And I will dance with you.
And I will dance with you.
And I will dance with you.
Day dance as well,And bring me to that hour, sweet promiser! [Exit.
Day dance as well,And bring me to that hour, sweet promiser! [Exit.
Day dance as well,And bring me to that hour, sweet promiser! [Exit.
Ha, ha!—the limed, old bird! Ha, ha!
Ha, ha!—the limed, old bird! Ha, ha!
Ha, ha!—the limed, old bird! Ha, ha!
Enter twoCardinalswith despatches.
A post, from Spain.His Catholic Majesty writes threateninglyOf the French rape of Naples, Holy FatherAssisted through the Duke.
A post, from Spain.His Catholic Majesty writes threateninglyOf the French rape of Naples, Holy FatherAssisted through the Duke.
A post, from Spain.His Catholic Majesty writes threateninglyOf the French rape of Naples, Holy FatherAssisted through the Duke.
My lord,His Holiness returns this afternoon;Await his wisdom.[Holding out her hair.] See, is this a Pope?
My lord,His Holiness returns this afternoon;Await his wisdom.[Holding out her hair.] See, is this a Pope?
My lord,His Holiness returns this afternoon;Await his wisdom.[Holding out her hair.] See, is this a Pope?
Apollo!
Apollo!
Apollo!
[Smiling.] Leave him to his spokes.I will report you diligent, my lords.
[Smiling.] Leave him to his spokes.I will report you diligent, my lords.
[Smiling.] Leave him to his spokes.I will report you diligent, my lords.
Your blessing, Holy Father! [Laughing, she gives it.So the beamOf heaven bears down a dove. [Kissing her finger-tips.
Your blessing, Holy Father! [Laughing, she gives it.So the beamOf heaven bears down a dove. [Kissing her finger-tips.
Your blessing, Holy Father! [Laughing, she gives it.So the beamOf heaven bears down a dove. [Kissing her finger-tips.
Your blessing!Christ heal me!
Your blessing!Christ heal me!
Your blessing!Christ heal me!
[He lays his hand on his heart and goes out withCardinal Segovia.
[He lays his hand on his heart and goes out withCardinal Segovia.
Clarice, I am almost dozing!This gold sun heaps me with such weight of gold.Leave me and lay out the white satin robe—No, for a warmth may rest upon my whitenessA little space: I dance to-night in black,With rubies of their violence grasping pearls,With these ancestral drops of my old duchy.Give me the verses on our Borgian BullThat Porcius wrote—that little book. My eyesWill rest on it half-closed and full of ease,As sunny cats that stretch themselves to dream.
Clarice, I am almost dozing!This gold sun heaps me with such weight of gold.Leave me and lay out the white satin robe—No, for a warmth may rest upon my whitenessA little space: I dance to-night in black,With rubies of their violence grasping pearls,With these ancestral drops of my old duchy.Give me the verses on our Borgian BullThat Porcius wrote—that little book. My eyesWill rest on it half-closed and full of ease,As sunny cats that stretch themselves to dream.
Clarice, I am almost dozing!This gold sun heaps me with such weight of gold.Leave me and lay out the white satin robe—No, for a warmth may rest upon my whitenessA little space: I dance to-night in black,With rubies of their violence grasping pearls,With these ancestral drops of my old duchy.Give me the verses on our Borgian BullThat Porcius wrote—that little book. My eyesWill rest on it half-closed and full of ease,As sunny cats that stretch themselves to dream.
[They go out.
[They go out.
[They go out.
How strange!I feel as I should never grow a womanSave at Ferrara, miles away from Rome.Alfonso does not love me—every dayHumiliates my humbler race, is fearfulI shall be found in nature sinisterAnd fatal.... But I am not so, and thereforeHe cannot find that I am anythingBut just his young Lucrece, he soon will love,As creatures sent for gifts, if they are gentle,Are cherished in reception.... Oh!
How strange!I feel as I should never grow a womanSave at Ferrara, miles away from Rome.Alfonso does not love me—every dayHumiliates my humbler race, is fearfulI shall be found in nature sinisterAnd fatal.... But I am not so, and thereforeHe cannot find that I am anythingBut just his young Lucrece, he soon will love,As creatures sent for gifts, if they are gentle,Are cherished in reception.... Oh!
How strange!I feel as I should never grow a womanSave at Ferrara, miles away from Rome.Alfonso does not love me—every dayHumiliates my humbler race, is fearfulI shall be found in nature sinisterAnd fatal.... But I am not so, and thereforeHe cannot find that I am anythingBut just his young Lucrece, he soon will love,As creatures sent for gifts, if they are gentle,Are cherished in reception.... Oh!
A masked figure glides in behind and she suddenly hears a voice.
Amanda!
Amanda!
Amanda!
[To herself.] Castelian!... One, one voice....
[To herself.] Castelian!... One, one voice....
[To herself.] Castelian!... One, one voice....
Amanda?
Amanda?
Amanda?
You,Cesare! You are come?
You,Cesare! You are come?
You,Cesare! You are come?
I cannot see:Is there a smile behind these rays or no?Is it dark weather, masks—or lip to lip?
I cannot see:Is there a smile behind these rays or no?Is it dark weather, masks—or lip to lip?
I cannot see:Is there a smile behind these rays or no?Is it dark weather, masks—or lip to lip?
Your voice ... I lost my breathTo welcome you.
Your voice ... I lost my breathTo welcome you.
Your voice ... I lost my breathTo welcome you.
Then to black hell my mask!
Then to black hell my mask!
Then to black hell my mask!
[He throws it away and kneels.
[He throws it away and kneels.
[He throws it away and kneels.
