Poldark (2015–…): Season 4, Episode 1 - Episode #4.1 - full transcript

If you do not challenge the corrupt,
then commoners will rise.

Truro lacks an MP.

Sir Francis intends to put up his own candidate
to challenge Falmouth's.

I regret I must decline.

ROSS: He won?

Your stubbornness will be your undoing.

Is it wrong to hope for love in a marriage?

Does Mr Whitworth's love mean nothing at all?

Close your eyes and submit.

- No, please!
- Mm-hm.

I'm no Leonardo but you are surely Mona Lisa.



Since the day of her death
he's been icy towards me.

- What does he imagine?
- That Valentine is not his child.

Secret kisses? How many other secrets
must there be between us?

You will never again
speak such vile suspicions

- about your wife and child!
- I swear it.

I believe I have every reason for optimism.

What is it you believe?

♪ Do not ask me for a kiss

♪ Life is short but love is long

In six months' time I'll be completely blind.

Shall we grant ourselves to each other?

- Demelza...
- No, Ross. Ask me nothing.

(Woman laughs)

(Echoing) What is love?



A possession to be hoarded...

or a blessing to be given away?

Did she betray her love for you
by offering some to me?

Can I not give him
even the smallest piece of my heart?

(Laughter)

Papa!

Papa!

We saw you swim away.

No. I'm still here.

And I.

My Right Honourable friends,

I have to inform you that it is my intention
to ask permission of His Majesty the King

to call for an election.

- (Shouting)
- Order! Order!

Order! Order!

(Lively chatter)

Where's the grain bound for?

Lisbon.

(Chatter nearby)

So there it is.
Pitt's dissolved Parliament.

And called an election.

In which I have every intention
of ousting your man here

by putting forward my nephew.

I humbly invite you to try, my Lord.

(Fire crackling)

HUGH: Lips to my lips unfold

The tale of our love is told

Hallowed by sea and sand

Beauty was in my hand.

(Groans softly)

My dear, I hope the gifts
I brought from London found favour?

Valentine has not been used to such kindness.

- He welcomes the change.
- It will continue.

So I would hope.

And were we ever to be blessed
with another child...

You have my word.

Things will be different.

I am now different.

Ah, the prodigal returns!

Jago, boy, come here!

All right, Da?

What 'ee been up to now, son?

Ah, the usual. Brawling, free-trading,
attacking customs officials.

Have you both heard?

Wheal Kitty's closed.
And Jane and Busy.

- Since when?
- Since after banks in Truro shut they doors.

- Mines can't draw wages.
- These are uncertain times.

Pitt's called an election.

If the Bank of England's
suspended its payments,

some local banks will do the same.

- But hopefully it's temporary.
- And meantime?

Are we to eat?

The price of grain is off the scale

and at Truro quay today I see'd it
being shipped away to Lisbon.

Be that lawful?

Quite the reverse.

But many still sell to the highest bidder.

(Hums) ♪ Love ls Long

Pretty song, that. What it be?

It's... It's just something I heard.

I can't recall where.

There does appear to be
some slight improvement.

My uncle will be delighted.

He's asked me to stand at Truro
for the next election.

As second choice.

You know he asked Ross first.

I seem to recall you saying
that politics was not to your taste.

Well, perhaps my priorities have changed.

So, you think, with the aid of spectacles,
I'll be able to see to the other side of the House.

There have been Members
who are not all-seeing.

(Laughs)

- (Jeremy yells)
- (Demelza laughs)

That one nearly got me!

That was a big one.
(Jeremy continues chattering)

Your worst nightmare...

- Cold feet?
- Shrieking children.

True.

And though some things
one can learn to tolerate,

cold feet is not one of them.

Children are no guarantee of happiness.

As Ross will testify.

Ross! I think we must go.

Demelza, we must leave now
or we'll be late for the service.

Do you not think, wife,

that the time has come for us to resume our...
conjugal bliss?

What bliss was that, Osborne?

This is wilfulness.

Neglect.

So, help me, a man has needs.

A wife has duties.

Which I fulfilled in every way
till you saw fit to debauch my sister.

I'm expected at Sawle.
Naturally, you'll not wish to attend.

Miss Agatha was kind to me.

