Be comforted, O Blessèdness![ToCesare.] Farewell, farewell,Lord Cardinal; excel, as in our ranks you cannot.Though often bitter to us in your mood,Our skies will miss the lightning and the lightWithout you, and our skies are colourless.
Be comforted, O Blessèdness![ToCesare.] Farewell, farewell,Lord Cardinal; excel, as in our ranks you cannot.Though often bitter to us in your mood,Our skies will miss the lightning and the lightWithout you, and our skies are colourless.
Be comforted, O Blessèdness![ToCesare.] Farewell, farewell,Lord Cardinal; excel, as in our ranks you cannot.Though often bitter to us in your mood,Our skies will miss the lightning and the lightWithout you, and our skies are colourless.
The Duke of Valentinois—so my kingGreets you with patents disembarked to-day.
The Duke of Valentinois—so my kingGreets you with patents disembarked to-day.
The Duke of Valentinois—so my kingGreets you with patents disembarked to-day.
[TheCardinalsandAmbassadorspress roundCesareto congratulate; he smiles and bows. Then they break into groups and disperse.
[TheCardinalsandAmbassadorspress roundCesareto congratulate; he smiles and bows. Then they break into groups and disperse.
[Between his teeth.] Our obstaclesNo more in our condition! Solitary!No longer of a flock!
[Between his teeth.] Our obstaclesNo more in our condition! Solitary!No longer of a flock!
[Between his teeth.] Our obstaclesNo more in our condition! Solitary!No longer of a flock!
[He turns towards thePope,who, unnoticed, has remained sitting on his throne, his hands stretched on his knees.Cesaresteals quietly to his father.
[He turns towards thePope,who, unnoticed, has remained sitting on his throne, his hands stretched on his knees.Cesaresteals quietly to his father.
I shall not leave you,Not ever, not like Joffré, for a wife.You shall not sit there looking lone—beside you,Father, a power we have not measured yet,That we shall measure. After all my wars,And all my wars will be to draw you peace,I shall return.Kiss me.
I shall not leave you,Not ever, not like Joffré, for a wife.You shall not sit there looking lone—beside you,Father, a power we have not measured yet,That we shall measure. After all my wars,And all my wars will be to draw you peace,I shall return.Kiss me.
I shall not leave you,Not ever, not like Joffré, for a wife.You shall not sit there looking lone—beside you,Father, a power we have not measured yet,That we shall measure. After all my wars,And all my wars will be to draw you peace,I shall return.Kiss me.
My heart,No blessing—oh, a kiss!
My heart,No blessing—oh, a kiss!
My heart,No blessing—oh, a kiss!
A room in the Palace of Santa Maria in Porticu belonging toDonna Lucrezia Borgia d’Aragon.Donna Lucreziasits at the head of a couch;Duke Cesare de Valentinoislies along it.They are both dressed in white satin, embroidered with gold and pearls.
A room in the Palace of Santa Maria in Porticu belonging toDonna Lucrezia Borgia d’Aragon.Donna Lucreziasits at the head of a couch;Duke Cesare de Valentinoislies along it.They are both dressed in white satin, embroidered with gold and pearls.
You have seen the little mother?
You have seen the little mother?
You have seen the little mother?
To what end?My mother?—No, Lucrezia.
To what end?My mother?—No, Lucrezia.
To what end?My mother?—No, Lucrezia.
Then some farewell messageThat I may comfort her. You start for France,Cesare, and you leave us for a bride.
Then some farewell messageThat I may comfort her. You start for France,Cesare, and you leave us for a bride.
Then some farewell messageThat I may comfort her. You start for France,Cesare, and you leave us for a bride.
What of our motherIn my alliance? Dead forgetfulness!O Beauty, we are passing on our waysOf policy; we must pass eagle-eyed,For we have thrones to conquer.Curse your Naples!I would be wedded there.
What of our motherIn my alliance? Dead forgetfulness!O Beauty, we are passing on our waysOf policy; we must pass eagle-eyed,For we have thrones to conquer.Curse your Naples!I would be wedded there.
What of our motherIn my alliance? Dead forgetfulness!O Beauty, we are passing on our waysOf policy; we must pass eagle-eyed,For we have thrones to conquer.Curse your Naples!I would be wedded there.
[Stroking his eye-brows.] There I am wedded;Therefore no curse.
[Stroking his eye-brows.] There I am wedded;Therefore no curse.
[Stroking his eye-brows.] There I am wedded;Therefore no curse.
[Suddenly turning and resting his elbow on her knee.
[Suddenly turning and resting his elbow on her knee.
[Suddenly turning and resting his elbow on her knee.
Lucrece, do you like this boyWe call your husband? Will he move your love;Will you forget your godhead?
Lucrece, do you like this boyWe call your husband? Will he move your love;Will you forget your godhead?
Lucrece, do you like this boyWe call your husband? Will he move your love;Will you forget your godhead?
Do not forget that you yourself have chosenMy husband for me.
Do not forget that you yourself have chosenMy husband for me.
Do not forget that you yourself have chosenMy husband for me.
