CESARE.
It hurts? Lucrece, I rule at Pesaro.
LUCREZIA.
Well, dear, you need not look so venomous.
You rule—where is it that you do not rule?
[The cannon of Sant’ Angelo boom and the bells ring. Lucrezia and Cesare lean over the parapet together; he gently pushes back the straw brim round her forehead and kisses her many times; then he quickly descends.
SCENE II
The Vatican: Sala dei Pontifici.
A brilliant assembly. The Pope is enthroned: in front of him is a table on which is set a great jewel-case. To the left are the Cardinals; to the right Duke Cesare de Valentinois della Romagna, in cloth of gold and pearls. Before the table Donna Lucrezia Borgia d’Aragon, in cloth of gold and pearls, a black ribbon confining her hair, receives the nuptial ring of Don Alfonso d’Este from the hands of his brother the Lord Cardinal Ippolito d’Este.
IPPOLITO.
With all his heart the illustrious Don Alfonso
Sends by my hand this ring.