36 
MORTADELLO 
 
I’ll whisper, and your sea runs smooth, luxuriant. 
Come, take this gallant noble’s hand, he is your lord. 
[ALESSANDRO does homage, reluctantly, and takes 
MORTADELLO’S offered hand. 
ALESSANDRO.  I’d kiss the devil at your command. 
MONICA. 
 
Put up your sword ! 
Now, gentles all, we reconcile each warring thought, 
End all our quarrel with a smile, right richly wrought. 
Farewell, Count Mortadello !  Go your lordly ways, 
Followed by faith and overflow of high-pitched praise. 
[To ALESSANDRO.]  For you sir, since you erred, repair your 
fault I lay 
This penance ; to attend me where I go to pray. 
MORTADELLO.  [Still shaken by the brawl.]  Farewell, prin-
cess.  I thank your kindly aid. 
[He goes off, R. 
ALL. 
Farewell ! 
We’ll follow Mortadello blind to heaven or hell. 
And here’s good luck to the Princess, by sword and spur ! 
Our guardian angel in distress—all health to her ! 
 
 
[They follow MORTADELLO, cheering. 
MONICA.  It was well done.  He sees what menace lies 
beneath 
The smiles that run like sunlight on my shining teeth ! 
ALESSANDRO.  The hour draws near.  The tigress springs ;  I 
feel her breath 
Black hour of fear, whose leaden wings beat, beat like death. 
MONICA.  Ah !  is my breath so hot and quick and fierce and 
sharp ? 
Nay !  “ shuddereth the angelic prick-song on her harp. 
No tigress roams the forest, preys upon mankind : 
No ocean foams with fury, slays, frenzied and blind