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Dear Mother...

After a few days rest in Lisbon, I return to Madrid.

I'm happy and was proud

seeing our flag fluttering over the Azores Islands

after our Armada's glorious victory

over France's mercenaries.

Our victory was almost as pleasant as sharing the loot.

I had never seen such wealth

and generosity amongst soldiers.

I return with my pockets full and in good disposition.

With my savings, you might get to live as you deserve.

I promised you that as a boy

and I've never forgotten.

Mother, I pray for your health

and for your prompt recovery.

God bless you.

Love, your son, Lope.

MADRID END OF THE 16th CENTURY.

Lope de Vega, you son of a bitch!

What is it?

The poem you wrote for my wife.

Didn't you like it?

Sorry, but I can't give your money back.

Why do you mention her birthmark?

What birthmark?

The birthmark on her back.

Women like it when we remember these things.

But how do you know she has one?

All women have one on their back.

And her skin? Her hair?

And her panting when...

I feel like I'm with her every time they read it to me.

Are you sure you don't know my wife?

How would I know her?

I just pictured her as you described.

You're fiendish, Lope.

Just in case...

Take it to the Marquis.

Nice horse!

How much did your master pay for it?

Lope!

Nice seeing you.

You look great. No one would say you were in a war.

I was and I don't intend to go back.

Nothing justifies what I saw there.

Have you seen your mother?

I can't see her with these clothes.

Should I cry or worry?

You have access to the Marquis' dressing room.

Now I'm worried.

Lope! Lope!

Lope!

Lope, my son!

Finally!

How are you, son?

I'm in one piece, Mother.

Where's the chest father brought from Valladolid?

Your hands are so rough.

Don't you get any help around here?

Times are tough.

Your brother-in-law runs the business,

and there's not much left.

Don't worry.

You will live as a Marquise for the rest of your life.

Thank you.

Lope.

You didn't exaggerate in your letters.

I can't complain.

I'm so glad to see you two together again.

God knows I've prayed for this.

You must have a lot to tell me.

I'm referring to sins.

Here. We have a lot of work to do.

Your mother has spent many hours with patients.

I pray for her recovery.

What will you do with your life now?

I know what I don't want.

But neither what I do want nor where.

Have you considered a religious life?

Your restlessness might be a sign from God.

Salcedo succeeded at the theater.

Now he works under Jeronimo Velazquez,

a plasterer who spends part of his earnings on the theater.

Development, that's where money lies.

Watch it!

I'm sorry. Please accept my apologies.

Lope!

Lope de Vega?

How's your mother?

Don't you know who I am?

Isabel.

Isabel?

You wouldn't remember.

Of course I do.

Isabel de Urbina.

I hadn't recognized you.

How was the Armada?

Your mother read me some of your letters.

She thinks you'll become an Admiral.

Mother has high hopes for me.

I'm done with the Army.

I don't intend to leave Madrid again.

I'm glad.

This is not a place to socialize.

I'm off to the pharmacy.

I hadn't seen her in years.

What is she doing here?

Driving her family crazy.

Her father wants her married soonest.

Friar Bernardo! Friar Bernardo...

Lope... son...

How will you pay for the funeral? With your nails?

I don't know yet.

But our mother deserves the funeral of a lady.

What will they say if we bury her as...

As what? As what we are?

We are what people think we are.

You're such a dreamer.

You're old enough to come down to earth.

It's here.

Are you sure you want to go in?

I need money.

I'm touched by your noble cause

but I need guarantees.

Only pirates sign deals like that.

That's why they never break'em.

Trust is a big part of my business.

I'll pay, you have my word.

Words...

You have nice ears.

Take good care of them. We get one pair in life.

Whose crest is that?

Ours.

Our mother's family's, the Carpios.

Mother never had one.

She does now.

Here.

Thank your actors.

I almost believed you were our relatives from Cantabria.

Lady, if you're not buying, just leave it!

I can't help it. I hate seeing people touching her belongings.

We're selling everything on account of the funeral.

It's father's quill.

Do you mind if I keep it?

