Aug. Yes; Baptista, the rich miser, who died last week, has bequeathed us a thousand pistoles, and the silver lamp he used in his own chamber, to burn before the image of St. Anthony.

Paul. ’Twas well meant, but we’ll employ his money better—Baptista’s bounty shall light the living, not the dead. St. Anthony is not afraid to be left in the dark, though he was.—[Knocking.] See who’s there.

[Father Francis goes to the door and opens it.

Enter Porter.

Port. Here’s one without, in pressing haste to speak with Father Paul.

Fran. Brother Paul!

[Father Paul comes from behind a curtain, with a glass of wine, and in his hand a piece of cake.

Paul. Here! how durst you, fellow, thus abruptly break in upon our devotions?

Port. I thought they were finished.

Paul. No, they were not—were they, brother Francis?

Fran. Not by a bottle each.

Paul. But neither you nor your fellows mark how the hours go; no, you mind nothing but the gratifying of your appetites; ye eat, and swill, and sleep, and gourmandise, and thrive, while we are wasting in mortification.

Port. We ask no more than nature craves.

Paul. ’Tis false, ye have more appetites than hairs! and your flushed, sleek, and pampered appearance is the disgrace of our order—out on’t! If you are hungry, can’t you be content with the wholesome roots of the earth? and if you are dry, isn’t there the crystal spring?—[Drinks.] Put this away.—[Gives the glass] and show me where I’m wanted.—[Porter drains the glass.—Paul, going, turns.] So you would have drunk it if there had been any left! Ah, glutton! glutton!

[Exeunt.

Scene VI.—The Court before the Priory.

Enter Isaac and Don Antonio.

Isaac. A plaguey while coming, this same father Paul.—He’s detained at vespers, I suppose, poor fellow.

Don Ant. No, here he comes.

Enter Father Paul.

Good father Paul, I crave your blessing.

Isaac. Yes, good father Paul, we are come to beg a favour.

Paul. What is it, pray?

Isaac. To marry us, good father Paul; and in truth thou dost look like the priest of Hymen.

Paul. In short, I may be called so; for I deal in repentance and mortification.