O Excellency of Ferrara, have ICome here too late? Do all the CupidsHold over this white, little face the saffronOf Hymen’s veil already? But I dareA kiss beneath this gold, although AlfonsoLose one sweet, nuptial joy....Ah, the berettaMust off in blaze of noon, if I would reachBeneath your brim. [Holding her chin.] Return my happiness!
O Excellency of Ferrara, have ICome here too late? Do all the CupidsHold over this white, little face the saffronOf Hymen’s veil already? But I dareA kiss beneath this gold, although AlfonsoLose one sweet, nuptial joy....Ah, the berettaMust off in blaze of noon, if I would reachBeneath your brim. [Holding her chin.] Return my happiness!
O Excellency of Ferrara, have ICome here too late? Do all the CupidsHold over this white, little face the saffronOf Hymen’s veil already? But I dareA kiss beneath this gold, although AlfonsoLose one sweet, nuptial joy....Ah, the berettaMust off in blaze of noon, if I would reachBeneath your brim. [Holding her chin.] Return my happiness!
[They kiss.
[They kiss.
[They kiss.
What strands of amber! O magnificence!My blond is grey-ashamed to touch such yellowOf crocus triumph. So it seems my sisterWill be a sovereign Duchess.
What strands of amber! O magnificence!My blond is grey-ashamed to touch such yellowOf crocus triumph. So it seems my sisterWill be a sovereign Duchess.
What strands of amber! O magnificence!My blond is grey-ashamed to touch such yellowOf crocus triumph. So it seems my sisterWill be a sovereign Duchess.
Cesare,This Este marriage—you would prosper it?
Cesare,This Este marriage—you would prosper it?
Cesare,This Este marriage—you would prosper it?
My fortress!Behind your towers Venice can rage and curse....But there is joy beyond—we shall be neighbour-princes,Romagna in your sight as you look out,And you in reach if I should mount a horse.Rome will be left, but not the Duke, your brother,We cannot be divided.... Holiness!
My fortress!Behind your towers Venice can rage and curse....But there is joy beyond—we shall be neighbour-princes,Romagna in your sight as you look out,And you in reach if I should mount a horse.Rome will be left, but not the Duke, your brother,We cannot be divided.... Holiness!
My fortress!Behind your towers Venice can rage and curse....But there is joy beyond—we shall be neighbour-princes,Romagna in your sight as you look out,And you in reach if I should mount a horse.Rome will be left, but not the Duke, your brother,We cannot be divided.... Holiness!
[He laughs mockingly.
[He laughs mockingly.
[He laughs mockingly.
You must not, Cesare.... Had you been homeThe Holy Father had not set me up....It burns me! [She lifts her hands to her face.
You must not, Cesare.... Had you been homeThe Holy Father had not set me up....It burns me! [She lifts her hands to her face.
You must not, Cesare.... Had you been homeThe Holy Father had not set me up....It burns me! [She lifts her hands to her face.
Curse the folly!To make a jest of you—our secret! YouTo be a Pope, a Governor—my secretOf the veiled hours, of the sealed lips!Our father can be garrulous in actionAs well as tongue. Forget, forget, love-goddess,All but the whelming sea-deep and your pearls!
Curse the folly!To make a jest of you—our secret! YouTo be a Pope, a Governor—my secretOf the veiled hours, of the sealed lips!Our father can be garrulous in actionAs well as tongue. Forget, forget, love-goddess,All but the whelming sea-deep and your pearls!
Curse the folly!To make a jest of you—our secret! YouTo be a Pope, a Governor—my secretOf the veiled hours, of the sealed lips!Our father can be garrulous in actionAs well as tongue. Forget, forget, love-goddess,All but the whelming sea-deep and your pearls!
[He lifts the great Este necklace from her knee.
[He lifts the great Este necklace from her knee.
[He lifts the great Este necklace from her knee.
Cloud, cloud, be dumb, my moon—shine under cloud!... Were letters sent from Spain?
Cloud, cloud, be dumb, my moon—shine under cloud!... Were letters sent from Spain?
Cloud, cloud, be dumb, my moon—shine under cloud!... Were letters sent from Spain?
I would not read them.
I would not read them.
I would not read them.
We will receive them presently and answer.
We will receive them presently and answer.
We will receive them presently and answer.
I marvelTo see you up and in the morning sun.
I marvelTo see you up and in the morning sun.
I marvelTo see you up and in the morning sun.
I waked—then heard you sat against the sun,Fixed to one spot in glory.
I waked—then heard you sat against the sun,Fixed to one spot in glory.
I waked—then heard you sat against the sun,Fixed to one spot in glory.
And the wars?
And the wars?
And the wars?
—Gained me Faënza, Castel-Bolognese,Corneto, Piombino: for the FrenchI entered Capua....
—Gained me Faënza, Castel-Bolognese,Corneto, Piombino: for the FrenchI entered Capua....
—Gained me Faënza, Castel-Bolognese,Corneto, Piombino: for the FrenchI entered Capua....
And you were cruel there.
And you were cruel there.
And you were cruel there.
Transcendently. Naples is crushed to earth,Is gone, stamped French in bloodshed.That vendettaI look on, round and perfect—Naples,That once eclipsed my moon and shot its arrowAthwart my omen, NaplesHurled down as throne and kingdom!
Transcendently. Naples is crushed to earth,Is gone, stamped French in bloodshed.That vendettaI look on, round and perfect—Naples,That once eclipsed my moon and shot its arrowAthwart my omen, NaplesHurled down as throne and kingdom!
Transcendently. Naples is crushed to earth,Is gone, stamped French in bloodshed.That vendettaI look on, round and perfect—Naples,That once eclipsed my moon and shot its arrowAthwart my omen, NaplesHurled down as throne and kingdom!
Cesare! My hand—You grasp as if to break.... Your long, white hand!
Cesare! My hand—You grasp as if to break.... Your long, white hand!
Cesare! My hand—You grasp as if to break.... Your long, white hand!
