[ExitBonafedeweeping.
[ExitBonafedeweeping.
[ExitBonafedeweeping.
Now leave me to the air.
Now leave me to the air.
Now leave me to the air.
He will fall asleep.
He will fall asleep.
He will fall asleep.
I promise youThat I will make no noise.... I everSlept as a child, and wallowed in the feathersSeven times at waking ... ha! And do you sleepTill time for the next Office. Burchard dozes;Put by the cards, and I will watch his face.
I promise youThat I will make no noise.... I everSlept as a child, and wallowed in the feathersSeven times at waking ... ha! And do you sleepTill time for the next Office. Burchard dozes;Put by the cards, and I will watch his face.
I promise youThat I will make no noise.... I everSlept as a child, and wallowed in the feathersSeven times at waking ... ha! And do you sleepTill time for the next Office. Burchard dozes;Put by the cards, and I will watch his face.
[TheCrowdwithdraws from the bed: thePopechuckles, after fixing his eyes onBurchard;then his eyes close.
[TheCrowdwithdraws from the bed: thePopechuckles, after fixing his eyes onBurchard;then his eyes close.
How wanton of his end!—What of his soul?—The noontideTo me is full of strange attentiveness.Angels, or fiends?
How wanton of his end!—What of his soul?—The noontideTo me is full of strange attentiveness.Angels, or fiends?
How wanton of his end!—What of his soul?—The noontideTo me is full of strange attentiveness.Angels, or fiends?
Has he not made confession?
Has he not made confession?
Has he not made confession?
Ay, of concupiscence and simony,If one may dare surmise—his open sins.But of his secret sins! Think how they hideAnd loom where fear is with them in men’s thoughts!—They say he sold his soul to LuciferFor full eleven years; and all are told.
Ay, of concupiscence and simony,If one may dare surmise—his open sins.But of his secret sins! Think how they hideAnd loom where fear is with them in men’s thoughts!—They say he sold his soul to LuciferFor full eleven years; and all are told.
Ay, of concupiscence and simony,If one may dare surmise—his open sins.But of his secret sins! Think how they hideAnd loom where fear is with them in men’s thoughts!—They say he sold his soul to LuciferFor full eleven years; and all are told.
[A wind stirs the curtains.
[A wind stirs the curtains.
[A wind stirs the curtains.
—He comes, he comes!—An apparition like a monkey! Horror!A straggling darkness....—Are you sure? A monkey?—And sounds!Far more than seven devils are watching us.
—He comes, he comes!—An apparition like a monkey! Horror!A straggling darkness....—Are you sure? A monkey?—And sounds!Far more than seven devils are watching us.
—He comes, he comes!—An apparition like a monkey! Horror!A straggling darkness....—Are you sure? A monkey?—And sounds!Far more than seven devils are watching us.
He has received Viaticum, Last Unction.
He has received Viaticum, Last Unction.
He has received Viaticum, Last Unction.
Ah, but he cannot die until his MasterRise from below to take him, cannot dieAs sinners do accepted by their God.—He sleeps when he should die.—Closed up in sin,A sullen Viper of the woods!—Remember....Think of the death of Cardinal Michele,Think of the Cardinal Orsini, thinkOf Don Alfonso, Duke Astorre!—Ay,Think of the Lady Daughter.
Ah, but he cannot die until his MasterRise from below to take him, cannot dieAs sinners do accepted by their God.—He sleeps when he should die.—Closed up in sin,A sullen Viper of the woods!—Remember....Think of the death of Cardinal Michele,Think of the Cardinal Orsini, thinkOf Don Alfonso, Duke Astorre!—Ay,Think of the Lady Daughter.
Ah, but he cannot die until his MasterRise from below to take him, cannot dieAs sinners do accepted by their God.—He sleeps when he should die.—Closed up in sin,A sullen Viper of the woods!—Remember....Think of the death of Cardinal Michele,Think of the Cardinal Orsini, thinkOf Don Alfonso, Duke Astorre!—Ay,Think of the Lady Daughter.
Tales and bibble-babble!Go, chatter with your monkey, fraternise!He will not tickle this last sleep, my lords;Give him your company.
Tales and bibble-babble!Go, chatter with your monkey, fraternise!He will not tickle this last sleep, my lords;Give him your company.
Tales and bibble-babble!Go, chatter with your monkey, fraternise!He will not tickle this last sleep, my lords;Give him your company.
But tell us, Doctor,Low in the ear, have not this son and fatherDrunk of the cup Orsini and MicheleDrank at their hands? Have they not been envenomed?
But tell us, Doctor,Low in the ear, have not this son and fatherDrunk of the cup Orsini and MicheleDrank at their hands? Have they not been envenomed?
But tell us, Doctor,Low in the ear, have not this son and fatherDrunk of the cup Orsini and MicheleDrank at their hands? Have they not been envenomed?
Yea, by the hand of God, but not of man—The venom of His secret pestilence,The fever walking in this August air.
Yea, by the hand of God, but not of man—The venom of His secret pestilence,The fever walking in this August air.
Yea, by the hand of God, but not of man—The venom of His secret pestilence,The fever walking in this August air.
Both struck together—is not that the singingOfcantarella?
Both struck together—is not that the singingOfcantarella?
Both struck together—is not that the singingOfcantarella?
By my faith, lords—no.The hand of God hath struck, and who shall tellHow far His mercy or His wrath is set?Physicians cure by hope.
By my faith, lords—no.The hand of God hath struck, and who shall tellHow far His mercy or His wrath is set?Physicians cure by hope.
