We are here in privacy.ToCardinal Borgia.] Bring her in hither to me.
We are here in privacy.ToCardinal Borgia.] Bring her in hither to me.
We are here in privacy.
ToCardinal Borgia.] Bring her in hither to me.
[Vanozza,holdingLucrezia’shand, is conducted to thePope.She falls at his feet: he raises her.
[Vanozza,holdingLucrezia’shand, is conducted to thePope.She falls at his feet: he raises her.
O Vanozza,Poor heart!
O Vanozza,Poor heart!
O Vanozza,Poor heart!
My Lord, your Holiness, I came—Forgive me.
My Lord, your Holiness, I came—Forgive me.
My Lord, your Holiness, I came—Forgive me.
Nay! [He falls sobbing on her shoulder.We mourn together. Where we had a sonFor eyes’ delight, there is nothing.[Soothing and pattingVanozza.] Hush, you must not!Little beloved, you suckled him. You must not!Go home; pray to Madonna.—She will hear.And let me see your face.[Drawing her veil.] It is the same;As honest and as good.
Nay! [He falls sobbing on her shoulder.We mourn together. Where we had a sonFor eyes’ delight, there is nothing.[Soothing and pattingVanozza.] Hush, you must not!Little beloved, you suckled him. You must not!Go home; pray to Madonna.—She will hear.And let me see your face.[Drawing her veil.] It is the same;As honest and as good.
Nay! [He falls sobbing on her shoulder.We mourn together. Where we had a sonFor eyes’ delight, there is nothing.[Soothing and pattingVanozza.] Hush, you must not!Little beloved, you suckled him. You must not!Go home; pray to Madonna.—She will hear.And let me see your face.[Drawing her veil.] It is the same;As honest and as good.
[He holds her face in his hands.
I have good children.I am so richly blessed ... and this dear boy,A Prince from Spain, came back again and kissed me.
I have good children.I am so richly blessed ... and this dear boy,A Prince from Spain, came back again and kissed me.
I have good children.I am so richly blessed ... and this dear boy,A Prince from Spain, came back again and kissed me.
Good son and enviable righteousnessTo kiss this face in filial piety.There, there, you must forget him!
Good son and enviable righteousnessTo kiss this face in filial piety.There, there, you must forget him!
Good son and enviable righteousnessTo kiss this face in filial piety.There, there, you must forget him!
[Gaspare Potoapproaches.
Poto,You pull my skirts.
Poto,You pull my skirts.
Poto,You pull my skirts.
Come quick. A waterman....
Come quick. A waterman....
Come quick. A waterman....
[Steadying himself againstVanozza.
Then tell me, Poto.... Let me know from you.
Then tell me, Poto.... Let me know from you.
Then tell me, Poto.... Let me know from you.
[He moans.
I cannot tell you more; he waits to speak.
I cannot tell you more; he waits to speak.
I cannot tell you more; he waits to speak.
[Potosupports thePopeto where the watermanGiorgiostands with an Inquisitor at the further end of the room.
[Potosupports thePopeto where the watermanGiorgiostands with an Inquisitor at the further end of the room.
[Suddenly coming toVanozza.
Cesare!... Mother, we must cling to him.
Cesare!... Mother, we must cling to him.
Cesare!... Mother, we must cling to him.
Where is he? In these halls? It dazes me....
Where is he? In these halls? It dazes me....
Where is he? In these halls? It dazes me....
[Watching thePope.
God’s image on the earth! I was profane....And you a Princess, too! O my Giovanni!You, all of you, are but as visitants;You are enskied afar. Happy, unhappy mother!Child! O sweet, floating hair against my cheek,And your cold cheek....
God’s image on the earth! I was profane....And you a Princess, too! O my Giovanni!You, all of you, are but as visitants;You are enskied afar. Happy, unhappy mother!Child! O sweet, floating hair against my cheek,And your cold cheek....
God’s image on the earth! I was profane....And you a Princess, too! O my Giovanni!You, all of you, are but as visitants;You are enskied afar. Happy, unhappy mother!Child! O sweet, floating hair against my cheek,And your cold cheek....
Mother, but you were happyWhen Cesar and Giovanni supped together?
Mother, but you were happyWhen Cesar and Giovanni supped together?
Mother, but you were happyWhen Cesar and Giovanni supped together?
I never saw them both more gay or fair;They plagued each other like two golden lancesCrossed in the sunshine at a tournament—And so till Cesare had warned the hour.
I never saw them both more gay or fair;They plagued each other like two golden lancesCrossed in the sunshine at a tournament—And so till Cesare had warned the hour.
I never saw them both more gay or fair;They plagued each other like two golden lancesCrossed in the sunshine at a tournament—And so till Cesare had warned the hour.
We must cling to him.
We must cling to him.
We must cling to him.
Can I give a thoughtTo any but my lost, my lost Giovanni,My all but God—and to my God? LucreceTurns with her mother to His Throne of Mercy?O Child! [Her cry echoes one from thePope.
Can I give a thoughtTo any but my lost, my lost Giovanni,My all but God—and to my God? LucreceTurns with her mother to His Throne of Mercy?O Child! [Her cry echoes one from thePope.