It hurts? Lucrece, I rule at Pesaro.
It hurts? Lucrece, I rule at Pesaro.
It hurts? Lucrece, I rule at Pesaro.
Well, dear, you need not look so venomous.You rule—where is it that you do not rule?
Well, dear, you need not look so venomous.You rule—where is it that you do not rule?
Well, dear, you need not look so venomous.You rule—where is it that you do not rule?
[The cannon of Sant’ Angelo boom and the bells ring.LucreziaandCesarelean over the parapet together; he gently pushes back the straw brim round her forehead and kisses her many times; then he quickly descends.
[The cannon of Sant’ Angelo boom and the bells ring.LucreziaandCesarelean over the parapet together; he gently pushes back the straw brim round her forehead and kisses her many times; then he quickly descends.
The Vatican: Sala dei Pontifici.A brilliant assembly. ThePopeis enthroned: in front of him is a table on which is set a great jewel-case. To the left are theCardinals;to the rightDuke Cesare de Valentinois della Romagna,in cloth of gold and pearls. Before the tableDonna Lucrezia Borgia d’Aragon,in cloth of gold and pearls, a black ribbon confining her hair, receives the nuptial ring ofDon Alfonso d’Estefrom the hands of his brother theLord Cardinal Ippolito d’Este.
The Vatican: Sala dei Pontifici.
A brilliant assembly. ThePopeis enthroned: in front of him is a table on which is set a great jewel-case. To the left are theCardinals;to the rightDuke Cesare de Valentinois della Romagna,in cloth of gold and pearls. Before the tableDonna Lucrezia Borgia d’Aragon,in cloth of gold and pearls, a black ribbon confining her hair, receives the nuptial ring ofDon Alfonso d’Estefrom the hands of his brother theLord Cardinal Ippolito d’Este.
With all his heart the illustrious Don AlfonsoSends by my hand this ring.
With all his heart the illustrious Don AlfonsoSends by my hand this ring.
With all his heart the illustrious Don AlfonsoSends by my hand this ring.
With all my heartI take this ring.
With all my heartI take this ring.
With all my heartI take this ring.
[Cardinal Ippolitoputs it on her finger.
[Cardinal Ippolitoputs it on her finger.
[Cardinal Ippolitoputs it on her finger.
So now we are made an Este!Donna Lucrezia Borgia d’Este, come,The Church enfolds thee dearly.
So now we are made an Este!Donna Lucrezia Borgia d’Este, come,The Church enfolds thee dearly.
So now we are made an Este!Donna Lucrezia Borgia d’Este, come,The Church enfolds thee dearly.
[He embraces her; then she stands by him at her brother’s side.
[He embraces her; then she stands by him at her brother’s side.
Lord Ippolito,Open the nuptial gift, Duke Ercole’s.
Lord Ippolito,Open the nuptial gift, Duke Ercole’s.
Lord Ippolito,Open the nuptial gift, Duke Ercole’s.
Fair sister, white as moonlight for the stars,Would in this prison all the constellations,That dew the paths of heaven when Luna shines,Were clustered for your taking! Fair,How you would set with twisted gold Orion,And all the planets from the rubious MarsTo emerald-dartling Mercury. O Fair,We are not gods to homage our Elect,To wrench the sky and rob its flowering lights;But all that mines and rocks can make eternalOf those pure rays that span mortalityAre at your feet.
Fair sister, white as moonlight for the stars,Would in this prison all the constellations,That dew the paths of heaven when Luna shines,Were clustered for your taking! Fair,How you would set with twisted gold Orion,And all the planets from the rubious MarsTo emerald-dartling Mercury. O Fair,We are not gods to homage our Elect,To wrench the sky and rob its flowering lights;But all that mines and rocks can make eternalOf those pure rays that span mortalityAre at your feet.
Fair sister, white as moonlight for the stars,Would in this prison all the constellations,That dew the paths of heaven when Luna shines,Were clustered for your taking! Fair,How you would set with twisted gold Orion,And all the planets from the rubious MarsTo emerald-dartling Mercury. O Fair,We are not gods to homage our Elect,To wrench the sky and rob its flowering lights;But all that mines and rocks can make eternalOf those pure rays that span mortalityAre at your feet.
My lord Ippolito,Your words with admirable beauty heightenThe preciousness of this most precious gift.
My lord Ippolito,Your words with admirable beauty heightenThe preciousness of this most precious gift.
My lord Ippolito,Your words with admirable beauty heightenThe preciousness of this most precious gift.
[Cardinal Ippolitoand theFerrarese Treasureropen the coffer.
[Cardinal Ippolitoand theFerrarese Treasureropen the coffer.
Ha! The lips suck, and even upon the palateThese sparkles dance and twang. Oh, marvellous!Inert we call this body, yet it seeksThe corners of the chamber as with song;A voice strikes on our fibres. Cesare,These rubies.... You are poor!Collars! Who would notBe captive to these links?[Putting one on.] See, on the breastThis great rock-sapphire sullen!Pearls—the pearls! the pearls!Soft—ah, but soft. I smile, as old TithonusAt the rainbow-paps of Dawn. This ring, a woman’s,Can sit on my first joint to pipe its taleOf shepherds in the showery grass. What joyance,Heartiness as from cordial-glasses, drunkBy eyes and touch and spirit, in this treasure!My lord, my lord!You set resplendent eyes upon the Bride.Ah, lord Ippolito! SerenelyShe gives their posts of beauty to these jewels;For her they strike and bleed, herself they honour,For her they strike and bleed, herself they honour,Their chief ally your gaze.
