Wednesday, August 24, 2011

La Pola - August 24, 2011 - The Big Battle, Discussion Page

I didn’t expect this episode to end with the death of Leandro. I didn’t expect Leandro to die nor did I expect that Alejo would see his brother cut down in front of his eyes. Nariño’s charisma and heroic strategy carried the day. Sámano left his troops to fend for themselves. He once again fled, saving himself for some other greater glory. Pola could not suppress her instinct to save Alejo. She, and a band of women, dressed themselves as soldiers and head into the fray, undeterred by the surrounding bloody detritus of the day’s battle.

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La Pola - August 23, 2011 - The War Begins, Discussion Page

The rebels led by Nariño continue their march to Popayan. The first shots are fired as they encounter Sámano’s forces standing guard on a bridge that leads to the city. Nariño sees the trap and orders his soldiers to retreat and then he orders the artillery to bombard the hills. Sámano’s forces are routed by this determined band and by his bad judgment in dividing his army.

Sámano orders all munitions in the cuartel in Popayan to be blown up with no warning to civilians in the area. Leandro escorts María Teresa, who suffered a minor wound in the explosion, and Eusebia back to the mansion. Francisco looks for a safe place for himself.

Pola will not be stopped either by Alejo’s pleas or by Nariño’s orders. She will fight.

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Tuesday, August 23, 2011

La Pola - August 22, 2011 - Discussion Page

Sámano spits in Gaspar’s face and calls him a traitor and promises him death by firing squad. Leandro enters the room and tells Sámano that Francisco and María Teresa are his parents. That saves them and gives Francisco the opportunity to butt in and tell Sámano that Gaspar’s life is worth more since he is so rich and can make a significant contribution to Spain’s war effort.

Pola rallies the women to follow the soldiers and make themselves useful by providing food, mending clothing and cheering them on. Nariño tries to stop her by having the rope to a “taribo” over a river cut so that the women cannot cross. Resourcesful Pola jumps in the raging river and rigs up another taribo and the women cross into the battle zone.

Alejo makes his escape from Popayan and joins Nariño’s forces bringing with him a local leader and his small band of troops. He catches up with Pola, but she plays hard to get.

Nariño expects that they will meet Sámano’s forces just outside Popayan. The troops make ready for battle.

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Saturday, August 20, 2011

La Pola - August 15-19, 2011 - The Squeeze and TheTease, Discussion Page

By force of will, good luck, and excellent strategy, Santa Fé emerges victorious in its fight against the army lead by Baraya who is unceremoniously ousted and humiliated.

Nariño doubles his efforts to unite the province and its former leaders, including the deserter José María Carbonel. He welcomes an astounded Don Jorge Tadeo and Sabio Caldas into the new government. Nariño will not yield his belief in federalism. After a debate on that point with José María Torres, he wins the support of the Congress. Those who believed they would be executed, lose their property or be expelled from the country now find themselves drawn into the new government. The Congress declares independence from Spain. The people of Santa Fé have gathered in the square and react with predictable elation at the news.

Domingo is in that crowd. He went to Santa Fé to fight, taking an unwilling Ciro and a chained Juliano with him. In a blind rage he gave away his property and left Gertrudis and Cata nothing. Cata falls ill from a mysterious ailment. Gertrudis asks for an exorcism.

Juliano will not be allowed in battle chained to a “mora”. Nariño announces that all slaves who volunteer to fight against the Spanish will be freed. Unfortunately, the brilliant strategist, Col. Bayly, is is a victim of this announcement when he is killed by one of his own slaves who thought he should be freed immediately.

Pola and Alejo have several bittersweet encounters. Alejo has been completely converted and is now a loyal Nariño follower. With a new government and new laws, Pola and Alejo are free and agree to be married quickly. But, Nariño orders Alejo to go to Popayan to advise that government not to sacrifice its army and people in a fight against Sámano and the army of Spain. Alejo finally tells Pola that he must leave in the morning to complete this new mission. They bestow a few minutes of unfettered passion upon us, but when Alejo says he will go find a priest right now (think marriage/sex), Pola’s feelings are hurt and she leaves Alejo in a fit of frustration.

Alejo and Arcos enter Popayan dressed as monks. Don Gaspar agrees with Alejo. Francisco says he hopes Alejo dies in battle. Gaspar finally tells Francisco that it is time for him to leave the mansion. Gaspar also tells Eusebia that any further engagement between Alejo and Ignacia (who is soon to take final vows) is out of the question. Alejo reminds her that he is engaged to marry another.

Alejo, María Teresa and Doña Eusebia visit María Ignacia. She is godly and penitent. She has forgiven everyone, including Alejo and Pola, for whom she prays.

Dinner at the mansion that night is interrupted by the entrance of Sámano and his troops who have come to search for rebel soldiers. Alejo hides in a storage room and is wounded as one of the soldiers stabs his bayonet into stored property. The soldier reports to Sámano that he has found nothing. But, blood is visible on the tip of his bayonet. Question of the week: Will Sámano, or anyone, see the blood?

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Sunday, August 14, 2011

La Pola - August 8-12, 2011 - Discussion Page

Ladies and Gentlemen: This was another action-packed adventure in Cundinamarca (sp?). The biggest surprise was the transformation of Col. Baraya from Nariño's loyal friend and ally to a power-hungry general in the army under the leadership of Don Camilo Torres and his revolutionary gang. Don Jorge Tadeo has thrown in the towel and Nariño steps forward to lead Santa Fé with his characteristic idealism and belief in the Rights of Man.

Domingo is going over the edge. He is obsessed with impregnating Catarina, which we know he will never be capable of doing. With the help of his flunky Ciro he learns more and more about what has been going on in the storage hut. He now begins to think the unthinkable - that Juliano and Catarina have had a love affair and that one of the children, that is, one of Acacia's twins is the product of that affair. After trying unsuccessfully to brand the little boy like a head of cattle he orders Ciro to get rid of him - kill him. What will be Cata's fate now?

Pola is committed to the revolution. All males over the age of 15 are ordered to serve in the army of Santa Fé. That means that Pedrito and Vivianito must become soldiers in an army that is outnumbered by thousands.

Nariño in the ultimate act of nobility presents himself before Baraya in an attempt to make a deal to save the city. It is a futile attempt.

Arcos sees things as they are and doesn't want to fight for a bunch of chapetones who don't care about the local people. Alejo still professes loyalty to the king. Pola, of course, cannot accept that.

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Sunday, August 07, 2011

La Pola - August 1-5, 2011 - A child is born and a mother is buried

Dear anxious Pola fans,
Here's a place for your comments. I’ll copy and paste Martaivett’s recap as soon as she posts it (or Pasofino sends it to me.)


And here's Martaivett's recap, as promised:

Lose one supporter, another one's arrival
turns a soul around and the war is closing in, putting Pola and Alejo
on different sides?


La pola monday:
Friday ended up with Alejo
going to see Pola late at night to tell her he is leaving for Popayan
to fight with Baraya against Gov Tacon’s troops. He told her MI was
locked up in a convent and Pola should not doubt him. will you wait
for me?... maybe when you get back we can marry…I never could have
guessed I would see the day you would fight against your king… I am
not fighting my king, I will fight for America, for someday being able
to marry a woman who is not my ‘equal’…

Domingo touches Cata;s
leg, she wakes up and asks what he is up to. He excuses himself, just
that she is so pretty, he asks how is the preg going… she says fine…
She tells him Acacia is also pregnant. He is glad, he got two slaves
for the price of one. That way he recovers the one slave he lost.
Cata asks why he won’t give Acacia’s child the freedom, he is not in
agreement.
He is already planning to what
work to give that new slave…

Antonio gets home. Magadalena
keeps trying to push him away to go do his important fight instead of
staying home and watching over her. Antonio says he will give Jorge
Tadeo a chance to come through for the town while he takes care of his
ill wife… IF she is not beside him, none of what he does will
matter…

Domingo tells Acacia that her child will also be his
slave. She knew that already. Misia Gertrudis is also pretty dry with
Acacia… Domingo is looking forward to the child he has been waiting
for.
Cata slips ‘good thing my child will be free’… Domingo asks
what she means but then they brush it off afterwards.

In
Popayan Francisco is talking to the town again, with Maria Teresa and
Tacon beside him. Tacon gave him an announcement to make, puts all
townsmen to fight in the name of God and our beloved Spain… whoever is
against the King is against Popayan city. Need more troops to
confront Santa Fe troops approaching, so Gov has created a new tax
for funding this fight. Also the troop numbers are not enough so he is
offering all slaves to fight in exchange for their freedom once they
win the war. Hooray for our Gov Don Miguel Tacon. Maria T asks who
came up with the idea of the slaves fighting. Francisco assures her it
was Tacon’s idea, he just read.

In Santa Fe, Pola is saying
goodbye to Alejo while Pedrito and Viviancito comment what is going
on. Pola asks if he wants to take his medal for protection. He says he
has an ammulet already (her cloth wrapped in his wrist), and a scar
(in the hand, from the blood promise of love)… Pola says can’t wait
for his return so she can give him her ‘virtue’ (he blushes and
giggles, then asks her how she says that out here in public) can’t
wait to find out what it feels like. So don’t allow yourself to be
killed. He says he will be extra careful after she said
that. They kiss goodbye (vivianito covers Pedrito’s eyes LOL). Arcos
comes by, says if Alejo doesn’t return, he will. LOL If he dies in the
fight she will regret not having given him even a kiss…
Alejo and
Vivianito say their goodbyes as friends, Alejo leaves him to care for
his sister, he will have to respond to Alejo if anything happens to
her.

Cata asks Acacia if she doesn’t mind her child will be a
slave. Or will she take a herb tea to prevent the child from being
born… Acacia is startled at even the idea. Acacia asks Cata if
Juliano will return. Cata says no… Acacia says Bernarda said he will,
there are some slave hunters in the region. So Bernarda hopes he will
be back.

Pola is crying worried at Maria Matea’s, Maria Matea
consoles her, he will be back, he is a good soldier.

Pola is
learning how to sew, Maria Matea says it looks good, but she is still
very slow. Pedrito suggests Pola work sewing dresses
for rich women. It is a good idea, but first Pola has to get faster
at it.

Months later…
Maria Matea tells Pola she is ready to
begin working making dresses for the towns ladies.

