All language subtitles for @The Private Lives of Elizabeth and Essex (1939)

[instrumental music]

[music continues]

[cannon balls firing]

[instrumental music]

[people cheering]

[music continues]

There he is!

[music continues]

How nobly he bears himself.

Oh, it must be wonderful

to be a man and a hero.

Woman 1: He carries himself
like a king.

See how his eyes
constantly look up...

searching for the queen.

Yes, isn't he wonderful?

Yes, and love too has
its victories.

And this, I think,
belongs to Her Majesty.

An easy victory if one is a
queen and may command it.

What if Her Majesty should
overhear you?

[instrumental music]

The day when Essex returns,
every petticoat at the palace

is chosen with an eye
to pleasing him.

Come along, my son,
it's time you went

into the presence chamber.

You may do as you please,
father.

- I'll have no part in this.
- Don't be a fool, Cecil.

Elizabeth can be difficult,
even on her good day.

Good days or bad, we'll see
little enough of her now

with Essex home.

Something's got to be done
to tarnish him

or we'll have him sharing
England's throne with her.

Then where shall we be? No,
I'll be hanged if I welcome him.

You may be hanged
if you do not, my son.

You know Her Majesty's
infatuation for him.

[music continues]

But, Your Majesty, I must beg
you to reconsider.

Essex is a proud man,
you cannot,

you must not
do this thing to him.

Elizabeth: Bacon, this will not
be easy for me.

Whatever he has done,
he is the man

of all men closest to my heart.

Whatever he suffers,

I suffer a thousand times
more intently.

Then why, Your Majesty, why?

Elizabeth: Because the
necessities of a queen

must transcend those of a woman.

His ambition has jeopardized

the prosperity
of the English people.

It may endanger the very peace
and stability of England.

Your Majesty,
forgive this frankness,

but your love for him
jeopardizes the situation.

Elizabeth: A situation fraught
with gravest consequence

for my subjects, Bacon.

My personal feelings
must not enter into this.

God help me.

Go now. Let me alone.

Bacon: Your Majesty.

Elizabeth: My fan. Hurry.

[instrumental music]

- Present arms!
- Up!

[instrumental music]

[music continues]

Robert Devereux,

by grace of Her Majesty

Earl of Essex,
general of the horse

and knight of the garter.

Charles, Baron Howard
of Effingham,

Lord High Admiral of England.

Walter Raleigh, knight,
vice admiral

of the fleets,
and warden of the Stannary.

Do you kneel in homage,
my lord Essex...

or in shame?

Shame, Your Majesty?

Have you lost your hearing
as well as your military skill?

Stand up.

I believe my military skill
was well

demonstrated at Cadiz, madam.

Is it possible our commissioner
hasn't brought you

news of my victory?

Your victory!

For three years,
the rains of England

have rotted our harvest
to the ground.

Three years of famine
and a depleted treasury.

But my lord of Essex
had the cure for that.

Yes, indeed.

“Raise me but 50,000 pounds,
madam," says he,

"and I'll sail for Cadiz
and fetch you

“such a Spanish treasure fleet

as will make England
rich again."

So I did.

I taxed my already
overburdened people.

Got him his 50,000 pounds.

Now, where is my Spanish
treasure fleet?

Look!

He can't answer.
He daren't answer.

If Your Majesty will
let me tell you.

Elizabeth: Go on, then, tell me.

Unfortunately,
it was you yourself

who called the fleet back
from Cadiz

before my plans
had been carried out.

Unfortunately, the Spanish
treasure fleet,

with 12 million ducats

lies beneath the waters
of Cadiz Harbor,

sunk by the Spaniards
themselves.

While Essex, against the advice
of Howard and Raleigh

gathered fame for himself
by storming the town.

There was naught else
to be done in honor, madam.

It was for the glory of England.

For the glory of Essex!

Will that put food into the
mouths of my starving people?

Can they subsist upon laurel
wreaths from your heroic brow?

You think they're
displeased with what

I did at Cadiz, madam?
Listen to it.

[crowd shouting]

Obviously,
the English people are more

readily pleased than their
queen, madam.

They cry your name today,
but what will they say tomorrow

when I must tax them again
to pay off

the soldiers and the fleet?

Does it mean nothing that
1200 pieces of Spanish ordnance

were sunk in my hollow victory?

And the Spanish fleet totally
destroyed?

Thanks to my lord Howard
and to Sir Walter Raleigh.

It seems you've no reward for me
as a soldier, madam.

That the soldier can endure.

But the man had hoped for a
different kind of reception.

You meant well, perhaps...

but my rewards are
for unselfish effort,

not for things half
or meanly done.

Sir Walter Raleigh.

From today, you take rank
as commander of our guard.

My Lord Howard.

Your Majesty.

In grateful return for what you
tried to do at Cadiz

without thought of self and only
for your country's honor

I appoint you Lord Lieutenant,
General of all England,

commander of my army
and my fleet,

and name you Earl of Nottingham.

Your Majesty.

- Why that's impossible.
- Keep silent.

I will not be silent.

Do you intend that this
Earl of Nottingham

take precedence in court
over me?

He'll take precedence
in court over you

as he did in wisdom at Cadiz.

You were in command
and abused it,

with Essex first,
and England second.

Think that if you will,
but I still consider

it an injustice that
you place Howard before me.

- I feel you have no right.
- I have...

I have no right?

As a queen, yes, but as a woman,

do I mean nothing to you?

Nothing.

Lord Essex!

Do you dare turn your back
on Elizabeth of England?

You dare?

I would not have taken that
from the king, your father.

Much less will I accept it
from a king in petticoats.

[intense music]

If the courier comes,
send him to me at once.

You may go.

I said, that's all.

Well?

With Your Grace's indulgence

there's another matter.

Well, what is it?
What's it about?

Essex.

Did I not forbid his name
to be spoken at court?

But, Your Majesty,
Sir Thomas Egerton received

a letter from him
from his manor at Wanstead.

Ha-ha!
I knew he'd come to it, Cecil.

Begging Egerton to intercede
for him, of course.

Well, perhaps
I was a little harsh.

What did the letter say?

- When is he coming home?
- I have it here.

Let me see.

He says, "I owe to Her Majesty
a duty of allegiance

in which I never can,
never will fail."

Poor darling.
Of course he's sorry.

But a little apprehensive
perhaps.

Go on. Go on.

“But I do not owe her the duty
of attendance upon her.

“And had I that duty,

“Her Majesty's conduct has
canceled it.

“As for asking her pardon,
why should I ask pardon

for receiving an insult?"

Stop it!

No.

No, go on. I'll hear it.

“When the vilest
of indignities is done to me

“not even religion
enforces me to sue.

“I have received the wrong.

Let her seek pardon of me."

“And if she refuses,
all her power can show

“no more strength
in oppressing me

than I can summon to resist it.”

Cecil, this is intolerable!

Are you sure Essex wrote this?

Not you or your friends?

- Your Majesty...
- Don't "Your Majesty” me!

You, slimy toad.
I know human nature.

Nothing would suit you
so well as to see

Essex saying farewell
to his head.

Will Your Grace examine
the letter more closely?

Rumor hath it you are not
unacquainted

with milord of Essex's writing.

And rumor hath it, I have a
heavy hand for insolence.

Have you forgotten it?
Now, get out.

- But, madam...
- Get out, I say!

[instrumental music]

Robert.

Robert, I don't know
which II hate the most,

you for making me love you

or myself for needing you so.

[music continues]

There has seldom been
a man so unwise,

so headstrong

but he could sometime see the

necessity of keeping friends

and not making enemies at court.

But you, you quarrel
with the queen

because she wanted peace
and you wanted war.

War? There is a war,
with Spain.

And such a silly,
frightened womanish war

as only a woman would wage.

Let me answer that.

You are not forthright
with yourself.

You wish to complete
your record as general,

crush Spain,
make a name like Caesar's,

and climb to pinnacle of fame.

