Page:A Series of Plays on the Passions Volume 1.pdf/387

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''A large room in the Convent, very dark. Enter the Lay Sister bearing a light and several'' Nuns. Sister sets down the light on a table at the bottom of the stage, so that the room is still very gloomy.

Abb. They have been longer absent than I thought; I fear he has escap'd them.

1st Nun.Heaven forbid!

Sist. No no, found out foul murder ever is, And the foul murd'rer too.

2d Nun. The good Saint Francis will direct their search; The blood so near his holy convent shed For threefold vengeance calls.

Abb. I hear a noise within the inner court, They are return'd; (listening;) and Bernard's voice I hear: They are return'd.

Sist.Why do I tremble so? It is not I who ought to tremble thus.

2d Nun. I hear them at the door.

''Bern. (Without.)'' Open the door, I pray thee, brother Thomas; I cannot now unhand the prisoner. (All speak together, shrinking back from the door, and staring upon one another.) He is with them.