Original subtitles

So the plan is, the Royalist fleet will land in France,

overthrow the Republic and free its prisoners?

- So Caroline believes. - (Baby grizzles)

(Baby coughs)

Should we not give that plan a chance?

I want Dwight home too.

I just want you here a little longer.

(Men coughing and groaning)

I promised him something I cannot fulfil:

to see this ring reaches his wife.

I wonder you're not married, Enys.

Are you so devoted to your work?

In truth, there is someone.

I doubt I'll ever see her again. And you?

I'm a Boscowan so I'm expected to make a splendid match.

Some rich and beautiful heiress?

I've a fancy to choose my own bride.

CAROLINE: So plans are being finalised.

What do 'ee intend?

To lead an army of those loyal to the Monarchy, to sail to France and overthrow the Revolution.

- The landing will be 20 miles from Quimper. - Where Dwight is?

To think I wasted my time pressing the Admiralty to release Dwight,

when this landing will enable all prisoners to be released.

ROSS: I admire Caroline's optimism.

But?

War is never simple.

Nor human nature.

You've been to war. What is it that drives men to act like savages?

A refusal to see their fellow men as human.

To view them instead as a symbol of something they hate.

Then there are no depths to the atrocities which may be committed.

You fear for Dwight?

This landing could provoke a slaughter of prisoners.

It may be weeks before the Royalists reach Quimper.

Dwight may not last that long.

(Baby cries)

My son has rickets?

- Dr Choake believes... - He is mistook!

My son is not some commoner's child, nursed on gin and housed in squalor!

He's had the best of everything.

No one must hear of this. My son will not be deformed.

George, do not say that!

Dr Choake believes he can be cured.

Thank you, ma'am.

(Door closes)

There's to be a gathering at Tregothnan.

- Lord Falmouth's? - The St Aubyns and Godolphins will be there.

Our invitation is conspicuous by its absence.

Are you so keen to go?

These events are often so dull.

Presence at "these events" is what confirms one's status in society.

If the Godolphins are going, Lady Whitworth will be there.

She could procure you an invitation. Could you not speak to Osborne?

I could if I had positive news for him.

But while Morwenna continues to prevaricate, I can hardly beg favours of his mother.

I would have thought, after weeks at Trenwith,

the girl would be out of her mind with boredom by now.

(Morwenna laughs)

(Signs)

(TutS)

There you go.

I 'ave news from Mr Trencrom.

His ship, The One And All, on its last run,

did bring ashore a Dutch merchant lately released from the prison at Quimper.

- Where Dr Enys be interned? - This merchant say 'tis like a hellhole now.

Men droppin' like flies of fever, starvation.

An' those as remain bein' executed for sport.

He do fear there'll be none left alive within three week.

'Tis a sorry end for our friend and brother.

Would there was aught we could do to help him.

And if there was?

SOLDIER: Venez. Montrez-moi les yeux.

Wait! This man has a fever!

Il a de la fiévre!

Tu as de la chance, monsieur!

(Musket fire)

What happened?

A new entertainment has begun.

Dicing for officers. Executions on a whim.

Today, on the colour of a man's eyes.

Tomorrow?

Who knows?

Geoffrey Charles's friend was here again.

Oh.

Yes, he called to bring some toads.

He's very fond of Geoffrey Charles.

And of you too...

or so I observed this afternoon.

Love makes us careless, does it not?

What do you imagine George would do if he found out?

Oh, yes, I'm usually the first to defy him but that's because I have little to lose.

Do you?

I cannot marry Mr Whitworth.

You cannot marry Drake Came.

George is a cruel man

and his axe would fall not on you, who are cousin to his wife,

but on the boy, who is kin to Ross.

Give him up, my dear.

For his sake as much as your own.

Even if the landing's successful,

the Royalist Army will have its hands full fighting the Republic.

Freeing English prisoners will not be a priority.

So I'm thinking there needs to be a more direct attempt.

- Involving Tholly? - And Zacky and Henshawe.

- Respectable family men? - As I've told them repeatedly.

But Dwight is held in high esteem.

They both leapt at the chance to serve him.

