Original subtitles

♪ Though the dust of you is gone ♪

♪ And the world of what is done ♪

♪ Fate reclaims the throne ♪

♪ Of revolution's bones ♪

♪ Come with me ♪

♪ Drink away on her beauty ♪

♪ We can fight them ♪

♪ I can say that I can change the world ♪

♪ But if you let me ♪

♪ I can change the world for us ♪

♪ Come with me and... ♪

[man] Lorenzo.

Lorenzo. Ready?

Ready.

Good.

[horse neighs]

-Now go! -[horse neighs]

[Giuliano shouting] Go, Lorenzo, go!

[horse neighs]

Lorenzo, that was really bad.

You're never going to kill anyone.

Giuliano, he's not meant to kill anyone.

Then what's the point?

To demonstrate skill, of course.

Your brother would be good at this.

He's good at everything.

Thank you. Here.

Let me show you.

Joust is a performance.

We must show skill.

And honor your family name.

You must live for it. [clicks tongue]

How was that?

But if I hit a man like that I could kill him.

You could.

Why take the chance if it's just a game?

[Contessina] Because Medici men teach their sons they must win.

In everything.

[man] If you are precise,

you are less likely to hurt your opponent.

And if by not hurting him I lose?

You will have won in the eyes of God.

A great man does good, Lorenzo.

You must do and be good.

If that means you suffer defeat today,

trust you'll find a way to claim victory tomorrow.

Or the next day.

Or the day after that.

You don't agree.

Yeah, and Lorenzo,

you have been schooled in ideas I do not pretend to understand

but I know philosophy is cold comfort in defeat.

Not just this family,

but all of Florence is counting on you.

You must not lose.

No matter what anyone says.

[footsteps approaching]

Here to put the old man out of pasture?

Yes.

Well, I guess you couldn't wait for him to step down any longer.

-I had no choice. -Oh, you had a choice.

Yes,

I did have a choice.

We both knew this day would come.

I just didn't think it would come so soon.

Lorenzo, your father's awake.

Lorenzo.

What news of Sforza?

The Duke has stood down his men.

He rides back to Milan.

Then we have lost the bank.

No.

No, the Priori have agreed to give us time

to cover our debts.

On what condition?

That you retire.

This is Pazzi's mischief.

-when he couldn't kill me. -No, no, don't, Father.

It was me.

You?

I took your place.

You?

It was the only way to stop Sforza.

By defying me?

Father.

-Did you know about this? -No, she didn't.

But I would have supported it.

To spare the people of Florence.

So, the betrayal is total!

Your grandfather always preferred you, even when you were a boy.

It's made you arrogant.

Piero, it's done nothing of the kind.

I'm trying to save the Florence that you worked so hard to build!

Don't use your words on me, boy.

You've destroyed me.

And the bank's debts still need to be covered,

there's so much you don't understand!

I'm traveling to Rome.

To ask the pope for an extension.

Paul won't give it to you!

Well, I'll ask nonetheless.

Pazzi will seize the moment,

take the pope's accounts for himself and rule Florence once and for all.

Yes.

I'm sure he'll try.

You gained your position by betraying your own father.

It's a stain on your name.

Then I'll remove it.

[sighs]

You have my word.

He'll come 'round, give him time.

Now I must pack for Rome.

You?

Well, you don't think I'd let you go to Rome by yourself, do you?

[bells tolling]

[indistinct chatter]

[giggling]

My brother's bound for Rome.

Lorenzo has been groomed to lead your family since birth.

His address before the Priori was magnificent.

Even your uncle voted in favor.

The Priori had cast their votes, my uncle had no choice.

Why must you be so pessimistic?

Realistic.

Bianca, my uncle chafes under the yoke of Medici power

it doesn't matter who wields it.

But this changes everything for us.

There will be peace between our families, I'm sure of it.

I'm sure your brother would wish it.

But my uncle will oppose him now more than ever.