You won Cadiz and caught
the people's hearts.

Caught their voices
until the streets

ring with your name
whenever you pass.

Take care.
You are too popular already.

My Lord, you are loved better
than the queen.

That's your danger.

She will not suffer
a subject to eclipse her,

she cannot suffer it.

Make no mistake, she will not.

So I must wait, huh?
Hold back?

- Precisely.
- Why?

I come of better
blood than Elizabeth.

My name is among
the earls who stood around

the oak with King John.

What the nobles
once taught a king,

a noble may teach a queen.

You talk treason and death.
The old order is dead.

You and your house will die
with it if you cannot learn.

This is Elizabeth
we're dealing with.

What the devil's a king
but a man, a queen but a woman?

There's one man
in all her kingdom

she fears,
and that man's yourself.

And she has good reason
to fear you.

To fear me? Why? I'm loyal.

You're a man not easily governed

moreover, a general,
popular and acclaimed.

And last, she loves you

which makes you more
to be feared

whether you love her or not.

Love her?

I most certainly do love her.

My Lord,
a man as young as yourself...

If she were my mother's
kitchen hag

toothless and wooden leg,
she'd still

make all the others seem pale
and colorless.

I tell you she's a witch.
She's got a witch's brain.

I love her. I hate her.

[scoffs] I adore her.

That side of it you must
know for yourself.

But, my lord,
permit me to caution you.

Don't count too much
on the loves of queens.

Thanks, Schoolmaster Bacon,
for that sound lecture

and the sound advice.

Which you probably
will not take.

Which I probably will not.

[instrumental music]

What's the shortest road
to London?

Up the hill to the river,
then follow it.

[instrumental music]

Elizabeth: So, you would take
the queen's knight,

Mistress Penelope?

I fear you are over-presumptuous
and over-inexperienced.

All knights are fair game,
Your Grace.

I have observed you
seem to think so.

The queen will protect her own.

Why didn't you move?

- If I do, I...
- You will take my knight.

Is that so far from your desire?

Move, I tell you.

Check to Your Grace.

I fear the queen
is powerless now.

The queen is never powerless.

For example...

[clattering]

I had no desire to play,
but Your Majesty commanded me.

Never mind, child.

It's only a game,
and I'm out of sorts.

I'm tired of it.

Do something. Sing. Play.

Amuse me.

- Your Majesty?
- Well?

Would you perhaps like to hear
Master Marlowe's song

“The Passionate Shepherd
to His Love?"

Anything you please.

[instrumental music]

Please, Penelope, don't.

- Your Majesty.
- Well?

By Your Grace
Sir Raleigh has lately writ

an answer to Master Marlowe's
ballad.

And with your permission
I'll sing it

if Mistress Margaret will take
Marlowe's verses against me.

A tournament of song?
By all means.

Proceed. Proceed.

So, Sir Walter has turned
rhymester.

[laughs]

The words will fit perfectly.

A woman in love with a man
much younger than herself.

Are you mad, Pen?

She'll beat you

or send you to the tower.

[instrumental music]

♪ Come live with me
and be my love ♪

♪ Enjoy with me
the pleasures here above ♪

♪ That hills and valleys
dales and fields ♪

♪ And all the wooded
mountains yield ♪

♪ If I could be
as young and fair as you ♪

♪ Believe what every shepherd
said was true ♪

♪ These pretty speeches
might me move ♪

♪ To live with you
and be your love ♪

♪ And I will make
your bed of roses ♪

♪ In lovers’ vows there is
but little truth ♪

♪ And of a thousand
fragrant posies ♪

♪ And love cannot endure
without its youth ♪

♪ A cap of flowers
and a kirtle ♪

♪ The flowers fade when
summertime is ended ♪

♪ Embroidered all
with leaves of myrtle ♪

♪ Our love is dead ♪

♪ A love we thought
so splendid ♪

♪ If these delights
your mind may move ♪

♪ Then live with me
and be my love ♪

♪ But were I young
and loved so well ♪

♪ Then I might hold you
close forever... ♪

[glass shatters]

So, you brazen wench,

you defy me!

You dare hold your queen up
to ridicule?

You forward hussy!

You, who can keep
neither your eyes nor your nose

or your person
where they belong.

Look at you.

Because a gentleman
once glanced at you

doesn't entitle you
to come into my presence

dressed like
an indecent hedge drab.

Take it off,
you shameless baggage.

Get out of my sight!

You too.

Do you stand around like a herd

of stupid cattle
while I am treated so?

You, too, think I am too old,

too ugly for a man
to look upon with love.

[glass shattering]

Take them down!

Do you hear me?

Smash them!

Destroy them!

[glass shattering]

Break every mirror
in the palace.

I never want to see one
in Whitehall again!

[music continues]

[crying]

What is this?

What now?

Why are you crying,
Mistress Margaret?

Come here.

What have you to fear?

You, the most innocent
of them all?

[crying]

Look at me.

Or do you too find
your queen's face

too harsh for kindly glances?

Oh, no, Your Majesty.

I think you're lovely.
Really, I do.

But I was crying because I...

- Well?
- Well...

A little for myself because I
was frightened and lonely.

Because I was lonely,
I cried for you too.

You cried for me?

Oh, forgive me, Your Grace,

but I too know what it is
to love someone and

not be able to see and to hear.

It makes me cross too sometimes
and out of sorts.

You've no idea, when I'm
out of your presence,

how horrible I am.

Are you indeed?

And what is he like, this lucky
one that you are lonely for?

Oh, he's so tall

and his nose curls up.
[chuckles]

His nose what?

I mean, when he laughs,
his nose crinkles up like this.

He laughs a lot, you know?
[chuckles]

Sometimes at me.

Imagine. Oh, and he's handsome
too, no doubt.

Oh, madam,

and his eyes are blue, like
cornflowers, only much nicer.

And when he looks at me...

Who is this paragon?

Why, Sir Peter Finchley,
Your Grace. Don't you remember?

Sir Peter Finchley?
Ah, yes. Now I remember.

A wide-shouldered rascal,
and much better looking

than any man has a right to be.

With Baganold's forces
in Ireland, isn't he?

You want him home again,
I suppose?

Oh, more than anything
in the world.

He shall be recalled.

I don't know how
to thank, Your Majesty.

But it's doubtful if he'll come.

Oh, I shall command it.

And when he takes you
in his arms again

thank heaven you're not a queen.

But I thought to be a queen...

To be a queen
is to be less than human.

To put pride before desire,

to search men's hearts
for tenderness

and find only ambition.

To cry out in the dark
for one unselfish voice,

hear only the dry rustle
of papers of state.

To turn to one's beloved
with stars for eyes

and have him see behind them

only the shadow
of the executioner's block.

A queen has no hour for love.

Time presses,
events crowd upon her.

And for a shell,

an empty, glittering husk,

she must give up all
that a woman holds most dear.

And now,

fetch me Master Francis Bacon.

- Master Bacon?
- At once.

Yes, Your Majesty.

[instrumental music]

[knocking on door]

Will your steps always
be so laggard

when I send for you,
Master Bacon?

My steps have lost the habit

of being summoned by you,
Your Majesty.

And your tongue has lost
none of its sharpness, I see.

To bed and hopeful dreams.

You're a friend of
my lord Essex, aren't you?

I! am whatever
Your Grace desires.

And your own interest dictates.

Anyway, you know him better
than any other man.

Why has he not returned
to court?

Not for lack
of attraction, madam,

but possibly his pride.

A pox on his pride!

He must come home.
I command it!

You need him back so badly,
Your Grace?

Purely for matters of state.
Do you understand?

Perfectly, madam.

Oh, Bacon.

Bacon, stop being clever.

I'm too tired to fence with you.

I can't force him back,
and you know it.

And he's so stupid,
so stubborn, so pig-headed

that he'll never return
of his own accord

unless I humble myself to him.

And that Ill never do.
Never!

