Original subtitles

LAURENT:You never speak of your family.

My task here is my first concern.

But your wife asks no questions?

My wife knows her place.

TESS:How I bless th' day she dismiss'd me!

For that set me

on thoughts of stealin' ore.

And without that, how could Frenchies come ashore

to plot they schemes?

LAURENT:And to pave the way for General Touissant

and his army.

Indeed.

Not now, Tess.

Beg pardon!

'Twas careless of me.

We have work to do.

You seem a little stronger.

Some days I almost forget her face for two hours at a time.

Do you recall my advice?

To find a purpose?

He already has a purpose.

My nephew is a soldier.

I trust he will always be ready for action.

I don't rightly understand-- for months now

we've been losin' precious ore

and still you make no move to challenge Jacka.

Or Tess.

Did we not agree to wait

until we know the full extent of the theft?

But do we not yet?

And what of the weapons hoard?

What of that?

Addington and Bonaparte will shortly sign the Peace.

An invasion seems unlikely.

But did you not say Addington was a fool

if he trusts the French?

I did say so, but...

A humble country squire should leave London matters alone.

Gentlemen!

Still here?

Sir George's company must be most alluring.

Your continued attachment

to Cornwall is heartwarming.

Does the climate suit you?

Ross?As opposed to London?

Which I imagine remains rather hot?

Your husband thinks he has triumphed, ma'am.

Blackened our names.

Helped my daughter abscond with the Despard trull.

And now hopes to see me arrested

for corruption.

And perjury, sedition, brutality, murder.

Do you hear that, ma'am?

He intends to have me indicted as a traitor.

I intend to have him hanged as one.

Care to wager who'll get there first?

Ross, come away...

I understand

Captain Poldark has been absent

from London these past few months.

And with good reason.

His name is reviled in Westminster.

On account of...?

His Jacobin leanings?

His fondness for traitors?

Ah, you refer to Colonel Despard.

Perhaps Poldark

should join the French army.

Since he stands no chance of ever being readmitted

to the English one.

Is treachery a matter for mirth, sir?

Treachery works both ways, sir.

If your own country betrays you...

to whom do you then owe loyalty?

G'day to your ladyship.Tess!

We don't see much of you in Sawle these days.

No, ma'am,

I've got matters elsewhere to attend to.

It looks tender.

How came you by it?

I... I don't recall.

You should have a care, Ross.

It do seem but a tiny scratch yet...

if it should fester, and infection set in..

Mm.

I don't want to lose you, Ross.

You fear that?

Sometimes.

Of late, more oft.

Wondering where you go.

I have a mine to run.

And why you're gone so long.

Would you rather I was in London?

As to that, you may as well be, since...

Hanson and Merceron pursue us here.

They're of no consequence.

Why do I misdoubt that?

Perhaps you misdoubt everything I say.

Do I have cause?

No.

No cause.

BESSIE:No, Master Valentine. You cannot.

Why must I keep away from the mine?

I want to learn about copper.

And mining is in my blood.

I should have a mine of my own!

May I have one, Papa?

Will you give me one?

Master Valentine!

Impudent brat!

He should be whipped for his insolence.

Or are you growing sentimental in your dotage?

No, I'm considering how angry its former owner would be

if I made a plaything of his beloved Leisure,

and gave it to a child.

Well, if it ain't Preacher Carne!

'Tis an age since we last studied together.

How goes the learnin'?

Tess?

I got bigger fish to fry than 'ee now, preacher.

To think we now have 27 pupils!

And I shall miss them.

But I know I leave them in excellent hands.

How will I manage?

So much I've come to rely on 'ee

these past few months.

'Tis almost as if...We're sisters?

No.

That we shall never be.

Sam and Tess no longer study together.

Perhaps she've learnt all the lessons there be.

I've certainly learnt mine.

Ross?

Now?

Not now.Why not?

Someone might come.

Tell 'em to scarper.

Deny me, then.

Say 'ee don't want me.

Would I dare?

Then dare thy body and I'll dare mine.

For we both we long for it.

And because of that,

let us find a more fitting place and occasion

so we can take our time and enjoy it to the full.

Come to the beach. They'll be waiting.

There it is, Wheal Leisure.

A mine is a place of wonder.

Who says so?

Uncle Ross.

Well, well!

It appears The Honorable Member for Truro

is less than honest!

I wonder what the scullery maid would say!

