Don't touch the axe
The lsle of Majorca, 1823.
After the fall of Cadiz to the French army,
and the restoration of King Ferdinand Vll
to the Spanish throne.
ln the Carmelite convent,
General de Montriveau hears a mass.
ln honour of the solemnity,
the choir curtains are drawn,
but the nuns are secluded
in the organ loft.
Thus, France is everywhere?
Gentlemen, I hope you will forgive me.
A passing illness obliged me to leave the church.
I had to breathe the air of the sea.
The Governor prays you not to forget you are invited tonight.
You are to preside the dinner.
I fear my state will not permit it. I am so sorry.
I will take bed promptly.
M. de Montriveau,
my house is yours if you so desire.
Thank you.
I think I will prolong my stay.
Gaillard, you are free.
Come for my instructions in the morning.
The following day
Enter!
Gaillard,
will you take a message?
Yes, General.
Major General,
I am sorry
to say
I am suffering
a passing illness
which obliges me
to hand over
to a colonel
the command of the troops.
Et cetera, et cetera.
Tage river
I flee your gay edges
To your shores
I bid adieu
Rock, drink from the shore
Echo! Plaintive Nymph!
Alas! I shall,
Leave you, forever!
Antoinette!
General,
I was told you were out.
You are no longer ill?
Your troops have taken to sea.
Forgive me, I didn't expect to see
such devotion in a French soldier.
The music, Monsieur.
Music, religion, love,
are they not the expression...
of the need of expansion of a noble soul?
Come and eat with me.
I fear I am not an amusing guest.
I invited our Carmelites' confessor.
Well then...
lt's a contemplative order.
Our saint, Theresa of Avila, set its rule in her book
the "lnterior castle".
This castle, may they leave it?
The nuns have chosen to be cloistered.
The rule is strict.
May they be seen?
A man may not enter a convent of the Barefoot Carmelites.
But yourself...
Unless one is, as l, a priest, attached by the Archbishop.
They are all from your country?
Not at all...
Among them, there is a Frenchwoman:
Sister Theresa.
She directs the music of the chapel.
lndeed! A Frenchwoman?
She must rejoice: a Bourbon on the throne of Spain.
I told them the object of the mass.
They are always a bit curious.
This Sister Theresa may have family in France.
She might want news of them.
I don't think so.
She would have told me.
Father, as a compatriot,
I would be curious to meet her.
lf it's possible, if Mother Superior consents.
Behind the grille, even in Mother Superior's presence,
an interview is impossible.
But...
for the saviour of the Catholic throne and holy religion,
despite the Mother's severity,
the rule might...
rest a bit.
I will speak about it.
That night
Duchess, does your companion speak French?
There is no duchess here.
You are before Sister Theresa.
My companion, as you say, is my mother in God,
my superior on earth.
She speaks but Latin and Spanish.
I speak neither.
Dear Antoinette, excuse me to her.
My brother,
I am Sister Theresa.
Dear Mother,
this gentleman presents his respects,
but does not speak the two languages you speak.
Do you know this gentleman?
Yes, Mother.
Return to your cell my child.
Mother, this Frenchman is my brother.
You may stay my child.
You see, my brother, what I dare to speak a moment
for your salvation.
I commit a mortal sin.
I have lied.
How many days of penance to redeem this lie,
I shall suffer for you.
But I may hear you and be still now.
Antoinette, I must see you!
Don't call me Antoinette,
I beg of you.
Memories of the past are painful.
These words, so humbly said,
struck the General like a lightning bolt.
You will leave this tomb...
You belonged to me,
not free to give yourself, even to God.
I looked for you the world over.
For five years, you were my only thought.
My friends, powerful friends, as you know,
helped me search the convents of France,
of ltaly, Spain, Sicily, America.
You forget I am not free.
The Duke is dead.
May heaven take him.
I did not mean those ties.
You mean your vows!
I shall go to Rome,
plead all the powers on earth.
Do not speak so!
I love you more than ever before.
I don't see you with the eyes of the body.
How can you outweigh that?
My reply is I love you.
lf you follow me,
I shall hear no other voice,
see no other face than yours.
Antoinette, will you follow me?
I am not leaving you.
I live here for you, in God!
lf He is just, you will be happy.
Words!
You preferred me to society before,
now it's God, my blessing!
You don't love me!
You have never loved me!
Oh, my brother...
You say you love my soul?
You will lose this soul forever.
I will kill myself.
