No One Has Ever Loved Me

[GIORGIO, spoken]
The letter from Clara...

[FOSCA, spoken]
Yes?

[GIORGIO, spoken]
It's over. Finished.

[FOSCA, spoken]
I'm sorry.

[GIORGIO, spoken]
Sorry? I would have thought that you would be pleased.

[FOSCA, spoken]
I don't wish to see you sad.

[GIORGIO, spoken]
I feel so much... but I'm not really sad,,,

[FOSCA, spoken]
I thought you loved Clara?

[GIORGIO, spoken]
I did love Clara. I did, but...

(sung)
No one has ever loved me
As deeply as you
No one has truly loved me
As you have, Fosca

Love without reason
Love without mercy
Love without pride or shame
Love unconcerned
With being returned—
No wisdom, no judgment
No caution, no blame

No one has ever known me
As clearly as you
No one has ever shown me
What love could be like until now

Not pretty or safe or easy
But more than I ever knew
Love within reason—that isn't love
And I've learned that from you...

(spoken)
Are you cold?

[FOSCA, spoken]
No, I'm afraid.

[GIORGIO, spoken]
Of what?

[FOSCA]
All this happiness
Coming when there's so little time
Too much happiness
More than I can bear

(spoken)
You do love me, don't you?

[GIORGIO, spoken]
Yes, I love you.

[FOSCA, spoken]
Say it again.

[GIORGIO, spoken]
I love you.

Be calm, strong. I am yours.

[FOSCA begins to lead GIORGIO towards the bed but he resists. They kiss. FOSCA becomes weak, and GIORGIO lifts her and carries her to the bed where he gently puts her down. GIORGIO stares at FOSCA momentarily; her strength returns and she pulls him onto the bed as the music swells and the lights fade.]