Mortadello

OR, THE ANGEL OF VENICE 27 ALESSANDRO. Good soup, the end of stir. She has filled their folly full : now she might do her will At noonday with a bull, and be a virgin still ! LUCREZIA. So there’s the use of fame ; it makes the fact forsworn. ALESSANDRO. Count Mortadello came for wool, we’ll send him shorn. SCENE II. The Cabinet of THE DOGE. It is furnished as a work-room with papers, etc. But there is a throne, with five seats on either hand. THE DOGE is with a Secretary at work. An officer is on guard at the door. A knock. The officer opens and whispers with another officer who is on guard without. THE OFFICER. The Lord Gabriele begs the favour of audience Of His Highness’s most high serene magnificence. THE DOGE. Admit him. [THE OFFICER goes out to obey. Finish the draft as I said. Note down our new intents In the matter of Turin ; rejoin me in an hour. THE SECRETARY. I humbly take my leave, my lord. [THE DOGE goes to the window. THE DOGE. The heaven’s lower Surly and sultry still, black fiends of cloud that threat And dare not break. [He turns, GABRIELE has entered. Well, sir, and is the battle set ? GABRIELE. All’s won, my lord. Fate turns your humble ministress. The Countess Magdalene is lodged with the Princess.