All language subtitles for Elizabeth I (2005) Part 1.en

All is as
it should be, ma'am.

Thank you, Dr. Lopez.

Her Majesty is still capable
of bearing children.

Ahh...

Virgo intacta.

Thank you,
Dr. Lopez.

So we may proceed
with her marriage.

If we're to trust
her doctor.

If she were too old
to bear children, my lord,

there will be little sense
in her marrying.

Do we only marry
to bear children?

To contemplate the prospect
of an heir, certainly.

Is there
another reason

we should not approach
the Duke of Anjou?

Politics,
religion,

temperament.
Messenger!

Ah...

and of course
the Earl of Leicester.

Francis Walsingham.
My Lord Burghley.

Married men both,
and peddlers of the matrimonial state.

You should wed each other since you
think so highly of the condition.

Certainly speed up the process
of government.

The Earl of Leicester
has the familiar touch.

If we are to make an alliance
against Spain,

Anjou would seem
the obvious choice:

Brother to
the King of France,

and giving us
a Catholic ally.

Where do you stand
on the issue, Francis?

I think the French make better
acquaintances than friends.

Tell Anjou we still need
the Queen's permission

to start
negotiations.

Thank you, my lord.

Oh...!

Your Majesty.

What's the news,
old friend?

That I am as I
have always been.

Oh, well am I
changed then?

- There is talk of...
- Talk...

talk is free.

And I would be so, too.
No no no,

be not afraid...
I will not marry.

So...

we have each other
still then?

We have each other
always, Robin,

since that way
our affections tend.

Who can tell the heart
where it should lead us?

Our hearts
cannot be told.

Time has worn away the promises
we made to each other once.

What promises,
my lord?

To amuse each other.

Your Majesty, l...

I do not trust
the Duke d'Anjou.

Because he's
a Frenchman?

Because I do not trust him to love you
as you should be loved.

- I'm afraid, Bess.
- Of what?

Of the dangers
in bearing a child.

The danger to you.

What is the world
without you in it, hmm?

- Oh, this is most flattering.
- How?

Because you are
jealous.

And why
should I not be?

Do I not live in the sun
of your favor?

And does not the world
condemn me for it?

For 19 years,
Your Majesty,

this Council
has implored you

to secure your succession
by marriage.

You have refused
all suitors, but now...

I do not say I will not marry,
Lord Burghley,

the question
before us is whom.

Spain is
the threat.

Our only hope is to divide
the Catholic powers.

- Put Spain against France.
- Oh God.

A union with the ruling house of France
would do precisely that.

Anjou, as brother
to the King of France...

Might I remind
the Council...

that although
he may oppose

the Spanish interests
in the Netherlands,

the Duke of Anjou
is still a Catholic.

But he is of the quiet kind,
my lord.

Biddable, they say.
He will pray in a corner, if you ask him.

He was a friend to the Protestant cause
in France.

He's has even had private conversation
with Master Walsingham

who eats Catholics.

...words with you
in the Presence Chamber.

My Parliament
seeks words with us,

and we must
seem to listen.

Francis?

Since you
of all of us

has met this
fellow Anjou...

what of him?

His religion, madam,
his politics,

his sincerity
or otherwise

in his support
of the Dutch Protestants?

His appearance,
Master Secretary...

is he a man
to my liking?

I couldn't say,
Your Majesty.

Well, is he well-favored
or is he ugly?

Is he a master
at serving women?

He is Catholic.
He only serves the Pope.

He was not ugly,
madam...

but...

he was not
beautiful.

Oh...!

Well, gentlemen,
I have come to hear you talk

and I trust you will watch me
while I listen.

Your Majesty.

We beg to raise the question
of your marriage.

Well, so long as you
do not come to me

to complain about your wives,
I am content.

Sir Leicester...

here stands my master of music
who wrote this very piece for me.

A Catholic,

but an Englishman first.

Thank you so much
for the anthem.

You see, a man may be a good Catholic,
and a good Englishman.

Not at the same time,
ma'am.

Get him up.

Take him away.

You're quite safe,
ma'am.

Oh Robin.

Quite safe, ma'am.
No hurt, ma'am.

Shh... no hurt, ma'am.

Clear the way!
Clear the way!

- Oh God.
- Your Majesty, take my arm.

- How did he get in? Who is he?
- Calm yourself.

Oh!

And how does
Your Majesty now?

The Queen does not know
how she does, Leicester.

How she does and what she
feels seems questions of little account.

She sometimes wonders whether she
is allowed the luxury of feeling anything.

That villain was as close
as you are now to me.

No one could be
as close as we two, Bess.

You mustn't be
alone tonight.

- No.
- No.

Nor shall I, my lord.

Our prisons in the tower were as close
as our two apartments are now.

Sweet imprisonment.

In your sister Mary's reign
when I was in the tower,

and looking to die every day,

I remember the morning they brought you
in through the Traitor's Gate.

Over your shoes in water
as you stepped off the barge.

I sat down on the stone steps
and refused to move.

My usher broke down and cried.
I rated him severely.

"Truth is what matters,
not misfortune."

That's what I said.

And that none of your friends
should ever have cause to weep for you.

No. Nor shall they,
Leicester.

Some things still
are possible.

I cannot stay.

Is this the marriage
to Anjou?

If I marry,
I must marry royalty.

I could not marry you.
I could not raise up a subject so.

Shhh.

Just kiss me, Bess.

Good night, my lord.

That's enough.

Shh, shh, shh, shh.

Shh, shh, shh.

Who sent you
to attack the Queen?

The French?

The Spanish?

The Pope in Rome?

Hmm?

Wait!

Good.

You have something to say.

Good morning,
Your Majesty.

For the safety of my person
and my kingdom

I must proceed
with this match.

Bess, I beg you.

I mean who was this
would be assassin?

