(SOFT MUSIC) Captions by Able. Captions were made with the support of NZ On Air. www.able.co.nz Copyright Able 2022 (AMBIENT VOCALISATIONS) (WARPED SCREECH) (BIRDS FLUTTER) (FOOTSTEPS APPROACH) - Ambassador. - Officer Giraldi. Did you read my statement? - I did. - Then you know everything. I... I saw Leonardo kill her. Poor Caterina. - With respect, you saw her die from poison. You didn't actually see Leonardo administer it. (UNEASY MUSIC) - You don't believe he's guilty? - You said in your statement that she wrote to you asking to see you the very day she died. - Yes. - Did she say why? - No. (BIRD WHISTLES) - You hadn't seen her in years, yet you came. - I thought of her many times over those years. - I know how the three of you met. What I don't know is why you parted. - (SIGHS) It was love, of course. Love is the poisoner of reason. (BIRD SCREECHES) (HORSE NICKERS) - No image, not even the very smallest, enters the eye without being turned upside down. - You` You're turning a worrying shade of crimson. - (GRUNTS) (MUTTERS) - People are staring. - Not at us. (HORSE NEIGHS) - Make way for the Duke Regent. - You see? If Ludovico Sforza saw you like that, he'd think you quite mad. - I think that extra flow of blood has helped me think of ways to captivate him. - But you said he already offered you his patronage. - I refused him. - You did what?! - I turned him down, and he said he never makes the same offer twice. - And you didn't think to mention this before we left Florence? - No. - We could have gone to Mantua or Naples. (ROWDY LAUGHTER, SINGING) - How long are you going to be angry with me? - It's going to last a while, I think. (LIQUID SLOSHES, LAUGHTER) - (CHUCKLES) Well, that was for the greater good. I'm sorry, Dante. - Forgive us. Forgive us. - Please don't apologise. - I'll take care of this. Go get yourself a drink. I'm sorry, gentlemen. CHUCKLES: Desole. - Liar. - No, no, no, no. Um... actor. It's pronounced actor where I come from. (CHUCKLES) - Let's go back to Florence. - There's no future for me in Florence. - I don't like it here. - (SINGS OPERATICALLY) - There are more soldiers than there are women. - Exactly. - What is this? - A war machine. - Oh, splendid idea (!) Except you're not a military engineer. - Who says I'm not? (ROWDY CHATTER) (BELL TOLLS) (DOOR CREAKS) - Are you the artist? - Yes. Yes, I am. - His Excellency will see you. - Thank you. - The Duke Regent will receive you in his private chambers. When you meet His Excellency, you are to bow with suitable deference. Too deep is considered vulgar, too shallow an insult. You must not initiate conversation with His Excellency. Do not make eye contact unless addressed. If you're fortunate enough to be introduced to Lady Beatrice, you must bow reverently, but not as deeply as to His Excellency. You are to refer to her only as 'My Lady' or 'Madonna'. (BODY THUMPS) (OMINOUS MUSIC) (CLEARS THROAT) This way. - Just stay still for one more second. Good boy. Good boy! - Your Excellency, Leonardo da Vinci. - Your Lordship, do you think this collar flatters him? Hmm. I believe it's a man's duty to make everything around him beautiful; surely you agree? - Beauty and truth, yes. - Oh, come. We both know the truth needs decorating to be palatable. What brings you to Milan? I was pretty clear last time we spoke, so I know you can't be here to beg my patronage. - (STAMMERS) Um... That was when you approached me as an artist, Your Lordship. Today I come before you as an engineer. I have ideas here for defences for your city, if you'd like to take a look. First we have our... This is a mechanism for pushing siege ladders away from walls. And we have some more, um, well... This here is a mobile cannon. It protects the people inside with a armour on the outside. - You're dressing the truth. You've no passion for war. You've ruined your reputation in Florence, and now you're trying your luck with me. Besides, I've all the defences I need. (SOMBRE