Lorenzo will find a way.

You'll see.

[man] Ah, we were afraid we'd miss you.

Will you return in time for the tournament?

-I hope so. -Then you can stop being so boring

and get back to having some fun.

-Give my love to Carlo. -We shall.

And be careful.

You be careful. Stay away from Francesco Pazzi.

We don't need any more trouble.

[Man] Yaw!

[horses neigh]

Where have you been?

Does it matter?

Lorenzo wanted to talk to you.

About what?

Didn't say.

[knocking on door]

[door opens]

[Jacopo] I need action, not excuses!

[Francesco] I've done as you've asked, Uncle.

[Jacopo] You're either a liar or a fool.

You've done nothing of the kind.

I asked you to stop Lorenzo de' Medici

and this is what you bring me? Half measures!

-Uncle. -What's happened? Lorenzo is riding to Rome.

Seeking credit from Pope Paul.

Now is our time to strike a blow.

Uncle, cousin Salviati is an aide to the curia.

It is the Pope who makes the decisions, not the Curia!

But the Curia influences the Pope.

And our cousin influences the Curia.

His influence is no match for Lorenzo's silver tongue.

Lorenzo's clever, yes.

But inexperienced, he could be defeated.

Why must we defeat him?

How dare you ask such a thing?

The Medici have been given a reprieve,

thanks to the Priori,

thanks to you.

Our father believed that Florence was stronger united.

Your father is dead.

I make the decisions now and I say what benefits the enemy, harms us.

We must not give the Medici an inch.

And we won't.

Whatever advantage Lorenzo seeks from the Pope, Salviati will block it.

The papal accounts are the source of the Medici's power.

And those accounts will be ours.

Mark my words.

They had better be.

Do you think uncle was behind the attack on Piero de' Medici.

Would it trouble you if he was?

You know our father wanted peace, Francesco.

He would have had it if he'd lived long enough.

Hey, our generation will end the feud between our families.

But on our terms.

Not theirs.

[bell tolling]

[indistinct chatter]

Rome's growing destitute.

It is Florence that is growing prosperous.

Thanks to your father and his father.

Do the bankers of Rome not care about their people?

They use their people to enrich the bank.

The Medici use their bank to enrich the people.

Are those the same people that spit at father's name?

No.

Your father's final chapter shall not end in defeat.

And how do you know?

Because you are to be its author.

[man] Take some bread.

Am I too late, Father Carlo?

No, no, no, no, no. Come.

She's right in here.

I found your daughter.

Has she come?

Sh-She's with child but...

she wanted me to tell you that she forgives you, Ma donna.

Your daughter knows that you love her.

If her child is a girl, she's going to name her after you.

[woman] Thank you.

Thank you.

[Carlo] You did her a great service, Clarice.

There are so many who suffer.

I wish I could do more.

If you do as much.

Father?

I wish to lead a life like yours and my brothers.

You mean, take holy orders?

That's a very great decision.

There's no way back.

And I-I doubt very much if your family would approve.

I'm sure they wouldn't but

it is my decision to make.

Hm.

Perhaps, you could help them to understand.

Perhaps.

But I must leave you now, my nephew's due from Florence.

Father Carlo,

surely you're too young to have a nephew.

Lorenzo's like a brother, we're the same age but my father, Cosimo, was his grandfather.

His grandfather?

My mother was a slave.

But the Medici took me into their home and raised me as one of their own.

Such extraordinary people you Florentines are.

Yes, I suppose we are.

Lorenzo!

Carlo.

[both sigh]

-You look well, don't you, Lorenzo? -[laughs]

How's Giuliano and Bianca?

Very well, very well.

And mother can't wait to see you.

And I her.

And what of your father?

He's recovering, from blows both physical and emotional.

Well, look. Your father knows that you're a good and loving son, Lorenzo.

He will take comfort in that, trust me.

No, I think he'll be more comforted knowing the bank is saved, Carlo.

