01x05 - Temptation

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Cousin! I did not expect to see you here.

I've just come from Florence.

The Signoria have banished me.

They've thrown out all our brokers too.

Everyone who worked for us.

I am sorry to hear that.

We will find you a new position.

Albizzi has the government in stranglehold.

Mercenaries terrorize the streets.

What is Albizzi doing hiring mercenaries? Strengthening his position.

You must persuade His Serenity to act.

Or soon there will be nothing left of our city.

I know what I must do, brother.

The Council of Venice has been called to confirm the presence of Cosimo de' Medici exile of the State of Florence.

The Florentine Signoria have rejected your demand to return to the city of Florence.

Furthermore, they have extended your exile from five to ten years.

The court will see you again in one month.

Thank you, Messer Medici.

You may go.

The Council calls Paolo De Sabbata, exile of the Papal States.

If I may I have a question.

Did they provide a reason for this inhumanity? Ten more days is unacceptable, let alone ten years.

Sanuto.

The Signoria doubt your character and intention.

The Signoria? Or Rinaldo degli Albizzi? Messer Medici.

We wish we could do more to repay the kindness you have shown our city.

It is a great injustice and we are sorry for it.

Of course.

Florence is an ally to Venice you are bound to the rules of diplomacy but what good is an ally weakened by a despot? Our ambassadors will represent you as best we can but more than that is beyond us.

You may go.

Medici is used to getting whatever he wants.

He won't let this matter lie.

Don't worry, Your Serenity.

It is all in hand.

Madonna Medici.

I gather you don't have good news.

Fifty more mercenaries are coming from Livorno.

Someone must stand up to him! Albizzi punishes anyone who speaks out with levies and confiscation.

Madonna, you should leave the city.

It's not safe.

Let me petition your husband.

If he could see what Florence has become, he wouldn't leave you here.

I appreciate the thought, Ricciardo, but that is not your concern.

Come, Emilia.

Your Serenity.

Thank you for your invitation.

Your naughty wife stole ten ducats from me last night.

Oh, please, Jacopo.

I won them fairly.

Then you fell asleep in your soup.

You see, she admits it.

Stolen from an unconscious man.

You should have been with us then she might have behaved herself.

I have no skill at cards.

Lack of skill has never stopped me from doing anything.

There's a ball tomorrow night.

You must come.

Come, we have wine and music for you.

I envy you.

Your son is a testament to you.

Mine on the other hand is a lively young man.

No matter how much wealth or power one accumulates there comes a time when it must pass to the next generation.

I see only folly and ruin in his future.

Come.

I hope you understand about the Council.

There are limits, even to our power.

Isn't she exquisite? My latest acquisition.

A cynic might argue the Council is happy its ambassadors failed.

The wealth of my family enriches Venice.

I understand your frustration.

Florence is like a mother to you.

You long to return to her.

But you should you should look around you.

Venice is the most elegant city in Europe.

Enjoy it.

Now, I know you love art.

My great passion is music! She likes you, my friend.

I'm jealous.

You again? Visconti's Milanese spies are everywhere.

I've been ordered to report on all comings and goings.

We both know you won't.

Open.

- Marco Bello.

- Madonna.

- Emilia, fetch him some wine.

- Of course.

How are my family? In good health.

And my husband? The same.

If you're here, that means that the Council has denied his demand to appeal in person.

The Doge pretends to help the Medici while doing nothing to lift the exile.

Does my husband realize what's happening here? The damage Albizzi is doing will not be easily undone.

He needs information.

Something to use against Albizzi.

How am I to do that when I am shunned by all my acquaintance? No one will speak to me.

Surely you understand my position.

He shows faith in you to make such a request.

He's counting on you.

I must return to Venice as soon as possible.

Of course.

Before you leave, I have some things I want you to take.

What is this? Plans for a vast new library for the monks at San Giorgio.

Michelozzo wants to emulate the ancients in proportion and symmetry.

It will be the finest in Europe.

My gift to Venice.

I'm overwhelmed.

I trust you on your word that you are working on my behalf and I am very grateful.

He doesn't deserve a single brick.

He has no intention of helping us.

But he wants us to believe he's our friend.

