ENVOY.

The handsomest youth of Naples.

ALEXANDER.

There, my girl!
So end your troubles! ’Tis a swelling shoot,—
This bridegroom.

LUCREZIA.

May Madonna prosper me!

ALEXANDER.

[Crossing himself.] The glorious Virgin—to that prayer, Amen!

[To the Envoy.] Our daughter bent obedient to our will
Her idle marriage should be set aside,
By mercy flawless and canonical,
With modesty’s reluctance: she will bless
Our older wisdom in Alfonso’s arms.
No clouding, Pearl!
We can but laugh exultantly to open
Our treasury and find, as in a case,
Two perfect jewels of Pandora’s kind.

LUCREZIA.