Pedrito and
Vivianito come saying there will be announcements about the Popayan
fights.
The military reader says Baraya was successful in the
first few confrontations with Tacon. Pola is very happy, 60 dead on
other side, 9 on ours.
They will have a 3 day party in town to
celebrate this success/triumph…

In Popayan, Tacon is back at
Don Gaspar’s house. He came for his ‘boxes/things’… He is in a hurry.
Francisco obviously doesn’t want him to take them. Tacon asks
Francisco for the fourth box/chest. Francisco at first denies there
was a fourth, but then has to order slaves to take some blankets off
the last one… Francisco asks if they won the war. Tacon nods no.. He
can’t stay because they will kill them all. Francisco
offers to keep them here until he returns… At Tacon’s refusal,
Francisco begs Tacon to take him with him. Tacon says he is traveling
wife-less, so he has to as well. Francisco thinks about it… and ends
up accepting. Tacon says will be back to pick him up in an hour. Pack
up.

In Santa Fe plaza, Jorge Tadeo is celebrating by throwing
coins to the towns people. Pola and the guy and son she worked with
first when she came back to town are talking that Jorge Tadeo, or
should we say Jorge I, has been throwing celebrations all the time,
several in last few weeks.
He has raised taxes instead of lowering
them, and then spends the money in parties and celebrations. Things
were better with the viceroys. They treat the workers and farmers
worse than ever. They even think Narino is a coward because he
doesn’t show up anymore… They ask her if she sees Narino to ask him
for help or His majesty Don Jorge I will finish them
all.

Cata is very far in pregancy, about to pop any moment,
according to Bernarda. Cata is nervous that Pola said she would be
back for her baby’s birth… Bernarda says if Pola doesn’t get here you
will have to trust us both (her and Acacia). Cata is afraid of the
pain. Slaves are used to it, she is not. Bernarda says as soon as you
see the baby, you will forget about all the pain.
She had five
babies, her owner sold four of them, she was only able to stay with
Juliano… Cata notes that Juliano paid her with excaping and leaving
her behind… she says a bigger tragedy is what they are about to get
into… even if Juliano never returns. (I believe she is talking about
Cata’s baby)

In Santa Fe Maria Matea comes to get Pola, she got
Maria Tadea (Jorge’s wife) to agree to order some dresses from her.
Pola notes that Jorge is president because he was elected by the rich
guys but is not liked in town. And that the
towns common people would have elected Narino. That woman is the one
who took Narino’s wife from him. Maria Matea tells her not to say
that, both Jorge and Antonio lived a decent life with their respective
wives.

In Popayan Francisco is left waiting by Tacon…
(good!!)

Maria Matea and Pola arrive at Jorge Tadeo’s house…
looks like a palace, with great paintings.
Pola is in awe of the
pretty paintings. The house belongs to the Marques… Pola learns that
she married her own uncle… maria Matea says they married to preserve
the surname and the money. Pola comments then they are ‘very blue
blood’…
Maria Tadea comes in… behaving like a spoiled rich wife…
bragging that her husband is the representative of the king in Nueva
Granada, brags that the towns people are happy (yeah right!). Pola
sits down.. Maria Tadea asks Pola who authorized her to sit… Pola
appologizes and says she will make a dress better than she
imagined. Maria Tadea laughs and says her own dresses are imported
from Europe. She wants Pola to make dresses for her slaves… Can you do
that?.. Pola says she will make them dresses even prettier than the
one she planned to make for Maria Tadea (LOL!! Maria Matea has to jump
in and tell MT that Pola is dumb and doesn’t realize what she
says)..

In Popayan, Maria Teresa notices what Francisco is
planning to do and is surprised with him (again) that he was planning
to leave her behind alone. Francisco tries to lie his way out. But
Maria Teresa sees the cognac he had bought with the money he got for
selling Acacia. She finally tells him go ahead, leave me. You have
left me for many years now. Francisco claims he was doing it to save
his life, and that troops won’t harm women. So she would have been
safe.
He lies again and says he was going to come back for her or
send for her… he can’t life without her. (LOL!) she laughs, obviously
not
believing him. He claims he can’t live without her. They have had bad
moments but he depends on her, for food, for clothing, even personal
hygiene. She says it always happens to her with all he says to her,
not sure if it is a compliment or an insult.


In Santa Fe,
Maria Tadea keeps bragging about Jorge Tadeo’s power, then she
denigrates Narino as a low life who has always envied the titles,
money or the intelligence of her husband. Pola has been hearing that
and comes saying she is done measuring the slave girls.
Pola again
treats Maria Tadea a bit cold ‘sewing is not the hardest thing I have
had to do in my life’… and Maria Matea has to come through for Pola
again.

Maria Teresa receives a letter from Leandro. Francisco
demands that she give it to him, but she no longer will allow him to
read her mail or order her around. What for? So you can order me
around? Tacon escaped with all the city’s treasures but left his wife
behind. You were planning to do the same, but he turned out worse
than you, because he left you stranded. Francisco has to appologize
and asks her to read the letter. Leandro says will soon return with
Col. Samano.
Francisco asks if there was any message for him, MT is
happy to say he didn’t even mention Francisco.

Cata is afraid
of the baby’s arrival still, still waiting for Pola to get back in
time.
The slave hunter brings back Juliano, obviously expecting the
ransom money from Domingo.
When Domingo recognizes Juliano, Cata
gets scared.

The Colonel and the troops arrive at Don Gaspar’s
house… they all run in… including Alejo.
Francisco and Maria Teresa
are hiding under the staircase…

At Jorge Tadeo’s house, Pola
brings the dresses, tells MT MM sends her greetings and hopes the work
is at her satisfaction… MT treats Pola very coldly…
While Pola
waits, she gets to hear a conversation of JT,
Sabio Caldas and Camilo T… Jorge T is planning to create a new
congress, composed of new people, and they will force this new
congress to accept the Junta (themselves) as the governing
force.

At Gaspar’s house in Popayan, the colonel finds
Francisco and Francisco shoots at him. When the Colonel is about to
shoot back, Alejo sees them and yells not to shoot them, that they are
his parents. That they are not soldiers, that they were just older
people trying to defend themselves. Alejo finds himself in the
neccessity to say that his parents support their cause. Alejo pulls
his friendship with Baraya to help him convince the colonel to not
take them prisoners.

Cata is really upset… She pulls a pitch
to Misia Gertrudis that the slaves are being treated real bad. Misia
says you are talking like Pola… better tell Domingo not to let Pola
return or she will spoil Cata even more.

Back in Popayan,
Baraya makes an
appearance… He has heard Francisco is a big supporter of Tacon and
that Tacon frequented that house much. Francisco claims it was not
really friendship and the support was forced. And that he supports the
‘american’ cause. His evidence? Don Gaspar trusted him with his house
and Alejo is fighting with them. Colonel does not believe him.
Francisco has to swear in the name of God that it is true. Alejo looks
at him in disbelief.

Back at Don Jorge Tadeo’s house, they
are discussing whether or not to bring Baraya back for their safety.
Jorge reminds Camilo why they sent Baraya away, so he would not team
up with Narino. Camilo notes that their own security is more
important. That Narino is not that powerful anymore. Jorge is not so
convinced… Maria Tadea catches Pola eavesdropping on the President. MT
tells Pola she is not respectful to people ‘like her’… the daughter of
a Marquis and wife of a ViceCount… Pola says she
had heard she was the daughter of a pig and wife of a donkey. Pola
is very willing to repeat… lol… but MT is offended and won’t even pay
Pola for her work. So Pola says I had heard your kind was pretty stiff
with money, but had not heard you were also thieves.

Now that
they were left alone, Francisco’s true colors come back out and he
says Alejo has betrayed his own blood… Alejo claims that the south
troops are not against the king… And all he is doing is following his
‘kind’ of inpure blood… Maria Teresa does not understand. Alejo says
my father knows what I mean… But Francisco won’t talk about that
subject now… As long as he fights for that side, he doesn’t want Alejo
to step in that house again. (and whose house is that?)


La
Pola tuesday:
Domingo pays the slave hunter… not exactly happy,
expects Juliano to escape again… the hunter says you can keep him
chained to a ‘morita’, which is very
heavy, (probably no less than 150 lbs)… Domingo will keep him chained
to it… The hunter asks for more money for the morita.

Pola
comes back to Maria Matea’s… MM says MT came complaining… the only
reason she will forgive Pola is because she is not that fond of MT
either… but towns people will also be talking about her offenses to
MT… MM gives Pola a letter from Alejo… Pola and them all get real
happy that Alejo is alright.

At Gaspar’s house they are all
sitting at dinner… Francisco is badmouthing Tacon now… says Gaspar
wrote that they will be back soon… Baraya expects Francisco to
convince Gaspar’s accountant/administrator to provide a good monetary
contribution for the troops… Baraya says Tacon has taken refuge in
Pasto, and getting in there won’t be easy since the Pasto folks are on
Tacon’s side and will fight to the death… Maria Teresa asks if they
are still loyal to Spain…

Pola tells
Jose Maria about what she heard at Jorge Tadeo’s
house…

Juliano is getting whipped for having escaped… Juliano
tells Bernarda that he failed Nicolasa, that he could not find el
Palenque even after walking for days on end.. he wants to die and be
with Nicolasa. Domingo whips him to make him an example for the other
slaves, despite Bernarda’s pleas…

At popayan streets, alejo
talks to Baraya, tells him about knowing the town well because he used
to be engaged to MI from there, her dad stopped the engagement and
sent her to a convent... but does not tell him about
Pola

Catalina makes a pitch to Domingo in favor of the slaves
in general trying to get Juliano off the hook… seems it worked,
Domingo hauls Cata away but stops whipping Juliano

In Popayan,
Alejo explains to his mother that they are in favor of the King of
spain, but against the spanish government led by Napoleon Bonaparte’s
brother Jose. The
colonel says they all respect the king’s authority except Narino…
Baraya jumps in front of Narino… Even when their ideas are a bit
different, he always has respected Narino for being brave and
honorable. Francisco asks about the gossip about Narino… saying if it
is true Narino is against the king, they should be confronting him.
Baraya says he hopes they will never have to confront
him.

Colonel insists that the gossip is that Francisco was on
the side of Tacon… So they put pressure on Francisco to convince the
town (read the announcement) to get on their side. He announces that
the slaves must return to their original homes and they won’t fight or
be freed.

