deuxième tableau – the cathedral square. guelphs and ghibellines attend the solemn mass for the virgin in the cathedral. at the point of coming to blows, the bishop azzolino steps forward and upbraids them : « siennois, is this what you call a truce for the virgin ? church is god's house alone ! – faithless and unworthy christians put your weapons down or i will close these doors and will open them only to admit your coffins! » they defer in the face of the threat; orso only speaking a word but it is enough for cordelia to recognize as she follows the men into the church.