Do as you please.

Come with me to Lisbon.

I don't want to go back to war.

I need to breathe the Court's air.

Women here look even prettier.

You're just like our father.

I feel sorry for whoever falls for you.

When are you leaving?

Next week.

I'll miss you.

Think about it.

You could join my Battalion in Lisbon.

What do you say, brother?

"As for your wife, son,"

"that whore cheats on you with the tavern keeper."

"And I'd say she caught the clap."

We can't tell him that.

On the front, he needs reasons to return home.

Imagine what it would do to him.

He might sacrifice himself.

God forbids!

We'll say she misses him

and is looking forward to embracing him.

He'll find out the truth upon his return.

Lope!

Let's go.

You'll have your letter tomorrow.

If you don't like it, I'll rewrite it.

Wait here.

I have to deliver a message from the Marquis.

as silence precedes thunder

with calm skies and soft clouds.

The wind changes and the storm breaks.

Make yourself useful. Take those swords to the stage.

Most of all the end!

Lope... Lope!

I was worried.

You've been here for two days without eating.

I didn't have time.

I have to finish this comedy and take it to Velazquez.

Are you wasting your talent on comedies?

Are these your husband's words?

You're saying women can't think for themselves?

Of course not.

I'm sorry.

Maria, you have no idea how it feels to be backstage.

Eat... you fool.

Wait here.

Mr. Velazquez cannot see you.

You may leave your comedies.

And you?

Tell your master Don Felix Lope de Vega y Carpio wants to see him.

Did you hear me?

Mr. Jeronimo won't see anyone.

I heard you perfectly well. I'll wait.

Sir, Mr. Velazquez's orders

- were clear. - Tell him Don Lope de Vega

- has a new comedy... - Listen,

Don Lope de Fucking-Vega.

You can either go nicely or the hard way.

You will have to throw me out.

Roque! Amezcua!

What is it? Who are you?

Milady, excuse me. I'm Lope de Vega.

- I have a comedy for... - Don't waste your time.

He doesn't read comedies he hasn't commissioned.

- Milady, I beg... - Throw him out!

Who do you think you are, you arrogant hen?

Elena Osorio, the daughter of Velazquez,

the rooster here!

Get out!

Eyes of such grace and beauty

that would make the sun envious and color the sky

and if sapphires are naturally frosty

how come they ignite with your chaste light?

Wait.

Why does such modest demeanor by a veil of coyness adorned

elicit a desire that defeats what platonic love seeks?

Look without fear, treacherous eyes

your venomous look has kept away many a fearful.

You kill of love

yet know not love

full of venom and more tyrannical than Nero

for you burn the world.

Wait here.

Every man in this Court thinks he can write comedies.

You can read it or not

but you'll be sorry if you don't.

Please read ten pages, that's all.

All right.

Someone I trust assures me of your talent.

I'll give you an opportunity.

Why don't you copy this comedy?

You will make some money although

by your attire, you hardly need any.

And you'll learn the techniques.

Nothing like studying other people's work to learn.

Milady, how can I thank you?

Just appreciate the favor my father granted you.

But he hired me as a copyist.

Be patient. He likes people to beg.

It won't work.

- But the changes do. - Salcedo,

don't tell me how things work in theater.

Is that clear? Rehearsal is over. Enough.

I said rehearsal is over.

What are you looking at?

How dare you?

I hired you to copy this comedy not to change it!

Who do you think you are?

- I just... - You were to copy it!

Read my changes...

I alone make changes.

- Is that clear? - I wanted to bring life to it.

Who are you to correct a master? Just leave!

I beg you to read the new scenes.

It's not just the scenes. It's everything!

You want to change the settings

to dress up characters as true legionnaires.

Passion,

and two actors suffice for a play.

But Lope

wants swords, armors, spears... You want...

Rome, don't you?

Excuse me.

Where are you going? What is this?!

I want comedies to be more lifelike,

with characters more like us,

suffering and laughing.

How can you have women telling jokes

halfway through a tragedy?

Don Jeronimo,

in real life, laughter and tears go together.