- Do you hear?
- Naturally, Your Majesty.

Naturally!

It's against all nature
that I should suffer so.

Tell me, what shall I do?

Find me a way
to compel his return

without having to punish him.

I'll not be ungrateful.

My reward would lie
in your happiness, Your Majesty.

And the advantage to you

in his return to favor,
of course.

I'll not deny it, madam.

But how to persuade him

and still save the pride
of each,

I'm hanged if I know.

Perhaps if I slept
the night upon it.

[knock on door]

What is it?

A courier from Ireland,
Your Majesty.

Have him enter.

[intense music]

Your Majesty.

I came...

[music continues]

Bacon. Wine. Quickly.

Chair.

Allow me, Your Majesty.

- Pardon, Majesty.
- Never mind that.

What is the news?

We have been annihilated
in Ireland, Your Grace.

Tyrone surprised us.
Sir William Baganold is dead.

Every company, troop, arms,

stores, everything,
utterly destroyed.

[sighs] Wars, death, famine

in that unhappy land.

And for what?

A few miserable acres
of fever-smitten bog

and few handfuls
of tattered peasants

whose only desire is
to be left in peace

to cut each other's throats.

Well, they may.

I'll put an end to it.

Not another man goes to Ireland.

And let Philip of Spain
use it as a base?

He's not forgotten
Cadiz, remember.

And whoever holds Ireland
points a dagger

at the heart of England.

Yes, yes, yes,
I suppose you're right,

but I'm sick of this bloodshed.

My policy has always been peace

and this war was forced upon me.

And Ireland...

[claps]

Get a physician.

Give him the best of food
and lodging.

Yes, Your Majesty.

[indistinct chatter]

One moment.

What of Sir Peter Finchley?

- Is he dead too?
- Yes, Your Majesty.

He was struck down.

My thanks to you.

Take good care of him.

[instrumental music]

"His nose crinkles
when he laughs

and his eyes blue,
like cornflowers."

And when he looked at her...

Oh, Bacon.

I'm only a woman.

Must I carry the weight,
the agony of the world...

alone?

Not any longer, Your Majesty.

If you form a new army,
you'll need a leader.

- Who?
- Essex.

If you demand his return now,
he can no longer refuse.

- ‘Tis his duty.
- What?

And send him to death
and ruin in Ireland?

Then make him
master of the ordnance.

In that capacity,
he'll remain in London

and available for consultation.

Go to him.

Tell him I have need of him.

Your Majesty.

Bacon.

As you leave the chamber,

bid Mistress Margaret Radcliffe
come to me.

My pleasure, Your Majesty.

[instrumental music]

Poor child.

Poor child.

[instrumental music]

Her Majesty does not beg you,
my lord.

She commands you to return.

What? She commands me?

Here, she insults me
in front of the entire court

and now she commands me
to return?

To the devil with her.

If you lose your head now,
my lord,

you'll lose it
in earnest later on.

Have you forgotten
you're talking of your queen.

My queen? Ha ha.

The great-granddaughter
of a Welsh pantry man.

To the devil with her.
I tell you, I'll stay here.

Is your answer to be more than

please those around the queen?

- Why? What do you mean?
- Haven't you heard?

Cecil, laden with honors.

Coke, appointed
attorney general.

And Raleigh,
working himself into favor.

Every day,
he grows nearer to her

in counsel,
closer in her affection.

Raleigh, that toad.

She's bought him
new silver armor,

whose magnificence
outshines the sun.

[scoffs] He grows closer to her
in affection, you say?

For lack of someone dearer.
She loves you.

But, being a woman,
she has her pride.

Her pride.

Look here, Master Bacon, there's
no mystery to handling women.

They're all like
this little lady here.

You starve them a little
to make them keen.

Yes, and if you starve them too
long, they turn and rend you.

- I'll look to myself.
- Better look to England.

Now that Baganold's been
defeated in Ireland.

What's that?
Baganold defeated?

Killed, and his army destroyed.

That is the reason Her Majesty
commands you to return.

She needs you.

Well, of course she needs me,
with a lot of addle-headed

nincompoops like Raleigh
and his crowd around her.

- Mountjoy!
- Milord.

Back to Wanstead and pack.

We're returning immediately
to London.

[instrumental music]

My dear Sir Walter.

Well, well, well.

You're even more splendid
than I'd imagined.

You know even in my retreat,
news came to me

of that silver armor of yours.

I was ill
and I swear it cured me.

I'm glad you're well again,
my lord.

Oh, you should have heard
the compliments

I've heard passed on you.

"Sir Walter's in silver,”
they said.

“The world has been outdone.
The moon, not moon..."

- You need not repeat them.
- Oh, but I insist.

The design. The workmanship.

Look, Bacon.
Magnificent, is it not?

And I said to myself,
“The great man."

This is what we've always
needed. More silver armor.

Silver everywhere.
Oceans of silver.

Sir Walter has set the style.
The world will follow.

And when I heard that Her
Majesty herself admired it, I...

Wait, gentlemen. A moment.

Ho there, guard attendant!

I straight away sent
for the silversmiths

and had them produce
enough armor

for the queen's personal guard.

Take care, my lord.
I bear insults badly.

Insults?
What insults?

You ordered that armor
in the queen's service.

In the queen's service,
I ordered a dozen more like it.

Essex,
I've endured much from you!

And will endure more
before I'm finished.

There can be no quarreling here.

My Lord, have you forgotten
a certain appointment?

- Bacon, you protect me?
- I protect you both.

You may have your laugh,
Lord Essex.

Come, gentlemen.

[laughing]

Oh, another lecture?
Come, schoolmaster.

Essex, when will you realize
how vital it is

not to make enemies at court?
If Raleigh or...

I'll make friends and choose
enemies to please myself.

Now that I'm back they'll need
friends more than I do.

My Lord, you have been
my friend and patron.

My star is fixed to yours.

And since I've no wish
to see that star fall,

ll ask you one question more.

When you see the queen,
what do you intend?

To pacify her? Retain her favors
and all that go with it?

Or to set yourself against her

and trust your fortunes
to the popularity of the mob?

Ll not answer you directly,
but this I will say.

I've never yet loved nor hated
for a policy or a purpose

and I'll burn in eternity
before I'll ever start it.

You understand, do you not?

- Penelope.
- My Lord.

Have I kept the queen?

Would I admit Her Majesty
would wait for any man?

[laughs] I admire your
discretion.

- Only my discretion?
- Anything you wish.

- Just tell her I'm here.
- She's not quite ready.

May I have one moment, my lord?

Of course.

- Answer honestly.
- Honestly.

Do you...

Do you love the queen?

I do, my dear. Deeply.

I wish you loved someone
who loved you better.

- Meaning?
- Oh, no one. Myself perhaps.

Anyone who loved you better.

Why? Doesn't
the queen love me, sweet?

She loves you,
she loves you not.

She loves you,
she loves you not.

Why do you tell me this?

- I'm afraid.
- For me?

I've heard her,
walking up and down

her room at night,

all night long cursing you,

cursing you because she must
love you and can't help herself,

swearing a terrible revenge

for this love
she scorns to bear you.

Oh, Robert, be careful.

You anger her too much.

Why? Isn't it the same
with all lovers?

Oh, no.
I've never cursed you.

[laughs] But if we were lovers,
you might.

So thank your lucky stars
we're not.

Don't joke.

I'm afraid.

- Oh, promise you'll be careful.
- I promise.

- I'll tell her you're here.
- There is no need.

[intense music]

When my Penelope
passed me just now

her eyes and her lips
looked the softer for kissing.

Was I inopportune?

She's just a thoughtless child.

These little children have their
ways with each other.

Do we begin already
with hints and accusations?

Why, you know
perfectly well I...

I only know what! see.

Do you find Penelope charming?

Well, there are other men
for me,

besides yourself,
to love and be loved.

There's always Egerton

or Sir Walter the handsome,
the, uh...

