34 
MORTADELLO 
 
I have woven myself a wreath, I have built myself a throne. 
All glories that God seeth, is there one to top my own ? 
Bow and adore, bow down, all nations that attend 
And tremble on my frown, all lords to whom I lend 
The lustre of my crown ;  for I have grasped the end 
That I set up.  Behold !  who is there to undo me ? 
The mutable manifold sirens of fortune woo me. 
The stars send showers of gold to do their homage to me. 
ALESSANDRO.  Come, you are not a Doge yet !  And even when 
you are 
Who knows if you would be descryven from a star ? 
[Some applaud, others resent, the interruption.  The 
dissension grows gradually to a brawl. 
A VOICE.  Upstart ! 
2ND VOICE. 
He’s right. 
3RD VOICE.  A quirk ! 
4TH VOICE. 
These dandies are our shame ! 
1ST VOICE.  Down with proud lords that irk us. 
3RD VOICE. 
 
What’s the fellow’s name ? 
5TH VOICE.  No brawling ! 
6TH VOICE. 
Dare you push me ? 
7TH VOICE. 
By our Lady ! 
8TH VOICE. 
 
There ! 
There ! 
9TH VOICE.  Good wine needs no bush. 
10TH VOICE. 
The boaster ! 
7TH VOICE. 
 
Have a care ! 
6TH VOICE.  Take that ! 
 
MONICA enters, attended by two nuns. 
 
MONICA.  Good gentlemen !  what means this stir and strife ?