Ha! The lips suck, and even upon the palateThese sparkles dance and twang. Oh, marvellous!Inert we call this body, yet it seeksThe corners of the chamber as with song;A voice strikes on our fibres. Cesare,These rubies.... You are poor!Collars! Who would notBe captive to these links?[Putting one on.] See, on the breastThis great rock-sapphire sullen!Pearls—the pearls! the pearls!Soft—ah, but soft. I smile, as old TithonusAt the rainbow-paps of Dawn. This ring, a woman’s,Can sit on my first joint to pipe its taleOf shepherds in the showery grass. What joyance,Heartiness as from cordial-glasses, drunkBy eyes and touch and spirit, in this treasure!My lord, my lord!You set resplendent eyes upon the Bride.Ah, lord Ippolito! SerenelyShe gives their posts of beauty to these jewels;For her they strike and bleed, herself they honour,For her they strike and bleed, herself they honour,Their chief ally your gaze.
Ha! The lips suck, and even upon the palateThese sparkles dance and twang. Oh, marvellous!Inert we call this body, yet it seeksThe corners of the chamber as with song;A voice strikes on our fibres. Cesare,These rubies.... You are poor!Collars! Who would notBe captive to these links?[Putting one on.] See, on the breastThis great rock-sapphire sullen!Pearls—the pearls! the pearls!Soft—ah, but soft. I smile, as old TithonusAt the rainbow-paps of Dawn. This ring, a woman’s,Can sit on my first joint to pipe its taleOf shepherds in the showery grass. What joyance,Heartiness as from cordial-glasses, drunkBy eyes and touch and spirit, in this treasure!My lord, my lord!You set resplendent eyes upon the Bride.Ah, lord Ippolito! SerenelyShe gives their posts of beauty to these jewels;For her they strike and bleed, herself they honour,For her they strike and bleed, herself they honour,Their chief ally your gaze.
[ThePrinces of Ferraraand theCardinalsmake their presentations.
[ThePrinces of Ferraraand theCardinalsmake their presentations.
Gifts, gifts—more gifts!The Church, the World munificent.
Gifts, gifts—more gifts!The Church, the World munificent.
Gifts, gifts—more gifts!The Church, the World munificent.
[Lucreziasmiles and thanks thePrincesandCardinalswith deep inclinations.
[Lucreziasmiles and thanks thePrincesandCardinalswith deep inclinations.
[Lucreziasmiles and thanks thePrincesandCardinalswith deep inclinations.
Burcardus,Remove the magic table; in its roomWe too must weave our magic.Bring the sweetmeats!A shower of pleasant hail in these warm bosoms;Not golden rain of Jove, but feastful sugar....
Burcardus,Remove the magic table; in its roomWe too must weave our magic.Bring the sweetmeats!A shower of pleasant hail in these warm bosoms;Not golden rain of Jove, but feastful sugar....
Burcardus,Remove the magic table; in its roomWe too must weave our magic.Bring the sweetmeats!A shower of pleasant hail in these warm bosoms;Not golden rain of Jove, but feastful sugar....
[He throws confetti into the bodices of the ladies.Donna Giulia Farneseand some of the fairer among them pelt him back.
[He throws confetti into the bodices of the ladies.Donna Giulia Farneseand some of the fairer among them pelt him back.
[Softly sucking a sweetmeat.] My lord Ippolito, this crucifix,And this, and this—your gifts ... they will know my handClose as the nuptial ring.
[Softly sucking a sweetmeat.] My lord Ippolito, this crucifix,And this, and this—your gifts ... they will know my handClose as the nuptial ring.
[Softly sucking a sweetmeat.] My lord Ippolito, this crucifix,And this, and this—your gifts ... they will know my handClose as the nuptial ring.
Fairest, and most devout!
Fairest, and most devout!
Fairest, and most devout!
The floors are clear; and I have my petition.Cesare, grant us joy! Dance with your sister.My stars, my Gemini! Lead forth the Duchess....Delay? My prayer!
The floors are clear; and I have my petition.Cesare, grant us joy! Dance with your sister.My stars, my Gemini! Lead forth the Duchess....Delay? My prayer!
The floors are clear; and I have my petition.Cesare, grant us joy! Dance with your sister.My stars, my Gemini! Lead forth the Duchess....Delay? My prayer!
[Cesarebends close toLucreziaand whispers in her ear. She turns white, then rose-red, with her eyes on the ground.
[Cesarebends close toLucreziaand whispers in her ear. She turns white, then rose-red, with her eyes on the ground.
My prayer!
My prayer!
My prayer!
[Lucrezialays her hand inCesare’s.
[Lucrezialays her hand inCesare’s.
[Lucrezialays her hand inCesare’s.
[Laughing and bowing to thePope.] The tambourines!
[Laughing and bowing to thePope.] The tambourines!
[Laughing and bowing to thePope.] The tambourines!
[They dance a slow Spanish dance: as they beginLucrezialifts her eyes toCesare’sface, and, looking into each other’s eyes, they tread the measure.
[They dance a slow Spanish dance: as they beginLucrezialifts her eyes toCesare’sface, and, looking into each other’s eyes, they tread the measure.
[Clapping and humming with delight.
[Clapping and humming with delight.
[Clapping and humming with delight.
More, more!Could I but make these orbits everlasting,God on the Earth had then His praise forever,His music of the heavens.... My gold stars,Each with its angel in a glory.More!
More, more!Could I but make these orbits everlasting,God on the Earth had then His praise forever,His music of the heavens.... My gold stars,Each with its angel in a glory.More!
More, more!Could I but make these orbits everlasting,God on the Earth had then His praise forever,His music of the heavens.... My gold stars,Each with its angel in a glory.More!
[The dance goes on to music and hand-clapping.
[The dance goes on to music and hand-clapping.
[The dance goes on to music and hand-clapping.
The Vatican: Sala dei Pontifici.TheLord AlexanderandDonna Lucrezia Borgia d’Este.She is in a crimson travelling-dress, with hat and feather.