I wish very much to attend.

Friends,

fellow servants of God,

we are gathered here today,
at the behest of Mistress Warleggan,

to honour the life of Agatha Mary Poldark.

How fortunate was that great lady

to have known in her lifetime
such esteem and devotion...

...and in death to be spared the turmoil
and strife which now threatens us all.

War with France. An election looming?

Disorder and riot at every turn.

How blessed are they that have
passed through the Vale of Tears

and now lie down in flowery fields
beside the Lamb of God!

- Praise be.
MOURNERS: Amen.

"Disorder and riot."
Do we hear rumours of such in Truro?

Nothing that won't be quelled
by a firm response from our magistrates.

If the situation worsens,
you will of course not hesitate...

...to read the Riot Act.

Oh, no, no.

Indeed. Elizabeth.

Your presence today was appreciated.

I regret it took so long to supply a headstone.

It was not for want of affection for her.

At least not on your part.

I feel we should be going, wife.

Captain Poldark, I wonder,
since we are so close to Nampara,

whether my wife and I
might wait upon you today.

We'd be delighted to receive you.

Would we not, Demelza?

- (Clucking)
- Judas, I could crown Ross!

He could hardly refuse.
Sir Francis seemed most eager.

You don't understand. My father
and brothers worked in his mines.

Now he'll be under my roof.

Do you suppose
he'll send you to eat in the scullery?

I think I'd prefer it.

Prudie! Oh, Prudie, make haste!

Oh, Judas, clear the table.

Sir Francis Basset is coming to tea.

Well, what do we have?

Cakes, tarts, jellies?

Has there been any disturbance hereabouts?

We passed people on the road to Truro.

My dear,
the vulgars are full of sound and fury.

But, believe me,
they would not dare take things further.

HUGH: My beloved Demelza,

this poem must suffice
to reside next to your heart,

where I most long to be.

Brave of you to venture into enemy territory,
my Lord,

given that George Warleggan is your man.

Well, he's shortly to be challenged
by a new candidate.

Falmouth's nephew.

Armitage?

I'd not heard.

Oh, sir, we b'aint quite ready.

Mistress is above. No need to go up.
She'll be down directly.

Sir.

Lips to my lips unfold

The tale of our love is told

Today has been all I could wish.

Hallowed by sea and sand

I beg you, never speak of this again.

Beauty was in my hand.

ROSS: Demelza! Our guests have arrived.

- Where are they going?
- Truro quay,

to see for theyselves
if what I say it true.

Corn snatched from the mouths of our babes?

Sent to feed Portuguese dandies.
And if it's true, then what?

You'll not turn back the tide.

Someone should.

Jagg!

Jagg!

Curse the lad!
There never was no argufying with him.

I'll go. I have longer legs.

Fear not. We'll fetch him home again.

Jagg!

Come away, brother.
'Tis a fool's errand.

No-one asked 'ee to come along with I.

Go home if 'ee choose.

My Lord de Dunstanville, is life much altered
by your elevation to the peerage?

Oh, not in the least. My dogs are as lazy
and my daughter as wilful.

(Laughter)

Will you be less embroiled in
more mundane matters of state?

Alas, no. I fear I'll be called upon all the more
to pronounce judgment and enforce order.

Particularly in these unruly times.

(Bell ringing)

There she be!

- And that's the grain!
- (Angry shouting)

When merchants flout the law and send
grain abroad while people at home starve,

who will enforce that order?

(Shouting and groaning)

No...

- Here, stop that!
- (Shouting)

Those in governance
who feel strongly about it.

Get back!

No!

Please stop! Argh!

(Thud)

I believe there are men of honour
and conviction, my Lord.

If one did know where to look.

When one does, you'll often find
such men reluctant to step up.

And now, regrettably,
the moment has passed.

While other candidates serve not so much
the borough but their own end.

And Falmouth has a new man
to challenge George.

- His nephew.
DWIGHT: He's accepted the nomination?

He's a good man.
And Westminster has need of good men.

If he wins against the combined forces
of Basset and Warleggan.

That seems unlikely.

(Angry shouting)

This feud between the Poldarks
and the Warleggans,

it should be buried.

Especially in a time of war
when we have a common enemy to fight.

