Mortadello

78 MORTADELLO MORTADELLO. Well, since you will have it so, Here’s hand to hand will give you traitors blow for blow. [They fight, the guard but half-heartedly, and the fury of the Abbess and the people overpowers the discipline and coolness of the others. ALESSANDRO takes no part in the fight. ALESSANDRO. Ho, Governor ! bring her out to the window once again, Or you will see your Doge beneath your window slain ! [THE GOVERNOR looks out, turns sharply, and gesti- culates to MONICA, who comes to the window. MONICA. Dear friends, good citizens ! I beg of you to hear me ! ALESSANDRO. Put up your weapons ! Hark ! The Princess speaks. [The riot is stayed. MONICA. Come near me ! My voice is weak with tears that for your sake I shed ; My knees are weak with prayers I uttered for your stead. I would not for my sake one drop of blood outpoured, One glance of anger from its scabbard drag one sword. Nay, be my friends, be true and loyal to your Duke ! If he have injured you, it is to God you look For justice. As for me, if insult I have borne, False accusation heard, been put to shame and scorn. Loaded with irons, thrust i’ the prison’s darkest den, I do forgive him freely with my heart. Good men ! I ask you to disperse, escort your Doge—— ABBESS. Not I ! I will not eat nor drink till I have seen him die ! MONICA. So said not once the Lord in His high suffering. Will you be wounded more than Heaven’s holy king ?