Episode 1 Versailles


Episode 1

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This programme contains some violent scenes and some scenes of a sexual nature

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'Louis?

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'Louis, can you hear that? The flowers - they are singing.'

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Henriette?

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'Let me bathe in the lake.'

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Sire!

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Sire, please, go no further.

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A bad dream, Your Majesty, that is all. Smelling salts will help.

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LOUIS SNIFFS

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LOUIS COUGHS

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You were sleepwalking, Sire.

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Has Fabien returned? Is there news of my son?

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He will find him, Sire.

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1,000 men have died here, building this.

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Thousands more may perish still before the work is done.

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Versailles is a wondrous creation, Sire, an artefact for all eternity.

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A king will write his epitaph in stone or he will write it in blood.

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I wonder what mine will be.

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Is Rohan captured?

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Nowhere to be seen.

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Dauphin!

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Monsieur Marchal, the Dauphin!

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Your Highness.

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It's all right. Hey, hey, hey, hey!

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Please...

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My name is Fabien Marchal. I serve your father. You're safe.

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You're safe.

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SOUND OF GUNSHOTS

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ROHAN CRIES OUT

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ROHAN GRUNTS AND MOANS

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Is he alive?

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Let's see.

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ROHAN GROANS

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Yes.

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Bind him.

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# I'm the king of my own land

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# Facing tempests of dust

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# I'll fight until the end

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# Creatures of my dreams

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# Raise up and dance with me

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# Now and forever

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# I'm your king. #

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Our informants in the Kingdom of France grow by the day, Master William.

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There is no shortage of courtiers who will talk for money.

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I'm all ears.

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The King has quashed the rebellion which threatened his son,

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the Dauphin, recently rescued from Brittany, I believe.

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The French also captured the ring leader who, I'm afraid,

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happens to be one of our own agents - the Chevalier de Rohan.

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A shame. He was a very promising spy.

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A replacement is arranged?

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Naturally.

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'Versailles grows in stature day by day.

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'Exterior works are complete.

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'The palace is bursting at the seams with new rules, called etiquette.

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'Noble tenants increase in number.'

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'And the King's bed?'

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'The King is remaining remarkably faithful to his first mistress,

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'Madame de Montespan, who is now fully installed as

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'the principal favourite in the Royal Household.'

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And the brother?

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'Prince Philippe enjoys an animated social life away from Versailles

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'at his family home in Saint-Cloud

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'while his lover, the Chevalier de Lorraine, remains in exile.'

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This new spy - tell me more.

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Young, very willing, very able.

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Let us hope so.

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-MONTESPAN:

-Why do you need a historian?

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I need a writer with a loyal mind and the heart of a poet.

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Is that why we're going to the theatre?

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Possibly.

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I'm cold.

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We're going to Paris, Madame.

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Breathe the fresh air while you can.

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With the King in Paris for the night, we shall focus only on

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the preparation of an agenda to present to His Majesty tomorrow on his return.

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Louvois, what is the status of the prisoner?

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Alive, unrepentant, awaiting His Majesty's decision.

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What say you, Monsieur de Reynaud?

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Does the Justice Ministry have any report on the interrogation?

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Reynaud, did you not hear Colbert addressing you in Council?

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REYNAUD CHOKES

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REYNAUD GROANS

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-Help him!

-Call the guard! He's dying!

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Guard, quickly!

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A full house. How satisfying.

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You cannot be that satisfied, with Chevalier still exiled abroad.

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How would you keep warm at night?

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It's called a blanket - green and full of feathers...

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a bit like you.

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The King's here.

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Don't look at him!

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Have you seen this coat? He should be on stage.

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Take it from me - he's never off it.

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You must promise me that, when we return, you'll come with me

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and let my lady do your cards.

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I have heard good things about this young writer.

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Your Majesty, my name is Thomas Beaumont, playwright.

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The story you are about to see takes place many hundreds of years ago

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but, despite what you might have read,

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the past is not a prologue.

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History offers us not a context, but a lens -

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a lesson for our present and a vision of our future.

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Sire, there's been a poisoning. You must come with me at once.

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And...

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although this is a story of the men of yesterday,

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doubt not that, in this moment, in this very space,

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they live again, reborn, reaching out over the centuries

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to show us all that, as the sands of our lives

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dwindle and vanish, we are all of us making history,

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here and now.

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APPLAUSE

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-He's clever you know, very sharp.

-Who is, Sire?

-William of Orange.