Domingo is questioning Cata on her support for the
slaves and especially Juliano. She makes a general pitch pro all the
slaves… Domingo says she has suffered, even cried for Juliano. She
says she feels guilty for Nicolasa and her baby’s death… She made
their
lives miserable. God won’t forgive her for those deaths… Domingo
swallows the bait… He won’t whip Juliano anymore but will put him to
do hard labor cutting down trees or breaking stones/rocks… He tells
her this better be the last time she questions his authority in front
of the slaves…

Jose Maria and Pola come to Antonio’s house…
Antonio says it is not a good time… but when Jose Maria tells him what
Pola heard… that there are regiment troops approaching Santa Fe from
the north and south… and that Samano will return soon… Antonio gets
alarmed about Samano since that means Spain is not really thinking of
a pacific resolution…

In Popayan Francisco reads a notice
fully in favor of the ‘american’ troops and against the french and
against Tacon as a french agent. The troops are confused since
Francisco himself was Tacon’s best ally just recently.

Domingo
tells the lead slave that he cancelled the
whipping but wants Juliano to be chained to the ball and to cut stone
away from the hacienda. Bernarda is the only one authorized to
approach him to bring him corn and water.

Jose Maria and Pola
tell Antonio that the people are worse than ever, even if Jorge Tadeo
keeps trying to convince everyone of the contrary with all the
celebrations… Antonio is still reluctant to leave his wife alone… Jose
Maria does not feel up to being the leader… Antonio is not optimistic
about confronting the junta if the troops are against them… Pola says
the will of the towns men is stronger than any troops… he does not
want blood shed among brothers… he wants to use ideas and arguments,
he wants to let the town know what is going on and let it be the town
people who decide what they want… Jose Maria says we got to do
something asap, each day is a day of advantage for the
enemy…

Bernarda brings food for Juliano but he does not want
food, he wants to die… Bernarda gets sad

At Gaspar’s house
Alejo is saying goodbye… Francisco is still in reprimend mode…
Francisco blames Alejo for making him deny his own king… are you
sleeping with her yet? No.. not yet. What are you waiting for then? To
the moment we are all considered equal so noone will call their
relationship a sin and they can marry the right way… Francisco asks if
they will ever see that day… Alejo says ‘just like we just saw you
deny your king in front of the whole city’… Maria Teresa asks Alejo if
she is invited… he is happy to say of course, mother. Francisco asks
her she thinks he will allow her to go… she says the most important
thing for her are her children, so if Alejo wants her to be there, she
will be there. Alejo thanks her, Francisco leaves in a huff.

At
Antonio’s house, he continues to care for his wife… she tries to
convince her that she is ok, he says no you are not
ok, and I need you… she asks of something is up since some folks came
to see him… he has to be honest and say the situation is really
critical… the enemy is approaching from all sides but Santa Fe leader
does nothing but give parties… Magdalena sends Antonio away to lead
his folks, else their own suffering will go to waste… he wants to stay
but Tonito says he will care for her and the family… if you don’t go
now you will hate her and yourself all your life.

Bernarda
tells Cata that Juliano wants to die, won’t eat anything, says he has
no reason to live. Bernarda begs Cata to stay away from Juliano but
she thinks she can convince him to eat. Bernarda keeps insisting to
leave him alone, or are you going to tell me that you are willing to
escape with Juliano and abandon your husband?

Alejo asks Maria
Teresa how MI is, MT tells him about MI’s escape and going crazy. He
asks her if she thinks he should go see MI. She
says no, she has gone a bit nuts and he could make her worse. Alejo
thanks his mom for saying she will come to his wedding, even if it is
not true. She says it is true. She asks Alejo ‘Is she a good honorable
woman? Absolutely… then I will be there for you. Alejo asks MT how are
things with his dad, she is resigned to the husband God assigned to
her. She won’t go against her values and moral. He asks her what
happened to the things that were in the house. She says don’t ask
please. He asks her why she has not abandoned Francisco. She says she
is a christian woman. Won’t do it. Please don’t ever ask again. Ok.
Sorry. She gives him her blessing.

Antonio is writing next to
Magdalena… He is worried that it will take too long to go church by
church to let the people know what is going on and educate them on
their options… She suggests that he write as his way of leading the
fight. He claims he has no resources
for printing. She asks if he really forgave her… He says they are
slightly at fault in comparison to Spain who ended their lives without
even asking them. They are victims and have each other to face the
cruelty that they were forced to live. She gives him the jewelry that
Jorge Tadeo had given her so he can get money to get his paper
printed. She never sold them because they mean nothing to her. But if
it will help him reach his goal of telling the people of what is going
on, he can use them.

Cata uses Acacia to lure the lead slave
away… Cata approaches Juliano with food… she won’t leave until he eats
something. As she is approaching him with desire, a black bird
(probably a hawk or crow, not sure) flies by. Juliano says it is
Nicolasa. She doesn’t want to see them together. Cata takes it as a
joke, but Juliano says he promised Nicolasa he would stay away from
her and he plans to fulfill that promise. He blames her for his
disgraces, Cata blames Nicolasa. What do you want? Cata asks him not
to treat her this way. He says he is slave but with dignity. If she
approaches him again he will tell Domingo everything.

Baraya
tells Alejo and the colonel that their mission is to see that the
Popayan junta gets organized and implemented as soon as possible.
Colonel asks won’t that take time that Tacon will use to reorganize
and return? Alejo had suggested someone but he tells them that it is
too bad that Don Gaspar is not in town. He is a rich man but with
principles and very fair. He would be an excellent option.

Jose
Maria meets with Antonio and Pola in the bar and Jose Maria tells him
they can use Don Bruno’s press. Antonio recalls Bruno was threatened
with death when he printed the Congress resolutions. Jose Maria says
Bruno wants payback Narino and Jose Maria tell her she has to go back
to Jorge Tadeo's house and find out more hearing more
conversations, she says can't do, i called his wife a burglar
(besides telling her that was married to a pig and was the daughter of
a donkey ... or the other way around LOL)
Jose Maria nags at her
since she lost a great chance to be able to go inside Jorge Tadeo's
space whenever she can and keep spying for them. Antonio tells her (in
a much calmer tone) that next time she feels like bashing at people
for offending her, to swallow it (her anger and pride) for the sake of
the cause they are fighting for... With a repentant face, she says
will do.

Gaspar and Eusebia make it back home. Maria Teresa
wakes Francisco up and basically forces him to take off Gaspar’s
clothes and put on his own, even with him complaining that they are
old and worn out… Gaspar and Eusebia’s jaw drops at seeing their
house empty… In more ways than one… LOL Maria Teresa looks visibly
ashamed… Francisco puts on a play that Tacon stole
everything from them… and Tacon took it on Gaspar’s things since he
questioned his decisions.
Claims he even got to fight against
Tacon’s men and that Tacon intercepted all mail from Gaspar and from
Francisco to Gaspar. Eusebia faints when she learns even MI’s piano
is gone.

Narino is surprised to learn that Alejo is fighting
for their cause now... Narino warns Pola that if they go forward, it
might ultimately put Alejo and Baraya on a different side than them
(meaning she might have to fight against Alejo)...

We see
Catalina walking around the woods near where she just met with
Juliano, seems she is having contractions since the previews show she
is giving birth and the previews make us believe also that the baby is
black, Domingo is outside the door yelling asking why they won't let
him go inside...

Wed:
Magdalena manages to make it to town
with Tonito and gets to sell the jewelry. She meets up with Antonio
and
tells him that even though she did not get what she expected, the
money will help him print his writings. Antonio insists they go see
Rev Platas (the priest doctor) but she keeps saying she is ok.. Both
Antonio and Tonito are concerned but won’t go against her wishes. She
makes him promise he will look after Mercedes and Isabel as if they
were his kids… He asks why she asks that, the girls are his daughters
and always will be, he will protect them with his life if necessary.
She wishes that his wishes come true… he says they will come true if
she is with him. He needs her to be alright…

Baraya hears from
Alejo that the Valencia’s are back. Baraya asks him to ensure their
contribution to the cause is generous.

Bruno prints the new
document. He asks Jose Maria and Pola what is the intent of the paper.
To throw down the government. Bruno wonders if a govmt can be taken
down by a print press. Pola says words are more powerful
than cannons. Jose Maria says Jorge Tadeo had his chance and did not
make good use of it. Antonio comes in and says with the paper they
will inform the people of what is going on and what the President is
doing to resolve the issues. Jose Maria says everyone has to find out
the danger we run in keeping this President. Pola adds that once
people are mad enough (makes the decapitation sign) Bruno asks are we
going to take his head off? Antonio says don’t’ say that. We will
force him to do the right thing. Bruno asks what if he doesn’t? What
if he comes after us? Antonio says lets pray that won’t happen. Pola
asks Antonio for Magdalena’s health. Antonio says Magdalena did not
let him take her to doctor, she wanted him to lead the
group
trying to make this society forms the right way… Pola says she is very
brave. Antonio says very much. Everything we achieve will be thanks to
her.

Tonito is trying to get the Rev Plata to go see
Magdalena. She is really not looking good. Padre insists she go home
right now. He wants Tonito to get Antonio but she won’t let him. She
asks Tonito to go get Ines, her sister, instead to accompany them
home.

At the Valencia’s… Eusebia is back conscious. She is
upset that the things are gone from the house. She asks for Acacia to
get her some tea… Francisco and Maria Teresa tell her that Tacon
offered the slaves to join the forces in exchange for freedom… Tells
Gaspar he has lost half his slaves. Says Acacia just dissappeared.
Eusebia says she will die without Acacia.
Alejo arrives. The
Valencias are surprised he is there. Francisco tells them about
Alejo’s achievements with Baraya. Francisco lies about becoming
friends with Baraya… Gaspar asks if Francisco has joined the
‘american’ cause. Also says he will speak well of him so he will join
the new government council. Eusebia asks when they will go after
Tacon.
Alejo says as soon as the local council is organized and implemented.
Eusebia then says maybe will have time to marry MI and Alejo…
Francisco jumps in and says Alejo wants to finish his mission before
marrying MI. Gaspar asks Alejo if that is true. Alejo does not waste
time to correct what Francisco said. He is honored they are still
considering him but he will marry Pola, the girl from Guaduas.
Eusebia questions why he will marry a mestiza. Alejo says that is
exactly why he is fighting for the american cause. So one day those
nasty differences will end. And he is very proud that a woman like
Pola
wants to share her life with him. HE appologizes for any pain
this decision of his may cause them. He really appreciates them. And
he asks them to respect his decision. Francisco comments that they are
lucky that their daughter is not marrying such an Embezzle. Alejo says
goodbye and tells Gaspar that Col. Baraya asked that he be generous in
his
contribution to the cause. Gaspar says just got home and have to
check my books before committing to any contribution. Alejo asks that
he also contact the new authority in the city so he can become part of
the new government council. Francisco says to tell the Col. To count
with both of them. Alejo jumps and says (the Col) only talked about
Gaspar.
Once Alejo leaves Eusebia is not amused to have witnessed
the distance between father and son..Francisco says he can’t reason
with Alejo. Gaspar says he can understand Alejo. The boy has been in
love for a long time and nothing has been able to stop that love. You
heard him. It is a new generation / times and we won’t be able to do
anything to stop it. Fran says you say that because you are not the
father. Gaspar says no, it is the truth, MI will also suffer with
these news. Maria Teresa says they already told her about it.
Francisco tries to say she took it ok. MT says no, that is
not true. She took it really hard. And tells them about her running
out of the convent and Francisco and Jose Hilario saving her from some
thugs at the lake. Eusebia faints again.

