SCENE I.
An open Quinquangular space, five Streets there
meeting, St. Bartholomew's Cross and Fountain
occupying the centre of the Stage—the Streets and
Cross illuminated.
Enter Rosalia, followed by Rinaldo, who leans
almost fainting on his staff, perceiving the fountain,
she assists him towards it—the water refreshes
him, and he requests her to seek for food, while he
there, worn out, reclines, and waits her return—a
bell tolls—he starts up, and hastily conceals himself
—enter in procession, by torch light, the Prince
Roscella, Aurelia, the Abbess, and Nuns of St.
Clare—Boys of the choir, &c. following.
CHORUS.
Pale, trembling, the Agents of terror to meet,
With heart piercing awe, we their vengeance await.
Bell tolls—enter Ministers of Vengeance.
DUET—NUNS.
Hark! yon summons, deep tolls! like, alas! thy death bell!
Aurelia, companion, forlorn one, farewell!
We offer up for innocence a prayer; and shed a tear—
(Bell tolls. Ministers of Vengeance approach.)
Min.
Aurelia! thou Traitress! appear! appear!
CHORUS repeated.
Hark! yon summons, deep tolls, like, alas! thy death bell!
Aurelia, companion, forlorn one, farewell!
After taking an affectionate leave of her Father,
she is borne off by the Ministers of Vengeance—
Abbess, &c. returning to their Convent—Rinaldo
comes forward, much agitated, solicits Roscella's
sword, and follows Aurelia, determined to rescue
her or die in the attempt.
