will proclaim the truth aloud. I will give up a name that is not mine, as well as an appropriated fortune. That is what I have decided to do.
Juana. Christ above!
Don Lorenzo. And then along with Ángela and my poor child I will join you.
Juana. You, poor and dishonoured, with only a stained and contemptible name! And why? Wherefore? What compels you? Speak, my son. My wits forsake me. What forces you to it?
Don Lorenzo. Conscience, mother, and your misdoing.
Juana. You intend to tell the truth?
Don Lorenzo. [Angrily.] Why did you ever tell it to me? If I had known nothing about it I should not now be obliged to break my daughter's heart.
Juana. Why? And you can ask me that? You don't understand? Oh, ungrateful son! [Hides her face in her hands and sobs bitterly.]
Don Lorenzo. Mother!
Juana. Because I was dying, because I am dying—and I wanted you to know all that I had sacrificed for your sake before I went. And because I wished to hear you call me mother at least once. For that, and for no other reason. Because the heart within me rose to my throat and nearly choked me, till at last I could no longer command myself, and had to call you son.
Don Lorenzo. I understand, mother, and do not blame you.
Juana. But you will not do as you have just threatened? Say you will not. It would be infamous to your family and most cruel to me.
Don Lorenzo. Cruel, yes, but not infamous. With this cruelty shall I wipe out all infamy.
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