- So what will you do? - Take passage with the fleet.

But as soon as we land in Brittany, leave the Royalists to their fight...

...then, under cover of the uprising...

Make your way to the prison, free Dwight an' bring him home.

What could be simpler?

Ross Poldark? A contender for Parliament?

According to my mother who has it from the Boscowans.

- How can he even presume? - I'm not sure he does.

- He's been mentioned, not yet approached. - Nor should he be.

Is such a man to represent us?

Well, he certainly won't be receiving my vote.

So you see, Aunt, my visits here must cease awhile.

All in good cause, boy.

I trust you'll bring young Enys safely home.

And fetch him to my party.

- Which? - My 100th birthday.

You're all invited, your chibbies, your little bud and even her brother.

- You've met him? - Oh, yes.

'Ee seem troubled. What ails 'ee?

My conscience.

Which tells me I have done a wicked thing.

There be nothing wicked in our care for each other.

The wicked thing is that I've allowed your visits...

...when I'm not free to do so.

How not free?

Our friendship...

Has gone beyond the bounds of common acquaintance.

But is it wrong to go so far...

...if what we feel is true?

I see now it is not true.

I was flattered by your attentions into thinking I felt love.

But I do not.

I don't believe you.

I hope you can forgive my mistake.

(SObs)

I've left word with Grace that they will answer to you till I return.

They will expect you daily.

P'raps I'll venture below an' take a pick 0' my own.

No doubt you'll find a new lode.

I've been thinkin', I'll not tell Caroline where you've gone for fear of raisin' false hopes.

- And have Drake stay away from Trenwith. - Why would he go there?

Ask him.

I must go.

I do not ask you not to be reckless...

...for I know you cannot promise something which is so against your nature.

She don't care for me.

She never did.

I've no wish to go on in this world.

I once thought as you do.

When I lost Julia, all I wanted was to bury myself beside her.

But life is precious and should not be scorned.

The thing is to find some purpose, to go on living.

And if Ross were here, he'd say the same.

Where is he?

It's not to be spoken of.

He's gone to Falmouth, thence to France to rescue our friend Dr Enys.

Will you not stay to supper?

Thank 'ee, sister.

I'll heed what 'ee say about purpose...

...an' try and find me some.

...la Bretagne, I'endr0it idéal pour desembarquer nos troupes.

- Pourquofi - Nous devons paflw sans tamer.

Problem?

Aside from the fact they've thrice delayed departure

and are unable to agree on the simplest matter?

There's the thing. Almost all the Royalist troops travellin' from England be French prisoners.

They'll be given a choice.

Bide here in prison or fight for the Royalists against the Republic.

- How's that a problem? - If you're a prisoner returned to home shores,

do you fight against your own people or do you desert?

- This landing will fail. - Then how do we save Dr Enys?

Say nothing to the French.

I'll return in an hour.

Pas tous les Frangais sont fidéles é la France. Certains sont fidéles é eux-mémes.

Qui peut les en blémer?

Ross is called away to Looe on business at the boatyard.

And the Royalists will shortly sail from Falmouth.

I wish I were going with them. But how shall we distract ourselves meanwhile?

I know! You could accompany me to Tregothnan.

Lord Falmouth's gathering the cream of Cornish aristocracy.

I'm no aristocrat.

You have nobler blood than many who'll be vying to attend.

Come, say you'll keep me company.

...et remettre au pouvoir un Bourbon.

Le Comte de Provence.

- Le plus rapidement possible. - Non, non.

C'est ce qu'il faut faire!

We're leaving.

Arrétez cetke tyranme une fidvs. parkoufl. Est-me que vous comprenez'?

C'est ce qu'il va falloir faire!

HENSHAWE: Never been to Roscoff.

Only once been on the One And All.

Mr Trencrom said he was the first respectable man he'd had aboard.

- We'll soon lead 'im astray. - I need no leading.

- I've tricks o' my own up my sleeve! - What happens when we get to Roscoff?

Trencr0m's men go about their usual business.

And we acquire a smaller vessel.

Then take the river inland, to a creek close to the prison at Quimper.

Plans have changed.