By my faith, lords—no.The hand of God hath struck, and who shall tellHow far His mercy or His wrath is set?Physicians cure by hope.
Re-enterLord Bonafede.
The lord Duke CesareIs worse. Physician!
The lord Duke CesareIs worse. Physician!
The lord Duke CesareIs worse. Physician!
[To theBishop of Venosa.] Can you leave this bedside?You cannot!
[To theBishop of Venosa.] Can you leave this bedside?You cannot!
[To theBishop of Venosa.] Can you leave this bedside?You cannot!
[Rising.] Youth!Youth and desire of life![To attendants.] Fetch me a mule,And from its hollowed entrails we will tearOur Cesar reconceived, regenerate:Or, should the live heat fail, fetch me an oil-jar,Brimming with vault-drawn water. Haste for life!The Duke is worse. He shall survive.
[Rising.] Youth!Youth and desire of life![To attendants.] Fetch me a mule,And from its hollowed entrails we will tearOur Cesar reconceived, regenerate:Or, should the live heat fail, fetch me an oil-jar,Brimming with vault-drawn water. Haste for life!The Duke is worse. He shall survive.
[Rising.] Youth!Youth and desire of life![To attendants.] Fetch me a mule,And from its hollowed entrails we will tearOur Cesar reconceived, regenerate:Or, should the live heat fail, fetch me an oil-jar,Brimming with vault-drawn water. Haste for life!The Duke is worse. He shall survive.
[ThePopehas opened his eyes.
[ThePopehas opened his eyes.
[ThePopehas opened his eyes.
Dear Father,I will bring you in an hour word that your DukeMakes speed to visit you.
Dear Father,I will bring you in an hour word that your DukeMakes speed to visit you.
Dear Father,I will bring you in an hour word that your DukeMakes speed to visit you.
[TheDoctorand the otherSurgeonsandApothecaries,with theCardinalsandAttendants,pass in an excited company from the room.
[TheDoctorand the otherSurgeonsandApothecaries,with theCardinalsandAttendants,pass in an excited company from the room.
[To himself.] But BurchardAlters no muscle: nothing of importanceTherefore has passed....My Chronicler,And I have never looked into your books!
[To himself.] But BurchardAlters no muscle: nothing of importanceTherefore has passed....My Chronicler,And I have never looked into your books!
[To himself.] But BurchardAlters no muscle: nothing of importanceTherefore has passed....My Chronicler,And I have never looked into your books!
[Glancing round, pleased.
[Glancing round, pleased.
[Glancing round, pleased.
Ah, they have left me lonely! How deliciousIt is to be neglected when one dies.
Ah, they have left me lonely! How deliciousIt is to be neglected when one dies.
Ah, they have left me lonely! How deliciousIt is to be neglected when one dies.
[Mischievously ticklingBurchard’snose with a fan that lies on the bed.
[Mischievously ticklingBurchard’snose with a fan that lies on the bed.
Burchard, good-night!
Burchard, good-night!
Burchard, good-night!
[Yawning.] O Holiness!
[Yawning.] O Holiness!
[Yawning.] O Holiness!
You are napping at your post!It does not matter.You looked so ugly when you lay asleep,I waked you: comelyYou are when stiff and handsome in your clothes.
You are napping at your post!It does not matter.You looked so ugly when you lay asleep,I waked you: comelyYou are when stiff and handsome in your clothes.
You are napping at your post!It does not matter.You looked so ugly when you lay asleep,I waked you: comelyYou are when stiff and handsome in your clothes.
[Burchardstands formal before his master, who looks up at him, appealingly.
[Burchardstands formal before his master, who looks up at him, appealingly.
Bright eyes,Take no more record of me: do not publishThese stains, these swollen limbs.Give me the mirrorThat my last breath shall soil—that is its use!But I will snatch it as in youth.... Vanozza,Giulia, and a little earlier one—Well, well, I gave them happiness.
Bright eyes,Take no more record of me: do not publishThese stains, these swollen limbs.Give me the mirrorThat my last breath shall soil—that is its use!But I will snatch it as in youth.... Vanozza,Giulia, and a little earlier one—Well, well, I gave them happiness.
Bright eyes,Take no more record of me: do not publishThese stains, these swollen limbs.Give me the mirrorThat my last breath shall soil—that is its use!But I will snatch it as in youth.... Vanozza,Giulia, and a little earlier one—Well, well, I gave them happiness.
[Burchard,scandalised, seeks a crucifix.
[Burchard,scandalised, seeks a crucifix.
[Burchard,scandalised, seeks a crucifix.
Good MasterOf the Ceremonies, did you take accountOf my beauty when you chronicled my dress?I have been very handsome ...He is gone,Stolen off in horror at my vanity.And yet this beauty is not vanity;The vanity is when it falls away,And crumbles into nothingness.Even our LadyKeeps power of intercession for us allBy loveliness that in simplicityDraws God to will its pleasure as His willAnd perfect pleasure. [Folding his hands.Rosa Mystica,O Flower of God, O Rose, O Spotless one,Thou dost unfold to us thy sweet—in showersThy fragrancy, thy dews are shed on me;Thou droppest on my darkness as soft leaves.
Good MasterOf the Ceremonies, did you take accountOf my beauty when you chronicled my dress?I have been very handsome ...He is gone,Stolen off in horror at my vanity.And yet this beauty is not vanity;The vanity is when it falls away,And crumbles into nothingness.Even our LadyKeeps power of intercession for us allBy loveliness that in simplicityDraws God to will its pleasure as His willAnd perfect pleasure. [Folding his hands.Rosa Mystica,O Flower of God, O Rose, O Spotless one,Thou dost unfold to us thy sweet—in showersThy fragrancy, thy dews are shed on me;Thou droppest on my darkness as soft leaves.
