To Cardinal Borgia.] Bring her in hither to me.
[Vanozza, holding Lucrezia’s hand, is conducted to the Pope. She falls at his feet: he raises her.
O Vanozza,
Poor heart!
VANOZZA.
My Lord, your Holiness, I came—
Forgive me.
ALEXANDER.
Nay! [He falls sobbing on her shoulder.
We mourn together. Where we had a son
For eyes’ delight, there is nothing.
[Soothing and patting Vanozza.] Hush, you must not!
Little beloved, you suckled him. You must not!
Go home; pray to Madonna.—She will hear.
And let me see your face.
[Drawing her veil.] It is the same;
As honest and as good.
[He holds her face in his hands.
VANOZZA.
I have good children.
I am so richly blessed ... and this dear boy,
A Prince from Spain, came back again and kissed me.