Original subtitles

No, monsieur. I counted those lashes well!

And rest assured, I will return them to the one who had me lashed!

I am here, monsieur, for a certain genealogy monsieur de Gondy brought from Avignon.

Which genealogy do you mean?

That of the dukes de Guise!

So you are a spy as well. I assumed you were just a buffoon!

Both, monsieur, if you please.

As a spy, I will lead you to the gallows - and laugh about it afterwards as a "buffoon"!

-Gallows? -Yes, where you will be hanged high and fast!

I hope you will not insist on a beheading - as it is the privilege of the nobility.

And yet, we might come to an agreement, maitre Nicholas.

How so?

You will help me to destroy the duke and give me the papers -

... and I in turn will save you - a nobleman`s word!

And if I fail to comply?

If you do, I will kill you - I give you my word as well!

No, jester! I will kill you first!

The one who knows the secret of the de Guise ancestral tree must die.

You are starting to understand! Now for the last time - papers!

Papers?

You are being so uncooperative, monsieur!

-I will kill you! -I am here!

Well, you did not accept my offer - and now, maitre Nicholas, I will kill you!

Here comes that blow!

Pray forgive me, maitre Nicholas David - I gave a nobleman`s word.

I thought you cunning, but you proved to be as dense as a goose!

I did not know where you were hiding the papers, you showed me yourself!

-Gorenflot! -Here!

-He is dead! -There are many reasons to assume that.

Oh Lord! And he was so vigorous a minute ago!

Even too much so! He tried to swallow some inedible things.

Gorenflot, I will ride too fast for you to keep up.

W-wait! And what about me? What will I eat?

When I do give, I give properly - instead of having my friends beg for alms as they do in your abbey!

Is that blasphemer still alive?

Maitre Bernouillet! Please enter.

Maitre Bernouillet, a grand event has taken place under your roof.

Forgive me, I do not understand?

That man from Avignon, the Pope`s messenger, was here on a secret mission.

-Yes, yes, yes! -Which mission?

What horror! Horror! What will happen now? I will lose all my clients!

Shame on you, maitre Bernouillet!

This royalist and blasphemer is dead!

Our Lord`s judgement was carried out in your house!

The Pope himself chose to bestow this great honour on you.

Yes! Yes, how did I not guess it was like you say!

This is how enemies of our holy faith die!

-Amen! -Eh?

I said: "Amen!".

Based on a novel by Alexandre Dumas (père)

La Dame de Monsoreau

Episode 10

Panurge, I have been sitting here and thinking...

I do like Lyon very much, Panurge!

But ever since Chicot and I have parted ways...

... my belly has been mostly empty.

I cannot eat this nasty thing, Panurge, I cannot!

You eat grass, but I cannot!

I will be honest - I cannot stand water either!

My stomach refuses to work properly without wine.

No. We only have one option, Panurge- we must return to Paris!

The place where nice ladies always put a piece of chicken or some sweet nuts in my bag!

And who knows, we might meet our dear monsieur Chicot there!

He never left me without chicken and you without wheat!

Paris it is then! Paris, my friend!

We are not made for the countryside - Paris is our city!

Only there can I show my talents as an orator, preacher and... what else?

Ah yes, trubune! You know how good I am at that after a few glasses of Burgundy!

Move it, dear! I will show my talents, and our Lord will show us his will and feed us good breakfast!

Paris

We have arrived, baron!

-Is it here then? -Yes.

Please allow me to assist you.

How strange.

Please follow me.

Who does this house belong to, monsieur de Bussy?

This is the house where the countess de Monsoreau resides, baron.

Please be careful, baron.

I think we should wait here. Please take a seat, baron.

Father!

My child!

Father! Father, are you unwell?!

The baron assumed you were dead, madame.

And he mourned you as a father should.

Father... you do see that all is well? It is I!

It is you...

-Diana! -Father!

-My child! -How happy I am to see you!

My girl! Oh Lord! What joy! -Yes, my father!

