Mortadello

OR, THE ANGEL OF VENICE 29 I who have served with you may take worship to-day. Swear fealty one and all before me at my knees. Flare out, my banner, winds adore me, utmost seas Carry my galleons, conquest kneel, a vassal cowed, Kings follow fawning at my heel, a cringing crowd. My fame be blazoned through the world, a ruddy Mars, And climb in incense scimitar-curled to storm the stars ! Your homage, gentlemen. The oath upon my sword. ALL. We swear to follow and obey thee as our lord. THE DOGE. ’Tis sworn. Retire, and one by one re-entering Unmask, and kiss the hand of who shall be your king. [All bow and retire. Then they enter, unmask, kiss the hand of MORTADELLO, reveil and depart. MORTADELLO. [To the first.] I am glad your worth and wisdom are appreciated. [To the second.] Does the whole earth contain a wiser, holier head ? [To the third.] Greetings my lord. I was sure indeed you were of the Ten. [To the fourth.] Death, by my sword ! Is’t you, most luck- less of all men ? Poor and exiled I thought you—and I meet you here— I am glad you smiled—where we strike angels dumb with fear ! [To the fifth.] Why, body o’ God ! you died ten years ago, we thought. [To the sixth.] And you ? Am I odd ? Do eyes still serve me as they ought ? My sworn foe, vowed to stab me—so the fine farce ends. Aw, well I know you now ; so kiss me, best of friends ! [To the seventh.] My intimate ! Have we not played as boys together.