Original subtitles

Why have I never noticed this before?

Is he not the very spit and image of Uncle Ross?

My child is due in December. I'd prefer it to be born in November.

I shall make up a medicine

to produce a living child in the manner you desire.

I will have you expelled from parliament!

Will you, George?

And how will you manage that?

Promise me you won't go after George.

I couldn't bear to have the feud stoked up again.

Both of us have been afflicted by the loss of our daughter.

Our abiding love for each other will mend what has been broken.

[SHE SCREAMS]

You have a daughter.

Do you not think there be more to life than carnal love?

Be my wife in name only, I'll never ask you for more.

Why is it so dark, George? I'm afraid of the dark.

Do not be afraid, my love.

Elizabeth is dead.

Go! See what we have brought her to!

Why would I want any of this

if she is not here to share it with me?

Elizabeth was your first love.

But not my last.

I made that choice long ago.

And I.

They had no chance.

By the time we arrived, it was all over.

Any other survivors?

None.

And if you lose this one, you'll have me to answer to.

I'll do my best, colonel.

Stay with us, friend.

You're a mad fool, but we need mad fools here!

Colonel Despard...

Ensign Poldark.

I think you'll find you're Captain Poldark now.

Stitch him up, Enys.

His war's not over yet.

You've got an hour.

Thank you.

Those who would help cannot.

Those who could help will not.

Perhaps this one will.

Will he remember?

He'll remember.

Valentine?

Bessie, go and fetch the boy.

I won't go.

I won't, I won't.

I don't want to go to Truro.

That's enough.

Drive on!

There's someone waiting for you.

Geoffrey Charles.

Geoffrey Charles, where have you been?

We've missed you.

Aunt Demelza!

So dull, being an orphan.

No home, no funds, no estate.

No Mama to complain to.

You have us.

Don't think I'm not grateful.

But now, having only myself to please...

...I think I shan't return to Harrow

nor go on to Oxford.

I shall look to make my own way in the world.

And go where?

The new Military Academy at Great Marlow.

I thought to enrol as a cadet.

Which will require considerable funds.

No!

I swear, I'll starve before I take a penny from that man.

We'll see.

Wheal Plenty.

Yes?

Nicknamed Wheal Scarcity since you savaged wages.

Was that wise?

Why should we pay more for labour when we can get it for less?

When was the last time you entertained?

I've no taste for company.

Captain Ross Poldark and Mr Geoffrey Charles Poldark.

How are you, George?

Positively joyous.

As befits a man shortly to be ennobled by the king.

So it is true, you quit Trenwith?

Mm. Without a backward glance.

For all I care, it can rot where it stands.

Well, in that case...

It can tolerate some neglect till Geoffrey Charles comes of age.

Speaking of which, your stepson has decided to leave Harrow

and train for the military.

Well, I wish him a speedy bullet!

And I wish you a...

As you know, his father left him without capital.

There was, I believe, an undertaking from you to provide for him

until he came of age.

A spoiled brat who makes no effort to disguise his loathing?

Why would I lay out a penny for him?

Because you loved his mother.

Get out.

George, I sympathise more than you know.

If you dislike the military, I have another suggestion,

Wheal Leisure.

Wheal Leisure?

The boy once demonstrated an interest in mining.

Perhaps he could revive her fortunes?

We both know she was never worked out.

Take this as my final word.

Wheal Leisure...

...will never again be a Poldark mine.

[HE RINGS BELL]

Remove these persons from my house.

[CHATTER AND LAUGHTER]

A toast...

...to this house.

And to my mother...

...Elizabeth.

To Elizabeth.

To Elizabeth!

Elizabeth.

And to my father, and Aunt Agatha,

and all who bear the Poldark name, past and present.

ALL: To Poldarks, past and present.

And to the king!

Soon to be honoured by meeting Sir George.

What's the king done to deserve it?

Here's to the new century.

What do it hold for us?

The Royal College of Surgeons has invited me to join their ranks.

And their inaugural dinner in London.

Which Caroline has declined.