Can I give a thoughtTo any but my lost, my lost Giovanni,My all but God—and to my God? LucreceTurns with her mother to His Throne of Mercy?O Child! [Her cry echoes one from thePope.
Hush, hush!... It is incredible.The horror swallows me. Hush, hush!Laid overThe white horse!...[Advancing.] O Madonna de’ Catanei,Go with the girl away. You shall have tidings.His mother—go!My blessing, child. I have no more to say.
Hush, hush!... It is incredible.The horror swallows me. Hush, hush!Laid overThe white horse!...[Advancing.] O Madonna de’ Catanei,Go with the girl away. You shall have tidings.His mother—go!My blessing, child. I have no more to say.
Hush, hush!... It is incredible.The horror swallows me. Hush, hush!Laid overThe white horse!...
[Advancing.] O Madonna de’ Catanei,Go with the girl away. You shall have tidings.His mother—go!My blessing, child. I have no more to say.
[ExeuntVanozzaandLucrezia.
[ExeuntVanozzaandLucrezia.
[ExeuntVanozzaandLucrezia.
Good Adriana, follow them.
Good Adriana, follow them.
Good Adriana, follow them.
And you, Rodrigo?
And you, Rodrigo?
And you, Rodrigo?
Follow them. [ExitAdriana.Sancta Dei Genetrix,Turris Davidica, RefugiumPeccatorum, Virgo clemens!—[Returning.] What is this, Francesco,He tells you further? Nay,You will not broach the facts? He saw these menCreep back and other two come stealing downward,And the white horse—and what it bore.[ToCardinal Segovia.] Your arm!
Follow them. [ExitAdriana.Sancta Dei Genetrix,Turris Davidica, RefugiumPeccatorum, Virgo clemens!—[Returning.] What is this, Francesco,He tells you further? Nay,You will not broach the facts? He saw these menCreep back and other two come stealing downward,And the white horse—and what it bore.[ToCardinal Segovia.] Your arm!
Follow them. [ExitAdriana.
Sancta Dei Genetrix,Turris Davidica, RefugiumPeccatorum, Virgo clemens!—
[Returning.] What is this, Francesco,He tells you further? Nay,You will not broach the facts? He saw these menCreep back and other two come stealing downward,And the white horse—and what it bore.
[ToCardinal Segovia.] Your arm!
Spare yourself, Holiness.
Spare yourself, Holiness.
Spare yourself, Holiness.
I told the InquisitorsAll as it happened.
I told the InquisitorsAll as it happened.
I told the InquisitorsAll as it happened.
Tell me.
Tell me.
Tell me.
By the TiberThey turned the horse and swung the body downIn heavy mire and litter. I could seeA bulrush sucked at by the risen billow,And how a winding object swam along,Lapped by the current—’twas the dead man’s cloak.They pelted it with stones: then....
By the TiberThey turned the horse and swung the body downIn heavy mire and litter. I could seeA bulrush sucked at by the risen billow,And how a winding object swam along,Lapped by the current—’twas the dead man’s cloak.They pelted it with stones: then....
By the TiberThey turned the horse and swung the body downIn heavy mire and litter. I could seeA bulrush sucked at by the risen billow,And how a winding object swam along,Lapped by the current—’twas the dead man’s cloak.They pelted it with stones: then....
[ToCardinal Borgia,who supports him.]Cousin—O Francesco,And I have wit to ask where this was seen.
[ToCardinal Borgia,who supports him.]Cousin—O Francesco,And I have wit to ask where this was seen.
[ToCardinal Borgia,who supports him.]Cousin—O Francesco,And I have wit to ask where this was seen.
On the Rispetti, by the Ospedale.
On the Rispetti, by the Ospedale.
On the Rispetti, by the Ospedale.
[ToGiorgio.] Then go and tell the fishermen; directThose foolish, flitting lights that drive me mad.
[ToGiorgio.] Then go and tell the fishermen; directThose foolish, flitting lights that drive me mad.
[ToGiorgio.] Then go and tell the fishermen; directThose foolish, flitting lights that drive me mad.
[Giorgiomoves away.
[Giorgiomoves away.
[Giorgiomoves away.
Why have you held your peace?
Why have you held your peace?
Why have you held your peace?
A hundred times,From my beached boatWhat I have seen I saw—none cared to hear.
A hundred times,From my beached boatWhat I have seen I saw—none cared to hear.
A hundred times,From my beached boatWhat I have seen I saw—none cared to hear.
[Exit with Inquisitor.
[Exit with Inquisitor.
[Exit with Inquisitor.
Thrown out as dust and refuse to the river,My worship!—leaving meAs one who is no more. My life’s high hopeSnatched under darkness, sodden,A dead boy, who was proud and beautiful.Francesco, in a single night! O Cousin,I thought that he was comforting his youthIn a kind Thaïs’ arms and he was downAt the bottom of that river!
Thrown out as dust and refuse to the river,My worship!—leaving meAs one who is no more. My life’s high hopeSnatched under darkness, sodden,A dead boy, who was proud and beautiful.Francesco, in a single night! O Cousin,I thought that he was comforting his youthIn a kind Thaïs’ arms and he was downAt the bottom of that river!