MUSIC) - Your Lordship, you're right. I don't have a passion for war, but I do have a passion for art and paintings. And... forgive me for saying, Sir, but what you do not possess is a true work of art. I don't mean these, but something so beautiful that all the world would marvel. Now, I know you said you don't offer second chances, but I swear to you if you do I will deliver such a masterpiece. It's all I wish to accomplish. - Uh, Lady Beatrice would like your opinion on tonight's masque, My Lord. - Very good. Come. - Your Grace. Ladies and gentlemen, a morality in praise of chastity. Music. (STRING MUSIC PLAYS) - (SINGS IN FOREIGN LANGUAGE) - Brava. (LAUGHS) - Thank you, my love. - (LIPS SMACK) - I promise tonight will be even more spectacular. - I'm sure. - Yes, with nymphs and dwarves... - And tell me about the unicorn. - The unicorn is fantastic! - I seem to have lost my asp. You have not seen him anywhere, have you? - Caterina? - Ta-da. (CHUCKLES) (SOFT MUSIC) You know, watching your face during that rehearsal (LAUGHS) was the best fun I've had in weeks. What are we doing in a palace? - What are you doing in Milan? - Bernardo's here for trade deals. And you ` working for Il Moro. - No, I'm not here on Ludovico's invitation. I'm here because I've nowhere else to go. I didn't get an offer from Il Moro. - Why didn't you tell me? - Because you were so happy; I didn't want to spoil it. - I missed you so much. - I missed you too. - Messere Leonardo. So good to see you again. - Ah, and you, Ambassador Bembo. - Sanseverino, you are in the presence of a great artist. - Oh. Then I am honoured to meet you. - Sanseverino is responsible for the safety of the Duke Regent. - There you are, Caterina. - CATERINA: Your Excellency. - Darling, you're going to be a divine Cleopatra. - Thank you, Your Grace. - We shall become dear friends; I know it. - Your Lordship, I wondered` - I've just been discussing you with my wife. And, as it turns out, we do have a commission for you ` one of great importance. - Yes. A troupe of actors have come here to perform Poliziano's 'La Fabula di Orfeo' for our nephew who's a rather sad young man. - He's insufferably miserable. - He's in great need of cheer. A dazzling spectacle would be just the thing. - You can design the production, hm? Well, you've seen the masque ` take your lead from that. - I don't understand. (BOTH CHUCKLE) - Our next entertainment, of course. - I'm so excited you're going to design it for us. - An opportunity for you to prove yourself worthy of my patronage. - I wish I shared Il Moro's passion for masques, but I'm afraid I do not have an artist's soul. (CHUCKLES) - Masques are not art. - Oh. (SIGHS) - Who was that? - The Duke of Milan. - Orpheus played his lyre so beautifully even the birds were enchanted, but his greatest love was his wife, Eurydice. When Eurydice died, he went to beg Hades for her return. Hades agreed, but on one condition ` he must not look upon her until they'd left the Underworld. (BANG!) - I'm sorry, gentlemen. (CHUCKLES) Desole. - But he did, and Eurydice vanished forever. (APPLAUSE) - Bravo! Well done, everybody. - Here comes our new designer. - Bravo! I know exactly what you need ` a good glass of wine. - I'd like that very much. Yes? - So... - Mm-hmm. - When can we talk about your plans? - (SCOFFS) We plan only to sing. - Yes, but what about scenery and the stage? - Build me one of, um, wooden planks, if you must. And trees. Yeah, paint me some trees ` whichever ones you like. - Yes. - Not willows, though. They're far too gloomy. - Trees, right. - That's all. Look, that's all I require from Il Moro's... (SNAPS FINGERS) lapdog. - Have I told you about Thierry, the leader of the actors' troupe? - The vain braggart who means to sabotage your every effort? You may have mentioned him once or a hundred times. - I should be studying. I should be discussing the mysteries of nature and people, not painting baubles for tomfools. - Stop