Mortadello

23 ACT II SCENE I. The Piazza de San Marco. In the background, the facade of the church. The people pass. EUPHEMIA. [A girl of nineteen years old, very fair and lovely.]. O Monica relents, proclaims her rival’s banns ! GIUSEPPE. [A rough man of the world, burly and jolly.] A proper lesson, you, you cruel courtesans ! EUPHEMIA. When was I cruel ? MATTEO. [A slim dainty debauchee.] Now, and every moment when You are abroad with girls, and not at home with men. MARGARITA. [A plump common-looking girl.] Fie ! you’re a brute ! But shall we benefit at all Now Mortadello rules ? GIUSEPPE. Why, ortolans will fall From heaven all ready cooked for dinner. FILIPPO. [A sturdy good-natured youth.] I am sure If Monica has given her seal and signature To this, it must be right. GIUSEPPE. My hero-worshipper ! But I am just as bad : I pin my faith to her. MATTEO. She has Madonna’s face ; Madonna’s spirit shines Even through her bodily veil, the moon among the pines ! EUPHEMIA. When I was ill last year she came three times to see me S