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He poisons my minister to show what he can do,

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to show how close he is to poisoning me.

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I'm almost impressed. You realise what is going on, of course,

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across Europe, across the world?

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Versailles is a shining jewel that glows in the night! She's beauty,

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she's power. There can be no doubt of what we symbolise.

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So it is, then, that an ambitious upstart in Holland will look over

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at his glorious neighbour and the lustrous symbol of his power,

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sees it starting to grow.

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And what do you do when your enemy's fortunes rise?

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Hm? When their fields blossom?

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-Poison their well.

-Drip by drip.

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You take all that is nourishing them and you pollute and defile it with venom.

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William knows what he's doing. He has tried to take my son.

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Instead, he has taken my love, my peace, my sleep.

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Now he takes my minister. But soon I will take his life,

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and that will be the end of it!

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Did he pay you? When you fought for me in the Spanish Netherlands,

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the Dutch came to you.

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They made an approach and they gave you money.

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ROHAN GROANS

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ROHAN PANTS

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Something has hurt you. I wonder what.

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William of Orange paid you to hurt me, to take my son,

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-poison my Minister.

-Poison what minister?

-You think me a fool.

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You believe it is William who hates you?

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And, trust me, everybody hates you.

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Then know this -

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when my scribes lay down the chronicle of my days, I will ensure

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that they erase every last nub of you from it.

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No drop of ink shall mark your time.

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No image nor crest nor lock of hair.

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Your worldly goods, your clothes, all burned.

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Your lineage disowned, cast out, forgotten.

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You will be to history what you are to me at this moment...

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..nothing.

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Unlike you, Majesty, I do not care how history will paint me.

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My astronomers tell me that, one day very soon,

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the moon will traverse the sun

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and, for a few seconds, our day will become night.

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I want you to remember that moment, if you can,

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because whatever your fate, it is then, at that instant,

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that you shall meet it.

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I was worried.

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You're burning.

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Is the King awake?

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His Majesty is not yet risen.

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I will wake him for the lever as usual at eight.

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Please tell him that I need to see him at once.

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When he wakes, Your Majesty, I will inform him,

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although you know his many commitments.

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I can assure you, I'm acutely aware of those.

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MONTESPAN MOANS

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MONTESPAN GIGGLES

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The more of you I consume, the hungrier I become.

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-Then I cannot be very satisfying.

-Oh, you stimulate my appetite, Sire.

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I'm not ashamed to admit it.

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In any case, how else am I going to prevent you from getting up

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in the middle of the night and walking to the water?

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I'm worried, one day, I shall wake up and find you presenting me with a fish.

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Do not eat that!

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It's only a biscuit.

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It has not yet been tested. Bontemps!

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Your man nibbled on it last night, did he not?

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And so he must test it again.

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Send for the Officier de Bouche and his Esquire to cuisine,

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and prepare the room for the lever.

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At once, Sire.

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Two tasters?

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What concern is that of yours?

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I would have thought at least three -

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one for the hall, one for the kitchen, one for the table.

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Who will be next, do you think?

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-Next?

-Well, now that poor, sweet Henriette's gone,

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there is, as it were, a vacancy.

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Don't tell me Philippe will not be married again!

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It's clear that he must, but to whom?

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I have not yet decided.

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Well, I can't wait to help you.

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Where were you?

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In the forest, collecting herbs.

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Minister Reynaud died one hour ago - long, great pain,

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a swift decline.

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Our Princess Henriette was the same.

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Identical.

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And you need me to examine the body?

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I do,

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but burn it afterwards.

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You must take every precaution.

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I appreciate your concern for my safety.

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It is the King's safety that concerns me, nothing more.

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HORSE WHINNIES

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Many stand to benefit from Minister Reynaud's death -

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a few enemies in court, Cassel being one of them.

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Not to mention the widow herself.

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I believe the Reynauds were clients of Cassel

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when he held power in his lands in the north.

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But now that power has gone, along with much of his lands.

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In any case, your investigation must bear fruit, and quickly, Marchal.

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That a poisoner had access to the King's own Council Chamber...

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There is no evidence the crime occurred here.

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We must act quickly to stop the inevitable tidal wave of rumour.

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-All communications are being monitored?

-Yes.

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All letters are being opened and offending material will be adjusted or burned.

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What of a successor to the Chancellery?

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De Foix is keen, but lacks experience.

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His mother is a very good friend of my family.

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Lesigny has more. I have known him for many years.

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Time is no judge of loyalty.