Yes, but...

Let the actors read it out loud once.

If you don't like it...

Our comedies have been criticized lately.

Salcedo, you know it's Porres' men.

No, they have also been criticized.

Audiences are tired of the same old thing.

Here's a chance to offer them

something new.

Can't you see this goes against theater rules?

What rules? Times change.

Why obstruct one's imagination?

That's all nonsense.

Audiences wouldn't understand,

and such are the rules. Especially

because this comedy belongs to me.

It's mine.

Please, Don Jeronimo,

give him a chance.

All right.

I'll read it carefully and try to make sense of it.

But it's the last time you take liberties

with one of my poets.

Yes, sir.

So, gentlemen,

go on.

Texts!

Are you happy now, poet?

Happy?

He was about to throw me out.

Hardly.

You impressed him.

Thank you.

Filis contemplated alone, at midnight

a candle whilst she worked under its flame

for a white moth flirted around it.

She took it in her fair hands and said with envy:

What attracts your eyes,

seduced by this light?

Your mouth, your kisses, relishing with delight?

Come watch the new comedy by...

Don Jeronimo Velazquez's company:

The Siege of Numantia,

by poet Miguel Cervantes y Saavedra.

Ladies and gentlemen...

Lope!

- You made it! - Only to wish you luck.

The Marquis needs me.

It's high time you returned his clothes.

Isabel? I'm glad to see you.

I'd never miss the debut of your first play.

Mine? I just mended it.

For a mender, you are quite popular.

Don't trust all people say.

If I had, I'd never see you again.

Good luck.

Help me, Lope.

Don't be silly, You're at the theater.

Here.

You've worked miracles with the comedy.

You're a genius, Lope.

Raise your front, Romans.

You've heard of the unique bravery of Numantia's men and women.

Never has the Earth seen such a feat.

Children of forthcoming centuries will drink to its bravery

and will turn Spain into a strong nation

that will conquer the world one day!

Get out!

Out!

You get out.

We know you work for Porres!

Aren't you celebrating?

That's for your father and the cast.

They won't miss me.

How about you?

I told them I'm unwell.

Women can say that with no further questions.

But why did you?

Because I missed you.

Be patient, Lope.

It's too soon for Madrid to discover your talent.

I could never have dreamed of such an end.

Who said this is the end?

Unfasten me.

Take me.

Sweet Filis, if you wait for me,

I beg you to change

for it's too much of a tease, for, in fact, too little.

If you trust my love, soothe its flames

and if you belittle my fire,

do not feed it with favors.

It's not right for you to ignite me

without a favor once in a while

for it's too much of a tease, for, in fact,

too little.

Finally! Where were you?

The bookseller's house is far and I was loaded.

- Has anyone seen you? - No.

Or we'd be in trouble.

"Metamorphosis!"

Why won't they let me read it?

It must be heresy.

Here's something else.

What is it?

Poems by your friend Lope.

They began to print them.

Save it. They sell out fast.

"To Filis..."

Who's Filis?

Young Lope-y!

Some say you'll revolutionize Drama.

Mr. Jeronimo Velazquez wastes his money.

Who are you to mix tragedy and comedy?

They're envious.

Excuse me. Mr. Lope de Vega?

Yes, and you are Don Gaspar de Porres.

I've heard about how you've revised Cervantes' comedy.

Cast members say it's quite original.

Actors tend to exaggerate.

It seems you have ideas of your own.

Have you written any comedies?

Yes, a few.

May I read one?

I might be interested in producing it.

Thank you, but I have a deal with Mr. Velazquez

and I won't betray his trust.

You're an honorable man.

Let me know if that changes some day.

Gentlemen...

Why did you say that?

Velazquez makes you work as a copyist

and doesn't pay you enough.

He'll hear about this

and, hopefully, he will change his mind.

He or his daughter?

Stop!

All right.

Take whatever you want.

Come on. You know why we're here.

- But I... - We're here on Calero's behalf

and we can't leave empty-handed.

If you don't have any money, one of your ears will do.

