Versailles (2015–…): Season 2, Episode 6 - The Sands of Time - full transcript
Subtitle transcribed by Uncle Andy
Is it a Dutchman,
invented this?
They are useful
at some things.
Shame about that
infernal drumming.
Our scouts say their
numbers have swollen.
Ready the men.
Sire, inclement weather
presents further challenges.
I can taste the tang
of victory in the mist.
Besides,
making history
is all about timing.
And having God on your side.
Amen.
All this praying gives me
an ache in the belly.
Monseur Delbart
beat you to the latrine.
He has acquired a vineyard
near Limoges, apparently.
Had a party to celebrate
and sampling his
new assets all night.
I wanted to share my little
adventure with Father Pascal.
You brag of such a cowardly act?
That priest put up quite
a fight for a man of peace.
His dying words would
make a nun blush.
This does not concern me.
You killed him.
How dare you?
You said you wanted rid of him.
I did not wish his murder.
You know more than anyone
what it takes to live in Versailles.
So I hereby wipe
my conscience clean
and deposit Father Pascal's
cruel demise onto yours.
Before he died,
I persuaded him
to pen a missive,
a farewell note.
Quite touching, it seems.
He couldn't spend another day
without the affection
of his true love,
the Queen.
My investigation has concluded
that Lord Delbart was poisoned
at a select gathering
in his own rooms.
Then we must control
what happens in private.
It is hard to
conceive of further action,
having already curtailed
so much public folly.
After Father Pascal,
another man was murdered,
at my feet,
in the House of God.
We could consider
rationing wine,
a restriction on wine,
perhaps, a curfew.
But we must control
what happens in private.
That could be difficult
to enforce, Your Majesty.
The very heart of France has a
reputation for indulgence and sin.
By the King's return,
I vow that it shall be a
haven of temperance and piety.
Only a Spaniard would try to stop
the French from drinking wine.
What do you propose
in pursuit of the poisoner?
There is only one person I know
with the acuity for that.
Your presence is needed
in Versailles.
The King has asked for me?
The palace is consumed with poison.
I fear for it's very soul.
I will try again
to reason with the King.
I owe him nothing.
You are the only one
who can cure this disease.
Go find another scapegoat.
I'm leaving to start a new life.
I'm taking Claudine with me.
It's hard to imagine Her Majesty
in that position, I know,
but, well, who can deny
there is something enticing
about a man in a soutempe.
Oh, Madame, you have
missed the best gossip.
My presence was
requested elsewhere.
Really? With company
more stimulating than ours?
The Queen asked to see me.
Excuse me.
What services
did she require?
If she is with child,
it must be an Immaculate Conception.
Not my services, as such.
So what did
she want from you?
To be my friend.
It's not very
subtle of her, is it?
Please do not doubt
my loyalty, Madame.
My private knowledge of you
shall remain so, I promise.
You are too principled
for your own good.
This one's from
Madame de Montespan, Sire.
Later, perhaps.
You know, Sire,
it takes a brave King to suffer
the modest life of a soldier.
The court can
exercise my patience.
I was hoping battle
might be a tonic
but sleep remains
as elusive as ever.
You do not fear
for your safety, Sire?
No, in fact.
At least here, it is clear
who are your enemies.
I had lost my way
but this is the path of God,
so I will be in the palm of
His Hand while I'm at war
and He will watch over Versailles.
By order of the Queen,
the salons are closed!
The salons are closed!
This is turning into
a prison, not a palace!
No parties, no concerts, salons!
It's impossible to
get a glass of wine,
never mind exert influence!
You must learn patience.
You have gained favor back in court,
have you not?
Yes, but
the Queen wants
the place like a chapel.
The curfew makes it
more like a crypt.
That's explains why
fewer clients are coming.
The King is away,
the soft, white underbelly
is exposed!
Now is the time
to expand our business!
Now is the time
to be extra cautious!
We must be careful
not to overreach.
Why do you keep this journal?
It's a list,
everyone I've helped.
My insurance.
Who knows when such information
could come in useful.
Favia!
I think I found it.
The west flank
has been crushed flat!
The Dutch have been
tossed like a kite in the wind.
One battle does not
win a war.
Gather here!
I had a vision last night.
It was a fitful sleep
but deep, at last.
I dreamed of taking a life.
I felt no pleasure,
no hatred, no contempt
but no regret either.
This was a premonition?
Perhaps, a harbinger
of destiny.
This is the justice of God.
I do what I must.
What is that, Sire?
Send a message to Bontemps and Colbert.
They will entertain our
eminent visitor without me.
You are not
returning to Versailles?
