LUCREZIA.
Mother, but you were happy
When Cesar and Giovanni supped together?
VANOZZA.
I never saw them both more gay or fair;
They plagued each other like two golden lances
Crossed in the sunshine at a tournament—
And so till Cesare had warned the hour.
LUCREZIA.
We must cling to him.
VANOZZA.
Can I give a thought
To any but my lost, my lost Giovanni,
My all but God—and to my God? Lucrece
Turns with her mother to His Throne of Mercy?
O Child! [Her cry echoes one from the Pope.
ALEXANDER.
Hush, hush!... It is incredible.
The horror swallows me. Hush, hush!
Laid over
The white horse!...