OR, THE ANGEL OF VENICE 
49 
 
GABRIELE. 
 
Say what you will. 
I own you should have had your way.  But ’tis too late. 
To try to call back yesterday ;  for Fate is Fate. 
The morrow presses. 
MORTADELLO. 
How then went the proclamation ? 
GABRIELE.  No murmur or of discontent or adulation. 
Absolute silence eloquent of sheer damnation. 
MORTADELLO.  The nobles cried ? 
GABRIELE. 
 
At last they gave their loud assent. 
No echo answered back from wave or firmament. 
In the great heat the people stood, mute beasts, stock still. 
As for the thunder waits a wood, a hush, a thrill, 
A quiver—so I have seen a stag heart-striken die. 
MORTADELLO.  Well, we must let no effort flag. 
GABRIELE. 
 
My energy 
Is all to find the Princess.  Hid, who knows what spear 
She may fling suddenly ? 
MORTADELLO. 
God forbid ! 
GABRIELE. 
 
Suppose she appear 
Whence who can tell, with what allies God only knows, 
The mob, the merchants—— 
MORTADELLO. 
Pah ! 
GABRIELE. 
 
My spies lean to suppose 
A third of us, by greed sharp spurred, would take the chance 
To treble their estates.  A third could make us dance 
To a brick tune. 
MORTADELLO.  The Jews—you said ?  You saw the dog ? 
GABRIELE.  Ay, bearded the old addlehead in Synagogue. 
MORTADELLO.  He furnishes the loan ? 
GABRIELE. 
 
My lord his jaw snapped hard 
Like an old shark’s.  “ I can’t afford it :  times are hard :