Chapter 28Torre del Lago, 1919–1924
I am not cruel, as they say, but shun the yoke of man’s despotic sway. In virgin freedom would I live and die…Shall I, the daughter of an emperor, not have that birthright which belongs to all? Be slave to brutish force that makes your s*x our lord?…
If nature dowered me with beauteous treasure, you tyrants think t’was all to serve your pleasure. Why should my person, throne, and wealth be booty to one harsh, jealous master? No, all beauty is heaven’s gift and, like the sun, should shine to gladden earth’s children, and their souls refine. I hate proud man and would like to make him feel he may not crush free woman ‘neath his heel.
Giacomo Puccini was dosing by the Tyrrhenian Sea near his villa in Torre del Lago as he read these words from Friedrich S