-Hm. Ready? -Mm-hmm.

[exhales]

Your Holiness.

Ah. Lorenzo de' Medici.

Your Holiness.

I'm cardinal Orsini and this is cardinal della Rovere.

I believe you know Francesco Salviati.

I know his cousins, the Pazzi, but we've never met.

My uncle, Carlo, speaks very highly of Your Eminences'.

My uncle, Jacopo, warns me that you are skilled with words.

I'm as good as my word, Salviati, that much is true.

Messer de' Medici has traveled a long way to see Your Holiness.

-We'll excuse ourselves. -Uh, don't bother.

Your Holiness?

Well I'm sorry to say you've come all this way for nothing, Messer de' Medici.

I've already been told the question you came to ask.

And you can save your fine words.

The answer is quite simply no.

If you do not pay the Holy Mother Church at once,

you will lose the papal accounts.

My family have served the holy seasons from the time of my great-grandfather--

Precisely, young Medici.

Your bank serves this church not the other way around.

Come, gentlemen. We have more important matters to attend to.

When are you and your mother heading back to Florence, Lorenzo?

With the Pope's refusal, we must return at once.

Stay.

-At least for another night. -Your Eminence?

Cardinal Orsini is hosting a banquet.

-Come as my guests. -I-I appreciate your invitation.

Your mother will understand.

See you this evening.

Well, this is marvelous, Sandro.

Uh, a worthless tournament banner soon to be forgotten.

They proclaim the greatness of Florence and your technique... flawless.

Yeah, well, my self respect allows no less.

I'm afraid this is not art, Giuliano, it is craft.

Sandro, this is undeniably art.

Art doesn't want to tell people what they want to hear,

it tells them the truth.

The truth? And what is that? God, of course.

-People cannot see God. -No.

But they can see his beauty and I mean to show it.

Mm. How you gonna do that?

-No bloody Idea. -[laughs]

Well.

I could use a drink. How 'bout you?

-I have to drop this off. -What is it?

Another worthless commission for another vulgar merchant, Vespucci.

Hm.

Newest member of the restricted council.

I'll come with you.

Suit yourself.

Father.

"For what shall it profit a man, shall he gain the whole world.

And lose his own soul?"

You've hardly lost your soul.

Perhaps.

But I might have done if my own son hadn't acted against me.

[sighs] You mustn't fill your head with regrets when you're not well.

Come let me help you back to bed.

My father thought I had a head for books, not for the affairs of men.

I tried to prove him wrong my whole life.

Only to prove him right.

Now rest.

Soon you will be back to your old self.

I'll never be that man again.

I see clearly now, I never was.

[footsteps]

[knocking on door]

Bastiano Soderini is here.

Father's not receiving visitors, send him away.

But Ma donna,

-he wishes to see you. -Me?

Whatever for?

[footsteps]

[exhales] Bianca.

You look beautiful as ever.

Your visit is unexpected, Bastiano, and my father needs my ministrations.

You are as loving and devoted a daughter as you shall be a wife.

Thank you, but I don't see what concern that is of yours.

I know we can't say anything until your brother returns from Rome.

But I can contain my excitement no longer.

What on Earth are you talking about?

Our engagement, of course. Our engagement?

Surely you were told? Yes, of course.

-[horses neigh] -[man grunts]

Did you scratch that? Did you?

Messer?

This costs more than you'll earn in 10 lifetimes.

Ah, his poor mother. [louder] Messer Vespucci.

I-I didn't damage it.

Botticelli, at last.

Carry on.

Messer Vespucci, may I introduce you to Giuliano de' Medici?

Messer Medici.

I was beginning to think

-I'd never see you again, Botticelli. -It's only been a month, Messer.

Hand it over then.

Gladly, once I receive my florins.

Surely you don't think I'd withhold payment.

I'm a mere artist, Messer, I can't afford to wait.

