OR, THE ANGEL OF VENICE 
47 
 
I wash my hands of the whole thing.  But I’ll say this : 
I think she aimed too high, and having made a miss, 
Took her revenge. 
2ND RUFFIAN. 
Revenge ?  Blasphemer, hold your tongue. 
ALONZO.  Be careful, you’re so beautiful, you may die young. 
Doesn’t your Doge’s daughter lie dead—and foully dead— 
Because your virgin itched for Mortadello’s bed ? 
1ST RUFFIAN.  Over the bridge with him ! 
2ND RUFFIAN. 
 
Over !  [They seize ALONZO. 
SHACKABACK. 
Stay friends ! 
3RD RUFFIAN. 
 
Dog Jew ! 
You say a word, we’ll duck your lousy carcass too ! 
 
 
[They throw ALONZO over the parapet. 
2ND RUFFIAN.  Come On !  we’ll serve the rest of them the 
same. 
1ST RUFFIAN.  Come on ! 
We’ll find our angel or avenge her.  [They rush on, shouting. 
ISRAEL. 
 
Lord !  He’s gone. 
No there’s a gondolier to fish him dripping out 
Just like a porpoise, all his fine clothes spoilt, no doubt 
I’ll tell Ezekiel. 
SHACKABACK.  Here, I say, there’s matter more 
For business than a suit of clothes.  I say, before 
We lend our monies out to anyone, we ought 
To see the peace restored. 
ISSACHAR. 
You speak my very thought. 
Not one doubloon of mine shall leave its quiet nest 
And hiding-place until these wars are laid to rest. 
ISRAEL.  Agreed.  I’ll tell the Synagogue of our resolve. 
That will bring folk to reason.  Hinge that won’t resolve 
Needs oil of peace.