The Borgias, Season Two

Caterina Sforza:
(giving Cesare a tour of Forli Castle) My son, Benito, longs for a soldier's career.

Cesare Borgia:
Mmm- It has much to recommend it.

Benito Sforza:
You bear arms yourself, Signore Borgia?

Caterina Sforza:
No, my love- he wears a Cardinal's skirt.

Benito Sforza:
(glancing at Cesare's military garb) But, your dress is that of a-

Cesare Borgia:
I am a civilian, today. An ambassador.

Caterina Sforza:
He comes bearing a message from his father, the Pope of Rome. (turns to face Cesare) Have I guessed correctly, Cardinal?

Cesare Borgia:
(smiles) You think so little of your charms?

Caterina Sforza:
(smiles back) Oh- you've come to sample them, perhaps?

Cesare Borgia:
Perhaps. (removes his cloak)

Caterina Sforza:
While bearing a message from the Pope of Rome.

Cesare Borgia:
The Pope does send his best regards, and would request your... beauteous presence at the Chair of St. Peter's.

Caterina Sforza:
He would sample my charms also?

Cesare Borgia:
(shrugs) Perhaps. He would feel your lips on his... Papal ring.

Caterina Sforza:
(pause, steps towards Cesare) He would have me kneel to him. Bow.

Cesare Borgia:
The whole world must bow to the Holy Father.

Caterina Sforza:
(doesn't take her eyes of Cesare) Whom does your mother bow to, my son?

Benito Sforza:
(proudly) Nobody.

Caterina Sforza:
(smiles) You heard him, Cardinal. His mother bows to nobody.

Cesare Borgia:
And, if "Nobody" were to sit at her table?...

Caterina Sforza:
She would not bow. But there are other forms of obesence. (she walks into the dining room)

Benito Sforza:
(follows her) Other, Mother?

Caterina Sforza:
Indeed, my son. There is a form of surrender which implies no submission. It gave birth to you.

Benito Sforza:
... I confess that I'm lost, Mother.

Caterina Sforza:
(chuckles) Indeed, you are truly a soldier, made of hard wood! (pats his cheek, meets Cesare's gaze) But, the Cardinal must know... I only kneel when it suits me. As must the Holy Father.

Cesare Borgia:
If you do not come willingly-

Caterina Sforza:
Oh, hush, Cardinal, hush! You are our guest this fine evening- I'd have no discord between us. You can relay the Holy Father's message in its' fullness tomorrow.