Original subtitles

Subtitle transcribed by Uncle Andy

Poisons can take many forms.

Powders,

liquids,

ideas.

Appearances differ,

but the function is the same.

It takes root in the dark and in the quiet,

and like fire

it feeds

and grows,

engulfs

and destroys.

My minister murdered.

His wife slain.

The killer dead by her own hand.

And still the contagion spreads.

It is in my walls.

It is in my blood and in my mind.

Is it any wonder that I've not slept?

If such tragedies befall me while I wake,

what kind of hell awaits me should I ever fall asleep?

You have failed me for the last time, Monseur Marchal.

I do not know that man.

Would you have him tossed in jail, Sire, or in the nearest ditch ditch?

Sire, when you were born, I was six years old.

Hold your tongue! Let him speak!

From that day to this, I have prayed that Almighty God

would give me the chance to serve you.

I kneel before you today

to beg for one thing,

forgiveness.

You have it.

I came to express my regret.

Your sympathy is unnecessary.

No one has served His Majesty with greater devotion.

But I shall not just miss you as a colleague.

I shall miss you as a friend.

Then let me give you a word of advice:

the truth and nothing but the truth.

I fear the King is deaf to warn.

Tell him what he needs to know, not what he wants to hear.

If we are carried all our lives,

we soon forget how to walk.

I do not understand why the King allowed it.

A sign of weakness, perhaps?

Magnanimity, strength.

Cruel one moment, kind the very next.

The winds of power are not constant.

Now, let us talk of the future.

How might I repay you?

With your loyalty.

The courtyard is a ladder. Have you ever noticed that?

But opportunity does not shine equally for all,

but you can't believe you have the misfortune to be a woman.

Thus,

when my noble clients require a little help,

I'm here.

And there are many.

How may I help you?

I fear my good friend, Madame de Montespan,

may soon need allies.

i want you to befriend her.

What use would she have of me? She already has you.

The more powerful your friends,

the longer you remain up the ladder.

As I help you climb,

you help me

expand my clientele

on every rung that meets your foot.

I will do as you ask.

The world may be poisoned but you are the antidote.

And until he realizes this?

He shall continue to prying,

interrogating, hitting people.

It's not what you do, it's who you are.

This poison is like love.

How so?

It has a mystery ingredient.

I do not yet know where it comes from

but I will not stop looking until I find out.

You see, it's not what I do, it's who I am.

Where are you going?

To a house of ill-repute. Many of these women are very sick.

Will I find you here when I return?

Do you wish to find me?

You're the detective.

The English will have sight of the Dutch coast in days.

Turenne will retain command

but you are to take charge of the assault on Maastricht.

Me?

And Amsterdam?

It will be yours.

You are placing the entire fate of France in my hands, Why?

I hardly have to say it.

Might be nice to hear.

Glory.

Whose? Ours.

It is time for you to carve your name in history.

I was always under the impression only one of us could win.

There can be two winners,

providing they are on the same side.

We are on the same side, aren't we?

How are you sleeping?

Come,

let's consider the route.

Madamoiselle d'Clermont.

I believe Duchess d'Cassel

is now the correct mode of address

Duchess.

I'm not proud of the title.

I must apologize. I haven't offered my condolences

for your mother.

It was quite a blow.

Your own mother is... Gone.

A few years ago.

She'll be looking down, no doubt glad to see you

happily married.

I fail to see how any marriage can be happy.

If the terms are satisfactory, the union

productive...

For some, heaven.

Others, a prison

with no escape.

There is always means of escape.

It is merely a case of finding it.

I have a friend who specializes in such matters.

Excuse me.

Another four weeks, perhaps five.

Do you have other children? Five.

Where are they?

Well, one fell to the pox and two with my cousin in Lyon.

and Father Etienne takes care of the others.

Father Etienne?

Takes confession and gives money to those who aren't earning.

And, if we have unwanted children,

takes them off our hands and places them in a hospital for orphans and strays.

He is a saint, mark my words.

I shall return in a week. Avoid too much exertion.

I'll spend my days in bed, then!

You must be Father Etienne.

And you must be the angel who aids these girls in their afflictions.

I wouldn't call pregnancy an affliction. I would!

You take unwanted babies into care?

Well, we have a small home for orphans near Saint-Denis, yes.

They each receive food,

a bed, an education, and are kept as far away as possible...

... the sins of their mother.

Well, I prefer errors.

If only there were more like you.

We all do what we can.

I'll shall be back later,

drunk.

Then I shall expect to find you and the bed

quite warm.

Brother, history will show you to be the finest player in France.

