0:00:08 > 0:00:16This programme contains some violent scenes and some scenes of a sexual nature
0:00:18 > 0:00:19'Louis?
0:00:26 > 0:00:33'Louis, can you hear that? The flowers - they are singing.'
0:00:34 > 0:00:36Henriette?
0:00:36 > 0:00:38'Let me bathe in the lake.'
0:00:54 > 0:00:55Sire!
0:00:57 > 0:00:59Sire, please, go no further.
0:01:14 > 0:01:20A bad dream, Your Majesty, that is all. Smelling salts will help.
0:01:24 > 0:01:25LOUIS SNIFFS
0:01:25 > 0:01:26LOUIS COUGHS
0:01:27 > 0:01:29You were sleepwalking, Sire.
0:01:40 > 0:01:45Has Fabien returned? Is there news of my son?
0:01:45 > 0:01:47He will find him, Sire.
0:01:55 > 0:01:581,000 men have died here, building this.
0:02:00 > 0:02:03Thousands more may perish still before the work is done.
0:02:04 > 0:02:10Versailles is a wondrous creation, Sire, an artefact for all eternity.
0:02:12 > 0:02:15A king will write his epitaph in stone or he will write it in blood.
0:02:17 > 0:02:19I wonder what mine will be.
0:02:25 > 0:02:27Is Rohan captured?
0:02:27 > 0:02:28Nowhere to be seen.
0:02:39 > 0:02:40Dauphin!
0:02:40 > 0:02:43Monsieur Marchal, the Dauphin!
0:02:51 > 0:02:52Your Highness.
0:02:55 > 0:02:59It's all right. Hey, hey, hey, hey!
0:02:59 > 0:03:00Please...
0:03:00 > 0:03:04My name is Fabien Marchal. I serve your father. You're safe.
0:03:05 > 0:03:07You're safe.
0:03:07 > 0:03:08SOUND OF GUNSHOTS
0:03:22 > 0:03:23ROHAN CRIES OUT
0:03:27 > 0:03:31ROHAN GRUNTS AND MOANS
0:03:37 > 0:03:38Is he alive?
0:03:38 > 0:03:40Let's see.
0:03:40 > 0:03:41ROHAN GROANS
0:03:41 > 0:03:42Yes.
0:03:44 > 0:03:45Bind him.
0:03:56 > 0:04:00# I'm the king of my own land
0:04:06 > 0:04:09# Facing tempests of dust
0:04:09 > 0:04:13# I'll fight until the end
0:04:18 > 0:04:20# Creatures of my dreams
0:04:20 > 0:04:23# Raise up and dance with me
0:04:32 > 0:04:34# Now and forever
0:04:36 > 0:04:40# I'm your king. #
0:05:00 > 0:05:04Our informants in the Kingdom of France grow by the day, Master William.
0:05:04 > 0:05:07There is no shortage of courtiers who will talk for money.
0:05:07 > 0:05:09I'm all ears.
0:05:09 > 0:05:11The King has quashed the rebellion which threatened his son,
0:05:11 > 0:05:16the Dauphin, recently rescued from Brittany, I believe.
0:05:16 > 0:05:19The French also captured the ring leader who, I'm afraid,
0:05:19 > 0:05:23happens to be one of our own agents - the Chevalier de Rohan.
0:05:23 > 0:05:27A shame. He was a very promising spy.
0:05:27 > 0:05:28A replacement is arranged?
0:05:28 > 0:05:29Naturally.
0:05:32 > 0:05:35'Versailles grows in stature day by day.
0:05:36 > 0:05:38'Exterior works are complete.
0:05:40 > 0:05:45'The palace is bursting at the seams with new rules, called etiquette.
0:05:45 > 0:05:47'Noble tenants increase in number.'
0:05:55 > 0:05:56'And the King's bed?'
0:05:56 > 0:06:01'The King is remaining remarkably faithful to his first mistress,
0:06:01 > 0:06:05'Madame de Montespan, who is now fully installed as
0:06:05 > 0:06:07'the principal favourite in the Royal Household.'
0:06:12 > 0:06:14And the brother?
0:06:14 > 0:06:17'Prince Philippe enjoys an animated social life away from Versailles
0:06:17 > 0:06:19'at his family home in Saint-Cloud
0:06:19 > 0:06:24'while his lover, the Chevalier de Lorraine, remains in exile.'
0:06:30 > 0:06:32This new spy - tell me more.
0:06:32 > 0:06:34Young, very willing, very able.
0:06:37 > 0:06:38Let us hope so.
0:06:42 > 0:06:44- MONTESPAN:- Why do you need a historian?
0:06:44 > 0:06:48I need a writer with a loyal mind and the heart of a poet.
0:06:50 > 0:06:51Is that why we're going to the theatre?
0:06:53 > 0:06:54Possibly.
0:06:58 > 0:06:59I'm cold.
0:07:01 > 0:07:02We're going to Paris, Madame.
0:07:04 > 0:07:06Breathe the fresh air while you can.
0:07:15 > 0:07:17With the King in Paris for the night, we shall focus only on
0:07:17 > 0:07:22the preparation of an agenda to present to His Majesty tomorrow on his return.
0:07:22 > 0:07:25Louvois, what is the status of the prisoner?
0:07:25 > 0:07:30Alive, unrepentant, awaiting His Majesty's decision.
0:07:31 > 0:07:33What say you, Monsieur de Reynaud?
0:07:33 > 0:07:36Does the Justice Ministry have any report on the interrogation?
0:07:40 > 0:07:44Reynaud, did you not hear Colbert addressing you in Council?
0:07:48 > 0:07:51REYNAUD CHOKES
0:07:51 > 0:07:52REYNAUD GROANS
0:07:52 > 0:07:56- Help him! - Call the guard! He's dying!
0:07:56 > 0:07:57Guard, quickly!
0:08:13 > 0:08:16A full house. How satisfying.
0:08:18 > 0:08:22You cannot be that satisfied, with Chevalier still exiled abroad.
0:08:22 > 0:08:24How would you keep warm at night?
