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.