’Tis but for a season.We keep the paces of the gods, and allOur actions are as theirs irrelevantBeside ourselves, as we conceive ourselves.Lucrezia, do but feel how thick my hairIs brushing up beside the little tonsure!There springs the Cesar. You have seen me ambleBeside Giovanni’s stallion on my mule....And I am tempered through and through for war.While others all day long were waging battle,I have gone out to chase—oh, think of it!—That I might follow some mean animal,And catch the sound of Mars across the lake.... Your fingers press me ...Why is their touch less soft?
’Tis but for a season.We keep the paces of the gods, and allOur actions are as theirs irrelevantBeside ourselves, as we conceive ourselves.Lucrezia, do but feel how thick my hairIs brushing up beside the little tonsure!There springs the Cesar. You have seen me ambleBeside Giovanni’s stallion on my mule....And I am tempered through and through for war.While others all day long were waging battle,I have gone out to chase—oh, think of it!—That I might follow some mean animal,And catch the sound of Mars across the lake.... Your fingers press me ...Why is their touch less soft?
’Tis but for a season.We keep the paces of the gods, and allOur actions are as theirs irrelevantBeside ourselves, as we conceive ourselves.Lucrezia, do but feel how thick my hairIs brushing up beside the little tonsure!There springs the Cesar. You have seen me ambleBeside Giovanni’s stallion on my mule....And I am tempered through and through for war.While others all day long were waging battle,I have gone out to chase—oh, think of it!—That I might follow some mean animal,And catch the sound of Mars across the lake.... Your fingers press me ...Why is their touch less soft?
You so desiredWhat now you have.
You so desiredWhat now you have.
You so desiredWhat now you have.
Giovanni....
Giovanni....
Giovanni....
Yes? [She waits but he says nothing.Poor Giovanni! We have enemies.
Yes? [She waits but he says nothing.Poor Giovanni! We have enemies.
Yes? [She waits but he says nothing.Poor Giovanni! We have enemies.
We have. I silence yours. Are you all tears?
We have. I silence yours. Are you all tears?
We have. I silence yours. Are you all tears?
You start for France—Give me some charge. We part so suddenly....His Holiness....
You start for France—Give me some charge. We part so suddenly....His Holiness....
You start for France—Give me some charge. We part so suddenly....His Holiness....
Be gamesome to our fatherWhile I am absent, for he has a trickOf dwindling down as Tiber on his bed,Parched Tiber on his bed, when I withdraw.We are his twin divinities, his Pollux,—Since Castor is by chance thrust out—his Pollux,And his most gracious Helen.... The rare smile,The cypher smile! Your spells are on again.Our father loves the dance—dance to fatigue.
Be gamesome to our fatherWhile I am absent, for he has a trickOf dwindling down as Tiber on his bed,Parched Tiber on his bed, when I withdraw.We are his twin divinities, his Pollux,—Since Castor is by chance thrust out—his Pollux,And his most gracious Helen.... The rare smile,The cypher smile! Your spells are on again.Our father loves the dance—dance to fatigue.
Be gamesome to our fatherWhile I am absent, for he has a trickOf dwindling down as Tiber on his bed,Parched Tiber on his bed, when I withdraw.We are his twin divinities, his Pollux,—Since Castor is by chance thrust out—his Pollux,And his most gracious Helen.... The rare smile,The cypher smile! Your spells are on again.Our father loves the dance—dance to fatigue.
Pas seul; I cannot!
Pas seul; I cannot!
Pas seul; I cannot!
Then....
Then....
Then....
[Springing up, he lightly takes her hand, and, looking into each other’s eyes, they dance a slow measure.
[Springing up, he lightly takes her hand, and, looking into each other’s eyes, they dance a slow measure.
[As they break off.] This is the perfect spectacle, I own;This swells the veins upon the father’s brow.But thou canst dance,Lucrezia, to thyself as airilyAs any creature of the air: dance thus.
[As they break off.] This is the perfect spectacle, I own;This swells the veins upon the father’s brow.But thou canst dance,Lucrezia, to thyself as airilyAs any creature of the air: dance thus.
[As they break off.] This is the perfect spectacle, I own;This swells the veins upon the father’s brow.But thou canst dance,Lucrezia, to thyself as airilyAs any creature of the air: dance thus.
[Laughing.] Oh, I will dance to giddiness, and yetSo slow it is the dance within a jewel,And infinite movement in a prisoned spark—The poets say. I heed them not.
[Laughing.] Oh, I will dance to giddiness, and yetSo slow it is the dance within a jewel,And infinite movement in a prisoned spark—The poets say. I heed them not.
[Laughing.] Oh, I will dance to giddiness, and yetSo slow it is the dance within a jewel,And infinite movement in a prisoned spark—The poets say. I heed them not.
How wisely!
How wisely!
How wisely!
To you I dance.
To you I dance.
To you I dance.
Oh, when you speakFrom the bosom of your silence.... Little, fair One,But you are dull; I want youTo feel how great are the fresh lusts that haunt me,And with complaisance take their part and smile.
Oh, when you speakFrom the bosom of your silence.... Little, fair One,But you are dull; I want youTo feel how great are the fresh lusts that haunt me,And with complaisance take their part and smile.
Oh, when you speakFrom the bosom of your silence.... Little, fair One,But you are dull; I want youTo feel how great are the fresh lusts that haunt me,And with complaisance take their part and smile.
[Lifting her hand to his breast and keeping it there.
[Lifting her hand to his breast and keeping it there.
[Lifting her hand to his breast and keeping it there.
Once and for ever—and you falter now!
