Charles VIII and Rodrigo Borgia/Alexander VI in “Unfinished Business”

Charles VIII

(enters St. Peter's Basilica and moves towards the altar, looking all about) Holiness? (pause) Your Holiness? (he comes upon Alexander praying in the garb of a simple monk before the altar, and mistakes him for a common priest) Forgive me, Friar- I am seeking an audience with the Pope. (the Pope rises, his back still turned to the King) You have been interrupted at prayer-

(shakes his head) Our prayers are ended. (turns around and pulls back his hood) And, perhaps... they will be answered.

Charles VIII

(stares at him in astonishment)...Can this really be the Pope of Rome? Pope Alexander?

Sextus- at your service, my Lord. (comes forward and offers his ring; Charles kneels and kisses it) And you, my Lord, are?...

Charles VIII

King Charles, of France. (Alexander bows slightly to him, Charles gestures at the Pope's sackcloth robe) It is not as we expected...

Does the Pope of Rome disappoint Your Highness? Had you hoped for gold and silver vestments? Display has its' purpose... but simplicity must rule our hearts. (Charles bows his head reverently) We are all of us, naked before God... even the Pope of Rome. Even... the King of France.