Mortadello

94 MORTADELLO ALESSANDRO. So I half guessed, but then, with all respect to you, I counted, gentlemen, and always stopped at two. 1ST MASK. Since Gabriele died the two have lacked a third. ALESSANDRO. Well, I am satisfied : I wait the fatal word. 1ST MASK. What do you mean ? ALESSANDRO. I find your words are coffin-nails. You always bear in mind that dead men tell no tales. So when you tell me tales, and fear no murmur lives, You need not lift your veils. 2ND MASK. [In the central throne.] There are alternatives. Young man, we’ll parley first. You love the Doge’s wife ? ALESSANDRO. So that’s the thunderburst ! I love her as my life. I need not say that she is cold and virtuous. She scarce supposes me—— 2ND MASK. You need not lie to us. ALESSANDRO. Sir, I would lie to God. 1ST MASK. Quite right, quite right. The lad Means well. ALESSANDRO. I may be odd, but not devoutly bad. 2ND MASK. More than yourself’s at stake. Listen, my friend ; we know For Monica’s sweet sake how would you overthrow The Doge ; we want to know what you propose instead. ALESSANDRO. Firstly, I want—— 2ND MASK. To go to Mortadello’s bed. That much your smile portends. ALESSANDRO. Sir, you but brush my hem. There’s many a ray extends from one fair diadem. I see this Doge a fool, a whoremaster, a sot,