At the press, Bruno
shows Pola how to print. You have to put in letter by letter. When the
letter molds are in place for the page, you put the ink in and then
press the paper on it. He prints her name over an old paper… they
can’t use clean paper, it is too expensive. Antonio warns Bruno
again that this can cause him lots of trouble. Bruno says he knows but
he is so discouraged with the government and they have caused him so
much trouble that he is willing to run the risk.

Catalina is in
labor pains. Misia Gertrudis comes near and Cata asks Acacia to send
Misia Gertrudis to the mayor’s office saying he sent a boy for her to
go see the Mayor..

Bruno is concerned at the radical words in
the print… Bruno says poor Don Jose Tadeo L
when this writing comes out… They brainstorm about the name of the
paper… They suggest direct names… but Antonio says he will mock the
government by naming it with the impression that they are mocking
themselves so the title will seem to say that these words are useless
ideas that don’t need to be taken into consideration. Jose Maria
questions the intent… Bruno says it makes sense. They come with the
name ‘la bagatela’ which is basically ‘useless
babbles’

Bernarda comes to help Cata in her labor. The
comadrona is there… Cata keeps asking for Pola… She does not want
Domingo to see her give birth… The comadrona says sure he won’t see
you, but he will want to meet that baby, he has been waiting many
years for this kid.

At Jorge Tadeo’s office, Camilo and Sabio
C.. tell him that Narino is writing a newspaper… Jorge T says he can’t
the newsletters are banned… Camilo and Sabio say that the constitution
(that he wrote himself, btw) gives freedom of the press. Jorge says
he wrote the constitution but freedom of the press was not stated
there. Camilo says that was one of the last minute modifications
triggered by Narino. Camilo says they have to stop that print. Jorge
undermines saying it can’t hurt them that much. Camilo is not willing
to sit and wait to see. Jorge says Narino is penniless, has no
resources to print a newspaper. Sabio C says Narino also has other
things to worry about, his wife is dying. (this makes Jorge instantly
upset)

Domingo can’t find anyone and is asking around. He hears
Cata’s squirms… Noone will open the door for Domingo. The comadrona is
asking why they don’t want Domingo to come in. Domingo asks for Misia
Gertrudis, Not here. Gertrudis is at the Mayor’s office waiting for
him. She will wait some more. She wonders why the mayor needs her
urgently for.
Magdalena is talking to the rev doctor
telling him her illness has no remedy anymore. He asks where Antonio
is. She says he is doing something useful. She wants to give him the
final rites. The priest asks her if she forgave herself. She did. She
went over all she did and can’t figure any other thing to do. At the
time she thought she loved Don Jorge Tadeo. Now she knows what is true
love, the one she has with her husband. She is dying happy because her
death will bring him the peace of mind he needs to achieve what he
wants to do. Her death will give him the freedom he
deserves.

Jorge Tadeo is heading to see Magdalena.. His wife
questions where he is going, he tells her he is trying to stop Narino
from printing a document. But he has little chance of preventing it.
He sees the jewelry she has on, recognizes it as jewelry he had given
Magdelena and this makes him loose his breath. MT questions what is
going on. HE asks her where she got the jewelry. She says from this
one jeweler.
They were not new but she got them at a good price.

Ines
arrives to see Magdalena. Mercedes wants to be with her mom. Mercedes
asks her to promise she will get better. Magda says can’t promise that
but wherever I am, I will be looking out for you. Magdalena asks
where Antonio is. Ines says Tonito were to get him.

Cata is
pushing, complaining of the pain. Outside, Domingo hears a baby cry
and thanks God. Inside, the woman is shocked, Bernarda smiles happy.
It seems the baby is black. Cata just looks at him and says hi, I am
your mom. But it is not until Acacia tells her the baby is black that
she notices. But she says that he is just the prettiest baby she has
seen.
Outside Domingo gets anxious to come in. Bernarda yells at
him to wait. Then Cata begins getting nervous about Domingo and asks
what we should do…

‘Let heaven spare us from falling again in
out old owner’s hands… the blood that we have not seen yet
from war will run like rivers in the hands of our undertakers.


Bruno says Jorge Tadeo will faint when he reads this.. and
the people will feel panic.
Jose Maria says that is the idea is for
the people to stop celebrating and begin preparing for war.
Antonio
says lets begin to print. They all assure Bruno that they want to
print these words as is.
They tell Bruno that paper needs to go out
tomorrow early. When they all step out for a second, we see one of
Bruno’s employees sneak a copy in his shirt.

The Valencias are
at the convent to see MI. The nun tells them since the escape and her
assault, she has been praying, going to mass and even learning to read
and write, that she wants to read the bible. The nun is concerned that
this visit will be harmful to her. Gaspar and Eusebia are
concerned…

MI is happy to see her parents. She thanks God they
got there. Eusebia hugs her daughter. Gaspar tells her she is going
home with the. She does not want to go with them. She wants to be a
nun. She does not want to marry anymore, with Alejo or anyone else.
She wants to give her life to God. Maria Ignacia looks a little looney
in insisting to her parents she wants to stay there.

Antonio is
at the chicheria (bar) telling everyone that this government is not
doing anything to achieve the union of the regions, are showing any
interest in considering the people. Now they want to form a new
council which will recognize the regency even if the french end up
controlling Spain. The people don’t want to continue having owners
thousands of miles away. These lands are ours! This is our country
and as such we will defend it! Even with our own blood! Whoever is not
with us has to leave!
Jose Maria wants those willing to help sell
the paper around the city to raise their hands… then he asks those who
know how to read to raise their hands. He wants those who can read
to read the paper to everyone else in town. (at that moment Tonito
comes to get Antonio.. ‘lets go now if you want to find her alive’…
).
Antonio leaves Jose Maria in charge, he does not want them to
lose the momentum.
Pola says Antonio won’t stop because of
Magdalena. When you fight for what you believe in, nothing stops you,
not even the one you love most. (watch out Pola, you might end up
eating your words)

Alejo receives a letter from Pola saying she
is happy he is not hurt and about their success… she feels that the
time is approaching when they will be able to be together, their souls
and bodies together as one.

Domingo is still knocking
desperately on the door… they still don’t know what to do… Suddenly we
hear Cata yelling loudly that ‘it can’t be’… and the woman saying it
is a tragedy… with Cata crying very loudly, seems they want Domingo to
believe that something bad happened.

At
Antonio’s Jorge Tadeo arrives… Antonio is still on the way riding
fast…
Mercedes thinks Jorge Tadeo is a doctor and wants him to go
check on Magdalena… Ines asks Jorge Tadeo to leave but he wants to see
Magdalena. Jorge Tadeo begs Ines for a moment with Magdalena… Ines
takes the girls away…
Magdalena is barely strong enough to talk. He
says he was wrong. He should have left everything for her but he did
not. He appologizes for having been a coward. He came to get her
forgiveness… Can she? Yes I can forgive you. Thanks to you and the
fact that you got fearful, she discovered how wonderful her husband
is. Jorge Tadeo says she is right. He asks her what will happen with
their daughters. Magdalena says don’t know who you are talking about.
Mercedes and Isabel will continue beside their father, Antonio. He
protests that they are his daughters. She says that truth will die
with her. Jorge Tadeo asks her what she did with the jewelry he
gave her. She says Antonio needed resources to fight our enemy. Jorge
says she does not feel anything for him, and he deserves everything
that is happening to him. He gets upset and grabs her telling her he
loves her and not to die. He will always love her. He loves her more
than Narino does. Magdalena gets
really ill, breathing with
difficulty, and Ines comes to drag him out. On his way out, Jorge
stops by the girls, but the girls walk away from him. As Jorge Tadeo
rides away, we see Maria Tadea walk into Narino’s house. Seems she
followed him there.

Thursday:
Acacia comes out of the room.
Domingo is so anxious that he makes her drop the dirty rags/sheets she
is taking away. The ‘comadrona’ comes out and tells Domingo that the
baby died. Meanwhile Acacia and Bernarda open space between the iron
bars in the window to take the baby out while Cata is crying loudly…
By the time Domingo comes in the door, the baby is gone. Bernarda is
holding another bundle that looks like the baby. They tell him he
can’t see the baby because it was born deformed… Domingo still hears
the baby cry but they ignore him. They tell him that it happens, that
Cata will be able to give him as many children as he wants. Bernarda
wants to go burry it. Domingo asks if it was a boy, and they tell him
that it was a girl, to his relief.

Maria Tadea comes to see
Magdalena. She came to ask Magda some questions to see if she can
understand what has been of her life. Magdalena asks Lucia to leave
them alone. MT says she can imagine a woman in her state of health
could not lie.
Did you have a relationship with JT before we got
married? … yes. MT says Magda was guilty of them forcing her to marry
her uncle. Magda says the ones to blame were her father and JT. They
used her to get JT away from Magda. MT asks her why she kept pursuing
JT after they were married. Magda says she never
pursued JT, he pursued her, like today, I suppose you followed him.
MT says that Magda received his visits. Did you not care about the
suffering it caused me? Magda says what about my suffering? A woman
with questionable reputation (senalada) while she waited for your
husband to fulfill his promises about loving me forever, about taking
me somewhere else, that there would be a new life for the two of us?
Who was the one betrayed? You or me? MT gets upset and denies that he
ever promised any of that to Magda. Magda says you and I are victims
of this world ruled by men. You were forced to marry someone you did
not love and I was separated from
someone who, at that time, I
loved. MT denies that she did not love JT. He is her husband and
father of her children. When Magda insists that MT say if she loves
JT, MT recognizes she does not know what is to love truly. Magda says
can’t explain it because you just feel it. It is what I
feel for my husband. I am thankful for all of this to have happened
because it helped me discover true love.

At the Guaduas mayor
house, the Mayor is surprised to find Gertrudis there. He tells her he
did not send anyone to get her. Gertrudis warns him to not come by to
try to see the baby. He is confused.

