The Borgias, Season Two

Cesare Borgia:
(on Francesco Gonzaga, Duke of Mantua) He talks of honor, Father. There is nothing-

Rodrigo Borgia/Alexander VI:
Interesting concept, honor, isn't it? It's like its' cousin, valor.

Cesare Borgia:
(sarcastically) Honor has cousins?

Rodrigo Borgia/Alexander VI:
Oh, it has many cousins.

Cesare Borgia:
Rather like Cardinal Sforza.

Rodrigo Borgia/Alexander VI:
(nods) And, they've all led Kings and armies to their doom.

Cesare Borgia:
So, why should we now make common cause with Milan?

Rodrigo Borgia/Alexander VI:
Because, when the French have left this "fair paradise", the Milanese will still be with us.

Cesare Borgia:
So?

Rodrigo Borgia/Alexander VI:
(smiles and shakes his head) This 'League'...cannot beat the French. Even in their weakened state. And, I doubt the French can beat this League. (pause) So, if the two armies batter each other to death... as the lawyers often say, qui berne?

Cesare Borgia:
(nods) "Who benefits?"

Rodrigo Borgia/Alexander VI:
(nods) Mmm. A weakened Venice, a weakened Milan, a weakened Mantua. (shrugs) Has to be worth a weekend in Tuscany, surely. (Cesare smiles at his father's cunning, Rodrigo chuckles and slaps him on the shoulder)