This eternal talk about Charles. I cannot tell you how it wears me. I do not see eye-to-eye with Charles about anything...There are varieties of heroes. He's a hero with fighting and fighting bores me. His only gift is with a sword.

The sword has made Sweden great, your Majesty.

Yes, do we not exalt that gift too much, Chancellor?

Ah, you cannot remake the world, your Majesty.

Why not? Look, Chancellor, the philosophers remake it, the artists remake it, the scientists remake it now, why not we, we the power. The people follow blindly the generals who lead them to destruction. Will they not follow us? We'll lead them beyond themselves where there's grace and beauty, gaiety and freedom.

Europe is an armed camp, your Majesty, not utopia peopled with shepherds.

But Chancellor... [She looks out the window] Snow again, eternal snow.

Your Majesty, it is for Sweden. It is your duty.

Why is it my duty? My days and nights are given up to the service of the state. I'm so cramped with duty that to be able to read a book, I have to rise in the middle of the night. I serve the people with all my thoughts, with all my energy, with all my dreams, waking and sleeping. I do not wish to marry and you cannot force me.

You must give Sweden an heir.

Not by Charles, Chancellor.

You are Sweden's Queen. You are your father's daughter.

Must we live for the dead?

For the great dead, yes your Majesty.

Snow is like a wide sea. One could go out and be lost in it and forget the world and oneself.

There are rumors that your Majesty is planning a foreign marriage.

They are baseless.

But your Majesty, you cannot die an old maid.

I have no intention to, Chancellor. I shall die a bachelor!