Domingo wants to burry the
baby. They tell him no need, since it was not christened. Gertrudis
arrives. Domingo tells her Cata gave birth. A dead girl. Gertrudis is
so sorry. Where is the baby? Bernarda went to burry it. Gertrudis also
says they have to give her christian burrial. Domingo agrees and sends
her to catch Bernarda.

Antonio arrives home. They are praying
for Magdalena but she is still alive. Magda keeps telling him his
place is in front of his paper. Magda asks Lucia and Ines to take the
girls away. Magda asks Antonio to marry again. He needs a good woman
to support him. He asks her please not to leave him. He could
not go on without her. She says any woman would be fortunate to be
with a man like you. He says could never love a woman other than her.
Not saying it as nagging, that is how he feels. Magda says you chose
wrong. You thought you married a woman who would support you in the
good and bad. But you chose a woman who abandoned you at the first
test. A woman who threw away a beautiful life you had offered her. But
I am dying happy. With my death I free you from a shadow on your name
and on your life. He tells her its been a long time since God gave him
the virtue of forgiveness. He has only love for her. (kiss)

Don
Camilo gets the copy of the paper that was stolen from
Bruno…

Gertrudis could not find Bernarda, they will have to
un-burry it tomorrow, let the priest bless it and re-burry it. Cata
convinces them to forget it, she is resigned already. Domingo tells
Gertrudis that they will be able to have all the kids they want.
Gertrudis goes
Huh! And when Domingo asks her why she says yes I can imagine you
will have as many kids as you want.

Back to Antonio’s… Antonio
says perfer to die with you now than to keep on living. Magda tells
him God does not want that, if God gave him the strength to overcome
all the inhuman treatment he had to live through, it is because God
has saved him for things that are much more important. Antonio says we
don’t have the resources to win. She says Spain won’t be able to beat
you. Antonio says he wishes Spain was the only enemy. The worse enemy
are ourselves. Magdalena asks him to care for their girls and the
boys… She says she found her forgiveness… and dies.
Ines, Tonito,
Lucia and the girls come back and they all cry together around
Magda.

Gertrudis waits until Domingo left to ask Cata what
happened.Cata continues with the story. Bug Gertrudis says you are
hiding something… where is Acacia? Don’t know. Gertrudis
says where she was, with the mayor. Cata comes up with the story that
she had sent Gertrudis to get the mayor to be there when the baby was
born. Gertrudis gets mad. How would you call for the mayor? You have
to forget that man. What happened to the baby was a punishment from
God for the adultery. But the problem now is how are you going to give
Domingo the kids he wants?

Camilo and Sabio come to Jorge
Tadeo’s late at night to show him the ‘paper’. Jorge Tadeo looks at
it, but his mind is not totally on it, he is drinking himself due to
Magdalena’s rejection.

Cata gets up with difficulty and manages
to make it past Gertrudis room and out to the slave barn. Acacia
tells her where she took the baby. She is tired but Cata begs her to
accompany her.

They are reading the paper for JT… The paper has
a third party indirect story about someone hearing a laughable
discussion about the advantages of a liberal government
proposed by Spain… I felt ashamed to hear this from well known people
who brag of being educated and patriots… Camilo comments that Narino
obviously is talking about them… ‘I wanted to ask them if an hacienda
is better led by its owners or by a man who is missing limbs who does
not know it nor can support it personally.’ JT has heard enough.
Camilo says they can’t let these writings go to town. JT says the
people are dumb. JT continues drinking and is sure that the people
won’t be able to relate the man without limbs to the Spain weakened by
the war with Napoleon. Sabio says it is clear. JT says for you who are
educated, not for the dumb people in this town. JT is ok with letting
that paper circulate… One of the servants come to tell him Magdalena
died. JT wants to be
alone. Camilo says the paper cannot go out.
JT is assuming that Antonio will stop the distribution of the paper
due to his mourning.

Cata gets to the barn where
the baby is crying. Bernarda tells her she has to feed it. Shows her
how to. Cata thanks Bernarda and Acacia for risking their own skin to
help her. Bernarda says it is her own grandson. They are safe here,
noone comes by. The one that must not know is Domingo. Noone can find
out the baby is alive. Between Bernarda, Cata and Acacia they will
care for it. Cata tells Bernarda Juliano must find out. Bernarda gets
upset and wants Cata to leave him alone. Bernarda reminds Cata the
baby will live as a slave, it is black. Cata says then I will take it
away… to Santa Fe, Pola will help me care for it. Bernarda says it is
too young, won’t survive the trip. Cata says then will wait a few days
until it is stronger to go with him.

Antonio tells Tonito don’t
know how we will go on without your mother. Tonito asks why God
continues to punish them. Antonio says it is not God but Spain who
continues trying to govern us from thousands of miles away. Those
who left us in misery and split us up. I will do whatever possible to
take our lands from them. Either I achieve it or I will die trying.
They embrace.

Pola and Jose Maria arrive, JM tells Antonio he
ordered that they can stop the paper distribution.. Antonio says no.
can’t waste the paper… Pola says but what about your wife. Antonio
says the best way to honor my wife is to do what we must. He is
sure.

When Domingo gets back he and Gertrudis insist in digging
out the baby and christening it. Cata gets upset and convinces them
she does not want to go through that. They agree that Domingo has to
wait a certain time for Cata to recover. Cata wants to go for a walk.
Alone. Domingo at first protests, then wants to go with her, she
insists in going alone. He agrees for her to go with Acacia.

At
Gaspar’s, he can’t understand how Tacon treated them that way, can’t
even find my clothes. Francisco insists in throwing the mudd on
Tacon… Gaspar asks about the moneys Francisco asked his administrator
for. Francisco insists in saying Tacon demanded it. He will look
through his papers for any receipts. Francisco asks Alejo to see if
they can search Tacon’s house for some of their belongings. Eusebia
and Gaspar throw a little thorn Alejo’s way about MI spending so much
time learning to play the Piano to prepare to marry him. Alejo takes
it in stride, thanks them for the reproach. He says he remembers how
flattered he felt that MI had made that effort for love of him.
Eusebia keeps with her ironic comment. Alejo says he is relieved to be
honest with them about his feelings, but he still cares very much for
MI. How is she? Not well. She went crazy.. Alejo is startled. Gaspar
explains that MI went through a mystical experience. She now wants

to stay in the convent. Francisco brushes it off as spoiled kid
reactions. Eusebia gives him the killer stare. Gaspar says she seems
very
settled on her decision. Alejo says we will have to respect
it.

At Jorge Tadeo’s, JT is dressed up and heading to Magda’s
funerals. She wants to go with him but he says no. She will go her own
way then. Everyone will realize you still love her. JT brushes it off
but she says she knows what she is saying. Not even dead can you stop
loving her. But don’t worry, I don’t care about you anymore. Even my
love for you as my uncle is gone. JT asks her to take the jewelry off
at least. She says no, now she is becoming more fond of
them.

Cata goes to see Juliano. He does not want her near… She
brought the baby for him to meet him. Juliano is still very resented
against her, thinking she brought the baby to brag in his face that he
could not have a baby but she could. Come see it. Please. When Juliano
sees the baby and realizes it is black, he smiles ear to ear… Yes, it
is your son.. and mine.

The funeral is attended well by town..
Don Camilo and Sabio come by.. Jose maria asks Narino what are they
doing here. They came to offer their condolences. But then JT arrives
followed by his wife and servants. Lucia and Ines comment that he is
a jerk for showing up. Camilo offers his condolences… Sabio comes and
says ‘it has not been easy for you’ which Antonio confirms. The
marques tries to stop JT but JT shakes him off. JT and Antonio have a
face off momentarily. JT says he is so sorry. Antonio says I know, Mr
President, I know. JT caresses and embraces Mercedes briefly, then
reaches for Isabel but pulls back his hand, telling them he is sorry
for their mother’s death.. then he makes his exit quickly. Lucia and
Ines comment that Antonio can understand JT’s pain, he has just lost
the woman he loved and their daughters who will never know he is their
father.

Back to Juliano and Cata…
Juliano loves holding his
baby, healthy and strong, like his dad.
‘I am your dad’.. What did Amo Domingo say when he was born? Cata
tells him Domingo thinks the baby is dead… Juliano tells Cata the
obvious, if Domingo finds out he will kill the baby. Cata tells him
she has to go away for the baby’s safety and her own. Cata tells
Juliano, if her survives Domingo, know what life awaits the baby?
Slavery. Is that what you want for the baby? Of course not. Just met
him and I already feel bonded to him for life. Cata promises she will
find a way to bring him often to see his dad. Juliano does not want
her to be away from him either. He asks that Nicolasa forgive him but
it is true. Cata won’t let anything happen to the baby, no matter what
she must do. Juliano says she has changed, now she is a good woman.
She says he is a good man too, respectful, loving. Juliano says ‘but
black’. She says when she saw the baby for the first time, she did
not
notice his skin color, just saw his soul through
his eyes. Same happened to her with Juliano. Juliano says we don’t
have a soul. Now you are the mother of a child without soul. She is
planning to name it Joaquin, like her dad. He was a very good and fair
man. Juliano says Pola will also be happy of his name. Cata tells him
if you want to live for him, you have to start eating. He eats… That’s
better.

Pola and Viviano find Josecito and greet him. Josecito
asks why you never came to see me. Pola says Jose had told her they
did not want to see him. Josecito asks Pola if she knows Narino. She
is helping him right things around here. Josecito is glad, this
government is not good at all. The priest better not hear me or I will
be a week on bread and water. Pola asks do you like the religious
life? Josecito loves being able to help people. The only thing wrong
is that… what happened to the soldier you liked? Pola tells him she
will marry him. Josecito is happy, when they are totally
free. Pola says as soon as Don Antonio takes control over here.
Josecito is thrilled to see her in love. Josecito asks her about
Sierva, the girl he likes… but before they can answer the Padre
Contreras comes by and takes Josecito away, telling him the sin of
flesh is the quickest way to hell… Pola comments to V that Josecito
likes women too much for becoming a priest.

Rev tells Antonio
that Magdalena knew how critical she was but she faked feeling better
for Antonio, to let him do what he needed to do… Antonio is completely
moved.

Dona Maria Matea gives Antonio her condolences… He wants
her to write to her husband that he could use people like him… She
will. Bruno and Jose Maria say if you want to go home and be with
your family we will understand. But Antonio wants to begin
distributing the paper right away, otherwise Magadelena would never
forgive him.