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I wish to meet each candidate in turn.

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If I may, Sire...

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might Monsieur Colbert address them first, together?

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Whatever for?

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If they're all with him, Your Majesty,

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they will not be in their apartments.

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Madame de Reynaud,

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do you know of any enemies your husband had as Minister of Justice?

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I cannot think of anyone. He was loved equally by all.

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Was he a good husband?

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We had our disagreements, like all couples do, but he was devoted...

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..and I to him. I shall miss him so very much.

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It's all I ask of you - your last stop before retiring.

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Always. Why do you abandon me?

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Should I say a Hail Mary?

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The matter of your conscience and your soul is a conversation for another day, Sire.

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I talk merely of the commitments between us.

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At any rate, I'm glad you are here.

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It is good to see you.

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Thank you, Sire. It's good to see you, too.

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I have a problem, however. I wanted to ask your advice.

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I will help if I can.

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FOOTSTEPS APPROACH

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Oh, there you are.

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And three heads is better than two, in this case.

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That depends on the heads, of course. Your Majesties.

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I'm sure I don't understand.

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You are no doubt both aware that my brother requires a new wife.

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Since you both know him, and know me...

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..it is my feeling that, between us, we will find the perfect choice.

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I would rather it was women who were advising me than anyone else,

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since it often takes a woman to know another woman.

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-Wouldn't you say?

-I don't think this is appropriate.

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Perhaps, but it is necessary.

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Sire, while I respect your wishes, of course,

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selecting so important a person in court is surely a matter for a king.

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Or a queen.

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There are so many roles for a queen, Madame.

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There are even times when I wonder whether you already perform them, in some way.

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I'm sure whatever role I occupy in the King's life holds no candle on your own, Majesty.

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I'm happy to say I stopped holding candles many years ago, Madame.

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You see? Isn't this fun?

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Perhaps if we discussed the candidates?

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Are we all gathered? Where is Gaston de Foix?

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Is he here?

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I am now.

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Very well.

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Check all the rooms...thoroughly.

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Good day, Cassel.

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I must teach you how to knock.

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It's a useful social tool.

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It involves hitting things, so I'm sure you'd enjoy it immensely.

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-Our Court Etiquette is quite clear on the subject.

-Yes, yes.

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I know the King's social handbook favours the pinkie.

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Useless method if you ask me. Scratching a door?

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How's anyone supposed to hear that? I'm forever breaking my nails.

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But where are my manners?

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Would you care for...

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a rat?

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Freshly caught.

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I'm investigating the death of Minister Reynaud.

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And you wish to secure my advice?

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You did not care for him.

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No, no. I hated him.

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And I think you'll find the person who poisoned him

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didn't like him very much either.

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-Why did you dislike him so?

-Tremendous bore.

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Reynaud's family used to petition mine for credit, as I remember.

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I, er...

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almost set him to work ploughing my fields with his wife's face.

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She has a very agricultural jaw.

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He took many of your lands, did he not?

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After the fall of your house,

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they were sold at a substantial discount.

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Will you excuse me? I'm late for a game of cards.

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It stands to reason I'm a suspect.

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You must be desperate to search my quarters.

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So, by all means...help yourself.

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So, it seems we are down to three.

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-Well, it cannot be Montpensier.

-No!

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I agree.

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Quite right. Her time has passed.

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The Princess Palatine, how about her?

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I don't think she's suited to court life.

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Who is before they get here?

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-Quite so.

-You think she's suitable for my brother?

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Well, none of these women will ever live up

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to our late-departed Henriette.

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Well, then, it must be Caumont.

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So it appears.

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-She would be a fine choice.

-Although...

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-Ah...! No, still... It's no matter.

-Very well, then.

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Wait!

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Speak, Madame. What is it?

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Well, I do not wish to cast aspersions on her character.

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But I couldn't help but overhear

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that she'd travelled to Bordeaux recently

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in hopes of rekindling a romance with a common man.

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-Why would she do that?

-Well, for love, or so it appears.

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And he has fallen for her. But who can blame him. She's very beautiful.

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No surprise a man would find her quite the catch.

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I wonder if it would be fair to marry Philippe

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to someone who's already in love?

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Marriage is not for love.

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As much as it is for the State.

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-Well, then we have the perfect candidate.

-Madame is right.

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BOTH: Palatine.

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She's certainly the plainest.

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And being plain, no doubt has to work very hard at conversation.

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She might be fun.

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She's young. No doubt fertile.