Wait.

Wait a minute.

This is just a first payment.

Take it to Calero with my respects.

A magnificent weapon, there's no other like it.

Powder guns have no future.

I was looking forward to meeting you, Lope.

Claudio speaks highly of your talent.

He's my friend, he exaggerates.

I've heard you were a soldier.

Try it.

I favor swords.

And verses. Everyone recites them.

Go on. Shoot.

I told you I favored swords.

Has Claudio told you what I need?

Poems to win over a hesitant lady's heart.

Exactly.

God has granted me no talent for poetry.

Only money to buy someone else's.

To talent!

And a long association.

In this empty lot, we will build our new theater.

The largest in Madrid.

Look at the blueprints.

All finishings

in oak wood.

Have you read my work yet?

It's powerful, vibrant but far from ready

to be staged.

Tell me what I should rewrite.

It's all too fast,

too many changes.

Audiences can't follow so many changes.

We must proceed slowly.

Someone else might want to produce my comedies.

Do you recognize this document?

Here's my offer:

I'll pay up your debt.

In return, you'll write for me only.

When you've delivered five plays,

I deem worthy, we'll be even.

I don't think so.

God be with you.

You should take this back to its owner.

The Marquis wouldn't want to see his jewelry

passed around like that.

Again?

Are you insane?

You're here to assist us, not for fun.

He's teaching me self-defense.

They're not mutually excludent.

I agree.

Her father should agree not you.

Back to work.

Great class, Lope.

What were you thinking? Here of all places?

Or were you celebrating the play's success?

You had a big part in it.

Tell Velazquez.

He won't produce my plays.

I gave him three already, with no feedback.

And I should talk to him? Forget it.

His daughter is the only one he listens to.

Speaking of her...

Kneel down for confession.

Here?

A place as good as any for God's forgiveness.

Kneel down.

Her husband has been overseas for three years,

that's why you haven't met him.

I'm warning you.

If her father finds out you will be in serious trouble.

He's tried to match her with powerful rich men

but she has turned them all down.

He won't accept a poor poet winning her heart.

Is there anything else?

No.

Well, then.

As penance,

you'll assist us here, Tuesdays and Thursdays, from 6am to 3pm.

What's wrong?

Why didn't you tell me you're married?

You knew I'd find out.

Wait! Wait!

I thought you already knew.

So what?

Will I have to share you with him?

Please, please...

Forget that, please. My husband isn't here.

Only the two of us. Enjoy the present.

It's fleeting.

Indeed. Next thing I know, your husband's back.

Then what?

We'll hide for the rest of our lives?

Who knows how long it will last?

Forget my husband.

I suppose you don't care to know

that my father's producing one of your comedies.

My tears, my verses, my sighs

against oblivion and time will be safe.

Against oblivion and time...

I thought we were invited.

Don't get confused.

We're in a different league. We're the audience.

rise to the splendid sky where...

where the purest spirits lie.

If he can't learn it, he'll embarrass me.

It's like throwing pearls to pigs.

Isabel?

The quill and the tongue, answering in unison

long to rise to the splendid sky

where the purest spirits lie.

Among such richness and treasures

my tears, my verses, my sighs

against oblivion and time

will be safe.

Good morning.

I mean, good afternoon, everyone.

Hi, Ramon.

Hello.

- You look better. - Thank you.

Maybe her visit helps.

It's the poet!

What are you doing here?

Penance for my sins.

Though now penance looks more like a reward.

You're never short of pleasantries.

I saw you at the Marquis' party yesterday.

You didn't greet me.

I wasn't among the main guests.

What were you doing among feathers?

The Marquis is a friend of my family.

He seemed smitten with you.

He is very pleasant.

And powerful.

So I've heard. I don't know.

Good God!

- Can I please eat? - I'm sorry, Ramon.

He's set your pulse racing.

Excuse me.

Would you let me finish?

Isabel

from the arrival of the rosy dawn

until old Atlas hides the day

my eyes cry out, as profusely as

the bright sun that gilds the mountains.

