Mortadello

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 :