Mortadello

OR, THE ANGEL OF VENICE 97 The very god of youth lies there—a sleep To riot in our veins, the very Bacchic dance, A carnival where reigns the tyranny of trance. [The wine is poured. Come, to your feet, my friends, and pledge our Doge, the man Whose wisdom comprehends God’s everlasting plan, So that he duly ends what wonders He began. [All rise and raise their cups, except MORTADELLO ! ALL. Here’s to the Doge, the Duke, the dog, the jolly fellow ! May Matthew, Mark, and Luke, and John bless Mortadello ! [MORTADELLO rises and bows to his host and fellow guests. MORTADELLO. Good host, and loving friends, I cannot say how much My wisdom comprehends ; but these are words that touch One’s heart. Unbidden tears spring salty to mine eyes. There’s something that endears such common courtesies, When, as I see they are, the words are truly meant. I am the highest star in all the firmament : But this much I admit, my light is partly due— Indeed, the most of it—to you, dear friends, to you. I do not hesitate to say that, bar my wife. This is the very proudest day in all my life. [He raises his cup, and drinks. Here’s health to you in turn ! Where is your dancing girl ? You promised I should learn the nature of a pearl ! ALESSANDRO. Ho ! let the girls come in ! [THE MAJOR-DOMO goes out to obey. Ah. Doge her eyes are stars !