Mother, I have lied to you,
this man is my lover!
Five years ago, in Paris, at the Countess de Sérizy's.
My dear child,
you were at Mlle de Rochefide's yesterday, you are everywhere!
I am so sad, aunt.
Childishness.
Go, reap your harvest of flatteries, and impassioned gazes.
The day ends and you are all the more pretty.
We know you.
None more than you, my aunt.
Scolded by the princess?
But so kindly.
I love and admire that woman.
None can hold a snuffbox like her.
When she sits, the skirts set with such grace.
Clara,
who is that man?
You have heard of him, the Marquis de Montriveau.
lt's him.
The Empire's hero, is he not?
Went to the centre of Africa.
Held prisoner by savages for two years, before fleeing.
Makes an interesting man of him.
lntroduce me, he must be amusing.
None is more dull or sombre, but he is the fashion.
Monsieur,
my friend would like to meet you,
let me introduce you.
Armand de Montriveau, this is Antoinette de Langeais.
All of Paris talks of your courage,
and constancy of soul.
A man like you must dislike the attention.
After months of inhuman solitude, I can't complain, Madame.
You went up to the source of the Nile.
You almost died?
I had a desert to cross.
"A desert to cross"...
May I hear the story?
...despite the suffering,
ashamed to complain to my guide,
I kept my hardship secret.
Having walked a third of the day,
my strength failing and feet bleeding,
I asked if we would be arriving soon.
"ln one hour", said my guide.
The hour went by with no sight, even on the horizon,
of palm trees or crests
meaning the end of my suffering.
I stopped,
threatened the guide, refusing to go further.
The violins are waiting, my dear.
Lest the bows ruin your evening.
lt is late, Madame.
I must take leave of you and the music.
Monsieur,
allow me to invite you to call upon me.
I fear I am selfish in my request.
You will always find me in the evening,
until ten o'clock.
I shall come.
I'll have Mme de Langeais as mistress.
The next day, the end of the afternoon
- M. the Marquis de Montriveau. - Let him in, Julien.
And remove some light.
lf it were not you, Monsieur le Marquis,
I would have sent you away.
You see me terribly ill.
I shall leave.
I would be cross to see you leave.
I stay then.
Let me remove this, I feel too warm now.
Your feet, in Asia, Madame,
would be worth ten thousand sequins.
Compliments of a traveller...
Do you know I dreamt of you last night?
I was with you on the burning sand.
lt must be your tale of yesterday. You promised to finish it.
But if you are unwell...
Your words will cure me.
Where was l?
You had no more strength,
and had to walk two more hours.
So I walk...
The two hours go by.
I have spent my last drops of energy,
and nothing on the horizon,
nor palm trees, nor hills.
I can't cry out nor groan,
so I lie on the sand to die.
My gaze would frighten the boldest:
it said I didn't want to die alone.
My guide,
like a demon,
looks at me calmly, full of his power,
letting me lie there,
staying at a safe distance,
far from my despair.
I find enough strength for a curse.
So the guide comes near,
orders silence and says...
lt is frighteningly dark here.
Forgive me,
I can't bare this gloomy darkness.
Light Julien, some light!
A little while later
You see the effect your tale has on me.
I feel totally cured.
Let me dream the rest,
I must go out now.
What is it?
How do I say to this wild creature,
I love her.
Well,
you have just said it.
l'd be angry if you did not love me.
What I mean, Madame, until we met,
I had never loved before.
You play games with me.
Who hasn't been in love at least once?
Madam...
Will you come tomorrow evening?
I'll wait for you from eight on.
So the following day
Mme la Duchesse cannot be seen,
she is dressing, and prays you wait in the sitting room.
I kept you waiting.
I would patiently wait an eternity,
for a divinity as fair as you.
Allow me to kiss but your scarf.
I regard you enough to give you my hand.
Will you always give it to me?
Yes, but we will leave it at that.
lt is good, you are punctual.
I like punctuality.
His Majesty says it is the courtesy of kings. For me, it's the most polite flattery.
You will never forget to come at eight.
You will go to the ball every night?
Do I know?
What does it matter?
You will take me.
Tonight would be difficult, l'm not properly dressed.
Know, monsieur the traveller, any man's arm I take, is above fashion.
I see you do not know society.
I like you even more.
Would you compromise yourself for me?
You forget that first you owe me the end of your tale.
lf you wish.
You were in agony, lying on the sand,
the guide was about to speak.
What words did he say?
