Mortadello

20 MORTADELLO With your design, I spell its inner sense, my lord— If Magdalena were my guest until the rite ? GABRIELE. The auguries are fair ; you double my delight. But bid your cook beware ; double the taster’s share ; Imagine my despair if . . . MONICA. It shall be my care. And here’s a hint. You set a match ; then never let The opponent see the threat. GABRIELE. I am rebuked ; and yet You will forgive me, for the habit only stains My mind, because before my opponents had no brains. MONICA. Farewell, then, and God have you in his holy keeping. I go to tend a grave where there’s a widow weeping. GABRIELE. You have doubled my regard with prudence as with pity. The name all give you, guardian angel of the city. You have thrice earned, be sure !—a life both good and great, Protectress of the poor, and saviour of the state. [He retires amid the sbirri. ORLANDO. Madwoman ! we are lost. MONICA. Oh No ! we have gained time. Whose star was never crossed ? Success may crown the crime. First, there’s the corpse to find. ORLANDO. What good is that to us ? MONICA. There’s something in my mind—it’s idle to dis- cuss— But something whispers we shall need it. ORLANDO. How ?