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Scene 3

            Storyteller

After Father Louis Paschal introduced Cristoforo to Beatriz a budding romance developed. She falls deeply in love and so does Cristoforo. This proceeded just as the good Father had planned. Though never marrying, their love produced a son. They name him, Ferdinand, after the King of Spain, and call him Fernando. 

Five years pass before Cristoforo convinces the royal couple to finance his voyage to the east by traveling west. The next spring brings their blessing and in April Cristoforo travels to Palos de la Frontera to obtain the ships, supplies, and crew that would take him on a journey of a lifetime.  

It is now Wednesday the 25th, July of the year of our Lord, fourteen hundred ninety-two. These many years Father Paschal has devoted himself to the work of the Lord in the village of Sevilla. He has kept his promise and led a quiet and solitude life. Pope Innocent VIII has restrained Torquemada and his zealots from exercising their righteous indignation on the good Father. Now, once again, events are changing in Vatican City. Events that will have a profound effect upon all. Watch as Beatriz and her son approach Father Paschal. 

            Beatriz

Good day, good Father.

            Louis

Ah, fair Beatriz. And who is with thee?

            Fernando

It is I, Father, Fernando.

            Louis (Laughing)

Of course, my young man. What brings you and your mother to the monastery on a fine day like today?

            Beatriz

I come to beg a favor.

            Louis

I pray that favor is to wed you and Cristoforo in holy matrimony.

            Beatriz

Oh, Father, Cristoforo loves me but does not wish to wed.

            Louis

Doest thou feel the same?

            Beatriz

Yes, I am happy. After all, the Lord has blessed us with Fernando.

            Louis

Indeed, He has. One day He may bless you with a wedding.            

            Beatriz

Yes, maybe one day. You know, Father, one time I confessed love to you.

            Louis

I remember. How doest thou feel now?

            Beatriz

A part of my heart will always be with you.

            Louis

That is the way of first love.

            Beatriz

But Cristoforo loves me with his whole heart and he has won my love. I shall never be with another man.

            Louis

That is as it should be.

            Beatriz

I pray, Father that you would find such love. Or does your love for the Lord suffice?

            Louis

Once, I had such love, but it is no more. Though in my heart it shall never die.

            Beatriz

One day, may you love again.

            Louis

Such comforting words I hold dear. But, please, dear Beatriz, how may I assist you, today?

            Beatriz

I must go into the village to shop. The traders are here today and I fear to take Fernando. My sister, Rita, cannot sit with him. May I please leave him with you?

            Louis

It will be my pleasure.

            Beatriz

Thank you, Father. I fear for my son. There are unscrupulous men who harm young boys. I am afraid even in the Church.

            Louis

He will be safe with me.

            Beatriz

That I know is true. But, Father, there are rumors of other holy men who are not so honorable.

            Louis

I have heard such reports, too. No harm will come to the young boy.

            Beatriz

This I know. But what about others? Who will protect them? Does the Holy Father not know?

            Louis

Sometimes, the Holy Father cannot see beyond his faith.

            Beatriz

Father, may I be bold to ask?

            Louis

What do thou yearn to know, fair lady?

            Beatriz

I beg thy forgiveness, but what bitterness lies within thee? The Father is so different than the Father of yesteryear.

            Louis

Indeed, you have spoken truthfully. My spirit has been crushed.

            Beatriz (tenderly touching his arm)

What foul deed brought such sadness?

            Louis

All these years I have not spoken my heart. 

            Beatriz

Once a wise man told me there was nothing to fear. Father, fear not to speak thy heart to me.

            Louis

Again you speak truth, dear Beatriz. Please sit and I will speak the words that swell my heart. 

            Storyteller

Finally, the good Father Paschal reveals his innermost thoughts to the fair maiden, Beatriz Enriquex de Arana. He tells of his love for Alonso Monticello and how the notorious Tomas de Torquemada thwarted his quest to become pope. With tears in his eyes and a heavy heart he speaks of the pain of losing Alonso at the hands of Torquemada and his zealots. Tenderly, Beatriz comforts the Father and offers the affection of the friend that she had become to him. 

            Beatriz

What words can I speak to ease the torment of thy soul?

            Louis

There are none. The Lord will judge and will bring his eternal damnation upon men like Torquemada and Pope Innocent!

            Beatriz

But, Father, the Holy See protects thee. Why such anger?

            Louis

He protects Torquemada, too. The Holy Father allows him and his zealots to roam the land and bring their form of justice to all men. The Holy See gives no retribution for the lives taken in the name of “heresy.”

            Beatriz

Thou indeed hast been given a bitter spirit.

            Louis

A spirit that will torment me until the day Innocent and Torquemada take their last breath.

            Beatriz (whispering)

Please, be careful Father Paschal. Torquemada’s men may hear such words. 

          Louis

I have come to fear only the Lord. Torquemada holds no power over me. Now, take your leave before all foods are sold.

            Beatriz

I will. Fernando, it is time for your nap.

