12 
MORTADELLO 
 
MONICA.  Our Lady of Sorrow, hear thine handmaiden of sin ! 
Our Lady of Peace, be near, bestow thy peace within ! 
If I have sought the hurt of any man, forgive ! 
If I have soiled my skirt with even a fugitive 
Faint thought of evil, cleanse my heart and soul thereof, 
As thou dost heal all men’s misdeeds with eager love. 
Our Lady of Vigilance, behold me !  I am weak. 
My life’s inheritance to take there are those that seek. 
There are evil men that hunt me to destroy me—Thou 
When they arise, confront them, hear thy virgin’s vow. 
Forgive them, even as I through thee am wholly shriven ; 
Let that absolve whereby all men may be forgiven ! 
Turn thou their hearts to grace, accept their penitence, 
That they may see thy face, gain absolution thence ! 
ORLANDO.  Lady, your life’s in danger.  While you pray, 
they plot. 
MONICA.  Sir, is not fear a stranger to love ? 
ORLANDO. 
 
I doubt it not. 
But hate is stranger too. 
MONICA. 
Who hates me ?  I hate none. 
ORLANDO.  I dare not tell you who it is :  I am undone 
I am the bondslave of a curse.  I dare not tell. 
MONICA.  You are the slave of love.  My lord, I know you well. 
The Doge’s daughter plays upon your innocence. 
Ay !  and the State decays, caught by her crapulence. 
Are you a man of faith, of loyalty and honour, 
To save her from the scathe intrigue he’s put upon her ? 
[A pause.  ORLANDO is torn by conflicting emotions. 
ORLANDO.  I’ll save you.  Will you give your servant his 
reward ? 
MONICA.  That will I, as I live, if mine to give, my lord !