Then why not challenge the hypocrite to match his words of friendship with actual deeds? This gift of yours is going to cost us a fortune.

Are you giving me a lecture on the evil of extravagance? News travels fast.

While Florence suffers under Albizzi let her see your philanthropy.

But how many years will it take to build? We cannot wait that long, Cosimo.

Cousin.

What's the matter? What I'm about to tell you can't leave this room.

We're listening.

I've been approached by Duke Visconti's envoy.

He wished me to convey a secret offer to you.

The use of his army.

His army? Whatever for? To retake Florence, of course.

You'd need to flee the city to meet the army beyond Venitian territories.

From there, you'd march on Florence.

Take the city by force.

And become puppets under Visconti's authority hated by our own people for siding with their enemy? No, Visconti's intentions are to destroy the alliance between Venice and Florence.

- He would leave Florence to us? - Yes.

But would he? There is something to be said for direct action.

Brother, diplomacy has failed.

We cannot buy our way to freedom.

Visconti has Sforza as his general.

They're a mighty force.

If we are discovered at any point by Venice we will be ex*cuted for colluding with Milan.

If we do manage to escape the city somehow and join the forces there's a chance we'd be defeated - then k*lled by our own people.

- And if we do not act now we may never get another chance.

Contessina? Contessina De Bardi? It's de' Medici now.

You are exactly the same.

I doubt that.

It's been many years.

I wasn't expecting to see you here.

I heard you were in Venice.

- I'm sorry for your misfortune.

- Thank you.

My family are in Venice.

As you see, I remain here.

And you? - Are you still in Mantua? - For my sins.

What brings you here? My family.

You're married.

My brother's family.

I am as I ever was: unmarried.

I'd like to see you while I'm here.

I'm afraid that's unlikely.

It's nice to see you looking so well, Ezio.

After all these years.

The mistress was afraid of looting.

I think Lucrezia will have more use for these than I.

What is it? Your wife sends you all her belongings for safekeeping.

Florence is a rough place for a woman on her own.

Surely she has suffered enough.

We are all suffering, Marco.

Does she have everything she needs? Yes.

Madonna Signor Contarini.

Surely you have servants to do this for you.

I like doing it.

What are you doing here, Ezio? As blunt as ever, I see.

I come with an invitation for supper.

- I'm afraid that's not possible.

- Oh no? Many previous engagements? I'm a married woman.

Even married women must eat.

There's a supper hosted by the Pazzi.

You must know the Pazzi have no love for my family.

Oh, they may not like your husband.

But how can they hold anything against you? And besides you will be my guest.

It will be a small affair, a number of families.

- Guadagni, the Albizzi - The Albizzi? What's the occasion? Albizzi is quite close to my brother.

Come.

I hate to think of you alone here.

- Very well.

- You will? I thought I'd have to do much more to convince you.

You've mellowed.

I can still change my mind.

Then I'll take my leave before you do.

Look what your mother has sent me.

Aren't they beautiful? Surely it's a sign that she'll soon be with us.

What's the matter? Ten years.

How can we possibly stay here for ten years? And she's not coming.

Father wants her to stay in Florence.

I don't know when we'll next see her.

Then I can't possibly wear any of this.

Of course you can.

That's what she'd want.

And you once told me pearls must be worn or they loose their luster.

That's true.

I'll wear them for the ball tonight.

You will come, won't you? - Go without me.

- Oh, please, come.

Perhaps you'll feel better once you're in company.

No, I have correspondence from Florence to answer.

My father's relying on me.

I believe you all know my guest.

Contessina de' Medici.

Come.

Join us.

Messer Contarini, I believe you're acquainted - with Contessina de' Medici.

- Of course.

Though when I knew her she was Contessina de' Bardi.

You and my brother were always thick as thieves.

- My daughter, Isabella.

- Madonna.

Signor Guadagni.

Contessina.

I've always admired the Bardi.

A noble family.

Your father was a true gentleman.

How would he have felt about you being abandoned by your husband? No one has been abandoned.

Besides, my father always encouraged me to count my blessings.

- Many suffer in this city right now.

- It's unfortunate.

But reform begins with upheaval.

Reform suggests progress.

Surely you strive for a return to the old order.

That's why I like you, Contessina.

