Act II. In the courtyard of a tavern _Cellini_ is seated, with his

assistants. He is happy in his love, for he places it even higher than fame, which alone heretofore he has courted. He must pledge his love in wine. Unfortunately the host will no longer give him credit. Just then _Ascanio_ brings some money from the Papal treasurer, but in return _Cellini_ must promise to complete his "Perseus" by morning. He promises, although the avaricious _Balducci_ has profited by his necessity and has sent too little money. _Ascanio_ is informed by _Cellini_ of the disguises they are to wear at the carnival, and of his plan that _Teresa_ shall flee with him.

Again _Fieramosca_ has been spying, and overhears the plot. Accordingly he hires the bravo _Pompeo_ to assist him in carrying off _Teresa_.

A change of scene shows the crowd of maskers on the Piazza di Colonna. _Balducci_ comes along with _Teresa_. Both from the right and left through the crowd come two monks in the disguise she and her lover agreed upon. Which is the right couple? Soon, however, the two couples fall upon each other. A scream, and one of the brown-hooded monks (_Pompeo_) falls mortally wounded to the ground. A white-hooded monk (_Cellini_) has stabbed him. The crowd hurls itself upon _Cellini_. But at that moment the boom of a cannon gives notice that the carnival celebration is over. It is Ash Wednesday. In the first shock of surprise _Cellini_ escapes, and in his place the other white-hooded monk, _Fieramosca_, is seized.