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God’s breath,

His mother!

[The usher speaks to Lucrezia. Lucrezia puts her arms round her mother’s neck.

We are here in privacy.

To Cardinal Borgia.] Bring her in hither to me.

[Vanozza, holding Lucrezia’s hand, is conducted to the Pope. She falls at his feet: he raises her.

O Vanozza,

Poor heart!

My Lord, your Holiness, I came—

Forgive me.

Nay! [He falls sobbing on her shoulder. We mourn together. Where we had a son For eyes’ delight, there is nothing. [Soothing and patting Vanozza.] 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.

Good son and enviable righteousness

To kiss this face in filial piety.

There, there, you must forget him!

[Gaspare Poto approaches.