All language subtitles for Franklin.2024.S01E01.Sauce.For.Prayers

[passenger groaning]

[rowers groaning]

[groaning continues]

[groaning continues]

[groaning continues]

[groaning continues]

Fetch the box.

What's wrong?

Merely thinking.

About what?

Roasted pheasant.

Potatoes in butter.
Candied carrots.

Chased by a respectable Madeira.

And our mission, of course.

[passenger] For a young man's
instruction, Paris is the only city.

Much indulge the senses but
also engage the intellect.

[grandchild] I thought
I was meant to help you.

[passenger] No doubt you
will, somehow or another.

How long must we stay?

Until we win France to our side
and secure our independence.

Or we are hanged.

Is there a third choice?

I suppose there's
always treason.

[sighs]

[horses snort]

[villagers clamoring]

[resident speaking French]

[seller shouting,
speaking French]

[shouting continues]

[horses snorting]

[villagers continue
speaking French]

- [speaking French]
- [horse whinnies]

- Out of the way!
- [speaking French]

[driver speaking French]

[villagers speaking French]

[villagers shouting
indistinctly]

[horse whinnies]

[villagers chattering]

[villagers clamoring]

[driver] Make way! Move aside!

Make way!

Move aside!

[villagers clamoring]

[in English] Best to
keep the curtains drawn.

- Why?
- [yawns]

Because we've been followed
every step since we've landed.

So, our presence is a
rather badly kept secret.

But I would prefer
to avoid pandemonium.

[villagers clamoring]

[driver shouting in French]

[horse whinnies]

That's it. I can't
go any further.

- Docteur Franklin!
- Docteur Franklin!

[in English] Do they
mean to attack us?

[chuckles] They mean to see me.

They have it in their heads
that I invented electricity.

Who am I to dissuade them?

[villagers clamoring]

[crowd cheering]

[villagers shouting]

Shh.

- [villagers shushing]
- [in French] Ladies and gentlemen.

Thank you for such
a warm welcome.

[cheering, laughing]

And I am...

- I am thrilled to be here in Paris.
- [cheering]

- Merci.
- Follow me, please.

I am...

I am impatient to
meet you all... later.

[crowd clamoring]

[villager, in English] Thank
you for the electricity!

[beggar shouting in French]

[beggar 2 clamoring]

[crowd clamoring]

[clamoring continues]

[majordomo speaks French]

[in English] Ah. A
discreet little entrance.

- You know how I hate a fuss.
- [both chuckle]

Well, I must say,
you look awful.

Do you speak as a friend or
as a physician? [Chuckles]

- Both.
- How are you keeping, Bancroft?

Hmm, tolerably well.

And the better for your
company, sudden as it is.

Well, we'll talk
about that in private.

Uh, Temple. Temple.

- Step forward.
- [Bancroft] Ah. [Chuckles]

- [Franklin] And stop looking so wide-eyed.
- I...

[Franklin] This is my grandson.

- [Temple] Sorry, I, uh...
- He can actually speak on occasion.

- [Bancroft chuckles]
- Dr. Edward Bancroft.

We worked the American bench
together in parliament.

No greater patriot or a better
man to raise a glass with.

Well, in both respects, I am at
best second to your grandfather.

Uh, but, uh, may I ask, what do you
think of French women, young master?

I... Well, I've yet
to meet any, sir.

My grandfather is keen
on a moral education.

Oh, don't listen to him. He's
always spouting some nonsense.

- [chuckles]
- [chuckles] This way.

I doubt you heard.

Catastrophe at Fort Washington.

A complete rout.

- How many?
- Sixty killed. 3,000 captured. [Sighs]

We've lost New York.

[sighs] Forgive me. A
hard blow on arrival.

All the greater
spur for success.

Mmm.

[people whispering]

[farting, groaning]

It's remarkable how one's outlook
is improved by the passing of wind.

Ah. A subject
woefully understudied.

- Perhaps I shall rectify that.
- It can only add to your renown.

What is electricity
compared to a good fart?

[both laughing]

[Bancroft] Oh, young
master does not approve?

Oh, uh, forgive me. My
thoughts are elsewhere.

Oh, what is her name?