torturing yourself. These theatricals are an audition ` that's all. If you give him more of the spectacle he wants... - No, I can't. - ...he'll reward you, Leonardo. He said so himself. - Well, what if he doesn't? What will I do? I'm not like you, Caterina. I don't know how to... live. You have a gift for it. - It's not true. You can breathe life into anything. You gave me life. You gave me wings to fly out of the gutter. I had no idea how exhausting court life is. Last week I attended three dances, a fete and two banquets. And you taught me how to play chess. Check. - Ooh. - Masks and fireworks ` that's what you need. It's what everyone does. - I'll hardly impress with what everyone does. Why didn't I protest? And I stood there gawping at Ludovico like a... startled fish. - (LAUGHS) - (GROANS) - This is not the end of your story, believe me. - I think that's checkmate. (CHUCKLES) - Where is Antonio? - I gave him the night off. He was exhausted. - You will soon grow accustomed to servants. - Well, I hope not. The Doge of Venice will be unimpressed when your report fails to arrive because you were making love to your mistress. - Only because the Doge of Venice has not met my mistress. - Hmm. What is` (GASPS) - The blue sapphires are from Persia, and the diamonds polished by Lodewyk van Bercken himself. - I can't accept this. - I insist. You will wear it as a favour to me. - On one condition ` you will ask Il Moro to take Leonardo off this entertainment and commission a painting from him instead. He'll listen to you. - This is hardly my business. - Leonardo's gifts are worth more than dressing ponies as unicorns ` you know that. Please. WHISPERS: Please. Please. - Please. - Yes. - Yes! I'm truly grateful, and so will he be. Thank you. Thank you. - Madonna. - No. No, thank you. - Please. - All right. Thank you. - You're welcome. (PENSIVE MUSIC) - READS: For every mortal thing, time stops. For every mortal thing, time stops. - Your Excellency, I'm intrigued to know why you assigned Messere Leonardo to a theatrical entertainment. Your judgement is superlative, of course, but it strikes me as a trifling commission for an artist who shows such an exceptional talent. - I see. - See what exactly? - Idle gossip is beneath us, of course, but even I've heard talk of how the wild stag of Venice has finally been captured, and by such a lowborn creature. - Any stag worth his salt would give an antler to be caught by such a ravishing creature. - Now she has you doing her bidding on her lover's behalf. It is the lovely Caterina who asked you to speak with me on this matter, is it not? - No, Messere Leonardo is not` - You are aware they regularly frequent a tavern by night unchaperoned? I have nothing but admiration for you. Personally, I couldn't tolerate the idea that a softling could better satisfy my mistress than me. (UNEASY MUSIC) (LAUGHS) I'm teasing you. I'm teasing you. (BOTH CHUCKLE) - Hmm. - Why are you here? - Me? (LAUGHS) Well, the Chamberlain insisted that I be here, so I'm here. I love these ` almonds. They're my favourite. Mm. How are you? - No, no. - No, don't touch that. - (SCOFFS) Why? - You want to lose a finger? - (SCOFFS, CHUCKLES) That's, um... That's not what I asked for. - I need to make this theatrical ` the most spectacular ever seen in Milan. My future depends on it. Could you please leave? - (CHUCKLES) Well, I'm not sure one angel in the whole of heaven counts as spectacular. Won't he be lonely? - It's your reputation at stake, too. Don't you care? - About what? About what men like Ludovico think? What do they know of music and art? - You're fortunate, then. I can't afford to paint without his patronage. - Hmm. - Give that to me, please. - You want this? - Give it to me. - Take it. (PLAYFUL MUSIC) Take it! Take it! (LAUGHS) Take it! - Move! Move! - What dark secrets have you, Maestro da Vinci? Just let me have a look. - Please give it to me. - Just a minute, s'il vous plait. - (PANTS) - Merci. - (SIGHS) - Wait. You... Lapdog, you did all this? - (SIGHS) - Do people know? (WONDROUS MUSIC) I mean, your drawings ` I've never seen machines like these. 