Monsieur de Bussy... you said this was the house of the countess de Monsoreau?

Where is she then?

She is in front of you, Monsieur le Baron.

Monsieur de Monsoreau is my son in law!

It is strange!

Father, why does this surprise you?

Were you not the one who insisted I marry him?

But why did he not tell me you were alive?

I think there might be some hidden purpose in this.

Monsieur de Bussy, what do you think?

To my great regret, I have no right to interfere in your family`s secrets, my lady.

But Monsieur le Baron gave your hand to monsieur de Monsoreau...

... and you consented on the condition that you would see your father again.

I hardly need any more heartbreak, monsieur de Bussy -

- my father does not know that I am scared of monsieur de Monsoreau!

My father still sees my saviour in him.

But I feel that the man in question is the cause of all my misfortunes.

Diana! Diana, my girl - that man saved you from dishonor!

Monsieur de Bussy, the count saved my daughter`s honour -

- ergo my daughter belongs to monsieur de Monsoreau now.

I should have died as he claimed!

And if the danger was not as great as it seemed, baron?

What if the danger was only imaginary?

Had I been as fortunate as to save your daughter instead of monsieur de Monsoreau...

... I swear by our Lord I would not have expected a reward!

But he loves her, monsieur de Bussy!

And I? -What?

Monsieur de Bussy, can you help me in any way?

Diana! Come to your senses!

You are married to monsieur de Monsoreau!

Should the duke of Anjou find out that you live, all will be lost!

I see that you still trust monsieur de Monsoreau, monsieur Augustin.

Despite the fact that your daughter and I are both convinced that real danger emanates from him.

In this case...

My duty is done, madame.

There is nothing left for me to do here.

Good day, monsieur Augustin.

Good day, madame.

Monsieur de Bussy!

Do not leave me!

Could you truly leave like this? Would you refuse me protection?

Be it as you wish, madame.

I cannot promise anything, but I will attempt to find out...

... which role monsieur de Monsoreau truly played in that story.

We will form an alliance against him, me and you.

Adieu.

Oh! Glad to meet you here, monsieur de Chicot!

How are you faring, monsieur?

Could not be better, monsieur de Bussy!

Judging by your clothes, you must have arrived from afar!

Yes, I was out hunting. And you were travelling?

Yes, I visited the provinces. Monsieur, may I impose on you for a favour?

No need to even ask! If Bussy himself requests something, it is the greatest of honours.

By the way, how are the provinces faring?

As always, monsieur Chicot - they are peaceful and quiet.

And how did the hunt go?

It was very successful, monsieur de Bussy!

Monsieur Chicot, I am certain you are in a hurry...

... to appear at the king`s morning toilette.

Of course!

The duke of Anjou must be there as well.

If he is there, please let him know that I would very much like to see him.

And why do you not accompany me there?

No, no, I am afraid to see His Majesty`s displeased mien!

Are you now?

As you well know, he does not spoil me with his smiles!

I suspect that everything might change soon.

Do you tell fortunes now, monsieur Chicot?

Sometimes, monsieur de Bussy, sometimes!

Chicot!

Messieurs, our friend Chicot!

That runaway, that vagabond...

... that gallows bird Chicot!

Now that the bane of my existence has returned, I will be subjected to his incessant barbs again.

Where have you been? Tell us!

Do not even think of lying! You know, I had every den of iniquity in Paris searched for you!

Do not tell me some libertine was keeping you under lock and key?

It would be impossible, Henri...

... as you have already assembled all libertines here in the Louvre.

You mean to tell me I am wrong?

Oh Lord, you are most certainly wrong - par for the course for you, really.

Here you are...

Monsieur Chief Huntsman!

When may we expect an exciting hunt from you?

Whenever you wish to, Your Majesty!

I am not happy to tell you this, messieurs...

But, you see, I have all reasons to be dissatisfied with you.

Bussy?!

Finally!

Monseigneur, I must tell you something urgent.