In the pay of Spain?
Well, how many more will they send?

And how much more secure
will you be with Anjou?

His interest is purely selfish
in the Netherlands.

Your people will...

Why, you have company!

My Lady Essex has
come to court.

I crave
your pardon, ma'am.

I here since the death
of Lord Essex,

upon your
service in Ireland.

I have made an offer
to assist the new Lord Essex.

We were sad to hear of it.

Oh...

so young to succeed
to a title.

We will kiss you.

You look well,
my Lady Essex.

Perhaps you're in search
of new offers of marriage.

She has an eye for you,
Leicester.

Oh, the portraits
of your ancestors

- look well on your walls, my lord.
- Yes.

Pity so may of them
proved to be traitors.

No, only my grandfather
and father, ma'am.

The present generation
is entirely devoid of treason.

We are pleased
to hear of it.

She knows.

She knows nothing.

She knows.

Those eyes of hers...

marbled
like a snake's.

She knows.

She has an eye
for you, Leicester.

She knows nothing.

The villain who attempted
your life has been put to the rack.

And?

And it seems likely that
the so-called Queen of Scots

has solicited Spanish
help against you

- with the blessing of the Pope.
- Likely?!

"It seems likely"? This is our cousin,
Master Walsingham.

Is she not confined by us?

Is she not under guard
at our command?

Do we have proof positive that she
was involved in this attempt?

Has the young man
named her?

She long has been the focus
of such conspiracies.

But the active agent
of such plots?

If the Spanish seek a Catholic
for the throne of England, Madam,

then the Royal Catholic cousin
of the Queen of England

would appear to be
the obvious choice.

We did not ask to be lectured
on our dangerous cousin Mary.

If we are ever inclined to forget
our dear dear cousin

then the Council can be
relied upon to remind us.

Oh, Robin.

I am set about by enemies,
and I know not who to trust.

Well, not France,
I beg you.

Hmph.

Since I know you think
I argue for myself...

You speak for your
stomach sometimes.

I'll talk self interest.

What do you imagine Monsieur
will do with me after he has your hand?

Shall I be Catholique?

Shall we all be Catholic?

The Duke's religion is a private matter,
Robin, as is yours.

I will not make windows
into men's souls.

Yet he will be your master.

Monsieur will be bound
by strict conditions.

Robin...

the only things that will kiss
in this affair

will be lawyers' pens
and lawyers' papers.

He has foul breath
they say, and a hump.

Poor England
stands alone, Robin.

Well, gentlemen...

if marriage it must be
then it must be.

Oars up.

Oh, gentlemen,
why such long faces?

Are we about a marriage
or is a funeral in prospect?

Jean de Simier, chief aide
to the Baron de St. Marc,

and chief darling
to the Duke of Anjou.

Is this what passes for charm
at the French Court?

Are you what passes
for lack of it at the English one?

- Touche.
- I bring you jewels

from the Duke
his own self.

He's in ecstasy at the thought
of your beauty.

His representative
does him little credit.

A monkey.

A most obvious
monkey.

Personally I have always found
monkeys charming, and amusing.

- And intelligent.
- Oh.

Ah, Master Davison.

Thank you, Monsieur.

Welcome, Monsieur, to our poor country...

...full of miserable protestants.

The pleasure is mine, My Lady.

This way.

I'm sure Your Majesty
appreciates that

while the Duke is most
sympathetic to your faith

it is simply not possible
for my master

to convert to
the Protestant religion.

We would not ask it of the heir
to the throne of France, Monsieur.

I do not
know you well, ma'am,

but I know you would never
make a Catholic.

You do me great honor,
Monsieur.

My master the Duke is not one
to make issue of his beliefs.

Then he and I
are well suited.

We understand the Duke
seeks an annual income of...

�60,000, madam.

Which the Council
has rejected.

Are we to talk
terms here, Robin?

Or do you think to drown my marriage
prospects in "No, maybe, perhaps"?

Let us continue to talk...

...walk with me.

My master was
so eager to see you.

I said to him, "But, Sir,
the Queen is waiting."

We are ourselves somewhat anxious,
dear Sir.

So when will he arrive?

He is already
on the boat, madam.

- What?
- We have come in disguise, Your Majesty.

You?

Oh Monsieur, of course,
excuse me... no?

Monsieur?

- No.
- No?

Madam...
I wish to present

His Highness Francois,
Duke of Alencon and Anjou.

Brother of the most
Christian King,

Henry III,
King of France.

We are most pleased
to make you welcome, Monsieur.

I cannot move, madam.

I am dazzled
by your beauty.

So do you think
your queen like our master?

So.

Much hangs on the result
of our conversation.

Oh, our every glance will
be weighed and discussed.

A man and a woman were never
at less risk of being natural.

I am not even supposed
to be here, Elizabeth.

And yet...

I have never felt
more natural.

And I too.

Both of us, I fancy, have spent
so long in the glare of court gossip

that... that privacy
seems unnatural.

- Mistress Val Leseur?
- No, sir.

Lady Anne?

Where is everybody?

Where is Her Majesty?

We understand
she is at Greenwich.

She spends
much time there.

The air is good there.

- What?
- Good Air.

And why are you
not with her?

That is indeed
a very good question.

My Lord?

I think it may be that...

Simier's Master
has arrived.

Anjou?

At Greenwich?

The Queen
is ready to be wooed.

Why should he not
be here, my lord?

Is it any
concern of yours?

You know my concern,
Lord Burghley.

I counsel
out of love for her.

This marriage
will not go.

Her heart
will be broken.

Not yours.

Or his, if he had one.

Personally I never
cared for the Dutch.

I find them common.

But you came to their aid.

They are a nation
of shoemakers, ma'am.

But I would rather have
them than the Spanish.

Ugh.