Friday:

At Jorge T’s his wife nags him
about everyone watching him cry for Magdalena… JT slips that the
famliy forced him to marry her and not go with Magdalena. But he never
had the guts to go against their wishes. She says he is a coward,
that is why Antonio Narino will finish him.. and she will enjoy it..
JT yells that that won’t happen.

Pola is reading the paper to
the people…
A musician from Egypt dreamed that he played the arp
for a donkey. The musician did not understand the dream. The king did
not like or understand music, he listened distracted and ended up
ordering the musician to be taken away. The musician said no wonder I
dreamed that I would play for a donkey. … JT, Camilo are walking by..
a woman yells ‘Look! There goes the donkey!’
Jose Maria is reading
elsewhere..
‘we all know what the habits of a corrupt government
are… all the vices of the previous government continued. Our
revolution was not only necessary…’

Maria
Matea reads elsewhere…
‘It was fair. Very fair. But fairness of
the cause does not make things go fairly. What have we advanced with
living 100 or 200 more years of slavery…’
Pola:
‘ to get even
more dumb, to finish convincing us that the american and the african
was born to serve a bunch of europeans, because they learned to kill
and to deceive earlier than us.’
The people applaud Pola. Vivianito
asks why they are clapping. Pola says because I think they agree with
what it says here…. (Viviano leaves) Pola repeats the last line to
herself. How clear is it that Don Antonio writes… but I am afraid this
will give me some trouble with Alejo.

JT: He called me donkey.
How dare he calls me donkey?
(Camilo laughs) Camilo says it does
not say anywhere that it refers to him.
JT: No? ‘Al que le aplique
este cuentecillo que con su pan se lo coma’ (whoever this words apply
to, can eat them with their own food) He
refers to me! WHY wasn’t the donkey story included in the paper I
read before?
Cam: It was an incomplete copy, sir.
JT: Have to
lock him up immediately!
Cam: What do we accuse him of?
JT: What
do we accuse him of?? Of lying about the President! Of staining his
name! .. not only that, (and reads again from the paper, dated Sunday
14 July 1810) ..’he accuses us of a corrupt government. Of forgetting
the cause of freedom, of continuing under the spanish rule.’
Cam:
Yes, but it is not enough to lock him up. Narino is not Carbonell.
People would never forgive that. They are happy that someone says
everything Narino says in that paper!
JT: Are you saying that
everything that the paper says is true?
Cam: NO, mr Pres.. I am
saying that the people believe it is true.
Sabio: Sirs… if Narino
gets the people for him and against us, he can become very
dangerous.
JT: No, its not so critical. The fact that this leads
people to mock
me does not mean that they will (rips the paper) cut my
throat.

At the chicheria they all gather and cheer for Antonio
and against Spain.
Antonio says thank you for your support and for
supporting the paper, but we can’t kid ourselves. If we really want to
improve our lives, a simple paper will not be enough. A bad ruler,
known as President or King, does not have the right to make our lives
so miserable. What did we get the viceroys out? To let the people say
what they want. And if these new governors are not good either, they
will also have to leave!!
They continue cheering for
Antonio.
Don Ignacio: Does that mean that we will take the power
away from JML by force?
Antonio: That means that we will take the
power away from him. The power that belongs to the people. And if they
want to retain it by force, we will take it away by force!

JT
continues reading the paper… ‘things are worse now than when the
viceroys were
here.’ As if I was an idiot!
Sabio: The truth is that we have to
stop Narino.
Camilo: Why don’t we write letters saying this paper
is full of b-s, of ‘bagatelas’?
Sabio: Bagatelas… Of course, that
is why it is named La Bagatela. He named it with all the intention so
that if people complain that it is b-s, they claim that it is
precisely that.
JT: Those jerks are mocking us.
Camilo: IF we
had not set the right to press as a constitutional right, we could
force that paper to close.
JT: We have to take all measures to not
allow people to understand the meaning of this paper.
Camilo: And
what are those measures?
JT: We write a paper in which it is us who
finish him. We will rip off the walls all the papers of his. We will
buy whichever ones are still on sale, we will steal them if we have
to.
Sabio: Will all that be enough?
JT: Can you think of any
more?
Sabio: Well, when the government wants to ban something, it
has a pretty effective resource.
JT: What is that?
Sabio: The
taxes.

Pola congratulates Antonio… had a much better reaction
than they expected. She suggests he go home and rest. He does not want
to go home to think of her, of the things he did not tell her, of the
pain he could have avoided her. She reminds him his children need him.
He notices she is also worried. She says she is worried that Alejo
does not want to hear from her anymore for going against the king.
Antonio tells her she has to make a choice. Not easy with the two most
important things in he life. Antonio insists she has to make a choice.
Which one is more important?

In town, the papers are being
ripped off the walls.

Antonio gets home late and finds Tonito
sleeping embracing Mercedes… they are laying on the matt that
Magdalena died in… Antonio sends the girls to bed. Mercedes asks him
to promise he will stay home with them. He can’t promise that. When
the girls leave Tonito tells him the girls need him, we all need him.
Antonio says sorry but have to be in front of the paper.

At
Valencia’s Alejo says Gaspar found the piano, some paintings and some
vases.
Eusebia is very thankful to Francisco. Francisco takes the
credit. But Gaspar says some guards told him that the things did not
get taken by Tacon, that Francisco lost them playing cards instead.
Francisco laughs it off as a lie. HE uses Eusebia to brush it off as
silly talk. Francisco wants to accuse whoever said that. Maria Teresa
says that is not necessary. Francisco says it is.
Gaspar asks Alejo
if he is sure the new council will respect the authority of the king.
Alejo says of course, otherwise I would not be fighting with them.
This convinces Gaspar to want to be part of it. He wants to contribute
to the cause so this city will move forward the right
way.
Francisco passes on Eusebia’s invitation to also
join the council… its not his way. LOL

Cata makes it to the
slave pit to feed the baby again. She is very loving with the baby.
Bernarda can see that. Cata tells Bernarda that Juliano is happy and
even ate food. Bernarda is excited.
Cata says Juliano got sad when
she told him she plans to leave. Bernarda asks Cata if she is just
giving Juliano false hopes. Cata says my mom always said that the
bible says don’t worry about tomorrow’s issues, every day has its
own.

Pola, Jose Maria and Antonio are worried that all the
papers are off the wall, it is very costly to print each paper. That
since it was first edition they basically had to give them all away.
Pola is telling them that with the sales of the second one they will
recover the cost. But right then the soldier announcer announces that
there is a new tax on new papers, that the first 20 have to be given
to the government as tax.
Jose Maria and Pola begin yelling that it
is an
abuse.

At Antonio’s house, Tonito is trying to entertain the
girls, Mercedes asks that he take them to their aunt Ines house.
Tonito says don’t have permission for that. Mercedes asks him please,
we miss mom and maybe with aunt Ines we will feel
better.

Antonio tells Jose Maria and Bruno that the only way to
denounce the tax abuse with the paper is with the paper itself. But
they have no funds to print it. Bruno offers his savings as a loan, he
is certain that the 2nd edition will sell out. Pola asks how he is so
sure, Bruno’s own brother wants to buy 30 copies of the next edition
to take them back to Cartagena with him, the paper will be a success
there.

At Popayan, Baraya says the troop needs rest and water.
Colonel says they are lazy.
Alejo asks him if he thinks JTL is a
good President. Baraya says he is intelligent, educated, maybe he is
lacking a bit of character. Why the question. Alejo says there are
people in Santa
Fe who sound not pleased. There could be a riot. Baraya asks him who
said that. Alejo received a letter. Baraya says if that were true I
would have received orders to return. Colonel asks Alejo who is in
front of that ‘revolt’. Alejo says Narino. Colonel concludes correctly
that this is why they have not ordered Baraya to return, because he
would side with Narino. Alejo asks Baraya if that is true. Baraya asks
why is it so important to know. Alejo says he knows the answer, he who
has the weapons has the power. Colonel agrees. Whichever side Baraya
choses will win. Baraya is uncomfortable with being put on the spot
and says it is not about chosing a side. He agrees with Alejo, not
only respect the authority of the king, but consider that we owe
everything to Spain,
without it we would not be much. Otherwise,
he would support Narino to rule our destiny. Alejo asks if he means
that the troops would be fighting against Narino. Baraya says if
Narino insists in closing all doors with Spain, we will have no
choice. (Alejo is very concerned at this answer).

Antonio
returns home again to Tonito and the girls laying in Magdalena’s cot.
He is concerned.

Days later, Pola is reading the next paper.
‘it is well known that when you want to ban something that is not ban,
there is no simpler way than to load it with taxes. A tax of 20 copies
for the authors will disallow them from printing it. ‘
Elsewhere
Jose Maria is reading..
‘With this Bagatela, I wanted to shed some
more light over the times… but before I can sell just one copy, I have
to provide 20 copies to the government. In other words, 20 reales a
week. When at home I have no food, I have to pay 130 pesos a year. A
scary amount for a miserable paper, and even more for its
author.’
People clap and cheer to take down the government and in
favor of Narino.

At Jorge’s house, Camilo and Sabio are
telling him that people are upset… for this, the 2nd edition of La
Bagatela. In the paper Narino accuses them to charge unconstitutional
taxes on it. JT says he doesn’t care what Narino says, he now has a
great reason to close that darn paper. Camilo questions who will do
that since the people are angry. JT asks if they now fear Narino.
Camilo and Sabio share a concerned look.
JT: NOT I!! Go close that
paper immediately!! Let us confiscate the printing machine! So he
won’t be able to print any more!!
Camilo: NO, please! That would be
like putting the rope around our neck. For whatever reason, the people
agree with the ideas of Narino! And we can’t…
JT: Its not about
ideas, Don Camilo! Do you realize this is a personal matter?? Narino
hates me! He hates me for issues from the past. And he wants to finish
me off!
Sabio: Well, he is well on the way… he will achieve
it.
JT: Don’t bring me problems!! Bring me
solutions!!

At the place where Juliano works, Cata and Acacia
wonder where Ciro (lead slave) is. They will take their chances and
bring food to Juliano.

The girls visit Ines. She is happy to
see them. She is just worried Antonio does not see them at home.
Mercedes says her dad is too busy to worry about them. Tonito clears
up that Antonio is busy with the paper. He will be back for them in
the afternoon. We see pain in his face to have to leave them
there.

Sabio suggests to JT a solution… ‘if you can’t against
your enemy, join them’… Camilo thinks if Narino is part of their
group, he won’t be able to fight against them. JT is not so
convinced. He thinks Narino will enjoy having them close to continue
fighting them. Camilo wonders what Narino can do. JT says Narino has
the answer to that. But what job do you all think we should offer
him?
Sabio suggests President. JT is not amused. Do you want Narino
to come here
and kick all of us out? JT takes it on Sabio noting that he is not so
wealthy or has as many achievements as him. Camilo supports Sabio
Caldas idea. JT gets very angry and has a tantrum saying then let
Narino come and I will go!!

