Part 12 (1/2)

_Rizzio._ Or wrapped in lies is hidden here for her?

By the very G.o.d of the world, I say---- (_With restraint._) But ... no!

_Aloysius._ And ”no” until you trust it! For her fate Is not as you suppose.

_Rizzio._ Nor his? Nor he!

This bigot whose religion's lechery?

This monk to whom licentiousness is G.o.d?

This monster I illimitably loathe?

[_Searching as he speaks._

I say that he is here; that I will find him; That, I have tracked him to you, and ... (_suddenly_) Aha!

[_Discovers Matteo under image._

Aha! from Naples he is gone? from Naples?

[_Drawing Matteo forth._

But leaves his shadow here?

_Matteo_ (_terrified_). Signor! Signor!

[_Cringes._

_Rizzio._ From Naples he is sped, but at the feet Of the Virgin he adores drops this devotion?

[_Slowly, terribly._

Unpitiable toad--of filth begotten!

Pander who should go down into the Pit And be the go-between of burning l.u.s.ts, Where lurks he?

_Matteo._ Signor! (_chokes_) Signor! I will show.

You shall have all; but let me live, Signor.

I have a father crippled who would starve But for the gold I get....

And she, Signora Porzia's innocent.

_Rizzio._ And virgin too! with that obliteration You'll clothe her! Heaven's Queen, do I not know What Nature and conception are!

_Aloysius_ (_trembling_). Ai, so!

And of them there is no denial here.

That she has given birth, herself has told you, Herself.... The child _was_ hers, but----

_Rizzio._ Born of miracles And of imaginations and of dreams?

Is this Judea And a day divine, Not Italy and unregeneration, Where G.o.d deputes the world to Borgias?

The father of it was he--he and no other!

_Aloysius._ But in her innocence she--