0:08:24 > 0:08:28It's called a blanket - green and full of feathers...
0:08:28 > 0:08:30a bit like you.
0:08:36 > 0:08:37The King's here.
0:08:42 > 0:08:43Don't look at him!
0:08:51 > 0:08:55Have you seen this coat? He should be on stage.
0:08:55 > 0:08:59Take it from me - he's never off it.
0:08:59 > 0:09:01You must promise me that, when we return, you'll come with me
0:09:01 > 0:09:03and let my lady do your cards.
0:09:07 > 0:09:10I have heard good things about this young writer.
0:09:25 > 0:09:30Your Majesty, my name is Thomas Beaumont, playwright.
0:09:32 > 0:09:37The story you are about to see takes place many hundreds of years ago
0:09:37 > 0:09:41but, despite what you might have read,
0:09:41 > 0:09:44the past is not a prologue.
0:09:44 > 0:09:48History offers us not a context, but a lens -
0:09:48 > 0:09:51a lesson for our present and a vision of our future.
0:09:51 > 0:09:54Sire, there's been a poisoning. You must come with me at once.
0:10:17 > 0:10:19And...
0:10:19 > 0:10:22although this is a story of the men of yesterday,
0:10:22 > 0:10:27doubt not that, in this moment, in this very space,
0:10:27 > 0:10:32they live again, reborn, reaching out over the centuries
0:10:32 > 0:10:35to show us all that, as the sands of our lives
0:10:35 > 0:10:40dwindle and vanish, we are all of us making history,
0:10:40 > 0:10:43here and now.
0:10:43 > 0:10:47APPLAUSE
0:10:55 > 0:11:01- He's clever you know, very sharp. - Who is, Sire?- William of Orange.
0:11:01 > 0:11:03He poisons my minister to show what he can do,
0:11:03 > 0:11:06to show how close he is to poisoning me.
0:11:06 > 0:11:10I'm almost impressed. You realise what is going on, of course,
0:11:10 > 0:11:12across Europe, across the world?
0:11:12 > 0:11:15Versailles is a shining jewel that glows in the night! She's beauty,
0:11:15 > 0:11:18she's power. There can be no doubt of what we symbolise.
0:11:19 > 0:11:23So it is, then, that an ambitious upstart in Holland will look over
0:11:23 > 0:11:27at his glorious neighbour and the lustrous symbol of his power,
0:11:27 > 0:11:30sees it starting to grow.
0:11:30 > 0:11:32And what do you do when your enemy's fortunes rise?
0:11:32 > 0:11:34Hm? When their fields blossom?
0:11:34 > 0:11:36- Poison their well.- Drip by drip.
0:11:36 > 0:11:41You take all that is nourishing them and you pollute and defile it with venom.
0:11:41 > 0:11:43William knows what he's doing. He has tried to take my son.
0:11:43 > 0:11:47Instead, he has taken my love, my peace, my sleep.
0:11:47 > 0:11:51Now he takes my minister. But soon I will take his life,
0:11:51 > 0:11:53and that will be the end of it!
0:12:00 > 0:12:04Did he pay you? When you fought for me in the Spanish Netherlands,
0:12:04 > 0:12:06the Dutch came to you.
0:12:06 > 0:12:08They made an approach and they gave you money.
0:12:18 > 0:12:19ROHAN GROANS
0:12:25 > 0:12:27ROHAN PANTS
0:12:29 > 0:12:33Something has hurt you. I wonder what.
0:12:33 > 0:12:37William of Orange paid you to hurt me, to take my son,
0:12:37 > 0:12:43- poison my Minister.- Poison what minister?- You think me a fool.
0:12:43 > 0:12:46You believe it is William who hates you?
0:12:46 > 0:12:49And, trust me, everybody hates you.
0:12:53 > 0:12:55Then know this -
0:12:55 > 0:12:58when my scribes lay down the chronicle of my days, I will ensure
0:12:58 > 0:13:00that they erase every last nub of you from it.
0:13:03 > 0:13:05No drop of ink shall mark your time.
0:13:07 > 0:13:10No image nor crest nor lock of hair.
0:13:10 > 0:13:13Your worldly goods, your clothes, all burned.
0:13:13 > 0:13:17Your lineage disowned, cast out, forgotten.
0:13:19 > 0:13:22You will be to history what you are to me at this moment...
0:13:24 > 0:13:26..nothing.
0:13:26 > 0:13:30Unlike you, Majesty, I do not care how history will paint me.
0:13:35 > 0:13:38My astronomers tell me that, one day very soon,
0:13:38 > 0:13:40the moon will traverse the sun
0:13:40 > 0:13:43and, for a few seconds, our day will become night.
0:13:43 > 0:13:46I want you to remember that moment, if you can,
0:13:46 > 0:13:50because whatever your fate, it is then, at that instant,
0:13:50 > 0:13:51that you shall meet it.
0:13:59 > 0:14:00I was worried.
0:14:05 > 0:14:06You're burning.
0:14:24 > 0:14:26Is the King awake?
0:14:26 > 0:14:29His Majesty is not yet risen.
0:14:29 > 0:14:32I will wake him for the lever as usual at eight.
0:14:32 > 0:14:34Please tell him that I need to see him at once.
0:14:34 > 0:14:37When he wakes, Your Majesty, I will inform him,
0:14:37 > 0:14:39although you know his many commitments.
0:14:39 > 0:14:42I can assure you, I'm acutely aware of those.
0:14:44 > 0:14:46MONTESPAN MOANS
0:14:46 > 0:14:47MONTESPAN GIGGLES
0:14:50 > 0:14:54The more of you I consume, the hungrier I become.
0:14:57 > 0:15:02- Then I cannot be very satisfying. - Oh, you stimulate my appetite, Sire.
0:15:02 > 0:15:03I'm not ashamed to admit it.
0:15:03 > 0:15:06In any case, how else am I going to prevent you from getting up
0:15:06 > 0:15:09in the middle of the night and walking to the water?
0:15:09 > 0:15:13I'm worried, one day, I shall wake up and find you presenting me with a fish.
0:15:13 > 0:15:14Do not eat that!