America, sir.

She's in need of some rescue.

[Franklin grumbles]

Since, uh, we are now
forced to be earnest,

may I rely upon your confidence?

Oh, you have it.

The Congress has sent me here

to elicit France in our
war against England.

Oh, no wonder your
guts are twisted.

As an unofficial emissary, I cannot
approach Versailles directly.

- You're looking for a go-between.
- [Franklin] Someone well placed at court.

Well, I have some
patients of influence.

You see? I told you we
could rely on Mr. Bancroft.

W-Whether they can be persuaded
to oblige themselves...

I'll do the persuading. An
introduction will suffice.

America's situation... [sighs]

It's not ideal.

[Franklin] I count the loss
of New York as nothing.

Army is merely regrouping.

By spring it will number
80,000 trained men.

And the deeper the British press into
the continent, the worse they will fare.

You concur in this
opinion, Master Temple?

Respectfully, sir, we are
outmanned, outgunned and outspent.

There are many who
side with the enemy.

Including some I,
at least, hold dear.

Remind me to instruct you in the
usefulness of the well-timed lie.

[Bancroft] Does he
speak the truth?

Unless the French court provides
us with men, money and arms,

the United States will
end before it has begun.

Good Lord.

Well, I will aid you as I can.

Though, I must say, I'd...
[chuckles] rather not be hanged.

Nor would I if I could avoid it.

Though it certainly
would empty the bowels.

[both laughing]

[laughing continues]

[in French] Dr. Franklin,
Monsieur Bancroft and the boy

remained at the table
for another 32 minutes.

The boy retired at 9:27,
Dr. Franklin 46 minutes later.

The last candle was
snuffed out at 11:55.

Any visitors?

None managed to
secure interviews.

My agents have verified their
identities and will proceed accordingly.

Very thorough, lieutenant.

A good policemen takes
certain pride in the details.

If that's all, minister?

Uh, we don't need people
getting ideas in their heads

about this American
rebellion, do we?

A few arrests never hurt.

Well then...

You...

Mmm. Good.

I-Is he gone?

- He's heading for his carriage.
- [minister] Hmm.

- [spouse sighs]
- And now my coffee's cold.

That's what happens if
you work while you eat.

How do you suppose Monsieur
Lenoir amuses himself?

I don't know.

Drinking the tears of children?

[both chuckle]

Could you have Ayaz
lay out my red brocade?

Who are you meeting with?

Who do you think?

Well, don't wear that.

Then what?

The velvet.

With the leopard fur.

You always look good in it.

[sighs]

[passersby chattering]

[minister] I believe, Your
Majesty, that Dr. Franklin has come

to persuade us to join
America's fight against England.

The last war cost us Canada and
all our territory east of the...

Mississippi, Your Majesty.

To say nothing of our
possessions in India.

And 20 million livres in debt.

Why should we play
mercenary now?

To cripple our enemy by
embracing this new nation.

With what?

England controls the seas.

Our navy is being rebuilt
to its former strength.

The first minister knows that.

The Americans have
no chance of winning.

And the foreign
minister knows that.

They can win.

With our backing.

Are these insurgents reliable?

They are political amateurs
who know nothing of the world.

They know enough
to seek our help.

And we can use them
to our advantage.

France should be everyone's
friend, but no one's ally.

Let Britain and America
destroy each other.

England seeks our ruin.

Here's a chance to seize her trade
and make her taste submission.

Perhaps all this talk of
liberty has turned your head.

I have no care for
liberty, Your Majesty.

Only for France.

You will have nothing to do
with Dr. Franklin on our behalf.

Uh... If Your Majesty might...

You may leave us
now, Count Vergennes.

Sire.

[sighs]

I was right! It was
the comte Almaviva.

I think it's the
mischievous Figaro.

The man himself, my lord.

Ah, my friend, Figaro!

Would that we could
exchange places.

[actor] Does Your Excellency know many
masters who would make good valets?

No! No, no, no, no, no, no!

The line is, "who would
be worthy of valets?"

"Who would be worthy of valets?"

Say the words precisely!

When I want you to improvise,
I will tell you what to say!

Huh?

Again, please.

