SCENE III.
Inside of the Hermitage, rustic folding doors in
the centre, leading to another apartment; two antique
tables, one covered with black baize, on which
is a large book and crucifix; chairs, &c. through
the folding doors are painted on the back flat a portrait
of Aurelia—the folding doors are closed.
Enter Donato, welcoming Rinaldo, whom he
requests to be seated; places wine and fruits
before him.—Rinaldo perceives a piece of netting on
the table and eagerly enquires whose work it is? but
not obtaining a satisfactory answer throws open the
folding doors, beholds the portrait of Aurelia!—
Fills a glass and drinks to it on his knee, and, perceiving
an inner door leading to a garden, rushes
through, in spite of the old man's endeavours to the
contrary, closing the folding-doors after him.—Fatigued,
Donato throws himself into a chair—a crash
is heard, as of breaking into the Hermitage, and
Paolo enters, demands his purse, drinks his wine,
and strikes him to the earth, other ruffians rushing
on to his whistle—at this instant Rinaldo bursts open
the folding doors, and angrily re enters, followed by
Aurelia—a pause—he demands who has committed
this outrage?—they all disclaim share in it, and point
to Paolo—Aurelia flying to the assistance of Donato
—Rinaldo discharges a pistol which terribly wounds
him, and his comrades bear him off.—He then approaches
and cheers the old man, (and tenderly attentive
to Aurelia) casts himself at her feet—she gently
raises him, sighs, and bids him depart, for she is
destined to become another's, which Donato corroberates,
and, Rinaldo recollecting he is a robber, determines
to conquer his passion.—Mens voices are
heard calling “Donato,” (the old man) informs
him, they are Aurelia's Father and intended Husband,
and intreats him to withdraw—he acquiesces.
—The Prince and Baron enter, Rinaldo crosses
them bowing majestically; but meeting Mulo (who
follows) with a frown, compells him to give way—
Cinthio's bugle is sounded without, and with a stifled
sigh, and look of anguish Rinaldo departs—Donato
introduces Aurelia, who kneels to her Father, he
raises her, and presents her to the Baron—the latter
having had his eyes fixed on Rinaldo, asks, suspiciously,
who he is!—Aurelia avows ignorance—and
he seizes her hand, exclaiming.
RECITATIVE—ROVEZZO.
Our Marriage must be brief, e'en now the Feast,
With all our Castle's splendour we prepare;
'Ere Night dew falls, bless'd by the Holy Priest,
Your Sire consigns you to a Husband's care.—
Exeunt.