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-Lands in the east. Beyond the Rhine.

-Very true.

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I mean, if you close your eyes enough, she's almost a man.

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KNOCK AT DOOR

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Sire...

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If I may be so bold...

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What would you have done, if they had chosen someone else?

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The territory of the Palatinate is an excellent ally

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in our coming war with the Dutch.

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This way, both ladies now feel like it was THEIR decision,

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which tends to be better for everyone, don't you think?

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Indeed, Sire.

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Hm.

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HE PLAYS WISTFUL MELODY

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HUSHED CHATTER

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The next few days are auspicious, Madame de Foix.

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An eclipse in the light tells of great change.

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-Do go on.

-Of course.

-Excuse me a moment, Mother.

0:26:070:26:10

I see you are wearing last week's cuffs, Cassel.

0:26:230:26:26

Today's fashion favours the sleeve.

0:26:270:26:30

I give my advice freely since our grandmothers were second cousins

0:26:300:26:33

and that is surely worth a morsel of assistance.

0:26:330:26:36

Too kind. I do not claim your encyclopaedic knowledge

0:26:360:26:40

of modern etiquette, de Foix,

0:26:400:26:42

except when it comes to winning at cards, of course.

0:26:420:26:45

Maybe your mother would have better luck.

0:26:470:26:49

Or does your family curse span the generations?

0:26:490:26:53

A man of youth has plenty of time to recoup his losses, Cassel.

0:26:530:26:57

And a man of experience has no need of it,

0:26:570:26:59

since he tends to be so much better at cards, de Foix.

0:26:590:27:03

Ah, Madame de Reynaud,

0:27:120:27:13

such a jolly little thing since her husband died, don't you think?

0:27:130:27:17

Inheritance does that to a woman.

0:27:170:27:19

Have the apartments of the ministerial candidates

0:27:280:27:30

-been searched?

-They have.

-And was anything found?

0:27:300:27:33

Nothing to imply a knowledge of poisoning

0:27:330:27:35

or any implements to assist in its creation.

0:27:350:27:38

We shall see what the widow's quarters reveal.

0:27:400:27:43

Oh...

0:27:480:27:49

A gift from the Duc de Cassel.

0:27:520:27:55

"With warm wishes for the Feast of the Immaculate Conception."

0:27:560:28:00

RAT SQUEAKS

0:28:000:28:02

What kind of man gives a rat as a gift?

0:28:040:28:06

Cassel...

0:28:060:28:08

I need you to be my ears in the salons.

0:28:140:28:17

Talk to your friends. I want to know what the rooms are saying.

0:28:180:28:21

Well, at the moment the only subject is Reynaud's widow.

0:28:210:28:24

She's very young, compared to him.

0:28:240:28:26

Will she inherit all of her husband's property?

0:28:260:28:28

The will declares it, the King approves of it, his fortune is hers.

0:28:280:28:31

She's popular, but doesn't speak much in public.

0:28:310:28:34

-It might be useful to discover what she says in private.

-I agree.

0:28:340:28:37

Then I shall need new clothes.

0:28:390:28:41

I must at least appear to be a woman on the rise.

0:28:440:28:46

You are doing a good job of that already.

0:28:550:28:57

FOOTSTEPS

0:29:050:29:07

HE THUDS CANE

0:29:220:29:24

Where is Thomas Beaumont?

0:29:270:29:29

The playwright. I have been searching for him endlessly.

0:29:290:29:32

I wish to make him part of my theatrical troupe.

0:29:320:29:35

Will he attend the play tonight? Where might he be found?

0:29:360:29:41

Versailles, Your Highness.

0:29:410:29:43

The King has given him a position.

0:29:430:29:45

He left this morning.

0:29:450:29:47

Oh, really?

0:30:010:30:02

HE ROARS

0:30:070:30:10

HUSHED CHATTER

0:30:110:30:13

Oh. Excuse me.

0:30:230:30:24

You will detail the life of His Majesty's court here at Versailles.

0:30:310:30:34

Focus only on the glory of the King.

0:30:340:30:37

He is the light that shines eternally in our hearts.

0:30:370:30:41

Yes, Monsieur Colbert.

0:30:410:30:42

Sire, may I present Thomas Beaumont,

0:30:580:31:03

the court historian you requested.

0:31:030:31:05

-MAN:

-Ladies and gentlemen, we are about to start.