            Fernando

Oh, mother!

            Louis

Now, young man, listen to your mama. Here, lie on this couch and I will cover you.

            Beatriz (leaving)

Thank you, Father.

            Louis (covering Fernando with a blanket)

You have a good mother.

            Fernando (yawning)

I know.

            Louis

Grow up to love your mother and your father. That is all they ask.

--Ferdinand, My Little Man

Louis

♫ Ferdinand, my little man,

Make your mother proud.

Grow up to be the best you can, 

Ferdinand, my little man.

Though the world be ever cruel,

Try to live the Golden Rule.

Though the world be never kind,

Let your goodness always shine.

Make your mother proud.

Ferdinand, my little man,

Make your father proud.

Grow up to be the best you can, 

Ferdinand, my little man.

Find a love to call your own,

One for you and you alone.

A love that will never die,

You can find it if you try.

Make your father proud.

Ferdinand, my little man,

Make your parents proud.

Grow up to be the best you can, 

Ferdinand, my little man.

Ferdinand, my little man. ♫

            Monk #1 (whispering)

Excuse me, Father, but we have news.

            Louis (leaving the sleeping Fernando’s side and joining the Monks)

It sounds dire.

            Monk #2

Pray tell, it is, Father.

            Monk #1

Word has come that Torquemada and his men are on the way to our village.

            Louis

Do not worry over this. I have the protection of Pope Innocent. My protection covers thee.

            Monk #3

But our fear is real. Torquemada has been appointed Grand Inquisitor of Spain.

            Monk #2

He has the power of the king.

            Monk #1

Father, he has killed many men.

            Monk #3

And women.

            Monk #2

The Holy See has allowed it.

            Louis

Alas, your words are true. But there is nothing we can do.

            Monk #1

Could you travel to Vatican City? Can you make a plea for leniency?

            Louis

I would if I could. But I am afraid they have never understood.

            Monk #3

But surely the Holy Father is not aware. I know in my heart that he must care.

            Louis

He cares for himself. He cares for no one else.

            Monk #2

What has He done to make a bitter soul? Please, tell us, Father. Is it something that can be told?

--Innocent Is Not Innocent

            Louis

♫ There was a love I discovered, though it had to stay under cover,

Innocent found it out.

He’s so busy condemning everyone else,

He doesn’t take the time to look at himself.

Innocent is not innocent. ♫

            Monks

Innocent is not innocent?!?

            Louis

♫ He believes he is right and I am wrong,

He thinks I am weak while he is strong.

Innocent is not innocent. ♫

            Monks

♫ He’s not innocent! He’s not innocent! ♫

            Louis

♫ Can a man be deemed innocent because he looks the other way?

Will the Lord smile on such a man when it comes his judgment day?

Innocent is not innocent. ♫

            Monks

♫ He’s not innocent! He’s not innocent! ♫

            Louis

♫ In this Church there is plenty of guilt,

Plenty to go around.

Innocent is not innocent,

And the Lord will bring him down.

Yes, the Lord will bring him down. ♫

            Monk #1

Please, Father, do not speak words of a heretic!!

            Louis

When do we speak? Who benefits when elegant words fall upon the deaf? After all these years I speak now for release. I speak now for relief.

♫ Do I offend thee?

When I say there is no hope for a dishonest pope?

Do I offend thee? ♫

            Monks

We take no offense!

            Louis

♫ Do I offend thee?

When I say time after time he will pay from his crime?

Do I offend thee? ♫

            Monks

We take no offense!

            Louis

♫ Do I offend thee?

When I said he made sex toys out of young little boys?

Do I offend thee? ♫

            Monks

We take no offense!

            Louis

♫ Do I offend thee?

When I say he sold his soul for a bag full of gold?

Do I offend thee? ♫

            Monks

We take no offense!

            Louis and the Monks 

♫ In this Church there is plenty of guilt,

Plenty to go around.

Innocent is not innocent,

And the Lord will bring him down.

Yes, the Lord will bring him down. ♫

            Monks (softly)

♫ He’s not innocent! He’s not innocent! ♫

            Louis

 ♫ Judas got thirty pieces as he went to hell,

What do you get for the papacy when you put it on sale? ♫

          Monks (softly)

♫ He’s not innocent! He’s not innocent! ♫

            Louis

♫ Give absolution that is hearty for the soul,

Sell them two for the price of one if they only pay with gold. ♫

        Monks (softly)

♫ He’s not innocent! He’s not innocent! ♫

            Louis

♫ Confessions come easy for the horrific of sins,

For those who can pay and are willing to pay and pay again. ♫

        Monks (softly)

♫ He’s not innocent! He’s not innocent! ♫

            Louis

♫ You’re not innocent! You’re not innocent! You’re not innocent at all!!

