Act 3 — SCENE V.
Reading edition
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.