Mortadello

OR, THE ANGEL OF VENICE 33 ALESSANDRO enters from R. ALESSANDRO. Your pleasure, say ? [He draws his sword. MORTADELLO. Put up your sword. I have your measure. What ? you will force me to arrest you ? [MORTADELLO’S attendants come forward. LUCREZIA staggers, and falls into ALESSANDRO’S arms. LUCREZIA. [Aside] Sandro, stay ! Follow the course agreed. ALESSANDRO. The dog must have his day. Oh ! but you’re hurt ! MORTADELLO. Young man ! she shall be tended. ALESSANDRO. Well. No ! take my shirt. Staunch the dear breast ! MORTADELLO. A miracle It missed her heart. Give thanks to God, young sir. A PHYSICIAN, entering hastily, L PHYSICIAN. Make way ! All’s well. My art can save her. ALESSANDRO. Sure ? PHYSICIAN. If skill can say ! See ! there’s no dirt or venom on the dagger-blade ; A simple hurt five days will cure. Be not afraid. MORTADELLO. Begone then. Now’s the hour when Morta- dello strikes. To the summit of his power, whose high-pooped galleon rides An inviolable tower on the torment of the tides ! Come ! I have plucked the teeth from Fate’s black mouth, the crone !