Mortadello

OR, THE ANGEL OF VENICE 69 ALESSANDRO. I’ll hold speech with my good friend within. Hollo there, Governor ! Come out and wag a chin ! [THE GOVERNOR appears at the window. GOVERNOR. My witty Sandro ! What’s the time o’ day with you ? ALESSANDRO. Past prick o’ noon, I fear. And you ? GOVERNOR. The hour of dew. I never felt such heat. ALESSANDRO. A devilish hot day. Well, thank the Lord, the beach is not so far away. Come off with me and bathe. GOVERNOR. My God, you must be mad. I can’t leave. If you knew the trouble I have had ! ALESSANDRO. What ! the Princess has tantrums ? GOVERNOR. No ; beyond belief Far worse. The trouble is that every rogue and thief Hearing she is here, goes down and slobbers on the stones, Kisses the turnkey, deaves the captain with his groans, Wants to repent and live a holy life henceforth, Prays and sings hymns to avert God’s overwhelming wrath, Compares himself, dear God, to the thief upon the cross, Pities his gaolers, doomed to everlasting loss—— ALESSANDRO. Why, but it seems you have a model set of scamps. What harm’s done ? GOVERNOR. Harm enough when common sense decamps It’s bad enough to guard one’s self against attacks, But there’s no dealing with religious maniacs. ALESSANDRO. You fear a rising ? GOVERNOR. Yes, by God, and here I sweat, Wet through—why, everything but my inside is wet !