This is a closed rehearsal.

Remove yourself at once.

[sighs]

[Franklin grunts]

[in English] You are...

I am.

To what do I owe this honor?

I was hoping for a private
word after the rehearsal.

[in French] Get out!

[in English] We are very
similar, you know, Dr. Franklin.

Really?

How so?

You are a writer.

Beaumarchais is a writer.

Beaumarchais is something
new in the world of theater.

You are something new
in the world of men.

- Hmm.
- Uh, you are an American.

And for this,
Beaumarchais loves you.

[chuckles]

Um, I, uh, hope you will not think me
forward if I trade on that affection.

Ah, no. Beaumarchais
is yours to ravage.

Do... Do I say this correctly?

You do!

You do. And I am most
intrigued by the offer.

- Dr. Bancroft isn't yet...
- Ah! Ah, a splendid man.

He said nothing of my...

[grunts]

Only that you're a person of
some standing in Versailles.

[chuckles]

Uh, I am secretary to the king

and... and lieutenant general
of the Chase of the Tribunal.

And bailiwick of the
Warren of the Louvre.

- Mm-hmm.
- Uh, I don't know what it means either.

Tell me, what sort of man is
Foreign Minister Vergennes?

- What sort?
- Mmm.

- Bien. Y-You see where we are?
- Mm-hmm.

Here, one night, you
may play the lover.

The next, a king.

After that, a beggar.

But who are you really?

You are what the role
requires you to be.

We understand each
other perfectly.

I ask you to commit
that to memory.

I've divulged its
contents to no one.

Not even my associates.

You may count on Beaumarchais's
absolute discretion.

[Vergennes, in French] 100
tons of powder, 100,000 livres.

80,000 blankets, 56,000 livres.

100 tons of saltpeter,
110,000 livres.

Eight ships of the
line, 7,730,000 livres.

[sighs]

The American situation
is worse than I feared.

In my opinion, it would be
prudent to provide the Americans

with enough assistance to put them on
an equal level of strength with England.

Equal, but not superior.

Statecraft is not stagecraft,
Monsieur Beaumarchais.

- Is there really any difference?
- [grunts]

You should be aware that His
Majesty has made it clear

this office is to have no
communication with Dr. Franklin.

Yet, you entertained
this audience.

[grunts]

How did you leave
the conversation?

With promises to introduce Dr. Franklin
to certain suppliers of contraband.

Hmm.

There might be armaments in the
royal arsenal no longer in use.

But we have no ships
to put them in.

I may be able to
provide the ships.

I didn't say the
armaments were yours.

I simply said they might exist.

[sighs] Bien.

The longer Dr. Franklin remains in Paris,
the more his presence becomes troublesome.

Persuade our guest he would
be happier in the country.

With fewer people
to distract him.

[chuckles]

- [in English] Lovers, beggars and kings.
- Hmm?

[in French] You may
rely on Beaumarchais.

[stammers, speaking French]

- Oui. [mutters]
- [continues speaking French]

- [continues speaking French]
- [Franklin, in English] Where is it?

Yeah. No idea what
you're trying to say.

"M-My name is Temple, but I've
come to worship before you."

M-Meaning her... Whoever she is.

It might be best to remain silent
and trade upon an air of mystery.

[Franklin] Where is it, Temple?

- [sighs] Excuse me.
- You're supposed to be guarding it.

Where is the damned thing?

The one place you
haven't bothered to look.

You might have just told me.

I did. You weren't listening.

[grumbles]

[in French] I would like to present...
[stammers] ...Dr. Franklin of Philadelphia.

[in English] And what on
earth are you meant to be?

An American.

Chaumont is one of the
richest merchants in France.

And I might say the greediest.

If he smells money in it, he will
provide all the ships you need.

And what would be the best
way to open his purse?

To play your part
with conviction.

I will endeavor to do my best.

What about me?

Uh, be honest and plain, but don't say
anything you cannot take back later.

[guests chattering]

[chattering continues]

[guest gasps]

[chattering continues]

[speaks French]

Perhaps I'm overdressed.

[translates into French]

[crowd laughing, clamoring]

We'll get you a fleet by sunset.

