Cesare Borgia and Rodrigo Borgia/Alexander VI in “Unfinished Business”

Cesare Borgia

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

Interesting concept, honor, isn't it? It's like its' cousin, valor.

Cesare Borgia

(sarcastically) Honor has cousins?

Oh, it has many cousins.

Cesare Borgia

Rather like Cardinal Sforza.

(nods) And, they've all led Kings and armies to their doom.

Cesare Borgia

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

Because, when the French have left this "fair paradise", the Milanese will still be with us.

Cesare Borgia

So?

(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?"

(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)