0:31:100:31:13

Your Majesty, when the light of the sun

0:31:170:31:20

hits the glass of the mirror,

0:31:200:31:21

its particular shape and disposition

0:31:210:31:23

entreats the rays of the sun to form a common beam,

0:31:230:31:27

a focal point of light with the potential for enormous power.

0:31:270:31:30

The mirror, Sire, is you.

0:31:320:31:34

The scrap of driftwood, why, that is Holland, of course!

0:31:340:31:38

LAUGHTER

0:31:380:31:40

Now, should Your Majesty's attention

0:31:420:31:45

turn towards the republic of the Dutch, behold!

0:31:450:31:48

As Archimedes once roasted Roman ships from a promontory...

0:32:040:32:08

FIRE SIZZLES

0:32:080:32:09

ALL GASP AND MURMUR

0:32:090:32:12

APPLAUSE

0:32:150:32:19

While the sun nourishes, protects and warms us,

0:32:220:32:24

the sun is also all powerful,

0:32:240:32:26

and if he chooses, may decimate his enemies.

0:32:260:32:29

I thank you, Villette, for this timely reminder.

0:32:300:32:34

DOORS OPEN

0:32:340:32:35

-So, will you come?

-Sire...

-Oh! Let him wait his turn.

0:32:440:32:48

So, will you come with me to the cards?

0:32:500:32:52

Madame Agathe taught me a love spell and I chant it every night.

0:32:520:32:56

I think I have heard it. SHE CHUCKLES

0:32:560:32:59

-Very well. I shall hear my fortune.

-Sire, I believe...

0:32:590:33:02

Oh, Bontemps, I nearly forgot!

0:33:020:33:03

I took a bath yesterday and the olive soap was nowhere to be seen.

0:33:030:33:08

Would you be an absolute dear and order me some more from Paris?

0:33:080:33:11

My ladies just don't seem capable.

0:33:110:33:13

Give her what she wants.

0:33:190:33:20

DOORS CLOSE

0:33:200:33:22

My dear!

0:34:020:34:04

Madame Agathe!

0:34:040:34:05

You mentioned an extremely important consultation...

0:34:070:34:11

..but I did not dare dream it would be here.

0:34:130:34:16

Now, I hope you understand how vital it is

0:34:160:34:18

that he be inspired by his time with you.

0:34:180:34:21

I brought only the best for you, my dear.

0:34:210:34:25

In the time of an eclipse,

0:34:250:34:27

a deck of great power and prophecy.

0:34:270:34:30

You'll speak only of the glories you see, nothing more.

0:34:300:34:33

Just the light.

0:34:330:34:34

Yes.

0:34:340:34:36

But even in the light,

0:34:360:34:37

it is our shadows that speak the truth.

0:34:370:34:40

The glory.

0:34:430:34:45

The glory, as you say.

0:34:450:34:46

(I'm glad you understand.)

0:34:480:34:49

Just look at you.

0:34:510:34:52

-Like the blooming of a winter rose.

-FOOTSTEPS APPROACH

0:34:550:34:58

Majesty, this is such a great honour.

0:35:040:35:08

Well, Sire...

0:35:090:35:11

..please approach the table.

0:35:130:35:15

And, please...

0:35:200:35:21

..split the cards.

0:35:230:35:25

Madame Agathe is very talented in divination.

0:35:250:35:27

Then she will, no doubt, know exactly what I am about to say.

0:35:290:35:33

I cannot see your mind, Sire.

0:35:330:35:36

I see only what is on the cards.

0:35:360:35:38

I listen only to them.

0:35:380:35:40

Only they may speak the truth about your future.

0:35:410:35:44

SHE DEALS CARDS

0:35:490:35:51

The labyrinth...

0:36:170:36:19

-Is something the matter?

-What do the cards say?

0:36:210:36:24

Perhaps the decks are mixed.

0:36:240:36:29

-What do they say?

-What glories do you see?

0:36:290:36:32

I am told the content of the cards does not reflect their message,

0:36:320:36:35

isn't that right, Madame?

0:36:350:36:36

In many readings, yes.

0:36:360:36:38

But this combination of cards...

0:36:380:36:41

I...

0:36:410:36:43

I cannot lie to my king.

0:36:430:36:46

I see no glory.

0:36:460:36:47

Thank you for all the fun(!)

0:36:520:36:54

We are leaving.

0:36:540:36:56

You have seen Paradise.

0:36:590:37:01

And you have built it for yourself.

0:37:010:37:03

But now, a scourge is coming,

0:37:040:37:07

five points of the same vengeful star.

