Scene + 

IV + 

Abraham + 

Can that be my friend who two years ago went to search for Mary? Yes, it is he! + 

Friend + 

Good day, venerable father. + 

Abraham + 

Good day, dear friend. I have waited so long for you. Of late I had begun to despair. + 

Friend + 

Forgive me, father. I delayed my return because I did not wish to mock you with doubtful and unreliable news. As soon as I had discovered the truth I lost no time. + 

Abraham + 

You have seen Mary? + 

Friend + 

I have seen her. + 

Abraham + 

Where is she? Come, sir, speak! Tell me where. + 

Friend + 

It goes to my heart to tell you. + 

Abraham + 

Speak⁠—I implore you. + 

Friend + 

She lives in the house of a man who trades in the love of young girls like her. A profitable business, for every day he makes a large sum of money out of her lovers. + 

Abraham + 

Her lovers? Mary’s lovers? + 

Friend + 

Yes. + 

Abraham + 

Who are they? + 

Friend + 

There are plenty of them. + 

Abraham + 

Good Jesu, what is this monstrous thing I hear? Do they say that she, whom I brought up to be Thy bride, gives herself to strange lovers? + 

Friend + 

It comes naturally to harlots. + 

Abraham + 

If you are my friend, get me a saddle-horse somewhere and a soldier’s dress. I am going to get into that place as a lover. + 

Friend + 

Father, mine are at your service. + 

Abraham + 

And I must borrow a felt hat to cover my tonsure. + 

Friend + 

That is most necessary, if you do not want to be recognized. + 

Abraham + 

I have one gold piece. Should I take it to give this man? + 

Friend + 

You should, for otherwise he will never let you see Mary. + 