Of course it could simply be a smuggling venture,

given his past misdemeanors.

But to be consorting with the French, in any guise...

While the Peace is yet unsigned?

Treason, pure and simple.

And were we to frame it as more than a smuggling venture...

How was the mine?

Like any mine.

Deep, dark, cold...

...damp.

Lonely?

Aside from a few starving rats, yes.

Ross...

Mm, pie is excellent.

How needful, would you say, is honesty

betwixt husband and wife?

Is honesty always desired?

I'd say so.

Whatever the cost?

Yes.

Yet consider,

are there not... some matters--

persons...

...past events--

particulars of which I've never asked you?

And for you also,

are there not...

like omissions?

Because to ask the question

means it can never be unasked.

Nor the answer unheard.

So we should never seek to know the truth?

Are we sure we always want to hear it?

Take your bag...

Clowance, your bonnet.

You're going to Killewarren?

Garrick, come.

May I ask why?

When did I lose you, Ross?

You haven't lost me.

I now look in your face, I see a stranger.

I will be a stranger if you choose to desert me.

Then become again the man you once were.

That man no longer exists.

Then I must leave.

Forgive me, that sounds

a little extreme.

Because you consider marital fidelity as what?

A tiresome detail?

Have I ever said so?

Not in so many words.

But in thought?

What thought?

Your own attachment?

My "attachment"?

Caroline, must we forever revisit this?

Yes, I admired Kitty.

I made no secret of it.

But why, why would you imagine that my feelings went beyond?

Because it would not be the first time

you fell in love with someone else's wife.

Keren Daniel.

Pray excuse me.

Where are you going?

To do what I should have done months ago.

Yes, I let her go. I think it's for the best.

How could that possibly be?

Months ago I told you my actions might seem strange.

And so they do.I also asked you not to question me.

And for months I have not,but now?Is not the time to start.

Ross, your arrogance!

Your presumption that this concerns none but yourself!

Have you still not understood that subterfuge destroys?

You speak from experience?I speak from experience, yes!

From knowledge, of lives affected,

actions which had consequences.

What actions?

Actions of mine?

Actions of yours.What consequences?

What consequences?

Ask George!

He lives with them every day!

Losing his wife,

knowing she once loved you.I cannot alter that!

No, but you can alter this. Lying to Demelza,

keeping her in the dark.

Only to protect her. If you knew...

if you understood...Help me to understand!

Certain actions of mine,

if scrutinized, might be misconstrued.

Like your affair with Tess? Hm?

Demelza knows of that?Oh, she knows.

And the sooner you break it, and plead forgiveness,

and beg her to come home to you.I cannot.

Ross.No, I will not.

It suits me to have Demelza away from Nampara.

You no longer love her?

Love her? Dear God!

No, I no longer love her.

I had your note. When does he arrive?

Any moment.

His name is Toussaint.

General Toussaint?

You know of him?

At Marlow he was much discussed.

What is he?

A noted military strategist,

an exceptional swordsman.

Why have they sent him?To plan the invasion.

They are serious.

Any weaknesses?

A certain arrogance.

A fondness for ladies, good wine, soft beds.

I can't imagine he'll find Wheal Leisure to his liking.

Which is why I've suggested something more congenial.

LAURENT:May I present Général Jules Toussaint.

senator and marshal of the Empire.

Captain Ross Poldark,

my nephew Cadet Geoffrey Charles Poldark,

both at your service, General.

You live alone here, Captain?

My wife and family are from home.

We will not be disturbed.

Thank you, Burkett.

"General."

Well, now we have him--

colluding with the French at the highest level.

His hanging should be even more spectacular

than his friend's.

And the nephew brat will join him.

And our restoration to favor will be complete.

So the first wave of the invasion

will be small and localized. But if successful...

We immediately send in a second.

And for when is it proposed?

As early as next month.

Before the Peace is even signed?

Yes.

Excellent.

Letter for you, sir.

Is she giving the gifts to the baby?

Yes.

A shooting star.

I need your assurance that nothing I tell you

will reach Demelza.

You have my word.

Yeah, that one.

I think he's talking to the people in the church.

How can you possibly think this will work?

Because there's no other way.

Very well, yes, I'll assist you.

Though I give you small chance of success.

My thanks.

Speed is of the essence.

The general and I will visit Wheal Leisure today.

While we're gone,

let yourself into Nampara and go to the library.

Beneath the rug by the window there's a panel in the floor.