And from the moment the cold night

lazily emerges from chaos

until it returns again to Venus

I cry over your sternness, Milady.

It's beautiful.

It must have cost you a fortune.

I'm glad you like it.

The Marquis is a generous funder.

He's truly in love.

Do you think she will give in?

I hope not. Or he'll be done with me.

Once he wins her over, there'll be no more verses.

That's how men are.

Gifts and verses until you get what you want.

- Then... - Not me.

I've filled Madrid with verses dedicated to you.

Love is so surprising, since I met you...

I can't stay away.

I gave you my soul, now I'm a prisoner of my body.

Everyone recites them,

though they ignore who I wrote them for.

Is she beautiful?

- Who? - The maiden. Is she beautiful?

Yes, she is.

I bet. To inspire such verses.

They are signed by the Marquis. He pays, I write them.

So you write things you don't feel?

When I write for the Portuguese, I feel what he does.

You have an answer to everything.

Mr. Tomas de Perrenot, honor us with your presence.

Isabel!

Isabel!

This is Isabel de Urbina.

I've been hoping to win her hand.

The Marquis' taste is as exquisite

in choosing his bride-to-be.

Lope!

Lope! Come here!

Lope, this is Don Tomas de Perrenot.

Lope de Vega.

The Marquis has nothing but praise for you.

Says you're the best poet in Spain.

The Marquis is too kind.

His poems are recited everywhere.

I'd be so honored.

You might get him to reveal who Filis is.

She must be flattered.

Milady Isabel cannot complain either.

You've written her beautiful poems.

I've just recently written a few.

Go on.

The Marquis will recite a few verses!

From the arrival of the rosy dawn

until old Atlas hides the day

my eyes cry out, as profusely as

the bright sun that gilds the mountains.

And from the moment

the cold night lazily emerges from chaos

until it returns again to Venus.

I cry over your sternness, Milady.

So neither the night comes to my rescue

nor can the day soothe or amuse me

and I'm in the middle of such extremes.

My life flies

time races by

and while my faith in you is intact

in silence, beams shine so switfly.

How did you like it?

Lovely.

I wrote that one last night.

It's fresh from the oven.

And you, Mr. Lope?

Don't you have any verses for us?

I wouldn't dare, Milady, that's the Marquis' honor.

Don't make us beg.

How about a sonnet?

You're showing him up.

This is as hard for him as for anyone else.

We, poets, want to make it look like divine inspiration.

Milady wants a sonnet?

Would you like a sonnet now?

Yes.

Never in my life have I faced such a fix

14 lines make up a sonnet

with tongue in cheek, I have spun 3.

I never thought I'd even make sense

now I'm halfway of another quatrain.

But if I see myself in the first tercet

nothing in the quatrains will stop me.

Now I'm in the first tercet

and, apparently, on the right foot.

And with this verse, I end it.

Now in the second, I suspect

13 verses I've completed.

Count if there are 14, and there you have it.

You're an ingenious man.

You almost have fooled us.

What do you mean?

It's obvious you had memorized poems beforehand.

You're calling me a fraud?

Don't take offense.

I just want to warn the lady

of your dishonest tricks.

Mr. Perrenot..., I.

Proceed to refute every word Ensuring here my defense.

Rebutting these allegations.

Reclaiming my own talent.

Easily perceived in my verses.

Notwithstanding being on the spot.

Or perhaps not fast enough.

Take the first letter of each line.

Now tell me if I had it memorized.

Excuse me.

I want audiences to feel they're in the New World.

I need a bigger stage.

I can talk to the carpenters

but Velazquez won't pay for it.

And I want Indians,

real Indians from Seville.

For the sake of realism.

Real Indians! Are you crazy?

Use painted men. This is Drama, not real life!

Elena, Don Tomas, this way.

Salcedo!

Company!

Lope!

Don Tomas,

I'd like to introduce you to.

Lope de Vega, a talented young poet.

Lope, Your Lordship Don Tomas Perrenot.

We've met. He's shown me his poetic verve.

You must be a threat to the company's actresses.