0:37:070:37:10

The well is poisoned.

0:37:100:37:12

But still you drink.

0:37:120:37:15

Hell will rise, Sire,

0:37:150:37:17

and consume all you have built.

0:37:170:37:19

The fires are coming,

0:37:190:37:21

not just for you, but for all of France.

0:37:210:37:24

Terrible things happen to kings.

0:37:240:37:27

SHE GASPS

0:37:270:37:28

SHE WHIMPERS

0:37:330:37:35

If ever, in the future, you see me under the influence of a woman

0:37:590:38:01

in matters of state, I want you to tell me directly,

0:38:010:38:05

without delay, of your concern.

0:38:050:38:07

And I vow to you, whoever that person may be,

0:38:070:38:10

she will be gone the next morning.

0:38:100:38:11

Do I have your word?

0:38:140:38:15

Until my dying day, Sire.

0:38:170:38:19

We found this in Madame de Reynaud's apartments.

0:38:310:38:34

Good work.

0:38:340:38:35

< DOOR OPENS AND CLOSES

0:38:390:38:41

This silver phial was found in your rooms.

0:39:060:39:08

Can you explain the contents?

0:39:080:39:10

I can.

0:39:110:39:13

It is powdered Satyrion root, from a rare exotic orchid.

0:39:130:39:17

At court, the ladies call it "Fountain of Youth".

0:39:170:39:20

Acquired at great expense, I might add.

0:39:200:39:22

I gave my husband just a little every day.

0:39:220:39:25

To kill him?

0:39:250:39:26

To enhance our marriage.

0:39:260:39:28

It drives the blood to the organs of pleasure.

0:39:280:39:31

Both sexes may benefit.

0:39:310:39:33

My husband found it very effective.

0:39:330:39:35

His ardour was significantly improved.

0:39:350:39:37

Sold in Paris, I presume?

0:39:400:39:42

No. I acquired it here, at court.

0:39:420:39:44

From whom?

0:39:460:39:48

Well, it depends on the circles one evolves in.

0:39:490:39:51

Some powders you may find freely available,

0:39:510:39:54

on the table, like one may find the salt.

0:39:540:39:56

But for powders of this quality, one has to ask.

0:39:560:39:59

Money passes through numerous hands, and the powders arrive.

0:39:590:40:02

RAT SCREECHES

0:40:020:40:03

You believe it is poison. I can see your doubt.

0:40:030:40:06

It is poison that killed your husband.

0:40:120:40:15

Of that I am sure.

0:40:150:40:16

Don't be ridiculous!

0:40:180:40:20

It's perfectly harmless.

0:40:200:40:22

I don't understand.

0:40:270:40:29

The Fountain of Youth, indeed(!)

0:40:290:40:31

I arrest you, Madame de Reynaud, in the name of the King.

0:40:310:40:34

Take your hands off of me!

0:40:340:40:36

Madame...

0:40:470:40:49

You may leave His Majesty and I alone.

0:40:490:40:51

DOOR OPENS AND CLOSES

0:40:580:41:01

How did you know it was me?

0:41:010:41:04

I sensed you, Sire.

0:41:050:41:07

As always.

0:41:070:41:08

If I may, before you begin...

0:41:100:41:13

The behaviour of Madame Agathe was beyond reproach.

0:41:140:41:17

The moment was only meant to temporarily divert you

0:41:170:41:20

from your troubles, just for a moment.

0:41:200:41:23

Instead, well, I feel it's driven a wedge between us.

0:41:230:41:26

Now, I know there's no way to atone for what's been done.

0:41:270:41:32

I want to offer you my sincere apologies...

0:41:320:41:35

with all of my heart, and my soul,

0:41:350:41:38

and my body...

0:41:380:41:39

..and my mind.

0:41:410:41:43

I feel a draught. You must be cold.

0:41:450:41:47

Perhaps you would care to join me?

0:41:470:41:49

Breathe the fresh air while you can, Your Majesty.

0:41:540:41:56

Now, what was it you wanted to tell me?

0:42:020:42:06

I forget.

0:42:090:42:10

DOOR OPENS

0:42:160:42:19

DOOR CLOSES

0:42:200:42:21

Is it too much? I wasn't sure.

0:42:240:42:26

Many ladies tell me of a popular volume read at court -

0:42:350:42:38

The Pleasures Of Venus.

0:42:380:42:41

It's an instruction book to help improve the quality

0:42:410:42:43

of amorous congress. HE CLEARS HIS THROAT

0:42:430:42:46

But there is a new edition that strongly advocates

0:42:460:42:48

the use of stimulants and aphrodisiacs.

