Mortadello

104 MORTADELLO Of devils burst ! Let through my steel ! By God, let go ! I’ll kill him first ! The raging wheel of snakes and snow ! [He attacks THE LEGATE, whose attendants flee in fear. THE LEGATE falls. THE LEGATE. Jesu have mercy on my soul ! I’m a dead man ! MORTADELLO. I’ll scalp thy cursèd shaven poll, proud pelican ! MONICA. [Rushing out of the church.] What ! will you see this madman take the Legate’s life ? Cowards ! I’ll face him first, although I am his wife. [She snatches a sword from a bystander and interposes. I am the Pope’s ! I am the Pope’s ! For God and Christ ! Now, Mortadello, we cross swords ! . . . One stroke sufficed. [Putting her foot on the neck of MORTADELLO, and both hands to the hilt of the sword, she draws it from his throat. All stand aghast. Gentlemen, to your palaces ! This carrion Be guarded and displayed. At noon the bell toll on, And bring the worthiest citizens and noblemen Into the throne-room. I will speak my purpose then. Father, I pray you absolution. THE LEGATE. Daughter ! You Have saved my life. God—— [He falls back fainting into the arms of his chaplain. MONICA. Ah ! mirabile dictu ! Summon the people hither now by tuck of drum. Count Alessandro, I command attendance. Come. [She moves away, followed by COUNT ALESSANDRO, amid the silent salutes of all present, THE LEGATE gathering his forces to raise his fingers in blessing.