Mortadello

36 MORTADELLO I’ll whisper, and your sea runs smooth, luxuriant. Come, take this gallant noble’s hand, he is your lord. [ALESSANDRO does homage, reluctantly, and takes MORTADELLO’S offered hand. ALESSANDRO. I’d kiss the devil at your command. MONICA. Put up your sword ! Now, gentles all, we reconcile each warring thought, End all our quarrel with a smile, right richly wrought. Farewell, Count Mortadello ! Go your lordly ways, Followed by faith and overflow of high-pitched praise. [To ALESSANDRO.] For you sir, since you erred, repair your fault I lay This penance ; to attend me where I go to pray. MORTADELLO. [Still shaken by the brawl.] Farewell, prin- cess. I thank your kindly aid. [He goes off, R. ALL. Farewell ! We’ll follow Mortadello blind to heaven or hell. And here’s good luck to the Princess, by sword and spur ! Our guardian angel in distress—all health to her ! [They follow MORTADELLO, cheering. MONICA. It was well done. He sees what menace lies beneath The smiles that run like sunlight on my shining teeth ! ALESSANDRO. The hour draws near. The tigress springs ; I feel her breath Black hour of fear, whose leaden wings beat, beat like death. MONICA. Ah ! is my breath so hot and quick and fierce and sharp ? Nay ! “ shuddereth the angelic prick-song on her harp. No tigress roams the forest, preys upon mankind : No ocean foams with fury, slays, frenzied and blind