Thrown out as dust and refuse to the river,My worship!—leaving meAs one who is no more. My life’s high hopeSnatched under darkness, sodden,A dead boy, who was proud and beautiful.Francesco, in a single night! O Cousin,I thought that he was comforting his youthIn a kind Thaïs’ arms and he was downAt the bottom of that river!
Nay, dear Holiness,Has not this Giorgio seen a hundred times....
Nay, dear Holiness,Has not this Giorgio seen a hundred times....
Nay, dear Holiness,Has not this Giorgio seen a hundred times....
You think Giovanni lives?
You think Giovanni lives?
You think Giovanni lives?
God grant it!
God grant it!
God grant it!
He has riddenBeyond the walls, at some castello wooingMaiden or wife, since summer bans the chase;A foolish pastime ’mid infested country!But now the vineyards are as silken tentsFor Amor’s camp. I am too precipitousIn passion: I must wait another night,And then ... fold him againUpon my heart! Go back, go back, my heart!Patience! [He finds himself at the window.But see, there, seeThe lights are sailing to one point. Out yonderWhat is that spot of dusk?
He has riddenBeyond the walls, at some castello wooingMaiden or wife, since summer bans the chase;A foolish pastime ’mid infested country!But now the vineyards are as silken tentsFor Amor’s camp. I am too precipitousIn passion: I must wait another night,And then ... fold him againUpon my heart! Go back, go back, my heart!Patience! [He finds himself at the window.But see, there, seeThe lights are sailing to one point. Out yonderWhat is that spot of dusk?
He has riddenBeyond the walls, at some castello wooingMaiden or wife, since summer bans the chase;A foolish pastime ’mid infested country!But now the vineyards are as silken tentsFor Amor’s camp. I am too precipitousIn passion: I must wait another night,And then ... fold him againUpon my heart! Go back, go back, my heart!Patience! [He finds himself at the window.But see, there, seeThe lights are sailing to one point. Out yonderWhat is that spot of dusk?
The Ospedale.
The Ospedale.
The Ospedale.
A constellation!Malign, bright stars! Giovanni! But the lightsAre moving onward to Sant’ Angelo.They move along in state. It is my son!They dazzle me.... They pass me....
A constellation!Malign, bright stars! Giovanni! But the lightsAre moving onward to Sant’ Angelo.They move along in state. It is my son!They dazzle me.... They pass me....
A constellation!Malign, bright stars! Giovanni! But the lightsAre moving onward to Sant’ Angelo.They move along in state. It is my son!They dazzle me.... They pass me....
EnterMonsignore Burchard.
Holy Father,The illustrious Duke of Gandia has been foundIn velvet coat and cloak, the dagger sheathed,His ducats in his purse.
Holy Father,The illustrious Duke of Gandia has been foundIn velvet coat and cloak, the dagger sheathed,His ducats in his purse.
Holy Father,The illustrious Duke of Gandia has been foundIn velvet coat and cloak, the dagger sheathed,His ducats in his purse.
It sails, it sails, it sailsOn to Sant’ Angelo. The torches....
It sails, it sails, it sailsOn to Sant’ Angelo. The torches....
It sails, it sails, it sailsOn to Sant’ Angelo. The torches....
Nothing is stol’n?
Nothing is stol’n?
Nothing is stol’n?
No, not a single gem.
No, not a single gem.
No, not a single gem.
Vendetta? Are there wounds?
Vendetta? Are there wounds?
Vendetta? Are there wounds?
I counted seven;One mortal in the throat. His hands were tied.
I counted seven;One mortal in the throat. His hands were tied.
I counted seven;One mortal in the throat. His hands were tied.
[With a howl like a lion’s.] God, by God’s blood, my curse!
[With a howl like a lion’s.] God, by God’s blood, my curse!
[With a howl like a lion’s.] God, by God’s blood, my curse!
[He falls in a swoon.
[He falls in a swoon.
[He falls in a swoon.
[Lifting both hands.] His Vicar here on earth!
[Lifting both hands.] His Vicar here on earth!
[Lifting both hands.] His Vicar here on earth!
[Who kneels and supports thePope.] Beware!His father must not see him.
[Who kneels and supports thePope.] Beware!His father must not see him.
[Who kneels and supports thePope.] Beware!His father must not see him.
Washed and habitedAs Gonfalonier, on an open bier,He will be borne,With flambeaux, to his mother’s private chapel,And will be swiftly hidden![Shrugging his shoulders.] But, my lords,The populace is ribald: it acclaimsHis Holiness the fisher of his son,Though not, by rights, of men.
Washed and habitedAs Gonfalonier, on an open bier,He will be borne,With flambeaux, to his mother’s private chapel,And will be swiftly hidden![Shrugging his shoulders.] But, my lords,The populace is ribald: it acclaimsHis Holiness the fisher of his son,Though not, by rights, of men.
Washed and habitedAs Gonfalonier, on an open bier,He will be borne,With flambeaux, to his mother’s private chapel,And will be swiftly hidden![Shrugging his shoulders.] But, my lords,The populace is ribald: it acclaimsHis Holiness the fisher of his son,Though not, by rights, of men.
[Potoand theCardinalslaugh.
[Potoand theCardinalslaugh.