What you notice about billiards is that there is no strategy.

Only tactics.

You missed deliberately, Thomas.

No, Sire. I merely lacked the necessary skill.

I would have thought that a man facing such a journey

would have his mind on other matters.

What journey would that be?

You may speak freely.

Madame de Montespan has my trust.

To have an intelligent woman as one's counsel

is, perhaps, the best tactic of all.

If I may, Madame,

I believe women to be the equal to men where strategy is concerned.

Explain.

Well, it seems to me, Sire, that living in Versailles

is a constant balance between power and negotiation.

It is women

who must negotiate the hallwayss of Versailles with no power at all.

Not all women are without power

Please do not misunderstand me, Madame.

Your skills may not be visible to most

but they are just as effective.

The journey, Sire, is war.

You are preparing to leave for Holland.

No, I'm staying here.

I see.. Then who will lead the army, Sire?

My brother.

Yes, he showed great bravery in the Spanish Netherlands.

I remember hearing such stories about him.

He is a master of the battlefield.

While you are a master of war, are you not, Sire?

Battles require tactics, war requires a strategy.

Are you saying that my brother

is also good at billiards?

I am saying nothing at all, Sire.

Not from where I'm standing.

it is rather surprising how many words

are emanating from your mouth.

I was rather under the impression that writers were busy writing

rather than talking.

My only wish, Sire, is to chronicle your exploits.

Why did you not speak before?

Following the death of her child,

I wondered, perhaps she was not of her right mind.

Madame de Montespan does nothing without forethought.

She is a forceful woman and God is punishing her with equal potency.

I hope her compulsion was not persuasive.

Your Majesty, my vows of chastity are sacrosanct.

I am relieved to hear it. The King must be informed, of course.

We shall visit him together.

He will, no doubt, dismiss my own account.

but he can hardly question the word of a man of God.

Very attractive, don't you think?

As are it's contents.

Fragrances?

Of a sort, yes.

Each is carefully crafted

to induce certain feelings and pleasures.

Whether you seek repose

or stimulation,

We have just the thing for you.

Here, the perfect stimulus for a dreary day.

Only 6,000, but for you...(five)

Are you looking for something special?

Deep water, Your Highness?

No, and I have no intention of it.

Well, allow me to convince you otherwise.

Being at Versailles and not throwing one's money around is frowned upon.

Good morning, Your Highness.

May I interest you in some silks?

I find wool to be more insulating.

But then you are wearing a sheep.

It's better than wearing a worm.

These are all fetching. Fragrance?

Packing fragrance, Your Highness, to perfume your fabric.

That is all?

Oh, how bizarre.

Duchess, your beauty puts every woman in the room to shame!

You once mentioned a friend of yours

that offers marriage advice.

I think you will find her a source of great wisdom.

Where will I find her?

Her hand...

on your person?

To steady herself, perhaps?

That, of course, was the first thought that came into my head, Sire.

Nonetheless...

Have you ever lost a child?

No, Sire.

Then what qualifies you to speak of her state of mind or motives?

If I understand the details correctly, her motives were very clear

and inapropriate towards someone Of The Cloth.

They were of a sensuous nature.

My King?

Leave the matter with me.

Is that how you seduce all the women?

Did it work?

You're still here.

I like that.

Did you miss me?

If the King sees you... You're dead.

He's given me his blessing.

I kissed his hand.

And now,

I kiss yours.

We have so much catching up to do.

Father Pascal came to visit me,

just after the passing of our daughter.

I was feeling weak and faint and I almost collapsed.

As I did, I stretched out a hand

and I clasped him by the cassock.

He helped me to my feet

but his hands wandered in the most intrusive way.

You have not mentioned this before.

I did not,

because, frankly,I feel sorry for him.

Imagine listening to the sordid confessions

of the most beautiful women in court, all day..

He's a starving man at a banquet.

Have not you noticed how he looks at her: Her Majesty?

One has to wonder what else is really going on.

Are you in love with him?

My King...

I believe he made up this story to make you jealous

and to seduce you.

Why do you listen to that woman?

Why do you hate her so?

Is it wrong to hate the woman who's poisoned and twisted my husband's mind?

At least you admit hatred was your motivation.

You're putting me through hell!

The flames will do wonders for the ice around your heart!

Ariadne sent me.

Your husband is sick.

How do you know?

Because you're here.

Is there a cure?

There is.

A slow treatment,

which may cause discomfort over a period of time

or a rapid remedy with instant effect.

The slow treatment, will he be aware of it?

He will but have no sense of the cause.

