2d Cit. They do believe them not so liable
To mortal ailments as most other men,
Who yield them to their natures.
1st Cit.May they not
Have passions as us sinners, only hidden,
And kept down by hard penance? and may not
The very suppression of a mighty nature
Make monks mad, like all other men?
2d Cit.The world
Hath whispered such may be the cause; and this
Hath reached the church, who liketh not to bear
The imputation of such weaknesses,
And it is said the maniac will be tried.
1st Cit. Is he in Rome?
2d Cit.At present he is not,
And I believe he has long lived alone,
Shunning both church and world.
1st Cit.And this is why
They think him void of reason? he may prove
Too cunning for them yet—thinkest thou not so?
2d Cit. 'Tis true, there may be "method in his madness;"
But I have business in the public mart.Exeunt Citizens.
Alvernon. (Soliloquizing.)
This news affects me, yet I know not why;
But ever when I think on Azlea,
Like a disturbing vision, Hermon rises,
And darkens the sweet picture with his shade.
Oh, I must hasten. As an invisible chain,
A strange desire, like a presentiment,
Hurries me to thy side, my Azlea.