0:15:16 > 0:15:18It's only a biscuit.
0:15:18 > 0:15:20It has not yet been tested. Bontemps!
0:15:20 > 0:15:22Your man nibbled on it last night, did he not?
0:15:22 > 0:15:24And so he must test it again.
0:15:24 > 0:15:27Send for the Officier de Bouche and his Esquire to cuisine,
0:15:27 > 0:15:30and prepare the room for the lever.
0:15:30 > 0:15:31At once, Sire.
0:15:33 > 0:15:34Two tasters?
0:15:36 > 0:15:38What concern is that of yours?
0:15:38 > 0:15:41I would have thought at least three -
0:15:41 > 0:15:43one for the hall, one for the kitchen, one for the table.
0:15:51 > 0:15:53Who will be next, do you think?
0:15:53 > 0:15:57- Next?- Well, now that poor, sweet Henriette's gone,
0:15:57 > 0:16:00there is, as it were, a vacancy.
0:16:00 > 0:16:02Don't tell me Philippe will not be married again!
0:16:02 > 0:16:05It's clear that he must, but to whom?
0:16:09 > 0:16:10I have not yet decided.
0:16:14 > 0:16:15Well, I can't wait to help you.
0:16:28 > 0:16:29Where were you?
0:16:29 > 0:16:32In the forest, collecting herbs.
0:16:32 > 0:16:36Minister Reynaud died one hour ago - long, great pain,
0:16:36 > 0:16:37a swift decline.
0:16:38 > 0:16:40Our Princess Henriette was the same.
0:16:40 > 0:16:41Identical.
0:16:43 > 0:16:45And you need me to examine the body?
0:16:45 > 0:16:47I do,
0:16:47 > 0:16:48but burn it afterwards.
0:16:50 > 0:16:52You must take every precaution.
0:16:52 > 0:16:55I appreciate your concern for my safety.
0:16:55 > 0:16:58It is the King's safety that concerns me, nothing more.
0:16:58 > 0:16:59HORSE WHINNIES
0:17:04 > 0:17:07Many stand to benefit from Minister Reynaud's death -
0:17:07 > 0:17:10a few enemies in court, Cassel being one of them.
0:17:10 > 0:17:12Not to mention the widow herself.
0:17:13 > 0:17:16I believe the Reynauds were clients of Cassel
0:17:16 > 0:17:19when he held power in his lands in the north.
0:17:19 > 0:17:22But now that power has gone, along with much of his lands.
0:17:22 > 0:17:27In any case, your investigation must bear fruit, and quickly, Marchal.
0:17:27 > 0:17:30That a poisoner had access to the King's own Council Chamber...
0:17:30 > 0:17:32There is no evidence the crime occurred here.
0:17:32 > 0:17:36We must act quickly to stop the inevitable tidal wave of rumour.
0:17:36 > 0:17:39- All communications are being monitored?- Yes.
0:17:39 > 0:17:43All letters are being opened and offending material will be adjusted or burned.
0:17:45 > 0:17:48What of a successor to the Chancellery?
0:17:48 > 0:17:52De Foix is keen, but lacks experience.
0:17:52 > 0:17:54His mother is a very good friend of my family.
0:17:54 > 0:17:57Lesigny has more. I have known him for many years.
0:17:57 > 0:17:59Time is no judge of loyalty.
0:18:01 > 0:18:03I wish to meet each candidate in turn.
0:18:03 > 0:18:05If I may, Sire...
0:18:05 > 0:18:10might Monsieur Colbert address them first, together?
0:18:10 > 0:18:11Whatever for?
0:18:11 > 0:18:15If they're all with him, Your Majesty,
0:18:15 > 0:18:17they will not be in their apartments.
0:18:22 > 0:18:24Madame de Reynaud,
0:18:24 > 0:18:28do you know of any enemies your husband had as Minister of Justice?
0:18:29 > 0:18:33I cannot think of anyone. He was loved equally by all.
0:18:35 > 0:18:36Was he a good husband?
0:18:39 > 0:18:45We had our disagreements, like all couples do, but he was devoted...
0:18:47 > 0:18:52..and I to him. I shall miss him so very much.
0:18:59 > 0:19:03It's all I ask of you - your last stop before retiring.
0:19:03 > 0:19:05Always. Why do you abandon me?
0:19:05 > 0:19:06Should I say a Hail Mary?
0:19:08 > 0:19:13The matter of your conscience and your soul is a conversation for another day, Sire.
0:19:13 > 0:19:16I talk merely of the commitments between us.
0:19:16 > 0:19:19At any rate, I'm glad you are here.
0:19:20 > 0:19:22It is good to see you.
0:19:22 > 0:19:26Thank you, Sire. It's good to see you, too.
0:19:26 > 0:19:30I have a problem, however. I wanted to ask your advice.
0:19:30 > 0:19:32I will help if I can.
0:19:32 > 0:19:33FOOTSTEPS APPROACH
0:19:33 > 0:19:36Oh, there you are.
0:19:36 > 0:19:39And three heads is better than two, in this case.
0:19:40 > 0:19:44That depends on the heads, of course. Your Majesties.
0:19:44 > 0:19:46I'm sure I don't understand.
0:19:46 > 0:19:50You are no doubt both aware that my brother requires a new wife.
0:19:52 > 0:19:54Since you both know him, and know me...
0:19:55 > 0:19:59..it is my feeling that, between us, we will find the perfect choice.
0:19:59 > 0:20:03I would rather it was women who were advising me than anyone else,
0:20:03 > 0:20:06since it often takes a woman to know another woman.
0:20:06 > 0:20:10- Wouldn't you say? - I don't think this is appropriate.
0:20:10 > 0:20:12Perhaps, but it is necessary.
0:20:12 > 0:20:15Sire, while I respect your wishes, of course,
0:20:15 > 0:20:19selecting so important a person in court is surely a matter for a king.
0:20:21 > 0:20:22Or a queen.
0:20:22 > 0:20:24There are so many roles for a queen, Madame.
0:20:24 > 0:20:28There are even times when I wonder whether you already perform them, in some way.