Ciro catches Catalina visiting
Juliano and bringing him food…

Tonito is sitting in town and
hears women gossip about Narino hating his wife and nor mourning her
at all… After what his wife did to him, he treated her bad and the
girls must have suffered so.

The junta offers Narino (after a
very wordy thankful reason) they name him ‘corregidor, governor of the
state of Cundinamarca, and intendent of justice, and also theater
judge..’ Narino turns them down saying not sure if you know that I am
leading a new paper… JT says since you are such a hard critic of our
decisions, maybe you can contribute to them… Narino then accepts… JT
says very well, don’t worry about your paper… Narino
says he will find time to continue with his work as lead of the
paper, even though they insist that he won’t have the time to do all
those duties. The people in the room applaud Narino’s decision to
accept but also continue leading the paper.

Ciro comes to
Domingo gossiping about seeing Cata coming to see Juliano and feeding
him, against his original orders. But Domingo thinks she is doing it
because of her guilt feeling about Nicolasa and the baby. Ciro insists
and Domingo takes it as offense and sends him off to work.

Pola
tells Maria Matea that Antonio got about 5 jobs… they want to keep him
busy… he accepted but he told them he would continue with the paper…
Pola tells MM that she enjoyed their faces when he said that… MM
laughs too.

Antonio gets home. Tonito tells him about the girls
being at Ines and wanting to spend the night there, Antonio says they
should be here with their dad. Tonito questions that… Antonio
says he promised their mother he would care for them. Tonito asks him
not to do it because he promised, but because he wants to. Because he
really feels they are his daughters, otherwise it is not worth it. He
also tells Antonio about the gossip he heard of the women in town
about him not being a good father. Antonio says ignore what people
say. Tonito says it is not easy. Antonio wants to hear what is said.
That there is no love here, only hatred. That you killed her with
resentment. That it shows how little you cared about her death, that
the girls must be suffering, etc.

JT is in his house resented
that he warned them it would not work. Camilo asks if he wants them to
take back the appointments? JT says that would be worse, it was a
public appointment! What will the people say if I back off? Don’t say
it… I know that I am the Lozano donkey to the people. Camilo still
says once Narino is part of the government, his comments in
the Bagatela will soften. JT doubts it. JT notices Sabio did not
come… he is not feeling well, not thinking well of me. I will quit.
Camilo asks not to do that, that will mean for sure that he was beaten
by Narino.
Antonio sits down to write the next paper… and is
writing a lovely essay about Magdalena.
‘Blessed be God for giving
man a companera and put in her the irresistible virtue to soften our
character and our disgraces…(remembers when Mercedes was born, lovely
scene) Who among us would not see our existence as a morbid gift if
the hand of a woman did not help us handle the burden? The world is an
illusion, and life itself is nothing but a dream, but the most
wonderful of all dreams is undoubtedly love. What price would glory,
honor, riches have for man, if it were not for the awaited reward in
the stares of beauty? Where does a man run to relieve his fatigue and
exchange the flowers for happiness… at the side of a partner, of a
friend, only she can fill the gap that ambition and sparkle leave…
That is how, beside my beloved, I gave myself to those reflections… we
used to take walks at the graveyard… You would ask.. the graveyard?
Walk among the graveyard with your beloved? Yes, this place where
everyone ends up in, infamy, age,
happiness and disgrace, the
fears and the hopes… Oh my beloved. You are now here in eternal
silence. How many times in this same place where I come now to water
your ashes with my tears, heard you announce this terrible moment of
separation to me. Now alone, among the shadows of the night, I raise
my trembling voice… Magdalena, dear half of me… respond to me, or make
the stone that covers you open and receive me in it… but it is in
vain. Magdalena is not here anymore, and I only live to miss/cry her.
(Pola continues reading the next morning).. Rest in peace, disgraced
woman. The time for tests is all over. Men can;’t do
anything against you now. The cold stone that covers you is an
inpenetrable shield where the shots of disgraced enemy crash on. Happy
if you had not left behind on earth the one who shared your sorrows
with you.
Maria Mag: That is a man who knows how to love a woman
truly, above anything else.
Antonio comes to pick up the girls…
Ines says what he wrote about Magdalena is beautiful. He says too bad
she can’t hear it. Ines says yes she can. Antonio agrees. The girls
want him to be with them. Mercedes is still afraid he will leave alone
sometimes.. He says sometimes, but they will never be alone. HE
invites Ines to live in the house with them, at least for a time. Ines
agrees.

Maria Magda gives Pola a letter where he says he misses
her so much, even the bones miss her. Some of them will head back to
Santa Fe soon, so Baraya can reinforce the protection there.
He
says that they both have made great sacrifices in the name of their
love.
But there are limits that men should not go by. Mostly those which
make us confront ourselves. So he begs her to abandon her fight beside
Narino. He knows that Narino could lead them all to perdition. If she
stays beside Narino she could be putting their relationship in danger.
… Pola is confused. MM says don’t blame him, he has the loyalty to the
king in his blood. The question is what will you do?

Antonio at
home with the girls… he promises he will spend more time with them. He
will not abandon them… they can even help him with what he is doing,
and he will find a way for them to help. But for now lets pray for
your mother… JT receives Sabio again and appologizes for what he said…
JT says his contribution is invaluable… They have to come up with
something to control Narino again. JT is not in agreement that the
wording of La Bagatela softened… and JT quotes a section of LB that
says Senor of La Contra BT.. it is you who is
lying. It is you who is inmoral. You give advise that you don’t
follow. I love Santa Fe as my country and will do whatever it takes to
fight whoever wants to stain it in that way. JT asks Sabio if that
sounds softer. Camilo comments that maybe Sabio refers to the writing
supplement he dedicated to his wife Magdalena… very moving, surely
those who thought that marriage was a war zone were wrong.
JT
suddenly changes the subject, does not want to talk about that, ‘it
will make me cry’. He doesn’t want a fourth edition of LB to come out,
no matter what we have to do…
But of course, days later, Pola
announces that LB no. 4 is out.
Let Spain recognize our
independence… Then we will be good friends. Friendship can only exist
among free men, and never between amos and slaves.

Jose Maria
is reading LB no. 5…
Watch out, americans. Watch out. The war they
will declare on us is more dangerous than the bayonettes and cannons.
We
are no longer colonials, but we can’t mention the word freedom
without being called insurgents.

We have not advanced much… We
have changed owners, but not conditions. The same titles, dignities
and privileges, the same vices…

Pola reads…
For European
Spain, freedom and independence means virtue. For the American spain,
it means insurrection and crime.

The mayor calls for Cata, he
has received a letter from Pola appologizing for not being here on the
day of birth. Had good reasons, begs to receive news of how it went…
And at the end of the letter asks if on the day of the birth the day
was clear or dark… Cata and Gertrudis leave, but Cata runs back and
tells Mayor to tell Pola that the day was dark and that the baby did
not die. The mayor is confused.
Previews seem to have Baraya and
the troops, including Alejo, back in Santa Fe and facing Pola and the
people.




Labels:


Saturday, July 30, 2011

La Pola - July 25-29, 2011 - Alejo Passes the Love Test

This week’s summary has to be brief since I did not have any time to do in depth written translations. And, I have also taken a new look at this series as follows. It is a fictionalized account of certain historical events that lead up to the formation of Colombia. The writers have taken literary license in putting words into the mouths of the characters and in creating the situations in which they supposedly said them. True history for these pages is above reproach. So I feel we must take what is ours to digest with a grain of salt. But, fiction is fair game.

The revolutionaries, as I have called them, debate amongst themselves the issues of what and how they will develop a constitution, run the state, generate funds, and most importantly who will become the first president.

Don Camilo Torres and Don Jorge Tadeo present themselves as the front-runners. They each campaign to win the votes of the members of the junta/council with promises of economic favors if they win. We know more about Don Jorge’s character through past events than we do about Don Camilo’s, but, it now appears that they are both unscrupulous and will stoop as low as they must to promote their own agendas.

Don Jorge Tadeo, pompous and self-centered, prepares the constitutional document. It is his baby and he wants it approved.

And, by the way, only the junta/council is going to be able to vote on anything. The people remain in circumstances even more desperate than they experienced during the reign of the viceroys. Their future is uncertain and daily lives are lead in fear.

The junta announces that they are seeking comments about the constitution before they approve it. Nariño shows up much to their disdain. He points out its weaknesses and makes suggestions for change. He is not in favor of the approach taken in the United States. He also points out to them that about 60% of their population is indigenous, mestizo, or black. The council, in particular Don Jorge, is offended by his remarks. He is invited to leave, and just about admits defeat to his family.

The junta keeps Carbonel in jail long enough to defuse any situation or opposition he could create among the citizens.

While all that is going on, Pola and Vivianito see that Alejo has been arrested – by bootlicking Iglesias of all people. Alejo is charged with desertion and later sentenced to six month in the brig. When Pola goes to the cuartel to find out about him, she is given the bum’s rush, but at that moment she finds out that Carbonel has been taken prisoner. Did I mention that Alejo had followed Pola to Santa Fé? Well, he did.
`
Anyway, she runs into Arcos by happenstance. They just happen to run into each other on the street by pure chance. The novella gods have helped her out.

She writes a letter to Alejo (which I wish I had time to translate). Arcos delivers it to her. It was a beautiful letter in which she concludes that if he is there he must love her and her cause and that their time to love will arrive.

The impact of the letter on Alejo is overwhelming. He writes an equally moving and beautiful letter to her pledging his loyalty to her and the cause. She shares her joy with Doña Matea.

In sum, Alejo and Pola are back together – even though he is in jail. They are united in spirit.

I almost forgot Guaduas. The Cata drama continues. She now has Acacia holding an umbrella over her head when she walks down the street. Through their conversation, we learn that Acacia might be pregnant. She hasn’t had a “visita” for a while. Cata calls her a degenerate negro. Anway, Cata will arrange for Acacia to see the midwife.

In Popayan, Francisco and María Teresa deliver the news to Ignacia that Alejo will not return. He is with the mestiza. She had gotten all dressed up for his visit and goes bonkers when she hears the news. Her wedding plans are once again foiled. She escapes over the wall of the convent and is later recovered by her cousin and Francisco who could care less about what happens to her. He just doesn’t want her to return to the manse with him.

