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Can I give a thought

To any but my lost, my lost Giovanni,

My all but God—and to my God? Lucrece

Turns with her mother to His Throne of Mercy?

O Child! [Her cry echoes one from the Pope.

Hush, hush!... It is incredible.

The horror swallows me. Hush, hush!

Laid over

The 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.

[Exeunt Vanozza and Lucrezia.

Good Adriana, follow them.

And you, Rodrigo?

Follow them. [Exit Adriana.

Sancta Dei Genetrix, Turris Davidica, Refugium Peccatorum, Virgo clemens!—

[Returning.] What is this, Francesco, He tells you further? Nay, You will not broach the facts? He saw these men Creep back and other two come stealing downward, And the white horse—and what it bore.

[To Cardinal Segovia.] Your arm!

Spare yourself, Holiness.

I told the Inquisitors

All as it happened.

Tell me.