Mortadello

48 MORTADELLO SHACKABACK. They think we Jews must crouch and cringe ; But—power’s the door itself, and money is the hinge. ISSACHAR. I see the Lord will bring his people to their own. It’s we that build the church, it’s we that gild the throne. SHACKABACK. I have a great idea ; Our bonds are good as gold. Suppose we lent and borrowed, never bought or sold ? ISRAEL. What do you mean ? SHACKABACK. Suppose we made our paper pass All through the world, what use for silver, gold, and brass ? ISSACHAR. Why, that’s a great idea ; we could do business then Without a coin ! SHACKABACK. Why yes ! what think you, gentlemen ? ISRAEL. That no one would accept our paper. ISSACHAR. That’s a bar ! SHACKABACK. When you’re as old as I, you’ll know what fools there are. Well, let’s be off and tell the Synagogue at once That none may dip into our pockets for the nonce. [They move off gesticulating. SCENE II. The Cabinet of THE DOGE. A couch, on which lies the wounded MORTADELLO, convalescent. THE LORD GABRIELE stands near by, toying impatiently with his rapier. GABRIELE. Gone, like a shooting star. No trace. MORTADELLO. The omen’s ill. GABRIELE. Ay, ill indeed. MORTADELLO. ’Tis your disgrace.