My dear,

the choice is simple:

death

or suffering.

Suffering.

Why does the King

get to declare war and I don't?

Why can't I do that?

In fact, you know, I think I will.

I will declare war on someone today.

You can't go.

I forbid it.

I don't care.

Very well.

Then I shall come with you!

You can't stop me.

If you want to come to war, you can't bring this.

Regrettably then, I will remain.

Anyway, you know my opinion on mud and tulips.

I shall stay here, keep the bed warm.

And spend my money.

Fortunately, you can stop worrying about that,

for I have come into an inheritance.

My uncle Hugh, miserable bugger!

The only time I ever saw him smile was when his wife fell off a horse.

You'll miss him terribly, I suppose.

Not as much as I will miss you, darling.

I beg your pardon. The door...

Bontemps?

What's the matter?

He once commanded me to tell him,

should the situation ever arise,

if a woman ever tilt his mind

on matters of state...

How can you be sure it is she who affects him so?

All I know is,

ever since he has chosen Madame,

our needs are plenty and his time is finite.

We can all be drunk in love, Bontemps.

Drunk or sober,

he will not listen to me.

As his valet,

I have no voice.

Come and have a drink with me.

Perhaps, you should try to get some sleep, Sire.

Kings do not sleep.

The wise ones do, Your Majesty.

I've seen you sleep.

I must speak my mind, Sire.

These are not the words of a valet.

No, Sire. They are the words of a friend.

Well, I do not wish to hear them.

I anticipated that, Sire,

So, I have given my words to another.

Highness!

So,

both my brother and my valet

are plotting against me, is that right?

Not long ago, you looked me in the eye and said...

Is this madness?

"Any woman would influence me in matters of state..."

That's enough!

"... you will tell me and by the morning, she will be gone."

I said enough!

Sire!

It was your idea, was it?

This spectacle!

It was mine.

You? You don't care enough!

Sire! Yes!

Yes! It was my idea.

Friend.

Leave!

A mug of wine!

It's not yet 9 o'clock!

I have made an enemy of the Queen

and she is plotting against me.

I need wine.

I can understand her disapproval

but conspiring against another seems far beyond her character.

but it's that idiot priest!

He's turned her to it.

Father Pascal? I find that surprising.

He's both devout

and inspiring.

Sometimes, Francoise, you're so naive.

I wonder if it's just an elaborate joke you're playing on us all.

...at my office.

We are the only people who work around here!

Nobles come here to play,

and not to work. Has your niece, Isabella,

arrived?

Imminently, as I understand it.

I hope I'm clear, I must confess I pleaded with her not to come.

Why ever not?

Versailles is no place for a young, impressionable girl.

She insisted, naturally. As they all do.

Hoping to come to court in the hope of catching

some important noble eye.

But lately,

I find the palace to be a den of depravity.

Most unsuitable.

Will we win?

I believe so.

But I confess I was surprised when

the King chose to remain.

As glorious as he is

on the battlefield, he is not his brother.

No doubt, he prefers to confront his adversaries

closer to home.

But where is the glory in that?

Swords over muskets any day, if you ask me!

A fight is not a fight unless there's a blade involved!

You're not going.

Kings must lead, they do not follow.

I'm called by a higher purpose to command my armies myself.

It is I who must go. You are to remain here.

Is that it? No apology, no nothing!

I cannot stay here any longer.

What is this higher purpose?

Bontemps, he came to me because he was concerned,

because we're all concerned.

Then you will know why I must go.

Take me with you.

Side by side on the battlefield...

I need you here, while I'm gone.

Who knows, perhaps in war, I will find some peace

but the palace needs protection with rules

with an iron hand.

Our survival depends on us both.

I will fight the war in Holland.

Please,

brother. Fight the war here.

I'm sorry, Philip.

Destiny calls us

to a greater mission.

Perhaps His Majesty

has forgotten.

Whilst I appreciate my brother's bravery,

I believe he is a winner of battles, not wars.

I shall lead he attack on Holland.

This is wonderful news, Sire!

Your loyalty gives me great comfort.

The question of Regent remains.

Madame,

I owe you an apology.

My mother asked you for your help.

You gave it gladly

and received, in return, a betrayal of that goodwill.

Is that why you came here?

To apologize?

In part.

I also came here because we have a common acquaintance.

A curious woman, lives in the village.

Sometimes goes by the name of

Ariadne.

You know her? Yes.

And now she has asked me to help you.

With what?

You tell me.

Well, I cannot think what she meant.

Do you know the Queen's new confessor?

Father Pascal.

I know his face

and reputation.