[speaks French]

Pardon me, but it's difficult
to understand all of you

when everyone speaks
at the same time.

Welcome, man of the new world.

[in English] Dr. Franklin, allow me
the pleasure to present our host,

Jacques-Donatien
Le Ray de Chaumont.

[in French] Monsieur Chaumont, the
esteemed Dr. Benjamin Franklin.

[in English] You do honor
to this house, Dr. Franklin.

Here, you are among friends.

And honored to be so,
Monsieur Chaumont.

[in French] My wife, Thérèse.

Madame, it's an honor.

I find your hat
delightful, Dr. Franklin.

What is it?

[in English] The fur
of the Canadian marten.

Oh.

A creature that spends
most of the winter asleep.

A condition that I much admire.

[translates into French]

[crowd laughing]

But the splendor of
your own adornment...

- I call it, "Coiffure de I'Indépendance."
- [Franklin] Mmm.

[in English] You approve?

Madame, I am sorely tempted to climb
aboard and man the cannons myself.

[Franklin, Beaumarchais chuckle]

[in French] Allow me to introduce
my grandson, Temple Franklin.

- [guest] What's that on his head?
- Bienvenue.

Better check to see if someone's
spaniel's gone missing.

[chuckles] Remind
me where America is?

Somewhere between
India and purgatory.

I should like to go there.

And do what, madame?

Play piano for the red Indians.

- [scoffs] They're all savages.
- [guests chuckling]

"Everyone gives the title of barbarism
to whatever is not his practice."

My wife, no doubt,
quotes some book.

A practice I have always
found without purpose.

Indeed.

[speaking French]

What could be more useless?

[in English] You... You
are his grandfather?

[stammers, in French]
Yes. I mean, no. Um...

He is my grandson.

[guest 2 chuckles]

[in English] Uh, I'm-I'm
actually more of his associate.

This means what?

We confer on important matters
that I'm not at liberty to discuss.

It is a secret?

And... [in French] ...dangerous?

[in English] Alas,
I-I-I cannot say.

[bell tinkling]

[Chaumont, in French] Ladies
and gentlemen. Dinner is...

- [guest 3] Attention!
- [guests gasp, exclaim]

[crowd gasping]

[in English] Dr. Franklin.

I'm humbled.

My son. Jacques.

A flair for the dramatic, sir.

Forgive my late arrival.

I was unavoidably detained.

By a lady or by the law?

Possibly both.

[in French] Dear parents,
I beg indulgence for my...

[groans] You smell of drink.

Clean yourself up.

Let's all go inside, yes?

Everyone.

Please. Now.

If you will.

[crowd chattering]

[chattering continues]

[in English] I trust you're
keeping your head about you.

- Why would you say that?
- Because we are here for a purpose.

And I was once 17.

[Jacques, in French] Fill
my glass. I'm thirsty.

[in English] Quite
dashing, isn't he?

One has the oddest desire
to punch him in the nose.

[glass clinks]

[in French] Ladies
and gentlemen.

Honored guests.

Please join Madame
Chaumont and me

in welcoming the esteemed
Dr. Franklin and his grandson

to our little rustic retreat.

[guests chuckle]

[in English] Dr. Franklin, know that
at this table... In this kingdom...

You will find universal
favor to your country.

A few words, please?

Um.

[in French] I thank you all.

I may be... [chuckles]
one of the ancients...

[guests chuckling]

but I learn that most things,

sex better than war.

[guests laughing, chattering]

[sighs]

[in English] A long
life has taught me

that diplomacy must never
be a siege but a seduction.

Think of America as
a courted virgin.

One that does not solicit
favors but grants them.

And nothing speaks to
romance quite as loudly

as a dowry worth
half a hemisphere.

[Chaumont laughs]

Uh. No. Mm-hmm.

[translates into French]

[guests muttering]

[continues translating
into French]

[guests laugh]

[in English] I give you all
a most successful courtship.

[translates into French]

- [in English] To America and victory.
- [guest speaks French]

[guests, in English]
America! America!

[applause]

[guests chattering]

[guest 2] Madame Chaumont.