While we're at Nampara,

another party must be at Wheal Leisure.

To what end?

Fireworks? Rock falls?

Of the most spectacular kind.

Which is why I've called in the expert.

Can I count on you all?

For God, King and country.

Go outside.Mama.

My dear,

where are you going?

Prudie, take the children outside please.

Yes, maid. This way, chibbies.

Caroline...

I have thought and I thought on what's to be done.

I can see no other way.

When I heard how he spoke to Tess...

I thought of Elizabeth.

They could not be more different.

It's the pain that's the same.

And I had hoped that

Ross had learnt his lesson.

'Tis plain to see, he's done nothin' of the sort.

And to ever be wonderin'...

To ever be wonderin'

are they in each other's arms?

Does he whisper to her the same

sweet words that he once whispered to me?

The agony of never knowin' of just a moment's peace.

No. I can't!

It's my faith that's broken.

It cannot be re-made.

It is a pleasure to see how well guarded the mine is.

And our cache of arms is impressive.

ROSS:We have many sympathizers hereabouts.

And I should note it,

no shortage of weapons to arm them.

Farewell, my friend.

Tonight I go to Verity,

till Captain Blamey can see us aboard a ship

to Lisbon, or the Americas, or Jamaica.

Jamaica?

Why not?

We'd be quite the band of sisters,

Kitty, Cecily, and I.

Demelza, my dear... you cannot.

Caroline...

Oh...

Dwight will never forgive me.

An impressive sword, Captain.

You have some skill with it?

Nothing to compare to your own.

May I?

Of course.

It is true I possess a certain dexterity.

Practice is the key,

like with any weapon.

And as the ladies in France will testify...

I do practice a great deal.

How does Bonaparte view our prime minister?

With utter contempt!

He thinks him a groveling fool.

So this proposed treaty...

Would merely give us a respite

to rest and rearm our forces.

Always assuming you do not invade before it is signed.

Which is my preferred option.

And mine.

This country does not deserve liberty.

It punishes loyalty

and rewards corruption.

Let us sketch out a plan.

You know the extent of our weapons.

As you know,

I have an intimate knowledge

of the terrain, the tides, the locals.

So how many men do you propose to send us?

2,000.

So he allowed her to form an attachment to him?

Fearing that to do otherwise would jeopardize

the entire scheme.

Dear God!

How could he do that?

To lie to me, for so long, so bold-faced...

And Tess! To so misuse her!

You cannot pity her?I do!

She's lost her heart to him and I know how easy that is.

Am I a fool?

Or a saint.

That I'll never be.

I've no wish to be.

All will be in readiness. You may rely on me.

It is an honor to serve France.

And France will not hesitate to reward you.

Shall we adjourn to the parlor?

I have some excellent rum.

Imported from France?

Naturally!

Then let us toast the success of our venture.

I know what 'ee be thinkin', maid.

And I know that if Mr. Ross

take such pains to protect 'ee,

he'll not take it kindly.

I don't doubt it.

Be not afeared.

How could I not be afeared?

I've asked her to come sit with 'ee.

To London. With all possible speed.

Yes, sir.

From Poldark.

GEORGE:"The French fleet holds itself in readiness

for an invasion as early as next month."

The thought of watching him marched to Truro Jail...

CARY:With that sniveling kitchen maid

whimpering after him.

"These details, which I have taken great pains to extort

"from General Toussaint, were painstakingly

"and covertly transcribed

"by Dwight Enys.

"I hope they will serve as proof of French intent

and of my own desire to serve the Crown."

Damn him!

So, so he'll be crowned as a hero.

How?

This report will never reach Wickham.

But if it reached the General...

Oh, I do not place

much store in marital fidelity.

If opportunity presents...

And the lady is willing?

Myself, I prefer the thrill of the chase.

And who does not?

I beg your pardon--

I had no idea you had company.

And this is your charming wife?

It is! Demelza...

This is...

an old comrade from my days in America.

Jules Toussaint

at your service, madame.

Pardon my intrusion, sir.

No intrusion.

This is after all your house.

And to think I was almost denied

the pleasure of meeting you.

My husband is rather possessive.

He likes to keep me all to himself.

Dare you not disobey him?

How could I, sir?

He is my lord and master.

He is also a traitor.

To you.

And you have proof of this, monsieur?

I have in my pocket

a letter from this man

which was intercepted on its way to London.