They are stamped in my mind...
"You reproach me of lying to you.
"Had I not, you wouldn't be this far.
"You want the truth, here it is:
"we still have a five-hour walk,
"and we cannot go back.
"lf you are not brave enough,
"here is my dagger."
What did you do?
I rose and followed my guide.
Five hours went by and still I saw nothing...
Then the Nubian took me on his shoulders
to see, at a hundred steps, a lake,
surrounded by palm trees,
illuminated by the setting sun.
I thought I was reborn.
And my guide concluded his devotion
by carrying me along the granite path.
On one side, I saw the hellish sand,
on the other, earthly paradise.
You make me miss the ball!
I promised Mme de Beauseant. They are all waiting for me.
Well then, go ahead!
I stay.
I like sharing a bold man's agony.
I can feel it, it's true!
We are worthless.
We are contemptible, selfish,
and frivolous.
None of us knows the meaning of life.
lt's our fault the world is so petty.
You make me loathe society, this ball!
Tell Julien I will not go out tonight.
You have had a hard life.
I have only suffered,
but now,
I see I could be unhappy.
Enough.
Enough, it is late.
You must leave,
let us regard appearances.
I didn't go to the ball, you were here.
People must not talk about us. Farewell.
Farewell.
I don't know what I will say,
the headache is a good friend, it's never questioned.
ls there a ball tomorrow?
Well, yes,
tomorrow we will go to the ball again.
Two months later
Did you see him?
Where is he?
Where is he hiding, this war bolt?
You didn't see...
Excuse-me.
Where is he? I don't see him.
Whom?
The one everyone calls the lord... The lord...
... the orderly of the Duchess.
Before you,
with her.
My angel, if what they say is true...
What do they say, aunt?
Your Bonaparte pupil not only follows you everywhere,
but comes to see you every evening.
I confess his tales amuse me.
Your hero's exploits must fill at least...
two volumes by now!
Avoid being, my dear Duchess,
too coquette with such a man.
Coquette?
I hate coquetry.
Promising to many and giving oneself to none.
I see but the Marquis and promise him nothing.
Precisely.
What do you mean dear Vidame?
He is a kin to the eagle,
you will not tame him.
He'll carry you off to his eyrie, if you don't watch out.
Don't worry, my angel,
but don't forget manners are all.
What is the matter, Lisette?
All is well, Monsieur le Marquis.
Who told you to come in?
You have no manners.
I beg your pardon.
Stay.
Keep still,
and stop looking at me, if you can.
Because of you, I can't see myself!
- What should I do? - Nothing.
Leave us, Lisette.
I am what you will,
a boor, a barbarian.
How can one who idolizes you, displease you?
You are not displeasing to me.
But you are always here!
Come less often,
I will not love you less.
I must imagine being loved. Perfect!
You were the last I had faith in,
I see all is false on earth.
Poor Armand, you are flying into a passion.
- l'm flying into a passion? - Yes.
You think all is in doubt, because I speak of prudence.
lf you don't wish to keep up appearances, l'm willing.
Appearances. What do you think of me?
Did I ever let you believe I would be yours?
Madame, do you love me?
Look at me in the eyes, tell me:
yes or no.
lf only I were free, if...
ls it because of your husband?
My dear Antoinette,
I have absolute power, more than the Tsar of Russia.
I have a compact with Fate.
I can advance or delay it,
like a watch.
What do you mean?
Soon, you will be free,
remember your promise then.
Armand,
you want my death?
Make me the accomplice of a crime?
I fear God.
Even if M. de Langeais gives reason to hate him,
I wish him no harm.
Listen,
no more talk of seeing you less.
You will still come here,
I shall give you my forehead to kiss,
and then...
You must no longer speak of your husband.
Think of him no more.
You keep secrets from me?
How can you control fate?
I trust you, Antoinette.
No suspicion, no false jealousy.
But...
if by accident you were free,
we are one.
Accident,
Armand.
Pure accident.
Mark thee,
if by your doing, harm came to M. de Langeais,
I would never be yours.
lf the previous scene
is the civil period of this sentimental war,
the following is the religious one.
The priest ate but two cream puffs.
- Do you want one, Lisette? - No.
Cream does not sit well with me.
Let me see!
- Any sweet wine left? - Barely a drop.
Look, he's early!
Let go of me, Julien.
You'd better go to confession.
Liberals will never destroy religion.
Religion will always be a necessity,
a political necessity.
You say these things better...