The silver-plated?

Well, he'll wear no more
silver at your door.

I knew this silver
would draw your fire.

Hm. What did you do?

[laughing]

Come on, tell me.
What happened?

Nothing. I think the fashion
suddenly became too popular.

He's gone to change his clothes.

[laughing]

He'll wear no more silver
at your door.

[laughing]

Isn't it strange
how one man's kisses

can grow to be like any other's?

Yes, yes. Or one woman's
to be like any other woman's.

Not mine for you.

Nor mine for you,
you lying villain.

You devil tongue deceiver,
curse you.

Curse you and double curse you.

- You devil of brass.
- Silver, darling.

Let me be a devil in silver.

It reminds me of Raleigh.

[laughing] Raleigh?

Must you forever
be thinking of him?

[laughs]
What else do you expect

when you prefer the ants
and the squirrels

of Wanstead to me?

What's today?

Thursday.

Come again when
I'm in a better mood.

Next Wednesday, say.

Or any Wednesday later
in the summer.

Any summer.

What, you still here?

If I could only walk out

of that door and stay out.

It's not locked.

Ah, if I went,
I'd only come back again

like a fool and you know it.

Would you?

Why didn't you write to me
when I went before?

Why didn't you return?

Return? You let it be known
you'd not admit me.

I may have meant it at the time.

If ever a man was possessed
of a wicked devil, you're mine.

Why I don't knock
your head off...

And if ever a mocking devil
tortured a woman,

you're my devil and torture me!

For pity's sake,
let us part now and quickly,

or it will grow worse.

- Go, please!
- I'll not go!

[instrumental music]

Darling.

Come here.

Robert.

Robert, let us be kind
fora moment.

No, I'll be kind.
You needn't be.

You're young
and strangely sweet.

And my heart cries out to you
wherever you are.

And there's something in me
that has drawn you.

But this same lovely,
dreadful thing

that draws us together,

hurts us and blinds us
until we strike at one another.

Yes, dear, but...

This has gone on for a long time

and it grows worse
with the years.

- It will end badly.
- What are we to do?

You must go away, darling.
I must never see you again.

That's what I said last time
I went and here lam.

You must love someone else.
I will forgive you.

Darling, you mean
you'll try to forgive me.

- Ah, but I would.
- There'd be nothing to forgive.

I've tried to love others.
It's as empty as ashes.

What others?

- Oh, no one. No one.
- What others?

Oh, everyone.
Hundreds of others.

Thousands, if you like.

What are the loves
of others to me

when I can only hear your voice?

Even your laughter,
mocking me, defying me.

That's what you've done to me.

You've made everything seem
empty away from you.

And with you too.

But what about me
when you are gone?

Darling, if we must quarrel
when we're together

why, then let's quarrel.

At least when we do,
we're together.

If we are to love, sweet,
we must be silent.

For, when we speak...

Then I'll be silent,
and you shall speak.

[sighs]

[instrumental music]

If only sometimes you'd hate me.

Shh.

If only sometimes,
when I'm right, you'd admit it.

Shh.

Instead of instantly
flying into opposition,

no matter what I say.

But then, my love...

you so seldom are right.

- For example?
- For example, Cadiz.

- Huh!
- Loss of men.

The drain on the treasury.

I might have known
you'd try to dig me with that.

Well, no matter what you think,

what I did there
pleased England.

Is it my fame you think of,
my lord, or your own?

Haven't you built your name
high enough?

In spite of your blunder
at Cadiz,

there's no name like yours
in England.

Why, if we were to ride
in the streets,

it's Essex the people
would cheer not the queen.

Is it for this cheering then
that you hold me back

from a raid
on the coast of Spain?

It is because I believe in peace

and have no faith
in what wars bring.

The truth is then you fear me,

fear what I might become.

I do fear you,

because you're flattered
by the praise of fools...

until you think you'd make
a better king than I a queen.

You think you'd rule England
better because you're a man.

I do indeed.

And that's exactly
where you fail.

Because you can't think
and act like a man.

Ll make you sorry
for those words!

Think like you is what you mean.

And why should I
when my thinking's wiser?

What is your plan?

To take over England?
To depose me?

[laughing]

Fiery wench, aren't you?

[laughing]

[laughing]

It's me bringing up.
[chuckles]

I never knew from day to day
who my mother was.

It shook me nerves.

[both laughing]

Yeah, you're your father's
daughter, alright,

that I learned,
the same quick temper,

the same hot blood.

[chuckles]

Tell me, darling...

don't I sometimes wear on you,

a little?

[sighs]
Never, darling.

[instrumental music]

Elizabeth: And you won't tire
of me?

Essex: Tire of you?

How could I?

You'd have to say that,
wouldn't you?

I mean, because you
wouldn't want to hurt me.

Because I'm your queen.

And so I'll never know
till everyone else knows

and is laughing at me
that I've lost you.

Let me finish, sweet.

When the time comes...

and I seem old to you...

You're not old.
I won't have you old.

And you love someone else...

be kind and tell me.

Will you do that?

You may kill me
if I ever say it.

Love...

may I say one thing more

that may hurt you?

Anything.

Now that you're back
and safe in my heart again...

the post I have given you
will not content you.

Your blood will be on fire
to lead some new command,

some far adventure.

If you hear I need
a general anywhere,

promise me you will not
ask to go.

Is this what you wanted?

To force me
into a cowardly promise?

Are you afraid I might
return again in triumph?

Not that, dearest. No.

But there are those here
at court, powerful enemies

who would love to see you
gone from me

and who would stop at nothing
to trick you into disaster.

- Am I afraid of such...
- I asked you not to be angry.

Not to be angry?
When you think I can't outflank

such numskulls as Raleigh
and his clique?

Very well.

Go, if you like.

Only I love you and say
what would be wisest.

The things II love in you most,

your honesty,
your reckless pride

are the very things
they would play upon, sweet.

All I ask of you is be careful.

Surely you can do so little

for one who loves you so well.

Will you promise?

Promise.

I promise.

Now we must go and...

talk of Ireland.

[indistinct chatter]

Man 1: This deficit has grown
to alarming proportions.

It's now so large,
we can no longer ignore it.

Man 2: What do you suggest,
milord?

Man 1: Either a drastic increase
in our present taxes

or a series of additional taxes.

- Kendrick will not endure it.
- Milords...

Let us leave this question.

Any further business before us?

There is one perpetual subject,
Your Majesty,

which we take up time after time

and always leave unsettled,

Tyrone's rebellion in Ulster.

It's no longer
a smoldering coal.

It's a running fire
spreading north to south.

- Which means?
- Men. Money. Ships.

And more than that,
Your Majesty a leader.

A lord protector,
who'll carry fire and sword

from end to the bogs
to the other

till there are no more rebels.

Who is this leader?

Unless I am wrong...

a proved and able general,
Lord Essex.

Yes, indeed. Essex, Essex.

Thank you.

Essex is master
of the ordinance.

I need him here.

Who else?

Sir Walter told me
before the meeting

that he would go into Ireland
if Your Majesty wished.

But we both believe that
Lord Essex should go with him.

- In what capacity?
- Leading an equal command.

Two generals of equal par,
landing north and south

and meeting to crush Tyrone.

What then? Would you have
two lord protectors in Ireland?

It was our thought to name
Raleigh as lord protector.

And I under him?

Since your Cadiz adventure
ended so lamely,

it seems that Raleigh
should have first place in this.

My Ca...

- That's a deliberate insult!
- It's a plain truth.

I speak for the good
of the state.

You lie! You never spoke
for any cause but your own.

Stop this instantly!

Whoever makes you angry
has won already, Essex.

Would you make me swallow
insults from this bookkeeper...

this pen-pusher
who never waved anything

more dangerous than a quill?

Well, were you not wrong
at Cadiz?

That's not for you to say.

And if I go to Ireland, I'll go
as lord protector and alone.

Will you?

Ll have something to say
about that.

