Mortadello

90 MORTADELLO MONICA. While Mortadello lives I shall be faithful to him. ALESSANDRO. What confidence that gives ! MONICA. I’ll teach you how to woo him. ALESSANDRO. Ah ! must it then be thus ? The cup, and not the knife ? MONICA. Ay ! have a thought for us ! Remember I’m his wife, And if I would be yours—— ALESSANDRO. The scandal must be hid— Sepulture that secures. MONICA. A leaden coffin-lid Scrawled with so fierce a face that none may ever dare Uplift the carapace for fear—what may be there. ALESSANDRO. It is no easy road to mine—our—heart’s desire. MONICA. Is it not sharp, the goad ? Does it not burn, the fire ? ALESSANDRO. Nay, wit is brought to term. MONICA. The spirit is unwilling, Although the flesh is firm ? ALESSANDRO. Through flesh and spirit thrilling Sings the exultant pang—but does not tell me how. MONICA. Mine feels the equal fang—to catch the naked Now Seems almost Fate—but I say Nay, say Nay, say Nay. I have taught myself to die rather than disobey. ALESSANDRO. You are—— MONICA. Don’t talk of me ! Nor will I talk of you. Speak of the thing that we must do—that we must do. ALESSANDRO. Of that speak least of all—I will devise a plan. Here—to his funeral—so loudly struts our man. [MORTADELLO and LUCREZIA return.