Monsieur de Montriveau.
You say these things better than I could myself...
I wish the Chamber of Peers had their bench of bishops,
like the House of Lords in England.
lndeed,
the Church must be a temporal and a spiritual power.
ls it not odd, my child,
men are prompt to fight for it
but seldom follow its rule?
Meditate on this.
Lent is near, an occasion to speak of it again.
What is it my friend?
I can't stomach your abbot.
Why didn't you take a book?
My dear Antoinette,
may I ask you a question?
I may hear you.
Are you not my friend?
I may show you my heart:
you will see but one image.
Do you speak to this man of our love?
He is my confessor.
Does he know I love you?
Monsieur de Montriveau,
you do not expect, I pray,
to enter the secret of confession?
So this man knows our quarrels
and my love for you.
A man, Monsieur?
Say God.
Leave God where he is, for the love of Him and me.
Madame,
you will not confess again, or...
Or?
Or I will not come here again.
Leave, Armand.
Adieu,
Adieu forever.
An hour later
I did not ring.
Lisette, leave me.
You are ill!
Leave me, Monsieur.
Leave.
Mme la Duchesse wants light.
Antoinette, I was wrong.
I wouldn't want you without religion.
I thank you in God's name.
We don't have the same convictions,
I am sorry.
How awful not to believe in a religion
which allows to love beyond the grave.
I set aside Christian feelings, you don't understand them.
Let me speak only of appearances.
Appearances!
What are they for:
the throne, legitimacy, the world?
lt is nonsense next to my joy.
Where am l?
My friend,
you are in the boudoir of the Duchesse de Langeais.
No more Duchess, no more de Langeais,
I am by my dear Antoinette!
Kindly stay where you are.
You have never loved me.
No,
my friend.
I am a big idiot.
You are a big fool.
What are you playing?
The prelude to a ballad,
called, I believe, "River Tage".
Tage River
I flee your gay edges
To your shores
I bid adieu
Rock, drink from the shore,
Echo! Plaintive Nymph!
Alas! I shall,
Leave you, forever!
I didn't know music...
could be so moving.
My friend,
nor do you know that I love you,
and you cause me great pain,
and I must complain...
without being understood,
otherwise, I would be yours. But you see nothing.
And you don't wish my happiness.
Armand,
I would die of sorrow tomorrow.
Religion held three months.
- Monsieur le General. - Julien.
lt is not done.
Leave me, I beg you.
Get out.
Out!
Wait in the sitting room.
Go on!
So a husband has no privileges?
lt is hateful, Monsieur,
to surprise one's wife.
Pardon me, my dear Antoinette,
a thousand doubts haunt me.
Doubts,
really?
I often wish to embrace you at the ball.
lf you doubt lest I embrace you before all,
I will be suspected all my life.
I am not loved.
Right now, admit you are not lovable.
Go, leave, leave me.
I am not like you: I always want to please.
lf it's true, be mine, Antoinette.
I want...
What is this "I want"?
I want!
No one has ever told me that before.
lt is perfectly ridiculous.
And if I demanded!
lt would prove I was wrong in making the slightest promise.
I wouldn't be so silly to keep it.
Please return when I may be visible.
Madame, I cannot wait.
I am, as you say, a spoiled child.
When I want what we speak of, I will have it.
You will have it?
I will.
l'd be delighted to learn how you will go about it.
l'm delighted to be of interest.
Yes?
until the ball at the Countess de Sérizy's
Steel against steel.
We shall see which heart is sharpest.
Steel against steel
What is wrong, my dear Antoinette? You are a frightening sight.
A dance will pick me up.
One of the things that struck me most,
was what the Westminster guard said...
pointing to the axe used to chop
the head of Charles the First.
What did this guard say?
"Don't touch the axe."
The truth is, Monsieur le Marquis,
you look at my neck as you tell this old story,
known to all who go to London,
as if you had the axe in hand.
But this story, actually, is very new.
How so, I pray?
How so?
ln that you have touched the axe.
What a wonderful prophecy!
And when will my head fall?
I don't wish your pretty head to fall.
I fear a misfortune might befall you.
Could we ask the king of sorcerers,
when I touched the axe,
as I have never been to London?
ln place for the quadrille.
And when will the punishment begin?
Before the day is out, a dreadful misfortune will befall you.
I am a child who fears no danger,
and will dance along the precipice's edge.
Places for the quadrille.
I am delighted to see, Madame,
such strength of character.