I was to discuss a trade alliance
with the Sultan of Bijapur
but it is God's Will
that I remain in battle now.
The English fleet
have been defeated.
A setback is
to be expected.
We can absorb the loss and
move on with good confidence.
This is a major blow, Sire!
Overreach at this juncture
could prove catastrophic!
Exactly what our
foe would predict.
Precisely why
we shall do the opposite.
We move on Amsterdam
when this victory is complete.
I would urge caution, Sire.
We must cut our coat
according to our cloth.
And give them time to
prepare their defenses?
We must strike at their heart.
Claudine?
Claudine!
What happened? Tell me!
What?
What is it, Claudine?
Tell me!
Oh, God no!
Oh, God!
Oh, God! Forgive me!
Though the Queen would have us
closer to God by the day.
I hope She brings similar enthusiasm
to our business ventures.
The Sultan's on enroute?
Bringing with him
much hope and possibility.
I hear the Dutch were at hearts when we
usurped them from the port of Pondicherry.
I trust your office
will help present the palace
in it's most favorable light?
Well, we can all profit
from such a trade deal.
I will cooperate wholeheartedly.
Ah, just the person!
My friend, Isabelle,
was just saying
she has aspirations
for the King's service.
There are no positions.
It's surprising how much fun
they can actually be.
I have received good tidings
from the battlefield.
Our King has trounced the Dutch
iat Utrecht and Nijmegen
and now the French army is
moving towards Amsterdam.
All residents in the palace
of Versailles shall join together
in celebration of our
King's glorious victory.
Father Bossuet will lead us all
for a term of prayer and sobriety.
"My dear Monseur Maquet
There is a horrible rumor
that you have been dabbling
in nefarious doings
but rest assured
such poisonous information
can be quashed
for a modest fee.
Please oblige
at your earliest convenience."
Welcome to Versailles,
the heart of France, Your Grace.
We are delighted to
embrace our Eastern friends.
We trust that your visit will be
a pleasant and prosperous one.
Your Grace, Mary Therese of Austria,
Queen of France and
Queen Consort of Navarre.
The Sultan is most thrilled.
However, he looks forward to
dealing with the King, very much.
Your Majesty,
there's been a misunderstanding.
It seems, the Sultan
comes from a culture
where women are not
afforded such respect as ours.
The Queen of France
is not good enough?
On the contrary, he sees women
as above such things.
He does not wish
you to be sullied
by matters of finance.
He insists on
seeing the King.
Presumably, this commerce
is as vital to India as to us.
But we are not in
a postion to make demands.
They know that we need control
of the port for the war effort.
I gave the King my word
we would make this happen.
We cannot accept defeat.
Well, there's one person in court
with the credentials
to fill the King's shoes.
That is the most preposterous thing
I've ever heard.
The Queen admits it is
an unorthodox request.
Your brother would be
deeply grateful.
The people of France
would be forever in your debt.
Yes, but what's in it for me?
Fun.
I'm sure the Exchequer could see
it's way to providing an extra stipend.
How dare you, Colbert? Do you think
I can be bought like a common whore?
Certainly not, Sire!
Although, we could do with
an increase in our allowance.
You are a man of imagination.
You can do better than that.
I suppose I could
dabble in this trade lock,
find a thrill in the cut
and thrust of commerce.
So, we must seduce the Sultan
in order to control
the Asian trade.
But how will we transport the
commodities within France?
Canals, Majesty.
Right!
And the Canal Royal in Languedoc
is under your aegis, is it not?
Indeed, Majesty, connecting
the Mediterranean with the Atlantic,
enabling us
to bypass Spain completely.
So, the access is more valuable
than the merchandise itself.
I will comply.
But I want a small slice
of all the trade on the canal
and a modest percentage
of all the tolls.
This is highly irregular!
You want me to
play my part or not?
Very well.
Your Grace, taking brief respite
from his military campaign,
Louis, King of France.
Sultan, I trust you
had a pleasant journey.
I thank Your Highness
for your generous welcome
and present you
with this gift.
Enchanted, Your Excellency!
We are delighted
to extend the hand
friendship and commerce
between our countries.
The Sultan shows
great forsight
in considering
this trade deal.
Your arrangement with
the Dutch administration is enviable,
but we are confident
we can offer better.
Yes!
The French appetite
for your spices and salt
should create
vast profits for both parties,
symbolized by two great leaders
in synchronicity
and two great countries
in symbiosis.
Good God, Colbert!
You're sure to bore this man
half to death!
We don't require this piffle!
You're here to discuss numbers,
not so?
Well, why not let our people
compare abacuses
and I will show
the Sultan around, huh?
I had these trees imported
from every country in Europe.
