Alas, my son!

CAESAR

Alas, my mother, sounds no sense for men -
Rings but reverberate folly, whence resounds
Returning laughter. Weep or smile on me,
Thy sunshine or thy rainbow softens not
The mortal earth wherein thou hast clad me. Nay,
But rather would I see thee smile than weep,
Mother. Thou art lovelier, smiling.

VANNOZZA

What is this
Thou hast at heart to do? God's judgment hangs
Above us. I that girdled thee in me
As Mary girdled Jesus yet unborn
- Thou dost believe it? A creedless heretic
Thou art not?

CAESAR

I? God's vicar's child?

VANNOZZA

Be God
Praised! I, then, I, thy mother, bid thee, pray,