Borgia A Period Play |
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| 5. | SCENE V |
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 | Borgia |  |
122
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.
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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
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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.
| Borgia | |