- Ross and his men be on their own now. - Judas.

- Léve-toi. - No! Let me go!

Please!

(Musket fire)

(Soldiers snigger)

Have 'ee seen Drake?

Yesterday.

Wrack'd with grief over the girl.

Left 'ee this note.

(Reads) Dear sister...

Let's hope these will do the trick. You got enough?

The Captain beg to report a stowaway.

Is that my concern?

He say so on account 0' the stowaway insist on joinin' us.

DEMELZA: Do not blame Cap'n Ross for this.

You tell'd me to find some purpose to help me forget Morvvenna.

And this may do good to someone if not to I.

I know he thought me harsh, but I did fear this love would break 'im.

An' so it has.

Is this God's will too?

DRAKE'. I know what 'ee be thinkin'.

But let me prove myself. I'm fearless.

- That's no recommendation. - An' steadfast an' fierce.

Like his sister?

I say give him a chance.

You never know when an extra man might come in handy.

You will obey my every command.

- Without question. - Yes, sir!

- Well done. - Well done.

Drake told me you broke with him.

Doubtless he'll soon forget me.

He might.

If we see him again.

It was not without difficulty that my mother secured your invitation.

I'm obliged to her.

She did so on the understanding that you and she would shortly be connected.

Through my marriage to Miss Chynoweth.

She feels if we do not hear from the lady soon, we must look elsewhere.

Morwenna is a respectable girl who will not be hurried.

Nevertheless, I'm certain you'll receive a favourable answer within the month.

Hm.

I'd never have broken with him had I known what he'd do.

'Tis for the best.

- The gulf between your stations is... - Is great...

But greater still the rift between our houses.

So I should marry a man I do not love?

Will you find a way to let me know when Drake returns?

If he returns.

DRAKE: Do we not go ashore?

RoscofFs not for the faint-hearted.

But what do Cap'n Ross intend?

Grab your belongings and follow him.

We have a boat.

Your cousin has delayed long enough. I require an immediate answer.

- Summon her from Trenwith. - No.

I have a better idea.

- (Door slams) - They've returned. Unannounced!

What does it mean?

Nothing good for you, I fear.

Here is the best landing point close to Quimper.

We'll put in there, wait for the cover of darkness and then make for the prison.

GEORGE: You're quite certain of this?

'Eard tell of it in Sawle Kiddley.

'Ee do know I 'ave ways 0' keepin' my ear to the ground.

(George laughs)

GEORGE: You may go. (Laughs)

That really is excellent.

A prison break on French soil with respectable men who are surely being led to their deaths.

He's played right into our hands.

But how could this affect us?

By affecting Ross's standing amongst the local worthies. You must see, my dear.

How can such a reckless fool represent the district in Parliament?

It is a question I feel duty bound to ask tonight at Tregothnan.

(Sfliggers)

- Tom Harry's got wind of it. - Judas! Then half the county'll know!

'Tis unlike to endanger the mission since the news cannot reach France.

So there's some consolation.

Precious little. Ross wished it to remain secret till he returned.

How can I keep it from Caroline?

A fever?

I must say you look none the worse for it.

I think I must keep indoors tonight.

- I was hoping you'd bide with me. - My dear, I'm beginning to look like a recluse.

I must put in an appearance, with or without my escort.

- Do you not like it? - It's so extravagant.

And?

Might it not seem, in tonight's company, that we're trying too hard to impress?

Quite right, my dear.

No need for distractions.

Our mission is plain.

To thoroughly discredit Ross Poldark and position me as a candidate in his stead.

(Knock on door)

- Must I really go? - Did we not agree, my dear?

No more ingratitude.

As sharp as you can.

Everyone ashore, take cover in the woods.

(String quartet plays)

Mr and Mrs Warleggan and Miss Chynoweth.

- There's Lord Falmouth. - And who here might effect an introduction?

Miss Penvenen and Mistress Poldark.

Extraordinary!

I'm forced to ingratiate myself with that idiot Whitworth

whilst the scullery maid strolls in on the arm of an heiress!

Look at them. Struttin' an' swaggerin', as if there be no war or men riskin' their lives.

