Elizabeth (1998) · 45 quotes
2nd most-quoted character in Elizabeth (1998): in 9 of its 45 quotes
Most scenes with: Elizabeth (3)
I say a prince should rather be slow to take action and should watch that he does not come to be afraid of his own shadow.
Walsingham Madam, if I may. A prince should never flinch from being blamed for acts of ruthlessness which are necessary for safeguarding the state and their own person. You must take these things so much to heart that you do not fear to strike. Even the very nearest that you have if they be implicated.
Walsingham Tell me, what is God to you? Has he abandoned you? Is he such a worldly god that he must play at politics in the filth of conspiracy? Is he not divine? Tell me the truth, as if you were face to face with him now. I'm a patient man, Father.
Walsingham There is so little beauty in this world, and so much suffering. Do you suppose that is what God had in mind? That is to say if there is a god at all. Perhaps there is nothing in this universe but ourselves. And our thoughts.
Walsingham Think before you do this. If you must do it, do it now and without regret. But first think, and be certain why it needs to be done.
Walsingham Come here. Look out there. There is a whole world waiting for you. Innocence is the most precious thing you possess. Lose that and you lose your soul.
[Walsingham slits the servant's throat]
Walsingham I regret to inform Your Majesty of our miserable defeat in Scotland. The Bishops still demand Your Majesty's removal. They find support in every quarter. Alas, Madam, we are come already to catastrophe.
How dare you come into my presence! Why do you follow me here?
Walsingham It is my business to protect Your Majesty, against all things.
I do not need protection. I need to be left alone!
Walsingham Majesty...
They should never have been sent to Scotland. My father would not have made such a mistake. I have been proved unfit to rule. That is what you all think, is it not, Walsingham?
Walsingham It is not for me to judge you.
Why did they send children? Why did they not send proper reinforcements?
Walsingham The Bishops would not let them. They spoke against it in the pulpits.
Then...they are speaking against their Queen.
Walsingham Madam, the Bishops are against you and have no fear of you. They do not expect you to survive.
I hear you are a wise man, Sir Francis, and a creature of the world like me.
Walsingham Yes. I have no illusions. I know it is only a matter of time before my Queen is overthrown. Her Majesty rules with the heart, not with the head.
I understand. It is hard for a woman to forget her heart. But, er...what of you, Walsingham?
Walsingham A wise man would be careful not to put himself in the way of harm.
And how would a wise man do that?
Walsingham He would, as I said, change allegiance.
Allegiance?
Walsingham There are but two choices. He would get into bed with either Spain or France.
And whose bed would you prefer?
Walsingham Your Grace is arrested. You must go with these men to the Tower.
I must do nothing by your orders. I am Norfolk.
Walsingham You were Norfolk. The dead have no titles. You were the most powerful man in England and could have been greater still but you had not the courage to be loyal. Only the conviction of your own vanity.
I think, Walsingham, a man's courage is in the manner of his death. I am content to die for my beliefs. So cut off my head and make me a martyr. The people will always remember it.
Walsingham No...they will forget.
Your Majesty...
They are all gone to the Tower. Your friends. Tell me, how should I serve thee, Robert?
My course is run.
Just tell me why.
Why? Madam, is it not plain enough to you? It is no easy thing to be loved by the Queen. It would corrupt the soul of any man. Now, for God's sake, kill me.
No...I think rather to let you live.
Walsingham Madam, that is not wise. Lord Robert has committed treason. He must be made example of.
And I will make an example of him. He shall be kept alive to always remind me of how close I came to danger.
I have rid England of her enemies. What do I do now? Am I to be made of stone? Must I be touched by nothing?
Walsingham Aye, Madam, to reign supreme. All men need something greater than themselves to look up to and worship. They must be able to touch the divine here on earth.
Captain Barbossa
Marquis de Sade
Captain Barbossa
Lionel Logue
Casanova Frankenstein
Philip Henslowe
Ezylryb
Javert
