Mortadello

40 MORTADELLO This globe of glory, graft the circle to the square, Do all in harmony, in majesty be all, And in humility endure what may befall. For you, most high Princess, yet a third load’s to bear. The state that loves its lord is hungry for his heir. Ay, to this end, indeed, was marriage first ordained, And to this end to-day is by the Church sustained. Even as the Church to Christ (Beneath reflects Above !) You owe your lord respect, obedience, and love. [To MORTADELLO.] As Christ delights in Her for whom He gave His life, So cherish and defend and pleasure in your wife. Now, if in Heaven indeed be made and sealed a match— MORTADELLO. Must this dull fool prate on till doomsday ? Come, dispatch ! THE BISHOP. Indeed, my lord, the day is passing hot. God sain And bless this union with fair auspices. Amen. [The ceremony proceeds. When the candles should be given to the betrothed, MORTADELLO disdainfully waves it aside, and his page holds it for him, the handmaiden of MAGDALENA performing the same office. THE ARCHBISHOP. Now take your lady’s hand, my lord, and with the oath Supreme confirm the consummation of your troth. Per Patrem, per Filium, per Spiritum Sanctum Ita conjungo vos in matrimonium ! [MORTADELLO, taking the hand of MAGDALENA, starts and pales. He snatches at it, and the corpse falls crashing forward from its chair.