Once and for ever—and you falter now!
Once and for ever—and you falter now!
[Closing her eyes.] You are no more a priest....
[Closing her eyes.] You are no more a priest....
[Closing her eyes.] You are no more a priest....
O little, fair One,That deadly languorOf being a priest, cut off! You draw a cry,An anguish from me. When I am a kingYou are my counterpart, for evermoreA place beside me vacant, or your throne.When I am Emperor, still I have chosen youMy counterpart. We played, a little flock,Luis, Giovanni, Joffré—you and IWere sole to one another.
O little, fair One,That deadly languorOf being a priest, cut off! You draw a cry,An anguish from me. When I am a kingYou are my counterpart, for evermoreA place beside me vacant, or your throne.When I am Emperor, still I have chosen youMy counterpart. We played, a little flock,Luis, Giovanni, Joffré—you and IWere sole to one another.
O little, fair One,That deadly languorOf being a priest, cut off! You draw a cry,An anguish from me. When I am a kingYou are my counterpart, for evermoreA place beside me vacant, or your throne.When I am Emperor, still I have chosen youMy counterpart. We played, a little flock,Luis, Giovanni, Joffré—you and IWere sole to one another.
[Standing apart.] We are sole.
[Standing apart.] We are sole.
[Standing apart.] We are sole.
[Cesarescrutinises her a long time, then says suddenly.
[Cesarescrutinises her a long time, then says suddenly.
[Cesarescrutinises her a long time, then says suddenly.
Come, little Venus,Come with me, see the cramoisie, the jewelsFor Cesar’s wedding triumph, for the DukeOf Valentinois’ progress. All my trappingsAre gold—d’or frizé: thirty thousand ducatsLie in the damasks of my equipage.I will put on my doublets—and you tooShall try them on.
Come, little Venus,Come with me, see the cramoisie, the jewelsFor Cesar’s wedding triumph, for the DukeOf Valentinois’ progress. All my trappingsAre gold—d’or frizé: thirty thousand ducatsLie in the damasks of my equipage.I will put on my doublets—and you tooShall try them on.
Come, little Venus,Come with me, see the cramoisie, the jewelsFor Cesar’s wedding triumph, for the DukeOf Valentinois’ progress. All my trappingsAre gold—d’or frizé: thirty thousand ducatsLie in the damasks of my equipage.I will put on my doublets—and you tooShall try them on.
Fie, fie! [She hastily takes a veil and mask.
Fie, fie! [She hastily takes a veil and mask.
Fie, fie! [She hastily takes a veil and mask.
[Leading her to the door.] What readiness!—Answering, as a woman should, with answerSo even to my pleasure. [A knock.Ah, is that your husband?Who is it knocks? [He moves away and masks.
[Leading her to the door.] What readiness!—Answering, as a woman should, with answerSo even to my pleasure. [A knock.Ah, is that your husband?Who is it knocks? [He moves away and masks.
[Leading her to the door.] What readiness!—Answering, as a woman should, with answerSo even to my pleasure. [A knock.Ah, is that your husband?Who is it knocks? [He moves away and masks.
But enter!
But enter!
But enter!
[TheLord Alexander VI.stands at the door.
[TheLord Alexander VI.stands at the door.
[TheLord Alexander VI.stands at the door.
[With a short laugh, unmasking.] Oh, my father!
[With a short laugh, unmasking.] Oh, my father!
[With a short laugh, unmasking.] Oh, my father!
But enter, enter, Holiness.
But enter, enter, Holiness.
But enter, enter, Holiness.
[ToCesare,as he embracesLucrezia.] My heart,Where do you draw the sweetheart? Cesare,Stay—let her breathe the morning to me. WhereWould Cesare conduct you?
[ToCesare,as he embracesLucrezia.] My heart,Where do you draw the sweetheart? Cesare,Stay—let her breathe the morning to me. WhereWould Cesare conduct you?
[ToCesare,as he embracesLucrezia.] My heart,Where do you draw the sweetheart? Cesare,Stay—let her breathe the morning to me. WhereWould Cesare conduct you?
Blessèd Father,To show me all his jewelled taffetasAnd cloth of gold, brocades and silver damasks.
Blessèd Father,To show me all his jewelled taffetasAnd cloth of gold, brocades and silver damasks.
Blessèd Father,To show me all his jewelled taffetasAnd cloth of gold, brocades and silver damasks.
His! He will look a PhœbusThat rose and clomb in gold. But for my daughter—Her eyes shall rest on veils enmeshed of light,Darting their gems of parti-coloured flashOn stuffs dark-grained enough to set them free,Or of a tissue white to blandish them.You need not view his gauds, Lucrece.It is immomentFor her to learn your worldly splendour, boy,She, who is treasure.Sweet, yet we will chuckleAt all the benefices in his starsOf gems, his satins. Lead on, Cesare;For we will go together, laugh together.
His! He will look a PhœbusThat rose and clomb in gold. But for my daughter—Her eyes shall rest on veils enmeshed of light,Darting their gems of parti-coloured flashOn stuffs dark-grained enough to set them free,Or of a tissue white to blandish them.You need not view his gauds, Lucrece.It is immomentFor her to learn your worldly splendour, boy,She, who is treasure.Sweet, yet we will chuckleAt all the benefices in his starsOf gems, his satins. Lead on, Cesare;For we will go together, laugh together.
