On perceiving their mistake, they crowded round Lorenzo and heaped benedictions on him by dozens.

He found that, on hearing the threats of the Mob, and terrified by the cruelties which from the Convent Towers they had seen inflicted on the Superior, many of the Pensioners and Nuns had taken refuge in the Sepulchre.

Among the former was to be reckoned the lovely Virginia.

Nearly related to the Prioress, She had more reason than the rest to dread the Rioters, and now besought Lorenzo earnestly not to abandon her to their rage.

Her Companions, most of whom were Women of noble family, made the same request, which He readily granted.
He promised not to quit them, till He had seen each of them safe in the arms of her Relations: But He advised their deferring to quit the Sepulchre for some time longer, when the popular fury should be somewhat calmed, and the arrival of military force have dispersed the multitude.
'Would to God!' cried Virginia, 'That I were already safe in my Mother's embraces! How say you, Segnor; Will it be long, ere we may leave this place?
Every moment that I pass here, I pass in torture!' 'I hope, not long,' said He; 'But till you can proceed with security, this Sepulchre will prove an impenetrable asylum.