You have a shrewd mind.

But as you will come to realize, society functions best when everyone knows their place.

If your husband knew that, perhaps he'd still be here.

Instead, he misses out on your beauty.

Don't you agree with me, Contarini? What a splendid occasion.

You know, at this very moment the Guilds are meeting.

There is great dissatisfaction among their ranks.

Signor Guadagni.

This is a social gathering in my home.

No politics, please.

As you wish.

But it's best you are informed of this.

While we dine in luxury the common man is suffering.

You may want to reconsider your allegiances.

My niece and Ormanno appear inseparable.

Look at them.

And it seems like yesterday that we were that age.

I remember thinking myself something of a poet.

I wrote you several heartfelt verses and you went to your window to read them and how was I repaid in my efforts? With a bucket of slops.

No mercy still.

Your rhymes were terrible.

They remind me of us.

I almost won you over, though.

Didn't I? Almost.

Cover yourself.

It's impolite to refuse a gift.

A gift? From whom? His Serenity, the Doge.

I'm married.

Get dressed and leave.

What are these? Plans.

For what? The library I'm building.

It's beautiful.

How much would you pay for something like this? Around 15,000 Ducats.

For that, you could buy 15 of me.

I'd rather have the gold.

What would you spend the money on? Food.

What good are books and the art to the hungry? What is it? You just reminded me of someone.

What will they do if I return you to the palace? Will they b*at you? They won't be happy.

You stay here tonight.

I'll find another room.

What are you looking for? Architectural plans of a large dome.

For the Cathedral in Florence.

I need it for reference.

Is this it? Yes.

It looks so real! It's a trick.

Magic.

Not magic, no.

An illusion of sorts Perspective.

This is what you call the vanishing point.

All the lines in the drawing radiate from it.

Pick any object, this pillar, for example.

See all the horizontal lines relate to that one single point.

That's how the illusion is created.

Our cousin is here.

She is a present of the Doge.

We were discussing perspective.

You know, I don't quite think that's what the Doge intended with his gift.

Mario.

I've had word from Milan.

Duke Visconti needs your answer urgently.

Then we must confirm our intent.

And how much time do we have? His envoy said two days.

What would you do? If you were in my position.

I would trust my instincts.

And what if they have fallen silent? Surely that in itself is telling.

"A good decision is based on knowledge".

Plato.

I need you to deliver this into the hands of Duke Visconti.

You want me to go to Milan.

Speak your mind.

You have a talent for it.

The Doge's spies are watching me.

If they know that you are communicating with the Duke of Milan you'll be strung up in the square as a traitor.

And so will I.

Then, since we both value our necks ensure you are not seen.

Plato.

Wasn't he put to death for treason? No, that was Socrates.

Speak with no one but the Duke.

I promise I haven't brought you poetry.

Though your maid looks as if she'd be happy to pelt me with slops.

Emilia doesn't trust strangers.

- She's protective of me.

- You don't need protecting.

I've witnessed the way you're treated in this city.

You're the strongest woman I know.

I have little choice.

You could indulge in self-pity.

But you've always been selfless.

Even as a little girl.

I was headstrong.

You know I caused my father no end of worry.

But you obeyed him when it came to us.

Against my wishes.

I was sure you'd come that night.

I waited for you outside your father's house.

I'm sorry.

I shouldn't speak of it.

I don't mean to upset you.

I wanted to go with you.

I waited all night.

I had everything packed.

My father told me I was to marry Cosimo.

If I'd gone, it would have destroyed him.

I couldn't do it.

I understand if you hate me for it.

Hate you? Perhaps I hate what's become of you but I could never hate you.

In truth since I saw you at the church that morning I realized I've never stopped loving you.

Ezio, we can't.

Fate wasn't kind to us before, but it's different now.

I'm not the man I was.

I have the means to take you anywhere you want to go.

I'll be leaving here soon, once the engagement has been arranged.

- Come with me.

- The engagement? My niece to the Albizzi boy.

Will you come with me? What's going on? I received this from Contessina.

Can you leave us, please? Albizzi is marrying off his son to Isabella Contarini in secret.

Contessina has done well to get us this information.

The Contarini's bank with us in Mantua.

