84 
MORTADELLO 
 
MORTADELLO.  The corpse of Magdalene stands in its shroud 
between us. 
MONICA.  The joy it would have been if only she had seen us 
Thus—near—so near—so near—— 
MORTADELLO. 
She played me false ! 
MONICA. 
 
You know 
The black rocks that uprear amid the tinted snow ! 
You know what fangs were fleshed on her adulterous throat, 
How her perfume refreshed the rank reek of the goat ! 
MORTADELLO.  You were his mistress too ! 
MONICA. 
 
I thought the form was due 
Preliminal to sue exchange of troth with you. 
MORTADELLO.  You mock me and you shock. 
MONICA. 
 
The people wait to see 
Unlock the barren rock of this fine colloquy. 
Which will you have ?  Close furled the death-flag flutter 
free ? 
Or Venice and the world, the flesh, the devil—and me ? 
MORTADELLO.  It is my honour that you rob me of ! 
MONICA. 
 
I give 
You glory, a tame cat. 
MORTADELLO. 
Too false and fugitive ! 
MONICA.  Oh, you repine too much.  At least I give you life, 
And in the bargain such a jewel of a wife ! 
MORTADELLO.  Well, here’s my ring.  I trust because I must, 
agree 
Just to be all unjust ! 
MONICA. 
My lust of comedy ! 
 
 
 
[She kisses him lasciviously. 
MORTADELLO.  Once you were good and chaste ? 
MONICA. 
 
I really do not know :