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:
“Aurelia is cited to appear before the Secret Avengers.”
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.