And besides,
they are Protestant...

and I have this weakness
for Protestants.

Does it extend to becoming
a Protestant yourself?

My Catholic relations
are far worse than yours.

They keep trying
to kill me.

- Mary, Queen of Scots.
- Ah.

You charming
French Cousin.

When she was betrothed
to my elder brother Francis

who was to be
the King of France,

it seemed most romantic.

But of course
Mary was only five.

Poor little thing.

She was Queen of France after all!

Queen of France,
then Queen of Scotland

and now...
she's nothing.

The park's deserted.

Empty of Frenchmen.

The duller for it then.

Why did you hide it
from me, Bess?

Can I not keep my counsel
if I choose?

Am I bound to you, sir?

If you cannot read my silence
then you are nothing.

So what manner of man
is this Duke d'Anjou?

Hmm?

- He is personable.
- Oh.

We like him well.

So you'll help him
retake the Netherlands?

Can you not
wish me happy, Robin?

Would my contentment
be such a burden to you?

I swear, I did not think it
would ever be granted me,

but these
last few weeks l...

- I cannot lie to you, madam.
- There's a new failing in you.

This marriage must not be.

When we were young and fair,
and favor graced us,

I sought you for my wife.

But you spurned me.

You said "Go.
Go seek some otherwhere.

Importune me no more."

And now...

And now?

Now would you bid me
hide a passion...

when a passion's caught me?

Me.

Late fruit of the tree,
a breath away from withering.

I pray you do not work on your brothers
in the council in this matter.

That is my stern command.

I am not allowed
to dance with her.

I understand, I am not yet
one of her intimates.

But this?
Is this still necessary?

Am I to go out in a veil
like a Saracen's wife?

Officially, Monsieur,
you are not here.

Unfortunately the Earl of Leicester
is not the only Protestant...

...in this miserable country.

Does the fellow
not dance?

The Court watches us
too closely.

How many hours
you and I...

...Have wasted dancing.
- Don't say wasted, Bess.

Each dance was worth
a lifetime's wait.

Don't marry him, Bess,
he's a dull fellow.

It's a pity...

...she is quite pretty.

Leicester.

Look at her,

simpering like a girl.

Does she love you still?

That may change.

Seems I am carrying
your child.

Give welcome to his Grace,

the Duke of Anjou.

He is of the most
Royal House of France

and we graciously
receive him here

as suitor to our hand
in marriage.

I am most glad to be welcomed
to the English court.

Louder.

Louder, you dogs!

Is not this
what you wanted?

Is this gentleman
not to your liking?

Must I consult you all before I find out
whether he is to mine?

Monsieur, le Duke.

Why do we still waste so much time
on this matter, gentlemen?

The French clown
should be sent packing!

My Lord of Leicester,

may I remind you we are
but Her Majesty's Council?

We follow the Queen.

Her Majesty doesn't
seriously contemplate...

She is taken
with the Duke, sir.

- Huh!
- I say she is taken with him.

And the security of our nation
demands this match.

What security?

An alliance with France
will protect us from Spain.

The Catholic powers
in Europe...

Are the natural
enemies of England.

Anjou invaded the Netherlands
as the protector of the Dutch Protestants.

Ha!
Was he though?

My lord, I have doubts
as to his sincerity.

- I'm sorry?
- Whatever his motives...

he was thrashed
by the Spanish General.

The Duke of Parma
destroyed him.

He may simply be using us
to regain his lands in Holland.

The question
of the security...

If we forge an alliance
with France...

We will put our religion
in the gravest of dangers.

Francis?

The Frenchman is not
serious in his affections.

Marriage to our Queen is
not something he desires...

except insofar as it may
further his ambitions.

She is far older than him anyway,
and I don't think...

I'm minded to box
your ears, Leicester.

Your Majesty.

Do you think no one could
be interested in our person?

Are we so unattractive?

Your Majesty is old
only in years.

Only?!

Only?

Why I could dash off the points
of a dance on that table.

I could be brisk
or grave or gay.

I could be as suave
as a courtier.

Or as sulky as a member
of the Privy Council.

The Queen is as young as
the wives none of you deserve.

I am so sorry,
I would stay but...

the Duke of Anjou craves
my attendance at dinner.

I must ask you this...

are you minded
to take me as a husband,

in all seriousness?

You know that during
your stay, l...

Ma'am, I am as anxious as
you to avoid the tyrannies

of too much certainty
in religion.

But I am a Catholic.

And this is
a Protestant People.

I have not yet seen
open hatred for me, but...

If it is not possible,
I will understand.

I think you understand

what it is I have begun
to feel for you.

Indeed I do, ma'am.

Indeed I do.

But we are born to the same life,
you and I, Elizabeth,

in which even our gestures
are not are own.

Does not a prince feel?

Does he not have hands,
eyes, a tongue, and...

a disposition to be loved?

He does, ma'am.

And if you do,

shall we not dare to risk
the displeasure of others?

I have asked the Earl of Leicester
not to approach Your Majesty, but...

Your Majesty, l...

Your Grace...

forgive me.
I had no idea you were here.

But I have some papers
which I felt...

Her Majesty should see.

Instructions in the art
of courtship, perhaps?

Hmph.

Who wrote this?

There is no name, ma'am.

I felt you should
see it since...

What exactly have they written?

"Advancing in years
as she is..."

Oh, I don't know.

"...our Queen has no need to tie
herself to an odd fellow,

a Frenchman by birth,
by profession a papist,

and an atheist
in conversation,

an instrument in France
of unclean..."

This is a most
serious insult

to our royal guest
and ally.

We shall return
to Whitehall

and we will have the author
of this vile rubbish

found an punished.
You have my word for it, Monsieur.

We shall proceed
with this marriage.

We would have
the papers prepared.

What profit did you think
to gain by this, my lord?