'Balance wheels'. My father, he was a clockmaker. Make Orpheus your world. Bring it to life. - I'll need more time. - You have a month. We can help. Yes? - Yes. (LOW CHATTER) - Don't forget me. Thank you, Francesca. - Does the artist have what we need? - What's your name? - Leonardo da Vinci. - Please leave us. Do you know who I am? - Yes, Your Excellency. - The poor little boy shut away by his uncle ` that's what they say, isn't it? Please, take a seat. Tell me, Leonardo da Vinci, what do you think of hunting? - I don't care for it. - My uncle says it will make a man of me. He doesn't realise I'm already one. I don't need to kill birds to prove it. How could anyone be so cruel? - What is your favourite of all the birds? I think mine is the pelican. Did you know the pelican has great love for its young? And when it finds them in the nest dead from a snakebite, it pierces itself to the heart and bathes them in blood till they return to life. - I like pigeons. - Hm. (CHUCKLES) - I feel sorry for them. They're so unremarkable. - Yes. The pigeon does get a hard time, doesn't it? And, of course, the pigeon is also the symbol for ingratitude for when it's old enough to no longer need to be fed, it begins to fight with its father. And that struggle doesn't end until the young one drives the older one out. Your Excellency, I... I didn't mean to cause offence. - My uncle was burdened when my mother didn't want me but I've no intention of driving him out. (SOFT MUSIC) I wish he'd be Duke instead of me. - If he felt burdened, why would he organise an entertainment for you? - Entertainment? - Mm-hm. One that will truly astonish you. - How do you know? - He engaged me to design it. - Really? - (CHUCKLES) - What about masks and fireworks? - (SCOFFS) No. - (LAUGHS) I've never seen a man so clenched, like a fist. - (GROANS) I just can't find the truth in this. - It's just a thrill, a diversion, a taste of pleasure. There for a moment and gone. What does it matter? - It matters because art lifts us up. - Mm (!) - It transcends and gives meaning to our lives. That's why it matters. - (CHUCKLES) No, no, no. There's no meaning. We're here for a moment and gone. That's all. Theatricals are about the moment, the now. If you can unlock yourself long enough to see that, you might even enjoy it. Let go. - I can't. - Let go. - (GROANS) - Come with me. (EXCITING MUSIC) (BUG BUZZES) - Did you know the mayfly only lives for one day? - Shh. Dante, Deo, you ready? This is going to be fun. (CHUCKLES) - (YELPS, SCREAMS) - (LAUGHS) Relax! - (WAILS) - Relax! Stop panicking. Just let go. Let go! - (MOANS FEARFULLY) - Let go and enjoy yourself! You're flying! You're flying, my friend! You're flying! - (LAUGHS) - (EXCLAIMS) (TRANSCENDENT MUSIC) - You're flying! - I'm flying! - (CHUCKLES) - You were wrong. If a mayfly lives for only one day, then that day is not meaningless. It must mean everything. - The flying worked then? - Oh, I didn't hear you when you said it, but when you said, 'Make Orpheus your world'... I must be the creator of a world within a world. We must utilise the same four elements the gods do ` air, earth, water and fire. An artist must observe like a scientist but create with fantasy, and that story takes place in heaven and hell where one must effortlessly become the other, for they are both sides of our nature ` good and evil, just as God created us. The audience must not merely see this, but they must feel it ` the stench of demon breath, the kiss of an angel, the heartbreak of a man losing his one true love. The audience must feel it all. (OMINOUS MUSIC) - Caterina. It's so good to see you again. - Why are you here in Milan? - I'm` - You lied to me. - Yes, but Leonardo knows what I did, and he's forgiven me. - Well, his heart is softer than mine. If you