Good MasterOf the Ceremonies, did you take accountOf my beauty when you chronicled my dress?I have been very handsome ...He is gone,Stolen off in horror at my vanity.And yet this beauty is not vanity;The vanity is when it falls away,And crumbles into nothingness.Even our LadyKeeps power of intercession for us allBy loveliness that in simplicityDraws God to will its pleasure as His willAnd perfect pleasure. [Folding his hands.Rosa Mystica,O Flower of God, O Rose, O Spotless one,Thou dost unfold to us thy sweet—in showersThy fragrancy, thy dews are shed on me;Thou droppest on my darkness as soft leaves.
[He lies back, his eyelids softly stirring.
[He lies back, his eyelids softly stirring.
[He lies back, his eyelids softly stirring.
And there are scents—delicious—violetsAnd roses—unexpected—dropping down,And running through the air. So unexpected,So secret to me ... Violets, a gift,As women give fresh from the hand ...The flowers!
And there are scents—delicious—violetsAnd roses—unexpected—dropping down,And running through the air. So unexpected,So secret to me ... Violets, a gift,As women give fresh from the hand ...The flowers!
And there are scents—delicious—violetsAnd roses—unexpected—dropping down,And running through the air. So unexpected,So secret to me ... Violets, a gift,As women give fresh from the hand ...The flowers!
[He lifts himself, rounding his arms to garner the vision.
[He lifts himself, rounding his arms to garner the vision.
[He lifts himself, rounding his arms to garner the vision.
[Burchardadvances withLord Bonafedeand severalCardinals.
[Burchardadvances withLord Bonafedeand severalCardinals.
The Lord Duke is revived.
The Lord Duke is revived.
The Lord Duke is revived.
No matter now;I am dying, I am safe. [Rolling on his side away from them.There, do not crowd me—My heart is offered.Ite, missa est.
No matter now;I am dying, I am safe. [Rolling on his side away from them.There, do not crowd me—My heart is offered.Ite, missa est.
No matter now;I am dying, I am safe. [Rolling on his side away from them.There, do not crowd me—My heart is offered.Ite, missa est.
The Palace at Ferrara.TheDuchess Lucrezia Borgia d’Este,dressed in mourning, in a small room. She is feeding birds.
The Palace at Ferrara.
TheDuchess Lucrezia Borgia d’Este,dressed in mourning, in a small room. She is feeding birds.
My doves,My little, gladsome ones.... Rodrigo!...My little Roman dove, my young, a softnessStill to my bosom....And this father—His love to me, and all the streams of pearls!They have not honourably buried him;They are not sorry. [She weeps.I have prayed so long:I have been angry. In my dreams I prayed;And then he broke it, for he came to me,His lips bulged out for kisses: “Dance, Lucrece,Dance to me, child; it is that grace prevails!”
My doves,My little, gladsome ones.... Rodrigo!...My little Roman dove, my young, a softnessStill to my bosom....And this father—His love to me, and all the streams of pearls!They have not honourably buried him;They are not sorry. [She weeps.I have prayed so long:I have been angry. In my dreams I prayed;And then he broke it, for he came to me,His lips bulged out for kisses: “Dance, Lucrece,Dance to me, child; it is that grace prevails!”
My doves,My little, gladsome ones.... Rodrigo!...My little Roman dove, my young, a softnessStill to my bosom....And this father—His love to me, and all the streams of pearls!They have not honourably buried him;They are not sorry. [She weeps.I have prayed so long:I have been angry. In my dreams I prayed;And then he broke it, for he came to me,His lips bulged out for kisses: “Dance, Lucrece,Dance to me, child; it is that grace prevails!”
[After a pause—to the doves.
[After a pause—to the doves.
[After a pause—to the doves.
There, there! Fly out! There! Flutter on my shoulder,And let me catch you.Father, do you mark,I am not weeping?—See, how they all settleAbout me, on my head, and on my bosom—See, how I rise and flutter them!
There, there! Fly out! There! Flutter on my shoulder,And let me catch you.Father, do you mark,I am not weeping?—See, how they all settleAbout me, on my head, and on my bosom—See, how I rise and flutter them!
There, there! Fly out! There! Flutter on my shoulder,And let me catch you.Father, do you mark,I am not weeping?—See, how they all settleAbout me, on my head, and on my bosom—See, how I rise and flutter them!
[She rises and the doves disperse from her in troops.
[She rises and the doves disperse from her in troops.
[She rises and the doves disperse from her in troops.
How lightsomeThey come back to their roost! Dear Blessèdness,And this will give you peace....
How lightsomeThey come back to their roost! Dear Blessèdness,And this will give you peace....
How lightsomeThey come back to their roost! Dear Blessèdness,And this will give you peace....
[Suddenly she bows her golden head; the doves flutter down on it in a halo.
[Suddenly she bows her golden head; the doves flutter down on it in a halo.
Nepi:a sullen evening over the volcanic country.Duke Cesare de Valentinois della Romagnalies stretched on a black litter along the terrace of the castle, under a clump of pomegranate-trees covered with blood-red apples.A beautifulMutesits on the ground and watches his every look or gesture.
Nepi:a sullen evening over the volcanic country.Duke Cesare de Valentinois della Romagnalies stretched on a black litter along the terrace of the castle, under a clump of pomegranate-trees covered with blood-red apples.
A beautifulMutesits on the ground and watches his every look or gesture.