[chattering continues]

[all speaking French]

[speaking French]

Uh, Philadelphia?
[speaking French]

[speaks French]

[speaks French]

[Franklin speaking French]

[in English] May I
have a word, please?

[in French] Of
course. Excuse me.

[in English] Chaumont
has made an offer.

Money or arms?

For you to be his guest here.

It would be wise to accept.

[sighs] What about
America and victory?

Mon très Cher. Any seduction
worth the name takes time.

[guests chattering]

[harpsichord
playing in distance]

- [chattering continues]
- [harpsichord continues]

[harpsichord stops]

[in French] I'm sorry, Madame.

[stammers] I've disturbed you.

Not at all.

I came here for quiet.

Perhaps you have as well?

And two may be as
quiet together as one.

[resumes playing harpsichord]

You play beautifully.

Maestro Boccherini
was a good teacher.

I'm not familiar with the piece.

[chuckles]

I only wrote it just now.

So easily?

The feeling gives birth to
the idea. Don't you find?

I wish it were so. But I
must work to be clever.

[in English] I think that is
what a clever person would say.

Oh, I think madame may
be more clever than I.

Oh, no.

I could never be so witty
before so many people.

Is that why you play music
that no one will hear?

But you have heard it, sir.

Isn't that sufficient?

Benjamin Franklin, ma'am.

Late of the printing trade
from the city of Philadelphia.

Anne Louise Brillon
de Jouy of Passy.

[in French] I am
delighted to meet you.

[in English] Are you
absolutely sure, my boy?

Mmm. Very good.

- You tricked me.
- I merely asked a question.

You answered as you chose.

- [chuckling] How am I to blame?
- That's sophistry.

It is chess.

Chess teaches a great
deal of useful skills.

Foresight,
circumspection, caution...

Never show impatience.

Always think
several moves ahead.

Most importantly, never
hurry your opponent.

Then stop tapping the table.

Well, she seemed
a charming girl.

- Who?
- Um.

Cuné... Cunégonde?
Is-Is that her name?

How do you know that?

Oh. I passed some pleasant
moments with her mother.

Did you?

There might be an opportunity for
you to encounter her more often.

How is that?

Monsieur Chaumont has invited us to
be his guests at the Valentinois.

I like it here.

The Brillons would be
our next-door neighbors.

Just a little stroll away.

You're up to something.

I am plotting to deliver cannons, rifles,
ships and soldiers to the United States.

Monsieur Chaumont could
make that possible.

No, you're up to something else.

"Pleasant moments."

Pardon?

Well, you said you shared some
pleasant moments with her mother.

I spoke imprecisely.

Oh, you never do that.

You are a very
untrusting young man.

I am your grandson.

It undoubtedly surpasses any
present French cartography.

I'd like you to convey it
to the comte de Vergennes.

I thought Versailles
was off-limits.

It is off-limits to me.

But a young American of open countenance,
here to further his education...

Who could refuse him?

The foreign minister could.

He won't.

Monsieur Beaumarchais has
made certain arrangements.

The only question is
your own diligence.

- I won't fail you, Grandfather.
- Good lad.

Now give him this.

Place it in Count
Vergennes's hands personally.

His and no one else's.

You understand what
we're on about?

We're playing chess.

[passersby chattering]

[in French] What business
do you have here?

- Uh. Le comte...
- What do you want with him?

- [functionary speaking French]
- [speaking French]

The queen!

[people whispering]

- A needle! A needle!
- [clamoring]

[horse whinnies]

Over there.

Thank you.

[in English] You may be certain.

Count Vergennes will receive
Dr. Franklin's message.

I'm sorry, sir. But my
grandfather's instructed me

to place the letter in Count
Vergennes's hands m-myself.

The minister is very busy.

Ah.

Then I'll wait.

[sighs]

- [in French] I must see him immediately.
- It's customary

to make an appointment
first, Marquis.

If you please.

[sighs]

Monsieur le Comte.

Sir, we have the grandson of
Dr. Franklin. He is delivering a message.

- The marquis de Lafayette is here as well.
- [clicks tongue] Shit, him again? [Sighs]

Bring the boy in.

Do you have business
with Count Vergennes?

- [door opens]
- Uh. Par-pardon.