They've grown wealthy on the profits from their leather business.

That wealth will soon be Albizzi's and he will spend it on more mercenaries.

He must be stopped.

Then it will take a w*r.

Not necessarily.

Well? I've never known a man to resist your charms.

He's being very careful.

You've been within his household for days.

You must have heard something.

We know he's scheming.

You must give me more time.

I have nothing of substance for you yet.

You are rapidly losing your value, Maddalena.

It would be a shame to have to ruin your beauty as well.

Medici.

You look tired.

I trust you enjoyed my gift.

Ah, I thank you.

She's a favorite of mine.

Your Serenity, I might have a solution for the conundrum with your son.

A banker doesn't make an offer without the chance of a good return.

What is your price for this? Your continued support for my return to Florence.

Go on.

Massimo Contarini is about to make a bad match for his daughter.

If you were to offer your son's hand instead, it could be of some benefit to us all.

The Contarini of Mantua? He's made a fortune from leather goods.

Imagine the profit that you could make with your influence and importers here and his factories in Mantua.

Such a fortune would keep your family comfortable within these walls for quite some time.

I would imagine.

To whom is the Contarini girl betrothed? Ormanno degli Albizzi.

You are foolish in coming here.

Right outside the Doge's palace.

I'm very sorry, Cosimo.

Do you have an answer for the Duke? His messenger grows impatient.

He must have word by tomorrow or it will be too late.

He will have word tomorrow.

You won't believe what just happened.

So, we decided to go to San Marco to see the fireworks.

You must've heard them.

There was an awful crowd.

Well, one moment we were on the Rialto and the next Jacopo is in the canal! I thought I'd die.

I lost a shoe.

He's a drunkard.

He's been very kind to me.

Are you jealous? Do you really doubt me? No.

But how can you enjoy yourself here? In this place we don't belong? It seems heartless.

This is our home now.

And it will be, at least for a decade more.

As hard as it is, that's the reality.

And we must learn to fit in.

I don't want to fit in! I want to go back too.

But, my love, how are we going to do that? I don't know.

But my father's working on it.

I'm working on it.

How? I'm petitioning members of the Signoria.

Don't you understand? Albizzi holds the Signoria in an iron grip.

- It is of no use.

- I've got to do something! It's better than giving up.

When my family were exiled my father was consumed by grief.

He grew obsessed with returning.

And he d*ed before we were allowed to.

I watched him waste away in false hope.

I can't do that again, Piero.

And I won't.

Massimo! Uncle, tell him to let me stay.

Brother, where are you going? We've had an offer from the Doge of Venice.

I have rescinded our agreement with Albizzi.

And I fear for Isabella's safety.

In you get, my dear.

Will you join us? I have some business to attend to.

Your brother leaves when we had an agreement.

How does the Doge know of the match? Someone betrayed my confidence someone got word to Medici.

He has the ear of the Doge.

When I find out who broke my trust there will be consequences.

The Duke's messenger awaits our response.

- We cannot delay it any longer.

- I'm sorry.

I tried to reason with him.

But the army needs its orders.

He will have his answer.

Once we have presented to the Doge and his Council.

Where is Marco Bello? Why hasn't he returned? We must go in.

We've kept the Doge waiting long enough.

Cosimo! Visconti knew nothing of the scheme.

You have been tricked.

The Council has been called to confirm the presence of Cosimo de' Medici exile of the State of Florence.

I am your humble servant.

Your presence has been confirmed.

You may depart.

If I may, I have a few words for the Council.

Proceed, my friend.

Since I have been a guest of this republic I have only known your generosity and kindness.

Which makes what I am about to say all the more troubling.

Days ago, I was made an offer by an agent of your enemy, Milan.

It was put to me that I might flee the city to join Visconti's army and from there we might take the city of Florence.

I feel it is my duty as a loyal citizen of Florence and a grateful guest of this republic that I relay this to you.

Why did you hesitate? Surely Medici should have confessed sooner.

Days ago, you said.

I beg your mercy.

And mercy for the agent that contacted me.

He he stands beside me.

My cousin Mario de' Medici.

Arrest him! Cosimo! Cosimo! I hope you confessed your sins.

I'm sorry? My niece is being forced against her wishes to break her engagement.