His! He will look a PhœbusThat rose and clomb in gold. But for my daughter—Her eyes shall rest on veils enmeshed of light,Darting their gems of parti-coloured flashOn stuffs dark-grained enough to set them free,Or of a tissue white to blandish them.You need not view his gauds, Lucrece.It is immomentFor her to learn your worldly splendour, boy,She, who is treasure.Sweet, yet we will chuckleAt all the benefices in his starsOf gems, his satins. Lead on, Cesare;For we will go together, laugh together.
The French Court at Chinon.King Louis XII.and theLord Cardinal Giuliano della Rovere(afterwardsPope Julius II.)
The French Court at Chinon.
King Louis XII.and theLord Cardinal Giuliano della Rovere(afterwardsPope Julius II.)
César de France!This gold-haired bastard, with his dubious eyesAnd sullen majesty, each day more splendidIn silks and gold, more sullen every hourBehind his patient smile.... Mon Dieu, mon DieuHow I have toiled to wed him, and contentThe Pope, who has contentedMy happiness, divorcing my sad wife,And joining to my crown my Breton Queen—How I have toiled! If César wants a crown,Then in Carlotta he espoused the claim:But Naples and his daughter would not listen.
César de France!This gold-haired bastard, with his dubious eyesAnd sullen majesty, each day more splendidIn silks and gold, more sullen every hourBehind his patient smile.... Mon Dieu, mon DieuHow I have toiled to wed him, and contentThe Pope, who has contentedMy happiness, divorcing my sad wife,And joining to my crown my Breton Queen—How I have toiled! If César wants a crown,Then in Carlotta he espoused the claim:But Naples and his daughter would not listen.
César de France!This gold-haired bastard, with his dubious eyesAnd sullen majesty, each day more splendidIn silks and gold, more sullen every hourBehind his patient smile.... Mon Dieu, mon DieuHow I have toiled to wed him, and contentThe Pope, who has contentedMy happiness, divorcing my sad wife,And joining to my crown my Breton Queen—How I have toiled! If César wants a crown,Then in Carlotta he espoused the claim:But Naples and his daughter would not listen.
He wants a crown!
He wants a crown!
He wants a crown!
Monseigneur Jules as you a triple crown—Son of Ligurian peasants!
Monseigneur Jules as you a triple crown—Son of Ligurian peasants!
Monseigneur Jules as you a triple crown—Son of Ligurian peasants!
Ay,Of Italy’s own soil. But as the vinesBreed flavour by the sod, LiguriaCreates in me survivance to ascendThe Throne my uncle Sixtus made august,Holding each force ingenerate in manExecutive, building as Titans build.Only Rodrigo Borgia’s Spanish goldHas kept me unachieved, to bear the sorrowOf Destiny’s elect that wait their star:There is prepotency in such. This bastardTears through his day—a comet—to his fall.
Ay,Of Italy’s own soil. But as the vinesBreed flavour by the sod, LiguriaCreates in me survivance to ascendThe Throne my uncle Sixtus made august,Holding each force ingenerate in manExecutive, building as Titans build.Only Rodrigo Borgia’s Spanish goldHas kept me unachieved, to bear the sorrowOf Destiny’s elect that wait their star:There is prepotency in such. This bastardTears through his day—a comet—to his fall.
Ay,Of Italy’s own soil. But as the vinesBreed flavour by the sod, LiguriaCreates in me survivance to ascendThe Throne my uncle Sixtus made august,Holding each force ingenerate in manExecutive, building as Titans build.Only Rodrigo Borgia’s Spanish goldHas kept me unachieved, to bear the sorrowOf Destiny’s elect that wait their star:There is prepotency in such. This bastardTears through his day—a comet—to his fall.
O Seigneur Dieu!What bombast and vain glory in his coming.The Kings of Fez or EthiopiaClimb out of fewer jewels: our street-gazersHave scarcely drawn their breath since he passed by,The little Duke we titled Valentinois!Yet, by all saints, he loads the air with swayOf such duplicity and blandishment,He puts such grace about magnificence,Such a cold and heat about his speech—I, LouisOf France, have promisedSoldiers to win him land, my niece to marry.The papers all are signed. Acquaint the Pontiff,With largest swell of triumph, Charlotte D’AlbretOf the blood royal is his César’s bride.Cor meum—so he names this slip of his!And he has been in fury like the BullOf his escutcheon at the scarlet wavingOf royal-hearted, contumacious Naples.Felicitate our weary guest. The ladyShall meet him in your presence. Saint Denys,This unfrocked bastard of a priest, what order,Or what precedence notes him, even his birthIs sacrilege—he bows too low! God grant meOne day to set my face against his prayer!
O Seigneur Dieu!What bombast and vain glory in his coming.The Kings of Fez or EthiopiaClimb out of fewer jewels: our street-gazersHave scarcely drawn their breath since he passed by,The little Duke we titled Valentinois!Yet, by all saints, he loads the air with swayOf such duplicity and blandishment,He puts such grace about magnificence,Such a cold and heat about his speech—I, LouisOf France, have promisedSoldiers to win him land, my niece to marry.The papers all are signed. Acquaint the Pontiff,With largest swell of triumph, Charlotte D’AlbretOf the blood royal is his César’s bride.Cor meum—so he names this slip of his!And he has been in fury like the BullOf his escutcheon at the scarlet wavingOf royal-hearted, contumacious Naples.Felicitate our weary guest. The ladyShall meet him in your presence. Saint Denys,This unfrocked bastard of a priest, what order,Or what precedence notes him, even his birthIs sacrilege—he bows too low! God grant meOne day to set my face against his prayer!