You tell Captain Poldark, will you?

- (Chuckles) If you will tell Mr Warleggan.
- Ah.

- And what of your own feud?
- Of mine?

- With Lord Falmouth.
- Ah.

Is it not a pity that you cannot
agree on a candidate

instead of fighting each other for the seat?

So we might both throw our weight
behind a handsome and poetic war hero?

You think him a fitting substitute
for the man I first favoured?

In every way but one, my Lord.

My husband does not write poetry.

(Chuckles)

Jago Martin did murder a merchant
with his own bare hands.

And the Came brothers with him?

I seen them all three together.

Amongst 2,000 filthy rioters.

2,000 miners descended on Truro.

- 2,000?
- An exaggeration, surely?

Apparently it was too dangerous
to even attempt to read the Riot Act.

I must return to Tehidy at once.

Landowners and squires will be summoned
immediately, yourselves included.

- To what end?
- Immediate re-establishment of law and order.

- May I ask who sent the note?
- The Honourable Member for Truro.

(Clears his throat)

I've had men stationed at all the gates.

With the mood in town,
one cannot be too careful.

I'm thinking particularly of your peace of mind,
my dear.

Especially now, if we're considering
an addition to the family.

And Valentine
would hardly wish to see his father's head

paraded on a spike round Truro quay.

Gentlemen, events today on Truro quay

leave us no choice
but to act swiftly and decisively.

I hope I may rely on you all
in rounding up the offenders

to prevent any thought of reoccurrence.

Sir John, may I ask you
to take the village of St Ann's

and arrest the following persons?

My Lord, are there any from Sawle
among the accused?

There are.

Dr Enys and I will arrest them.

Mr Stackhouse, the village of Poole.

(Fire crackling)

(Low gasP)

(Chatter)

(Silence)

There was a riot today on Truro quay.

Charges relating to it are as follows:

theft, violent affray,

common assault,

- murder.
- Murder?

One Samuel Phillips. A corn merchant.
There were witnesses.

When I call out your name,

you will kindly step forward
before you are taken to Truro jail.

- Can 'ee not let 'em go?
- It is not in my power to do so.

Believe me, you'd sooner deal with Ross

than the thugs who'll be breaking down doors
from hereto Truro.

You have my word, I will do all in my power
to see you are fairly dealt with.

All in your power? What power's that?

MAN: Aye.

The names are as follows.

John Hoskin.

Peter Hoskin.

- Jago Martin.
- (Murmuring)

Samuel Carne.

Drake Came.

- We never did nothing.
SAM: Brother, swear to God,

we never stole,
we never made assault.

If you are innocent,
you have nothing to fear.

I will vouch for you in court tomorrow.

(Signs)

Say naught of this to Sister.

How can I keep it from her?

You swear,
they who be innocent shall be free?

Yes.

Then it profit her not to know we're arrested
when tomorrow we'll be free again.

(Honking)

Was it very bad?

Yes.

No. I must go out again.

There were arrests.

Men are due in court at midday.

What can I do?

Lie with me awhile.

I must go.

Keep home today.

There's unrest in the villages.
I would have you safe.

My dear, I'm just leaving for the court.

Was not the trial at midday?

Oh, I ordered it to be brought forward.

Best to have such matters
resolved early in the day.

(He makes an animal noise)

- Could it be true?
- Sam and Drake claim they're innocent.

Jago throttled a corn merchant
but swears he left him alive.

But all three were accused
by several witnesses.

Reliable witnesses?

Those in the pay of
the Honourable Member for Truro.

You think George is behind the charges?

To Drake, Sam and Jags'?

Without question.

- Such a man is our Member of Parliament?
- Until Hugh defeats him at the election.

(Clears his throat)

In truth, I think Hugh a good man.

Pity we'll see so little of him
if he goes to Westminster.

He'll be absent from Cornwall
for most of the year.

(Chains rattling)

(He chuckles softly)

Where is everyone?

Captain Ross, Dr Enys and the rest?

Captain Ross did say he'd be here.

- Mr Ross gone to Truro?
- No peace for the wicked.

I think maybe he's not that wicked.

Indeed, I dearly wish I'd never telled 'ee
what I saw that day at Sawle church.

