66 
MORTADELLO 
 
Is set on Christ.  I pray His kingdom quickly come. 
But, for myself, to-day—lead me to martyrdom. 
Come hither, bind these bleeding hands together fast ! 
[She holds out her hands toward the soldiers, wrist to 
wrist. 
SOLDIERS.  O we dare not ! 
MONICA. 
Your queen commands ;  these are the last 
Of all the words that I shall say till Heaven opes. 
This is the golden gate and way of all my hopes. 
THE LIEUTENANT.  High saint and virgin, we obey. 
MONICA. 
 
Make fast the ropes ! 
[They bind MONICA in silence, weeping, and lead her 
away.