Horace prefers summer in Cornwall.

Well, I shall join you.

I have friends in London.

And I must try to persuade the Academy to hold my place

until I can beg, steal or borrow funds.

Speaking of begging, may I ask a favour?

Will you look in here from time to time?

Light a fire?

Put winter primroses in the window?

If you wish it so.

I wish it.

This is a Poldark house.

Keep it safe for us, please.

So strong and full of life.

Elizabeth.

So cruel to have her snatched away.

Childbirth can be hazardous.

So can motherhood.

One thing I guarantee...

...you will not share her fate.

I pity Geoffrey Charles.

The loss of his mother...

He'll recover.

Now he's found a way forward.

Or at least, a distraction.

Life must go forward.

Nothing is constant.

Except me.

Except you.

And sometimes, perhaps, I take that for granted.

I think perhaps you do.

Sometimes you give me grief.

Sometimes you give the like to me!

But...

...for better or for worse...

...in contentment or...

...or in strife...

...nothing in my life has meaning without you.

Nor mine without you.

And no matter what the future brings...

...and what may come between us...

...that you can rely on.

[KNOCK AT DOOR]

Forgive me, the London coach was early.

I came here directly.

My husband bid me bring this letter.

He said I should warn you,

if you take on his case, it may be the rashest thing you ever do.

My name is Catherine Despard.

Ned's wife?

He said you'd remember.

Show me the letter.

"Dear friend, I hesitate to appeal to you,

"the task being perilous and uncertain.

"But I am desperate and you are my last hope."

So, erm...

...your husband, he know'd mine...

In America.

When yours came home, mine went on to fight on the Spanish Main.

Was much decorated, then made governor.

- How... How did you come to...? - Be his wife?

I was his kitchen maid.

No, no...

No, I, too! To Captain Poldark.

How long do we stay here in Cornwall?

Until my business here is concluded.

Why am I needed, Papa?

I've got nothing to do with that business.

We have been strangers for much of your life, my dear.

I'm simply making up for lost time.

Besides, I do have calls to make today,

of which I won't require your presence.

Shall we?

Why did he wait so long?

At first, we thought it was a mistake.

To be falsely accused, imprisoned without trial?

How could this be?

Lately, it seems as if there are dark forces at work.

But Ned, he dislikes to ask for aid or favour.

I recall!

So, if I'm not mistook, he asks me to take on the government,

the Crown, the Empire, the slave trade.

Did I omit anything?

What is your view?

That your mind is already made up.

But you agree?

Dear Lord, Ross.

Why didn't I marry an ordinary man?

When do we leave?

May I present, Mr Ralph Hanson Of the Mosquito Shore Mahogany Company?

Mosquito Shore...?

Bay of Honduras, sir.

In the West Indies.

Ah, of course.

My daughter, Cecily.

Charmed.

How may I assist you, sir?

So, will you resign your seat?

I'm still in two minds.

And meanwhile...

...will you and the children join me?

If I promise not to fight anyone this time?

And what would such a promise be worth?

Since you must always be battlin' for some cause or other?

- This latest... - Is for a friend.

Which makes it more or less likely you'll fight?

Morning!

We need to eat...

Get us some money.

Plaguey Warleggans!

Halved wages at Wheal Plenty.

Six made complaint. Every one dismissed.

And now, they come to us for work.

I tell them there's none, they won't believe me.

These folk will be persistent when I'm gone.

They need to know who is in charge.

As much as we wish to help, we're a small concern.

And can scarce find pitches for those already employed.

That don't mean we don't greatly sympathise...

That'll put bread in our mouths.

But I will make enquiries hereabouts,

see what can be done for you.

You have my word.

Begging your pardon, mistress.

It's a mistake to make promise.

If anyone will hold you to it, Tess Tregidden will.

Well, I intend to honour my promise.

In full.

I understand you're to be knighted next month.

Must be gratifying to see your efforts in parliament rewarded.

Well, naturally, one does not seek such honours.

I myself am but a humble man of business.

Aye, but what a business!

Mahogany!

