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FATHER (after reading it).

Alas, alas! it is a brief account

Of his successful labours in the East:
For with his excellent gifts of eloquence,
Learning and prudence, he has made more converts
Than all our zealous brotherhood besides.
What can we do? He will be sacrificed:
The church in him must bleed, if God so wills.
It is a dreadful blow.

CORDENIUS (to the Convert).

I pray thee, in what prison is he kept?

CONVERT.

In Sylla's tower, that dwelling of despair.

CORDENIUS.

Guarded by Romans?

CONVERT.

Yes; and strongly guarded.

CORDENIUS.

Yet, he shall be released.

FATHER (to Cordenius).

Beware, my son, of rash, imprudent zeal:

The truth hath suffer'd much from this; beware:
Risk not thyself: thy life is also precious.