My garden represents all the
little nations in unison,
facing me!
Each month,
a different blossom blooms,
according to the
colors of the rainbow.
I like to think that personality
is in every part of my palace.
It's beautiful,
really beautiful, Your Highness.
I knew
he would be good at it.
I just hope
he knows when to stop.
An historic agreement
to be proud of.
Just sign there, Sire.
I'm sorry, does that mean
it's 1,500 per day?
We took many hours
of negotiation
to reach that figure, Sire.
Well, it's too much.
For that, we require exclusive
access to the entire coastline
and a portion of the profit.
There is no point in
landing the deal unless
it makes financial sense
to all parties involved.
Remember, Sire,
this is of great importance
to all of France.
This could affect the
outcome of the war.
I am grateful to you for
considering this proposal
but don't, for one second,
think you can dictate terms
to the King of France.
He's done this
to humiliate me.
This is directly from De Witt, Sire.
Curious.
The thought of our forces in Amsterdam
has forced the Dutch to ask for a truce.
Good tidings indeed, Sire.
Saves us stretching our resources.
This is wrong. They have not
yet suffered sufficiently.
Soffrey's on his terms
if he dresses my victory up
as his own.
I will negotiate with William,
the only leader in Europe who
is worthy to be my adversary.
But Sire, William does not
yet speak for the people of Holland.
He will in good time.
How can you be sure?
Because William wants it!
And God wills it.
Your Highness.
The Sultan recognizes
the King's higher reason
and concedes to
his better judgment.
You underestimate him, my Queen.
You never miss a chance, do you?
The Prince masters the double roles!
We can't all live like the King.
It was on a plate.
How could I resist?
And all with your wife's
fullsome blessing, no doubt!
You would have been proud of me.
I managed to turn it all
quite deftly to my advantage.
One does need a ruthless streak
to succeed in business.
So, I have
reason to celebrate.
We should host a party.
We?
Why not?
To launch my new career,
to honor our success in battle
and to get fully inebriated.
We?
We have a
notoriety to maintain,
you and I.
And for this, you have
the Queen's imprimiture?
As the King,
I can do as I please.
I miss you more by the day,
my love.
I try to sleep but
I can only see your eyes.
I touch your cheek
and I kiss your neck,
your shoulder, your breasts.
I cannot live without you, my love.
Your Thomas.
What are you up to,
my little shrew?
Nothing, just a note
from cousins in Beziers.
Don't remember you mentioning
any family down there.
They're terribly dull.
On my father's side.
You wouldn't like her.
So, why are you
so overwrought?
Be gentle, Lord.
I know I should.
You little bitch!
Have you noticed
any handsome boys yet?
No. No?
They don't look at me.
You know, you don't need
any help to catch the King's eye.
Don't be silly!
Do you hasten to embroidery?
To prayers, Madame.
I cannot help but hear gossip.
Excuse my friend's frivolity.
You do not desire
the King's favor?
Every girl dreams of such a chance
but I am too plain.
Perhaps. But it takes a
special devotion to please a King
and skills a girl like you
can only dream of.
Of course, Madame,
but time will pass.
No man can desire a
woman of certain age.
You spoke to the young physician?
I'm sorry, my friend.
I can't help you there.
You know I don't,
haven't seen her for months.
She wanted to know
about some sort of seed.
A red powder.
A poison?
He told her to go to Paris.
But you can't tell them
that we sent you.
I used to be in control but
I am losing everything,
my confidence,
my role in court...
my place in the King's heart.
He even stopped
writing to me.
And his bed?
It's only a matter of time.
And the clock is ticking faster.
And while the King is away,
the Queen moves against me.
You her to be dispensed with?
No.
It's not an option.
And besides, she is no rival
for the King's passion.
There is someone younger
who has designs on him.
She will be beautiful
but if she is cute,
is she cunning?
She is innocent like I once was.
A woman must gain guile
and wisdom as she loses youth.
You must recognize
what you are capable of
and embrace it.
That is when real power emerges.
What if I am not strong enough?
What if I fail?
I have faith in you
but the choice is yours.
Take control of
your own destiny
or leave it up to fate.
De Witt has been
apprehended, Sire.
At last, the people of Holland
have let their feelings be known.
They wish to execute him.
Will you intervene?
I think not.
Then the leadership is yours.
Congratulations, Stadtholder.
You did it.
This is the work of God,
not man.
And we have heard word from
our source close to the King.
The enemy is approaching fast.
I have been expecting this,
like a spider for a fly.
De Witt would have
delivered us into French hands
with our breeches
round our ankles.
From now on,
we fight on my terms.