[Potoand theCardinalslaugh.
[Slowly opening his eyes.] Francesco, are they talking of my son?
[Slowly opening his eyes.] Francesco, are they talking of my son?
[Slowly opening his eyes.] Francesco, are they talking of my son?
A room in theLord Cardinal Cesare Borgia’sPalace of Borgo Sant’ Angelo.It is dead midnight: lights are burning.Lord Cardinal Cesare,in the black satin dress of a Spanish gentleman, with jewelled poignard, reclines on a couch. He appears to be sleeping, except that now and again he slowly rolls from hand to hand a gold ball of perfumes. His Spanish pageJuanito Grasicais asleep. Behind the couch, across a table, the great ceremonial sword lies naked, and near it is a new purchase, the sleeping Cupid with broken foot ofMesser Buonarotti.Donna Lucrezia Borgiaenters withDonna Adriana Orsini,whose hand she clasps: she looses it, and, after a moment’s pause, comes to her brother.
A room in theLord Cardinal Cesare Borgia’sPalace of Borgo Sant’ Angelo.
It is dead midnight: lights are burning.Lord Cardinal Cesare,in the black satin dress of a Spanish gentleman, with jewelled poignard, reclines on a couch. He appears to be sleeping, except that now and again he slowly rolls from hand to hand a gold ball of perfumes. His Spanish pageJuanito Grasicais asleep. Behind the couch, across a table, the great ceremonial sword lies naked, and near it is a new purchase, the sleeping Cupid with broken foot ofMesser Buonarotti.
Donna Lucrezia Borgiaenters withDonna Adriana Orsini,whose hand she clasps: she looses it, and, after a moment’s pause, comes to her brother.
Madonna Adriana brought me here;She stays without: I go back to the convent.Cesare—tell me all that I should pray.
Madonna Adriana brought me here;She stays without: I go back to the convent.Cesare—tell me all that I should pray.
Madonna Adriana brought me here;She stays without: I go back to the convent.Cesare—tell me all that I should pray.
[Turning his head back towards her from the couch.
[Turning his head back towards her from the couch.
[Turning his head back towards her from the couch.
Amanda, that your scruples be removed;That I be Cesar.
Amanda, that your scruples be removed;That I be Cesar.
Amanda, that your scruples be removed;That I be Cesar.
Take a little rest.
Take a little rest.
Take a little rest.
Shall you, from prayer?To-night you look a sibyl.Who did this deed?
Shall you, from prayer?To-night you look a sibyl.Who did this deed?
Shall you, from prayer?To-night you look a sibyl.Who did this deed?
Let Juan play the lute;You must have music through these restless nights.How lost you look!
Let Juan play the lute;You must have music through these restless nights.How lost you look!
Let Juan play the lute;You must have music through these restless nights.How lost you look!
You startled me. How lost!
You startled me. How lost!
You startled me. How lost!
[He closes his eyes.
[He closes his eyes.
[He closes his eyes.
[Stealing away toAdriana.] He is dreaming; he has quite forgotten me.Come, Adriana, soft! As an astronomerHe must not be disturbed: he is quite lost.
[Stealing away toAdriana.] He is dreaming; he has quite forgotten me.Come, Adriana, soft! As an astronomerHe must not be disturbed: he is quite lost.
[Stealing away toAdriana.] He is dreaming; he has quite forgotten me.Come, Adriana, soft! As an astronomerHe must not be disturbed: he is quite lost.
ThePope’sBedroom in the Borgia Apartments at the Vatican.TheLord Alexander VI.is extended asleep on the bed.TheLord Cardinal Bartolomeoof Segovia andMonsignore Gaspare Poto.
ThePope’sBedroom in the Borgia Apartments at the Vatican.
TheLord Alexander VI.is extended asleep on the bed.
TheLord Cardinal Bartolomeoof Segovia andMonsignore Gaspare Poto.
I thank God for this sleep. Those fearful daysI knelt against his door! The raving wildnessI heard at times—inhospitable sorrow,Aloof from our Creator! Then, dashed down,The heavy frame wept like a haunted child’s.Then silenceToo perilous to spread! I beat the door.
I thank God for this sleep. Those fearful daysI knelt against his door! The raving wildnessI heard at times—inhospitable sorrow,Aloof from our Creator! Then, dashed down,The heavy frame wept like a haunted child’s.Then silenceToo perilous to spread! I beat the door.
I thank God for this sleep. Those fearful daysI knelt against his door! The raving wildnessI heard at times—inhospitable sorrow,Aloof from our Creator! Then, dashed down,The heavy frame wept like a haunted child’s.Then silenceToo perilous to spread! I beat the door.
We stood and watched and prayed you might prevail.
We stood and watched and prayed you might prevail.
We stood and watched and prayed you might prevail.
And when he opened—Jesu, he was fadedAs a dead fish; slack chin, and Arab eyesGlassy in fever, with a vengeful thirst.If only he had known the murderer,And could have struck him down to deepest hell—
And when he opened—Jesu, he was fadedAs a dead fish; slack chin, and Arab eyesGlassy in fever, with a vengeful thirst.If only he had known the murderer,And could have struck him down to deepest hell—
And when he opened—Jesu, he was fadedAs a dead fish; slack chin, and Arab eyesGlassy in fever, with a vengeful thirst.If only he had known the murderer,And could have struck him down to deepest hell—
Each momentHe snatches ends of this dark mystery,As he unravelled at the dead of nightThe broidery on a frame he could but feel.
