OR, THE ANGEL OF VENICE 
71 
 
ALESSANDRO. 
Well, my friend, you’ve got it in you 
To the hilt this time ! 
[The crowd surges on the bridge. 
ALESSANDRO. 
Why, whatever’s wrong ? 
1ST VOICE. 
 
My lord, 
The Princess murdered ! 
ALESSANDRO. 
Stuff ! 
2ND VOICE. 
 
It’s true ;  it’s cried abroad. 
ALESSANDRO.  So for a pedlar’s wares !  Do you believe him ?  
Ass ! 
1ST VOICE.  No, on my soul it’s true !  I swear it by the 
Mass. 
ALESSANDRO.  How do you know for sure ?  I’m Thomas, want 
to see 
The prints o’ the nails, the wound i’ the side ! 
2ND VOICE. 
 
It’s true, trust me ! 
3RD VOICE.  And if it’s true, by God, there’s not a man that 
quails. 
We’ll tear the prison down with our own finger-nails. 
ALESSANDRO.  Oh !  wait a little !  Ask the governor ;  he’s my 
friend. 
VOICES.  Cut !  Shame !  your friend !  The brute !  The traitor ! 
ALESSANDRO. 
 
Fiddlestick’s end ! 
Silence, and let me call, if it’s the truth you need. 
1ST VOICE.  Yes, hear him, he’s her friend too ! 
3RD VOICE. 
That’s true ! 
ALESSANDRO. 
Yes, indeed, 
I’d give my life to-day to succour the Princess ! 
2ND VOICE.  Ah, that’s a man ! 
VOICES. 
Hurrah ! 
ALESSANDRO. 
 
However did you guess ? 
Peace now !  [Calls.]  Hollo !  Hollo !  is that the Governor ?