[clears throat]

Very well. [horses neigh]

[man] Hold!

Allow me, Ma donna.

-[Giuliano] May I? -Thank you.

-Messer? -Medici.

Giuliano de' Medici.

-And my name is Sandro Botticelli. -And your name? [Vespucci] Simonetta, at last.

I see you gentlemen have met my wife.

Your wife.

Your florins.

[coins jangle]

My painting.

Come, Simonetta.

[Giuliano] She can't be married to that fool.

She is.

She's beautiful.

She's more than that.

[thunder rumbling]

Lorenzo, well?

The cardinals wouldn't even listen to what I have to say.

And Salviati just smiles in contempt.

There must be something you can do.

No, perhaps father was right.

Perhaps the only way to save Florence... is to let Sforza burn it.

No, you don't believe that.

Maddalena,

May I introduce you to my son, Lorenzo?

Lorenzo.

This is my daughter Clarice.

And you know Father Carlo.

I'm his great admirer.

I saw you this afternoon.

-Did you? -In Trastevere, at the almshouse?

[Carlo] Ah, yes, Clarice devotes many hours to the poor and the destitute.

I understand you're a patron of the arts.

Yes! I love the arts, I love philosophy and poetry... [inhales]

-Any of the higher callings. -The higher callings?

[stutters] Well, I don't just mean the higher callings, I like...

horse riding, uh, all forms of sport, uh...

I suppose I like everything, really.

And my family, obviously, provide for the poor in Florence,

they-they give generously, actually.

Father Carlo speaks very fondly of you, Messer.

It was a pleasure to meet you.

[exhales]

It seems the lady and I have different interests.

Hm. What does that matter when your uncle is cardinal Orsini?

-I fail to see how that-- -Clarice has a noble title.

-She has influence in Rome. -Mother.

You're not suggesting marriage, are you?

Orsini may prevail upon the Pope to extend us credit,

if... you were married to his niece.

[indistinct murmur]

And you've already spoken to cardinal della Rovere about this.

I told you I had other business in Rome to attend to.

[Carlo] There is a problem though.

I've known the lady for quite sometime, she's very devoted and

just this morning, she informed me that she means to become a nun.

Hmm.

That is an obstacle.

Although perhaps, not one insurmountable to a young man of your charms.

[man laughing]

Well, Lorenzo...

what say you?

Ah.

It's worth a try.

[Carlo] So, you mean to turn Clarice away from her devotions?

Well,

it seems like our family, and Florence depend on it...

Uncle.

I feel like I owe you an apology.

For what?

What must seem like utter shallowness to a woman of your depth...

I know you are not shallow, Lorenzo.

But you...

value things of this world and I do not.

Is the world not God's creation?

Forgive me, but I'm the wrong person to engage in debate.

The unfortunate that you minister to,

if they could, would they not...

want to see the beauty the world has to offer.

What is your point, Lorenzo?

We serve God by aiding those in need but we also serve him by...

recognizing the beauty of the world he created.

And we noble others

by allowing them to see it, too.

It's true what they say, you are good with words.

Well, they are more than words, Clarice.

You are aware that our mothers have spoken of marriage?

I'm aware.

I beg you...

Look favorably on the proposal.

Because your family is powerful and mine has noble blood?

Um, because if you give me your heart...

I promise before God

I will take care of it.

You don't even know me, Lorenzo.

You mustn't make such promises.

No, I-- I do not know you.

And you do not know me and you do not love me.

In time you would. And I would love you...

with all that I am

and all that I will ever be.

[thunder rumbling]

If anyone could persuade me to marry, perhaps it would be you.

But no one can.

[thunder rumbling]

-It's from cousin Salviati in Rome. -I know that.

What does it say?

Pope has stood firm against Lorenzo.

He's failed.

And Lorenzo overthrew his father for naught?

It's just a matter of time before he loses the papal account

and the Medici are bankrupt.

[bell clanging]

[Giuliano] Brother?