Pay them no heed, my dear.

Our task is to see what news we can glean of the French landing.

This is the ground plan.

There's a series of buildings, set in extensive grounds.

Here is a sentry gate, through which we must pass before coming into the main prison.

The guards are changed at midnight.

We go in at one and hope to catch them napping.

What is it?

When I first mooted this venture, I imagined we'd be part of the Royalist landing,

taking advantage of the chaos to break into the prison.

But now we've come on ahead, we're that much more exposed.

Since this is not what you enlisted for,

I feel you should be given the chance to remain here.

- Tholly and I will make for the prison. - Nay, Ross.

Speaking for myself, my mind's set.

We're here for Dr Enys and we'll not go home without him.

'Tis what we all signed up for.

Can I ask men to take such a risk?

Yet how much have I risked, across the years, alongside you

knowin' I might lose all, riskin' it anyway?

Mining's a risk.

Loving's a risk.

Living's a risk.

So tonight...l'll take my chance.

(Church bell chimes)

Is it time?

Bone. Ellery. Go back and guard the boat.

The rest of you? Certain?

- No fool like an old fool! - Or a young one.

Keep low and follow me.

LORD FALMOUTH: He's been in numerous skirmishes.

He is the most able navigator. Ned Pellew thinks the world of him.

Of course the boy knows what's expected of him. He's a Boscowan, after all.

Though little good it's done him. Will you excuse me?

(Owl hoots)

ROSS: Clear.

HENSHAWE: How many guards, do we think?

ROSS: In addition to those at the gate?

Six inside the building. Another six off-duty. Who knows?

Tell 'em no more, young Cap'n, lest they lose their appetite for the task!

- That won't happen. - How do we get past the guards?

Tholly, tie my hands.

♪ ai un prisonnier échappé!

Au nom de la République, ouvrez la porte!

Dépéchez-vous, hem'?

ll fait froid!

(Soldier mutters)

(Blows thudding, grunting)

(Whistles)

(Raps on gate)

Sssh.

Ssh-ssh-ssh. Keep quiet.

The prisoners will be sleeping. Endeavour to pass through unnoticed.

At all costs, give no impression we're here to free prisoners.

Aye, the last thing we need is a mad stampede to escape.

Follow me.

What's going on?

- Who are you? - Newly arrived here.

We have a message for Dr Enys.

Do you know where he is?

- The Infirmary. Enys never leaves it. - Thank you, friend.

- There's no room in here. - We're looking for Dr Enys.

- Who are you? - Captain Ross Poldark. You?

Lieutenant Armitage of the Espion.

- Sir, I think these men have no business here. - No business with you.

We seek Dr Enys and mean only his good.

- You have my word as an officer. - Sir, these man are armed.

An' I'll slit yer throat if you don't pipe down!

Have you broken in to take Enys?

Not a word.

Come with me.

(Coughing)

What is it?

Do you want me?

Yes, Dwight.

We want you.

Ross?

My friend...

...make haste and come with us.

Come? Where?

(Chuckles) How?

What do you mean?

I mean that your friends have risked life and limb to free you.

But you must see that's impossible.

I cannot abandon these men. There are only four surgeons in the entire camp.

So we should go home without you?

Enys, you have more than discharged your duty.

Don't be a fool, Enys.

We'd all escape if we had the chance.

Escape';?

- Escape! - Damn, the young fool will wake half of France.

We can't go back that way.

- Is there another way out? - That way!

(Distant yelling)

(Soldiers yell)

- (Bell rings) - That's the alarm bell.

- All the guards will be summoned. - Which is the way out?

There. That door.

The guards. They'll be waiting for us.

- We can't go back through the church. - Then we're trapped.

(Guard yells orders)

(Laughter and conversation)

- Have you heard the rumours? - Which?

Ross Poldark's latest folly.

- His reckless assault on a French prison. - Surely not?

- Let's take some refreshment. - The absolute futility of such an act!

- What does it say of one who would attempt it? - What, indeed?

And did I hear he's being considered for some high office?

Dear God! Is that the kind of madman we want representing us in Parliament?

Allez! Regardez partout!