Banished from all the passion of events,While, like a sisterhood of Fates, at Rome,The Conclave sits—While hot night compasses these empty hillsThat once had fire and action! [To the girl at his feet.O my Silence,What health in you, what pleasantness! A refuge,A sepulchre, yet not of death!They call Love blind: the finer love is dumb—Our horses’ love, our dogs’, our falcons’, thine.
Banished from all the passion of events,While, like a sisterhood of Fates, at Rome,The Conclave sits—While hot night compasses these empty hillsThat once had fire and action! [To the girl at his feet.O my Silence,What health in you, what pleasantness! A refuge,A sepulchre, yet not of death!They call Love blind: the finer love is dumb—Our horses’ love, our dogs’, our falcons’, thine.
Banished from all the passion of events,While, like a sisterhood of Fates, at Rome,The Conclave sits—While hot night compasses these empty hillsThat once had fire and action! [To the girl at his feet.O my Silence,What health in you, what pleasantness! A refuge,A sepulchre, yet not of death!They call Love blind: the finer love is dumb—Our horses’ love, our dogs’, our falcons’, thine.
[She rises by him to be caressed. AsMadonna de’ Cataneicomes to him, with a cup in her hand, the girl draws back and curls herself up in the roots of a cypress-tree.
[She rises by him to be caressed. AsMadonna de’ Cataneicomes to him, with a cup in her hand, the girl draws back and curls herself up in the roots of a cypress-tree.
It is the hour: forgive me, I have brought youThe draught, my Duke.... But let me take your hand,And guide it to your lips.
It is the hour: forgive me, I have brought youThe draught, my Duke.... But let me take your hand,And guide it to your lips.
It is the hour: forgive me, I have brought youThe draught, my Duke.... But let me take your hand,And guide it to your lips.
[He drinks: suddenly she kisses the blond hair over his forehead.
[He drinks: suddenly she kisses the blond hair over his forehead.
[He drinks: suddenly she kisses the blond hair over his forehead.
You have been very nearTo death!
You have been very nearTo death!
You have been very nearTo death!
Its grey sea-bank that almost beached meWere bliss to this denuded country.Mother,You loved my father fierily?
Its grey sea-bank that almost beached meWere bliss to this denuded country.Mother,You loved my father fierily?
Its grey sea-bank that almost beached meWere bliss to this denuded country.Mother,You loved my father fierily?
God knows I mourn him;But as my very god I worshipped him.
God knows I mourn him;But as my very god I worshipped him.
God knows I mourn him;But as my very god I worshipped him.
I am no Prince.... My landsAre almost gone; only the citadelsKeep pledge of my old force. You and your PopeGave me no tenure on the earth. I curse you,I curse you both. What was there left but ashesFor me, he being extinguished?
I am no Prince.... My landsAre almost gone; only the citadelsKeep pledge of my old force. You and your PopeGave me no tenure on the earth. I curse you,I curse you both. What was there left but ashesFor me, he being extinguished?
I am no Prince.... My landsAre almost gone; only the citadelsKeep pledge of my old force. You and your PopeGave me no tenure on the earth. I curse you,I curse you both. What was there left but ashesFor me, he being extinguished?
Excellence, you brought meAlong with you, and from our enemies,For safety.
Excellence, you brought meAlong with you, and from our enemies,For safety.
Excellence, you brought meAlong with you, and from our enemies,For safety.
—It is blood,The fascination of deep heritage,Compels the old race back to every cityI vaunted mine....I do not want you near,I brought you out of danger. OpenlyYou are my mother, openly I drew youBehind my litter to a refuge: always,Till I am powerless, you will feel my power,Protecting you....
—It is blood,The fascination of deep heritage,Compels the old race back to every cityI vaunted mine....I do not want you near,I brought you out of danger. OpenlyYou are my mother, openly I drew youBehind my litter to a refuge: always,Till I am powerless, you will feel my power,Protecting you....
—It is blood,The fascination of deep heritage,Compels the old race back to every cityI vaunted mine....I do not want you near,I brought you out of danger. OpenlyYou are my mother, openly I drew youBehind my litter to a refuge: always,Till I am powerless, you will feel my power,Protecting you....
EnterMesser Agapito da Amalia.
And is Giovanni SforzaRestored to Pesaro?
And is Giovanni SforzaRestored to Pesaro?
And is Giovanni SforzaRestored to Pesaro?
My lord, he is.
My lord, he is.
My lord, he is.
[Cesaremakes a hissing groan.
[Cesaremakes a hissing groan.
[Cesaremakes a hissing groan.
Is Guidobaldo in Urbino yet?
Is Guidobaldo in Urbino yet?
Is Guidobaldo in Urbino yet?
My lord, he is.
My lord, he is.
My lord, he is.
And all the Duchy lost?
And all the Duchy lost?
And all the Duchy lost?
All the fair Umbrian Duchy has relapsedFrom your control. [A silence.
All the fair Umbrian Duchy has relapsedFrom your control. [A silence.
All the fair Umbrian Duchy has relapsedFrom your control. [A silence.
Pandolfo MalatestaHas entered Rimini?
Pandolfo MalatestaHas entered Rimini?
Pandolfo MalatestaHas entered Rimini?
Oh, cease to questionMore of your fortune, with the purpleOf pestilence across your lips, the tremblingOf fever in your hands of war, beloved.
Oh, cease to questionMore of your fortune, with the purpleOf pestilence across your lips, the tremblingOf fever in your hands of war, beloved.
Oh, cease to questionMore of your fortune, with the purpleOf pestilence across your lips, the tremblingOf fever in your hands of war, beloved.
Giacomo d’Appiano has returnedTo Piombino?
