4th most-quoted character in Farewell, My Queen (2012): in 5 of its 18 quotes
Most scenes with: Sidonie Laborde (3), Versailles, July 16, 1789 (2)
Marie Antoinette What will you read to me?
I thought Bossuet's funeral eulogies of Maria-Theresa of Austria.
Marie Antoinette Oh no! How bleak! That poor woman was bored all her life. You know what she said when she died? "Ever since I was the Queen, I had only one happy day in my life!" And nobody knows which day it was. Give me something that is… a bit frivolous.
Marie Antoinette You know what I find so charming about you, Sidonie? It's not so much the beauty of your facial lines. It's rather the youth that you radiate all the time.
But Your Majesty, you're so young…
Marie Antoinette I was. I have a question.
I will answer all of Her Majesty's questions as far as I'm able to.
Marie Antoinette Did you ever feel attracted to a woman… to the point of… suffering terribly when she's not there? I can spend hours imagining her… with my eyes closed: the shape of her face, the softness of her skin, the cheerful glow of her eyes…
I guess I know who you're talking about. I envy her for being the object of such intimate friendship.
Marie Antoinette Until the point… that in miserable times I only think of her absence.
It depends on you…
Marie Antoinette Unfortunately not. Gabrielle de Polignac isn't one of those persons who can easily be seduced. I was captivated
when I saw her at Trianon. She felt at home. She went in and out as if she had always lived there. She was never lead by the intention to please me. I like that kind of freedom. You may wonder why she's not here although I'm craving so much for her presence. I, the Queen of France. The answer to that question scares me. I have to recognize that… I am her prisoner. It's been two hours since I asked Madame Campan to call for her. Gabrielle let her know that she's angry. But what is she angry about? What have I done to put her off?
May I try what Madame Campan wasn't able to do? I will find better words to convince her. I know the right words. They're from the books that I read.
Marie Antoinette Try it then, and we will see.
Marie Antoinette I longed so much for my departure… Never have I longed so much for one thing. I suffered a humiliation that is unprecedented. If they had accepted the King, you and I would be save. My dear friend… I've been so worried. I thought you were ill. Terrible ideas were lurking in my mind. But now you're here. Splendid. How you beautiful you are in this green dress. Watery green? Mellow green? Pastel green?
Gabrielle De Polignac Jade green? Or green like a baby crocodile?
Marie Antoinette You're wrong, my sweet. Neither crocodile green, nor spinach green, nor acid green.
Gabrielle De Polignac Silk green? Or green like envy?
Marie Antoinette Envy is the most common thing this world. Everyone covets a status higher than their own.
Gabrielle De Polignac And so they end up bumping against the ceiling.
Marie Antoinette If only I could have you always by my side. You're like a fountain of youth to me. Have you seen all those desolate faces? Crows with a rancid smell. And suddenly I saw you, enchanting in your dress.
Gabrielle De Polignac Light green is the color of hope.
Marie Antoinette Did you put it on for me?
Gabrielle De Polignac Only for you, Madame.
Marie Antoinette You know, my dear friend… I don't exaggerate about the hate that surrounds us. I've drawn you into this. It's my fault that the people want your head. You know what I've learned from the Council this morning? Yesterday in Paris, a woman had been stabbed in her carriage. The killers thought it was you. It's not enough for them anymore to burn us in effigy. They want us… in the flesh. Therefore, my dear Gabrielle, I beg you… Leave France! You and your family.
Gabrielle De Polignac You're certainly right, Madame. Since it's required, I will go.
Marie Antoinette Don't say anything anymore. Leave! Wait! Let me breathe for the last time the scent of your youth.
Gabrielle De Polignac Don't allow that I abandon you.
Marie Antoinette You already did. It's done. You've abandoned me.
Louis XVI Coming to Paris with my guards would anger the people…
Marie Antoinette That's crazy!
Louis XVI No, Madame. It's the voice of reason.
Marie Antoinette Let's talk about your future.
My future is where you are, Madame.
Marie Antoinette Exactly not. Soon there will be a carriage leaving for Switzerland. You'll be going with it. Don't look like that! Two days ago you told me you'd be ready to make any voyage for me. I grant you this privilege. You will escape together with the Duke and the Duchess De Polignac. Gabrielle is too famous and unfairly criticized. Without the disguise she'd risk her life. She will disguise as a maid and you will put on her dress. In case the carriage gets stopped, I want her to get away.
In a way, Majesty, you ask me to be the bait.
Marie Antoinette A very ugly word from such pretty mouth!
Words are everything I have. I know how to use them.
Marie Antoinette Don't be so arrogant when I give you the chance to win my favour! Yesterday I confessed my love for Gabrielle to you. Because you deserve it. Has any queen ever shared such intimacy with their reader? … Take off your clothes! Take off your clothes! … Sidonie! Tell Gabrielle… that I will never forget her.