O Seigneur Dieu!What bombast and vain glory in his coming.The Kings of Fez or EthiopiaClimb out of fewer jewels: our street-gazersHave scarcely drawn their breath since he passed by,The little Duke we titled Valentinois!Yet, by all saints, he loads the air with swayOf such duplicity and blandishment,He puts such grace about magnificence,Such a cold and heat about his speech—I, LouisOf France, have promisedSoldiers to win him land, my niece to marry.The papers all are signed. Acquaint the Pontiff,With largest swell of triumph, Charlotte D’AlbretOf the blood royal is his César’s bride.Cor meum—so he names this slip of his!And he has been in fury like the BullOf his escutcheon at the scarlet wavingOf royal-hearted, contumacious Naples.Felicitate our weary guest. The ladyShall meet him in your presence. Saint Denys,This unfrocked bastard of a priest, what order,Or what precedence notes him, even his birthIs sacrilege—he bows too low! God grant meOne day to set my face against his prayer!
[ExitKing Louis.
[ExitKing Louis.
[ExitKing Louis.
God grant that to Pope Julius!Domine,Exaudi me, Pater omnnipotens!I hate these Borgia! At their corner-stone,Where lie their votive gifts of blood and goldTo Fortune, I will shake them—though, in exile,I serve them for a while, to please this monarchWhose voice can triple-crown.
God grant that to Pope Julius!Domine,Exaudi me, Pater omnnipotens!I hate these Borgia! At their corner-stone,Where lie their votive gifts of blood and goldTo Fortune, I will shake them—though, in exile,I serve them for a while, to please this monarchWhose voice can triple-crown.
God grant that to Pope Julius!Domine,Exaudi me, Pater omnnipotens!I hate these Borgia! At their corner-stone,Where lie their votive gifts of blood and goldTo Fortune, I will shake them—though, in exile,I serve them for a while, to please this monarchWhose voice can triple-crown.
EnterDuke Cesare de Valentinois.
Illustrious,I give you joy—a bridegroom, formerlyA Cardinal—much joy!
Illustrious,I give you joy—a bridegroom, formerlyA Cardinal—much joy!
Illustrious,I give you joy—a bridegroom, formerlyA Cardinal—much joy!
Thanks! Are campaigns of warAs tedious as these contracts? Naples first....Naples will rue her part.
Thanks! Are campaigns of warAs tedious as these contracts? Naples first....Naples will rue her part.
Thanks! Are campaigns of warAs tedious as these contracts? Naples first....Naples will rue her part.
And then old D’Albret.
And then old D’Albret.
And then old D’Albret.
His clutch on ducats and on documents!My lord, you have reported....
His clutch on ducats and on documents!My lord, you have reported....
His clutch on ducats and on documents!My lord, you have reported....
That the King hangs his wrist upon your shoulder,That you have won all hearts, all company,And now a bride is won—the Fleur-de-Luce.
That the King hangs his wrist upon your shoulder,That you have won all hearts, all company,And now a bride is won—the Fleur-de-Luce.
That the King hangs his wrist upon your shoulder,That you have won all hearts, all company,And now a bride is won—the Fleur-de-Luce.
More! I have royal pledgeOf aid to raise an army that will conquerThe Castles of Romagna for the Church.
More! I have royal pledgeOf aid to raise an army that will conquerThe Castles of Romagna for the Church.
More! I have royal pledgeOf aid to raise an army that will conquerThe Castles of Romagna for the Church.
I give you joy, seeing you never yetHave formed a line of battle, grouped your pieces....
I give you joy, seeing you never yetHave formed a line of battle, grouped your pieces....
I give you joy, seeing you never yetHave formed a line of battle, grouped your pieces....
Did Mercury have lessons for the lyre,Or Hercules in wrestling? Were they not bornEach to his art’s perfection?
Did Mercury have lessons for the lyre,Or Hercules in wrestling? Were they not bornEach to his art’s perfection?
Did Mercury have lessons for the lyre,Or Hercules in wrestling? Were they not bornEach to his art’s perfection?
Rarely spoken!
Rarely spoken!
Rarely spoken!
Re-enterKing LouiswithMademoiselle Charlotte d’Albret.
Mon Duc de Valentinois,I bring our Dian’s youngest nymph, our Queen’sSixteen-year maiden. Grow acquainted! Lotta,You will be well contented with this bridegroom,As young as he is handsome.
Mon Duc de Valentinois,I bring our Dian’s youngest nymph, our Queen’sSixteen-year maiden. Grow acquainted! Lotta,You will be well contented with this bridegroom,As young as he is handsome.
Mon Duc de Valentinois,I bring our Dian’s youngest nymph, our Queen’sSixteen-year maiden. Grow acquainted! Lotta,You will be well contented with this bridegroom,As young as he is handsome.
[Cesarekisses her hand and leads her to a couch, sitting by her.
[Cesarekisses her hand and leads her to a couch, sitting by her.
