You have been very near
To death!

CESARE.

Its grey sea-bank that almost beached me
Were bliss to this denuded country.
Mother,
You loved my father fierily?

VANOZZA.

God knows I mourn him;
But as my very god I worshipped him.

CESARE.

I am no Prince.... My lands
Are almost gone; only the citadels
Keep pledge of my old force. You and your Pope
Gave me no tenure on the earth. I curse you,
I curse you both. What was there left but ashes
For me, he being extinguished?

VANOZZA.

Excellence, you brought me
Along with you, and from our enemies,
For safety.

CESARE.