Tell the men to prepare the dikes.
French men and women,
raise a glass to our
delicious charter with India,
our glorious campaign in Holland
and to give thanks for the
sacrifices made on our behalf.
A toast,
to success, victory,
and, above all, to my
dear but sadly absent brother,
who created this dream.
The King!
Admittance only with
a personal invitation, now.
or unquestionable beauty
and you clearly have neither.
My dear!
Welcome to Paradise!
Go Go go!
Yet again, we have set
the benchmark for social intercourse.
And with such aplomb!
Is that what we can't achieve
when we put our minds together.
And our bodies.
Where's your wife?
She's in the chapel with the Queen.
Sad, really! No amount of prayer
will do anything for that face.
Is that the best you've got?
My God, the way
you've changed!
You've become coarser.
She had you nailed
from the start.
She's transformed you
before my very eyes.
I'm my own man,
I make my own decisions.
I turn my back for one second
and suddenly you're the King,
with a new business venture,
and her by your side
every step of the way.
What's wrong with
having a bit of ambition?
We are creatures
of the moment, Philippe.
We live for pleasure.
You and I live for now.
Maybe it's time we start
thinking of the future.
Are you enjoying
the festivities?
They don't have parties like this,
where I come from.
Just relax and
let it happen.
Women are supposed to please,
just like everywhere else.
The pain is never as bad
as the anticipation.
I fear I may not be
cut out for such things.
There's no telling what delights
the night will have in store.
The only limit is your imagination.
I learned from a young age,
a girl just needs to know
how to enjoy herself.
Lord, our God
We give thanks for
our good King's victory
against the enemies of our people
and for your One Truth.
I always dreamed
of such gatherings.
I wish to be like you,
glamorous and free-spirited.
Sweet thing!
Well, no harm can befall
you if you're here.
I have never been
with a man before.
That's what frightens me
more than anything.
What's wrong?
Like vinegar.
Your first party at the palace
should not be spoiled by bad wine.
So, will you teach me
how to enjoy myself?
It's simple.
You just drink and
you do powders
until you feel nothing.
This one's my favorite.
You will love it.
Your little plaything
seems to be enjoying herself
Indeed.
Oh, her?
Delightful little creature,
if you like that sort of thing.
You've never
sampled a maiden?
It used to be a hobby of mine
before I discovered the real thing.
Well, I would have thought she was
quite the challenge, even for you.
Where did you get this?
Someone gave them to me.
Who?
Please don't hurt me!
Who gave them to you?
Get your hands off her!
You do the
whoremaster's job for him?
I do Christ's work!
Our Lord values all his
brothers and sisters equally.
Now, these people
deserve protection
more than any
bloated palace peacocks!
I need to know where
these came from.
I don't know.
I've never seen them before.
Beads such as these
were in my friend's dead fist.
She was a physician. Fair hair.
Came here
looking for red powder.
She should not have come here
and neither should you.
Do you threaten me?
This is friendly advice.
Please, for your own sake.
If you'll excuse me.
I had a few acqaintances over for prayer
and it got a bit out of hand.
Don't worry,
we'll keep the noise down.
You treat this as a joke?
You made me King.
I have every right to do as I please
in my own rooms.
You cannot legislate for
what happens behind closed doors.
The King will take great exception
to this display of contempt.
He'll understand.
I've known him
a lot longer than you.
It may have
escaped your notice,
but while your sinful lover is away,
your flank is exposed.
At least I know
what my flank is for.
Yes, you have been blessed with the
skills of a whore and the morals to match.
We would have made
an excellent King and Queen.
I shall lead the way.
Your Majesty,
this is a huge risk.
Sire, kings fight wars, not battles.
You doubt your King?
Certainly not, Sire.
But if you fall, France falls.
This is my time. I will not fall.
Our spy says
the attack will be early.
This is time. trek now.
Charge!
Hold!
Charge!
Sire!
Sire, you must leave now.
You slipped, Sire!
Come with me, Sire!
Siggy, where is my niece?
Where is my Isabelle?
Give me that.
I am sorry! How...
Make way for the King!
Shelter for the King!
We had superior forces
and a superior armory.
How in God's name
is that possible?
William was ready for us. He knew
exactly when and how we would attack.
From now on, our own men
will not know our next step.
Send scouts to map the waterline
and then count the fallen dikes.
I want a full assessment
of each battalion.
We shall not sleep this night
while we plan our attack.
Summon the generals!
We must recognize
our predicament!
His Majesty should rest.
We must not
make decisions in haste!
Have you forgotten
who I am?
Gentlemen, this is
a House of God!
I know God, abbess.
God speaks through me.