Messieurs, you may leave.

So...

What is the matter then?

You left to follow the beautiful stranger and have stayed away for so long!

Why haven`t you returned earlier?

Probably because I could not.

This is why I wanted a word with you.

Well, let us talk then. Sit!

Have you...

... found out who that woman is?

Yes, Monseigneur.

Yes, I have! And you will reap what you sowed.

Shame and dishonour!

What do you mean?

I am sure you understood me perfectly.

There is no need for me to repeat.

Please explain yourself, monsieur!

And leave puzzles and anagrams to Chicot!

Who is that woman?

But you did recognize her, Monseigneur!

Then... it was her after all?

Yes.

Have you seen her?

Yes.

And she spoke to you?

Of course, Monseigneur. Only ghosts do not speak.

What, did you have reasons to think her dead?

Or hope for her death?

Thank Lord!

Do stop sighing with relief and thinking this absolves you of guilt!

By preserving her life and honour she suffered a fate worse than death.

What happened to her?

What happened to her, Monseigneur...

... was a certain man, who helped her save both her life and honour...

... and then made her pay such a price for this favour...

That it would have been better if he had not helped her at all!

Tell me everything!

Diana de Meridor was forced to embrace the man she abhors.

Diana de Meridor became the wife of the count de Monsoreau!

This cannot be!

But it is so, Monseigneur.

Wonderful, monsieur Chief Huntsman!

It is settled then.

Take a closer look, my son.

It seems that our Chief Huntsman had a recent encounter with a wolf!

What..?

Why do you think so?

Why indeed?

Something wolfish still lingers in his face... Especially in the eyes!

Monsieur Chicot, I am at court but rarely and have little idea of how one talks with jesters, but...

I warn you, I will not tolerate insults, especially in the presence of my king!

Of course, monsieur, we can see you are a full opposite of us courtiers -

- this is why we laughed so heartily at the king`s latest joke!

Which joke was it?

Appointing you as Chief Huntsman, of course!

My friend Henri is no less of a jester than I am - although, in truth, he is a bigger fool!

Messieurs, messieurs! Please talk about... something else!

Quelus!

Would you please join me in the window niche outside - do so without drawing attention to yourself.

Of course, monsieur, with pleasure!

I would not be afraid to follow you into the very depths of the forest!

Then he took a boat to the castle window and abducted your prisoner.

He left her veil behind on purpose -

- and this must have caused some moral discomfort for you.

Then he moved her to Paris, locked her up in that house you know well...

And, after a certain period of time and with a sufficient dose of intimidation, made her marry him.

Scum!

Yes, I admit... I wanted Diana to love me!

But I would have never resorted to violence!

Although Monsoreau tried to convince me to act...

He wanted you to force her?

Yes!

Take a look at what he wrote me!

Here!

"I will take care of everything, do not worry."

"The abduction will be easy, and tears will dry as soon as she faces Your Highness!"

Signed Monsoreau!

He tried to convince me that Diana was dreaming of becoming my mistress!

That blackguard!

Scum...

He lied to me! He made me believe that the woman I loved was dead!

The woman he stole from you!

This is truly vile, Your Highness.

You will see me avenge myself, Bussy!

Princes do not take revenge - they punish!

Is he not your creation? Then punish him!

Right the wrong you did to Diana de Meridor by making her happy!

-Yes, but is it in my power? - Of course!

And what can be done?

Free her.

But how?

Nothing simpler! Her marriage was forced, which means it is null and void!

Have it annulled - it would be an action worthy of a true prince and nobleman!

Monsoreau abducted a young woman of noble descent and forced her to marry him.

He must either ask for this marriage to be annulled, or you must do it for him!

Please make haste, Monseigneur!

The baron and his daughter are waiting for your answer.

Diana will have her freedom - I give you my word, Bussy.

A nobleman`s word?

A prince`s word!

Go find the count de Monsoreau, he will be in the Louvre.

Give him my order to appear here at once.