Load your weapons. We'll make a stand.

My apologies, Dwight. This is a poor sort of rescue!

Cap'n Ross, I b'lieve there be a better way.

Stay here.

Escape! Escape! Escape!

(Musket fire)

(Confused shouting)

Armez-vous!

Let's be gone. Quickly!

Allez! Dépéchez-vous!

Would you prefer Oxford or Bath?

For what, sir?

Our honeymoon?

I prefer not to speak of such a thing.

All the more to tease me?

- I pray you do not imagine... - Oh, but I do, my dear.

All the time.

Par lé! Allez, allez, allez!

- It's locked. - (Groans)

- Over? - He'll never make it.

What do we do?

I told you I'd have something up my sleeve. Stand back, lads!

Leave it to the expert!

Zacky, Tholly, take Dwight.

Nearly there!

Stand back, lads!

Take cover!

Now get up! Let's go!

Drake, come with me.

Par ici! lls sont partis par ici!

Look out. Ross!

(Confused shouting)

- Watch out, Ross! - Take mine!

Hensh... Follow me!

- (Gunshot) - Argh!

He's hit!

- (Gunshot) - Argh!

We need a place to hide him.

Dwight, Henshawe's hit.

(Rasping breaths)

Can you hear me, Hensh?

What can be done for him?

Nothing.

Try.

If there was aught to be done, do you think I'd spare myself?

I told him not to come.

But he wouldn't listen.

We're too old for this, Hensh.

What do we say? No fool like an old fool?

We'll be dead fools if we don't get a gallop on! Do you think these Frenchies be firin' for fun?

- Help me carry him. - We'll never make it!

- Then I'll stay with him. - Nay, I will.

- He was my captain and friend. - Let me stay! I don't care what become 0' me.

There's no need to stay.

He's dead.

DWIGHT: He's dead.

Gardez vos positions!

Par ici!

Come away, Ross.

Ross!

Excuse me.

I promised Lord Falmouth the Allemande.

Do you not dance, ma'am?

Does your husband disapprove of the sport?

Not in the least.

How could he, when his own pursuits are so much more hazardous?

Is it not galling to be married to such a hothead?

Bad enough in a 20-year-old but in a supposedly respectable mine owner,

in his 30s, with a wife and children,

it's positively infantile.

Do you think he'll ever grow up?

I don't know, George. Will you?

(Distant shouting)

Everyone down! Someone's coming.

Armitage!

- Thank God! I thought you were the guards. - Are you alone?

A dozen or so others escaped but we all separated.

They headed for the coast. I abandoned my post, Enys.

- The thought of freedom was too much for me. - It was too much for us all.

There's talk of a Royalist landing. Republican troops are mobilising.

If we're caught now, there'll be no escape.

- And no mercy. - Up!

The power of an ancient family name.

Chynoweths stroll in where Warleggans fear to tread.

- Did you manage to advance our cause? - How?

- By the subtle disparaging of Ross. - I observed no such subtlety from you.

Did you speak of his adventures in France?

I might have done had Lord Falmouth not mentioned his nephew is a prisoner of war.

I felt it would be tactless to refer to French prisons at all,

let alone Ross's intention to storm one!

So our mission has failed.

We're leaving.

Morwenna.

- Excuse me. - Of course.

- The Royalist landing has failed. - What?

De Sombreuil and the leaders are captured. What hope is there for Dwight now?

(Birds chattering)

Come on.

Drake's hurt. Help me get him aboard.

Here's Dr Enys. Help him on. Careful.

Muskets.

Set the oars! Set the oars!

Poor Caroline!

I took her home and put her to bed, but I doubt she'll sleep.

Thank God Ross wasn't part of the landing.

- Will 'ee tell Caroline? - To what purpose?

We don't know where Ross is,

if he even reached the prison or found Dwight alive.

Let alone 'scaped again.

You've been at it hours, Ross.

Take a rest!

It won't bring him back!

- Allow me. We're not out of danger yet. - No let-up!

We must get to Roscoff before dark.

- The One And All sails on the evening tide. - We'll never do it!

We must! Or we're trapped in Roscoff for a fortnight!

