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[Lucrezia remains before him silent, with open mouth.

A little devil, circumspect,

When I would have rank truth.

[To the Cardinals.] Are these my children? Oh, but I spare them ... we must spare our bastards, It says in Holy Writ. [He goes towards the further window.

[In a whisper to Adriana.] Giovanni.... Yes.... He is very rash and very quick to wrath, Yet dear in his quick temper. I have seen him Too little since he came from Spain. Pray God I may look on him again!

[From the back.] Joffré, you stand Like a fixed statue draughty in a niche: I do not pin you there. Go all of you! Go hence! Sancia, I am ashamed that you should sit Weeping what is not of your blood. Get up! Out of my presence! You all stand and gaze As at a play—perhaps a comedy.

[Joffré and Sancia go out.

[To Lucrezia.] And you—unnatural, go hence!

[Adriana makes a gesture of appeal: Alexander waves his hand wrathfully. As the women go out, an usher meets them, closely followed by Madonna de’ Catanei.