23 
 
 
ACT II 
 
SCENE I.  The Piazza de San Marco.  In the background, the 
facade of the church.  The people pass. 
 
 
EUPHEMIA.  [A girl of nineteen years old, very fair and lovely.]. 
 
O Monica relents, proclaims her rival’s banns ! 
GIUSEPPE.  [A rough man of the world, burly and jolly.]  A 
proper lesson, you, you cruel courtesans ! 
EUPHEMIA.  When was I cruel ? 
MATTEO.  [A slim dainty debauchee.] 
 
 
 
Now, and every moment when 
You are abroad with girls, and not at home with men. 
MARGARITA.  [A plump common-looking girl.]  Fie !  you’re a 
brute !  But shall we benefit at all 
Now Mortadello rules ? 
GIUSEPPE. 
Why, ortolans will fall 
From heaven all ready cooked for dinner. 
FILIPPO.  [A sturdy good-natured youth.]  I am sure 
If Monica has given her seal and signature 
To this, it must be right. 
GIUSEPPE. 
My hero-worshipper ! 
But I am just as bad :  I pin my faith to her. 
MATTEO.  She has Madonna’s face ;  Madonna’s spirit shines 
Even through her bodily veil, the moon among the pines ! 
EUPHEMIA.  When I was ill last year she came three times 
to see me 
 
 
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