[in English] The minister
will see you now.

[speaks French] If you please...

Monsieur le Comte, when will
you entertain my request?

In due time, Marquis.

The cause of liberty cannot
be kept waiting forever.

If you'll permit me, I have
business with this young man.

[in English] I understand
you have a message for me.

Call again tomorrow morning.
You shall have your answer.

Until then, you can
remain here as our guest.

With respect, sir, I'm
expected back in Paris.

I'm sure your
guardian will not mind

leaving you in our charge
for a little while.

You will, of course, understand

that you have to say nothing
about the reason for your visit.

Is that understood?

Ah.

[in French] Mr. Secretary.

Marquis, this visitor is
new to France and the court.

I count on you to acquaint
him with our customs.

Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert
du Motier.

The marquis de Lafayette,
at your service.

- [in English] Temple. Temple Fr...
- [Vergennes clears throat]

Uh, William Temple, sir.

Américain?

Yes. Uh... Uh, oui.

[in French] Then
we must be friends.

Be sure to have him back here
promptly at 12:00 tomorrow.

- On the dot, monsieur.
- Hmm. Better go this way.

[Lafayette] Will you
take my plea to the king?

Be back by noon.

[Vergennes grunts]

Marquis.

[Lafayette] My American friend.

They say you can walk for days in the
Ohio forest and never see the sky.

- Is this true?
- It could be.

[Lafayette] I will go
there and see it myself.

[in English] Wh... Why do
you have so many names?

- [in French] Sorry?
- [in English] Names.

- Joseph, Paul... Names.
- Ah!

Oui, oui oui. Alors.

So many before me, um, they...
they make dead in battle.

And so, ma mère, she want me
have protection of Heaven.

And so,

Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert
du Motier.

Wh... What do I call you then?

Gilbert.

Gilbert. Uh, Temple.

Temple. Temple. Like,
uh... Like temple.

- Uh...
- Enchanté, Temple.

Enchanté.

And what is this?

My clothes.

Ah, non.

Non. Non, non, non, non, non.

[Lafayette speaks French]

[in French] The proper
adjustments, please.

We want the silhouette
of a man, not a slug.

[tailor speaking French]

Is the wig here?

No violet. I don't
want to see any violet.

Let's try on the green immediately.
It'll work much better.

[tailor speaks French]

Yes.

We can take some length away there
for a more striking silhouette.

Because he's not very tall.

Yes. Those could be interesting.

That's nice.

What about these?
These could work.

[guests chattering]

Here, we drink champagne.

[in English] We drink champagne.

And, uh...

[in French] Don't look
at people too much.

We let them look at us.

[harpsichord playing]

This way, Monsieur le
marquis de Lafayette.

[Lafayette speaks French]

[audience cheering]

- [guest mutters]
- I will be the one to ask him.

[in English] You meet
General Washington?

No, but I'd like to. Why?

We... We go to,
uh... to America.

Uh, Ségur, Noailles,
Lafayette. And we... we fight.

We fight for Washington.
We fight for liberty!

- [in French] And mostly glory.
- Don't forget honor.

Yes, honor. And...

To kill British!

[Noailles] My country cousin. He
is very hot-blooded. [Chuckling]

[in English] He has
very hot blood. [Laughs]

We hate British.

British, they... they
kill my, uh, father.

[Ségur, in French] Oh,
don't be so morbid, Gilbert.

[in English] So, tell me,
Temple. Do you like Paris?

Uh, oui.

But I-I-I've only been
here a few weeks, so...

[in French] There is
nothing for us here.

Nothing but the court
and its stupid rituals.

[in English] The king... The king,
he... [in French] How do you say?

- [Noailles, in English] He say no.
- He say no to go to America and fight.

But I... [chuckles]

- I have buy a ship.
- [Ségur shushes]

[in French] You talk too loud,
Gilbert. Anyone here could be a "nose".

[blows raspberry]

Hey, spies!

Say hello to our
friend from America!

[all cheering]

[speaks French]

[Temple speaks French]

[applause]

[in English] The wags are
convinced you've abandoned America

and come to Paris to finish
your days as a Frenchman.