Don't you see what they're
trying to do?

I see what Cecil and his friends
are plainly enough...

Yellow squeaking rats

who only show their teeth
when cornered.

- Essex.
- Who bow and smile and scrape.

And spend their nights spying

burrowing and gnawing the chairs

and floors out
from under us all.

Madam, this is fantastic!

If we're to discuss
the Irish protector...

Do what you wish about Ireland.

I wash my hands of it.

That we don't doubt.

It's a difficult,
dangerous job...

so how can we blame Lord Essex

for refusing to risk it?

You challenge me to go?

Give me the men I need, madam.
Put me in command.

And if I fail to crush Tyrone,
you may take my sword

and break it
for I'll never use it again.

Oh, you fool, you fool!

Essex: They've challenged me!
- It doesn't matter.

You must not go. Don't you see?

Of course I see.

I know that once I've gone,

they'll try to strip me
here at home,

ruin me both ways.

And I say to them, "Try it."

I'll go and I'll return too.

More of a problem
to the Raleighs

and the Cecils
than before I left. Mark me.

We can hardly refuse

this gracious offer now,
Your Majesty.

No.

I suppose not.

Council is dismissed.

Meet again tomorrow.

And your decision?

Decision's made.
I go to Ireland.

Yes, go to Ireland.

And go to the devil too!

[dramatic music]

Well?

My court jester once said,

"All the best fools come
from Ireland...

but only a greater fool
would go there."

You should have my fool's brain,
and he yours.

You'd profit by the exchange.

Thank you, Majesty.

Oh, you!

What malicious star
rose in my sky

the day you were born?

You're a child in council.

I saw them draw you into this
and tried to warn you,

but it was no use.

Why not win in Ireland?

No man wins there.

Ireland's been fatal
to every commander

who risked his fortune there.

Even the cleverest of soldiers
would find it difficult.

But you're so dazzled with
the chance to command an army

that you'd follow the devil
in an assault on heaven.

That's one thing the devil
doesn't know.

Heaven's always taken by storm.

Robert...

I can't let you go.

Ll never see you again.

Ah, foolish fears, my darling.

Remember this...

that when I come back
and all turns out well

you thought all would
turn out badly.

Come closer and...

and tell me everything
will turn out well.

And so it will. So it will.

- Do you really want to go?
- Yes.

No. No.

But I've said I would,
and I must.

It's not too late yet.

Remember...

if you lose, it will divide us.

If you win,
that will divide us too.

I'll win, and nothing
will divide us.

Is it so hard to believe in me?

No.

I'll even forgive you
if you need it.

Here.

My father gave me this ring

and said if ever he lost
his temper with me,

to bring it to him
and he'd forgive me.

And once, long after...

when he'd forgotten
and was angry...

it saved my life.

Darling, if you're ever angry,
rings won't help.

Yes, this one would.

I'd think of you
as you are now...

and it would.

I'll take it...

to remember you in absence.

No. Take it
for a better reason.

Take it because
the years are long

and full of sharp, wearing days,

that change us into people
we do not know...

lest you and I,
who love each other now...

should wake some morning
strangers and enemies

in an alien world, far off.

You fear you'll not
always love me?

No.

That you will not always
let me love you.

[dramatic music]

[horses galloping]

[swords clanging]

[music continues]

[music continues]

Close up your ranks there.

You know what happens
to stragglers.

Left flank, close in!

[instrumental music]

Our losses are growing serious,
my lord.

Losses I expect
and can understand.

It's this forever
going on and on

after a retreating enemy

over these fever bogs,

getting further and further
from our base.

One bold, swift advance now

and we'd have Tyrone in a trap.

How can we advance lacking arms,

ammunition, necessities even?

The queen seems to have
forgotten us.

She's worse than forgotten us.

[dramatic music]

There's a courier
from London, milord.

At last. Where is he?
Fetch him here.

Even the water's rotten.

Come.

- Well, is this all?
- Yes, milord.

No letter from Her Majesty?

No, milord.
That's all Lord Cecil gave me.

You lie. You lie!

- Who tampered with you? Quick...
- No, milord, I swear...

- Wait, man. Don't.
- He lies, I tell you!

She wouldn't leave us here
all these weeks

without one single word
from her except bare dispatches.

How the devil am I
gonna beat these Irish

when she denies me
men and food and arms...

and doesn't even bother
to answer my pleas for them?

And not a single word
from her except these.

- But you haven't read it yet.
- What?

Perhaps she...

Oh, yes. Perhaps.

Essex, what is it? Does she...

I've endured much,
but this caps all.

Listen.

“Lord Essex will disperse
his army...

and return immediately
to London to give himself up."

I'm to return to London
to give myself up.

Do you hear that?

- To give myself up!
- But why?

Why? Well, you may well ask.

Is she in league with Tyrone?

She defeats and obstructs my
campaign in every way possible

and now, when
I'm about to finish him up

I'm to return to London
to give myself up.

- She's the queen.
- And I'm her subject.

But I'm a man too, which
she seems to have forgotten.

Knollys.

- Milord?
- Rouse the camp.

Have every man fall in.
We march tonight.

- Tonight?
- At once.

- To return to London?
- No. To smash Tyrone!

Bugler! Sound the call to arms.

[bugle call]

Penelope: Remember, my lords,
I'm not alone in this.

Walter: Your proof, My Lady,
let me remind you.

The queen gave you letters
to be forwarded.

If Lord Essex did not
receive them...

well, Her Majesty knows
your feelings for him

and naturally, would conclude
that your jealousy

has destroyed them.
Or am I wrong?

Penelope: Why did I
ever trust you?

You used me.

Tricked me for your own ends.

Well, I won't stand it.
I won't!

I'll tell the queen.

No matter what happens,
I'll tell her the truth.

That we've intercepted
her letters to Essex

and his letters to her!

You've a lovely head and neck,
My Lady.

It would be a pity
to separate them,

but where would you
find that pity,

in the heart of a jealous queen?

Sir Francis.

You're going to the queen?

Her Majesty has been good enough
to send for me.

I'll speak with you first.

If it's to tell me
what I already know...

What do you know?

Everything about
the suppression of letters

written by Essex to the queen

and sent by the queen to Essex.

And what do you intend to do?

Ll let the queen question me.
And I'm late already.

If you make accusations
you can't prove

you'll argue yourself
very neatly

under the headsman's ax.

And what if the queen
learns nothing from me?

With our help,
there's no position

at court you can't fill.

If you need an excuse,
this Essex

is not only a danger
to the state...

Ll find my own excuses.

Because I know
the queen loves her kingdom

and people
above all men and always will.

That is the rock on which
Essex's ship will founder.

You need not trouble
about what! shall say.

You're quite a weather vane,
Bacon,

always riding
whatever wind is fairest.

I am a man of sense.

Elizabeth: Penelope!

Where is Master Bacon?
I summoned him half an hour ago.

Is this a promenade, gentlemen?

Am I never to look out
of my room without seeing you?

Your pardon, Your Grace, I...

I'm weary of your faces.
Get out.

Come with me.

Caution.

Once again, you force me
to wait for you, Master Bacon.

Your pardon, madam. I was
detained by Sir Robert Cecil.

- Are you Cecil's friend?
- I have never been.

He is a shrewd man.
He is a good man to follow.

- He'd stand in well at court.
Bacon: That may be.

Why are you not his friend,
then?

We're not on the same side.

Are you still Essex's friend?

Yes, madam.

He is a dangerous man to follow.

- Dangerous?
- He is no longer in my favor.

- Forget him.
- But, Your Majesty...

All friends of Essex are going
straightaway to the tower.

Are you still his friend?

Yes, madam. Is that all?

- Sit down.
- But, Your Majesty...

Sit down!

You don't believe me.

Why?

If you intended to imprison me
in the tower,

I'd be there now
and no talk about it.

You're shrewd.
Perhaps too shrewd.