0:42:480:42:51

The Widow Reynaud mentioned the same.

0:42:510:42:54

Where is she now?

0:42:550:42:57

-Under arrest.

-She poisoned him?

0:42:570:42:59

Either that...

0:43:000:43:01

or someone wishes very strongly for us to believe so.

0:43:010:43:05

I have been thinking about your brother.

0:43:150:43:17

Not recently, I hope!

0:43:180:43:20

Have you spoken to Philippe?

0:43:220:43:24

Does he have the happy news of his bride?

0:43:240:43:27

He remains at Saint-Cloud.

0:43:280:43:30

And when does he return home to Versailles?

0:43:320:43:35

I wanted to speak to you about that.

0:43:400:43:42

What about Gaspard?

0:43:530:43:55

Guillaume?

0:43:550:43:57

De Busseys?

0:43:580:44:00

Is no-one coming? Where is everyone?

0:44:010:44:03

Versailles.

0:44:040:44:05

You're not everyone.

0:44:100:44:11

It's time for you to come home.

0:44:130:44:14

I AM home.

0:44:160:44:17

This is my home. You are sitting in my home.

0:44:180:44:20

Why can't you announce yourself like a person of quality

0:44:200:44:23

or just say "bonjour" like a normal person?

0:44:230:44:26

The King has sent me to your soiree in his stead.

0:44:270:44:30

You did send him an invitation, did you not?

0:44:310:44:33

It appears I did.

0:44:390:44:40

Well...

0:44:420:44:43

..help yourself to some drinks.

0:44:450:44:47

I will find a blanket and hide until this is over.

0:44:470:44:49

Enough is enough, don't you think?

0:44:490:44:51

The past has gone.

0:44:520:44:54

Has it?

0:44:560:44:57

I believe so.

0:44:590:45:01

Has yours?

0:45:010:45:03

Tell me.

0:45:030:45:04

How is your husband?

0:45:040:45:06

-Please...!

-How is the old goat?

0:45:060:45:08

-Still a drunken lunatic?

-He remains in his lands, Your Highness.

0:45:080:45:13

-I do not see him.

-Last I heard, he held a funeral for you.

0:45:130:45:16

Buried you in the back garden.

0:45:160:45:18

You're looking very well, considering.

0:45:190:45:21

Our shadows walk alongside us, do they not?

0:45:230:45:27

Versailles has changed. Believe me. I have had a hand in it.

0:45:290:45:32

You tell yourself that.

0:45:320:45:35

Your brother listens to opinions.

0:45:350:45:37

Does he cock his ear, like so?

0:45:390:45:41

-Fixes you with his eyes?

-He hears me.

0:45:420:45:44

No. He makes you THINK that.

0:45:460:45:48

Which is, as you will find out, what makes him so very kingly

0:45:480:45:52

and it is not the same thing. At all.

0:45:520:45:54

He sent a rider to Rome two weeks ago.

0:45:560:45:58

He's agreed to make the necessary arrangements

0:45:590:46:01

for the Chevalier de Lorraine returns to France.

0:46:010:46:04

In exchange for what?

0:46:080:46:10

Oh...

0:46:130:46:14

May I just say, the King has made his list of replacements,

0:46:160:46:19

and my son's is the only credible name upon it.

0:46:190:46:23

Prepare yourselves for pleasant news.

0:46:250:46:28

I have it on good authority that the new minister's apartments

0:46:290:46:32

are nothing short of lavish.

0:46:320:46:34

ALL CHUCKLE

0:46:340:46:36

Pardon my ignorance, but isn't Monsieur de Foix

0:46:360:46:39

-a little young to be a candidate for a ministry?

-MAN:

-The King!

0:46:390:46:42

His family stretches back to the time of Clovis.

0:46:420:46:44

Please, continue.

0:46:510:46:53

MAN CHUCKLES

0:47:070:47:09

COINS JINGLE

0:47:090:47:11

There was a time when you could have bet all night

0:47:140:47:16

and not made a dent in your fortune, Cassel.

0:47:160:47:19

Alas, Sire, those days are long gone.

0:47:200:47:22

I am doomed to remain here...

0:47:230:47:26

..enjoying the fruits of your glory.

0:47:270:47:30

You do not miss your lands in the north?

0:47:300:47:33

Every day, Sire. Though I must admit,

0:47:330:47:36

the flowers are much prettier here.

