But this is perfect faith, a miracle.
My hands are coarse and hard and only striped
Where I have touched the oxen’s leather thongs.
She does not ask for any history,
Or trouble me to hope.
[Lucrezia opens her eyes and smiles.
You smile: you have had dreams?
LUCREZIA.
[Rising.] No: I have rested, I have been asleep.
I am governor
Of this drear Nepi. Where you have found peace,
None shall disturb you; none shall take away
This peace, or question. I am Governor.
[She embraces Suor Lucia, and, still smiling, passes out.
SCENE VI
A room in the Castle of Nepi.
In front is a fireplace, flanked by two chests bearing the monograms of Don Alfonso and Donna Lucrezia. To the right is a narrow window beaten with rain. To the left, in a dark corner of the apartment, Donna Lucrezia’s Secretary Messer Cristofero stands by his desk before a pile of papers and documents. Don Federico Altieri, a young Roman gentleman of the Princess’s escort, leans against the desk.