[Franklin] Conjectures
do me no harm,

so I've never found it
necessary to correct them.

- [knocks]
- [sighs]

[Franklin] If it's another
favor-seeker, say that I'm indisposed.

[chuckles] Well, well, well.

Enter, young nobleman.

Where have...

What are you wearing?

It is a gift from Gilbert.

Well, who is Gilbert and why
is he giving you clothes?

He is a marquis or a
count. [chuckles] I forget.

But he is a fine fellow.

And all he talks about is
coming to America to fight.

- He's gonna buy this...
- Do you bring Monsieur Vergennes's reply?

Ah.

And go change into something
more suited to your station.

Th-This is the dress of court.

We're not at court, and
we're not Frenchmen.

Maybe I should wear a fur cap.

Keep at it, and you'll
be wearing leg-irons.

Um, the letter. The letter.

Minister Vergennes welcomes the
opportunity for an interview.

Mmm.

- [Franklin sighs]
- [Bancroft chuckles]

A midnight assignation.

- What?
- [chuckles]

You rogue.

[Bancroft] Perhaps
you misunderstood.

- The instructions were quite clear.
- [sighs]

Look, the last occasion I
engaged in such hugger-mugger,

I wound up with a cut purse
and a vile bout of crabs.

Ah, you must tell me
about it sometime.

[chuckles]

Oh. [Sighs]

Here comes old Diogenes.

If he's still searching for an
honest man, he will be disappointed.

- Dr. Franklin?
- Hmm.

- [in French] This way, please.
- [grunts]

- Alone.
- [grunting]

[sighs]

[in English] I'll, um,
keep myself amused.

[sighs]

[in Turkish] Did he come alone?

He came with a gentleman.

Serve him tea, and make sure
he stays in the carriage.

Yes, sir.

[in English] I trust you did not
send this as a jest. [Grunts]

Why would I do such a thing?

To remind France of what
it no longer possesses?

Does France need reminding?

I would welcome you with
pleasure, Dr. Franklin,

were you actually to be here.

And I would be honored to make
your acquaintance, Count Vergennes,

were we ever to meet.

But since this conversation
is wholly imaginary,

are we not free to
discuss anything we like?

A prudent man should
temper even his fantasies.

Well, then by all means
let us speak realistically.

Very well.

The last time you
visited our country,

you were a loyal subject
of the British Crown,

quite convinced of
English superiority.

What use is experience if
a man cannot learn from it?

And what have you learned?

That I prefer freedom to servitude
and citizenship to vassalage.

La France is no republic.

Why should our king be
preferable to yours?

Well, His Majesty, King Louis,
can help us defeat the English.

That will benefit us both.
Monarchy and republic.

If I may?

[grunts]

20 years ago, all
this was New France.

Lost in wars to Great Britain.

Nothing in life is quite as
satisfying as a humiliation repaid.

And what might be the
price of this satisfaction?

A treaty of alliance, a
loan of two million livres,

and the friendship
of a grateful nation.

But America is not a nation.

Merely a string of little towns trapped
between an ocean and the edge of a forest.

And what are the
English without us?

Shopkeepers on an island?

We'll flourish in their absence,

and they will wither without
their monopoly on our commerce.

With us, you can trade.

With them, you will only fight.

Do you really wish me to believe that
you haven't concluded this already?

Your son.

Pardon?

Monsieur Temple's father.

He is in an American
prison, is he not?

If you know his fate,
then why do you ask me?

Guilty of loyalty
to the English king.

A traitor to your Congress.

Will you petition
to see him hanged?

Do you say this
to wound me, sir?

What is your true
allegiance, Dr. Franklin?

How do I know it will not change
yet again with experience?

I come here tonight
not as anyone's father,

but as a representative
of the United States.

I have seen no letter
from your Congress.

You carry no title.

There is only secrecy
and go-betweens.

And your army has lost nearly
every campaign it has fought.

What position would you
take if you were me?

I would enumerate my
opponent's weaknesses.

Expose the futility
of his pursuit.

And scheme how I might best work
the situation to my advantage.

Dr. Franklin, I have long admired you,
and I look forward to the day we meet.

Do we have an alliance?

No, we have a battle.