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ENVOY.
My hope!
ALEXANDER.
And now the pearls!
Open, Lord Casanova.
[The treasurer unfolds the door and discovers Donna Giulia Farnese and Donna Lucrezia Borgia in Neapolitan dressing-gowns of white silk, their golden hair untressed, choosing jewels for their nets.
Indiscreet?
Laugh, ladies—do not blush. A pair of swans!
[Taking Giulia’s wrist.] No, no, Madonna—no, My Giulia—not the ruby! You must match Your lovely eyelets with the diamond.
GIULIA.
Always
The diamond, Holiness.
ALEXANDER.
You shine, you shine!
Lucrece, my softer radiance—what, my Pearl? [He kisses her. Draw out the heavy coffer, Lord Casanova. Open it! The sight Grows slippery on these burnished domes! There, there—ah, there Is patrimony....
ENVOY.
Wondrous!
ALEXANDER.
Tell your master.
[His arm round his daughter.] Lucrece, the King of Naples sends his nephew To cheer your maiden widowhood. Next month You will be bride and wife.
LUCREZIA.
So soon!
ALEXANDER.
Santi! she quarrels
In maidenwise with time! You shall not leave me,