Читать книгу Borgia - Michael Field E. - Страница 61

His body!

When last I saw the boy

He shook his golden poll with merriment

That I received his Spanish mistress here,

A most devout and humble Catholic,

With eyes dark wells for Cupid’s thirst. He laughed,

Till all the room was sunbeams from his mirth.

Donna Adriana Orsini enters, supporting Donna Lucrezia Borgia. They are deeply veiled.

If God

Turn such a thing as that to carrion—then

I shall curse God. [He makes a gesture of imprecation. [Turning to Lucrezia.] Well, wanton, you look white! What comfort have you? Would you be a nun That you crept to San Sisto from your palace Soon as you heard? Is not this missing boy Your brother? You would steal from any noise. The tumult of the people and its rage Is round Giovanni’s name; but yesterday The bruit of the town was of Lucrezia. If any, you should suffer from men’s tongues, And you refuse to suffer. All reproaches Drive you more dumb. But now you shall not cloak This mystery as if it were a relic. You have been with the boy: you know Where he loved, where he was hated. All our loves And hates are in your hands. You have grown more blind Than any woman ever made herself That she might see in the dark. Give up your witness.

[Lucrezia remains before him silent, with open mouth.

A little devil, circumspect,

When I would have rank truth.

[To the Cardinals.] Are these my children? Oh, but I spare them ... we must spare our bastards, It says in Holy Writ. [He goes towards the further window.