0:20:28 > 0:20:34I'm sure whatever role I occupy in the King's life holds no candle on your own, Majesty.
0:20:34 > 0:20:38I'm happy to say I stopped holding candles many years ago, Madame.
0:20:38 > 0:20:40You see? Isn't this fun?
0:20:41 > 0:20:44Perhaps if we discussed the candidates?
0:20:54 > 0:20:59Are we all gathered? Where is Gaston de Foix?
0:20:59 > 0:21:00Is he here?
0:21:06 > 0:21:07I am now.
0:21:07 > 0:21:08Very well.
0:21:12 > 0:21:14Check all the rooms...thoroughly.
0:22:01 > 0:22:02Good day, Cassel.
0:22:02 > 0:22:04I must teach you how to knock.
0:22:04 > 0:22:06It's a useful social tool.
0:22:06 > 0:22:09It involves hitting things, so I'm sure you'd enjoy it immensely.
0:22:09 > 0:22:12- Our Court Etiquette is quite clear on the subject.- Yes, yes.
0:22:12 > 0:22:16I know the King's social handbook favours the pinkie.
0:22:16 > 0:22:18Useless method if you ask me. Scratching a door?
0:22:18 > 0:22:22How's anyone supposed to hear that? I'm forever breaking my nails.
0:22:23 > 0:22:26But where are my manners?
0:22:26 > 0:22:27Would you care for...
0:22:27 > 0:22:28a rat?
0:22:30 > 0:22:31Freshly caught.
0:22:31 > 0:22:34I'm investigating the death of Minister Reynaud.
0:22:37 > 0:22:40And you wish to secure my advice?
0:22:40 > 0:22:41You did not care for him.
0:22:41 > 0:22:44No, no. I hated him.
0:22:44 > 0:22:46And I think you'll find the person who poisoned him
0:22:46 > 0:22:48didn't like him very much either.
0:22:48 > 0:22:51- Why did you dislike him so? - Tremendous bore.
0:22:51 > 0:22:55Reynaud's family used to petition mine for credit, as I remember.
0:22:55 > 0:22:57I, er...
0:22:57 > 0:23:01almost set him to work ploughing my fields with his wife's face.
0:23:01 > 0:23:03She has a very agricultural jaw.
0:23:03 > 0:23:06He took many of your lands, did he not?
0:23:06 > 0:23:08After the fall of your house,
0:23:08 > 0:23:11they were sold at a substantial discount.
0:23:11 > 0:23:14Will you excuse me? I'm late for a game of cards.
0:23:18 > 0:23:21It stands to reason I'm a suspect.
0:23:21 > 0:23:24You must be desperate to search my quarters.
0:23:24 > 0:23:26So, by all means...help yourself.
0:23:38 > 0:23:40So, it seems we are down to three.
0:23:40 > 0:23:42- Well, it cannot be Montpensier.- No!
0:23:43 > 0:23:44I agree.
0:23:44 > 0:23:46Quite right. Her time has passed.
0:23:51 > 0:23:53The Princess Palatine, how about her?
0:23:53 > 0:23:56I don't think she's suited to court life.
0:23:56 > 0:23:58Who is before they get here?
0:23:58 > 0:24:01- Quite so.- You think she's suitable for my brother?
0:24:01 > 0:24:03Well, none of these women will ever live up
0:24:03 > 0:24:05to our late-departed Henriette.
0:24:06 > 0:24:08Well, then, it must be Caumont.
0:24:10 > 0:24:11So it appears.
0:24:11 > 0:24:13- She would be a fine choice. - Although...
0:24:13 > 0:24:16- Ah...! No, still... It's no matter. - Very well, then.
0:24:18 > 0:24:19Wait!
0:24:19 > 0:24:21Speak, Madame. What is it?
0:24:22 > 0:24:25Well, I do not wish to cast aspersions on her character.
0:24:25 > 0:24:27But I couldn't help but overhear
0:24:27 > 0:24:29that she'd travelled to Bordeaux recently
0:24:29 > 0:24:32in hopes of rekindling a romance with a common man.
0:24:32 > 0:24:36- Why would she do that? - Well, for love, or so it appears.
0:24:36 > 0:24:40And he has fallen for her. But who can blame him. She's very beautiful.
0:24:40 > 0:24:43No surprise a man would find her quite the catch.
0:24:45 > 0:24:48I wonder if it would be fair to marry Philippe
0:24:48 > 0:24:49to someone who's already in love?
0:24:49 > 0:24:51Marriage is not for love.
0:24:51 > 0:24:53As much as it is for the State.
0:24:53 > 0:24:56- Well, then we have the perfect candidate.- Madame is right.
0:24:56 > 0:24:58BOTH: Palatine.
0:25:00 > 0:25:02She's certainly the plainest.
0:25:02 > 0:25:05And being plain, no doubt has to work very hard at conversation.
0:25:05 > 0:25:06She might be fun.
0:25:06 > 0:25:08She's young. No doubt fertile.
0:25:08 > 0:25:12- Lands in the east. Beyond the Rhine. - Very true.
0:25:12 > 0:25:14I mean, if you close your eyes enough, she's almost a man.
0:25:16 > 0:25:18KNOCK AT DOOR
0:25:21 > 0:25:23Sire...
0:25:24 > 0:25:26If I may be so bold...
0:25:26 > 0:25:30What would you have done, if they had chosen someone else?
0:25:30 > 0:25:33The territory of the Palatinate is an excellent ally
0:25:33 > 0:25:35in our coming war with the Dutch.
0:25:35 > 0:25:38This way, both ladies now feel like it was THEIR decision,
0:25:38 > 0:25:40which tends to be better for everyone, don't you think?
0:25:40 > 0:25:42Indeed, Sire.
0:25:42 > 0:25:43Hm.
0:25:48 > 0:25:51HE PLAYS WISTFUL MELODY
0:25:54 > 0:25:56HUSHED CHATTER
0:25:59 > 0:26:02The next few days are auspicious, Madame de Foix.
0:26:02 > 0:26:07An eclipse in the light tells of great change.