Innocent is not innocent and God will make him fall. ♫

            Monks

♫ God will make him fall! ♫

          Louis

♫ Simony for the papacy causes concern,

It happens over and over again but we never learn. ♫

      Monks (softly)

♫ He’s not innocent! He’s not innocent! ♫

            Louis

♫ Sell beads of rosary to the faithful who pray,

Run specials on forgiveness and a discount on getting saved. ♫

      Monks (softly)

♫ He’s not innocent! He’s not innocent! ♫

            Louis

♫ Sell your little trinkets engraved with Bible text,

Print “Jesus” on the label and it will sell as good as sex. ♫

      Monks (softly)

♫ He’s not innocent! He’s not innocent! ♫

            Louis

♫ You’re not innocent! You’re not innocent! You’re not innocent at all!!

Innocent is not innocent and God will make him fall. ♫

            Monks

♫ God will make him fall! ♫

            Louis

♫ Innocent is not innocent. ♫

          Louis and the Monks 

♫ In this Church there is plenty of guilt,

Plenty to go around.

Innocent is not innocent,

And the Lord will bring him down.

Yes, the Lord will bring him down. 

The Lord will bring him down. ♫

            Tomas (interrupting)

I thought I smelled the stench of heresy!

            Monks

Torquemada!!

            Louis

What brings the infamous Inquisitor to our village and this monastery?

            Tomas

Why, it was to see you, Father Paschal. I have become concerned about your health and wellbeing.

            Louis

As you can see I am quite robust.

            Tomas

And for how long?

            Louis

As long as the Lord sees fit.

            Tomas

The Lord may soon change his mind.

            Louis (laughing)

Has Torquemada become so great that the Lord God Almighty is speaking directly to him?

            Tomas

No, but events are changing at the Vatican and I am compelled to speak to you about such matters.

            Louis

Then, speak.

            Tomas

I wish to speak to you alone.

            Louis

I have nothing to hide from my friends.

            Tomas (loudly)

I demand to speak to you alone!!

            Louis

Please, Tomas, there is a child asleep. Do not awaken him unnecessarily with your insolence.

            Tomas (speaking to the Monks)

Go!!

(The Monks hastily leave)

Ah, thou friends quickly abandon thee.            

          Louis

Alas, they only the see the power and not the corruptible man who hides behind the shell of authority.

            Tomas

My authority is genuine. It is authority from the Lord and Pope Innocent VIII.

            Louis

Who has swore I am protected.

            Tomas

Whose protection I have granted. But now our Holy Father is quite ill and soon will take his place beside the Lord.

            Louis

Cardinal Bishop Giuliano della Rovere is decent. The Holy See will be fair.

            Tomas

He will not be pope!

            Louis

Who is the man you have chosen?

            Tomas

The Lord will choose Cardinal Bishop Rodrigo Borgia!

            Louis

He is a scoundrel!

            Tomas

He will be pope. He has an imposing presence. He is brilliant and quite persuasive. And best of all, he has a loathing for you and your kind.

            Louis

The Lord will not choose him!

            Tomas

It will take place.

            Louis

Then it will be by misdeeds. His papacy can only be obtained through simony.

            Tomas (drawing his sword)

The Lord will see to it. And when you see the white smoke rising from the Sistine, know your vile days will be over!!

            Louis

This cannot be!!

            Tomas

I had a vision of a tall oak tree. It drew its nourishment from the very river of life. Without regard to the giver of life, it gave its shadow of protection to all the unclean animals of the forest. In time along came a humble woodsman, who with his little hatchet struck the mighty oak. Though tall and impressive, it fell to the forest floor. All the unclean animals quickly ran away for fear of their own safety. Alas, this once powerful oak was now only deadwood awaiting consumption by a hellish fire.

            Louis (smirking)

Is the oak tree you, or is it me?

            Tomas (angrily)

The Lord will determine that!!    

            Fernando (sleepily)

Father?!?

            Louis

You have awakened the boy.

            Tomas (leaving)

Until we meet again in Vatican City.

            Beatriz (emerging from the shadows)

Father, I fear for thee.

            Louis

I am beginning to fear for me, too.

            Beatriz

You must hide.

            Louis

I am not one given to hiding.

            Beatriz

Go to Cristoforo in Palos de la Frontera. He will give you safe passage on a ship to the Far East.

            Louis

Even there Torquemada and his men will find a priest.

            Beatriz

Then do not go as a man of the cloth. Become a sailor and find a safe harbor.

            Louis

You make it sound easier than it shall be.

            Beatriz

Your life and welfare is precious to me. Please, Father?

            Fernando

Please, Father?

            Louis

How can I resist such caring from two of my fondest friends?

            Beatriz

Hurry, Father. I will tell Torquemada you have ventured to Vatican City. You will be at sea before he learns the truth.

            Louis

Dear, Beatriz, how can I ever repay such kindness?

            Beatriz

Only by living.

            Louis (leaving)

Then I take my leave. Goodbye young Fernando.

            Fernando

Goodbye, Father.

            Beatriz

I know in my heart this is not the end. There will come a time when we will meet again.

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