I did but...

- Bring me news I did
not wish to hear.

Men have been hanged
for less.

We will proceed.
This is agreeable?

It is why I am here,
madam.

- Find me the man who wrote this.
- Yes, ma'am.

This fellow Stubbs is the one
who wrote the pamphlet.

He is a dog.
And I keep my dogs tethered.

He seems quite
respectable.

The crowd are silent.

English do not like
public torture?

Usually their preferred way
of passing an afternoon.

I did what I did
for love of Her Majesty.

As an Englishman,
I love her beyond all else.

And if I dared speak against
the French marriage

it was only to show
the love we all hold for her person.

Perhaps they would
enjoy it more

if it was a French hand
being chopped off.

God save the Queen!

I have here the hand
of a true Englishman

who loves his Queen
and his country.

He loves me enough to insult me,
like so many men.

It would appear that the people
have little stomach for this marriage.

Death to the French!

Then the Queen
has little stomach for the people.

As we talk of marriage,
how is you wife, my lord?

Is she well?

Your... wife, Robin?

I understood that you
and Lady Essex are married

and that she carries
your child.

Oh, you son of a whore!

Your Majesty,

you must know that...

Know what, my lord?

...that I would never
have taken a wife

if there were but a chance
you would smile upon my suit.

I never...

I never wish to see
your face again.

My heart still runs
on you, I swear it.

Be off before I hang you,
I am minded to hang you now!

- With my own hands, too!
- Bess.

Get out of my sight!

We forbid you access
to our presence.

You are no longer
welcome at our court.

Be gone, sir.

Now.

You ask to know my inclination
as to the French marriage?

Your Majesty,

your subjects seek
only your happiness

and if it is
what you seek,

all we would urge you
is that if the voice of the people...

You all know my mind.

Could there be any more security
for my reign and my realm

than that I should marry
and have a child

and continue the line
of my father King Henry VIII?

Have I not been told
by you and you and you

that I should do as other women do
and get me an heir?

Yes, but the people...

Do you imagine I do not
want a child?

Do you imagine I do not have
the desire to hold a babe in mine arms?

Am I so unnatural to you
by virtue of my exalted position?

Now I have at last found a man
that is both royal

and to my liking,
may I not...

Am I made of stone,
gentlemen?

And so...

farewell.

Some princes do not
deserve their subjects.

It is the opposite
case with you, madam.

A courtier
and a scholar

and a poet

and a woman
of great beauty.

It is the last compliment
I shall treasure, my lord.

You know well what it is
that separates us.

It is the public practice of the Roman
religions... sticks in their hearts.

There is no prince in the world
to whom I would rather be bound

or with whom I would rather
spend the days of my life.

"I grieve and dare not
show my discontent.

I love and yet I'm forced
to seem to hate.

I do yet dare not say
I ever meant.

I seem stark mute,

yet inwardly do prate.

I am and I'm not.

I freeze yet am burned.

Since from myself
another self I turn.

My care is like
my shadow in the sun.

It follows me flying,
flies when I pursue it,

stands and lies by me,

does what I have done.

Or let me live
with some more sweet content,

or die.

And so forget
what love ere meant."

Well England,
the Queen is all yours.

Seven years later

Ah, Francis.

Your Queen has been
on progress, good people,

but she is glad
to be again home.

She should be kept
from the people.

Should she be?

Has she not need
of their love?

- I mean, with Leicester gone...
- Intelligence from Rome.

Not half as glad, it may be said,
as the lords who entertained her,

since they are relieved of the expense
of her entertainments.

She must be told.
But when?

And which of us
should tell her?

I'll tell her
straight, my lord.

I have the right face
for bad news.

...While people feast at
the expense of the nobility,

then there is hope
for England yet, eh?

- Your Majesty?
- Sir Francis.

News from Rome, madam.

No good news then.

His holiness...
declares you a heretic,

excommunicates you
and says that for all good Catholics

killing you
would be no murder.

Your Majesty! Your Majesty!

Your Majesty!

- Make way... make way.
- Get back.

- Make way, I say.
- Make way!

Let Her Majesty pass!

And am I supposed to return
the compliment

and slaughter them
where I find them?

It means His Holiness
intends

to put a Catholic
upon the English throne.

He'll have to push
me off it first.

There are those who
would help him, madam.

Philip of Spain was ever anxious
to do the Pope's bidding.

He does not lace his shoes
without a Papal dispensation.

So we may expect him,
gentlemen.

Or he may work through
loyal friends closer to home.

- Your cousin Mary...
- And you would have me act?

Strike, strike and strike again,
eh, Francis?

When the occasion
calls for it, Francis,

I will strike.

My lord... you may
remember this gentlemen.

He made the attempt
on Her Majesty's life.

He's a Catholic
and he's known to those

who know the so-called
Scottish Queen.

He will now help us
lead that devilish...

corrupt
scheming woman

to betray herself in a way that Her Majesty
will not be able to ignore.

So...

you will reveal to us
the conspiracies

in the mind
of this evil woman?

What if Her Majesty
Queen Mary

has no thoughts of conspiracy
in her head?

She will have them.

I am lately come
from the Presence.

I was within a sword's length of her
on two occasions.

Sir Anthony, speak lower
I beseech you.

What, Father Ballard?

Would not half this place
applaud our design?

To kill Elizabeth will be no murder.

- We will...
- What we will

is not yet decided,
Sir Anthony.

As I take it, you seek
to approach the Queen of Scotland.

Mary, the rightful Queen of England,
should I say, sir?

It seems you know everything.

And you also know I now
have the Pope's authority.

And there are plans
for the Spanish King

to invade England
on Queen Mary's behalf.

- When the occasion is right.
- Now is the occasion.

I have gathered about me
a group of Catholic gentlemen

who have sworn to free Mary
and take Queen Elizabeth's life.