I know you told your husband.

I trusted you with my feelings and all the while, you were just feeding information to Venice.

Admit it.

You told Cosimo about the engagement.

I've been a fool.

What do you think put your cousin up to such a ploy? I'm well aware who it was.

The Albizzi? Not this time.

Mario would not collude with them.

No, for my knowledge of my cousin's debts.

I believe it was someone in Venice.

You can't think that someone here would want you ex*cuted as a traitor? Not when you've done so much for this city.

True.

Not ex*cuted, no.

I I believe they intended to blackmail me into remaining here.

Who would benefit most from my indefinite stay? If you're right, and I have my doubts that you are whomever it was perhaps doubted your allegiance to Venice.

Careful though to falsely accuse any member of the Council is high treason.

I have no intention of making any accusations.

I've made it clear that my allegiance never faltered.

All I point out is that we have an arrangement.

I've bestowed a number of gifts upon you, including a new daughter.

So all I ask of you is that you ensure word of this failed plot reaches Florence.

They must have no doubt of my loyalty.

No, no! No! You little gutter whore.

Don't tell me you didn't know about this.

It's been happening right under your pretty nose.

We should start here.

She's not your property.

- She belongs to the Doge! - I was a gift! - He's my master now! - How much?! I'll pay whatever the Doge requires! How much!? You can keep her.

She's not worth it.

It's just a scratch.

It will heal.

I'm sorry.

You have nothing to be sorry for.

I knew why you were sent here.

It wasn't your choice.

What else could you do? How did you know I wouldn't betray you? I didn't.

Medici! Medici! Medici! Those vermin need to be dealt with.

I mean, why do they even gather? We should turn the guards on them.

Signor Pazzi.

There is news from Venice.

Medici has uncovered a Milanese plot.

He acted out of loyalty to Florence.

It's all over the city.

The people are rising up.

We're expecting greater numbers from the country side.

The noble families of the Republic shall join us and then we march on the Signoria and secure our position once and for all.

- Won't we be called traitors? - We are defenders of the Republic.

We cannot let the Medici pestilence take hold again.

All those who are loyal to the city shall join us.

My dear.

Your husband finally let you out.

Congratulations on your engagement, Messer Foscari.

No talk of that tonight.

Here.

Now you can be anything you desire.

You can lose yourself to pleasure.

Come.

Get get off me! Come on.

You're not the prim little Florentine you pretend to be.

- You're in Venice now.

- Stop it, stop it! Don't tell me your faithful to that bore of a husband? Piero is the best man you'll ever meet.

He's a fool.

Pining away for Florence.

You do realize my father has no intention of ever letting you back there.

Don't be so naïve.

We will return to Florence.

With or without your help.

Enjoy your evening, Messer Foscari.

What are you doing here? I came to find you.

Can't have you going to every party alone.

You're trembling.

It's just the heat.

- Will you please take me home? - Of course.

You were right.

We don't belong here.

These aren't our people.

There's no harm in enjoying different society.

I was wrong to make you feel guilty.

I'm sorry.

You're all the society I require.

Time has come for action.

How many men do you have at your disposal? Take a seat, my friend.

Have some wine.

As you choose.

There are crowds of Medici supporters gathering outside.

We must act now, or he will use this opportunity to return.

The others may not see it, but I do! And they must be made to! Rinaldo.

I beg you.

Stop.

I've told the men I have here to be ready for my signal.

Fewer than I'd hoped but reinforcements are coming from the countryside.

You and I must be prepared to take the Signoria by force! This is no time for cowardice, Pazzi.

Don't you see? While we have the power to act, we must.

You have no power.

My friend.

Out of your own mouth you have condemned yourself.

I am a loyal citizen of the Republic.

Stop them! It is you who are traitors! Ezio? What are you doing here? - I heard you were leaving.

- That's right.

There's nothing for me here.

It looks like fortune favors your husband again.

From what I hear, he will return.

It looks that way.

I owe you an apology.

There's no need for that.

Your loyalty, as ever, does you credit.

I hope he learns to honor you as you deserve.

Come with me.

I know I can make you happy.

I can't leave.

There are greater causes than our happiness.

Medici! Medici!