Scene + 

IV + 

Agape + 

What noise is that outside the door? + 

Irena + 

It is that wretch Dulcitius. + 

Chionia + 

Now may God protect us! + 

Agape + 

Amen. + 

Chionia + 

There is more noise! It sounds like the clashing of pots and pans and fire-irons. + 

Irena + 

I will go and look. Come quick and peep through the crack of the door! + 

Agape + 

What is it? + 

Irena + 

Oh, look! He must be out of his senses! I believe he thinks that he is kissing us. + 

Agape + 

What is he doing? + 

Irena + 

Now he presses the saucepans tenderly to his breast, now the kettles and frying-pans! He is kissing them hard! + 

Chionia + 

How absurd! + 

Irena + 

His face, his hands, his clothes! They are all as black as soot. He looks like an Ethiope. + 

Agape + 

I am glad. His body should turn black⁠—to match his soul, which is possessed of a devil. + 

Irena + 

Look! He is going now. Let us watch the soldiers and see what they do when he goes out. + 