No, we will slay her,

and then when
the King of Spain invades

we will place her cousin Mary of Scots
on the English throne.

Master Gifford tells me

you will approach
our Spanish friends.

Yes.

I will let them know
of your design.

Good day, Babington.

The Duke of Anjou
is dead, Your Majesty.

Well...

we are sorry
to hear of it.

And so it seems the French
have made their peace with Spain.

King Philip has sent the Duke
of Parma against the Dutch.

His plan will be
to finish them,

then move against England.

To which end King Philip
builds an armada...

a fleet,
the largest ever seen.

Is there any good news?

I feel a knife
at my neck once more.

Our intelligences have revealed
a new conspiracy here in England.

- Sir Anthony Babington.
- Babington?

He may have ties not only
with the Spanish, but also with...

Your cousin Mary,

so-called Queen of Scots.

All I require, madam,
is the evidence.

These are hard times.

And no one to talk to,
no one in whom I can confide.

We have recalled
the Earl of Leicester.

Oh gentlemen,
these long faces you put on.

Is it any wonder
I crave amusement?

I have sent for the Earl of Leicester,
and he will come to court

no matter how long
your faces grow.

Faster, faster,
Thomas.

Good.

Excellent.

Oh!

Tell me the difference
between love and friendship.

- There is none.
- How do you reckon that, my lord?

Well, we are here
walking arm in arm.

My marriage was forced on me, Bess.

Since I could not
marry you.

But what I felt
for you then,

I still feel.

And the case is not altered
with me, my lord.

I married to have
an heir, Bess.

And we had but one child.

A son.

He was but seven years old
when God took him from us...

even this year.

Oh, Robin...

what is it
the world does to us?

I have his things still...

his clothes,

his little suit of armor.

I can't seem to...

Forgive me, Your Majesty.

Well, Brother Leicester,

you must continue
to be my eyes,

for you see things
so clearly.

Here too, children is all.
For I have none

and therefore no successor,
and the vultures gather.

Mary of Scots...

or...

Mary of France or Mary
of whoever will have her.

If I kill my cousin Mary then
the Spanish will declare war.

But if I leave her alive...

She will be obliged
to kill you...

to save her soul
and free her body.

So says Francis Walsingham.

He sifts the evidence and draws
the trap ever tighter round her.

- Her own son has betrayed her.
- How so?

King James VI of Scotland is now
a pensioner of the English crown.

England pays the wages
of the King of Scotland.

Bess, you are formidable.

The Scottish Queen
is little pleased by it.

Oh, I missed
Court intrigues.

I did hear you were
planning to help the Dutch

with military aid
against the Spanish.

You know, I've longed
to serve you.

- If the Netherlands fall...
- No no no. You are not to go, Robin.

I have not had you
with me these seven years.

I need you here by my side,
alive if possible.

Years ago there was a plan
that Mary and I should meet.

It was years and years ago.
It came to nothing.

And you wish
to revive it.

If I were to visit her,
it would have to be in secret,

for all at court
would argue against it.

- But it could be done, I imagine.
- Mm-hmm.

All these conspiracies
have her at the center.

Why should I not reason
with her, my lord?

If I cannot dissuade her
from the courses she is on

what else can I do
but seek her death,

upon which the whole world
will break about my ears?

It is not too late
to turn her.

Oh, tell me that is true,
for I would have it so.

Bess, you have the great weakness
of the clear minded.

You believe that other people
think like you.

But...

I will arrange it.

So this is her prison.

Stand down the guard,
my lord.

- Where is she?
- Follow me.

- I heard she's grown fat.
- Mmm.

Well, she's had little else
to do but eat and sleep.

And plot,
Your Majesty.

Let us hope sweet reason
will reason her from her unreason.

Since we both know, my lord,

that the other way will lead
my sister to her death.

And on the other side of that
lies war with Spain...

for which poor England
is ill prepared.

You were not announced.

I'm not here.

Why do you come?

Is it curiosity?

To witness
my confinement?

To see what you
have brought me to?

As you see,
I am not well.

Perhaps this
pleases you.

Was it I who brought
you to this, Mary?

Who else?

I am more your friend
than you imagine.

I am the only thing that stands
between you and destruction.

Royalty stands
with itself, madam.

Who else will stand
with us or for us?

We serve the people, Mary.

I am a little bored
with the people.

I think it is time we sent out
for a different set of subjects.

Well, this is what my dog thinks.

Possibly.

- I am come to warn you.
- Of what?

There are those on my council
who would have you dead.

They say you conspire
against my life.

Your Majesty knows
I have never...

Sir Francis Walsingham
gathers evidence.

Of what?

And if I am given proof

I will have no choice
but to take the sin of your death...

the death of
a God-anointed queen...

upon my head.

No, you would not dare.

I would have no choice.

There will be war,

cousin, on my death.

A war of Spain
and France

against this little...

Vile country, nest of
Lutheran chickens?

I do not choose
to stay here.

Well, who would have you?

Scotland?

Or your
oh-so-grateful son?

You are hard, madam.

It's the business of living
that has made me so.

Oh?

Oh, you cast a cold eye
upon me, cousin.

We are both prisoners
of the time, you and I.

Both prisoners?

Then shall we two
walk free together?

I say again,
I am come to warn...

No, I am...

I am come to counsel you.

I am come
to implore you.

I am come to beg you

not to persist
in your treason.

I swear to you, cousin,

that I have no
intent against you.

That all I seek
is liberty.

I pray to God the death
of one of us is not

the only way to buy
the freedom of the other.

Oui.

We shall see.

At last I am able
to fight your cause.

The Dutch.

What in God's name do we
have in common with the Dutch?

Our religion, ma'am.

The Dutch have no religion,
they have cheese.

