My hope!
ALEXANDER.
And now the pearls!
Open, Lord Casanova.
[The treasurer unfolds the door and discovers Donna Giulia Farnese and Donna Lucrezia Borgia in Neapolitan dressing-gowns of white silk, their golden hair untressed, choosing jewels for their nets.
Indiscreet?
Laugh, ladies—do not blush. A pair of swans!
[Taking Giulia’s wrist.] No, no, Madonna—no,
My Giulia—not the ruby! You must match
Your lovely eyelets with the diamond.
GIULIA.
Always
The diamond, Holiness.