JULIUS.
—To hand
Our Papal fiefs and lordships to the Wolf?
We gave you but your own and your own life.
Cur of the Devil!
And you can speak of oath or pledge! How simple
Such plea from you! Could Sinigaglia hear!
I’ll not be tricked. Dog in a doublet, villain!
Unbosom!
[He strikes his staff on the ground and grasps Cesare’s vest.
CESARE.
[Suddenly slipping down to Julius’ feet.
Holiness,
Secure your castles from the grasp of Venice!
While they are ruled by me, impregnable
They stand about the country; they remain
The castles of the Church. But publish me
A traitor to these walls my sword has won,
The strongholds lapse to Venice. For a Pope
I won them, let me hold them for a Pope—
[With a faint smile.
Under the shadow of your wings.