You have a visitor, Sire.
Subtitle transcribed by Uncle Andy
Is it a Dutchman,
invented this?
They are useful
at some things.
Shame about that
infernal drumming.
Our scouts say their
numbers have swollen.
Ready the men.
Sire, inclement weather
presents further challenges.
I can taste the tang
of victory in the mist.
Besides,
making history
is all about timing.
And having God on your side.
Amen.
All this praying gives me
an ache in the belly.
Monseur Delbart
beat you to the latrine.
He has acquired a vineyard
near Limoges, apparently.
Had a party to celebrate
and sampling his
new assets all night.
I wanted to share my little
adventure with Father Pascal.
You brag of such a cowardly act?
That priest put up quite
a fight for a man of peace.
His dying words would
make a nun blush.
This does not concern me.
You killed him.
How dare you?
You said you wanted rid of him.
I did not wish his murder.
You know more than anyone
what it takes to live in Versailles.
So I hereby wipe
my conscience clean
and deposit Father Pascal's
cruel demise onto yours.
Before he died,
I persuaded him
to pen a missive,
a farewell note.
Quite touching, it seems.
He couldn't spend another day
without the affection
of his true love,
the Queen.
My investigation has concluded
that Lord Delbart was poisoned
at a select gathering
in his own rooms.
Then we must control
what happens in private.
It is hard to
conceive of further action,
having already curtailed
so much public folly.
After Father Pascal,
another man was murdered,
at my feet,
in the House of God.
We could consider
rationing wine,
a restriction on wine,
perhaps, a curfew.
But we must control
what happens in private.
That could be difficult
to enforce, Your Majesty.
The very heart of France has a
reputation for indulgence and sin.
By the King's return,
I vow that it shall be a
haven of temperance and piety.
Only a Spaniard would try to stop
the French from drinking wine.
What do you propose
in pursuit of the poisoner?
There is only one person I know
with the acuity for that.
Your presence is needed
in Versailles.
The King has asked for me?
The palace is consumed with poison.
I fear for it's very soul.
I will try again
to reason with the King.
I owe him nothing.
You are the only one
who can cure this disease.
Go find another scapegoat.
I'm leaving to start a new life.
I'm taking Claudine with me.
It's hard to imagine Her Majesty
in that position, I know,
but, well, who can deny
there is something enticing
about a man in a soutempe.
Oh, Madame, you have
missed the best gossip.
My presence was
requested elsewhere.
Really? With company
more stimulating than ours?
The Queen asked to see me.
Excuse me.
What services
did she require?
If she is with child,
it must be an Immaculate Conception.
Not my services, as such.
So what did
she want from you?
To be my friend.
It's not very
subtle of her, is it?
Please do not doubt
my loyalty, Madame.
My private knowledge of you
shall remain so, I promise.
You are too principled
for your own good.
This one's from
Madame de Montespan, Sire.
Later, perhaps.
You know, Sire,
it takes a brave King to suffer
the modest life of a soldier.
The court can
exercise my patience.
I was hoping battle
might be a tonic
but sleep remains
as elusive as ever.
You do not fear
for your safety, Sire?
No, in fact.
At least here, it is clear
who are your enemies.
I had lost my way
but this is the path of God,
so I will be in the palm of
His Hand while I'm at war
and He will watch over Versailles.
By order of the Queen,
the salons are closed!
The salons are closed!
This is turning into
a prison, not a palace!
No parties, no concerts, salons!
It's impossible to
get a glass of wine,
never mind exert influence!
You must learn patience.
You have gained favor back in court,
have you not?
Yes, but
the Queen wants
the place like a chapel.
The curfew makes it
more like a crypt.
That's explains why
fewer clients are coming.
The King is away,
the soft, white underbelly
is exposed!
Now is the time
to expand our business!
Now is the time
to be extra cautious!
We must be careful
not to overreach.
Why do you keep this journal?
It's a list,
everyone I've helped.
My insurance.
Who knows when such information
could come in useful.
Favia!
I think I found it.
The west flank
has been crushed flat!
The Dutch have been
tossed like a kite in the wind.
One battle does not
win a war.
Gather here!
I had a vision last night.
It was a fitful sleep
but deep, at last.
I dreamed of taking a life.
I felt no pleasure,
no hatred, no contempt
but no regret either.
This was a premonition?
Perhaps, a harbinger
of destiny.
This is the justice of God.
I do what I must.
What is that, Sire?
Send a message to Bontemps and Colbert.
They will entertain our
eminent visitor without me.
You are not
returning to Versailles?
I was to discuss a trade alliance
with the Sultan of Bijapur
but it is God's Will
that I remain in battle now.
