My mother is far smarter than the credit she is given, though I give credit to my father's mistress. Guilia Farnese and I are dear friends. My mother is humble, gracious, and steadfast where Guilia has all the grace and slyness of a fox. [She lifts her chin proudly, giving a wide grin.]

I bow to you to show you my respect, and I give it freely. It does not make me less of a noblewoman. [It is the station she salutes, and not his gender. Though it is certainly harder to gain power in Rome.]

There is much writ about our God. "Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love." And yet, "Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap." There is the tales of Noah, Sodom and Gamora.