SCENE V

_The Castle of the_ ESTE _at Ferrara: the_ DUCHESS’S _bed-chamber. A group of_ MONKS _in the background are holding the parchment of_ DONNA LUCREZIA BORGIA D’ESTE’S _will_.

DON ALFONSO D’ESTE _is seeking to restrain his father, who is making frantic gestures of despair. In the midst of the chamber_ DONNA LUCREZIA _is extended on a litter-bed_.

_Two_ DOCTORS _are anxiously bending over her with appliances for bleeding. One of them uncovers her foot, looks at the patient, then shakes his head despairingly._

DUKE CESARE DE VALENTINOIS DELLA ROMAGNA _stands a little apart, beside the couch_.

CESARE.

I shall visit thee again: for that revive! Open thy eyes, Lucrece. ... Not dare to bleed her! Give me the little foot.... No sobs, Alfonso, For I must have the surety of a smile. Listen, Lucrece--

[_To one of the_ DOCTORS, _who deprecates speech_.

This child is my chief captain, We must confer. Keep quiet to your work.

[_The_ DOCTORS _operate_.

[_To_ LUCRECE.] But if you cannot listen, then remember! What was my last assault?

LUCREZIA.

On Camerino.... Straightway I took a little strength ... the letter--

[_She makes a movement towards her pillow._

CESARE.

You do not stir!

LUCREZIA.

An iron-grip, and yet I do not cry for mercy: it supports.

CESARE.

The need is past--and but for mastery I keep my hold. I shall visit thee again; But ere I can make speed I promise thee Such tidings--!

LUCREZIA.

I am dizzy.

CESARE.

No, Lucrece, You are not dizzy: for I promise you, If you will pledge me to remain alive, That I will vanquish all my enemies. But I must have the oath.

LUCREZIA.

A prayer--

CESARE.

The oath

LUCREZIA.

I cannot, death is on me.... Oh, I faint.... [_The_ DOCTORS _press round_.] A cordial....

CESARE.

No, a treaty!

[_He lays the foot tenderly down and comes up close to_ LUCREZIA’S _ear_.

All my foes-- You can lay them in the hollow of my hand; Or, perishing, you can put out the fires.... And all the engines of my brain extinct!

LUCREZIA.

What plots? What would you do?

CESARE.

[_Bending over her._] I would fill all your cup.

[_In response to a movement from_ LUCREZIA, CESARE _stoops down and kisses her. Then, as he raises himself, he turns to_ DON ALFONSO.

The danger is quite passed: let us give thanks.

[_He folds_ LUCREZIA’S _hands for prayer_.

LUCREZIA.

[_Raising herself._] The danger is quite passed, and I shall live.