Each momentHe snatches ends of this dark mystery,As he unravelled at the dead of nightThe broidery on a frame he could but feel.
Each momentHe snatches ends of this dark mystery,As he unravelled at the dead of nightThe broidery on a frame he could but feel.
True, true! It turns the brain that no one knows.Some whisper ’twas the Lord of PesaroRevenged himself for ridicule and the shameOf his divorce.
True, true! It turns the brain that no one knows.Some whisper ’twas the Lord of PesaroRevenged himself for ridicule and the shameOf his divorce.
True, true! It turns the brain that no one knows.Some whisper ’twas the Lord of PesaroRevenged himself for ridicule and the shameOf his divorce.
[Shaking his head.] He has no credit here.
[Shaking his head.] He has no credit here.
[Shaking his head.] He has no credit here.
Some roundly have itThe Lord Ascanio Sforza did the deed,For he and Gandia quarrelled the same dayThat our fine Duke was struck.
Some roundly have itThe Lord Ascanio Sforza did the deed,For he and Gandia quarrelled the same dayThat our fine Duke was struck.
Some roundly have itThe Lord Ascanio Sforza did the deed,For he and Gandia quarrelled the same dayThat our fine Duke was struck.
It was a masterpieceOf secrecy—this murder.
It was a masterpieceOf secrecy—this murder.
It was a masterpieceOf secrecy—this murder.
No more news?
No more news?
No more news?
By item all I know is told to you,My Lord Segovia.
By item all I know is told to you,My Lord Segovia.
By item all I know is told to you,My Lord Segovia.
[From the bed.] Ah!
[From the bed.] Ah!
[From the bed.] Ah!
I will retire,And send the Lord Francesco Borgia upTo urge his cousin’s appetite.Behold!
I will retire,And send the Lord Francesco Borgia upTo urge his cousin’s appetite.Behold!
I will retire,And send the Lord Francesco Borgia upTo urge his cousin’s appetite.Behold!
[Poto,turning to the bed, finds thePopesitting up, abeatific smile on his face.
[Poto,turning to the bed, finds thePopesitting up, abeatific smile on his face.
[Poto,turning to the bed, finds thePopesitting up, abeatific smile on his face.
But I have seen my son in Paradise....
But I have seen my son in Paradise....
But I have seen my son in Paradise....
How fares your Holiness this morning?
How fares your Holiness this morning?
How fares your Holiness this morning?
Poto,There was no scar on him, not the least wound;That is the truth: and he stood armed again.As bright as San Michele he looked downUpon us from the wall, his gonfalonSwathing around him as he stood. His faceWas to me as an angel’s.[He weeps quietly.] I repent,I will change all to meet that boy againIn Paradise, no wound on him, no scar.And yet the sight of him,O Poto, drove down to the rasping quickOf conscience through my heart. All shall be changed,The Vatican be cleared of sin. These bastards ...Let me not see them more! Joffré, Lucrezia—Joffré must mind his government afar,I banish him. Lucrece—oh, I shall gatherThe seas between us; she shall dwell in Spain,Dwell in Valencia, deep, where I was born,White little demon-girl![He rises, trembling, andPotorobes him.] No priest henceforwardShall hold two benefices; simonyNo more shall breed among us. God would punishSome sin in us; it could not be GiovanniDeserved a death so cruel. Gently, Poto,You are too violent.
Poto,There was no scar on him, not the least wound;That is the truth: and he stood armed again.As bright as San Michele he looked downUpon us from the wall, his gonfalonSwathing around him as he stood. His faceWas to me as an angel’s.[He weeps quietly.] I repent,I will change all to meet that boy againIn Paradise, no wound on him, no scar.And yet the sight of him,O Poto, drove down to the rasping quickOf conscience through my heart. All shall be changed,The Vatican be cleared of sin. These bastards ...Let me not see them more! Joffré, Lucrezia—Joffré must mind his government afar,I banish him. Lucrece—oh, I shall gatherThe seas between us; she shall dwell in Spain,Dwell in Valencia, deep, where I was born,White little demon-girl![He rises, trembling, andPotorobes him.] No priest henceforwardShall hold two benefices; simonyNo more shall breed among us. God would punishSome sin in us; it could not be GiovanniDeserved a death so cruel. Gently, Poto,You are too violent.
Poto,There was no scar on him, not the least wound;That is the truth: and he stood armed again.As bright as San Michele he looked downUpon us from the wall, his gonfalonSwathing around him as he stood. His faceWas to me as an angel’s.[He weeps quietly.] I repent,I will change all to meet that boy againIn Paradise, no wound on him, no scar.And yet the sight of him,O Poto, drove down to the rasping quickOf conscience through my heart. All shall be changed,The Vatican be cleared of sin. These bastards ...Let me not see them more! Joffré, Lucrezia—Joffré must mind his government afar,I banish him. Lucrece—oh, I shall gatherThe seas between us; she shall dwell in Spain,Dwell in Valencia, deep, where I was born,White little demon-girl![He rises, trembling, andPotorobes him.] No priest henceforwardShall hold two benefices; simonyNo more shall breed among us. God would punishSome sin in us; it could not be GiovanniDeserved a death so cruel. Gently, Poto,You are too violent.
