SCENE V.

SUOR LUCIA _in a cave beneath the heights of Nepi. She is dressed as a penitent: before her is a crucifix._

SUOR LUCIA.

I would that I had kept it in my heart, Even as that other secret. Christ’s dear wounds Printed on me! And now the multitude Would see the trace and crowd up to my cavern, I do not want the impress any more: I do not want the crowd, Nor anything to happen any more.

[DONNA LUCREZIA BORGIA D’ARAGON _enters and bows low before her. She rises and makes salutation_.

Most noble princess, I pray you, by your sorrows, let me be. I have no signs to show you.

LUCREZIA.

Let me lay My hands against your hands.

SUOR LUCIA.

[_Astonished._] Then you believe?

LUCREZIA.

And you will pray for me?

SUOR LUCIA.

The stigmata-- Would you receive them?

LUCREZIA.

I am with the lost. Give me these hands, And let me stroke them up and down. This land Of the Dies Irae, O this bitter land! The hills Heavy with crusted blood, the streams that hiss So low, as if from pits of hell--this land!

SUOR LUCIA.

[_Slowly watching her._] You would win pardon? Do not be afraid.... The Lord was there; In purple and in darkness.

LUCREZIA.

Oh, I would feel the wounds!

[_As kneeling_, LUCREZIA _rests her head against_ SUOR LUCIA, _a profound peace settles on her, and she falls asleep_.

SUOR LUCIA.

But this is perfect faith, a miracle. My hands are coarse and hard and only striped Where I have touched the oxen’s leather thongs. She does not ask for any history, Or trouble me to hope.

[LUCREZIA _opens her eyes and smiles_.

You smile: you have had dreams?

LUCREZIA.

[_Rising._] No: I have rested, I have been asleep. I am governor Of this drear Nepi. Where you have found peace, None shall disturb you; none shall take away This peace, or question. I am Governor.

[_She embraces_ SUOR LUCIA, _and, still smiling, passes out_.