If honesty were shrewd, madam,
it would enjoy greater favor.

Honesty.

If I could only be sure
of one honest voice.

Tell me...

He wouldn't, couldn't fail me,
could he?

- No, Your Grace.
- Then why hasn't he written me?

I've written him my love
time and time again.

Tell me truly, bitter or not.

Why hasn't he answered?

Have you angered him,
sent him unwelcome orders?

He's very proud, you know.

I've cut off
all revenue and supplies,

ordered him to disband
his forces and return.

But Your Majesty, to send
a great leader out with an army

and then to desert him
heap disgrace upon him.

But before that
I wrote him lovingly

many times.

- And he answered?
- Nothing!

Well, that, frankly, madam,

as Essex's friend,
that can hardly be tolerated.

Nor will it be.

But I don't wish
to turn you against him.

Perhaps there was some
misunderstanding.

Misunderstanding?

He had my letters, didn't he?
Didn't he?

If you sent them, Your Grace,
he should have received them.

He'd tell you
if they didn't arrive.

You've had word from him,
haven't you?

- Yes, but I...
- Yes!

He wrote you, but not me!

Or are you lying?

I think you are.

I think you lie to me.

That's it!

Lies, lies, lies!

Trapped and strangling

in a jungle of lies and deceit.

You! You, too, at the first,

making me believe
you wouldn't betray him.

No.

No. I've gone mad.

Night after night,
pacing my room.

Sleepless, tortured...

saying, "He loves me,
he loves me not."

He loves me not
and has never loved me.

He thought he'd break me
by not writing.

Break me till I'd say,
“I'm yours.

“All that I am
and have is yours.

Body, soul and throne."

That's it. He never wanted me.

He wanted my kingdom.

But... am queen still,

and that he shall
never take from me.

I'm not broken yet...

am I, Bacon?

No, Your Majesty,
nor ever will be.

No, no.

No, we must follow him
no longer.

See him no more, my friend.

He walks on quicksand.
Avoid him.

- Yes, Your Majesty.
- And go now.

You have done well.
I trust you.

Your Grace.

[instrumental music]

[dramatic music]

[gunfire]

[music continues]

[gunfire continues]

- What is it?
- A truce party, milord.

Fetch them here.

Sound the cease-fire.

[trumpet music]

[firing stops]

[instrumental music]

- You be Lord of Essex?
- I am. What is it?

I have a message
from our general, Tyrone.

Well?

He has a wish
for to talk submission.

Submission?

Very well, but on one condition.

That all resistance
ends immediately.

It's already ceased, worst luck.

Lead the way.

[instrumental music]

[horses trotting]

So, you're
the Earl of Tyrone, eh?

If you like.
Plain Hugh O'Neill will do.

- You're Essex, I take it?
- I am.

Plain Robert Devereux will do.

Well, you've a sense of humor,
man,

which you'll be needing
after we're finished talking.

- Submission?
- Aye, submission.

You're a great fighter, Tyrone.

It's a pleasure
to meet you at last.

Now, let's get down to it.

- My terms...
- Your terms?

You have a sense of humor, man.

It is me that's granting terms
this day

or maybe you misunderstood
what I meant by submission.

I meant yours,
certainly not mine.

Come now, man.
I've no time for jests.

- You're on the run.
- Oh, are we now?

Why, the boys are just
skipping over the bogs

for a bit of exercise,
showing you the way like.

- To where?
- Into the very heart of Ulster.

- I suppose?
- Huh! No, that won't do.

- You're beaten.
- Sure.

You've the whole of Ireland
before you now, but...

Take a squint at the sky.

The smoke you see, me friend, is
the smoke of your burning camp.

Your ordinance, your food
and precious little you had

and your supplies is making
the place to warm

the hearts of all Ireland.

The road's tore up behind you

and your guides came
have back to me.

- My guides?
- Well, they are me own men.

I was glad to lend them to you.

Moreover, me whole army's drawn
up betwixt you and the sea.

In short, milord of Lord Essex,
you're trapped.

And now maybe you understand
what I meant

by the word "submission."

ll not do it
not while I have an army.

I'll fight.
- Without food or munitions?

Why, man, you'd only
get yourselves

butchered or drowned
to the last man in the bog.

Oh, come now,
throw down your arms

and save your lives
the whilst you can.

If I'm trapped,
why do you wish to spare us?

Am I such a fool as to believe
that if I destroyed you,

I'd destroy England? No, man.

If we fought it out now,
I'd finish you alright,

to the last man,
but I'd lose men too...

men that I need
to fight your successor

when he comes out of England
in the spring.

Oh, come now.
Throw down your arms

and I'll lend you
the guides to take you

and your army safe to the coast.

And if 1 refuse?

Then it'll be your pride

against the life
of every last one of your men.

Come now, Essex.
What do you say?

Will you not disarm?

Between you here
and betrayal at Whitehall...

it seems I've no choice.

Then here's me hand on it...

and a message to the queen

thanking her for me victory

for you're the most dangerous
foe I've ever had to face.

And if she'd given you the
support your campaign deserved,

without the word of a lie,
man...

it'd be me and not you

that would be surrendering
this day.

I'll give her your message...

with my whole army.

[dramatic music]

The mob does nothing but cry
the name of Essex.

Well, Cecil,
it was your intellect

that got us into this.
We are truly grateful.

Don't be a fool.

How did I know that Essex
would rise and revolt

against the queen
and march on London?

I thought he'd be killed
in Ireland.

And instead of that,
he lands in Wales

rearms his men, and even now,

marches through London
on the palace.

That means
we're in grave trouble.

Which means, my friends
that you pulled down

more upon your ears
than you bargained for.

One, if Essex prevails,
you're lost.

Two, if he becomes
reconciled to her

and there are explanations
about their intercepted letters,

then you're doubly lost.

I'll see her.
She'll listen to me.

We've got to keep them apart.

Make this a war between them
whether she wants it or not.

Absolutely. Bacon is right.

If Essex is allowed
to speak to her,

it's our end.

Guard, right wheel.

What is this, Armand?

Her Majesty ordered a guard
for the throne, milord.

Does that mean she's holding
court at this hour of night?

- It seems so.
- She is mad!

This is no time for assembly,

with Essex leading an army
on the palace.

Can't you order troops out
without her sanction?

Well, there's no
precedent for it,

but this is an emergency
without precedent.

- It is.
- I'll try.

[dramatic music]

[tapping]

[trumpet music]

[instrumental music]

I show myself
for the first time for days

and meet nothing but glum faces.

Burghley, you at least
should be merry.

I hear you've been attending
the theater.

No, madam.

But you did forbid
the performance of Richard II

by Master Shakespeare
and his players

without consulting me.
Why?

The... the play is treasonous,
Your Majesty.

It shows the dethronement
of a king.

What then? Are my people

so easily led that they would
run from the theater

to pull their queen
out of her chair?

Who is there here
fears a rebellion against me?

Not myself, certainly.

But there are mutterings,
Your Grace.

Let them mutter.
Let them cry out.

When they've worn
themselves weary,

they'll get drunk and go to bed,

sleep soundly,
wake up the wiser.

Your Majesty, I beg you

to speak with me alone a moment.

I answered your request
earlier in the day.

But if Your Majesty knew
what it was about...

I do know.

Lord Essex is on his way here.
Let him come.

I should be glad to see him.

Let him bring his revolution
with him.

How long do you think
it will last...

when I have looked on it?

Madam, please.

There are plenty of troops
available. Let me post...

With your gracious permission,
I will not.

Burghley, stay where you are,
all of you.

This court wriggles
like a mess of eels.

There will be
no troops posted, no guard,

no defense steps taken, none.

But Your Grace, there's a mob
rising in the city.

It's true, I've just
come from there.

They've stormed through Fleet
Street, sacked the provisioner

and broken into a wine
merchant's cellar.

It's said they'll attack
the Fleet Prison

and set free the prisoners.