Prudie...

it...'twas not on that account that I...

...that Hugh and I...

Indeed, I can scarce account
for what happened at all.

All I know is, a handsome young poet

beguiled me...and I him.

And we shared...a moment...

...then parted.

And that's the end of it.

Prisoners, the court will now move
to place sentencing upon you.

You who stand here today
guilty of riotous assembly...

know that the full rigour of the law
must be applied...

They've already been tried.

...and would surely be so were it not
for the plea made on your behalf

by my Lord de Dunstanville.

It would appear so.

George must have arranged
for the hearing to be brought forward.

In consideration of which,
you will forthwith be released.

(Relieved sighs)

You who have been found guilty of more
serious crimes can expect no such mercy.

Examples must be set,
a clear message sent out

so that others considering
a repeat of these transgressions

may know what lies in store for them.

Michael Penhale,
Mark Pinner, John Hoskin...

you are sentenced
to seven years' transportation.

(Muttering)

Jago Martin,

Samuel Came,

Drake Came,

you will be taken from this court to prison...

...and thence to a place of execution
where you will be hanged from the neck

- until you be dead.
- No!

(Grunting)

(Sam mutters a prayer)

Get back in line!

DWIGHT: Ross, come away.

Ross.

Divine justice has spoken.

Following the riots of last night,
three miserable souls will hang.

- I pity them.
- Do not.

They are criminals of the vilest kind.

I shall urge them to repent
as they mount the scaffold.

- But since they are Methodists...
- Methodists?

Do you know their names?

Nor do I wish to.

It's bad enough that I must pray for their souls.

(Breathes tensely)

(Chains rattling)

(Lock clunks and echoes)

HUGH: Lips to my lips unfold

The tale of our love is told

Hallowed by sea and sand

(Fades) Beauty was in my hand.

Since his mother died, he turned wild
and would never mind me.

- (Sobs)
- I know.

- Courage, brother.
- Will you humour me?

Go to Nampara and swear Prudie to silence.

Invite Demelza to dinner and keep her
by any means from hearing this.

For how long?

Till I send word.

(Neighing)

(Moans)

(Groans)

ls something amiss?

A slight headache, Uncle.

I think I may have caught a chill.

Shall I send for Dr Choake?

No need. I've invited Dr Enys
and his wife to visit tomorrow.

A social call but...

if the headache persists,
I will ask his advice.

Clearly there are many matters
requiring their attention

beyond the arrangements
for your return to Parliament.

Ah, Captain Poldark, I'm informed you
wish to see me on a matter of urgency.

Ross, we were discussing arrangements
for the coming election.

Pitt hopes to strengthen his hand
against those who oppose him.

But his handling of the war
and the current financial crisis

leaves his position in serious doubt.

And what of his bill to help the poor?

Pensions for the old, parish loans?

Well meant but utterly impractical
and opposed by most men in authority.

- Particularly those versed in law.
- But not sufficiently versed in compassion?

Had you entered Parliament, you might
have argued passionately in favour of that bill.

I think the primary objective of Parliament now
is to win the war.

The sure way of doing that
would be to prevent disaffection at home.

We have our own ways of doing that.

As the men sentenced to hang
will shortly attest.

There was nothing more to be done for them.

- The evidence against them was...
- Largely manufactured

and in the case of my brothers-in-law,
entirely so.

They were part of a riot. They were present
when crimes were committed.

And the act of one is the act of all.
You of all people should know that.

You surely see
that an example must be made.

And the harsher the lesson,
the greater the deterrent.

We are talking about men's lives.

Sometimes a man's life is what is required

in order to deter others
from following in his footsteps.

Many a man has been reprieved
at the foot of the scaffold.

We both know who has the power
to make it so.

From Hugh. Will I attend on him
at Tregothnan tomorrow?

Is he unwell?

He says he wants to reassure his uncle
that he's fit to stand for Parliament...

...and urges Caroline
and you and Ross to join me.

Oh.

- (Water dripping)
- Will he bring Sister, do 'ee think?

For her sake, let him not.

Mistress be back. She be indoors.

Does she suspect?

- (She sobs)
- (He sighs)

Ross...

What happened in court?

Some were treated fairly,

others harshly.