Yes, Monseigneur.

We are alone here and may speak openly.

Listen, monsieur Chicot...

... monsieur jester, monsieur fool - or whichever title you prefer, really!

I forbid you - please do mark my words -

... forbid you to make a laughing stock of me ever again!

And I suggest you think twice about a rendezvous in the forest with me.

Why so, monsieur Huntsman?

I was just assuming you would prefer to meet in a place you are most used to!

There are quite a few branches and sticks growing in the forest -

- a ready replacement for the lash the duke of Mayenne ordered to use on you!

Ah, you remind me of that trifle I owe the duke of Mayenne -

Do you want the same debt for yourself?

Well well! I would not mind being your creditor.

But there is a certain individual placed much higher in that list.

Who is that creditor then?

Do tell me, I beg you!

Maitre Nicholas David!

Oh! Well, there is no need to worry about him- I owe him nothing anymore!

That debt is repaid in full.

Please help me, monsieur de Bussy!

Monsieur de Monsoreau flushed me and plans to chase me as he would a doe or a stag!

Please explain to him that he flushed a wild boar instead -

- and it does happen sometimes that the boar attacks the hunter.

I think you are wrong, monsieur Chicot,

... if you assume that our Huntsman could mistake you for anything but what you are.

I mean for anything but a nobleman.

Count, I have the honor of informing you that the duke of Anjou requests a meeting with you.

With me?

Yes, with you.

Do you intend to accompany me?

Only to the doors of his audience room, count.

Get him, chase him!

After you, monsieur!

I am very pleased to see you, messieurs.

Please follow me.

Go ahead!

-I wonder what is happening here! - Bussy!

Finally, friend! All courtiers dressed as if for a ball upon hearing of your disappearance.

I see!

And many breathed out in relief for the first time since you learned how to hold your rapier!

You requested my presence, Monseigneur?

Yes.

Do not worry, there is no one behind these curtains.

We may be open with each other and speak candidly.

You are a good servant of mine, Chief Huntsman of the kingdom...

... and you do feel some affection for me, do you not?

Of course, Your Highness!

You have been the one to help me with my pursuits...

... without any regard for personal advantage, sometimes even risking your life.

You are very kind, Monseigneur, thank you.

I would like to talk about our common secret...

That unfortunate young woman, Diana de Meridor.

Alas! Alas, Monseigneur.

You mourn her then!

And are you not doing the same, Your Highness?

Yes, of course, I often regret my fateful whim...

It is not your fault - and nor is it mine.

It was an accident, one of those that happen nearly every day.

Nothing could have been done!

Yes, considering that death shrouded everything in silence, or am I wrong?

I know exactly what you want to tell me.

If you know, then talk.

Your Highness would like to inform me...

... that it is possible that Diana de Meridor did not die.

And this would mean that the man blaming himself for her death...

... could quieten his conscience at last. Am I right?

Oh monsieur, it took you so long...

... to communicate this most comforting thought!

You saw my gloomy and dejected moods...

... you knew that I had been plagued by nightmares since that woman`s death!

And you let me languish in this torment!

What should I think of such conduct, monsieur?

It seems that you are accusing me of something, Your Highness!

Traitor! Yes, I am accusing you and I will stress it - you deceived me!

You stole from me the woman I loved!

Yes, this is true.

True?! The nerve!

I suspect Your Highness might have forgotten...

... that you are dealing with a nobleman and your faithful servant!

What I wanted to say... is that if you were to judge impartially,

... you would understand the reason why I took this woman for myself.

Especially considering that you wanted to possess her as well!

Here is my excuse.

I love Diana de Meridor most passionately.

And so do I!

But she does not love you.

Do you seriously think she loves you?! You?!

It is possible.

You are lying! Lying! Scoundrel, filth!

What is happening there, Bussy?

Nothing of interest.

It is simply that the duke must be regretting...

... his patronage of the count de Monsoreau most bitterly now.

Bussy!

Traitor!!!