Worth its weight in gold, they say.

Yes, and the beauty of it is, that unlike gold, one can grow it,

at very little cost to oneself.

Though, at great cost to those who labour for it.

My daughter has a somewhat naive grasp of business matters.

When do you return to Westminster?

I'm told your sway in the House is considerable.

Oh, I believe I have some influence, yes.

On the Irish Question, where do you stand?

On governance from Westminster, with the firmest possible hand.

Ah, now there, we agree.

Heaven save me from upstart Irishmen.

In Honduras, I was plagued by a most vexatious specimen.

If the mahogany business interests you, we should talk further.

Perhaps you'd care to dine with us?

Miss Cecily, too?

Miss Cecily's returning to London.

Really?

For the season, Papa.

I must have new gowns.

Ah, well, in that case...

A pity.

Isn't it?

The advantage must be obvious.

A man in your position should not remain single.

May I introduce my battlefield saviour,

and your husband's most esteemed surgeon,

Dr Dwight Enys.

Mrs Catherine Despard.

I'm honoured to meet you, sir.

The honour's entirely mine, ma'am.

Knowing your husband, you're already assured of my admiration.

And you're certain it's wise to get embroiled with Ned again?

When was it ever wise to get embroiled with Ned?

Goodbye, my dear.

Can't thank you enough for lending me your husband.

When you know my husband better,

you'll discover he never does what he don't want to!

Nor mine! Vexing, is it not?

- Take care of Mama for me. - I will, Papa!

Come see me soon.

I promise I'll not stay a moment longer than I need to.

Come on.

And He will come again, He will come again in all his glory to judge

both the living and the dead, and His kingdom, it will have no end!

No end!

The Lord says that this is the condemnation...

His assaults upon our freedoms, laws to stamp out free speech!

On your feet, renegade.

At ease, Ensign.

And salute when you see a superior.

When I see one, I will.

[THEY LAUGH]

That troublesome Irishman I mentioned...

Nailed the Spanish at Black River.

Fought countless skirmishes all the way to Honduras.

Made governor of the new colony at Mosquito Shore.

As punishment or reward?

Then tasked with allocating land to the new colonists,

convicts, pirates, deserters...

...freed slaves.

As much right as any to a second chance.

My colleagues, the old colonists, occupied the land,

and cut its timber, for generations.

And although it wasn't strictly theirs,

they felt they'd earned the right to call it so.

Quite right.

So, when that upstart began to hand it out to every rag,

tag and bobtail, well, he put our entire business in jeopardy.

Now, the Crown, takes a share of the profits.

So anything which threatens the profits, is,

ipso facto, an enemy of the Crown.

Or so I argued, when I denounced the man!

So I'm recalled to London,

accused of acting against the interests of the Crown.

By interfering with its profits.

- You're a traitor. - Guilty as charged.

And have since lain, without trial, in this delightful residence.

Where he may contemplate his mistakes...

...at leisure.

And you may continue to grow gold.

My darling Kitty, she's without means, without friends.

Take her under your wing.

She's a remarkable woman.

I can see that, Ned.

So, needless to say, you have a plan?

New laws to stamp out free speech and forbid political meetings?

And if the law forbids we now to make complaint,

can any be surprised, rather than quelling the fire,

it only adds fuel to it?

Then, do we damn the law or take it into our own hands?

What have you in mind?

Like they done in France.

By teaching the "haves" what it is to "have not"!

By razing their fancy houses to the ground!

And how will that serve?

It'll serve to make them afraid!

Do we know of a better way to make them sit up and take note?

Steer well away from that one.

But if the Lord commands to save her...

What, then?

The greater the sinner, the sweeter the victory.

Papa, look what I found.

Take it away.

- But Papa... - Take it away!

Out alone, missis?

Should you not be safe at home, sippin' tea?

I find I have little time for such diversions.

I have my work cut out with a farm, a mine, a family.

I know who you be.

Scullery maid from Luggan who wed her master.

Got grand and forgot what it's like to sicken and starve.

No, I recollect well what it means to go hungry.