The Vatican: Sala dei Pontifici.
TheLord AlexanderandDonna Lucrezia Borgia d’Este.She is in a crimson travelling-dress, with hat and feather.
And now we part!
And now we part!
And now we part!
Dear Holiness, my Father....
Dear Holiness, my Father....
Dear Holiness, my Father....
Ah, Child—Lucrezia! The pale eyes are roundingTo pearls, great precious pearls, that feed their orbsUpon a sea of tears.... But you are young,Scarce twenty-two, and, yonder in the north,One half of youIs now already at your sovereign home.Listen, my little girl: be circumspectAmong the Este, blameless to their watching:But with a gentle steadfastness of prideMeet and overthrow their arrogance ... God keep youFrom cold disdain or cruelty!
Ah, Child—Lucrezia! The pale eyes are roundingTo pearls, great precious pearls, that feed their orbsUpon a sea of tears.... But you are young,Scarce twenty-two, and, yonder in the north,One half of youIs now already at your sovereign home.Listen, my little girl: be circumspectAmong the Este, blameless to their watching:But with a gentle steadfastness of prideMeet and overthrow their arrogance ... God keep youFrom cold disdain or cruelty!
Ah, Child—Lucrezia! The pale eyes are roundingTo pearls, great precious pearls, that feed their orbsUpon a sea of tears.... But you are young,Scarce twenty-two, and, yonder in the north,One half of youIs now already at your sovereign home.Listen, my little girl: be circumspectAmong the Este, blameless to their watching:But with a gentle steadfastness of prideMeet and overthrow their arrogance ... God keep youFrom cold disdain or cruelty!
Father, my courageIs sure for I have won my husband’s father:His brothers too, though nobly formal still,As fashion rules their manners, have kind faces,An air that makes me brave.You must not pine, dear father,Nor look for me too often, nor rememberI am so far away.
Father, my courageIs sure for I have won my husband’s father:His brothers too, though nobly formal still,As fashion rules their manners, have kind faces,An air that makes me brave.You must not pine, dear father,Nor look for me too often, nor rememberI am so far away.
Father, my courageIs sure for I have won my husband’s father:His brothers too, though nobly formal still,As fashion rules their manners, have kind faces,An air that makes me brave.You must not pine, dear father,Nor look for me too often, nor rememberI am so far away.
Nay, no caught breath!Sobs will not help my Duchess home.Ah, sweeting,They do not do up at Ferrara thereAs we in Rome: they live less joyously.But you, a woman, will be sensitiveTo all I stumble at the hinting of.The peg you sing to must be set less high,Less near Olympus. My bold horsewoman,You must not tarry as with me to watchThe stallions worship Venus: those rich flamesAre out of mode for Don Alfonso’s wife....Your feet will often weary for the dance—You shake your head.... Well, then, a fruitful couch,A sturdy race of princes be engenderedTo comfort you! Lucrezia, O Lucrece,The Vatican without you—the processionOf gaudy midnights and no feather-footed,Sweet daughter making grace, embroideringThe torchlight with her silver attitudes,And floating flash of diamonds, till the dawnCame to me from her swaying pearls, and eyesHalf-open in the languid Spanish dance!Day after day my coffers will boil upWith pearl on pearl for you.... To-morrow morningI shall drop in the largest of the East.And, Duchess of Ferrara, anythingWe can perform for you is done the momentIt is but a desire within your hope.
Nay, no caught breath!Sobs will not help my Duchess home.Ah, sweeting,They do not do up at Ferrara thereAs we in Rome: they live less joyously.But you, a woman, will be sensitiveTo all I stumble at the hinting of.The peg you sing to must be set less high,Less near Olympus. My bold horsewoman,You must not tarry as with me to watchThe stallions worship Venus: those rich flamesAre out of mode for Don Alfonso’s wife....Your feet will often weary for the dance—You shake your head.... Well, then, a fruitful couch,A sturdy race of princes be engenderedTo comfort you! Lucrezia, O Lucrece,The Vatican without you—the processionOf gaudy midnights and no feather-footed,Sweet daughter making grace, embroideringThe torchlight with her silver attitudes,And floating flash of diamonds, till the dawnCame to me from her swaying pearls, and eyesHalf-open in the languid Spanish dance!Day after day my coffers will boil upWith pearl on pearl for you.... To-morrow morningI shall drop in the largest of the East.And, Duchess of Ferrara, anythingWe can perform for you is done the momentIt is but a desire within your hope.
Nay, no caught breath!Sobs will not help my Duchess home.Ah, sweeting,They do not do up at Ferrara thereAs we in Rome: they live less joyously.But you, a woman, will be sensitiveTo all I stumble at the hinting of.The peg you sing to must be set less high,Less near Olympus. My bold horsewoman,You must not tarry as with me to watchThe stallions worship Venus: those rich flamesAre out of mode for Don Alfonso’s wife....Your feet will often weary for the dance—You shake your head.... Well, then, a fruitful couch,A sturdy race of princes be engenderedTo comfort you! Lucrezia, O Lucrece,The Vatican without you—the processionOf gaudy midnights and no feather-footed,Sweet daughter making grace, embroideringThe torchlight with her silver attitudes,And floating flash of diamonds, till the dawnCame to me from her swaying pearls, and eyesHalf-open in the languid Spanish dance!Day after day my coffers will boil upWith pearl on pearl for you.... To-morrow morningI shall drop in the largest of the East.And, Duchess of Ferrara, anythingWe can perform for you is done the momentIt is but a desire within your hope.
Dear Holiness, you whelm me with your love!Take care for me, my father, of your health.Cesare will be dutiful and anxiousTo make your evenings merry—but so soonCesare will be from you at his wars.