Patience, Holiness,You slit the silk.
Patience, Holiness,You slit the silk.
Patience, Holiness,You slit the silk.
Where is the CardinalI called my son? Unnatural, where are they?The children I have fostered in my bosom,Where are they?
Where is the CardinalI called my son? Unnatural, where are they?The children I have fostered in my bosom,Where are they?
Where is the CardinalI called my son? Unnatural, where are they?The children I have fostered in my bosom,Where are they?
Holiness,Donna Lucrezia in the Sistine ConventPrays day and night.
Holiness,Donna Lucrezia in the Sistine ConventPrays day and night.
Holiness,Donna Lucrezia in the Sistine ConventPrays day and night.
Sweet soul!
Sweet soul!
Sweet soul!
The Lord Valencia—
The Lord Valencia—
The Lord Valencia—
Ah, what of him? Where is his piety?
Ah, what of him? Where is his piety?
Ah, what of him? Where is his piety?
When your affliction broke on you, before itMen fled as from a pest. Lord CesareIs shut within his palace; duteously,Almost from hour to hour, his servants passFor tidings of your health.
When your affliction broke on you, before itMen fled as from a pest. Lord CesareIs shut within his palace; duteously,Almost from hour to hour, his servants passFor tidings of your health.
When your affliction broke on you, before itMen fled as from a pest. Lord CesareIs shut within his palace; duteously,Almost from hour to hour, his servants passFor tidings of your health.
AnUsherappears at the door.
The GovernorOf Rome prays for the Presence.
The GovernorOf Rome prays for the Presence.
The GovernorOf Rome prays for the Presence.
He has tidings?Oh, it will break my heart! I would lie downWithin my coffin—and that tapestryAbout the portal, with its shaking folds,Opens and shuts the lid. Let him come in.
He has tidings?Oh, it will break my heart! I would lie downWithin my coffin—and that tapestryAbout the portal, with its shaking folds,Opens and shuts the lid. Let him come in.
He has tidings?Oh, it will break my heart! I would lie downWithin my coffin—and that tapestryAbout the portal, with its shaking folds,Opens and shuts the lid. Let him come in.
[TheGovernorcomes to thePontiff’sfeet.
[TheGovernorcomes to thePontiff’sfeet.
[TheGovernorcomes to thePontiff’sfeet.
I would not question you; give full relation;Do not repeat the tales of yesterday.
I would not question you; give full relation;Do not repeat the tales of yesterday.
I would not question you; give full relation;Do not repeat the tales of yesterday.
Most Holy Father, there is little newOf the Lord Duke to certify—his muleWas found hard by the Palace Barbarini.
Most Holy Father, there is little newOf the Lord Duke to certify—his muleWas found hard by the Palace Barbarini.
Most Holy Father, there is little newOf the Lord Duke to certify—his muleWas found hard by the Palace Barbarini.
[ToPoto.] My lad, my lad! We know what beauty thereLooks into Tiber like the moon!I thank youFor your devotion.
[ToPoto.] My lad, my lad! We know what beauty thereLooks into Tiber like the moon!I thank youFor your devotion.
[ToPoto.] My lad, my lad! We know what beauty thereLooks into Tiber like the moon!I thank youFor your devotion.
Shall we still further search?
Shall we still further search?
Shall we still further search?
Expressly, till the recreant be slain.He dies within my thoughts a several deathEach time I front the dark where he is lost.God damn him deeper every day! Search, search!
Expressly, till the recreant be slain.He dies within my thoughts a several deathEach time I front the dark where he is lost.God damn him deeper every day! Search, search!
Expressly, till the recreant be slain.He dies within my thoughts a several deathEach time I front the dark where he is lost.God damn him deeper every day! Search, search!
[ExitGovernor.
[ExitGovernor.
[ExitGovernor.
His mule, and at that spot! Gaspare, breathe aroundThe Palace, bribe the women. If a stabFrom jealousy—we stop the inquisition.Mea culpa, mea culpa!
His mule, and at that spot! Gaspare, breathe aroundThe Palace, bribe the women. If a stabFrom jealousy—we stop the inquisition.Mea culpa, mea culpa!
His mule, and at that spot! Gaspare, breathe aroundThe Palace, bribe the women. If a stabFrom jealousy—we stop the inquisition.Mea culpa, mea culpa!
Enter theLord Francesco Borgia.
O Francesco,What do you bear so carefully—the Host?
O Francesco,What do you bear so carefully—the Host?
O Francesco,What do you bear so carefully—the Host?
Nay, but a little food.
Nay, but a little food.
Nay, but a little food.
I cannot eat.Gaspare, bear it from the room. Go allAway from me!
I cannot eat.Gaspare, bear it from the room. Go allAway from me!
I cannot eat.Gaspare, bear it from the room. Go allAway from me!
[Exeunt all saveCardinal Borgia,who quietly remains.