Giacomo d’Appiano has returnedTo Piombino?
Giacomo d’Appiano has returnedTo Piombino?
Yes.
Yes.
Yes.
Ah, to my Piombino,Messer da VinciHas re-erected for defence, a jewelWrought by a cunning jeweller, a threatTo Florence, a towered joy! So d’AppianoCalls it his own again?
Ah, to my Piombino,Messer da VinciHas re-erected for defence, a jewelWrought by a cunning jeweller, a threatTo Florence, a towered joy! So d’AppianoCalls it his own again?
Ah, to my Piombino,Messer da VinciHas re-erected for defence, a jewelWrought by a cunning jeweller, a threatTo Florence, a towered joy! So d’AppianoCalls it his own again?
Yes, and it called him back.
Yes, and it called him back.
Yes, and it called him back.
Agapito, there still is worse behind.Something not said is in you—publish it!
Agapito, there still is worse behind.Something not said is in you—publish it!
Agapito, there still is worse behind.Something not said is in you—publish it!
Don Michelotto by the FlorentinesWith his whole troop is captured.
Don Michelotto by the FlorentinesWith his whole troop is captured.
Don Michelotto by the FlorentinesWith his whole troop is captured.
Michelotto!My curse on Florence! Messer MacchiavelliPromised safe-conduct to him ... and delayed,Playing me false.... What, Michelotto lost!All of my army, but these failing troopsCamped on this sultry marl. Revolted dogs,That fawned about my chase!... Agapito,Faithful, my pen, my representativeAs signature is of oneself, go yonder,Beside the cypress, gaze along the verge,Where the great plateaux bow down to its baseFrom the Tiber valley: see if the Lord VeraIs riding hitherWith news of our new Pontiff.My suspense—Forced by the Sacred College to withdraw,When ill almost to death, my troops and cannonTen miles away from Rome!Agapito!
Michelotto!My curse on Florence! Messer MacchiavelliPromised safe-conduct to him ... and delayed,Playing me false.... What, Michelotto lost!All of my army, but these failing troopsCamped on this sultry marl. Revolted dogs,That fawned about my chase!... Agapito,Faithful, my pen, my representativeAs signature is of oneself, go yonder,Beside the cypress, gaze along the verge,Where the great plateaux bow down to its baseFrom the Tiber valley: see if the Lord VeraIs riding hitherWith news of our new Pontiff.My suspense—Forced by the Sacred College to withdraw,When ill almost to death, my troops and cannonTen miles away from Rome!Agapito!
Michelotto!My curse on Florence! Messer MacchiavelliPromised safe-conduct to him ... and delayed,Playing me false.... What, Michelotto lost!All of my army, but these failing troopsCamped on this sultry marl. Revolted dogs,That fawned about my chase!... Agapito,Faithful, my pen, my representativeAs signature is of oneself, go yonder,Beside the cypress, gaze along the verge,Where the great plateaux bow down to its baseFrom the Tiber valley: see if the Lord VeraIs riding hitherWith news of our new Pontiff.My suspense—Forced by the Sacred College to withdraw,When ill almost to death, my troops and cannonTen miles away from Rome!Agapito!
[He lays his hand on hisSecretary’s.
[He lays his hand on hisSecretary’s.
[He lays his hand on hisSecretary’s.
—Hot?
—Hot?
—Hot?
[Kissing his hand.] Still the cruel sickness, empire’s canker?[Turning to the cypress-mound] I will look out.
[Kissing his hand.] Still the cruel sickness, empire’s canker?[Turning to the cypress-mound] I will look out.
[Kissing his hand.] Still the cruel sickness, empire’s canker?[Turning to the cypress-mound] I will look out.
[He stands by the trees. TheMutehalf-rears herself up, her face to the horizon.
[He stands by the trees. TheMutehalf-rears herself up, her face to the horizon.
[ToVanozza.] You gave meNo rights: then why not happy chance? Of chanceHas been my life, fortune my reeling glory.Why did you bear me under stars conspiredAgainst the hour when fortune was supremeFor gain or loss? I am a thing of hazard....You could not breed even luck in me, or give meThe moment that is power.
[ToVanozza.] You gave meNo rights: then why not happy chance? Of chanceHas been my life, fortune my reeling glory.Why did you bear me under stars conspiredAgainst the hour when fortune was supremeFor gain or loss? I am a thing of hazard....You could not breed even luck in me, or give meThe moment that is power.
[ToVanozza.] You gave meNo rights: then why not happy chance? Of chanceHas been my life, fortune my reeling glory.Why did you bear me under stars conspiredAgainst the hour when fortune was supremeFor gain or loss? I am a thing of hazard....You could not breed even luck in me, or give meThe moment that is power.
[Vanozzalooks at him a long time in silence: then she falls on her knees at his side, and presses her lips against the ruby ring on his thumb.
[Vanozzalooks at him a long time in silence: then she falls on her knees at his side, and presses her lips against the ruby ring on his thumb.
But I affirmYou are more wonderful than all the stars;You are immortal for great fame, for greaterThan I can give the wording of. I bore you—You are sacred, sacred. All the saints of heavenHold you in virtue! I had many dreamsWhen you were born. My Prince, though I could give youNo rights, and fortune is not in our handsTo give it where we love, I give you faith,A mother’s, simple as the faith I giveTo the High God—though He were poor, and nowhereHad place to lay His head.
But I affirmYou are more wonderful than all the stars;You are immortal for great fame, for greaterThan I can give the wording of. I bore you—You are sacred, sacred. All the saints of heavenHold you in virtue! I had many dreamsWhen you were born. My Prince, though I could give youNo rights, and fortune is not in our handsTo give it where we love, I give you faith,A mother’s, simple as the faith I giveTo the High God—though He were poor, and nowhereHad place to lay His head.