The English fleet
have been defeated.
A setback is
to be expected.
We can absorb the loss and
move on with good confidence.
This is a major blow, Sire!
Overreach at this juncture
could prove catastrophic!
Exactly what our
foe would predict.
Precisely why
we shall do the opposite.
We move on Amsterdam
when this victory is complete.
I would urge caution, Sire.
We must cut our coat
according to our cloth.
And give them time to
prepare their defenses?
We must strike at their heart.
Claudine?
Claudine!
What happened? Tell me!
What?
What is it, Claudine?
Tell me!
Oh, God no!
Oh, God!
Oh, God! Forgive me!
Though the Queen would have us
closer to God by the day.
I hope She brings similar enthusiasm
to our business ventures.
The Sultan's on enroute?
Bringing with him
much hope and possibility.
I hear the Dutch were at hearts when we
usurped them from the port of Pondicherry.
I trust your office
will help present the palace
in it's most favorable light?
Well, we can all profit
from such a trade deal.
I will cooperate wholeheartedly.
Ah, just the person!
My friend, Isabelle,
was just saying
she has aspirations
for the King's service.
There are no positions.
It's surprising how much fun
they can actually be.
I have received good tidings
from the battlefield.
Our King has trounced the Dutch
iat Utrecht and Nijmegen
and now the French army is
moving towards Amsterdam.
All residents in the palace
of Versailles shall join together
in celebration of our
King's glorious victory.
Father Bossuet will lead us all
for a term of prayer and sobriety.
"My dear Monseur Maquet
There is a horrible rumor
that you have been dabbling
in nefarious doings
but rest assured
such poisonous information
can be quashed
for a modest fee.
Please oblige
at your earliest convenience."
Welcome to Versailles,
the heart of France, Your Grace.
We are delighted to
embrace our Eastern friends.
We trust that your visit will be
a pleasant and prosperous one.
Your Grace, Mary Therese of Austria,
Queen of France and
Queen Consort of Navarre.
The Sultan is most thrilled.
However, he looks forward to
dealing with the King, very much.
Your Majesty,
there's been a misunderstanding.
It seems, the Sultan
comes from a culture
where women are not
afforded such respect as ours.
The Queen of France
is not good enough?
On the contrary, he sees women
as above such things.
He does not wish
you to be sullied
by matters of finance.
He insists on
seeing the King.
Presumably, this commerce
is as vital to India as to us.
But we are not in
a postion to make demands.
They know that we need control
of the port for the war effort.
I gave the King my word
we would make this happen.
We cannot accept defeat.
Well, there's one person in court
with the credentials
to fill the King's shoes.
That is the most preposterous thing
I've ever heard.
The Queen admits it is
an unorthodox request.
Your brother would be
deeply grateful.
The people of France
would be forever in your debt.
Yes, but what's in it for me?
Fun.
I'm sure the Exchequer could see
it's way to providing an extra stipend.
How dare you, Colbert? Do you think
I can be bought like a common whore?
Certainly not, Sire!
Although, we could do with
an increase in our allowance.
You are a man of imagination.
You can do better than that.
I suppose I could
dabble in this trade lock,
find a thrill in the cut
and thrust of commerce.
So, we must seduce the Sultan
in order to control
the Asian trade.
But how will we transport the
commodities within France?
Canals, Majesty.
Right!
And the Canal Royal in Languedoc
is under your aegis, is it not?
Indeed, Majesty, connecting
the Mediterranean with the Atlantic,
enabling us
to bypass Spain completely.
So, the access is more valuable
than the merchandise itself.
I will comply.
But I want a small slice
of all the trade on the canal
and a modest percentage
of all the tolls.
This is highly irregular!
You want me to
play my part or not?
Very well.
Your Grace, taking brief respite
from his military campaign,
Louis, King of France.
Sultan, I trust you
had a pleasant journey.
I thank Your Highness
for your generous welcome
and present you
with this gift.
Enchanted, Your Excellency!
We are delighted
to extend the hand
friendship and commerce
between our countries.
The Sultan shows
great forsight
in considering
this trade deal.
Your arrangement with
the Dutch administration is enviable,
but we are confident
we can offer better.
Yes!
The French appetite
for your spices and salt
should create
vast profits for both parties,
symbolized by two great leaders
in synchronicity
and two great countries
in symbiosis.
Good God, Colbert!
You're sure to bore this man
half to death!
We don't require this piffle!
You're here to discuss numbers,
not so?
Well, why not let our people
compare abacuses
and I will show
the Sultan around, huh?
I had these trees imported
from every country in Europe.
My garden represents all the
little nations in unison,
facing me!