Friar Bernardo.

You, too, have met.

Don Tomas has been generous to our charity.

Will you excuse me? I have to direct the actors.

Let me show you our new facilities.

It's for you.

Just a moment.

I know everything. Now I know who I should love.

I need to see you.

Isabel.

Not like this.

Not like this.

Excellent! Amazing!

This comedy is filled with new ideas

of unknown feelings from life,

from a life unknown to me, yet life, nonetheless.

He's a talented young man.

He could become the greatest.

Listen to the opening of this scene.

Try it. It's from the mountains.

Are you worried?

Are you?

Me?

No, why?

Perhaps the letter you received yesterday.

That letter...

It was Navas'.

Right.

Does the Marquis send petals in his letters?

It was from her, wasn't it? Isabel de Urbina.

Is she in love with you?

Women are not stupid.

She knows those verses are not Navas'.

She fell in love with the verses, hence with you.

What are you saying?

It's not your fault.

You fell under the spell of your own words

and fantasy became reality.

You fell for your verses.

But you must come down to earth.

You'll never have her.

She'll soon marry the Marquis, thanks to you.

Stop dreaming.

- We can be happy. - How?

Hiding from everyone?

Let's elope.

Let's go to France, Italy, America!

If you loved me, you wouldn't ask me that.

You only think of yourself.

How can we leave everything?

That's not what life is about. We can carry on.

Any children we had wouldn't carry my name,

your father brings lovers into your bed.

How dare you talk about my father

after all he's done for you?

He's producing your comedy.

Be glad for what you have.

You can't have it all.

But I want it all!

Don't wish for what you can't have.

The present is all we have.

So I won't waste another minute.

Where are you going?

Mr. Velazquez is unavailable.

- He will see me. - Leave him!

Let him in.

I hope this intrusion is justifiable.

It is.

I'm here to terminate our work relationship.

You signed this document.

Yes, it's my signature.

You agreed to hand me five comedies

suitable to be staged.

What do you want?

I'm slaving, trying to make a living

writing one play after another!

So it's a matter of money.

- Let's talk money. - It's not money!

That's not why you're here?

So what do you want to talk about?

Dignity and freedom.

You laugh at me, mock my words.

You're a procurer who respects no one!

What would you expect

from one who sells his own daughter to the highest bidder?

But she's no whore.

She chooses whose bed she'll hop in.

- Our partnership is over. - Absolutely not.

We will keep rehearsing. Do you know why?

People want to see a comedy by Lope

and business always comes first.

You will go on writing for me

until you fulfill your commitment.

And don't even think about coming back here

or getting close to my daughter ever again.

That's for her to decide.

What have you done?

What have you done?

You turned me into a whore.

What does it matter his opinion?

He knows everything.

We can live wherever we choose.

Elena,

you heard him. Go and live with him.

Go and live with this miserable poet!

Is that what you want?

Tell him!

Tell him that's what you want.

Go away.

I don't ever want to see you again.

- Elena... - Out!

Enough's been said. Get out!

Before I throw you out myself.

Elena

go freshen up.

We are expecting Don Tomas Perrenot.

I'm not the one who turns you into a whore.

He does.

Thank you.

A LADY

THOUGH SHE WON'T CONFESS IT

IS FOR SALE

What did I do wrong?

You're being unfair, father.

What did I do wrong?

How was I disrespectful?

How can you be so unreasonable?

You humiliated the Marquis of Navas

and compromised your honor

with this silly comedy writer who's fooled you.

I have done nothing wrong,

nothing I wouldn't do in your presence.

I know.

But things are not always as they really are

but as people think they are.

I have to decide what to do with you.

Don't leave your room.

You son of a bitch! And I loved your mother as my own.

You had to do it!

Isabel de Urbina turned down the Marquis.

She says she's in love with you. Navas is after you.

I know Urbina, he'll send Isabel to a convent.

There's nothing else to be done.

What have you done?

- Where is she? - She won't see you.

She knows about you and Elena.

- How did she find out? - What do you think?

Elena told her herself.