How did it go? Disastrous.

-It's a total failure. -You're ruined.

And mother has stayed behind

in hopes of negotiating my marriage,

to Clarice Orsini.

I once met her. She is very beautiful.

[Bianca] Lorenzo?

Ah. Bianca.

I want to just--

You promised my hand in marriage without so much as asking me?

Bastiano Soderini is a good match.

-And one that benefits our family. -He's not my choice.

What does that matter?

Um, mother intends me to marry some noble woman from Rome.

She's not of my choosing either.

But she is very beautiful.

Giuliano. Hmm.

I do not want to marry Bastiano.

And that's the end of it.

Bianca.

[birds chirping]

[bell clanging]

Well?

Cardinal may support the marriage and our bank,

if we install Clarice's brother Rinaldo as archbishop of Florence.

Then you have a deal.

Clarice still insists on taking her vows.

And how can you change her mind?

I can't.

You expect me to do it.

Her mother tells me Clarice respects you more than anyone else in the world.

I cannot turn her away from God.

I understand, Carlo.

-[Carlo sighs] -And if you cannot bring yourself

to champion this family then I will forgive you.

But it will require forgiveness.

[birds chirping]

I missed you.

You know, you quite rightly...

You'll be the queen of the tournament, Ma donna Ardinghelli.

Why, thank you, Messer Medici.

-My pleasure. -Hmm.

Did you ever think how different things might have been for us?

What do you mean?

Well, if I was born to more money...

or you to less...

we could had ended up together.

Maybe.

But as it is, my mother wants me to marry into one of nobility.

Marry?

Now that I'm head of the family.

And you didn't think to tell me that before we made love?

Does it bother you?

-Why wouldn't it? -Because you're already married.

Yes, but to a husband I do not love.

Yeah, well, I don't love my intended, either, do I?

I-- I hardly know her.

If you marry her, things between us will change.

They don't have to.

They don't have to.

Leave.

Lucrezia, what did I say?

Please go.

[indistinct chatter]

[chickens clucking]

Father.

Is everything all right?

[sighs] Fine, fine.

You've been speaking to Ma donna Medici.

She wants you to persuade me to marry Lorenzo.

Yes.

But you refused.

Did you refuse?

Clarice, are you...

truly prepared to give up on the possibility of being a mother?

At having someone to love and care for you?

To serve God is a privilege, Father.

Yes, but there are ways to serve God that do not demand such sacrifices.

Surely not by marrying Lorenzo de' Medici.

The Medici...

are a family like no other.

They have changed Florence.

And I believe that Lorenzo has it in him to change the world.

And if he fails because you refused to take his hand

the cost will be borne by generations to come.

So, serve this family, Clarice.

And you serve God.

[woman] Father?

-You are needed. -Fine.

[crickets chirping]

Father.

I've returned from Rome.

Hmm, did your mother find you a bride?

You knew about that.

We discussed it before she left.

She's trying, but...

the woman in question wishes to take her spiritual vows. And it's only a matter of days before we are insolvent.

Grandmother used to say...

that if we lose today...

we must have faith that we will win tomorrow.

It's a noble thought.

I'm the joust in the tournament.

I'll wear the families colors with pride.

I'm sorry, Father. I'm sorry.

I had hoped to write a happy ending for you.

A man is the author of his own life, Lorenzo.

Surely a man's life does not end with his own.

Not if he has a son.

Then prove your grandmother right.

Win the joust,

bring me the silver helmet.

Hmm?

[crowd cheering]

[drums rolling]

[trumpet buzzing]

-[man grunting] -[horse neighing]

[man screaming]

[horse neighing]

[drums rolling]

Giuliano de' Medici.

Where have you been hiding?

Careful, Francesco,

you don't want to pick a fight without your thugs around

to do the actual fighting.

The finals will pit the Medici against the Pazzi.

First you will ride against my brother.