0:26:07 > 0:26:10- Do go on.- Of course. - Excuse me a moment, Mother.
0:26:23 > 0:26:26I see you are wearing last week's cuffs, Cassel.
0:26:27 > 0:26:30Today's fashion favours the sleeve.
0:26:30 > 0:26:33I give my advice freely since our grandmothers were second cousins
0:26:33 > 0:26:36and that is surely worth a morsel of assistance.
0:26:36 > 0:26:40Too kind. I do not claim your encyclopaedic knowledge
0:26:40 > 0:26:42of modern etiquette, de Foix,
0:26:42 > 0:26:45except when it comes to winning at cards, of course.
0:26:47 > 0:26:49Maybe your mother would have better luck.
0:26:49 > 0:26:53Or does your family curse span the generations?
0:26:53 > 0:26:57A man of youth has plenty of time to recoup his losses, Cassel.
0:26:57 > 0:26:59And a man of experience has no need of it,
0:26:59 > 0:27:03since he tends to be so much better at cards, de Foix.
0:27:12 > 0:27:13Ah, Madame de Reynaud,
0:27:13 > 0:27:17such a jolly little thing since her husband died, don't you think?
0:27:17 > 0:27:19Inheritance does that to a woman.
0:27:28 > 0:27:30Have the apartments of the ministerial candidates
0:27:30 > 0:27:33- been searched?- They have. - And was anything found?
0:27:33 > 0:27:35Nothing to imply a knowledge of poisoning
0:27:35 > 0:27:38or any implements to assist in its creation.
0:27:40 > 0:27:43We shall see what the widow's quarters reveal.
0:27:48 > 0:27:49Oh...
0:27:52 > 0:27:55A gift from the Duc de Cassel.
0:27:56 > 0:28:00"With warm wishes for the Feast of the Immaculate Conception."
0:28:00 > 0:28:02RAT SQUEAKS
0:28:04 > 0:28:06What kind of man gives a rat as a gift?
0:28:06 > 0:28:08Cassel...
0:28:14 > 0:28:17I need you to be my ears in the salons.
0:28:18 > 0:28:21Talk to your friends. I want to know what the rooms are saying.
0:28:21 > 0:28:24Well, at the moment the only subject is Reynaud's widow.
0:28:24 > 0:28:26She's very young, compared to him.
0:28:26 > 0:28:28Will she inherit all of her husband's property?
0:28:28 > 0:28:31The will declares it, the King approves of it, his fortune is hers.
0:28:31 > 0:28:34She's popular, but doesn't speak much in public.
0:28:34 > 0:28:37- It might be useful to discover what she says in private.- I agree.
0:28:39 > 0:28:41Then I shall need new clothes.
0:28:44 > 0:28:46I must at least appear to be a woman on the rise.
0:28:55 > 0:28:57You are doing a good job of that already.
0:29:05 > 0:29:07FOOTSTEPS
0:29:22 > 0:29:24HE THUDS CANE
0:29:27 > 0:29:29Where is Thomas Beaumont?
0:29:29 > 0:29:32The playwright. I have been searching for him endlessly.
0:29:32 > 0:29:35I wish to make him part of my theatrical troupe.
0:29:36 > 0:29:41Will he attend the play tonight? Where might he be found?
0:29:41 > 0:29:43Versailles, Your Highness.
0:29:43 > 0:29:45The King has given him a position.
0:29:45 > 0:29:47He left this morning.
0:30:01 > 0:30:02Oh, really?
0:30:07 > 0:30:10HE ROARS
0:30:11 > 0:30:13HUSHED CHATTER
0:30:23 > 0:30:24Oh. Excuse me.
0:30:31 > 0:30:34You will detail the life of His Majesty's court here at Versailles.
0:30:34 > 0:30:37Focus only on the glory of the King.
0:30:37 > 0:30:41He is the light that shines eternally in our hearts.
0:30:41 > 0:30:42Yes, Monsieur Colbert.
0:30:58 > 0:31:03Sire, may I present Thomas Beaumont,
0:31:03 > 0:31:05the court historian you requested.
0:31:10 > 0:31:13- MAN:- Ladies and gentlemen, we are about to start.
0:31:17 > 0:31:20Your Majesty, when the light of the sun
0:31:20 > 0:31:21hits the glass of the mirror,
0:31:21 > 0:31:23its particular shape and disposition
0:31:23 > 0:31:27entreats the rays of the sun to form a common beam,
0:31:27 > 0:31:30a focal point of light with the potential for enormous power.
0:31:32 > 0:31:34The mirror, Sire, is you.
0:31:34 > 0:31:38The scrap of driftwood, why, that is Holland, of course!
0:31:38 > 0:31:40LAUGHTER
0:31:42 > 0:31:45Now, should Your Majesty's attention
0:31:45 > 0:31:48turn towards the republic of the Dutch, behold!
0:32:04 > 0:32:08As Archimedes once roasted Roman ships from a promontory...
0:32:08 > 0:32:09FIRE SIZZLES
0:32:09 > 0:32:12ALL GASP AND MURMUR
0:32:15 > 0:32:19APPLAUSE
0:32:22 > 0:32:24While the sun nourishes, protects and warms us,
0:32:24 > 0:32:26the sun is also all powerful,
0:32:26 > 0:32:29and if he chooses, may decimate his enemies.
0:32:30 > 0:32:34I thank you, Villette, for this timely reminder.
0:32:34 > 0:32:35DOORS OPEN
0:32:44 > 0:32:48- So, will you come?- Sire... - Oh! Let him wait his turn.
0:32:50 > 0:32:52So, will you come with me to the cards?
0:32:52 > 0:32:56Madame Agathe taught me a love spell and I chant it every night.
0:32:56 > 0:32:59I think I have heard it. SHE CHUCKLES
0:32:59 > 0:33:02- Very well. I shall hear my fortune. - Sire, I believe...
0:33:02 > 0:33:03Oh, Bontemps, I nearly forgot!
0:33:03 > 0:33:08I took a bath yesterday and the olive soap was nowhere to be seen.