Dear Holiness, you whelm me with your love!Take care for me, my father, of your health.Cesare will be dutiful and anxiousTo make your evenings merry—but so soonCesare will be from you at his wars.
Dear Holiness, you whelm me with your love!Take care for me, my father, of your health.Cesare will be dutiful and anxiousTo make your evenings merry—but so soonCesare will be from you at his wars.
And I be left a gray, old priest alone!Well, I must bear my age and lonelinessAs of the time of life.If you would comfort me,Daughter, in desolation—for alreadyThe Vatican is chilling, growing hollowBehind your cavalcade—then write to meAt every sleeping-place or tarrying-placeAlong your way: and do not anger meWith negligence. Be diligent and careful,As of your duty, to inform my thoughtsWith each event that touches you. To-nightYou rest at Castelnovo. Rest and eat!Then out with pen and let the little hand,Tired with the reins, yet for my foolish sakeWrite me good-night, thy health, the courtesyShown to thee on thy way.
And I be left a gray, old priest alone!Well, I must bear my age and lonelinessAs of the time of life.If you would comfort me,Daughter, in desolation—for alreadyThe Vatican is chilling, growing hollowBehind your cavalcade—then write to meAt every sleeping-place or tarrying-placeAlong your way: and do not anger meWith negligence. Be diligent and careful,As of your duty, to inform my thoughtsWith each event that touches you. To-nightYou rest at Castelnovo. Rest and eat!Then out with pen and let the little hand,Tired with the reins, yet for my foolish sakeWrite me good-night, thy health, the courtesyShown to thee on thy way.
And I be left a gray, old priest alone!Well, I must bear my age and lonelinessAs of the time of life.If you would comfort me,Daughter, in desolation—for alreadyThe Vatican is chilling, growing hollowBehind your cavalcade—then write to meAt every sleeping-place or tarrying-placeAlong your way: and do not anger meWith negligence. Be diligent and careful,As of your duty, to inform my thoughtsWith each event that touches you. To-nightYou rest at Castelnovo. Rest and eat!Then out with pen and let the little hand,Tired with the reins, yet for my foolish sakeWrite me good-night, thy health, the courtesyShown to thee on thy way.
Even beside my prayersI set this duty.
Even beside my prayersI set this duty.
Even beside my prayersI set this duty.
Sweet, and most sweetly promised!Oh, my Lucrezia, you will never know,For Nature will not in her rule betrayHer elder secrets to young ears, how fondlyI love you in your fairness,That was your mother’s lure about my soul....Lucrece, your mother is both loyal and good:Alfonso d’Este may acclaim your virtue,If you are hers in worth as loveliness.
Sweet, and most sweetly promised!Oh, my Lucrezia, you will never know,For Nature will not in her rule betrayHer elder secrets to young ears, how fondlyI love you in your fairness,That was your mother’s lure about my soul....Lucrece, your mother is both loyal and good:Alfonso d’Este may acclaim your virtue,If you are hers in worth as loveliness.
Sweet, and most sweetly promised!Oh, my Lucrezia, you will never know,For Nature will not in her rule betrayHer elder secrets to young ears, how fondlyI love you in your fairness,That was your mother’s lure about my soul....Lucrece, your mother is both loyal and good:Alfonso d’Este may acclaim your virtue,If you are hers in worth as loveliness.
EnterDuke Cesare de Valentinois della Romagnawith littleDon Rodrigo d’Aragon.
Cesare and your little son!
Cesare and your little son!
Cesare and your little son!
[Clasping her child.] Rodrigo,I leave you with your grandsire.... Ah, my feather!You laugh to see it dancing. I will send youLong feathers from the city where I dwell....O father, let me kiss you, let me seeYour hand upon his head. I cannot stay!I am no more a bride—rather a corseTo leave all this behind.
[Clasping her child.] Rodrigo,I leave you with your grandsire.... Ah, my feather!You laugh to see it dancing. I will send youLong feathers from the city where I dwell....O father, let me kiss you, let me seeYour hand upon his head. I cannot stay!I am no more a bride—rather a corseTo leave all this behind.
[Clasping her child.] Rodrigo,I leave you with your grandsire.... Ah, my feather!You laugh to see it dancing. I will send youLong feathers from the city where I dwell....O father, let me kiss you, let me seeYour hand upon his head. I cannot stay!I am no more a bride—rather a corseTo leave all this behind.
There, there, there! Do not cry!The child is sobbing, and my eyes ... White Fairy,Enchantress, you are loved and you are weptBy generations: by your sire, his son,And by your son.
There, there, there! Do not cry!The child is sobbing, and my eyes ... White Fairy,Enchantress, you are loved and you are weptBy generations: by your sire, his son,And by your son.
There, there, there! Do not cry!The child is sobbing, and my eyes ... White Fairy,Enchantress, you are loved and you are weptBy generations: by your sire, his son,And by your son.
Cesare does not weep.
Cesare does not weep.
Cesare does not weep.
His eyes burn threateningly, his face is cold;That is a warrior’s weeping.Cesare,We shall be dull as monks when she is gone.To-night ... I am the Pontiff, you almostA Cardinal again. To think one woman,A little bride, with streaming hair, can set meAlone upon St. Peter’s rock to weep!Now guard thy health, pray ever to Madonna,The glorious Virgin.Benedicite!Into my arms once more! O Cesare,What I have lost to found you as a Prince,To wed her safe to sovereignty! My Este,My own Lucrezia—And the letter, child;Do not forget.
His eyes burn threateningly, his face is cold;That is a warrior’s weeping.Cesare,We shall be dull as monks when she is gone.To-night ... I am the Pontiff, you almostA Cardinal again. To think one woman,A little bride, with streaming hair, can set meAlone upon St. Peter’s rock to weep!Now guard thy health, pray ever to Madonna,The glorious Virgin.Benedicite!Into my arms once more! O Cesare,What I have lost to found you as a Prince,To wed her safe to sovereignty! My Este,My own Lucrezia—And the letter, child;Do not forget.