If we do not contain
the Duke of Parma

and his Spanish army

he'll be knocking at our door
by the end of the year.

I can't tell you how I appreciate
this command, madam.

And how I value
your trust in me.

You are a fireside
general, Robin.

- I would have you by my side.
- Bess!

My cousin Mary plots against
my life and you leave me.

Ah, the Earl of Essex,
my stepson, ma'am.

I have given him
a command.

Is that
Lady Essex's son?

'Tis, ma'am.
He fights alongside me.

He's grown
into a pretty youth.

Your Majesty.

I see a world
in your eyes.

They... they outshine
the stars.

You turn an excellent compliment
for one so young, my lord.

If I may return it,
it is rare to find such...

beauty

gifted with the power
of self-expression.

Come along, sir.

Oh well, off you go.

And don't the pair of you
look valiant indeed?

Farewell, my Bess.

Come back safely.

The Dutch.

Heaven help us.

You have news?

From Holland.

The Earl of Leicester
is safe.

Madam, we have
intercepted a coded letter

from the so-called
Queen of Scots

to Sir Anthony
Babington.

Copy of the original,

and here...

the transcript.

There, and here.

"The affair being thus prepared
and forces in readiness

both within and without
the realm,

then will it be time
to set the six gentlemen...

to work on
the Queen's murder."

She gave me her word.

Proof positive that she...

conspires against you, madam.

How came you
by these letters?

Do we have someone of ours
in her confidence?

And if so, is this
his scheme or hers?

These gentlemen approached her,
Your Majesty.

And she has countenanced their scheme
and given it her encouragement.

This is plain evidence
she seeks your death.

As you do wish for hers, Sir Francis.
You've already marked it with the gallows.

Or did Queen Mary make
that mark herself?

There is no lie or counterfeit
laid here before you, madam.

And though it call down
the wrath of Spain upon us,

I say, she should
be dealt with.

I will not move
precipitately, sir.

The Spanish build ships
these last years

and we have none
to put against them.

I will not
move too soon.

I will write to
the Earl of Leicester.

Whatever
the Earl's view, madam,

we must advise you that...

I am subject of plots
and conspiracies

and all I have to defend me
is you and...

sad old Lord Burghley!

I want Leicester!
Bring him home!

The army, madam,

have need of their general.

So... your spy,

our spy...

who is he, Walsingham?

The young man who once
tried to kill you, madam.

We turned him.

I have done what I have
done for your safety, madam.

Mary of Scotland
is a traitor.

So.

Do you think because I am slow
to make war, that I am merciful?

You think women are kinder
than a man or more gentle?

I'll tell you, gentlemen,
we women have forgotten

more about cruelty than you
could ever remember.

What we do not like is lies.

Why should I not
hang you

as well as the fellow Catholics
you've duped? And I tell you, sir,

we'll hang them not a whit before
we cut them open for a traitor's death.

Shadows

and shadows...

of shadows.

Being alive is punishment enough
for this creature.

For the others,
kill them as I have said.

I want them alive when you cut out
their heart and their bowels!

I mourn more for the death
of one good and faithful man

than I do for 20 traitors.

And now with those I love
across the seas

risking their lives
for my life,

I tell you I want to hang
those conspirators myself!

Oh, I am made of
cruel passions, my lord!

And when the time is right will so act
on them as to astonish the world.

I have love
and compassion too.

And as I can punish,
so can I yearn...

for those who are
true and faithful and...

and who love me according
to my true deserts

as their Queen.

Hang him! Hang him!

Queen Mary must be
brought to trial.

To try an anointed
sovereign, sir,

is no light matter.

The Earl of Leicester would
be in favor of a trial, madam.

Oh, really?

Well, shall we ask him?

My lord, how goes
it in Holland?

We seek your opinion
on an urgent matter.

- Madam, we must...
- How busily my subjects

set about to see
a Queen laid low.

Well, let it be done then.
Let it be done.

But I would have it done
with an eye

to the justice
of the thing.

All Europe watches us,
my lords.

And waits to see

how we will serve
my perjured Catholic cousin.

In nomine patris et filii
et spiritus sancti.

I am an anointed Queen.

And not subject to the ordinary
laws of England.

Madam, in England
a free prince

offending
is subject to our laws.

Would you prefer to be tried
in your absence, lady?

I am no subject, sir.

And would die a thousand deaths
rather than acknowledge myself to be one.

But go to it...

for I see you are
all determined.

This letter

to Sir Anthony
Babington...

Is forged.

I would not dare
make shipwreck of my soul

by compassing the death
of my dear sister.

Dear, indeed.

Yet we have proof positive
this is your hand

and given out by you.

So she is judged guilty.

By a fair trial, madam.

And both Lords and Commons
humbly petition Your Majesty

that you may pass
sentence of death upon her.

Oh, this goes hard with me.

What will my enemies not say that
for the safety of her own life

a maiden Queen
could be content

to spill the blood
even of her own kinswoman?

I may therefore
well complain

that any man might
think me given to cruelty

wherever I'm so guiltless
and so innocent.

Nay I'm so far from it that for mine
own life I would not touch her.

I pray you accept
my thankfulness,

excuse my
doubtfulness

and take in good part
my answer, answerless.

Madam, this business
must be settled.

Both Lords and Commons
must needs have it so.

They are most passionate
in this wish, ma'am.

I will not sign the warrant.

I care not if you lay it before me
every day for a whole year

I tell you
I will not sign it.

We will remove
to our palace at Richmond.

Richmond! Vascillation,
vascillation...

vascillation!

Is it really him?

I think it is,
Your Majesty.

On whose side is he in this matter
of the Queen of Scotland?

I imagine he is on the side
of the Earl of Leicester.

I have failed you, Bess.

Things did not
go well for us.

What did I tell you?

You said I was
a fireside general.

And was I right?

