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.
I thought... perhaps I hoped- you did so willingly-
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!
I admit nothing.
Yet the crime is written on your face!
(finally meets her eyes) There was no murder. He fought, he lost! (Ursula claps her hand to her mouth in horror)
(tearfully) I begged you not to meet him!
You begged me not to place myself in harm's way.
I had no idea you had such capabilities!
(turns away) And to think, I thought you knew me.
I thought I knew a man! A man conflicted, perhaps, between the world and God, but not a murderer!
(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.
Maybe God can forgive you, because I'm not sure if I can.
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-
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)
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)
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.
Where?
... You will not know where. (stands up and walks away, Cesare stands behind her)
You mean a nunnery?
I mean confinement.
(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!
(smiles grimly) You are right. I will never be free of you.
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