His eyes burn threateningly, his face is cold;That is a warrior’s weeping.Cesare,We shall be dull as monks when she is gone.To-night ... I am the Pontiff, you almostA Cardinal again. To think one woman,A little bride, with streaming hair, can set meAlone upon St. Peter’s rock to weep!Now guard thy health, pray ever to Madonna,The glorious Virgin.Benedicite!Into my arms once more! O Cesare,What I have lost to found you as a Prince,To wed her safe to sovereignty! My Este,My own Lucrezia—And the letter, child;Do not forget.
Come, come!
Come, come!
Come, come!
Do not be ill;Do not forget.
Do not be ill;Do not forget.
Do not be ill;Do not forget.
[They part:Cesareleads her to the door.
[They part:Cesareleads her to the door.
[They part:Cesareleads her to the door.
[Suddenly still and turning.] One kiss, but not farewell—One kiss here in the Vatican!
[Suddenly still and turning.] One kiss, but not farewell—One kiss here in the Vatican!
[Suddenly still and turning.] One kiss, but not farewell—One kiss here in the Vatican!
[Shaking his pastoral staff atCesare.] O Traitor,My temporal power would over-reach me thus?The last kiss from the Vatican will floatOut from the window yonder where I watchThe last long arrow-streak of your arrayToward Castelnovo. It will be a kiss,And fly like autumn cranes to Africa.
[Shaking his pastoral staff atCesare.] O Traitor,My temporal power would over-reach me thus?The last kiss from the Vatican will floatOut from the window yonder where I watchThe last long arrow-streak of your arrayToward Castelnovo. It will be a kiss,And fly like autumn cranes to Africa.
[Shaking his pastoral staff atCesare.] O Traitor,My temporal power would over-reach me thus?The last kiss from the Vatican will floatOut from the window yonder where I watchThe last long arrow-streak of your arrayToward Castelnovo. It will be a kiss,And fly like autumn cranes to Africa.
[ExeuntCesareandLucrezia.
[ExeuntCesareandLucrezia.
[ExeuntCesareandLucrezia.
Gone, gone!Here gather all the Cardinals.
Gone, gone!Here gather all the Cardinals.
Gone, gone!Here gather all the Cardinals.
The Sacred College enters.
Quick, to the window....[LiftingRodrigo.] Up, my little man,And see your mother leave us.Ha, how trimShe sits, beside her Cesare, how grand!I shall take journeyIn April to Ferrara.... What if never,If never I should see her any more!...My lord Antoniotto,That is a sight Vergilian gods would praise!
Quick, to the window....[LiftingRodrigo.] Up, my little man,And see your mother leave us.Ha, how trimShe sits, beside her Cesare, how grand!I shall take journeyIn April to Ferrara.... What if never,If never I should see her any more!...My lord Antoniotto,That is a sight Vergilian gods would praise!
Quick, to the window....[LiftingRodrigo.] Up, my little man,And see your mother leave us.Ha, how trimShe sits, beside her Cesare, how grand!I shall take journeyIn April to Ferrara.... What if never,If never I should see her any more!...My lord Antoniotto,That is a sight Vergilian gods would praise!
A room in the Castle of Sant’ Angelo.TheLord Cardinals SegoviaandMichele, Don Michelotto.
A room in the Castle of Sant’ Angelo.
TheLord Cardinals SegoviaandMichele, Don Michelotto.
Where is the Duke?
Where is the Duke?
Where is the Duke?
With Messer Leonardo,Learning the secret of an engine needingA fortune for its efficacy. Where,My lord Martino, is his Holiness?
With Messer Leonardo,Learning the secret of an engine needingA fortune for its efficacy. Where,My lord Martino, is his Holiness?
With Messer Leonardo,Learning the secret of an engine needingA fortune for its efficacy. Where,My lord Martino, is his Holiness?
Gone with his cousin, it may be to joinDuke Valentino.
Gone with his cousin, it may be to joinDuke Valentino.
Gone with his cousin, it may be to joinDuke Valentino.
Coming hitherWe had encountered.
Coming hitherWe had encountered.
Coming hitherWe had encountered.
Search the armoury. [ExitMichelotto.We live and breathe for armaments, for choiceOf this Condottiere or anotherTo lead them. In two days the Duke will march.Then news and letters, or discourse of these,Will fill our ears and fill the Vatican.His Holiness is chafing, and on fireWith all the wishes of Duke Cesare.He laughs; but sometimes clouds:—Comes to the Treasury, then leaves the doorUnopened, and the wrinkles of his faceTake seed of thoughts and teem.
Search the armoury. [ExitMichelotto.We live and breathe for armaments, for choiceOf this Condottiere or anotherTo lead them. In two days the Duke will march.Then news and letters, or discourse of these,Will fill our ears and fill the Vatican.His Holiness is chafing, and on fireWith all the wishes of Duke Cesare.He laughs; but sometimes clouds:—Comes to the Treasury, then leaves the doorUnopened, and the wrinkles of his faceTake seed of thoughts and teem.
Search the armoury. [ExitMichelotto.We live and breathe for armaments, for choiceOf this Condottiere or anotherTo lead them. In two days the Duke will march.Then news and letters, or discourse of these,Will fill our ears and fill the Vatican.His Holiness is chafing, and on fireWith all the wishes of Duke Cesare.He laughs; but sometimes clouds:—Comes to the Treasury, then leaves the doorUnopened, and the wrinkles of his faceTake seed of thoughts and teem.
Enter theLord Cardinal Orsini.
He is gone below....Gone to the buried rooms where young Astorre,Faënza’s lord, for now a twelvemonth past,Lies captive.Have you seen the catapult?It terrorises by its fashion. Come!