Perhaps we should take a turn in the garden.

I hear the lilies are in bloom.

You are here for confession, perhaps?

No, I came here on

a matter of some delicacy.

I will help you in any way I can.

There is a letter that must be written to

a person of great importance.

Surely, you are able to write.

My father taught me to wield a sword, not a quill. For shame!

The contents, as I said,

really are most sensitive.

I see.

Come with me.

What do you wish to say?

"To my Queen...

my life,

my love,

pity me.

Forgive me.

I was tempted

by the sins

of the flesh."

Can you please press this bloom between the fold?

I believe this is what heaven must smell like.

The chapel should be filled with them.

Very pleasant.

What is the meaning of this letter?

Alas, it's a suicide note.

My son,

you do not plan to take your own life?

Not mine, no.

Watch over me while I take my rest

and deliver me from danger.

May thy grace be with me always.

Amen.

Amen.

I admire your devotion.

I know no greater love in this world.

Will you pray for me, Madame, when I go to war?

Sire, I pray for you

everyday.

I wish I could be of more comfort.

I don't need comfort, I need another brother.

What will you do?

What I always do:

nothing.

And he knows it.

Do you want me to say what I think or what you want to hear?

I think you're behaving like a child who always wants the toys other children have.

Instead of sulking because your brother is king,

you should be a king in your own right.

He has an empire.

Why can't you build an empire?

He has a dynasty.

Why can't you build a dynasty?

You're my king.

Knock, knock!

I have found just the thing for you:

some thick wool from the sheep of England.

Perfect for hats, gloves

and if you're that way inclined, underwear.

Shall I come back later?

Good idea!

I see.

Here I was looking for someone to declare war on,

when the answer was right under my nose.

In accordance with the laws of our kingdom,

I, Louis XIV, King of France,

solemnly confirm that in my absence for reasons of war,

the Regency of France and all her possessions

shall be placed in the hands of

Maria Theresa of Austria, Queen of France,

Queen Consort of Navarre.

My mother performed the same role with distinction

I know I can rely on you to do the same.

I'll take you to the salon

to effect some key introductions.

Please allow me that honor?.

Chevalier de Lorraine, may I present my niece, Isabelle.

Isabelle...Le Chevalier,

one of the court's

most charming bachelors.

I can see already, you will be a great success.

I assure you, she is in safe hands.

Isabelle, let me introduce you to one of the most glorious members of the royal family.

Phillipe, Duke d'Orleans, Duke d'Anjou and brother to the King.

Welcome to Versailles.

I trust I shall see you later?

Who knows? Isabelle and I have a very busy day ahead of us.

Excuse me.

I am looking for some seeds.

What kind of seeds?

Akar Saga.

Why that seed?

I'm a student of the healing arts.

No one can take from this plant.

I cannot help you.

I have many other seeds with ? properties.

Perhaps you have some Ashoka seeds?

I have a patient with an intestinal disorder.

Yes, of course.

Thank you.

Excuse me.

Help! Help! Help! Help!

Get out of my way!

Begone!

Do you hear me?

Are you hurt, my dear?

May I suggest that I help you out of here?

Come on!

Step aside!

Out of my way!

I believe this was intended for you, Majesty.

Is it by his hand?

How could he do such a thing?

How indeed?

I'm sorry for your loss.

He's not a man to take his own life.

The note was by his hand.

You think otherwise?

I don't know what to think, Sire. I'm too bound in grief right now.

You understand the weight that falls upon your shoulders in my absence?

Trust your advisors, keep your own counsel.,

hide your true feelings.

Good day, Madame. Make me proud of you.

Your word will be law, Sire, and disobedience will find it's reward.

Please, take me with you.

I will be safer at war in Holland

than at war here.

You fear the Queen as Regent?

Right now, Sire, I fear everything I've ever dreamed of.

No harm will come to you.

His Majesty does not see how strong she is.

She knows the place that you have in my heart

and she will do anything she can to come between us.

She will rule on my behalf, not on her own.

You decided to be your own First Minister!

You decided to rule alone. You chose me!

You kissed me by the fountain. It was you and only you!

Enough!

Enough!

I cannot remember the last time that I truly slept.

Take some herbs, Your Highness.

It will help.

If you say they will help.

I do, with all my heart.

What happens now?

We close our eyes and we welcome sweet oblivion.

You knew I'd come, didn't you?

Tomorrow I leave for war.

I needed to say goodbye.

Your Highness, the King.

I was lost

but now, I am found.

I was lost

but now, I am found.

Subtitle transcribed by Uncle Andy