[scoffs]

They've broken
into a wine cellar.

They'll go no farther.

[laughs] We're a marvelous
people, we English...

but we cannot hold our liquor.

Burghley: But, Your Majesty...

What do they say,
these, uh, wine drinkers?

- "Up Essex, down Elizabeth?"
Burghley: Yes, Your Majesty.

Of course. What else
would they be crying?

"Up Essex. Viva!

"Down Elizabeth. En bas.

The queen is dead.
Long live the king."

If I were there,
I'd be crying it myself.

It has a wonderful ring.

"Up Essex, down Elizabeth."

[indistinct chatter]

- Your Majesty.
- Well?

Lord Essex has entered
the palace.

He's on his way here now.

I've ordered Your Majesty's
guard to hold the stair.

You ordered the guard
against my wishes?

I had to, Your Grace.

They only wait
for a signal from you...

Which I'll never give.

Cecil: Madam, this is madness.
The whole town's behind him.

So I've been told.

What are you considering,
me or your hide?

Your Majesty, if we do nothing,

both you and your kingdom

are at the mercy of Essex.

Little man, little man,
leave me alone.

[swords clanging]

[dramatic music]

Stand back, milords!

Stand back, I tell you!

Let him enter.

[music continues]

You come with armed men
at your back

into my throne room,
my lord of Essex?

- Do I need them, Your Majesty?
- You do not.

That we shall see.

They told me
you wouldn't see me.

They were wrong.

I will see you.

State your grievance
if you have any.

Myself, I have a great affection
for rebels...

being frequently one myself.

Your Majesty thinks me a rebel?
Why, no.

I'm but newly come from Ireland
bringing you news

of your loyal subjects there.

But you have your army here
with you.

I but bring my men
home to London.

Elizabeth: Didn't you receive
my orders

directing you to disband?

Is Your Majesty not aware

that an army turned loose
becomes a mob?

Your revenues were suspended.

- Who is paying them?
- I am.

Elizabeth: They're in your
service now?

In my service.

Well, an honest answer
at any rate.

Why should I lie?

And Ireland. What of Ireland?

I left it worse than I found it,

for which Tyrone sends you
his thanks.

- If you'd supported my plans...
- Plans? What plans?

Am Ia mind reader to know
what goes on across the sea?

Why else do you think
I ordered you home?

- I wrote you.
- Yes, masterly letters.

Brief, to the point,
wasting no words.

In short, nothing!

That's not true.

I wrote you many times,
giving you all details...

asking your aid and trust,

and in reply, I got nothing.

No men, no arms, no food.
Nothing.

If you'd but given me
the support,

I'd have beaten Tyrone

and forced peace
in Ireland in a month.

You wrote me letters?

Essex: Not once but many times.

And received no letters from me?

None.

Before heaven...

if our letters have been
tampered with...

there will be heads
lopped off aplenty here.

I wish to speak
to my lord of Essex alone.

Your Majesty,
do you think it's safe?

Leave us, all of you!

[dramatic music]

Take your men and wait outside.

Post guards
in all the corridors.

See that no one enters
or leaves the palace.

Yes, my lord.

Follow me.

Robert, what did you
write to me?

At first, I wrote my love.

And then when I didn't hear
from you, I wrote angrily...

but always I ended
by telling you the same.

That I love you.

- And you?
- I, too, wrote my love.

And God keep you safe.

Then when II received
no answer...

I wrote you heaven
knows what madness...

because I thought you faithless.

I should have known.
I was tormented. Forgive me.

You never should have gone.

I hated you...

planned to put you
to the torture.

Darling,
I've been tortured enough

when I didn't hear from you.

I can't think yet.

Can't breathe.

Put your arms around me.

Can we ever believe again?

Can it ever be as it used to be?

- Do you love me still?
- I'll love you always.

Yes.

Yes, if this were false,
then I would know it now...

and truly I should die.

You see...

I thought...

because I was older...

there might be someone else.

No one. Ever.

- You were not changed?
- No.

- No?
- No.

Yes, a little.

I think they've changed us
a little.

Not I, sweet.

In spite of all those
horrible months

and though I've come back
to you in defiance...

I really came back to find you,
who had been lost to me.

And found again.

Sweet, these few years
we have left...

let's never
distrust each other again.

Never.

Take me, my life, my world,

my present and future
in your dear hands.

You shall stand behind my throne

and together we shall
build up an England

that will make
the old world wonder.

What's the matter, my darling?

I must be honest with you.

I brought my army here
partly from anger,

mostly from love.

But what really made me do it
was something else,

something within myself.

Something I can't explain.

If you had shown anger,
I could have spoken easily.

It's not easy now.

Perhaps you have
no need to tell me.

Loving you so well,
I Know you better than yourself.

This thing.
Isn't it ambition...

a thirst for power?

Yes, that's stronger
than myself.

And deeper than love?

It's true.

The throne's yours by descent
and by possession...

but if this had been
a freer time,

if people could elect,

I'd have swept the country
before me.

And since we're equal in love,

why can't we be equal
in power as well?

But we are equal.
I have made you so.

No. It's still all yours
to grant me

or take away as you see fit.

Can it be otherwise?

I ask you this in all devotion.

Am I not as worthy
to be king as you to be queen?

Must you rule alone?

Darling.

You're So young in policy.

If I granted you this request

do you know what
my people would say?

That you had forced it
on me by revolution...

and all the security
and the safety...

which I have built up for them

through years
of careful planning

would be blown away.

Is that your real reason,

or is it that
you wouldn't trust me as king?

No, I would not trust you. No.

You're jealous of your rights,
your throne.

Yes.

So now, when
the court's in my hands,

the country mine,
you my prisoner

I must disband my army,

give your kingdom back to you?

I... your prisoner?

Of course. The throne's mine
for the taking.

So, this is your loyalty?

This is your love?

Well...

at least I know now
what it was you wanted.

You shall have it.

- Your throne?
- Yes, and make the best of it.

So shall I.

What are your plans?

- I have none.
- The tower? The block?

Having been a queen,
I realize how useful

they are to consolidate power.

You could hardly
take a queen prisoner

and have no thought
of her destiny.

My mother walked that path.

I can walk it too.

You know, you're as free as air.

Lam your prisoner.

My dear prisoner still.

Let's finish with pretending.

You neither love me nor want me.

I do love you, and I want you.

Yes, and I want power too.

- But not without you.
- No...

If you wanted me, would you rise

and strike at me with an army?

No. You'd have come to me
quietly...

and talked to me
as lovers should

at the proper time.

But now, no.

What you really wanted,
you've taken.

This is your throne now...

but I am not yours.

So, put me where
I'll do the least harm.

That you know I'll never do.

Promise me but this one thing

that you'll share
your throne with me

and I'll disband my army,
and you shall be free.

I promised.

You shall share my realm
with me.

As I am queen, I promise it.

[instrumental music]

Here's the answer then,
my queen.

[music continues]

Mountjoy.

Dismiss the troops.

Return the palace
into the queen's hand,

release all prisoners
and the queen's guard,

and send them to their posts.

But Essex, are you certain?

All is well, Knollys.

[instrumental music]

Darling...

forgive me now

and let this be
our last quarrel.

Yes, our last.

Here's heaven risen out
of suffering and pain.

My sweet.

No more talk
of kingdoms and thrones.

Let's talk only of you and me.

Yes.

Yes, let us forget the other.

But have you kept your word?

My word?

I mean, if I were
to clap my hands now...

whose guard would come...

mine or yours?

[laughing]
Yours only, sweet. Shall I call?

No. Wait.

I will.

[claps]

[instrumental music]

- See?
- Your Majesty.

Captain Armand...

is the palace again
in our hands?

Yes, Your Majesty.

And my lord of Essex's men?

They have gone, Your Majesty.

It has taken me many years
of ruling England, my Essex,

to discover that a ruler
must be without friendship,

without mercy, and without love.

Arrest my lord of Essex.