You forced her as I could have done -

I, your lord, was at least honest enough to use force, but you resorted to falsehood!

It was because of you, lackey, that I failed!

I love her!

What does it matter to me?!! Me, of all people!

Monseigneur!

I am not your lackey!

Beware, Your Highness!

My wife Diana de Meridor belongs to me the same way my land...

... my name and my honour belong to me!

And no one, do you hear, no one - not even the king himself - could take her from me now!

I wanted that woman and I seized her!

Yes, you did.

You wanted her - well, now you must return her!

Give her up!

Never.

She is my wife! We were wed before God.

If she is your wife only before God you will restore her to people!

Either you will have this marriage annulled or I will!

Diana de Meridor will return to her father tomorrow!

From that same day on, I will banish you!

I am giving you an hour to make arrangements for your position as Chief Huntsman.

Or beware! I will destroy you - just like this glass!

I will not give up either my wife or my position. Nor will I leave France.

What?! Monsoreau, I will dispose of you!

Then.. I will petition the king of France for mercy.

The newly crowned king of France, anointed in the Abbey of St. Genevieve!

And I hope that my new sovereign is a kind and generous one...

... and would accept a first petition from his humble servant!

Hush, Monsoreau! Hush.

Present your petition, but lower your voice, I beg you!

Of course, Monseigneur!

I will speak to you as befits your humblest servant - a fateful love was my undoing!

I must have succumbed to insanity if I was willing to ignore...

... that Diana de Meridor was the object of your affection!

But, Your Highness, I would like to remind you...

... that not only kindness or generosity, but also gratitude counts as a true king`s greatest virtue.

What... what do you mean by this?

What I mean is that a true king never forgets...

... to whom he owes his crown. And you will owe yours to me!

Monsoreau! Will you betray your king as easily as you have just betrayed your prince?

Your Highness, I am faithful to those who support me.

Release that woman, make this sacrifice!

I will do anything you ask for.

Do you still love Diana de Meridor, Your Highness?

No, this is not the reason.

Why are you so perturbed? Are my family secrets of interest to anyone?

But Diana... does not love you.

Why should it matter... to anyone?

Do this for me then!

I cannot.

And should my new king fail to protect my honour and my happiness, I will turn to the old one!

But this... would be dishonourable!

True, it is dishonourable - but this love is so strong that dishonour would not stop me.

It is vile and base.

Yes, it is vile - but that love will force me to commit any baseness.

Your Highness, should you try to have me killed -

... please remember that some secrets tend to turn up together with corpses!

Let each of us remain in his place -

... you the merciful king, and I your humblest subject.

What do you want?

Only one thing - forgiveness! And you will grant it to me.

Yes.

And will you greet my wife with a smile the day she is introduced at court?

Yes.

I thank you, Your Highness!

After you, count.

Adieu, friend, it is settled.

Do you think that for someone in my position it would be best to inform everyone?

Yes, of course! Such secrecy is rather unworthy of your standing.

Does this mean that I may introduce her to the queen tonight?

Go and do not worry - I will arrange everything.

My thanks.

Messieurs and mesdames!

Having secured the approval of my patron, the duke of Anjou...

I would like to announce my marriage to Diana de Meridor.

She will be introduced at court tonight.

Congratulations, count!

The Steward of Forests, Lands and Waters...

... Chief Huntsman of France count Bryant de Monsoreau!

My queen, I humbly beg your permission to introduce to the court...

... the countess Diana de Monsoreau - the daughter of baron de Meridor and my wife.

I am glad for you, my dear. How is your father faring?

Thank you, Your Majesty, he is well.

He remembers his service at court with pride.

He is as loyal to Your Majesty as ever.

I remember his achievements in our service.

Guy de Durfort - the countess de Monsoreau, my wife.

The countess de Monsoreau, my wife.

My wife, the countess de Monsoreau! My wife.

Diana de Monsoreau, my wife. My wife!

Translated by Grafinyademonsoro on Tumblr