A full account of your plans,

addressed to the head of our secret service.

And why are you telling me this?

Because he is without loyalty

or honor to his country.

Yes, it is true.

And what serves me best at present,

is this man's dispatch,

by any means you see fit.

Well, Capitaine...

You disappoint me greatly, Captain.

I thought I had found an ally.

Instead...

May I?

Forgive me, if your carpet is stained, madame,

but I must perform a small execution

before we resume our conversation.

Sir...

from the bottom of my heart I...

I bless you!

Can you truly think to rid me

of this... fiend?

You... do not plead for him?

Plead?

I loathe him!

What?

He's a liar, and a bully. He repeatedly breaks

his marriage vows, and...

and my heart!

So, yes...

I despise him.

Would be a blessed release if you were

to dispatch him.

Delighted to oblige you,madame.

But not too swiftly.

I should like to see him... humiliated

before his dispatch.

And nothing would give me greater pleasure.

Forgive me, monsieur...

but would it not be better to have it over and done with?

You, sir, are plainly a philistine.

Why resort to brute force..

when there is artistry to be had?

Choose your weapons then.

Pistols or swords?

Swords, of course.

Then at least you will die a soldier's death.

What were you thinking?

Did you not think to tell anyone?

She forbid me.

I warned you not to tell her!

Fuses set!

Zacky, do the honors.

Make haste!

I may have used a little too much powder!

Proper job!

We'll let the Frenchies out later.

I tell you, monsieur, this is a foolish distraction.

Shall we begin?

Would you like me to make it easier for you, Captain?

On y va.

Is that really your best?

Ah ah.

Too easy!

Madame?

My love...

He's dead.Dead?

What? Did I...

I'd rather you'd kill the other, but we mustn't be greedy.

Keep still, let me see.

GEORGE:You, you, you cannot mean to set him at liberty?

Finish him!

Dispose of both bodies. Who would know?

It's tempting, but...

I have a better idea.

How bad is it?

It will keep him in bed a few weeks but he'll recover.

Mistress! Come quick!What, what is it?

Thank you, my friend.

For what?!

Demonstrating the true nature of loyalty.

Run on ahead.

Of which I trust you will shortly reap the benefits.

I think I'll retrieve my letter to Wickham.

Might I suggest a brandy?

Thank you, no.

You think I might poison you?

I wouldn't rule it out.

Clearly we are never going to be the best of friends.

Or any manner of friends.

But I believe thanks are in order.

Spare yourself.

The gesture was not out of concern for you

but out of loyalty to my country.

I'm indebted to you nonetheless.

Which is not a position I relish.

Whereas I revel in it.

So...

shall we revert to our...

usual animosity?

With pleasure.

Oh Morwenna... Morwenna!

'Tis well.

'Tis well, Morwenna.It's coming out.

Rosina, hold her hand!

I'm with you.

Hold fast, Morwenna.

It's nearly there, Morwenna.

Neary there.

Oh well done, Morwenna, well done... oh...

She's beautiful-- here,

greet your daughter.

Oh, my beautiful girl.

My love!

We have a daughter.

A daughter...

And you're safe.

All is well.

All as we'd hoped.

What a day.

What a love.

That's what we'll call her!

Loveday.

Loveday Carne.

Welcome, Loveday.

I doubt I can ever repay you.

How your mind leapt to such a plan.

There was no plan!

I was that afeared I just blurted the first thing

that came in my head!His vanity was his undoing.

I knew if I could just bide my time.

I was countin' on that too.

I should never have kept things from you.

You saved my life.

As you saved mine.

Long ago.

When you took me from a dog-fight,

made me your scullery maid, and then... your wife.

My only thought was to protect you.

Oh Ross, I've long been indebted to you.

If this goes, in some way to repayin' that...

My debt to you can never be repaid.

For the rest of my life

I will try.

She favors ye, Morwenna,

which can only be a good thing!

May I hold her?

Of course.

She looks so...

May I ask to speak with 'ee?

Alone?

'Tis a joy to see 'em so content, do 'ee not think?

And the child, such a blessin'.

And... do 'ee not think 'ee deserve as much joy?

Or will 'ee let guilt be thy master?

I?

I deserve... torment for the pain I've caused.

For which I hold not the least of a grudge.

Nor pass judgement.

For who in this world have never gone astray?

You and I were once set a-wed.

Can we not be so again?

Would 'ee take me still?

Would 'ee not ask me?