0:47:360:47:39

Come to my apartments after my promenade.

0:47:440:47:47

There is a matter that I wish to discuss with you.

0:47:470:47:50

MURMURING

0:47:500:47:53

The smell of failure.

0:47:590:48:02

-Hard to wash off. Poor fellow!

-HE LAUGHS

0:48:020:48:05

MUFFLED CRIES

0:48:070:48:10

His Majesty entrusted me

0:48:130:48:15

with devising an appropriate punishment for you.

0:48:150:48:18

But what kind of pain, I asked myself,

0:48:210:48:23

would be fitting for a man who betrayed

0:48:230:48:26

the King's trust and friendship,

0:48:260:48:29

abducted his first-born,

0:48:290:48:30

and killed the woman he loved most in this world?

0:48:300:48:34

And...it struck me.

0:48:340:48:36

We are all graced by the King's favour.

0:48:380:48:42

We are blessed, every day,

0:48:430:48:46

to witness the grandeur of his creation.

0:48:460:48:49

We truly live every day in Paradise.

0:48:490:48:52

But imagine...to live under the sun

0:48:550:48:58

and not feel its warmth.

0:48:580:49:00

To know the breathless beauty of this world,

0:49:010:49:04

but not be able to look upon it ever again.

0:49:040:49:09

That...

0:49:090:49:10

That would be far from Paradise.

0:49:100:49:13

That would be pain everlasting.

0:49:160:49:18

METALLIC TAPS

0:49:180:49:20

That would be Hell.

0:49:200:49:22

HE PANTS

0:49:280:49:30

May you live long in hellfire.

0:49:400:49:42

The King's favour is no longer upon you.

0:49:450:49:47

You are no longer worthy to gaze upon his glory.

0:49:540:49:58

MUFFLED CRIES

0:50:000:50:02

HE SCREAMS

0:50:020:50:06

SIZZLING

0:50:090:50:10

HE SCREAMS IN AGONY

0:50:100:50:11

HISSING

0:50:110:50:14

-SLAP!

-Do I not bring you money,

0:50:320:50:35

and clients and riches?

0:50:350:50:36

And you defy my word before my king?

0:50:360:50:38

Do not doubt my gratitude, Madame...

0:50:390:50:42

SHE CATCHES ARM

0:50:420:50:43

I gave you a king!

0:50:430:50:46

And I have given you more.

0:50:460:50:48

Much more.

0:50:500:50:51

Once, those cards helped you win your king.

0:50:520:50:56

Showed you the way to his bed.

0:50:570:51:00

Did you doubt me then, dear heart?

0:51:000:51:03

Don't you love him now?

0:51:040:51:06

Don't you want to keep him safe?

0:51:090:51:10

What I saw in his cards could not be silenced.

0:51:130:51:17

What I saw...

0:51:170:51:19

..was a sentinel of warning.

0:51:200:51:22

And it will help you keep your king.

0:51:220:51:25

Please tell me what to do.

0:51:290:51:31

So many questions.

0:51:330:51:34

Luckily...

0:51:340:51:36

..I have a few answers.

0:51:380:51:40

SHE CLEARS HER THROAT

0:51:420:51:44

To calm your nerves, dear.

0:51:440:51:46

FOOTSTEPS APPROACH

0:51:520:51:55

I am bringing forward my invasion of Holland.

0:52:120:52:15

I will henceforth view any opposition to my plans of war

0:52:150:52:18

as an act of treason,

0:52:180:52:20

and they will be dealt with swiftly by my new Minister For Justice...

0:52:200:52:24

..the Duc de Cassel!

0:52:250:52:27

FOOTSTEPS APPROACH

0:52:270:52:29

A blessing, Bossuet, if you please.

0:52:420:52:45

BOSSUET CLEARS HIS THROAT

0:52:450:52:48

HE READS BLESSING IN LATIN

0:52:530:52:57

Amen.

0:53:120:53:13

ALL: Amen.

0:53:130:53:15

ROHAN COUGHS

0:53:430:53:45

HE GASPS

0:53:470:53:49

INAUDIBLE BLESSING

0:53:510:53:53

HE WHIMPERS

0:53:530:53:55

In case I don't see you, have a lovely Christmas.

0:53:550:53:58

HE PANTS

0:54:000:54:02

HE ROARS, WET SLICING

0:54:050:54:06

BODY SLUMPS

0:54:060:54:07

CROWS CAW

0:54:070:54:09

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