Each month,
a different blossom blooms,
according to the
colors of the rainbow.
I like to think that personality
is in every part of my palace.
It's beautiful,
really beautiful, Your Highness.
I knew
he would be good at it.
I just hope
he knows when to stop.
An historic agreement
to be proud of.
Just sign there, Sire.
I'm sorry, does that mean
it's 1,500 per day?
We took many hours
of negotiation
to reach that figure, Sire.
Well, it's too much.
For that, we require exclusive
access to the entire coastline
and a portion of the profit.
There is no point in
landing the deal unless
it makes financial sense
to all parties involved.
Remember, Sire,
this is of great importance
to all of France.
This could affect the
outcome of the war.
I am grateful to you for
considering this proposal
but don't, for one second,
think you can dictate terms
to the King of France.
He's done this
to humiliate me.
This is directly from De Witt, Sire.
Curious.
The thought of our forces in Amsterdam
has forced the Dutch to ask for a truce.
Good tidings indeed, Sire.
Saves us stretching our resources.
This is wrong. They have not
yet suffered sufficiently.
Soffrey's on his terms
if he dresses my victory up
as his own.
I will negotiate with William,
the only leader in Europe who
is worthy to be my adversary.
But Sire, William does not
yet speak for the people of Holland.
He will in good time.
How can you be sure?
Because William wants it!
And God wills it.
Your Highness.
The Sultan recognizes
the King's higher reason
and concedes to
his better judgment.
You underestimate him, my Queen.
You never miss a chance, do you?
The Prince masters the double roles!
We can't all live like the King.
It was on a plate.
How could I resist?
And all with your wife's
fullsome blessing, no doubt!
You would have been proud of me.
I managed to turn it all
quite deftly to my advantage.
One does need a ruthless streak
to succeed in business.
So, I have
reason to celebrate.
We should host a party.
We?
Why not?
To launch my new career,
to honor our success in battle
and to get fully inebriated.
We?
We have a
notoriety to maintain,
you and I.
And for this, you have
the Queen's imprimiture?
As the King,
I can do as I please.
I miss you more by the day,
my love.
I try to sleep but
I can only see your eyes.
I touch your cheek
and I kiss your neck,
your shoulder, your breasts.
I cannot live without you, my love.
Your Thomas.
What are you up to,
my little shrew?
Nothing, just a note
from cousins in Beziers.
Don't remember you mentioning
any family down there.
They're terribly dull.
On my father's side.
You wouldn't like her.
So, why are you
so overwrought?
Be gentle, Lord.
I know I should.
You little bitch!
Have you noticed
any handsome boys yet?
No. No?
They don't look at me.
You know, you don't need
any help to catch the King's eye.
Don't be silly!
Do you hasten to embroidery?
To prayers, Madame.
I cannot help but hear gossip.
Excuse my friend's frivolity.
You do not desire
the King's favor?
Every girl dreams of such a chance
but I am too plain.
Perhaps. But it takes a
special devotion to please a King
and skills a girl like you
can only dream of.
Of course, Madame,
but time will pass.
No man can desire a
woman of certain age.
You spoke to the young physician?
I'm sorry, my friend.
I can't help you there.
You know I don't,
haven't seen her for months.
She wanted to know
about some sort of seed.
A red powder.
A poison?
He told her to go to Paris.
But you can't tell them
that we sent you.
I used to be in control but
I am losing everything,
my confidence,
my role in court...
my place in the King's heart.
He even stopped
writing to me.
And his bed?
It's only a matter of time.
And the clock is ticking faster.
And while the King is away,
the Queen moves against me.
You her to be dispensed with?
No.
It's not an option.
And besides, she is no rival
for the King's passion.
There is someone younger
who has designs on him.
She will be beautiful
but if she is cute,
is she cunning?
She is innocent like I once was.
A woman must gain guile
and wisdom as she loses youth.
You must recognize
what you are capable of
and embrace it.
That is when real power emerges.
What if I am not strong enough?
What if I fail?
I have faith in you
but the choice is yours.
Take control of
your own destiny
or leave it up to fate.
De Witt has been
apprehended, Sire.
At last, the people of Holland
have let their feelings be known.
They wish to execute him.
Will you intervene?
I think not.
Then the leadership is yours.
Congratulations, Stadtholder.
You did it.
This is the work of God,
not man.
And we have heard word from
our source close to the King.
The enemy is approaching fast.
I have been expecting this,
like a spider for a fly.
De Witt would have
delivered us into French hands
with our breeches
round our ankles.
From now on,
we fight on my terms.
Tell the men to prepare the dikes.