But I affirmYou are more wonderful than all the stars;You are immortal for great fame, for greaterThan I can give the wording of. I bore you—You are sacred, sacred. All the saints of heavenHold you in virtue! I had many dreamsWhen you were born. My Prince, though I could give youNo rights, and fortune is not in our handsTo give it where we love, I give you faith,A mother’s, simple as the faith I giveTo the High God—though He were poor, and nowhereHad place to lay His head.
No marvelMy father, God’s own Sovereign-Vicar, loved youFor over twenty years and with deep fire,As Jove loved mortals, as he took EuropaOn broad bull-shoulders, over many seas,To the quiet cave where she should bear a king.No marvel that this beauty,Proud even to rudeness in its provocation,Was as his hearth! Rodrigo Borgia’s sonAsks your forgiveness.
No marvelMy father, God’s own Sovereign-Vicar, loved youFor over twenty years and with deep fire,As Jove loved mortals, as he took EuropaOn broad bull-shoulders, over many seas,To the quiet cave where she should bear a king.No marvel that this beauty,Proud even to rudeness in its provocation,Was as his hearth! Rodrigo Borgia’s sonAsks your forgiveness.
No marvelMy father, God’s own Sovereign-Vicar, loved youFor over twenty years and with deep fire,As Jove loved mortals, as he took EuropaOn broad bull-shoulders, over many seas,To the quiet cave where she should bear a king.No marvel that this beauty,Proud even to rudeness in its provocation,Was as his hearth! Rodrigo Borgia’s sonAsks your forgiveness.
Excellence!... But loose me!Are you so strong?Your breath beats at the nostrils as his beat.Loose!... Let me meet Messer Agapito....
Excellence!... But loose me!Are you so strong?Your breath beats at the nostrils as his beat.Loose!... Let me meet Messer Agapito....
Excellence!... But loose me!Are you so strong?Your breath beats at the nostrils as his beat.Loose!... Let me meet Messer Agapito....
[TheMutehas pointed toward the horizon, touchingAgapito’ssleeve; he has watched intently for some time, and now advances.
[TheMutehas pointed toward the horizon, touchingAgapito’ssleeve; he has watched intently for some time, and now advances.
News, news, Signore!I did not tell you till these travellersWere at our very gates.
News, news, Signore!I did not tell you till these travellersWere at our very gates.
News, news, Signore!I did not tell you till these travellersWere at our very gates.
[Shivering.] The dew comes down.Mother, the cloak with ermine! [She goes out.
[Shivering.] The dew comes down.Mother, the cloak with ermine! [She goes out.
[Shivering.] The dew comes down.Mother, the cloak with ermine! [She goes out.
[TheMutecreeps under the bushes to the further side of the litter and takesCesare’shand that falls that way.
[TheMutecreeps under the bushes to the further side of the litter and takesCesare’shand that falls that way.
Lord Cardinal Giovanni Vera of Perugiaenters attended.
Della Rovere,Since you packed cards with him to save your Duchy,Vicariate and Gonfaloniership,Selling him all your Spanish votes, has triumphed,Yea, of your making, is Pope Julius now,Julius the Second.
Della Rovere,Since you packed cards with him to save your Duchy,Vicariate and Gonfaloniership,Selling him all your Spanish votes, has triumphed,Yea, of your making, is Pope Julius now,Julius the Second.
Della Rovere,Since you packed cards with him to save your Duchy,Vicariate and Gonfaloniership,Selling him all your Spanish votes, has triumphed,Yea, of your making, is Pope Julius now,Julius the Second.
Julius—CesarMust be allies.
Julius—CesarMust be allies.
Julius—CesarMust be allies.
I knelt down at his feet,I told his Holiness you lay in peril,Close on your death, and longed to die in Rome.
I knelt down at his feet,I told his Holiness you lay in peril,Close on your death, and longed to die in Rome.
I knelt down at his feet,I told his Holiness you lay in peril,Close on your death, and longed to die in Rome.
[With a laugh.] Well, he was touched?
[With a laugh.] Well, he was touched?
[With a laugh.] Well, he was touched?
He welcomes you,Gives you your old apartments in the Palace,And only dwarfs your escort to a hundredAnd fifty men.
He welcomes you,Gives you your old apartments in the Palace,And only dwarfs your escort to a hundredAnd fifty men.
He welcomes you,Gives you your old apartments in the Palace,And only dwarfs your escort to a hundredAnd fifty men.
[TouchingVera’swrist.] Lord Vera,He told me, in hot pleading of his cause,Perchance I was his son. Conceive it, Vera—Twice of St. Peter’s line! We are complaisant,For we can take all glory at its worth.
[TouchingVera’swrist.] Lord Vera,He told me, in hot pleading of his cause,Perchance I was his son. Conceive it, Vera—Twice of St. Peter’s line! We are complaisant,For we can take all glory at its worth.
[TouchingVera’swrist.] Lord Vera,He told me, in hot pleading of his cause,Perchance I was his son. Conceive it, Vera—Twice of St. Peter’s line! We are complaisant,For we can take all glory at its worth.
[Madonna de’ Cataneireturns with the cloak of crimson and ermine. She and theMutewrap it roundCesare’sshoulders.
[Madonna de’ Cataneireturns with the cloak of crimson and ermine. She and theMutewrap it roundCesare’sshoulders.