Madame, we are wedded,A maytime couple, in two days.Lord Giuliano, tell his Holiness:Do not delay your letters.
Madame, we are wedded,A maytime couple, in two days.Lord Giuliano, tell his Holiness:Do not delay your letters.
Madame, we are wedded,A maytime couple, in two days.Lord Giuliano, tell his Holiness:Do not delay your letters.
Come with me and write them,Monseigneur Jules.
Come with me and write them,Monseigneur Jules.
Come with me and write them,Monseigneur Jules.
[They withdraw, leavingCesareandCharlotte d’Albrettogether.Cesareremains passive: he holds a golden ball of perfume, snuffs, and plays with it.
[They withdraw, leavingCesareandCharlotte d’Albrettogether.Cesareremains passive: he holds a golden ball of perfume, snuffs, and plays with it.
So is the world my bauble....
So is the world my bauble....
So is the world my bauble....
How sweet the fragrance!
How sweet the fragrance!
How sweet the fragrance!
Do not touch it, child!Now, to be plain, I hear you pleaded hardThat I should be your bridegroom. Have you courageTo mate this dreaded Cesar?
Do not touch it, child!Now, to be plain, I hear you pleaded hardThat I should be your bridegroom. Have you courageTo mate this dreaded Cesar?
Do not touch it, child!Now, to be plain, I hear you pleaded hardThat I should be your bridegroom. Have you courageTo mate this dreaded Cesar?
Since CarlottaRefuses you.... [Cesarestarts up.If you will have the truth,As among royal princes, I am chosenTo wed you by the King and by my father.
Since CarlottaRefuses you.... [Cesarestarts up.If you will have the truth,As among royal princes, I am chosenTo wed you by the King and by my father.
Since CarlottaRefuses you.... [Cesarestarts up.If you will have the truth,As among royal princes, I am chosenTo wed you by the King and by my father.
[Letting his hand fall softly on her.
[Letting his hand fall softly on her.
[Letting his hand fall softly on her.
Princess, this is a colloquy of love.
Princess, this is a colloquy of love.
Princess, this is a colloquy of love.
[Lifting the hand and kissing it.
[Lifting the hand and kissing it.
[Lifting the hand and kissing it.
Oh, then, lord César, then I take this hand;Then—you are mine.
Oh, then, lord César, then I take this hand;Then—you are mine.
Oh, then, lord César, then I take this hand;Then—you are mine.
[In a murmur, looking away.] I shall have lawful heirs.
[In a murmur, looking away.] I shall have lawful heirs.
[In a murmur, looking away.] I shall have lawful heirs.
A Hall of the Vatican with a Loggia at the back overlooking the Via just opened to Sant’ Angelo, that is seen in the distance dressed with flags.In the Loggia severalCardinals,theLords Francesco Borgia,Bartolomeo of Segovia,Giovanni Michele,Gianstefano FerreriandGiambattista Orsini.In the Hall areDonna Adriana Orsini,Donna Lucrezia Borgia d’Aragon,Donna Sancia Borgia,Donna Giulia FarneseandDon Alfonso, Prince Duke of Bisceglia.
A Hall of the Vatican with a Loggia at the back overlooking the Via just opened to Sant’ Angelo, that is seen in the distance dressed with flags.
In the Loggia severalCardinals,theLords Francesco Borgia,Bartolomeo of Segovia,Giovanni Michele,Gianstefano FerreriandGiambattista Orsini.
In the Hall areDonna Adriana Orsini,Donna Lucrezia Borgia d’Aragon,Donna Sancia Borgia,Donna Giulia FarneseandDon Alfonso, Prince Duke of Bisceglia.
Already looking out;The balcony already crammed with watchers,That strain beyond the roofs! But this impatienceIs almost genius in its quality.Poor children, you were hurried from your beds.
Already looking out;The balcony already crammed with watchers,That strain beyond the roofs! But this impatienceIs almost genius in its quality.Poor children, you were hurried from your beds.
Already looking out;The balcony already crammed with watchers,That strain beyond the roofs! But this impatienceIs almost genius in its quality.Poor children, you were hurried from your beds.
As if there were a fire; and I am sleepy.The early morning sleep, the beauty sleepDashed from our eyes! I am not half awake;My eyes close, and I must to sleep again.
As if there were a fire; and I am sleepy.The early morning sleep, the beauty sleepDashed from our eyes! I am not half awake;My eyes close, and I must to sleep again.
As if there were a fire; and I am sleepy.The early morning sleep, the beauty sleepDashed from our eyes! I am not half awake;My eyes close, and I must to sleep again.
You laggard, fie!You will be out of favour.
You laggard, fie!You will be out of favour.
You laggard, fie!You will be out of favour.
No!I shall please him better if I am asleep.He will not wake me,His Holiness remembers I am young.
No!I shall please him better if I am asleep.He will not wake me,His Holiness remembers I am young.
No!I shall please him better if I am asleep.He will not wake me,His Holiness remembers I am young.
Young! If the young may take their fill of slumber—
Young! If the young may take their fill of slumber—
Young! If the young may take their fill of slumber—
Come, I so softly stirred you—come, the dawnHad not more softly coaxed you to awake.
Come, I so softly stirred you—come, the dawnHad not more softly coaxed you to awake.
Come, I so softly stirred you—come, the dawnHad not more softly coaxed you to awake.