She doesn't think too highly of you right now.

You picked the worst enemies:

Velazquez, Navas and Perrenot.

Be careful.

The Conquest of the New World by poet Felix Lope de Vega y Carpio.

Come to watch the great new comedy...

It's show time.

Right, sir.

I beg your silence

for some 3-odd hours.

Listen if you're discreet

if you're stupid, be quiet.

Astonishing!

Finally, the land of my dreams.

Father, pass me the Cross.

It will be the beacon that will brighten up the New World.

We'll place it right here.

- Kneel down! - Here, on the sand?

How about in the woods?

Bartolome,

for God's sake!

Imagine you understand them.

Remember this is the year 1492.

The two worlds

do not share even the same alphabet.

Only then will you truly experience this moment.

Who are you?

Such handsome men.

Where is Lope? I haven't seen him.

Shush! Focus on the play.

For Castilla and Leon,

Columbus discovered the New World!

His honor is ours.

Let's baptize

the first vassals Columbus brought

in a great feat he attained

praised from Castilla and Leon

to the far corners of Spain!

And thus ends the story

of the conquest of the New World.

It's Lope!

It's Lope!

Allow me to read some verses

I dedicate to Don Jeronimo Velazquez

and his honored daughter,

Elena de Osorio.

And Mr. Perrenot,

his partner in such honorable business.

There's a lady for sale...

Make your bids, if you'd like to buy her.

The seller is her own father,

though he won't confess it.

He wants 30 ducats

and a cut of taffeta or pure silk.

Throw him out.

Throw him out! Out!

Bailiff, arrest that man!

Out!

- Are you crazy? - Leave me, Salcedo.

Are you crazy, Lope?

You've gone mad.

Venancia!

Give me one minute, then call anyone.

Enough of nice words.

Fooling is your business.

I never fooled you. Believe me.

If you don't believe me, scream.

And if I don't?

I'll know you forgave me.

You won't ever see me again.

But first promise me you will marry the Marquis.

Don't ruin your life.

Now I should scream

and have them kill you like a dog!

This is not you.

Or is it?

What are you doing?

Getting dressed. I'm coming with you.

I'm going to Lisbon to join the Armada.

I'll get to see the ocean.

Are you crazy?

Only whores go aboard.

I'll... be your whore.

That's all I needed. Do you know what can happen?

Lope

you opened your cage and mine, too.

Now you want to fly away

and leave me here?

You can't be that cruel.

I know you better than yourself.

You came here for me.

There's no more food left.

We'll get there tomorrow.

It's not much longer now.

What will we eat?

I don't know.

Pardon me.

Where's Juan de Vega?

He's... at the recruiting desk.

Juan!

Juan de Vega!

Isabel?

What have you done?

- What do you mean? - You don't know?

- I've had problems. - Problems?

The Marquis of Navas, the magistrate Urbina,

Tomas de Perrenot and his uncle, Cardinal Granvela

accuse you of disrespecting a reputable family

and of kidnapping a maiden.

There is a warrant for your arrest.

I'm sorry I got you into this fix.

You're the one in a fix.

Perrenot is in town.

Your only option is to board a ship.

Once aboard, your crimes don't count.

That's what I had in mind.

And I'll ask the King's pardon, when I return.

If you return.

I did once.

Your boat will be ready by dawn.

Don't let anyone see you.

Lope...

Do you know what might befall me?

I know, brother. I certainly do.

We have to go.

Already?

It's almost sunrise.

You didn't sleep.

You wrote all night?

It's my best work ever.

Sorry it's all I can give you.

But whatever happens...

What?

You're out of words...

Lope!

Lope de Vega! What are you doing here, you darn poet?

Sorry, I'm in a rush.

It's Lope!

The finest Spanish poet.

Once aboard, they can't touch you.

I owe you one.

- And Isabel? - I'm going with him.

No. Take care of her, Juan.

Don't leave me here, Lope.

Have you seen the women on these ships?

Yes, I have.

- Please, Lope. - I'm sorry.

- I won't allow it. - I have to.