[Exeunt all saveCardinal Borgia,who quietly remains.
[Exeunt all saveCardinal Borgia,who quietly remains.
Cousin, you wait for news?It is too trueThe boy has perished by his father’s sins.I must make expiation for his lust:I have lived ill. Before the ConsistoryI will make full confession.
Cousin, you wait for news?It is too trueThe boy has perished by his father’s sins.I must make expiation for his lust:I have lived ill. Before the ConsistoryI will make full confession.
Cousin, you wait for news?It is too trueThe boy has perished by his father’s sins.I must make expiation for his lust:I have lived ill. Before the ConsistoryI will make full confession.
Holiness,If I may trust the murmur in my earsFrom men to whose free speechI gave safe conduct, it is not for youTo make avowal. Heaven requires of youSuch greatness and capacity of pardonAs in extent it touched the limits of,Setting its brand of safety upon Cain.
Holiness,If I may trust the murmur in my earsFrom men to whose free speechI gave safe conduct, it is not for youTo make avowal. Heaven requires of youSuch greatness and capacity of pardonAs in extent it touched the limits of,Setting its brand of safety upon Cain.
Holiness,If I may trust the murmur in my earsFrom men to whose free speechI gave safe conduct, it is not for youTo make avowal. Heaven requires of youSuch greatness and capacity of pardonAs in extent it touched the limits of,Setting its brand of safety upon Cain.
What, Joffré?
What, Joffré?
What, Joffré?
No, not Joffré ... but a son.Belovèd, exercise the privilegeOf God’s vicegerent. Wash away this guilt,Remove it from you; pardon secretly.
No, not Joffré ... but a son.Belovèd, exercise the privilegeOf God’s vicegerent. Wash away this guilt,Remove it from you; pardon secretly.
No, not Joffré ... but a son.Belovèd, exercise the privilegeOf God’s vicegerent. Wash away this guilt,Remove it from you; pardon secretly.
Not Joffré? Joffré is my heir.... You layA heavy stone upon Giovanni’s graveTo keep me from him. But it is not true,It cannot be! We Borgia do no harmTo any of our kin.
Not Joffré? Joffré is my heir.... You layA heavy stone upon Giovanni’s graveTo keep me from him. But it is not true,It cannot be! We Borgia do no harmTo any of our kin.
Not Joffré? Joffré is my heir.... You layA heavy stone upon Giovanni’s graveTo keep me from him. But it is not true,It cannot be! We Borgia do no harmTo any of our kin.
And yet to certaintyDrive the suspicion, and forgive the crime.
And yet to certaintyDrive the suspicion, and forgive the crime.
And yet to certaintyDrive the suspicion, and forgive the crime.
[ThePopepaces, wringing his hands.
[ThePopepaces, wringing his hands.
[ThePopepaces, wringing his hands.
He never made complaint. I have been thoughtless,Thoughtless to Cesare.... He has been absentToo often from our ceremonials,From our investitures. I drove him jealousBy welcome of his brother out of Spain.I did him wrong.Good kinsman, you have taught meTo dry my tears ... and I have still a son.Fetch me again the little dish of food,The wine.... I am grown faint.See that this bruitCome never to his mother. He is allTo her as if he were her eldest born.God knows my love to him is infinite!But—bid him keep his palace. I forbidHis presence here.... My sins have plunged my childrenIn death and hell, and I must live alone.
He never made complaint. I have been thoughtless,Thoughtless to Cesare.... He has been absentToo often from our ceremonials,From our investitures. I drove him jealousBy welcome of his brother out of Spain.I did him wrong.Good kinsman, you have taught meTo dry my tears ... and I have still a son.Fetch me again the little dish of food,The wine.... I am grown faint.See that this bruitCome never to his mother. He is allTo her as if he were her eldest born.God knows my love to him is infinite!But—bid him keep his palace. I forbidHis presence here.... My sins have plunged my childrenIn death and hell, and I must live alone.
He never made complaint. I have been thoughtless,Thoughtless to Cesare.... He has been absentToo often from our ceremonials,From our investitures. I drove him jealousBy welcome of his brother out of Spain.I did him wrong.Good kinsman, you have taught meTo dry my tears ... and I have still a son.Fetch me again the little dish of food,The wine.... I am grown faint.See that this bruitCome never to his mother. He is allTo her as if he were her eldest born.God knows my love to him is infinite!But—bid him keep his palace. I forbidHis presence here.... My sins have plunged my childrenIn death and hell, and I must live alone.
The Vatican; Sala dei Pontifici.TheLord Alexander VI.is enthroned.TheLord Cardinal Cesare Borgiastands before him, defiant.
The Vatican; Sala dei Pontifici.
TheLord Alexander VI.is enthroned.TheLord Cardinal Cesare Borgiastands before him, defiant.
How dare you thus intrude?
How dare you thus intrude?
How dare you thus intrude?
But it is rumouredIt is your willThe Lord Ascanio Sforza be your legateIn this affair of Naples.
But it is rumouredIt is your willThe Lord Ascanio Sforza be your legateIn this affair of Naples.
But it is rumouredIt is your willThe Lord Ascanio Sforza be your legateIn this affair of Naples.
Ay, my will.
Ay, my will.