hurt him again in any way... - Why would I? My own success depends upon his. - Right. Remember that. - You're getting good at this game, and I don't just mean chess. - Turns out wealthy people are no different from those in the streets of Florence; they just have finer clothes. - It's good that you're spending time with the ladies of the court ` far more suitable company than Messere Leonardo. - He's been far too busy to see me, but I'm sure that will change once the theatrical's over. - I have no doubt. Would you mind wearing something particularly fetching tonight? - Fetching? (LAUGHS) - Mm-hm. I'd like your help to get in Il Moro's good graces. - All right. Don't be too agreeable, though. I've known men like Ludovico. They push just to see how far you'll bend, and if you don't stand up for yourself, they'll never respect you. I'm sorry. I say too much. I'll stop if it displeases you. - It doesn't. Not in the least. (HUFFS) In fact, you please very much. (KNOCK BOOMS) (UNEASY MUSIC) (OMINOUS TONE) - Listen, I didn't want to mention it until I was certain, but I think someone's been stealing from us. (SPEECH WARPS) Leonardo. - What? When? - Yesterday, perhaps day before. I'm not sure. You've been at the palace so much it's hard to say. - I'll see to it. - Maestro. Maestro Leonardo. - What is it? - Well, I just need a word. - I can't be long. I have this dinner later. - Don't go. - What? - (CHUCKLES) Just don't go. - What are you talking about? I have to go. It's with Il Moro. - Yeah, yeah. You're right; you should. Um... Anyway, I'm not good to be around the night before production, so... - There's only yourself to blame. There wouldn't be a production if you hadn't inspired me, so... (GLASSES CLINK) Thank you. - (CHUCKLES) It's funny. Remember the first time I met you? (LAUGHS) - What are you laughing at? Tell me. - DRAMATICALLY: I can't find the truth in this! - Mm. - Remember that? - That was a good impersonation, actually. - No, it wasn't, but, um... - Oh, dear. - Well, you know me ` I'm a man of many faces. Anyway, what, um... What I wanted to tell you is, um... - What? - Come to France with me. (TENDER MUSIC) - I'll be late. - Megastomo. (DOG WHINES) (MENACING MUSIC) Here, boy. Good boy. Here, here. Come. Good boy. (LOW CHATTER) (SINISTER MUSIC) (DOG WHINES) (DOG BARKS) - Come right here. Awww. (CHUCKLES) (DOG WHINES) Good boy. 13 is the age of manhood which means it is time for you to stop concentrating on the arts and turn your attention towards politics. Wouldn't you agree, Messere Leonardo? - Oh, I` I apologise. Caterina was just warning me that there is pheasant in this, and I don't eat birds or any animals, for that matter. My body will not be a tomb for other creatures. - I've never heard that before. I like the idea. Although, I'd rather hear about the theatricals. - Oh, do tell us more. - You will be amazed. There's a machine which can` - I think Leonardo would rather it be a surprise. - Oh, come now. - There will be plenty of time. - I... (GROANS) I... (CHOKES) should... - Darling. - I... I... You... (SPLUTTERS) - Uncle? (ALL GASP) - Darling! - No, don't touch him! Don't. Don't touch him! Stand back, I tell you. I need a pestle, charcoal, turmeric, salt and milk from the kitchen, please! - Take the Duke. - Guards, take hold of the dog! Do not touch him with your bare hands! - What's happening? Tell me! - I think someone has laced the dog's fur with a deadly poison. I know of an antidote, but it does not always succeed. - (PANTS) - The ingredients are here. They're here. Lay them down. - (WHEEZES) - WAILS: My God! My love! My love! Go! Go quicker! Quicker! My love... Please! Hurry, please! - You don't look well either. - Please do something! - Have mercy. I beg you, please! Sanseverino, please! No! Please! - Please save him. Breathe! - (RASPS WHEEZILY) - Now we wait. (DOOR OPENS) - What's happening? - I still haven't heard anything. The physician was in there all night. I hope I did