O mother, hear! [Breaking into merry laughter.The Vatican receives us as before;The Vatican! [Vanozzabrushes tears from her eyes.And shortlyWe shall recover all our own again,Rimini, Piombino, Imola,The duchies and the principalities.Even now each fortress in Romagna keepsAs a locked coffer proof against our foes.The Vatican! The Stanze!The Gonfalon! We hold our very course.
O mother, hear! [Breaking into merry laughter.The Vatican receives us as before;The Vatican! [Vanozzabrushes tears from her eyes.And shortlyWe shall recover all our own again,Rimini, Piombino, Imola,The duchies and the principalities.Even now each fortress in Romagna keepsAs a locked coffer proof against our foes.The Vatican! The Stanze!The Gonfalon! We hold our very course.
O mother, hear! [Breaking into merry laughter.The Vatican receives us as before;The Vatican! [Vanozzabrushes tears from her eyes.And shortlyWe shall recover all our own again,Rimini, Piombino, Imola,The duchies and the principalities.Even now each fortress in Romagna keepsAs a locked coffer proof against our foes.The Vatican! The Stanze!The Gonfalon! We hold our very course.
The Papagallo in the Borgia Apartments.TheLord Julius II.meetingDon Garcilaso de la Vega,Spanish Ambassador.
The Papagallo in the Borgia Apartments.
TheLord Julius II.meetingDon Garcilaso de la Vega,Spanish Ambassador.
No, Don Garcilaso, I am resolved.Here you will be received no more. Look round,And bid farewell;For in these tainted rooms I will not live:The reek of blood, the breath of heathendomHang on them, and old perfumes of old orgiesFloat, if one wrings the velvets. Antichrist!Marranô! Devil!His whelp, this Valentino—sorry schemer—Is caged, but onlyBy promises of freedom can we wrenchThe castles of the Holy Church awayFrom the hooked talons. Mark me!Never must Valentino slip us, neverMust he have range.... Jove placed all Ætna overThe lawless powers of Earth ... I pass him onTo Naples, to Gonsalvo, when he yieldsHis castles up, as hostage that they yield:But, since your lord King Ferdinand, nor I,Nor true Gonsalvo can break word of faith,Not even to Perfidy’s own Sovereign Prince,Persuade your lord the king, and from my lips,To have this murderer of his brother seizedAt instance of the Duke of Gandia’s widow,Then shipped to Spain, to the Hesperides,And to his last accompt.
No, Don Garcilaso, I am resolved.Here you will be received no more. Look round,And bid farewell;For in these tainted rooms I will not live:The reek of blood, the breath of heathendomHang on them, and old perfumes of old orgiesFloat, if one wrings the velvets. Antichrist!Marranô! Devil!His whelp, this Valentino—sorry schemer—Is caged, but onlyBy promises of freedom can we wrenchThe castles of the Holy Church awayFrom the hooked talons. Mark me!Never must Valentino slip us, neverMust he have range.... Jove placed all Ætna overThe lawless powers of Earth ... I pass him onTo Naples, to Gonsalvo, when he yieldsHis castles up, as hostage that they yield:But, since your lord King Ferdinand, nor I,Nor true Gonsalvo can break word of faith,Not even to Perfidy’s own Sovereign Prince,Persuade your lord the king, and from my lips,To have this murderer of his brother seizedAt instance of the Duke of Gandia’s widow,Then shipped to Spain, to the Hesperides,And to his last accompt.
No, Don Garcilaso, I am resolved.Here you will be received no more. Look round,And bid farewell;For in these tainted rooms I will not live:The reek of blood, the breath of heathendomHang on them, and old perfumes of old orgiesFloat, if one wrings the velvets. Antichrist!Marranô! Devil!His whelp, this Valentino—sorry schemer—Is caged, but onlyBy promises of freedom can we wrenchThe castles of the Holy Church awayFrom the hooked talons. Mark me!Never must Valentino slip us, neverMust he have range.... Jove placed all Ætna overThe lawless powers of Earth ... I pass him onTo Naples, to Gonsalvo, when he yieldsHis castles up, as hostage that they yield:But, since your lord King Ferdinand, nor I,Nor true Gonsalvo can break word of faith,Not even to Perfidy’s own Sovereign Prince,Persuade your lord the king, and from my lips,To have this murderer of his brother seizedAt instance of the Duke of Gandia’s widow,Then shipped to Spain, to the Hesperides,And to his last accompt.
LaudabilisPerfidia!... On my faith!The Carthaginian faith—yet I applaud.[Meditating.] Arrested for the murder of his brother,So old a sin, and blotted out so clearBy fresher stains....
LaudabilisPerfidia!... On my faith!The Carthaginian faith—yet I applaud.[Meditating.] Arrested for the murder of his brother,So old a sin, and blotted out so clearBy fresher stains....
LaudabilisPerfidia!... On my faith!The Carthaginian faith—yet I applaud.[Meditating.] Arrested for the murder of his brother,So old a sin, and blotted out so clearBy fresher stains....
[Pointing to a picture byPintoricchioon an easel.
[Pointing to a picture byPintoricchioon an easel.
[Pointing to a picture byPintoricchioon an easel.
Behold the family—I will erase these images, these vile,Contaminating forms: posterityShall have no pleasure of these mingled snakes;For one by one these chambers shall be sealedIn their pollution, as a sepulchre.
Behold the family—I will erase these images, these vile,Contaminating forms: posterityShall have no pleasure of these mingled snakes;For one by one these chambers shall be sealedIn their pollution, as a sepulchre.
Behold the family—I will erase these images, these vile,Contaminating forms: posterityShall have no pleasure of these mingled snakes;For one by one these chambers shall be sealedIn their pollution, as a sepulchre.