Ay, my will.
Your Holiness will recollect he liesUnder suspicion of Giovanni’s death.You send a blood-stained envoy on this business,And thrust me from my place. You have yourselfTo thank for your Giovanni’s death; the honoursYou heaped on him have brought him to his doom.Will you bring moreAnd greater desolation on your years?
Your Holiness will recollect he liesUnder suspicion of Giovanni’s death.You send a blood-stained envoy on this business,And thrust me from my place. You have yourselfTo thank for your Giovanni’s death; the honoursYou heaped on him have brought him to his doom.Will you bring moreAnd greater desolation on your years?
Your Holiness will recollect he liesUnder suspicion of Giovanni’s death.You send a blood-stained envoy on this business,And thrust me from my place. You have yourselfTo thank for your Giovanni’s death; the honoursYou heaped on him have brought him to his doom.Will you bring moreAnd greater desolation on your years?
You shall not goTo Naples. You forget your brother’s death.
You shall not goTo Naples. You forget your brother’s death.
You shall not goTo Naples. You forget your brother’s death.
I am your legate, if before, so after.As for my brother’s death, that is but Fortune—The spokes of her wheel turned bright on me. I wasYour second son, enslaved to your vocation;Profane, I touched your sacred things and trembledYou dared to put me to such use: in secretI wrought my sword, my legend. I am Cesar,And he is all my omen. By a fateSo marvellous it rocks my very dreamsI wake, I rouse myselfTo majesty you put on me, or let itDrop downward to the void.
I am your legate, if before, so after.As for my brother’s death, that is but Fortune—The spokes of her wheel turned bright on me. I wasYour second son, enslaved to your vocation;Profane, I touched your sacred things and trembledYou dared to put me to such use: in secretI wrought my sword, my legend. I am Cesar,And he is all my omen. By a fateSo marvellous it rocks my very dreamsI wake, I rouse myselfTo majesty you put on me, or let itDrop downward to the void.
I am your legate, if before, so after.As for my brother’s death, that is but Fortune—The spokes of her wheel turned bright on me. I wasYour second son, enslaved to your vocation;Profane, I touched your sacred things and trembledYou dared to put me to such use: in secretI wrought my sword, my legend. I am Cesar,And he is all my omen. By a fateSo marvellous it rocks my very dreamsI wake, I rouse myselfTo majesty you put on me, or let itDrop downward to the void.
[Motioning to thePopethat he must continue speaking.
[Motioning to thePopethat he must continue speaking.
[Motioning to thePopethat he must continue speaking.
You did not reckonWith me, you let Giovanni take my placeBeside you and your throne. None noted meLevel among the scarlet hats, exceptThis goddess with a rudder, this fair childOf Jove, this liberator. I am silent,Except before confusion such as yours.
You did not reckonWith me, you let Giovanni take my placeBeside you and your throne. None noted meLevel among the scarlet hats, exceptThis goddess with a rudder, this fair childOf Jove, this liberator. I am silent,Except before confusion such as yours.
You did not reckonWith me, you let Giovanni take my placeBeside you and your throne. None noted meLevel among the scarlet hats, exceptThis goddess with a rudder, this fair childOf Jove, this liberator. I am silent,Except before confusion such as yours.
[Coming closer to thePope.
[Coming closer to thePope.
[Coming closer to thePope.
Blind to the moment—you have not been blind.I watched you from Spoleto setting gins,I watched you bribe on bribe....
Blind to the moment—you have not been blind.I watched you from Spoleto setting gins,I watched you bribe on bribe....
Blind to the moment—you have not been blind.I watched you from Spoleto setting gins,I watched you bribe on bribe....
Ay, there you track me,And I must answer for my wickedness.I owe my seat to wickedness.
Ay, there you track me,And I must answer for my wickedness.I owe my seat to wickedness.
Ay, there you track me,And I must answer for my wickedness.I owe my seat to wickedness.
Leave weeping!There should be pact between us. How your coffersAre filled I know, and where your heart is lavish,And what you dream. I kneel before your throneWith facultyAs boundless as a god’s, with strength as supple,To be your instrument, to win you lands,To give you rule. You have forbidden meYour presence: if I pass from it forbidden,I leave you—up and down to wave your handsIn blessing on the powers you supplicate.While, if you bid me to your side, I buildAn army for the Church; there will be legions....
Leave weeping!There should be pact between us. How your coffersAre filled I know, and where your heart is lavish,And what you dream. I kneel before your throneWith facultyAs boundless as a god’s, with strength as supple,To be your instrument, to win you lands,To give you rule. You have forbidden meYour presence: if I pass from it forbidden,I leave you—up and down to wave your handsIn blessing on the powers you supplicate.While, if you bid me to your side, I buildAn army for the Church; there will be legions....
Leave weeping!There should be pact between us. How your coffersAre filled I know, and where your heart is lavish,And what you dream. I kneel before your throneWith facultyAs boundless as a god’s, with strength as supple,To be your instrument, to win you lands,To give you rule. You have forbidden meYour presence: if I pass from it forbidden,I leave you—up and down to wave your handsIn blessing on the powers you supplicate.While, if you bid me to your side, I buildAn army for the Church; there will be legions....