He is gone below....Gone to the buried rooms where young Astorre,Faënza’s lord, for now a twelvemonth past,Lies captive.Have you seen the catapult?It terrorises by its fashion. Come!
He is gone below....Gone to the buried rooms where young Astorre,Faënza’s lord, for now a twelvemonth past,Lies captive.Have you seen the catapult?It terrorises by its fashion. Come!
[TheCardinalspass out. After a few moments theLord Alexander VI.and theLord Francesco Borgiaenter together.
[TheCardinalspass out. After a few moments theLord Alexander VI.and theLord Francesco Borgiaenter together.
Would he were in the Tiber!A child so fresh and vigorous, a ladAs fair as Alexander, and a fameAs crescent. If we shut him up in marble,A statue, we were justified: his bodyIs of the ageless sculptures.
Would he were in the Tiber!A child so fresh and vigorous, a ladAs fair as Alexander, and a fameAs crescent. If we shut him up in marble,A statue, we were justified: his bodyIs of the ageless sculptures.
Would he were in the Tiber!A child so fresh and vigorous, a ladAs fair as Alexander, and a fameAs crescent. If we shut him up in marble,A statue, we were justified: his bodyIs of the ageless sculptures.
Cousin,You should not seek the prison-cells below.
Cousin,You should not seek the prison-cells below.
Cousin,You should not seek the prison-cells below.
Our Lord looked on the Spirits shut in darkness:Scarce He remitted sentence, but His faceMelted the iron; there was ParadiseAnd fragrance with His breathing.This Astorre....Curse his fell jailor—triple murderer!
Our Lord looked on the Spirits shut in darkness:Scarce He remitted sentence, but His faceMelted the iron; there was ParadiseAnd fragrance with His breathing.This Astorre....Curse his fell jailor—triple murderer!
Our Lord looked on the Spirits shut in darkness:Scarce He remitted sentence, but His faceMelted the iron; there was ParadiseAnd fragrance with His breathing.This Astorre....Curse his fell jailor—triple murderer!
Nay, in defence....
Nay, in defence....
Nay, in defence....
Of his ambition, of his majesty....O Tiber, but you do not heave; your currentFlows smooth!And I, should not I pardon sin?Here am I bleeding for his great offences,With love not strong enough to snatch their load,And fling them from my sight.
Of his ambition, of his majesty....O Tiber, but you do not heave; your currentFlows smooth!And I, should not I pardon sin?Here am I bleeding for his great offences,With love not strong enough to snatch their load,And fling them from my sight.
Of his ambition, of his majesty....O Tiber, but you do not heave; your currentFlows smooth!And I, should not I pardon sin?Here am I bleeding for his great offences,With love not strong enough to snatch their load,And fling them from my sight.
You have absolved him, Father,By your great power.
You have absolved him, Father,By your great power.
You have absolved him, Father,By your great power.
Francesco,Shall I absolve him with chained hands that tremblePlaying their gest of benison in Hell?I will look up and curse him where he standsAmong the gods....Cousin, there is a succourI drink of, as St. Bernard drank the breastStooped to him in his ecstasy. Our LadyKeeps me in adoration.... But this PowerThat bows us to his ends, as resoluteAnd cold as growing winter, is a god.
Francesco,Shall I absolve him with chained hands that tremblePlaying their gest of benison in Hell?I will look up and curse him where he standsAmong the gods....Cousin, there is a succourI drink of, as St. Bernard drank the breastStooped to him in his ecstasy. Our LadyKeeps me in adoration.... But this PowerThat bows us to his ends, as resoluteAnd cold as growing winter, is a god.
Francesco,Shall I absolve him with chained hands that tremblePlaying their gest of benison in Hell?I will look up and curse him where he standsAmong the gods....Cousin, there is a succourI drink of, as St. Bernard drank the breastStooped to him in his ecstasy. Our LadyKeeps me in adoration.... But this PowerThat bows us to his ends, as resoluteAnd cold as growing winter, is a god.
Re-enterMichelotto.
Ah, Lucifer—his creature Michelotto!I hate these dun, blue eyes:This executioner, with trains of ghostsAnd drops of gore behind him for a trail.
Ah, Lucifer—his creature Michelotto!I hate these dun, blue eyes:This executioner, with trains of ghostsAnd drops of gore behind him for a trail.
Ah, Lucifer—his creature Michelotto!I hate these dun, blue eyes:This executioner, with trains of ghostsAnd drops of gore behind him for a trail.
Your Holiness,Will you be private with his Excellence?
Your Holiness,Will you be private with his Excellence?
Your Holiness,Will you be private with his Excellence?
Cousin, retire! [ExitCardinal Borgia.We are in privacy.
Cousin, retire! [ExitCardinal Borgia.We are in privacy.
Cousin, retire! [ExitCardinal Borgia.We are in privacy.
[Michelottobows and retires.ThePopeseats himself.
[Michelottobows and retires.ThePopeseats himself.
[Michelottobows and retires.ThePopeseats himself.
’Tis Camerino first to be besieged....Ah, and the secret spring upon Urbino—My leopard!—that must come to me as news!
’Tis Camerino first to be besieged....Ah, and the secret spring upon Urbino—My leopard!—that must come to me as news!
’Tis Camerino first to be besieged....Ah, and the secret spring upon Urbino—My leopard!—that must come to me as news!
EnterDuke Cesare de Valentinois della Romagna.
Cesare, you have plighted oath of freedomTo that fair boy below.
Cesare, you have plighted oath of freedomTo that fair boy below.
Cesare, you have plighted oath of freedomTo that fair boy below.
[Cesaresmiles and lifts his shoulders.
[Cesaresmiles and lifts his shoulders.
[Cesaresmiles and lifts his shoulders.