French men and women,
raise a glass to our
delicious charter with India,
our glorious campaign in Holland
and to give thanks for the
sacrifices made on our behalf.
A toast,
to success, victory,
and, above all, to my
dear but sadly absent brother,
who created this dream.
The King!
Admittance only with
a personal invitation, now.
or unquestionable beauty
and you clearly have neither.
My dear!
Welcome to Paradise!
Go Go go!
Yet again, we have set
the benchmark for social intercourse.
And with such aplomb!
Is that what we can't achieve
when we put our minds together.
And our bodies.
Where's your wife?
She's in the chapel with the Queen.
Sad, really! No amount of prayer
will do anything for that face.
Is that the best you've got?
My God, the way
you've changed!
You've become coarser.
She had you nailed
from the start.
She's transformed you
before my very eyes.
I'm my own man,
I make my own decisions.
I turn my back for one second
and suddenly you're the King,
with a new business venture,
and her by your side
every step of the way.
What's wrong with
having a bit of ambition?
We are creatures
of the moment, Philippe.
We live for pleasure.
You and I live for now.
Maybe it's time we start
thinking of the future.
Are you enjoying
the festivities?
They don't have parties like this,
where I come from.
Just relax and
let it happen.
Women are supposed to please,
just like everywhere else.
The pain is never as bad
as the anticipation.
I fear I may not be
cut out for such things.
There's no telling what delights
the night will have in store.
The only limit is your imagination.
I learned from a young age,
a girl just needs to know
how to enjoy herself.
Lord, our God
We give thanks for
our good King's victory
against the enemies of our people
and for your One Truth.
I always dreamed
of such gatherings.
I wish to be like you,
glamorous and free-spirited.
Sweet thing!
Well, no harm can befall
you if you're here.
I have never been
with a man before.
That's what frightens me
more than anything.
What's wrong?
Like vinegar.
Your first party at the palace
should not be spoiled by bad wine.
So, will you teach me
how to enjoy myself?
It's simple.
You just drink and
you do powders
until you feel nothing.
This one's my favorite.
You will love it.
Your little plaything
seems to be enjoying herself
Indeed.
Oh, her?
Delightful little creature,
if you like that sort of thing.
You've never
sampled a maiden?
It used to be a hobby of mine
before I discovered the real thing.
Well, I would have thought she was
quite the challenge, even for you.
Where did you get this?
Someone gave them to me.
Who?
Please don't hurt me!
Who gave them to you?
Get your hands off her!
You do the
whoremaster's job for him?
I do Christ's work!
Our Lord values all his
brothers and sisters equally.
Now, these people
deserve protection
more than any
bloated palace peacocks!
I need to know where
these came from.
I don't know.
I've never seen them before.
Beads such as these
were in my friend's dead fist.
She was a physician. Fair hair.
Came here
looking for red powder.
She should not have come here
and neither should you.
Do you threaten me?
This is friendly advice.
Please, for your own sake.
If you'll excuse me.
I had a few acqaintances over for prayer
and it got a bit out of hand.
Don't worry,
we'll keep the noise down.
You treat this as a joke?
You made me King.
I have every right to do as I please
in my own rooms.
You cannot legislate for
what happens behind closed doors.
The King will take great exception
to this display of contempt.
He'll understand.
I've known him
a lot longer than you.
It may have
escaped your notice,
but while your sinful lover is away,
your flank is exposed.
At least I know
what my flank is for.
Yes, you have been blessed with the
skills of a whore and the morals to match.
We would have made
an excellent King and Queen.
I shall lead the way.
Your Majesty,
this is a huge risk.
Sire, kings fight wars, not battles.
You doubt your King?
Certainly not, Sire.
But if you fall, France falls.
This is my time. I will not fall.
Our spy says
the attack will be early.
This is time. trek now.
Charge!
Hold!
Charge!
Sire!
Sire, you must leave now.
You slipped, Sire!
Come with me, Sire!
Siggy, where is my niece?
Where is my Isabelle?
Give me that.
I am sorry! How...
Make way for the King!
Shelter for the King!
We had superior forces
and a superior armory.
How in God's name
is that possible?
William was ready for us. He knew
exactly when and how we would attack.
From now on, our own men
will not know our next step.
Send scouts to map the waterline
and then count the fallen dikes.
I want a full assessment
of each battalion.
We shall not sleep this night
while we plan our attack.
Summon the generals!
We must recognize
our predicament!
His Majesty should rest.
We must not
make decisions in haste!
Have you forgotten
who I am?
Gentlemen, this is
a House of God!
I know God, abbess.
God speaks through me.
You have a visitor, Sire.
Subtitle transcribed by Uncle Andy