Captain Armand: Arrest?
- Arrest him.

Take him to the tower.

Is this a jest?

I never jest when I play
for kingdoms, my lord of Essex.

And I trusted you.

And I trusted you.

And learned from you
that no one can be trusted,

a lover least of all.

I will remember that.

Take care, Your Majesty.

Lest that be all
you ever have to remember.

I will take care.

[dramatic music]

[instrumental music]

[thunder rumbling]

[dramatic music]

[indistinct chatter]

- Ls Her Majesty in the tower?
- Yes, milord.

She took residence in her
apartment above two nights ago.

- No... no word for me?
Guard: No, milord.

It's almost dawn, Your Majesty.
And you've had no sleep.

I beg you, retire to your
chamber for a little rest.

I beg Your Majesty's pardon.

[instrumental music]

[bell tolling]

Yes, Your Majesty. It was I
who intercepted your letters.

They never could have
done it without my help.

And the Essex, thinking himself
forgotten and disgraced

turned against you,
but it wasn't his fault.

He didn't know. It was mine.

You tell me this
because you want to save him?

Yes, yes, I do.
But also, it's true.

You must believe me.
Send for him.

If it is true,

do you realize you've spoken
your own death warrant?

Yes, I know,
but it doesn't matter.

Nothing, nothing matters
but him.

Penelope, come closer.

You love him greatly, don't you?

Oh, yes, Your Majesty.

I, too, but he has
never loved me.

But he does love you.

I was jealous of you.
That's why...

Jealous?

You poor child.

Because he loved you
and me not at all.

He told me so.

What did he say?

He said, "I love her
more than life."

And then I warned him
against you,

but he laughed
and went in to you.

Perhaps, I should have
trusted him more...

but it's too late now.

No one dies happily,
queen or no.

Will he send me the ring,
do you think?

There is still time.

No, not now.

This is the end.

On, no, no.
You must send for him.

He's as proud as you are.
He'll say nothing.

You must send for him.
Bring him here.

No.

I shall live and he shall die.

Oh, I shall walk about
and give orders

a horrible while.

But even though my heart goes
into his grave along with him

I will never send for him.

He must ask to come to me.

He will ask. He will.

[knock on door]

I told you.

He has sent someone to plead.

Enter.

[crowd yelling]

- By your leave, Your Grace.
- Well?

All London's outside the tower

protesting the execution
of Essex.

Well, haven't I ears?
Can't I hear them? What of it?

The captain of the guard
begs permission

to use force to scatter them.

Oh.

So that's what
you came to see me about?

I thought you brought word.

Milord of Essex would
hardly condescend

to plead through me,
Your Majesty.

And for an excellent reason.

He could never be sure of the
form in which you'd deliver it.

This is your day, Cecil.

The snake in the grass endures.

Yes, the snake's mind is best.

To the end of time
it will be so.

The snakes and the rats,
they shall flourish

and those who are noble
and free of soul go down.

But, madam, if you'll pardon me,
the crowd is dangerous.

- If I may order the guard...
- You may not.

But I will give you a task
less to your liking.

Go to my lord of Essex
in his cell and send him here.

Well, are you struck dumb?

But, Your Grace, Lord Essex
is preparing for execution.

- Even now, a priest...
- Go, I tell you.

[intense music]

Oh, Your Majesty.

Penelope.

Look on my face.

What you see here,
he will also see.

Oh, but, Your Majesty,
you're tired and worn,

and your beauty...

Has gone.

And left a bitter, aging mask.

I need no mirror to tell me now.

And you are young
and lovely still.

And he, too,
is young and beautiful.

And if he looks at you,
and then at me...

Penelope. Do you mind?

You must not be here
when he comes.

[somber music]

[intense music]

You sent for me.

Yes.

You spoil me for death.

Wouldn't it have been kinder to
have left me with my thoughts?

Are you so set on dying?

I can't say I care for it,
but if it's to come,

why, then, it's best I go
forward quickly and meet.

You must have known
I never meant you to die.

I've been
found guilty of treason.

And treason is
punishable with death.

Robert, be kind to me
just this once.

Lam proud, too...

and bitter with much cause.

But I did speak first.
I sent for you.

Are you going to
degrade me further?

Make me tell you
how I have longed for you?

You can tell me that

because you've nothing
to gain or lose by it.

But if I were to tell you
that I love you,

you might suppose
I'd do it to save my life.

You love me still?

No, you have never loved me.
I loved you.

And that was
your nearest way to power.

This is the hour for truth,
so let me speak.

Lam older than you, but a queen,

so perhaps it was natural
that you should flatter me

and I believe you.

Why, yes, yes.
That's true, if you wish.

And now, may I go?

This dying sticks in my mind
and makes me poor company.

But remember this,
I did love you.

- And still do?
- Yes.

Then why didn't you
send me the ring?

I'd have forgiven you everything
at any hour of the day or night.

I waited, thinking
of course, it would come.

And the nights went by,
somehow, like the days,

and it never came.

And here it is, the last
morning, the last quarter-hour.

Even if I believed you,
I couldn't have sent it.

Why not?

Because if I'd tried
to hold you to your promise,

and you'd broken it,

I'd have died
more unhappy than I am.

Oh, but I'd have
kept my promise.

I'd keep it now.

And if I were to offer you
this ring now, you'd pardon me?

- Love me as before?
- Oh, yes.

Everything as before.

And what would happen
to your throne?

My throne?

- Why, nothing.
- Now, there you're wrong.

For I'd try to take it from you.

I played for power once
and I lost, but if...

[crowd yelling]

Listen.

Do you hear that, Elizabeth?

The people are all with me.

And if I had another chance,
I'd win.

Why do you tell me this?
Don't you know it means...

My death? Yes, I know.

I only tell you because I've
loved you... love you still.

And I can never
accept pardon from you

without you knowing the truth
and facing it.

So... it's best I leave.

Robert, you can't.

You can't go like this.
I won't let you.

I love you.

Then, are you ready
to give up your throne?

- No, no, no. I cannot.
- And you talk of love.

A love that clings
to a tinsel throne.

Robert, wait. Listen.

I do love you.
I'll always love you.

Till life is drained from me,

no matter how long and lonely
the after years may be.

But there is another love,

greater even
than that I have for you.

What's this greater love that
lets the lesser go to its death?

England.

That is my greatest
and most enduring love.

And when I think what you would

do to my country
if you were king...

I will see you dead, yes,

and your soul condemned
to eternity forever

before I'd let you do it.

You think I don't love England?

You do.

But your love does not
match your lust for power.

For the greater glory of Essex,

you would make
war upon the world,

drag your country down and drown
her in a sea of debts and blood.

I had hoped, in prison,

you would lose
conceit of yourself a little,

for prison's very quiet.

Be content to reign with me

so that we could
leave behind us a legacy,

to our people,
of peace and happiness.

But no.

You stayed crazed with ambition

and faithless to England,
as well as to me, to the end.

Perhaps you're right...

and I'd have made a sorry king.

So then, it's better this way.

But this I'd have you know.

If things had been different,

you simply a woman, not a queen,

and I a man,
with no crown between us,

we could've searched heaven
and earth for two perfect lovers

and ended the search
with ourselves.

Of all the things on this earth
that I'm now to leave

I care about leaving
none of them but you.

Robert. Stay with me.
Share with me.

Give me the ring.
Give me the ring.

No. For if I did, I'd be
your death or you'd be mine,

and you and England must live.

- Isn't that true?
- Yes.

So then, goodbye, my love.

No.

I'm old. I'm old.

With you, I could've been
young again.

Why can't you love me enough,

to give me your love
and keep me as I was?

I don't know.
I only know I cannot.

[intense music]

Robert...

Take my throne!
Take England! It's yours!

[music continues]

[drums beating]

[drum beating continues]

Pray, loosen my hands.

[music continues]

I'm ready.

[drumroll]

[intense music]

[instrumental music]

[music continues]