By the end of Lent, torrential rains have flooded Rome. Furthermore, the ordinary people feel threatened by a mythical creature with a mule's head.

In Florence, Savonarola has a Dominican friar stand in for him in the ordeal by fire, while Cesare's place is taken by a Franciscan.

When Cesare returns to Rome, the city offers him a triumphant welcome. He regards his success against Savonarola as a turning point in his destiny.