I am sick and gaping.
I am sick and gaping.
I am sick and gaping.
Hush!
Hush!
Hush!
To wake in Naples, not this deadly Rome—It is the air that kills!
To wake in Naples, not this deadly Rome—It is the air that kills!
To wake in Naples, not this deadly Rome—It is the air that kills!
A wishI echo from my heart. We are roused as slaves,As slaves put in subservient offices.
A wishI echo from my heart. We are roused as slaves,As slaves put in subservient offices.
A wishI echo from my heart. We are roused as slaves,As slaves put in subservient offices.
To ride with Prince Squillace by your sideAfter Duke Cesare is such distinctionYou need not sulk from, prince.
To ride with Prince Squillace by your sideAfter Duke Cesare is such distinctionYou need not sulk from, prince.
To ride with Prince Squillace by your sideAfter Duke Cesare is such distinctionYou need not sulk from, prince.
But we are dead afraid.
But we are dead afraid.
But we are dead afraid.
Ah, you have cause!
Ah, you have cause!
Ah, you have cause!
What cause? Ippolito is fled.
What cause? Ippolito is fled.
What cause? Ippolito is fled.
Ippolito—your beautiful Ippolito!Poor little Sancia.
Ippolito—your beautiful Ippolito!Poor little Sancia.
Ippolito—your beautiful Ippolito!Poor little Sancia.
[Putting her arms roundAlfonso.
[Putting her arms roundAlfonso.
[Putting her arms roundAlfonso.
But you must not fly—Never again. Carissimo, I want youFor the bloom of every hour.
But you must not fly—Never again. Carissimo, I want youFor the bloom of every hour.
But you must not fly—Never again. Carissimo, I want youFor the bloom of every hour.
[TheLord Alexander VI.enters withDon Joffré Borgia.They rise and do him reverence.Lucreziaat once goes up to him.
[TheLord Alexander VI.enters withDon Joffré Borgia.They rise and do him reverence.Lucreziaat once goes up to him.
My daughter,My child, you feel it....
My daughter,My child, you feel it....
My daughter,My child, you feel it....
[Taking her hand and laying it on his heart.
[Taking her hand and laying it on his heart.
[Taking her hand and laying it on his heart.
As my heart is beating,So beats your heart. There is within my substanceA change, a miracle. Too great a comingAnd close descent of glory on my head!So droopedOur blessèd Lady at the infiniteAssault of the Almighty. In my bosomHow can I crush such agony of joyAs to receive a Prince,A Governor, a Counsellor, all namesOf prophecy in one....
As my heart is beating,So beats your heart. There is within my substanceA change, a miracle. Too great a comingAnd close descent of glory on my head!So droopedOur blessèd Lady at the infiniteAssault of the Almighty. In my bosomHow can I crush such agony of joyAs to receive a Prince,A Governor, a Counsellor, all namesOf prophecy in one....
As my heart is beating,So beats your heart. There is within my substanceA change, a miracle. Too great a comingAnd close descent of glory on my head!So droopedOur blessèd Lady at the infiniteAssault of the Almighty. In my bosomHow can I crush such agony of joyAs to receive a Prince,A Governor, a Counsellor, all namesOf prophecy in one....
Render to Cesar what is Cesar’s—praiseFor a most rare agility. The triumphHe wills is Pagan. He is young.
Render to Cesar what is Cesar’s—praiseFor a most rare agility. The triumphHe wills is Pagan. He is young.
Render to Cesar what is Cesar’s—praiseFor a most rare agility. The triumphHe wills is Pagan. He is young.
Half the Romagna vanquished, Imola,Forli with battered walls, and the Virago,Fierce Catarina Sforza, like a QueenOf Amazon, our Theseus’ prisoner.
Half the Romagna vanquished, Imola,Forli with battered walls, and the Virago,Fierce Catarina Sforza, like a QueenOf Amazon, our Theseus’ prisoner.
Half the Romagna vanquished, Imola,Forli with battered walls, and the Virago,Fierce Catarina Sforza, like a QueenOf Amazon, our Theseus’ prisoner.
For sixteen days she held his arms at bay.
For sixteen days she held his arms at bay.
For sixteen days she held his arms at bay.
The seventeenth found her ringed around with fire.
The seventeenth found her ringed around with fire.
The seventeenth found her ringed around with fire.
[Assuagingly.] Dear father,Think of our Cesar—he is coming home;We shall embrace him!No—you are crying? He will wear the collarOf the king’s gift. It makes me laugh for gladness.Laugh too! I must not cry.
[Assuagingly.] Dear father,Think of our Cesar—he is coming home;We shall embrace him!No—you are crying? He will wear the collarOf the king’s gift. It makes me laugh for gladness.Laugh too! I must not cry.
[Assuagingly.] Dear father,Think of our Cesar—he is coming home;We shall embrace him!No—you are crying? He will wear the collarOf the king’s gift. It makes me laugh for gladness.Laugh too! I must not cry.
[Crying and laughing as he clasps her.] Alfonso, hopelessThe hope that ever you will sunder us!She is eternal to me as my saints;She saves me from all sorrow by her smile,And she is ever smiling.
[Crying and laughing as he clasps her.] Alfonso, hopelessThe hope that ever you will sunder us!She is eternal to me as my saints;She saves me from all sorrow by her smile,And she is ever smiling.
