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Dialogue Following Song No. 20
Exit PIETRO.
- ARROSTINO.
- This is a remarkable change, my son. A great improvement on our recent
condition. Devoted as we now are to a life of contemplation - restricted by the
rules of our order to a diet of bread and herbs - and not much of that -
indigestion and its attendant inconveniences will be matters of tradition.
- LUIGI.
- Still, it must be admitted that the old life was a pleasant one!
- ARROSTINO.
- Yes, we had a jolly time of it while it lasted. (Correcting himself.) I should say
that worldly allurements have the faculty of enlivening their devotees for the
moment, but the evening's enjoyment seldom bears the morning's reflection, and
the choicest banquet is but a feast of Dead Sea apples which turn to ashes in the
mouth!
- GIORGIO.
- Under the circumstances, we might have spared ourselves the trouble of luring the
Duke and Duchess to the monastery.
- ARROSTINO.
- No - no, I think not. It is true that, having regard to our present condition, we are
bout to receive our distinguished guests with scrupulous hospitality, but an hour
will soon poass, and we shall then, unhappily, lapse once more into the deplorable
condition of being able to avail ourselves of any small change their Highnesses
may happen to have about them. It is dreadful to think of, but that's what we shall
be in about an hour.
LUIGI ascends to balcony of monastery.
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