And I'd not wish it on anyone.

Which is why it is my aim to find honest work for you all.

Bless thee, Lady Bountiful.

Alms for the poor, to salve thy conscience.

What if we don't want charity?

What do you want, then?

Sister?

What did they want?

Er...

They were just saying how grateful they was

that we're looking to find work for them.

Indeed, Captain, I was the presiding magistrate

when Despard was detained on charges of sedition.

Is he a friend of yours?

We fought together in America.

Knowing him as I do,

I feel there's been a miscarriage of justice.

Unwitting, no doubt.

Such things do happen.

And I remember at the time speaking in his favour.

But the other magistrates over-ruled me.

What could be done to secure his release?

Or at least have the matter come to trial?

As there's no basis for the accusations.

- You know that for certain? - Yes.

And I intend to use what influence I have

to discover who falsely accused him.

Influence?

As an MP.

You say Colonel Despard feared a conspiracy?

That's true. His Majesty's government,

and indeed the Crown itself,

work in ways which we mere mortals can scarce comprehend.

But, erm...

...let me see what can be done.

I'm obliged to you, Mr Merceron.

The girl would be an excellent choice.

Girl?

Hanson's daughter.

Prime breeding stock.

Impressive fortune.

Elizabeth should be here.

What?

Her portrait...

...should not remain at Trenwith.

I omitted to have it brought, I must remedy that.

Valentine would like to say goodnight, sir.

I wanted Opie to paint her again, with Ursula and Valentine.

ELIZABETH'S VOICE: George? Will you not say goodnight to your son?

Elizabeth?

Sir?

Thank you, Bessie.

Goodnight, boy.

Goodnight, Papa.

- Goodnight, my love. - Goodnight.

Get off me.

Is it usually this rowdy?

- No. - What's changed?

London has changed.

You mark it, too?

When Kitty first spoke of conspiracy,

I thought she was mistook.

There's a strange mood abroad, an edge.

I sometimes wonder who can be trusted.

God and the King?

They do say the King's an ass.

Ned would doubtless agree.

How did you find him?

Does he bear up well?

Remarkably so, considering...

Considering he has the temperament of a powder keg?

When we first knew him he was...

Headstrong? Reckless?

...impatient to right the wrongs of the world.

By whatever means.

I think you'll find he's older and wiser now.

Shall you attend this?

Your presence would add much to the proceedings.

Your own account, as told from the heart.

A heart which is much afflicted.

The sure remedy for a sore heart is a mission.

Always.

[DOOR OPENS]

[DOG GROWLS]

[DOG BARKS]

Sh, Garrick.

Perhaps I was mistook, though Garrick did bark.

But 'twas more likely a dream.

Maybe not.

Two panes were broke last night at Werry House.

And some at Mingoose Lodge.

I be thinking, maybe I should heed Geoffrey Charles

and stay over some nights at Trenwith?

And maybe I'll come stay with thee, sister, till the ructions be abated.

No. I can take care of myself.

Besides, I have a remedy.

Tess.

I'm in need of a farm-hand.

What's the catch?

There's no catch. Why would there be?

Tess.

You and I come of common stock, and share a common hope, I think.

To see better times ahead.

Tomorrow, then.

That'd be most convenient.

Remind me to buy some ribbons,

so my father will think we have been about suitably girlish pursuits!

Are we abolitionists now?

As it happens, yes.

But our presence today is in support of Mrs Despard.

Will it take long?

Are we keeping you from your drinking?

I drink to forget.

I'm still no nearer to funding my studies.

Nor will you be, if you swill what little you have down your throat.

I understand the speaker's a former slave,

- from Honduras. - Hideous place.

You know it?

I lived there till I was ten.

Then my mother caught a fever, so we returned to London.

Frankly, I'd sooner die than set foot there again.

The accounts of the Mosquito Shore Mahogany Company.

As you will see, the yield is considerable.

Ah, my dear, would you favour us with your opinion?

Let me introduce you to Mr Hanson.

May I present...