Good, good! You will erase their pictures—good!But the arch-hypocrite himself, this flowerOf the fiend-brood, can you erase him?
Good, good! You will erase their pictures—good!But the arch-hypocrite himself, this flowerOf the fiend-brood, can you erase him?
Good, good! You will erase their pictures—good!But the arch-hypocrite himself, this flowerOf the fiend-brood, can you erase him?
Wait!
Wait!
Wait!
[They part, and thePopepasses on to the Borgia Tower. ThePapal Guardmarches in and files behind him.
[They part, and thePopepasses on to the Borgia Tower. ThePapal Guardmarches in and files behind him.
The Borgia Tower in the Vatican.Duke Cesare de Valentinois della Romagnais facing theLord Julius II.In the prison with him areMonsignore Gaspare Torella,Messer Agapito da Amalia,theLord Cardinal Giovanni Vera of San Balbine,and some Spanish Cardinals.
The Borgia Tower in the Vatican.
Duke Cesare de Valentinois della Romagnais facing theLord Julius II.
In the prison with him areMonsignore Gaspare Torella,Messer Agapito da Amalia,theLord Cardinal Giovanni Vera of San Balbine,and some Spanish Cardinals.
Your Castellan has hanged my messenger.
Your Castellan has hanged my messenger.
Your Castellan has hanged my messenger.
Faithful!
Faithful!
Faithful!
You promisedCesena should surrender.
You promisedCesena should surrender.
You promisedCesena should surrender.
Ha, it knowsThe false word of command; it will not answerIts lord in treason to himself, controlledBy force and the malignity of Fate.
Ha, it knowsThe false word of command; it will not answerIts lord in treason to himself, controlledBy force and the malignity of Fate.
Ha, it knowsThe false word of command; it will not answerIts lord in treason to himself, controlledBy force and the malignity of Fate.
Spawn of a harlot, if you brave the Church,Reserving her possessions, you descendInto the Mola’s deepest cells to perishOf darkness and the phantoms through the darkYour serpent eyes will follow. This same hourYou will descend in night unless you renderThe watchword of your castles. Render it!
Spawn of a harlot, if you brave the Church,Reserving her possessions, you descendInto the Mola’s deepest cells to perishOf darkness and the phantoms through the darkYour serpent eyes will follow. This same hourYou will descend in night unless you renderThe watchword of your castles. Render it!
Spawn of a harlot, if you brave the Church,Reserving her possessions, you descendInto the Mola’s deepest cells to perishOf darkness and the phantoms through the darkYour serpent eyes will follow. This same hourYou will descend in night unless you renderThe watchword of your castles. Render it!
[Retreating as if from a blow.
[Retreating as if from a blow.
[Retreating as if from a blow.
Your promise! You instated me; I gave youMy Spanish votes for the VicariateOf my Romagnole cities. I am stillYour Gonfalonier; and you press me thus ...Fool, I believed your pledge!
Your promise! You instated me; I gave youMy Spanish votes for the VicariateOf my Romagnole cities. I am stillYour Gonfalonier; and you press me thus ...Fool, I believed your pledge!
Your promise! You instated me; I gave youMy Spanish votes for the VicariateOf my Romagnole cities. I am stillYour Gonfalonier; and you press me thus ...Fool, I believed your pledge!
—To handOur Papal fiefs and lordships to the Wolf?We gave you but your own and your own life.Cur of the Devil!And you can speak of oath or pledge! How simpleSuch plea from you! Could Sinigaglia hear!I’ll not be tricked. Dog in a doublet, villain!Unbosom!
—To handOur Papal fiefs and lordships to the Wolf?We gave you but your own and your own life.Cur of the Devil!And you can speak of oath or pledge! How simpleSuch plea from you! Could Sinigaglia hear!I’ll not be tricked. Dog in a doublet, villain!Unbosom!
—To handOur Papal fiefs and lordships to the Wolf?We gave you but your own and your own life.Cur of the Devil!And you can speak of oath or pledge! How simpleSuch plea from you! Could Sinigaglia hear!I’ll not be tricked. Dog in a doublet, villain!Unbosom!
[He strikes his staff on the ground and graspsCesare’svest.
[He strikes his staff on the ground and graspsCesare’svest.
[Suddenly slipping down toJulius’feet.
[Suddenly slipping down toJulius’feet.
[Suddenly slipping down toJulius’feet.
Holiness,Secure your castles from the grasp of Venice!While they are ruled by me, impregnableThey stand about the country; they remainThe castles of the Church. But publish meA traitor to these walls my sword has won,The strongholds lapse to Venice. For a PopeI won them, let me hold them for a Pope—
Holiness,Secure your castles from the grasp of Venice!While they are ruled by me, impregnableThey stand about the country; they remainThe castles of the Church. But publish meA traitor to these walls my sword has won,The strongholds lapse to Venice. For a PopeI won them, let me hold them for a Pope—
Holiness,Secure your castles from the grasp of Venice!While they are ruled by me, impregnableThey stand about the country; they remainThe castles of the Church. But publish meA traitor to these walls my sword has won,The strongholds lapse to Venice. For a PopeI won them, let me hold them for a Pope—
[With a faint smile.
[With a faint smile.
[With a faint smile.
Under the shadow of your wings.
Under the shadow of your wings.
Under the shadow of your wings.
The watchword!
The watchword!
The watchword!
Let me hold them in their strengthFor Rome, the Church!
Let me hold them in their strengthFor Rome, the Church!
Let me hold them in their strengthFor Rome, the Church!