0:33:08 > 0:33:11Would you be an absolute dear and order me some more from Paris?
0:33:11 > 0:33:13My ladies just don't seem capable.
0:33:19 > 0:33:20Give her what she wants.
0:33:20 > 0:33:22DOORS CLOSE
0:34:02 > 0:34:04My dear!
0:34:04 > 0:34:05Madame Agathe!
0:34:07 > 0:34:11You mentioned an extremely important consultation...
0:34:13 > 0:34:16..but I did not dare dream it would be here.
0:34:16 > 0:34:18Now, I hope you understand how vital it is
0:34:18 > 0:34:21that he be inspired by his time with you.
0:34:21 > 0:34:25I brought only the best for you, my dear.
0:34:25 > 0:34:27In the time of an eclipse,
0:34:27 > 0:34:30a deck of great power and prophecy.
0:34:30 > 0:34:33You'll speak only of the glories you see, nothing more.
0:34:33 > 0:34:34Just the light.
0:34:34 > 0:34:36Yes.
0:34:36 > 0:34:37But even in the light,
0:34:37 > 0:34:40it is our shadows that speak the truth.
0:34:43 > 0:34:45The glory.
0:34:45 > 0:34:46The glory, as you say.
0:34:48 > 0:34:49(I'm glad you understand.)
0:34:51 > 0:34:52Just look at you.
0:34:55 > 0:34:58- Like the blooming of a winter rose. - FOOTSTEPS APPROACH
0:35:04 > 0:35:08Majesty, this is such a great honour.
0:35:09 > 0:35:11Well, Sire...
0:35:13 > 0:35:15..please approach the table.
0:35:20 > 0:35:21And, please...
0:35:23 > 0:35:25..split the cards.
0:35:25 > 0:35:27Madame Agathe is very talented in divination.
0:35:29 > 0:35:33Then she will, no doubt, know exactly what I am about to say.
0:35:33 > 0:35:36I cannot see your mind, Sire.
0:35:36 > 0:35:38I see only what is on the cards.
0:35:38 > 0:35:40I listen only to them.
0:35:41 > 0:35:44Only they may speak the truth about your future.
0:35:49 > 0:35:51SHE DEALS CARDS
0:36:17 > 0:36:19The labyrinth...
0:36:21 > 0:36:24- Is something the matter? - What do the cards say?
0:36:24 > 0:36:29Perhaps the decks are mixed.
0:36:29 > 0:36:32- What do they say? - What glories do you see?
0:36:32 > 0:36:35I am told the content of the cards does not reflect their message,
0:36:35 > 0:36:36isn't that right, Madame?
0:36:36 > 0:36:38In many readings, yes.
0:36:38 > 0:36:41But this combination of cards...
0:36:41 > 0:36:43I...
0:36:43 > 0:36:46I cannot lie to my king.
0:36:46 > 0:36:47I see no glory.
0:36:52 > 0:36:54Thank you for all the fun(!)
0:36:54 > 0:36:56We are leaving.
0:36:59 > 0:37:01You have seen Paradise.
0:37:01 > 0:37:03And you have built it for yourself.
0:37:04 > 0:37:07But now, a scourge is coming,
0:37:07 > 0:37:10five points of the same vengeful star.
0:37:10 > 0:37:12The well is poisoned.
0:37:12 > 0:37:15But still you drink.
0:37:15 > 0:37:17Hell will rise, Sire,
0:37:17 > 0:37:19and consume all you have built.
0:37:19 > 0:37:21The fires are coming,
0:37:21 > 0:37:24not just for you, but for all of France.
0:37:24 > 0:37:27Terrible things happen to kings.
0:37:27 > 0:37:28SHE GASPS
0:37:33 > 0:37:35SHE WHIMPERS
0:37:59 > 0:38:01If ever, in the future, you see me under the influence of a woman
0:38:01 > 0:38:05in matters of state, I want you to tell me directly,
0:38:05 > 0:38:07without delay, of your concern.
0:38:07 > 0:38:10And I vow to you, whoever that person may be,
0:38:10 > 0:38:11she will be gone the next morning.
0:38:14 > 0:38:15Do I have your word?
0:38:17 > 0:38:19Until my dying day, Sire.
0:38:31 > 0:38:34We found this in Madame de Reynaud's apartments.
0:38:34 > 0:38:35Good work.
0:38:39 > 0:38:41< DOOR OPENS AND CLOSES
0:39:06 > 0:39:08This silver phial was found in your rooms.
0:39:08 > 0:39:10Can you explain the contents?
0:39:11 > 0:39:13I can.
0:39:13 > 0:39:17It is powdered Satyrion root, from a rare exotic orchid.
0:39:17 > 0:39:20At court, the ladies call it "Fountain of Youth".
0:39:20 > 0:39:22Acquired at great expense, I might add.
0:39:22 > 0:39:25I gave my husband just a little every day.
0:39:25 > 0:39:26To kill him?
0:39:26 > 0:39:28To enhance our marriage.
0:39:28 > 0:39:31It drives the blood to the organs of pleasure.
0:39:31 > 0:39:33Both sexes may benefit.
0:39:33 > 0:39:35My husband found it very effective.
0:39:35 > 0:39:37His ardour was significantly improved.
0:39:40 > 0:39:42Sold in Paris, I presume?
0:39:42 > 0:39:44No. I acquired it here, at court.
0:39:46 > 0:39:48From whom?
0:39:49 > 0:39:51Well, it depends on the circles one evolves in.
0:39:51 > 0:39:54Some powders you may find freely available,
0:39:54 > 0:39:56on the table, like one may find the salt.
0:39:56 > 0:39:59But for powders of this quality, one has to ask.
0:39:59 > 0:40:02Money passes through numerous hands, and the powders arrive.
0:40:02 > 0:40:03RAT SCREECHES
0:40:03 > 0:40:06You believe it is poison. I can see your doubt.
0:40:12 > 0:40:15It is poison that killed your husband.
0:40:15 > 0:40:16Of that I am sure.
0:40:18 > 0:40:20Don't be ridiculous!
0:40:20 > 0:40:22It's perfectly harmless.