No, Isabel!

Wait for me. I promise I'll come back.

Here. Take it to Porres.

He'll give you 500 for it. It's good work.

Promise you'll be back!

Come on!

Let's go! Come on!

Promise you'll be back!

Promise me...

Stop!

Your sword.

Lope de Vega,

we have a warrant for your arrest.

It's up to you, Lope.

Turn yourself in, or your brother will pay.

Lope de Vega...

What am I accused of?

One count of libel against Mr. Jeronimo Velazquez

and his daughter.

And the kidnapping and rape of Isabel de Urbina.

I won't let you insult my husband.

Don Lope is my husband before God.

He promised to marry me with this ring.

Stop the wagon.

Stop the wagon.

Stop the wagon!

My Lord, I thought I'd never see you again.

Friar Bernardo.

Let me have some. God bless you.

Easy...

How can you treat him like that?

He's no animal, no murderer.

He's the poet Lope de Vega!

While you were gone, Salcedo produced your comedies

and people are crazy about them.

Let's move on!

You have to be strong.

Come on!

We'll get you out.

I promise.

Who are you?

Say something or I'll presume it's Death

that's here to take my measurements.

It is Death indeed.

Why are you here? To behold my misery?

So look and enjoy.

It may well be your last chance.

I'm facing penalty in the galleys

and few men come back.

It's not my fault. You asked for it.

I loved you. We could have been happy.

As what?

A slave to your father and your secret lover?

I'm not free like you. Can't you see?

You've made your choice.

I've always loved you.

I'm sorry, but you were unfair to me.

You stabbed me with your words.

You have no idea of how I felt.

You know how I felt? Did you put yourself in my shoes?

Do you know how I've been living?

I said, no visitors allowed.

Just give him this.

If it's for writing, you know he can't...

I can't.

Please.

Would you give this to him?

If he can't write, he'll lose his mind.

Please.

The accused didn't treat the Velazquez family properly.

But is it fair for a moment of weakness,

an act of sorrow and despair,

to sentence the poet who's admired by the whole of Madrid?

Scarcely, Your Honor.

I beg for your mercy

and ask for the accused

a proportional sentence to the offence.

Three months labor

at the San Gines Hospital.

I pass the floor to the prosecution.

In view of the records,

the aggravating circumstances and the evidence shown,

I plead for the maximum penalty

as an example and warning

for anyone who might consider

vilifying an honorable family.

As well as offending the honored vassals

of Our Catholic Majesty.

Therefore,

I plead for

a sentence of five years of imprisonment

to be served in the galleys.

I have carefully heard both parties.

It undoubtedly is a serious crime

that goes against

what is most sacred to us all:

One's honor.

I'll now retire and deliberate.

I shall announce my decision this afternoon.

You may come in.

Excuse me, Your Honor.

Can you spare me a few minutes?

What is this about?

After grave consideration,

taking into account the case presented here,

I declare the accused,

Felix Lope de Vega y Carpio,

guilty on all counts.

I therefore sentence him to eight years...

Silence or I'll have the Court evacuated!

I sentence the accused

to eight years of penal exile,

in which, he shall not return to this town

with a two years minimum

banishment from the Kingdom of Castilla.

Any violation of these terms

will result in the death penalty.

Silence! I'll evacuate the room!

To swoon, to dare, to be furious

coarse, gentle, liberal,

elusive,

cheerful, mortal,

dead, alive,

loyal, a traitor, a coward, courageous.

To not stray from righteousness

to look happy, sad, humble,

proud,

fierce, valiant,

fugitive,

satisfied, offended, suspicious.

To turn away to obvious disillusion

to drink poison as fine liquor

forget the gain, love the pain

to believe Heaven fits into Hell

to give one's life heart and soul

to disillusion...

That's love.

And who's tasted it, knows it.

Lope de Vega,

called by El Quijote's author, "Monster of Nature"

wrote over 4,000 poems, and 800 plays

being the most prolific author of all time.

He fathered 14 children and died at the age of 73.

English Version: Monika Pecegueiro do Amaral