enough. (BELL TOLLS, BIRDS FLUTTER) - Maestro. Il Moro has woken, and he wishes to thank you. Please. - Yes. - Messere Leonardo, you saved my husband's life. - (EXHALES SHAKILY) - If you hadn't been here with the right antidote at precisely the right moment... (COUGHS) - How does an artist come to know the antidote for poison? - Um, many pigments artists use are poisons. I've made a study of their toxic qualities and concocted antidotes to counter them, but that coppery pigment that was used last night, that composition of death ` that's hard to come by in Milan. I've seen it in Florence, but... not here. - (COUGHS) Leonardo, the theatricals ` they will go ahead as planned. - Yes, Your Lordship. Do you think I'm a traitor? - I know how desperate you are for Il Moro's patronage, how you disapproved of the task he gave you, and how creative you are. - I had nothing to do with that. Listen to me. I did see something yesterday. I saw a man speaking to the Chamberlain, and I didn't see what he looked like. He could have been a co-conspirator. It looked suspicious. He had a gold lion-headed medallion on his boots. - Thank you. (OMINOUS MUSIC) (DOOR CLANGS) (LOW CHATTER) - He looks anxious. I'm going to speak to him. - You're not. - What? - You're not to see him any more. - Why? - I will not be made a fool of. - Bernardo, you can't command me to. - If you're no longer happy with our arrangement, just say the word. You are free to return to the streets of Florence. (SOMBRE MUSIC) (APPLAUSE) - (SIGHS) Something terrible happened. - I heard. - You heard? They think it's me. What am I going to do? - Hey, hey, hey. Forget them. - (STAMMERS) - Forget them. This is your moment. - What if it doesn't work? What if I'm nothing? - You are... You are a god. (EMOTIONAL MUSIC) - Leonardo. Leonardo! - What? What? - It's time to start. Are they ready? - Are we ready? - Yes. - Yes. Now! - Smoke! (SMOKE HISSES) - Now! The river! - Water! (GEARS CRANK) This way. This way. Go, go, go. (SOFT STRING MUSIC PLAYS) - Orpheus played his lyre so beautifully even the birds were enchanted. (AUDIENCE GASPS, BIRDS CHITTER, APPLAUSE) - (WOMAN AND MAN SING IN FOREIGN LANGUAGE) - But his greatest love was his wife, Eurydice. When Eurydice died, Orpheus went to beg Hades, god of the dead, for her return. (HAUNTING MUSIC) - Fire! Fire! - Fire! (FLAMES BOOM, AUDIENCE SHRIEKS) (UNSETTLING MUSIC) - Cogs! (COGS CREAK) (AUDIENCE GASP, APPLAUD) (FIRE HISSES) (AUDIENCE MURMURS FEARFULLY) (APPLAUSE) - Hades agreed, but on one condition ` Orpheus must not look upon her until they'd left the Underworld. But he did, and Eurydice vanished forever. (BLADE SLICES) (LIQUID SLOSHES) (DRAMATIC CHOIR MUSIC) (EXPLOSION BOOMS) (BODY THUDS) (SWORD SLICES, AUDIENCE SHRIEKS) (DARK MUSIC) (STAFF BANGS) (FOOTSTEPS THUD) - This is a public display of the fate that awaits all traitors. I want you to take that message to all Milan! Take them out. - Everybody out! Stop! That way, Madonna. (MOURNFUL MUSIC) - The actor was using you to gain favour in the court to get close to Il Moro. He was part of a plan orchestrated in the name of King Louis of France. Your tip about the medallion confirmed the culprit. I am indebted to you for the information. - His treachery must have been deeply painful for you. I, too, was taken in. We're only human. Try not to blame yourself. Love is the poisoner of reason. - Love is the poisoner of reason. Meeting him was... was her tragedy. - You haven't explained, Ambassador. How can you be so certain Leonardo was responsible? - If my word is not sufficient, let's look at your precious facts. Composition of death ` the poison that nearly killed Ludovico. It was the same poison used to kill Caterina. (DISTORTED THUMP) - Coincidence, perhaps? - You're missing my point. If Leonardo knew how to save Ludovico, why didn't he save her? Her salvation was in his hands. (EMOTIONAL MUSIC) Captions by Able. Captions were made with the support of NZ On Air.