You're always
right, Bess.

The Spanish have a clever
general in the Duke of Parma.

Now that the States
of Holland are theirs,

I fear they may think
the time is right to attack.

You are not well.

- You are tired?
- Am I?

- Sit.
- I am in the best of health, ma'am.

How could I be otherwise
when I'm looking at you?

Well, Leicester,
I have need of you.

- In what way, ma'am?
- Our cousin Mary, of course.

Both the Lords and Commons

set about me with
petitions for her death.

- It is not possible for me...
- Bess.

I cannot lie to you.

The Scottish Queen
must die.

There is her death warrant,
and all it requires

is my signature,
Master Davison.

Suffer or strike,

is that not the message
sent to me by the council?

Even Leicester
betrays me.

Her son

suggests I grant him
the succession

to take away the sting of killing
the woman who bore him.

Now there's a son
who loves his mother, eh?

This is a person
of royal blood.

This is our father's
sister's child.

Do you understand what
that means, Davison?

This is our cousin.

And what a pretty thing
the family is.

How it breeds love
and tenderness in the child.

How it trains us in sweetness
and honesty and affection.

There, easily done.

She is to be beheaded
at Fotheringay.

This is the last
I wish to hear of it.

As to the manner of her death
she is to be accorded

the privileges of someone
of royal blood.

I do not wish
to hear of it.

But someone is to give me
an account of it when it is done.

Wait!

Do not give that
to the council until I say.

As for now, it is as if I never
signed it, do you understand?

- L...
- Now leave me!

Why should Her Majesty ask a man
of no great experience

to bring this document
to her for signature?

- An then...
- She chose him deliberately, my lords.

She wants the woman dead
but she cannot bear to give the order.

This was ever her way.

Sideways, sideways, sideways.

The Earl of Leicester is right.
We must all put our hand

to this order of execution,

or else I tell you,
gentlemen,

we will all hang.

You and I have had
our quarrels, my lord,

but may I say,

we have need of wise
politicians at court.

Now who will witness
the execution

and tell her
the deed is done?

I will do it myself.

Don't cry for me...

...you promised me, Jane.

Pardon me, ma'am.

I hope that you shall bring
an end to all my troubles.

Oh...

the color of
the Catholic martyr.

In nomine patris et filii

- et spiritus...
- Lord, have mercy on this sinner.

We pray according
to the reformed prayer book.

That our Lord gives help
to the helpless,

hope to the hopeless.

Lord, stay within us.

In the name of the Father,
the Son and the Holy Ghost...

I shed my blood

- for the ancient Catholic religion.
...Amen.

God save the Queen.

- God save the Queen.
- How can I ever tell the Queen of this?

How can I tell her

and keep her love?

Ah, Walsingham!

It is done. Will you...
will you tell her?

As you wish,
my Lord.

Forgive me.

Oh!

Oh, Sir Francis, I did
not see you there.

Please,
do not stop, ma'am.

Oh.

What is that?

Is someone married?

I think someone has died,
Your Majesty.

Who has died?

A very great traitor, madam.

Mary of Scotland.

Who ordered this?

I rather think
you did, Majesty.

Dead by my orders?

Oh... oh my...

Davison!

Oh, you!

No!

Leicester!

Where is the Earl
of Leicester?

Get me Leicester!

Leicester!

Your Majesty.

Why could you not
have stopped this?

I'll hang Davison,
you hear me?

And you too,
if you show your face!

- This is your Robin.
- Take him away!

Take him away!

Oh my God!

Oh, God forgive me.

- Oh God!
- Bess!

Stand aside.

O Lord...

Thou has set me on high.

If I swell against Thee

pluck me down in my conceit.

Though I have taken a life

the life of an anointed Queen.

Oh God, forgive me.

God, forgive me.
God, forgive me.

You are angry with me, madam.

That you of all people should
fail to understand

the case
in which I stood.

That went hard
with me, my lord.

I saw her die.

How did she die?

In truth, there were things
there that were done

not as they should
have been done.

She was denied
her rosary.

And they denied her
her priest.

This will not be in the report
the council gives you, but...

there were two...

- strokes of the axe...
- No, enough!

I tell you the truth
as I saw it.

Yes...

yes, you do.
I know you do.

If I'd heard that
from another's lips...

but you were right
to say it.

I must remember who I am
and learn humility.

Before God,

what are the stumblings
and offences of my life?

What is there
between you and I?

What's a crown when
love's voice speaks to us?

None of the others
would have dared do

what you have done.

No.

We must not.

Robin, we cannot.

There will be war.

Philip of Spain will
move to avenge her.

We must be strong,
both of us.

And since friendship
outlasts love,

and is stronger
than love...

let us be friends.

Always.

Always.

Will I be able
to fight, my lord?

I fear we shall all
have to fight, sir.

Will I be able to meet
Her Majesty again?

That, sir, is why
I brought you here.

Make way for the Earl.

I fear there are more important
matters at court today.

- Sir, make way, sir.
- My lord.

The Spanish Ambassador...

Don Bernadino.

Since our peace emissaries
have been withdrawn from Spain,

I see you're leaving us.

I have said farewell
to your heretic Queen.

The murderer
of her sister Mary.

When our fleet lands...
she will burn,

with all the other
heretics.

And we will have
a new Queen in England.

Yourself perhaps.

You will apologize for speaking
of the Queen in that fashion.

Sir!

Calm, sir.

Now, remember this.

Her favor changes
with her moods.

She is a woman.

But if you love her...

and I say this to you
as a father...

- love her constancy.
- We will consider this petition.

- For it is there.
- My lords.

Lady Anne.

Your Majesty.

You asked to see
the Earl of Essex.

We have need of young men
like the Earl of Essex.

How so, ma'am?

- Because you are so...
- Elegant?

Clumsy.