[Crying and laughing as he clasps her.] Alfonso, hopelessThe hope that ever you will sunder us!She is eternal to me as my saints;She saves me from all sorrow by her smile,And she is ever smiling.
Then indeed her frownsShe must give me, and I shall take them ifShe has not given them away before.A husband should have something of his own.
Then indeed her frownsShe must give me, and I shall take them ifShe has not given them away before.A husband should have something of his own.
Then indeed her frownsShe must give me, and I shall take them ifShe has not given them away before.A husband should have something of his own.
Ho, child, we eat with varying appetite,With varying zest: we savour as our palatesExtract the essences. I savour her.La, la, I speak but as a fool, and gladlyYou cannot suffer fools, not being wise.
Ho, child, we eat with varying appetite,With varying zest: we savour as our palatesExtract the essences. I savour her.La, la, I speak but as a fool, and gladlyYou cannot suffer fools, not being wise.
Ho, child, we eat with varying appetite,With varying zest: we savour as our palatesExtract the essences. I savour her.La, la, I speak but as a fool, and gladlyYou cannot suffer fools, not being wise.
[Kissing her neck.] See, Father!
[Kissing her neck.] See, Father!
[Kissing her neck.] See, Father!
Bacchus, she is blushing red!My goblet full of pearls has left her marble.Out on her, out! I must console myself!
Bacchus, she is blushing red!My goblet full of pearls has left her marble.Out on her, out! I must console myself!
Bacchus, she is blushing red!My goblet full of pearls has left her marble.Out on her, out! I must console myself!
[Pushing her toAlfonsoand approachingGiulia.
[Pushing her toAlfonsoand approachingGiulia.
[Pushing her toAlfonsoand approachingGiulia.
Here is my idol, my carnality,My rose of the flesh—how warm!
Here is my idol, my carnality,My rose of the flesh—how warm!
Here is my idol, my carnality,My rose of the flesh—how warm!
Lucrezia wrapped her thus.
Lucrezia wrapped her thus.
Lucrezia wrapped her thus.
[ThePopenods; then advances to the Loggia.
[ThePopenods; then advances to the Loggia.
[ThePopenods; then advances to the Loggia.
Heigh, sentinels,What recognition of this enemyWho takes so easily our sacred streets,For whom our women don their best attire?
Heigh, sentinels,What recognition of this enemyWho takes so easily our sacred streets,For whom our women don their best attire?
Heigh, sentinels,What recognition of this enemyWho takes so easily our sacred streets,For whom our women don their best attire?
[He shakes with laughter.
[He shakes with laughter.
[He shakes with laughter.
This is too scandalous! The balconies,The heads in wreaths—the mothers and the daughters—Fie! But the mothers do not move me.
This is too scandalous! The balconies,The heads in wreaths—the mothers and the daughters—Fie! But the mothers do not move me.
This is too scandalous! The balconies,The heads in wreaths—the mothers and the daughters—Fie! But the mothers do not move me.
[Turning toGiulia FarnesewhomSanciahas awaked.
[Turning toGiulia FarnesewhomSanciahas awaked.
[Turning toGiulia FarnesewhomSanciahas awaked.
Giulia,Look forth, my child. No, do not fix your gazeOn me, on what I look at.
Giulia,Look forth, my child. No, do not fix your gazeOn me, on what I look at.
Giulia,Look forth, my child. No, do not fix your gazeOn me, on what I look at.
Holiness,I fix my eyes on you that you may fixYour eyes full on La Bella.
Holiness,I fix my eyes on you that you may fixYour eyes full on La Bella.
Holiness,I fix my eyes on you that you may fixYour eyes full on La Bella.
Ha, ha! Morning dewSalutes us with more dazzle than at eve.Sleep has been kind.
Ha, ha! Morning dewSalutes us with more dazzle than at eve.Sleep has been kind.
Ha, ha! Morning dewSalutes us with more dazzle than at eve.Sleep has been kind.
But I am drowsy still.It is not well I should so early stir;And I must sleep; I am so young.
But I am drowsy still.It is not well I should so early stir;And I must sleep; I am so young.
But I am drowsy still.It is not well I should so early stir;And I must sleep; I am so young.
A flower—You please me well—a poppy-lidded flower!Lord Cardinals,With your lynx-eyes what do you track beyondThe open street?
A flower—You please me well—a poppy-lidded flower!Lord Cardinals,With your lynx-eyes what do you track beyondThe open street?
A flower—You please me well—a poppy-lidded flower!Lord Cardinals,With your lynx-eyes what do you track beyondThe open street?
Standards, long lancesAt Ponte Milvio.
Standards, long lancesAt Ponte Milvio.
Standards, long lancesAt Ponte Milvio.
Ha! We shall be surprised:This victor travels as he made retreat.Come, Joffré, you have learnt your part: or is itAlfonso plays the squire when he alights?But start each one of you; in rivalryToil for the privilege.
Ha! We shall be surprised:This victor travels as he made retreat.Come, Joffré, you have learnt your part: or is itAlfonso plays the squire when he alights?But start each one of you; in rivalryToil for the privilege.
Ha! We shall be surprised:This victor travels as he made retreat.Come, Joffré, you have learnt your part: or is itAlfonso plays the squire when he alights?But start each one of you; in rivalryToil for the privilege.