[With another deep reverence]. Your Holiness,
How can I thank you for the benefits
That even in absence weighed me with the blessing.
Of your great recollection.
ALEXANDER.
No, my son, the Church
Would give you thanks upon my lips for service
Of princely measure—service....
[As Cesare bends to kiss the Pope’s foot, Alexander, with a passionate gesture, catches him in his arms.
Cesare!
My son! Superb this beauty! Home at last,
Son of my bowels!
CESARE.
Holiness, your captain,
Your servant, and your creature.
ALEXANDER.
[Close to his ear.] No, no, no, my son
By nature, my dear flesh, my very substance
Gone out to victory! Rise! Rise! We must not
Beggar all welcomes other than our own.
Donna Lucrezia—see!... Children!
[Prince Alfonso has come to her and holds her by the hand.