Tied for 4th most-quoted character in Elizabeth (1998): in 4 of its 45 quotes
Most scenes with: Elizabeth (3)
Scenes with Cecil
4 scenes
Cecil Your Majesty has inherited a most parlous and degenerate state. It's threatened from abroad by France and Spain and is weaker in men, monies and riches than I have ever known it.
Cecil Madam, your treasury is empty. The Navy is run-down, there is no standing army, and no munitions. There is not a fortress that could withstand a single shot.
I have no desire for war, sir.
Cecil But that is not the end of it. Apart from abroad, here at home there are those who wish Your Majesty ill. Mary of Scots has already laid claim to your throne, and Norfolk...Norfolk covets it relentlessly. Madam, until you marry and produce an heir, you will find no security.
...
I do not see why a woman need marry at all.
Cecil Does Her Majesty sleep?
KA Kat Ashley
Not yet, Sir William. She is... overwrought.
Cecil I will need you to show me Her Majesty's sheets every morning. I must know all her proper functions.
KA Kat Ashley
Proper functions, My Lord?
Cecil Indeed. Her Majesty's body and person are no longer her own property. They belong to the State.
I narrowly escaped with my life, sir. I cannot now discuss marriage.
Cecil Forgive me...the one cannot be separated from the other.
Cecil Your Majesty must publicly dissociate herself from this most bloody act.
Cecil Of course, Madam, of course. You must also make conciliatory gestures towards the Spanish. Your dependence upon their goodwill is greater than ever.
I must... The word "must" is not used to princes. I have followed your advice in all the affairs of my kingdom, but your policies would make England nothing but part of France or Spain. From this moment I am going to follow my own opinion.
Cecil Forgive me, Madam, but you are only a woman.
I may be a woman, Sir William, but if I choose I have the heart of a man! I am my father's daughter. I am not afraid of anything.
Cecil I... I deeply regret, Madam, if I have caused you such offence, though God knows all my advice has only ever been to secure Your Majesty's throne.
And I am grateful for it. I have decided to create you Lord Burghley, so you may enjoy your retirement in greater ease.
Other characters in Elizabeth
