Mortadello

OR, THE ANGEL OF VENICE 85 But that I like the taste let all our future show ! Your arm about my waist—walk to the window—so ! [MORTADELLO opens the window, and drawing MONICA to him, kisses her upturned face. The people hesitate in astonishment ; some rise ; they murmur confusedly. Friends, I was vowed to Christ. You know, His faithful, know All that He sacrificed to save the world from woe : Thus this last burden He hath laid on me to bear To bring you liberty—the answer to my prayer. In ignorance I asked the crown of martyrdom ; My soul serenely basked in that sun’s holy home. How finer far the work now given me to do, My service not to shirk, a service all for you ! It were an easy ascent to heaven, to have died. How harder to consent to be your Doge’s bride ! Praise me not ; still I smart ; half renegade I rank me But no Venetian heart that shall not learn to thank me ! ALESSANDRO. [Without.] Praise to the King of Kings ! we bow before His will. She hath not soiled her wings ; she is out Angel still ! [The people break into a tumult of rejoicing. MORTA- DELLO and MONICA, after acknowledgement, close the window. MORTADELLO. It may be love or hate, a wanton and a fool. But we have saved the State. MONICA. I think you mean, we rule. MORTADELLO. I wish your eyes could speak ! MONICA. They shall, when night’s abroad. MORTADELLO. I fear I have been weak. MONICA. Repent so soon, my lord ?