Nephew, does Bessie need to be involved with our discussions?

She must always be consulted.

It's a personal rule of mine.

I'm sure you'll understand.

Mr Hanson, would you permit us

to look over these accounts for a few days?

There is much to consider.

Yes, of course.

By all means.

Pack for Trenwith.

Ask yourselves, what is it that corrupts the milk of human kindness,

turns the just and tender-hearted into vile, rapacious brutes?

It is the single-minded pursuit of profit.

[APPLAUSE]

How long can this continue?

Do not our senses cry out for liberty, equality, brotherhood?

- Most eloquent. - And dangerous.

They'll be calling her a Jacobin next.

Before my husband freed me, first, he bought me.

Was I a piece of meat?

Chattel to be traded?

An object without sense or humanity?

My former master thought so, used me viciously.

But my husband taught me that if we truly seek a better world,

we should not wait for the life hereafter,

we should build it. here on Earth!

And how do we do that?

- How? - Be quiet.

By preparing for the second coming of our Lord!

- Oh, leave it out! - Let him speak!

Do we not hope for a time when all voices can be heard,

and none suppressed?

Well, my friends...

- A force to be reckoned with. - ..let us all ask ourselves...

How peaceful it is!

- Don't touch me. - Forgive me.

Forgive me.

Will I light us a fire?

So, you're actually acquainted with her?

Would you like me to introduce you?

Yes, she is quite the firebrand.

- Like her husband. - Indeed.

Forgive me, Ross. I must ask you again,

is it wise to embroil yourself with Ned?

He's always been a law unto himself.

And has clearly acquired powerful enemies.

When dealing with such enemies, one must have something to bargain with.

- What have you? - Nothing.

Except the debt I owe to the man who saved my life.

Colley Cibber's play's at Drury Lane.

The King has seen it four times.

- Has he? - I propose we all go tonight.

By all means.

Is that...?

That's Valentine.

Valentine.

How came you here?

Are you not now lodged in Truro?

Hm?

- Shall I take you home to your father? - No.

Master Valentine!

Which is worse?

Burying a child or leaving one behind?

She did not deserve her fate.

Nor did her children.

I never meant to affright thee.

You think I did not know that?

Oh, Drake, you are the kindest, most patient of men.

When we married...

...I thought...

...hoped...

...that I could be a proper wife to you.

You are a proper wife.

Waking, yes.

Yet, abed...

...I cannot...

...I cannot bring myself...

I cannot.

And it is cruel to so deprive you.

I am not deprived.

I should like...

...one day...

...to be a wife to you in every way.

That day may come.

Or not.

It will make no difference to my love.

You heard the news?

An assassination attempt on the King today at Hyde Park.

Attempt? So, it failed?

- Was he caught? - Apparently.

Do you know the identity of the would-be assassin?

No, but a fellow standing close by declared that had the shot

been two inches higher, it would have been mortal.

Damn him! Twas not his destiny.

He had no right! Nay, nay.

But mine is the sacrifice.

Now, I must offer myself up to be executed

for ridding the world of the Tyrant.

And what of the play?

Do we think it is comical or tragical?

The anti-Christ who wears the crown.

Don't we all come to watch the audience?

- You speak for yourself, I assume. - Of course.

Miss Hanson.

He needs tonight to be a public show of defiance.

[DISTANT THUD]

[MUFFLED SPEECH]

You?

Get out of my house. Get out of my house!

It's George. It's George.

Drake Carne was here, in this room!

I want him thrashed! I want him shot!

And he will be, rest assured.

He was here, as close to me as you are now!

Of course he was.

Thank you, my brother.

Now, it would take but a second as he struts and...

[BELL RINGS]

- Shall we take our seats? - I'll join you directly.

There's something I must attend to.

Any news?

Nothing yet..

Sir.

Excuse me.

Pardon me.

[DISTANT CLATTER]

[DOG GROWLS]

[DOG WHINES]

Excuse me, sir.

Prudie!

Prudie, There's a fire!

There's a fire! Get out, Prudie!

Wake up!

What's happening?

