Elizabeth: The Golden Age (2007)

Geoffrey Rush: Sir Francis Walsingham

Photos 

Quotes 

• Sir Francis Walsingham : Forgive me, Your Majesty, I have failed you.

  Queen Elizabeth I : How have you failed me? What am I to forgive you for?

  Sir Francis Walsingham : Phillip of Spain is a God-fearing man who cannot declare war without a just cause. I intercepted every letter Mary Stuart secretly dispatched, but failed to see Spain knew I was reading them. They waited for her to write the words that in my eyes would confirm her treason.

  Sir Francis Walsingham : [ashamed]  Forgive me. I am trapped in my own web.

  Queen Elizabeth I : And I ordered Mary's execution. I murdered God's anointed Queen. And now God's most dutiful son makes Holy War to punish me.

• Sir Francis Walsingham : I care for your safety. The threat to your person are real.

  Queen Elizabeth I : You know very well if I fall, you'll all come tumbling down after me.

• Sir Francis Walsingham : Mary Stuart must die!

  Queen Elizabeth I : MUST? Mary Stuart must die? Where is written? Who says so? Have I ordered it?

  Sir Francis Walsingham : Majesty, this is no time for mercy.

  Queen Elizabeth I : [shouting]  Don't preach at me, old man!

• Queen Elizabeth I : How much longer do you think I can play this game, Francis?

  Sir Francis Walsingham : Virginity is an asset that holds its value well.

• Sir Francis Walsingham : If you were to produce an heir, there'd be no more talk of Mary, Queen of Scots.

  Queen Elizabeth I : I've heard it's customary to have a husband before producing an heir.

• Sir Francis Walsingham : Your bishops preaching God is showing his displeasure, because the Queen is still unmarried. Some, rudely suggesting, infertile.

  Queen Elizabeth I : Ha! What nonsense.

  Sir Francis Walsingham : Dangerous nonsense. Mary Stuart has a son.

  Queen Elizabeth I : Why does everyone torment me with Mary Stuart? It's not her fault she's next in line to the throne.

• Queen Elizabeth I : [slaps Sir Francis on the back of his head]  Since when did we discuss private matters in public settings?

  Sir Francis Walsingham : I ask your Majesty's forgiveness.

  Queen Elizabeth I : Have my doctors confirm that the Queen is still fertile. People need to be reassured.

• Sir Francis Walsingham : You can't learn the secrets of the universe on an empty stomach.

• Queen Elizabeth I : [during a briefing with Walsingham and Bess]  We shall have to look out a husband for you soon, Bess.

  Elizabeth Throckmorton : Not too soon, my lady.

  Sir Francis Walsingham : There are husbands to be had.

  Queen Elizabeth I : [to Bess]  Don't you want to be married?

  Elizabeth Throckmorton : I'll want the marriage if I want the man.

  Sir Francis Walsingham : Austria. France.

  Queen Elizabeth I : Turkey. Turkey has a Sultan and China has an Emperor.

  Sir Francis Walsingham : I confine myself to the possible.

  Queen Elizabeth I : That's where you and I differ, Walsingham. I find the impossible *far* more interesting.

• Sir Christopher Hatton : [the Archduke Charles of Austria's portrait is presented as a possible suitor]  An Austrian alliance would keep France quiet.

  Sir Francis Walsingham : And put Philip on a leash.

  Queen Elizabeth I : I've become almost enthusiastic. Send for him.