Drake won't last a fortnight. He won't last a day.

Nor will you!

His fever's worsening.

Unless I can clean the wound soon, it's likely to become infected.

And then he's done for.

(Wailing echoes)

Ross. Ross.

CAROLINE: You let him die.

- You let him die! DEMELZA: You're a disgrace!

Selfish, vainglorious, reckless.

GEORGE: One can only agree.

You are the most despicable of men.

DEMELZA: Ross! Ross!

THOLLY: She's still there!

She's still there!

At anchor, waitin' for us!

If we make haste, we'll catch her before she sail.

Come on! Heave!

Heave!

Heave!

I have a confession to make.

When we left Henshawe...

...he was not dead.

He was dying. He could not live an hour.

But in that hour, I knew that unless I lied, you would willingly die alongside him.

And that I could not permit.

But, Drake? I think you will have one less life on your conscience.

Ross, I haven't yet thanked you.

When you first appeared, I thought you were a figment of my imagination.

Hardly surprising.

I must have been the last person you expected to see.

In truth, I expected to die where I stood...

...surrounded by men I was unable to save.

Now?

Already I see that I must keep myself occupied or I shall begin to ask the impossible question.

Which?

Why am I here and they're not?

The cove. Nampara Cove.

Ross!

- (Groans softly) - See, brother? My prayers did work!

Judas! What happened?

Nothing, sister. 'Tis a scratch.

- He'll need rest and warm. - We'll bring 'im up to the house.

Dwight!

Dwight, they brought you home! (Laughs with relief)

An' Zacky!

To see 'ee safe an' well. I never dared hope.

We're more'n grateful to be here!

I don' know this gentleman.

Lieutenant Hugh Armitage at your service, ma'am. Captain Poldark was my saviour too.

Then this means it was a success. You all returned home.

No.

Not all.

Cap'n Henshawe?

(SObs)

Prudie!

Make ready two beds.

- One for Drake, one for Dr Enys. - 'Tis done already. Ole Prudie'll see 'em right.

Bring 'em in, bring 'em in.

Beggin' your pardon, sir.

I thought 'ee'd wish to know. The One And All returned from France.

An' Ross Poldark with her.

Dr Enys was saved.

- As expected. - Any casualties?

One wounded. One dead.

Cap'n Henshawe from the mine.

The mission can hardly be deemed a success, to liberate one man at the expense of another.

'Twas reckon'd a success, for up to 20 men also 'scaped,

one of 'em a person of great importance,

a...Lieutenant Armitage?

Lieutenant Hugh Armitage?

Yes, ma'am, I think that was the name.

You may go.

You know Lieutenant Armitage?

Only by name.

He's the nephew of Lord Falmouth.

Scurvy has not enhanced my looks.

I must beg a week of Demelza's care before I let Caroline know I'm here.

I think it may be too late for that.

(Hammering on door)

BUTLER: This way, please.

Do you feel strong enough for a small surprise?

Dr Enys...

...do I detect scorbutus?

I... I'm afraid so.

Well then, I prescribe fresh air, oranges...

...and kisses without end.

Sleep'll do him powerful good.

Still think he's a pest?

Yes.

But a brave and fearless pest who may have saved my life.

He has something of your spirit.

I suppose I must learn to love him too.

DEMELZA: ♪ Greater love hath no man

ALL: ♪ Than he who for his friend lay down his life

SAM: ♪ And his name shall be forever beloved

ALL: ♪ And his sacrifice forever praised

SAM & DEMELZA: ♪ Though we may no longer behold him

ALL: ♪ In our hearts he liveth on

♪ And the light may grow dark

♪ Yet time will hold a flame forever more

(Stifled sobs)

I should never have let him come.

- I should have foreseen the consequences. - How could you?

How can we ever foresee what will come of our actions?

HUGH ARMITAGE: I agree.

How could I foresee a month ago that today I'd be a free man?

How could your husband foresee that in freeing his friend, he'd liberate a man he'd never met?

Well, I hope that whatever consequence come of this liberty, you'll take full advantage of it.

Believe me, ma'am, I intend to.