Here.

Hold these over your faces.

Ladies and Gentlemen, please rise for His Majesty, The King!

♪ God save our gracious... ♪

♪ Long live our noble King... ♪

♪ Send him victorious... ♪

♪ Happy and glorious... ♪

In the hand of God beholden!

The lamb who rids the world of sin.

You're safe now, my darlings.

I am the light...

I am the light.

Behold the lamb who takes away the sins of the world.

Behold the Messiah...

Kitty. Thank you.

God save the King!

In case you were wondering, that wasn't the prologue.

What?

No encore?

How disappointing.

The man's aim was a disgrace.

And the King's performance very undramatic.

My name is Wickham.

Perhaps you've heard of me.

Should I?

It's my business to be aware of persons who may

be of interest to the Crown,

either by rendering it assistance, or the reverse.

How did you come to know of the assassination attempt?

Which?

I believe there were two today.

The latter.

By a fortunate coincidence, I arrived at the theatre in time

to do His Majesty a service.

But to be frank, it's been a tiresome disruption.

I hope I may now be permitted to join my friends.

Is Catherine Despard your friend?

Her husband is.

On whose account she appealed to me for assistance.

Regarding?

His imprisonment on false charges.

These are difficult times, Captain.

It's wise to be... selective.

Of...?

Those with whom one aligns oneself.

Ned Despard, for instance,

made some unwise connections during his time in the West Indies.

And there was he thinking he was improving the lot of the common man.

And you're quite sure you know where your loyalties lie?

I'd suggest that was perfectly clear from my actions this evening.

You have indeed rendered the Crown invaluable service tonight.

And it may have further use of you.

What manner of use?

His Majesty's government can always find a covert role

for a person of your... talents.

If...

...I were willing to consider such a role,

what might the government be willing to do in return?

Have a care, Captain.

It would be reckless to overplay your hand

so early in our acquaintance.

Did I miss anything?

Could someone have left a candle burning?

Don't you give me squinny-eye, maid!

It was deliberate, and no mistake!

But who'd do such a thing?

That, we'd all like to know.

Tess.

You pair could fettle this.

If you work for me, there must be trust.

Each to the other. You understand?

I understand.

Did you do this?

I did not.

I take it you won't be resigning your seat

if by retaining it, you can render a different kind of service?

You understand what's being asked of me?

I understand what covert means.

I also recall how you sprang me from Quimper without a second thought.

That was different.

- You were my friend. - Is Wickham?

Still, the role may give you scope to serve those causes

close to your heart.

You're free to go.

We should make arrangements for your departure to London.

For what purpose?

Your investiture.

At St James's, by the King himself.

Ah, yes.

Of course.

I'll remind Elizabeth. It must have slipped her mind.

Elizabeth's already there, awaiting us.

Are you quite sane, uncle? Elizabeth is here.

Oh, my love...

How the hell did you manage it?

I'm not entirely sure.

I'm glad to be of service. But now...

What do you recommend? A quiet life?

My head down and my mouth shut?

- Yes!, Well... - Oh, I could do.

And so could you. Behave ourselves.

Not attempt to clear my name.

Ignore the rank corruption which put me here in the first place.

But...?

Where would be the fun in that?

Come on!

Ain't fair, ain't right.

Should be I in that carriage, going to London.

Instead of which, it's left to me to make the house fitty again.

Have I not said?

With all these goings-on, fires and the like,

how could I rest easy without you here?

Indeed, who'd be a common ladies maid...?

When they could be Queen of Nampara?

Queen of Nampara?

Bye. Safe travel.

Here he is, the root of all evil!

The Devil Incarnate.

I'd take a strap to thee, were our mistress here.

- Thee? Mistress, here? - Stranger things have happened.

I have come to consider insanity not as a moral failing,

but an affliction which may happen to the best of us.

You won't tell on us?

In truth, I feel a little uneasy.

I care not what my father thinks.

I will uncover your accomplices!

Rest assured, you will be made to pay!

This conspiracy has robbed me of my name and position

and I want them restored!