After Francisco and María Teresa return to the manse, Governor Tacón pays them a visit. He considers Francisco to be his most trusted ally and friend and tells him that they are on the brink of war. He must be demented because he brings trunks full of his personal fortune for Francisco to safeguard for him. Francisco tries to open the trunks after the governor leaves and is caught in the act by María Teresa.

Alejo is released early because the army needs all soldiers to head to Popayan to fight. He is forced to declare his loyalty to the king by raising his hand along with the other soldiers at a pre-march-to-war rally called by the new colonel in charge. He manages to visit Pola the evening before his departure. They squeeze in one kiss before Doña Matea catches them and declares it a night. Too bad. They also share their political views which are beginning to converge, and Alejo of course doesn’t want to kill his own countrymen.

Pola is concerned about Alejo’s going to Popayan because she is afraid that Alejo will see María Ignacia. After all this, don’t you trust me, asks Alejo. I trust you, she says, but not her. (Pola used a descriptive word for María Ignacia that has just slipped my mind. If you know it, please share.) Alejo is looking for a free country where they can marry and where their love will not be forbidden. Pola thinks that will happen soon.

Ending: How many episodes will it take for Alejo and Pola to get down to business?

Labels:


Saturday, July 23, 2011

La Pola - July18-22, 2011 - Some Things Never Change

It seems that Nariño’s possessions were auctioned off for less than they were worth. The junta’s advisors tell them to pay what he is asking. If we don’t give him his money, where do you think he will go? Jorge continues his campaign to destroy and discredit Nariño. He reminds his friends that resources are scarce. Nariño, they fear, will be back like a crazy wolf.

Pola looks very pretty in a green dress. Gertrudis and Cata have been styling her hair and applying rice power to her skin to make her look less mestiza. Do you know how to eat with flatware (cubiertos), asks Gertudis. Why are we doing this, asks Pola. It won’t matter to him (Francisco). Pola looks at herself in a mirror. Do I really look OK?

Carbonel tells Nariño that a girl from Guaduas called Pola helped them during the uprising. Nariño tells Carbonel he met her and that she is going to get married. Too bad, he says. Carbonel is happy that only 6 provinces are going to join the junta. They thought Popayan would join, but it appears that Gov. Tacón fooled them.

Nariño figures out why they sent Baraya away.
Taking the land away from the indigenous people is very cruel. The people think the 20th of July was a joke. Things haven’t improved. They have gotten worse. We are going to do it, says Nariño. Are we going to raise arms, asks Carbonel? We are not going to spill our brothers’ blood, replies Nariño.

Francisco is greeted by Cata as he enters Domingo’s hacienda. He barely acknowledges her. The first thing Alejo asks is where is the document? Francisco tells him he will get it when needed. He also asks how Domingo has done so well. Alejo tells him it was by working hard. Domingo laments the loss of three slaves in three days. But, he says, we are expecting a baby. Francisco slips in a comment that children are a blessing from God and must honor their parents according to the Fourth Commandment. Gertrudis asks him if he is going to authorize Alejo and Pola to marry. Yes, he lies. It is a difficult decision. There is a problem with the church when there is a mixture of the races, but he is always looking out for the best for his children.

Alejo tells Pola to come here. She trips and admits that this is the first time she has worn shoes with heels. She doesn’t understand why women of society want these things. Do you remember my father. You have already seen her, asks Alejo. Was it was very pleasant (grato). You were dressed another way, says Francisco.

Domingo invites his guests to go in for dinner and tells Francisco that Pola was involved in the revolt in Santa Fé. Against the king? Asks Francisco. Are you in favor of an American government? No. Are you against Spain. Pola: No.

Nariño appears before the junta again. He asks about Baraya and finds out he has been promoted to the rank of colonel. They sent him to Popayan. Nariño tells them that he should be getting an army together to fight against the European threat, both France and Spain. Camilo tells him that they don’t want to fight Spain. Why would Spain attack us, asks Don Jorge. Because we took control by force, replies Nariño. Your lives are in danger, he tells them. You are exaggerating is the reply.

The junta tells him they are protecting the country for Fernando VII. If you had everything under control, you would not have sent Baraya to Santa Marta and Popayan. This is a joke says Nariño. It is just to get the land away from the indigenous people. The junta thinks Nariño is creating conflicts.

Domingo makes a mess trying to eat with knife and fork. Pola asks Francisco if he knows how to eat with his hands. So, they all start to eat with their hands, much to Domingo’s relief. Where are you going to live, asks Francisco. In Honda, says Alejo, and he will leave the army. Francisco is very disappointed to hear this. You chose the army for me. Pola adds that everything he learned in the military will be very useful. To confront his own country, asks Francisco.

His uncles have offered him work, and he has to pay family debts (that Francisco owes). If you had paid more attention to me and not to your mother, we wouldn’t have these problems, replies Francisco. What problems. Me, says Pola. You are not the right wife for my son. The inevitable happens. Francisco recites his list of social classes with Indians, negros and mestizos at the bottom of the ladder. She is offended and dumps a plate on him. That damned woman never changes – nothing does, says Francisco. Neither do you, father, says Alejo

Don Jorge tells Nariño that he appreciates his concern but tells him to stay as far away as possible. When are you going to return my property? The value of your property is less than what you are asking. How am I going to survive with my family, asks Nariño. My family has asked me to collaborate with you. He will do whatever they offer. He is advised that the big positions are already filled. I need to eat, says Nariño.

Alejo gets to Pola who ran out of the house. Forgive me, she says, I should not have done that. It is me who should be asking your forgiveness. He will give you permission? What about the fourth commandment? We will never have to see him again. My father isn’t like yours, says Alejo. I love you, he says. You are making a big sacrifice. One thing, says Pola, when I marry you do I have to wear these shoes. We will have some made in your size, says Alejo.

The junta realizes that they have received a warning from Nariño. If we let him in here, he will do away with all of us. He is a friend that they prefer to keep at a distance. We should put him in a job without power. They conspire to keep him from being employed in the junta.

You should be the new president, says Tonito. Won’t the people support you, asks Magda. Are you giving up, says Mercedes. No, replies Nariño.

Pola goes to see Francisco. My, what else? She is ready to deliver her life to make his son the happiest man. If a father holds his child in esteem, he will not renege on a promise. Will you keep your promise? Francisco tells her it is impossible. What do I have to say. He is going to be sincere. You will not understand. The only thing you are going to get is the ruin of my son. He will renounce his beliefs. It is not just a change of opinion. It is a renunciation of his country, king and God. The king is God’s emissary. To renounce the king is to renounce God. And, the worst is that you are a mestiza and that is an offense to God. You come in sin.

Has he taken you to bed? It would solve the problem. He would get over his obsession.

You will have mixed children and be poor, and you will go against the king. This is the future of the man you love. But, it should be what he wants, says Pola. What if he had married María Ignacia. He got to the altar, says Francisco. Her father stopped it. Did he tell you that. If he had married her, says Pola, it would have been to help you.

He will not authorize a marriage with a woman who will only provide shame. Alejo should have the life that he deserves – not a life with someone like you filled with shame.

At the convent, the door opens to María Ignacia’s cell. Did Alejo arrive? You ask me the same question every day. No, replies the nun. When will he return. Please let me know so that I can fix myself up. I don’t want him to see me like this (dressed as a novitiate). I am going to marry him and never return to this horrible place. That is not entirely sure, says the nun.

Tonito tells his family that they have to fix up the hacienda. Aren’t they going to return your money? Nariño tells them that his family is the priority. They will work the farm. Without equipment? Yes. And, they still have to return the money they borrowed to get him back from Cartagena.

Pola tells Cata that she didn’t know that Alejo got as far as the altar with María Ignacia and that he agreed to accept her in God’s house. What is important, says Cata, is that they did not marry. I would have given my life for him, and I thought he would do the same. I don’t want to just be the person he loves. Cata says she thought the same about Juliano. Are you still thinking about him, asks Pola. He was married, says Pola. I forgot that.

People on the street in Santa Fé note that Nariño is back. The junta also notes his presence again. He asks Don Camilo if he has found anything for him. No, is the reply. I need to maintain my family. Why are you closing the doors. Don Jorge tells him that there is a law that prevents them from hiring someone who has been in prison. You know perfectly well why I was in prison. It is the law, says Camilo. It is the law of Spain, not ours. Until we have our own laws, it is the law. If I cannot serve my country here, I will find someplace else to serve.

Acacia tells Pola that Francisco is going to sell her. Why don’t you escape? She doesn’t know anybody here. She doesn’t know what she will do, but she recognizes that Pola has her own problems. But, yours are worse, says Pola.

The junta has released an edict and invites all people to the installation of the Congress of New Granada. Jorge asks Camilo if that wasn’t an exaggeration that five small provinces will decide the destiny of Nueva Granada.

Manuel Bernard Álvaro, Nariño’s uncle, will be president. Nariño asks him how they are going to have a Congress with only five provinces? The other provinces don’t want to be inferior to Santa Fé. They don’t think they will get equal representation. You have to find the way. He doesn’t know how to do this. Have you gotten work. No – I am an ex-prisoner. They cannot be that miserable, says his uncle.

Francisco calls Acacia to get ready to go to the market – get cleaned up and wash your teeth, he tells her. Pola has hidden from him and hears this. Finally, she asks Acacia if she is interested in staying there.

Pola asks Domingo about buying another slave to help Cata because she is going to Santa Fé. He reminds her that Cata didn’t get along with Nicolasa. That was different because she needs help now. Domingo is so happy to have this baby who will look just like him. Pola tries to let him down gently by suggesting that it might be a girl.

Pola is desolate. She flashes back to when she and Alejo were children. I am going to marry a woman of noble origin. Then we will never marry, says little Pola. What things you say, says Alejo. She remembers a similar conversation with him as a young adult. Then she remembers the painful conversation she had with Francisco.

She remembers her father telling her that it is impossible to be together until the day that we are no longer second class citizens. On that day it will be possible. When? Never.

Alejo tells her he has the papers ready for his father to sign. It is not necessary because I will not marry you. I am going to Santa Fé. Don’t say that, he says. It is not that I don’t want to, it is that I cannot. This life you offer me is your dream. My dream is different. In my dream we share everything. He offers her books and to do other things. I am not spending my life reading books, says Pola.

He doesn’t understand what has happened. As much as we want, we cannot avoid this damned reality. We are different. Together it will be a disgrace, and I don’t want to make you unhappy. You love me. I love you remember

Then, what do you want to do? I don’t want to stop being me for you. And I don’t want you to stop being you for me.

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