Kitty Despard...

I understand.

Quite rightly.

You feared I might repeat my past indiscretion.

No.

That was not my fear.

But it has been my excuse.

For what?

Keeping you at arm's length.

Preventing any lasting reconnection between us.

For what might be the consequence.

Another child.

Another opening of my heart.

Another loss would kill me.

And me.

And yet, without such opening, are we not but half alive?

Yes.

And would you deprive yourself, forever, of that?

I would not.

Nor would I want to deprive you.

Hence my confession.

Yes, this account confirms other reports

which have reached me from France and from England...

But Addington will not heed them.

He's hell-bent on securing the peace, so...

I've achieved nothing.

No, not entirely.

Your loyalty has been recognized.

We've managed to avert the impending French invasion

of the southwest.

And in addition the French prisoners you took

are proving informative.

And you have, it appears, redeemed yourself

in the eyes of the Crown, so...

And what might the Crown be willing to do

in return?

Ralph Hanson

and Joseph Merceron have also shown loyalty--

to none but themselves.

This account demonstrates treachery,

a lack of conscience, honor, or mercy.

Time, surely, for them to reap their rewards.

And what of the matter we discussed some time ago?

The covert role of a person of your talents?

Yes?

Perhaps now might be a good time to try it for size.

Could this really not wait till morning?

I trust the matter is significant?

"Possession of brandy

"on which the duty

has not been paid."

Is that the charge?Mm.

You realize that being in possession of smuggled goods

is a serious offense?

Do not lecture me on the law, sir.

Do you not know who I am?

No, sir. Who are you?

A magistrate.Then I wonder

you are so ill acquainted with the law

as to hold it in contempt.

You will reside in Truro Jail until the case comes to court.

What case?

I'll give you a dozen names who will have us released

before you can say--ROSS: Ned Despard?

Sir.

Ah.The list of charges.

HALSE:Bribery, corruption, fraud, blackmail,

false witness, mistreatment of prisoners,

murder.

Will it be enough to detain them?

For a considerable time.

Your servant, sir.

And yours, sir.

So I should have my own mine!

Close to Nampara and Uncle Ross.

We shall visit him.

He can advise me.

Papa does not care for mines, but Uncle Ross

cares a great deal.

Second visit in a fortnight.

This is an honor.

How was London?

Productive.

We are now officially free of Merceron.

I came to inform you that I am closing up Trenwith.

Henceforth Truro and London will be my home.

I see.

Err...

Valentine has...

expressed a wish to visit here.

I should be grateful if you refused him permission.

He is, after all, no relation.

'Tis a blessed day, Mrs. Carne!

A day I thought I might never see, Mr. Carne!

Can you give me a moment?

Proper job.

You had all them Frenchies fooled.

And me besides.

What do I owe you, Tess?

You detest my wife,

endanger my children,

set fire to my house.

Can't prove 'twas I!

We both know it was.

I saved your neck, Tess.

Don't let me regret it.

So the call came at last.

As expected.

Travel to France, covertly,

observe the build-up of troops,

the full extent of Bonaparte's rearming.

We may yet prevent the Peace of Amiens.

"We"?

Dwight will meet me there.

In the guise of studying with the famed Dr. Pinel

at his mental asylum at Bicêtre.

But I'll be conveniently close to Paris.

And to Ross,

so you'll be brothers-in-arms again.

So...

do I have your consent?

You have my consent if you promise

to return in one piece and before harvest.

To bring in the corn?

To welcome your new son or daughter.

Oh, my love...

From Marlow.

They've offered me a place again.

Oh that's wonderful news!

So, I will study hard.

Train hard. Serve my country.

And trust

that one day I will love a girl more ardently

than the girl who was my first love.

Bold world out there waiting.

They'll soon be lightin' the beacons

in expectation of the Peace.

The French will appreciate that.

The land they hoped to conquer, lit up for all to see.

If it's a boy,

we'll call him Henry.

And if it's a girl?

Isabella Rose.

Are you afraid?

Of course I'm afraid.

Every moment of every day.

And I.

We mustn't be.

Where's our faith?

Where's our gratitude?

We're here, we're alive, we have... blood in our veins.

And the past is gone.

Tomorrow... doesn't exist.

All that matters is now.

And we.

Two hearts.

One beat.

Can't ask any more than that.

There isn't any more to ask.

Ross!

You will come back?

I swear to you, my love.

I will return.