I came to wish you good luck, actually. -You're going to need it. -Hmm.

[horse neighing]

You know he's gonna try and kill you, don't you?

He was last year's champion.

I told Father I'd win that silver helmet.

And I will.

[crowd cheering]

Are those the young men who were at the palazzo?

[Vespucci] The Medici are arrogant peacocks.

They like to be seen.

[announcer] Guglielmo Pazzi and Giuliano de' Medici

take your horses.

[horse neighing]

[horse neighing]

[sighs]

[crowd cheering]

[drums rolling]

What does it mean? It's a draw.

-[drums rolling] -[crowd cheering]

You're a far better rider than me, Giuliano.

You could have killed me.

Yes, I could have.

But my sister would've never forgiven me.

Bad luck, Giuliano.

[woman] Better luck next time.

Seems he was too good for me. Up to you now, brother.

You must defeat Lorenzo.

Don't worry, Uncle.

I will.

Make sure of it.

[man] Francesco Pazzi and Lorenzo de' Medici...

in the first of the three rounds.

[horse neighing]

[horse neighing]

[Lorenzo screaming]

[Lorenzo sighs]

[horse neighing]

[man] A draw.

[horse neighing]

[crowd cheering]

[Lorenzo sighs]

[Giuliano] You'll get him this time, brother.

[Lorenzo screaming]

[man] Lorenzo, are you all right?

They cut it. I told you.

[Francesco] He's going to ride without his armor.

You did something to his saddle.

-Perhaps. -Perhaps?

[man] We could have him arrested.

If we could prove that he did it.

You want me to kill him?

I'll kill him.

But in a fair fight.

[crowd cheering]

-[trumpet buzzing] -[horse neighing]

[crowd] Oh!

You should have killed me when you had the chance,

Medici. [Lucrezia] Dearest Lorenzo...

I remain in Rome, where I exercise diplomacy on many fronts.

I have committed our family to installing Clarice's brother, Rinaldo

as archbishop in Florence.

And in turn, Orsini has prevailed upon the Pope, who is now ailing, to extend our credit.

[crowd cheering]

As for Clarice Orsini,

it seems your words the night of the party had their intended effect.

Carlo stood in for you as you were married by proxy this morning.

Congratulations, Lorenzo.

You and Clarice are now man and wife.

[priest reciting marriage vows]

[all laughing]

[Lucrezia] As promised to

Cardinal Orsini has prevailed upon the Pope

-to delay repayment of his tides. -[Giuliano] Oh.

It's from mother.

What does it say?

It's wonderful news! Come on!

-Let's go get Father. -[all giggling]

[Lucrezia] Our family has survived this crisis, my son,

-but we have bought ourselves little time. -[man] Ridiculous.

Now you're being ridic--

[Bianca crying]

[Bianca crying]

[Lucrezia] As the head of this family,

you must stand alone.

But we will stand behind you...

always.

May God bless and keep you.

♪ I am here for all to see ♪ ♪ In my bones there's dignity ♪

♪ I will fight them ♪

♪ I can say that I can change the world ♪

♪ But if you let me I can change the world for us ♪

♪ Come with me and ♪

♪ Make this vision all brand new ♪

♪ We can fight them ♪

♪ I can say that I can win it all ♪

♪ Come with me And I will make my worst untold ♪

♪ Let me do this ♪

♪ I am here ♪

♪ To rejoice ♪

♪ To revenge ♪

♪ To resolve ♪

♪ To be longed for ♪

-♪ To be longed for ♪ -♪ I am here ♪

-♪ If you want this ♪ -♪ To rejoice ♪

-♪ If you want this ♪ -♪ To revenge ♪

♪ To resolve ♪

♪ To be longed for ♪

♪ To be longed for ♪ ♪ I am here ♪

♪ I am here ♪

♪ Sometimes I justify the words I spill ♪

♪ Like secret angels they test your will ♪

♪ Outside my troubles are over ♪