 'Tis most strange. Say, Manuel, hast thou discover'd aught? Doth he continue steadfast and devout? Or, borne away by youthful phantasies, Neglect the duties of our sacred order?
_Man._ He bears himself correctly, and e'er since His last offence, when self-inflicted pain Proved his contrition, he hath ever seem'd To be absorb'd in holy meditation.
_Sup._ May this continue, he's of great import To the well doing of our monastery---- Yet he hath not of late confess'd his sins.
_Man._ Perchance he hath not err'd. Forgive me, Heav'n, Rash words like these when all are born to sin! I deem'd that he had nothing to confess Except the warring of his youthful passions, O'er which he strives to hold dominion.
_Sup._ I would it were so; but, too frequently, I do perceive a furtive glance of fire From 'neath his fringed eyelash wildly start, As does the lightning from a heavy cloud: It doth denote strong passion--much too strong For youthful resolution to control.
_Man._ Why then permit him to behold the world And all its vanities? 'Tis true, our coffers Are somewhat help'd by that he brings to them, Instructing music, a gift from nature In him most perfect. Were it not better That he within our cloister'd gates should stay?
_Sup._ Then would he pine; for our monastic vows Are much too harsh, too rigid save for those Who, having proved the world, at length retire When they have lost the appetite to sin. There's much depending on the boy Anselmo; He is a prize whose worth I little knew When first into our brotherhood he came.
_Sup._ Thou canst not, Manuel, but I will confide What has been reveal'd to me alone. Well thou know'st for years I have confess'd The Donna Inez. From her I late have learn'd She bore a child in wedlock, which she lost; And, by the notices which she has given, I find him in Anselmo.
_Man._ In Anselmo! Then he's the rightful heir To all the Guzman wealth.