0:40:27 > 0:40:29I don't understand.
0:40:29 > 0:40:31The Fountain of Youth, indeed(!)
0:40:31 > 0:40:34I arrest you, Madame de Reynaud, in the name of the King.
0:40:34 > 0:40:36Take your hands off of me!
0:40:47 > 0:40:49Madame...
0:40:49 > 0:40:51You may leave His Majesty and I alone.
0:40:58 > 0:41:01DOOR OPENS AND CLOSES
0:41:01 > 0:41:04How did you know it was me?
0:41:05 > 0:41:07I sensed you, Sire.
0:41:07 > 0:41:08As always.
0:41:10 > 0:41:13If I may, before you begin...
0:41:14 > 0:41:17The behaviour of Madame Agathe was beyond reproach.
0:41:17 > 0:41:20The moment was only meant to temporarily divert you
0:41:20 > 0:41:23from your troubles, just for a moment.
0:41:23 > 0:41:26Instead, well, I feel it's driven a wedge between us.
0:41:27 > 0:41:32Now, I know there's no way to atone for what's been done.
0:41:32 > 0:41:35I want to offer you my sincere apologies...
0:41:35 > 0:41:38with all of my heart, and my soul,
0:41:38 > 0:41:39and my body...
0:41:41 > 0:41:43..and my mind.
0:41:45 > 0:41:47I feel a draught. You must be cold.
0:41:47 > 0:41:49Perhaps you would care to join me?
0:41:54 > 0:41:56Breathe the fresh air while you can, Your Majesty.
0:42:02 > 0:42:06Now, what was it you wanted to tell me?
0:42:09 > 0:42:10I forget.
0:42:16 > 0:42:19DOOR OPENS
0:42:20 > 0:42:21DOOR CLOSES
0:42:24 > 0:42:26Is it too much? I wasn't sure.
0:42:35 > 0:42:38Many ladies tell me of a popular volume read at court -
0:42:38 > 0:42:41The Pleasures Of Venus.
0:42:41 > 0:42:43It's an instruction book to help improve the quality
0:42:43 > 0:42:46of amorous congress. HE CLEARS HIS THROAT
0:42:46 > 0:42:48But there is a new edition that strongly advocates
0:42:48 > 0:42:51the use of stimulants and aphrodisiacs.
0:42:51 > 0:42:54The Widow Reynaud mentioned the same.
0:42:55 > 0:42:57Where is she now?
0:42:57 > 0:42:59- Under arrest.- She poisoned him?
0:43:00 > 0:43:01Either that...
0:43:01 > 0:43:05or someone wishes very strongly for us to believe so.
0:43:15 > 0:43:17I have been thinking about your brother.
0:43:18 > 0:43:20Not recently, I hope!
0:43:22 > 0:43:24Have you spoken to Philippe?
0:43:24 > 0:43:27Does he have the happy news of his bride?
0:43:28 > 0:43:30He remains at Saint-Cloud.
0:43:32 > 0:43:35And when does he return home to Versailles?
0:43:40 > 0:43:42I wanted to speak to you about that.
0:43:53 > 0:43:55What about Gaspard?
0:43:55 > 0:43:57Guillaume?
0:43:58 > 0:44:00De Busseys?
0:44:01 > 0:44:03Is no-one coming? Where is everyone?
0:44:04 > 0:44:05Versailles.
0:44:10 > 0:44:11You're not everyone.
0:44:13 > 0:44:14It's time for you to come home.
0:44:16 > 0:44:17I AM home.
0:44:18 > 0:44:20This is my home. You are sitting in my home.
0:44:20 > 0:44:23Why can't you announce yourself like a person of quality
0:44:23 > 0:44:26or just say "bonjour" like a normal person?
0:44:27 > 0:44:30The King has sent me to your soiree in his stead.
0:44:31 > 0:44:33You did send him an invitation, did you not?
0:44:39 > 0:44:40It appears I did.
0:44:42 > 0:44:43Well...
0:44:45 > 0:44:47..help yourself to some drinks.
0:44:47 > 0:44:49I will find a blanket and hide until this is over.
0:44:49 > 0:44:51Enough is enough, don't you think?
0:44:52 > 0:44:54The past has gone.
0:44:56 > 0:44:57Has it?
0:44:59 > 0:45:01I believe so.
0:45:01 > 0:45:03Has yours?
0:45:03 > 0:45:04Tell me.
0:45:04 > 0:45:06How is your husband?
0:45:06 > 0:45:08- Please...! - How is the old goat?
0:45:08 > 0:45:13- Still a drunken lunatic?- He remains in his lands, Your Highness.
0:45:13 > 0:45:16- I do not see him.- Last I heard, he held a funeral for you.
0:45:16 > 0:45:18Buried you in the back garden.
0:45:19 > 0:45:21You're looking very well, considering.
0:45:23 > 0:45:27Our shadows walk alongside us, do they not?
0:45:29 > 0:45:32Versailles has changed. Believe me. I have had a hand in it.
0:45:32 > 0:45:35You tell yourself that.
0:45:35 > 0:45:37Your brother listens to opinions.
0:45:39 > 0:45:41Does he cock his ear, like so?
0:45:42 > 0:45:44- Fixes you with his eyes? - He hears me.
0:45:46 > 0:45:48No. He makes you THINK that.
0:45:48 > 0:45:52Which is, as you will find out, what makes him so very kingly
0:45:52 > 0:45:54and it is not the same thing. At all.
0:45:56 > 0:45:58He sent a rider to Rome two weeks ago.
0:45:59 > 0:46:01He's agreed to make the necessary arrangements
0:46:01 > 0:46:04for the Chevalier de Lorraine returns to France.
0:46:08 > 0:46:10In exchange for what?
0:46:13 > 0:46:14Oh...
0:46:16 > 0:46:19May I just say, the King has made his list of replacements,
0:46:19 > 0:46:23and my son's is the only credible name upon it.
0:46:25 > 0:46:28Prepare yourselves for pleasant news.