What's in the letter?

It's from Hugh.

Inviting us to Tregothnan tomorrow.

Along with Dwight and Caroline.

His letter speaks of a fever.
Of headaches and the like.

I think... I think it would be
a kindness to visit.

A kindness, yes.

Do you think there's room...
in a woman's heart for two men?

Or two women in a man's?

No husband minds his wife...

...being the one that other men desire but...

...no man wants his wife to be
the one that other men possess.

No, Ross.

So, tomorrow, I have further business
regarding the arrests in Truro.

But you...

You go to Tregothnan.

If you think I should.

Mo.

(Rope sliding)

(Rope sliding)

(Voice echoes) Drake.

_ (Thudding)
- (Gasping)

(Rope creaking)

(Low chatter)

(Children giggling)

She have a right to know.

She'd wish to be there.

Have you ever been at a hanging?

No.

Well, the spectacle is hideous.

I will at least spare her
the horror of witnessing it.

A visit to Tregothnan will keep her occupied.

But if they hang and she not there?

It will destroy her.

And she'll never forgive me.

Still...it's the lesser of two evils.

GEORGE: I take it you won't be joining me
at the execution?

Who's to hang?
Did you tell me their names?

No matter. I think I'll stay here
and prepare for our return to London.

Oh.

Then...you...you will, after all,
be accompanying me?

Of late I'd assumed you'd remain here.

I thought so too.

But on reflection I think it beneficial
if we are not so much apart.

Welcome. Do come in.

DWIGHT: Shall we adjourn briefly?
HUGH: Yes, thank you.

(Fire crackling)

This nomination...

Are you quite certain
you feel strong enough?

Why would you doubt it?

Your time in France.

It will have taken its toll.

The conditions which you and I endured,

there will always be a fragility
that was not there before.

In what regard?

You may be prone to febrile conditions,

palpitations, headaches.

Have you experienced any of these?

Not that I can recall.

Possibly the odd headache.

(Men and women singing)

(Singing and lively chatter)

(Chatter continues)

- Would you wish to be so close?
- Nay, Ross, I was there at his beginning.

I must be there at his end.

Ladies. Oh, please...

Dr Enys, I trust you'll have my nephew
in perfect health by the election.

I need a vigorous young candidate
to oust Basset's man.

Perfect health is difficult for any to attain
and I don't think Hugh is likely to achieve it.

However, I hope second best
will be sufficient for the electors of Truro.

Imagine if you did attain the seat.

I've attained so much already...

for which I am eternally grateful.

(Bell tolling)

My Lord, I...

I wonder, would you consider a truce
with Sir Francis,

erm, with my Lord de Dunstanville?

A truce?

So that you need not fight each other
over the Truro seat

but unite to find a new candidate
who'd have the people's interests at heart?

- Well, that would make perfect sense.
- But for one fact.

The arrogant young peer
would certainly not compromise.

I think... That is, I believe he might, my Lord.
Indeed, he lately said so to me.

You ladies are so easily played upon.

I recollect it was Basset who enabled
Warleggan's entry to the House in the first place.

When you've been in the world as long as I,
you know a conniving rogue when you see one.

(Door is opened)

Samuel Came, Drake Came,

you have been found guilty of violent assault

and of stealing goods
above the value of 40 shillings.

Jago Martin, you have been found guilty of
the murder of Samuel Phillips, corn merchant.

Have you anything to say
before your sentence is carried out?

Friends...

...beloved family...

...know that if I've wronged you in this life
I now beg forgiveness.

Know too that though I did lay hands on
Samuel Phillips, I never left him dead.

And know finally...

that these two men did naught
but come along with I to fetch me home.

Though I be part guilty,
these be wholly innocent.

As God is my witness, I swear it.

(Shouting from crowd)

(Angry shouting)

Have mercy.

(Pleading for mercy)

One moment! One moment!

My Lords...

...when we send a man to meet his Maker,

we must be very certain...
not only of his guilt,

but of our motives in doing so.

Is our aim to see justice done...

- ...or is it to terrify people into submission?
- This man has no authority here.

- He has no right...
- Let him speak.

My Lords, I admit

these are difficult times
to be merciful.

