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As when you wept at Pesaro. Your Prince

Consents! Alfonso is of lusty frame—

Good face and eyes.... I speak him as he is?

The handsomest youth of Naples.

There, my girl!

So end your troubles! ’Tis a swelling shoot,—

This bridegroom.

May Madonna prosper me!

[Crossing himself.] The glorious Virgin—to that prayer, Amen!

[To the Envoy.] Our daughter bent obedient to our will Her idle marriage should be set aside, By mercy flawless and canonical, With modesty’s reluctance: she will bless Our older wisdom in Alfonso’s arms. No clouding, Pearl! We can but laugh exultantly to open Our treasury and find, as in a case, Two perfect jewels of Pandora’s kind.

[In a whisper to the Pope.] The orator will disesteem me thus, In spreading hair and schiavonetto.

Never

Will any man but worship loveliness

Wrapt loosely and dishevelled.

Charm, my fair ones, charm

Is simple in ascendency.

Re-enter Monsignore Gaspare Poto.

Madonna

Vanozza de’ Catanei bids me say