OR, THE ANGEL OF VENICE 
77 
 
Ordered it.  Mortadello privy to the deed ! 
Here he comes.  Drive that dog in ! 
A CITIZEN. 
Kill him ! 
CITIZENS. 
 
Kill him !  Bleed 
The leech !  Smash in his face !  Break up the walls for 
stones ! 
Death !  Death !  Death to the dog !  We’ll batter in his 
bones ! 
[They hurl sticks and other missiles at the window.  
Some begin to break down the wall of the bridge, 
and take the stones.  THE GOVERNOR and his 
men are driven in.  MORTADELLO and a com-
pany of bowmen arrive. 
MORTADELLO.  Ah, dogs, do you rebel ?  You have to deal 
with us ! 
Bolt to the crossbow men !  Fuse to the arquebus ! 
Mow them like grass before the sickle !  They give back. 
Whip them to kennel ! 
[The crowd waver. 
ABBESS.  [Rushing forward.]  Men !  are you men ?  To the 
attack ! 
The tyrant’s in our hands !  God is for us !  Strike hard ! 
Drag forth the caitliff from his hireling body-guard ! 
Forward the crucifix !  Do you dare loose ?  For God 
And His insulted church !  The path St. Peter trod ! 
[Brandishing a crucifix, she charges down upon MOR-
TADELLO, the crowd following her. 
MORTADELLO.  Stand firm, men !  She is mad ! 
ALL.  
Down with the tyrant, down ! 
ABBESS.  Forward, the victor’s wreath waits, or the martyr’s 
crown ! 
Venice and Freedom !