When authority is challenged,
our impulse is to reassert it

in the sternest way possible.

But consider,
here we face conditions

harsher than we have ever known.

Grain is shipped abroad...

...while ordinary people starve.

These men have no grievance
against authority...

...but against the merchants
who grow fat on trade while people die.

(People call out in agreement)

To show mercy now
would not be a sign of weakness.

A signal that justice...

...real justice, had been served...
would be a reprieve.

- Reprieve!
- Reprieve!

OTHERS: Reprieve! Reprieve!

CROWD: Reprieve! Reprieve! Reprieve!

So Ross could not come.

He had business in town.

I think 'tis better if we do not meet at all now.

Do I disquiet you so?

I think we disquiet each other.

Demelza, I must tell you...

- Yes?
- There were three further lines to my poem.

What were they?

"And if this day be all

Proud is my heart's recall

Proud is my funeral pall."

What do they mean?

That if I cannot love you again...
it'll be the death of me.

CROWD: Reprieve! Reprieve! Reprieve!

(Whispers)

(Crowd falls silent)

The court in its mercy grants reprieve
to Samuel Came...

- Yes.
- ..and Drake Came.

(Cheering)

- Jago Martin will hang.
CROWD: No!

My Lord!

- (Women scream)
- No!

No!

No!

No...

(Shouting)

(Whispers)

MR MARTIN: No!

- (Wailing)
- (Shouting)

(Crowd falls silent)

(Mr Martin continues sobbing)

(Sobbing)

- (Rope creaking)
- (Muttered jeering)

(Door opens and closes)

Did you want something, Osborne?

No, no. Nothing at all.

(Door slams)

(Footsteps recede)

(Signs)

Ah, I grow weary
of this provincial backwater.

All the more reason to celebrate our imminent
return to London following your re-election.

Quite right, my dear.

A new era is beginning.

And we will take full advantage of it.

You once did lose a child.

Julia.

So 'ee do know.

Yes.

I know.

I had your note.

Life is cheap.

But as Basset himself said,
if it deters others from like resistance...

Which apparently it has.

...perhaps it was not in vain.

Tell that to Zacky.

And what of your own resistance
to public office?

What of it?

I'd say Basset taught you a valuable lesson.

- To affect genuine change...
- I must sell my soul and become a politician.

Well, the nomination
has gone elsewhere.

Armitage will oppose George
in the next election.

He will. If he's well enough.

You said he is.

I may not have been entirely truthful.

(Waves crashing)

CAROLINE:
You really think Hugh's fit to stand?

His eyesight's improved but...

there were other
less encouraging signs.

An excess of nervous energy,

something feverish in his demeanour.

Were that all,
I'd say there was no cause for concern.

But...if the fever is symptomatic
of some other condition,

along with the headaches...

It's strange, though.

I thought him so much more robust than I
and now he ails and I grow stronger.

Strong enough to consider
an addition to our household?

Do you mean...?

(Dog growls softly)

(Barks)

My dear, can your election plans
wait for another night?

Perhaps you could attend to your wife.

Or must she attend to you?

Ross.

- I thought maybe you'd stay in Truro.
- Demelza.

I must tell you...

there was a hanging.

Dear God.

Three sentenced, two reprieved.

Who was it?

How was Hugh?

He seemed a little...fragile.

But still in love with you?

I think so.

And you?

I'm grieved for him -
that his health is so uncertain.

They say pity is akin to love.

I don't think it's pity he wants.

They say it's the last thing a man wants.

Or a woman.

Did you pity me
when you left me for Elizabeth?

- I never left you.
- It seemed to me like you did.

That night.

And the day you met her at the church.

I never told you at the time because I
didn't trust myself to find the words.

- To say you still loved her?
- No. The reverse.

I loved her once, as well you know,

and there's a part of me that will always
think of her with affection but...

...I realised that day that she never was,
and never could be, what you are to me.

Indispensable.

Irreplaceable.

You tell me this now because...?

I think perhaps I've taken you for granted.

Assumed you knew...
what to me was obvious.

That you are the better part of me.

I think perhaps I've been guilty of the same.

Oh, Ross...

...how can it be that two people
who love so much...

Understand so little?

Is it now too late?

I hope not.