University of Virginia Library

SCENE VIII.

Exterior of the Convent of St. Clare.
Enter Rinaldo and Rosalia, supporting the drooping Aurelia—she requests to take shelter in her Convent, but he urges her to accompany him—half consenting, they are interrupted by the sudden appearance of her Father, who is driven on, nearly overpowered, by Paolo—Rinaldo darts to his assistance, and the Ruffian is disarmed and driven off— Aurelia, happy in her Father's safety, affectionately embraces him, and makes him acquainted with the Baron's cruelty, introducing to him in his deliverer, her own—the Baron's trumpet sounds without—all start—and for safety enter the Convent.
Paolo, cautiously beckoning on Florella, returns, informs her there Rinaldo has concealed himself, and they determine (placing themselves on each side the gate) to dispatch him should he return over its threshold.—As they are listening the Baron and followers enter, he orders them to be seized—they intimate they are on the watch for Rinaldo, and determined to dispatch him—the Baron commends, and gives them gold, and learning Aurelia has taken refuge there, gives the following orders to his Band.
To the North sound the trumpet,
To the South blow a blast!—
Our Ministers of Vengeance call,
From East and from West.

His trumpeters obey, and several members of the Black Tribunal enter in black masks and cloaks, they bow to the Baron, who selects one from the rest, bearing a dagger and halter, and giving him a slip of paper, on which is written the name of Aurelia, points to the Convent, and with his followers departs—the member, apparently, cuts an incision in the Convent door, in which he places the following Citation:

CHORUS OF MEMBERS.
Before our Black Tribunal, 'ere the third day, draw near,
Aurelia, th'associate of Robbers, appear!
Appear, appear, appear!

Exeunt.
The Lady Abbess, Aurelia, the Prince, and Rinaldo dart through the door, and appear horror struck at perusing the Citation—the latter attempts to console them, but Cinthio, suddenly entering, he is called thence—hastily kisses Aurelia's hand, and presents her a ring, swearing he will soon return to her aid, and takes his leave—they return into the Convent; he hastily accompanies Cinthio off.