8 
MORTADELLO 
 
MAGDALENA.  I thank you, my good lord.  This hand I place 
in yours. 
Shall help you to hold fast our land, while life endures. 
The faith of Mortadello guard, his love keep warm. 
Alike his city and his ward, from hate and harm. 
MORTADELLO.  God grant it.  All is now arranged, the council 
firm. 
The houses hostile or estranged all brought to term, 
The Doge content, the Church well bribed, the navy ours, 
None left that might have circumscribed our parted powers. 
That blessed hour that joins our hearts and hands in one 
Sees also the State’s careless crafts in unison. 
 
Enter ORLANDO, by bridge.  Seeing MORTADELLO, he shrinks 
back into the shadow, drops to his knees, and crawls un-
perceived across the bridge, hiding on the steps, and listening 
intently. 
MAGDALENA.  You forget Monica. 
MORTADELLO. 
 
Alone she stands, alone. 
MAGDALENA.  But still she stands. 
MORTADELLO. 
With empty hands. 
MAGDALENA. 
 
May grasp a throne. 
MORTADELLO.  Nay, though the snake’s unwounded, low she 
cringes, crawls 
And licks the dust. 
MAGDALENA. 
I tell you no !  her strength appals. 
She towers in isolation, as a spire of ice 
Consummate domination has o’ the precipice. 
Serene, august, untroubled, cold, her prayers are worth 
More than our steel, more than our gold, that bind the earth.