Make that bow again.

There, you see, Leicester,
he never bows the same way twice.

Now that is a mark
of true sincerity.

I could have bent my mind
to a more retired course, ma'am,

and stayed in the country.

The country is very pretty.

But I do not like
to be dead.

Well, you'll have to learn more
of the ways of court, sir.

Now your stepfather and I
must talk of graver matters.

So the Spanish
fleet is assembled?

Their ships are said
to number more than 100.

- Father.
- Robert.

The last hope
for peace is gone.

The negotiations were...

Well, at least
I have you at home.

Perhaps it's
for the best.

We will throw them back
from whence they came.

So the Earl of Leicester will
be in charge of the land forces.

We'll set our army at Tilbury
where the Duke of Parma is like to land.

We have precious few trained
men to put against him.

Let's hope you do better
against him there

- than you did in Holland, Robin.
- Thank you, ma'am.

Francis?

Their vessels are
too heavy in the water.

We will dog them
from the Lizard

and we will destroy them
before they get to Calais.

And when I do, ma'am, I swear they will
wish themselves back at Lisbon

kissing pictures
of the Pope's foot.

It has been suggested that Her Majesty
be removed to a place of safety.

You may hide in a hole in the ground
if you so wish, Lord Burghley,

I intend to be there
to meet them if they come.

A hundred ships.

What shall
I say to those

who are prepared to fight
and die on my behalf?

Your Majesty...

will give them courage.

And breathe scorn
on the invader.

Scorn?

The only words
I have for them

are love for them
and this...

this their sacrifice,

unwarlike woman
that I am.

Can that really be so?

Good morning, my lord.

I could swear
Your Majesty

had the heart
and stomach of a King.

Oh, Robin.

- Robin, you are not well.
- Excuse me, Your Majesty.

All is well.

I pray you.

Bring him over.

Do you lead me like
a groom, my lord,

to let England know you have
no designs to be my equal?

From where will
Your Majesty speak?

Why, from my heart
of course.

How long have you been
in the army, good man?

One month, Your Majesty.

Well, I'll wager you are
a very terror with that fork.

God save the Queen!

God save the Queen!
God Save the Queen!

Armies are not made
by their equipment, my lord.

Why have you persuaded
me to wear this?

It suits you
very well, ma'am.

I am among my people
who love me

and among whom I am
proud to die if I have to.

God save the Queen!
God save the Queen!

My loving people...

My loving people.

We have been persuaded by some
that are careful of our safety

to take care how we walk
among armed multitudes.

But I assure you
I do not desire

to live to distrust
my faithful and loving people.

Let tyrants fear.

I have always so
behaved myself that...

that under God I have
placed my chiefest strength

and safeguard

in the loyal hearts and goodwill
of all my subjects.

I am come among you
as you see at this time

not for my disport
or recreation

but resolved in the midst
and the heat of the battle

to live or die
among you all.

To lay down for my God,

for my kingdom

and for my people

my honor and my blood...

even...

even in the dust!

I know...
I know I have the body

but of a weak
and feeble woman.

But I have the heart
and stomach of a king.

And of a King
of England too!

And I...

and I think it foul scorn

that Parma or Spain

or any prince of Europe

dare invade the borders
of my realm!

God save the Queen!
God save the Queen!

No.

I'd be much happier if Your Majesty
returned to London.

The Spanish Fleet
is in the Channel.

We've had reports that
Parma may cross tonight.

Which may mean
that Drake...

Drake?

Drake has the wind
behind him, Robin.

He will set his ships among them and they
will rue the day they ever came to England.

You're not well. This has taken
its toll of you. You should rest.

Oh, I'm...

- Reports of a ship, Your Majesty.
- Where?

Coming up the river.

Come, sir.

One of ours,
or one of theirs?

One of ours,
Your Majesty.

If the news was good
they were to put out flags.

Both white and black.

- Your colors.
- Well, have they?

Not yet.

Well?!

The day is ours, ma'am.

My lord.

- Majesty!
- Robin!

See to the Earl.

- Robin!
- My lord.

A hard-won victory.

Oh, Robin, here.

I want to talk to you
about my stepson.

The young
Earl of Essex?

Although...

I am not his
natural father...

There are those
who say that you are.

Oh, Bess.

Lechery does not
interest me, Robin.

Love on the other hand...

Is that what it is
between us?

Oh yes.

And it is very proper.

Well...

I am glad to hear
you say it is love.

Was...

and is.

There are those who say
I was of the calculating kind.

But what I felt for you

I could not help.

Sometimes it...

did not help
my cause at all.

But truth be told...

it was as constant
as the heavens.

When I lost my way

it guided me

as stars...

do sailors.

Robin?

No, I beg you,
do not weep.

You spoke of your son?

Of Essex.

He is all
the son I have.

I bade him hither.

May he approach?

Sir?

Sir, your father
needs you.

Take care of her,
young man.

She needs...

Iooking after.

To be so strong
for so many people...

is not easy.

And I will not be there.

My love.

You will be with me
always, Robin.

I am for the dark, Bess.

My life is done.

Be careful of each other.

I stand here before you

among the captured
banners of our enemies,

and yet, in victory,

I say we still shall
humble ourselves

before our God

and our people.

We are mindful

that we have lost
a personnage...

who was most dear to us.

One who should
stand here with us today.

And as we commend
his soul to Heaven...

we turn ourselves
to our only solace,

which is the people
of this our England.

And let them know they may
have yet a greater Prince,

but they shall never
have a more loving one.

Next Time

Great things hang on a kiss, Robin,
when princes are involved.

I am in danger about
signing the Queen's Majesty.

My lord, I would
beg you to be careful.

Oh, my ladies
love to look at you.

Do you think the Queen
is mistress of her feelings?

I have offended you.

What I must not say
is that I love you.