The Borgias, Season One

Ursula Bonadeo:
I asked to meet you here, because... my husband has been found. (Cesare looks at her, then away) Washed up, on the shores of the Tiber- three weeks dead, with stab wounds to his neck. (pause, her voice shaking) For those three weeks, I -gave my body to you. I broke my marriage vows.

Cesare Borgia:
I thought... perhaps I hoped- you did so willingly-

Ursula Bonadeo:
You bought those three weeks with murder! (tearfully) I told you he was riding on the road to Ostia that night. (pulls the veil off her face and stares at him) Admit it, Cardinal!

Cesare Borgia:
I admit nothing.

Ursula Bonadeo:
Yet the crime is written on your face!

Cesare Borgia:
(finally meets her eyes) There was no murder. He fought, he lost! (Ursula claps her hand to her mouth in horror)

Ursula Bonadeo:
(tearfully) I begged you not to meet him!

Cesare Borgia:
You begged me not to place myself in harm's way.

Ursula Bonadeo:
I had no idea you had such capabilities!

Cesare Borgia:
(turns away) And to think, I thought you knew me.

Ursula Bonadeo:
I thought I knew a man! A man conflicted, perhaps, between the world and God, but not a murderer!

Cesare Borgia:
(voice shaking) Is it murder to defend your mother's honor? To procure the freedom of one you could love? (Ursula gives a sarcastic laugh through her tears) Even more than your mother's honor. (stares at her) If it is, I am a murderer born.

Ursula Bonadeo:
Maybe God can forgive you, because I'm not sure if I can.

Cesare Borgia:
You think I care for the forgiveness of God?! (pause) I care for your happiness, your future... and I have now given it to you. Liberame, you asked me-

Ursula Bonadeo:
You have not given me a future! You have given me a lifelong penance! I am party to your crime! (pause, more quietly) I feel for you, still... but I know not this monster beside me. (she starts to rise, but Cesare grabs her arm and pulls her back, scaring her)

Cesare Borgia:
Well, let me tell you. (pause) I was born... with a stain. A mark. Like the mark of Cain. It is the mark of my father, of my family... the mark of Borgia. (pause) I've tried, to be other than I am... and I have failed. (voice breaks) If I have failed you in the process, I am truly sorry. (rests his forehead against hers)

Ursula Bonadeo:
You... you have the Devil's insight, Cardinal. You read what my heart wanted, and you gave it to me. You gave me... joy. Through a crime, I could not have conceived. (pause) And now, I must live my life in penance, praying for forgiveness.

Cesare Borgia:
Where?

Ursula Bonadeo:
... You will not know where. (stands up and walks away, Cesare stands behind her)

Cesare Borgia:
You mean a nunnery?

Ursula Bonadeo:
I mean confinement.

Cesare Borgia:
(voice shaking) I will search you out! Like Abalard and Eloise. You may find a nunnery cell, but you will never be free of me!

Ursula Bonadeo:
(smiles grimly) You are right. I will never be free of you.