0:46:29 > 0:46:32I have it on good authority that the new minister's apartments
0:46:32 > 0:46:34are nothing short of lavish.
0:46:34 > 0:46:36ALL CHUCKLE
0:46:36 > 0:46:39Pardon my ignorance, but isn't Monsieur de Foix
0:46:39 > 0:46:42- a little young to be a candidate for a ministry?- MAN:- The King!
0:46:42 > 0:46:44His family stretches back to the time of Clovis.
0:46:51 > 0:46:53Please, continue.
0:47:07 > 0:47:09MAN CHUCKLES
0:47:09 > 0:47:11COINS JINGLE
0:47:14 > 0:47:16There was a time when you could have bet all night
0:47:16 > 0:47:19and not made a dent in your fortune, Cassel.
0:47:20 > 0:47:22Alas, Sire, those days are long gone.
0:47:23 > 0:47:26I am doomed to remain here...
0:47:27 > 0:47:30..enjoying the fruits of your glory.
0:47:30 > 0:47:33You do not miss your lands in the north?
0:47:33 > 0:47:36Every day, Sire. Though I must admit,
0:47:36 > 0:47:39the flowers are much prettier here.
0:47:44 > 0:47:47Come to my apartments after my promenade.
0:47:47 > 0:47:50There is a matter that I wish to discuss with you.
0:47:50 > 0:47:53MURMURING
0:47:59 > 0:48:02The smell of failure.
0:48:02 > 0:48:05- Hard to wash off. Poor fellow! - HE LAUGHS
0:48:07 > 0:48:10MUFFLED CRIES
0:48:13 > 0:48:15His Majesty entrusted me
0:48:15 > 0:48:18with devising an appropriate punishment for you.
0:48:21 > 0:48:23But what kind of pain, I asked myself,
0:48:23 > 0:48:26would be fitting for a man who betrayed
0:48:26 > 0:48:29the King's trust and friendship,
0:48:29 > 0:48:30abducted his first-born,
0:48:30 > 0:48:34and killed the woman he loved most in this world?
0:48:34 > 0:48:36And...it struck me.
0:48:38 > 0:48:42We are all graced by the King's favour.
0:48:43 > 0:48:46We are blessed, every day,
0:48:46 > 0:48:49to witness the grandeur of his creation.
0:48:49 > 0:48:52We truly live every day in Paradise.
0:48:55 > 0:48:58But imagine...to live under the sun
0:48:58 > 0:49:00and not feel its warmth.
0:49:01 > 0:49:04To know the breathless beauty of this world,
0:49:04 > 0:49:09but not be able to look upon it ever again.
0:49:09 > 0:49:10That...
0:49:10 > 0:49:13That would be far from Paradise.
0:49:16 > 0:49:18That would be pain everlasting.
0:49:18 > 0:49:20METALLIC TAPS
0:49:20 > 0:49:22That would be Hell.
0:49:28 > 0:49:30HE PANTS
0:49:40 > 0:49:42May you live long in hellfire.
0:49:45 > 0:49:47The King's favour is no longer upon you.
0:49:54 > 0:49:58You are no longer worthy to gaze upon his glory.
0:50:00 > 0:50:02MUFFLED CRIES
0:50:02 > 0:50:06HE SCREAMS
0:50:09 > 0:50:10SIZZLING
0:50:10 > 0:50:11HE SCREAMS IN AGONY
0:50:11 > 0:50:14HISSING
0:50:32 > 0:50:35- SLAP! - Do I not bring you money,
0:50:35 > 0:50:36and clients and riches?
0:50:36 > 0:50:38And you defy my word before my king?
0:50:39 > 0:50:42Do not doubt my gratitude, Madame...
0:50:42 > 0:50:43SHE CATCHES ARM
0:50:43 > 0:50:46I gave you a king!
0:50:46 > 0:50:48And I have given you more.
0:50:50 > 0:50:51Much more.
0:50:52 > 0:50:56Once, those cards helped you win your king.
0:50:57 > 0:51:00Showed you the way to his bed.
0:51:00 > 0:51:03Did you doubt me then, dear heart?
0:51:04 > 0:51:06Don't you love him now?
0:51:09 > 0:51:10Don't you want to keep him safe?
0:51:13 > 0:51:17What I saw in his cards could not be silenced.
0:51:17 > 0:51:19What I saw...
0:51:20 > 0:51:22..was a sentinel of warning.
0:51:22 > 0:51:25And it will help you keep your king.
0:51:29 > 0:51:31Please tell me what to do.
0:51:33 > 0:51:34So many questions.
0:51:34 > 0:51:36Luckily...
0:51:38 > 0:51:40..I have a few answers.
0:51:42 > 0:51:44SHE CLEARS HER THROAT
0:51:44 > 0:51:46To calm your nerves, dear.
0:51:52 > 0:51:55FOOTSTEPS APPROACH
0:52:12 > 0:52:15I am bringing forward my invasion of Holland.
0:52:15 > 0:52:18I will henceforth view any opposition to my plans of war
0:52:18 > 0:52:20as an act of treason,
0:52:20 > 0:52:24and they will be dealt with swiftly by my new Minister For Justice...
0:52:25 > 0:52:27..the Duc de Cassel!
0:52:27 > 0:52:29FOOTSTEPS APPROACH
0:52:42 > 0:52:45A blessing, Bossuet, if you please.
0:52:45 > 0:52:48BOSSUET CLEARS HIS THROAT
0:52:53 > 0:52:57HE READS BLESSING IN LATIN
0:53:12 > 0:53:13Amen.
0:53:13 > 0:53:15ALL: Amen.
0:53:43 > 0:53:45ROHAN COUGHS
0:53:47 > 0:53:49HE GASPS
0:53:51 > 0:53:53INAUDIBLE BLESSING
0:53:53 > 0:53:55HE WHIMPERS
0:53:55 > 0:53:58In case I don't see you, have a lovely Christmas.
0:54:00 > 0:54:02HE PANTS
0:54:05 > 0:54:06HE ROARS, WET SLICING
0:54:06 > 0:54:07BODY SLUMPS
0:54:07 > 0:54:09CROWS CAW