Return of the Seven Page #4

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If you ask me, we ought've stayed on back

there and given them women a hand.

They're gonna fall behind

in their plantin' and ploughin'.

So will you, Colbee. So will you.

How come you're still along, Luis?

Thought once you got clear of that

firing squad, you'd head for the hills.

- So did I.

- What changed your mind?

Well, I had a long talk with myself.

I said "Luis, in all the years

that I've known you,...

.. you've not done one thing

for anyone but yourself. "

"Not one. And it's

about time that you did. "

"Where would you be if it was not for

the poor farmers you've stolen from?"

"You would be nothing.

Help these poor people,...

.. and you'll be able to ride proud,

with your head high up. "

If somebody don't blow it off.

Then I would die in good company.

Hell... Chris there,

he's been killin' for ten years.

Vin, about half that time.

Colbee, he hunts other men's wives

between gun jobs.

Manuel's nothin' but a chicken thief.

And you?

- I'm no better than they are.

- But you're still along.

You coulda run for the hills, same as me.

I got my reason for stayin'.

And it don't have one damn thing

to do with friendship,...

.. or helpin' poor farmers.

- Buenas tardes, compadre Lorca.

- Buenas tardes, compadre.

Have you seen the priest?

He was looking for you.

- Again?

- He heard about the killings.

He said we should have

tried to reason with them.

Reason?

Did I build an empire upon reason?

Did we reason with renegades,

bandits, corrupt officials?

But these are not renegades, nor bandits.

- Nor are they corrupt.

- You never tire of being my conscience.

"The strong must be

generous to the weak. "

You know who made up

that rule? The weak!

Francisco, I have to talk to you.

Two workers were killed last night.

- They were trying to escape.

- But you have no right.

Look, Father. I know

your feelings for these people.

But would it be a more honourable death

if they fell pulling a plough?

- The Church cannot sanction...

- Sanction? You wanted a church.

You couldn't pray it into existence

so you came to me.

- You chose this place, these methods.

- For a reason.

What reason can there be

for killing in cold blood, Francisco?

- You wouldn't understand.

- I understand murder, slavery.

Look, Father. I set out

to rebuild this church, this village,...

.. and that is what I'm going to do,

with or without your blessing.

I cannot stand by

and let this go on, Francisco.

- Nothing says you have to stay.

- Everything says I have to stay.

He is right, Father.

You should leave this place.

- I can't.

- You mean you won't.

I mean I can't.

- Buenas tardes, seor.

- Buenas tardes.

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