So- Lucrezia is to be married.
(turns around, smiles feebly) The brightest and- bleakest of days.
They say you're not eating.
(turns away, paces) We fast... We abstain. We scourge our flesh- we take all mortification- and still, we are punished.
This is not God's doing, Father.
(tearfully) Everything is God's doing! (gestures at Juan) Until we find his murderer- until we scour all Italy- Juan shall not be buried!
There must be a funeral. It is arranged-
NO! We will not send him to purgatory! He will have no rest, until we find who did this! (to himself) There can be no hiding place so deep we could not seek them out!
... There will be no need of that. (Rodrigo turns around, stunned)
... Do you know who did this?
(nods)...I do.
(moves towards him) Well, then tell us!
... You truly wish to know?
(looks confused, then hesitant; sits down in front of Juan) Ahh... Well, we... must.
(walks around Juan) Then first, I ask that you hear my confession.
... Your confession?
And, I further ask that you release me, from my vows as Cardinal, and- and I ask for your forgiveness, of my sins.
(stares at him) What... sins have you committed?
I have protected the Papacy against its' enemies, when none other would stand its' ground. I have made my family strong, in the face of those who would weaken it. I have brought low the heretic Savanarola and outwitted the French King, and all this, Father, all this- I've done for Rome, the Church, and for you.
(confused and frightened)... T-tell me your sins. (Cesare kneels next to him)
It is this, and only this: That I have taken upon my head... the act that none other would dare commit... though its' commission, benefits all. (Rodrigo realizes what he means and looks horrified) I swore a vow, long ago, that I would put an end to anyone who brought dishonor on our family, dishonor on our own, dishonor on you.
(horrified) Ohhh. Ohhh. OHHHH! (stands up hastily and clutches at Juan's shoulders)
(shaking with emotion) So, you see, Father- the robes of a Cardinal no longer sit easy on my shoulders! (raises his fist) A Cardinal's ring makes it harder, to grip the hilt of a sword! I beg, that you will release me of my vows, and you will grant me your forgiveness! (long pause, Rodrigo stares tearfully at Juan's body)...Father?
(wearily) ...We release you from your vows.
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