"The action is set in Flanders in 1616 when Spanish rule under Philip III was becoming less oppressive" "The horrors of war, however, remained in the memories of the people of the Low Countries" "The theme is not drawn from history" "The serio-comic narrative is set in a small town, with its canal, its houses rich in gleaming woodwork and its people looking forward to its carnival" "The film-makers'choice of this for their setting enabled them to draw upon the art of the great Flemish painters, whose works enrich our museums with their truth and humanity" "It was doubtless because this film added joyous good humour to its imagination." "DU CINEMA gave it the highest honour" "Get on with it!" "The carnival begins tonight" "FLANDERS AND FREEDOM" "Action 36: blow on the fuse and open the pan" "Action 37: adjust the fuse" "Wake up, Jef!" "Action 38:" "Take aim" " What's the matter, Jacob?" " lt's my lumbago." "Some parade it's going to be ls the beef really tender?" " The customer has no change." " She can pay later." "Don't forget my usual three pound joint" "They're waiting for me at the Town Hall" " Has your husband gone?" " Yes, and left the work to me" "Save four soles for me" "It's too late to rehearse now" "Put this on the pole for me" "Don't forget the four pies for the Mayoress" "Carry your ruff carefully" "Should I roast the eighth chicken?" "No, seven's enough;" "our Deputy Mayor's a bachelor I've brought your pies, Mayoress" "Not such thick peel, girl;" "you're wasteful" "Dry Mieke carefully, especially between the toes" "I want my arrow. I scored a bull's-eye" "Stop it, or I'll tell your mother I didn't think you were such a ninny" "Stop provoking the child" "And since when has the gallery been a playground?" "All you've done is gaze at that medallion, Siska I've done a lot" "You'll never finish in time" "Mother, if only you knew I know. I was sixteen once," "dreaming of a handsome youth" "Was it father?" "Take care of that cup, I've only two left" "Weren't you deliriously happy on your betrothal day?" "Delirious?" "Oh, well, yes..." "This morning Jean is going to ask father for my hand I'm so glad" "Your betrothal is a day to remember" "What if father refuses?" "I give my consent" "Jean Breughel, a self-portrait at twenty." "He's very talented" "Like his father, and he's earning his own living lt does no harm if life's a bit of a struggle at first" "Nothing else matters when you're young and in love" "You understand artists, mother" "Let me go to the Town Hall to hear father's decision" "Finish your work first" "Add some white to the carmine" "Mayor, your pose" "These flies are a nuisance lt's because of your cake" "At last, Deputy Mayor!" "We've been waiting half an hour I stopped at the church to light a candle" "To Saint Gudule, in hope of marriage?" "Or Saint Roch, to cure his cows" "Gentlemen, don't jest about sacred matters" "For once you are all here." "Take your poses, please" "Deputy Mayor, are you on your mark?" "A more martial air" "It looks more stupid than martial" "And don't hold the standard like a fly-swatter" "Don't be rude I can't work properly" "You always look different" "Your hair was straight, now it's in archangel's curls" "To captivate the ladies I'll make mincemeat of him!" "Moderate your remarks, my friend" "The painter's right I know you're a serious artist, but it's time for a rest" "It looks like real linen I'm not that fat lt's a good likeness" "You work quickly and don't make a mess" "What more can one ask of a painter?" "Urgent things for you to sign" " You can recognize my ring." " You even see my mole." "Have you thought over my proposal, Mayor?" "Are we not in agreement?" "No, but we're getting there" "After all, our professions are complementary I raise cattle and you dispose of them" "You agree to buy livestock from me exclusively" "Very nice, but I am giving you my daughter, Siska" "Without dowry" " We'll say no more." " l was only joking." "I give you my daughter, but the question is how many oxen, calves and pigs will you buy a year?" "Here are my accounts, judge for yourself" "What did father say?" " l haven't asked him yet." " Go and see him now, in his office." "He won't eat you, just do it" "Magnificent!" "I give you my word..." "my word of honour" "I'm pleased with you, my young friend" "May I have the honour..." "I have come to ask... I know, you want your money I was young once; wine, women and song are expensive" "You mustn't think that..." "Enjoy yourself." "Your picture's worth all of five crowns I have the honour to ask..." "You haven't dined at the Mayor's before?" "What wines he has" "I'd rather have a beer any day" "Siska, have you come to hear your father's decision?" "How did you know?" "It's all right, your father agrees" "Your happiness makes me happy" " You're very kind." " You'll see." "You'll live with a husband who adores you" "Let me kiss you properly, as a fiancé should" "We'll be married in a month, a first-class affair" "My delightful, precious girl, in a month you'll be mine" "How changeable women are" "A draft for five crowns in the name of Monsieur Breughel I didn't come for money, I came to ask for Siska's hand" "Too late" "Besides, she'll not marry an artist;" "no paupers in my family" "They served ten entrées, eight roasts and twelve other dishes" "We're waiting for you" "No, I'm still waiting for one more lt's the Deputy Mayor again" "Can't you be trusted alone for five minutes?" "They should sweep the stairs more often" "Anything broken?" "Please keep still I'd like to see you in my position" "You're moving on purpose" "You're paid to paint, so shut up!" "What about art?" "What's art?" "I've been painted before without such a fuss" "Go back to your dauber" "My "dauber", sir, was Rubens" "Could Rubens paint that?" "Not to the brim, I said" "Have you seen Jean?" "Did you see your father, then?" "Speak up" "It's the end of everything" "You haven't spoken to Jean or your father, so how do you know it's the end of everything?" "Crying won't help" "The butcher tried to kiss me" "Did you slap him?" "That's my girl!" "He said we'd be married in a month" "He was drunk" "He said father agreed" "What cunning!" "I might have guessed" "No wonder your father was so considerate" "When a husband's charming, he's up to something. I'll have a word with him" "This very instant." "Dry your eyes" "Never shake burgundy" "A butcher, indeed!" "Why not the knacker?" "Have you told your wife?" "I'm not answerable to her;" "in my own house I'm master" " Tell her the news now." " lt's not the right moment." "My dear Cornelia, are you looking for me?" "May I call you mother-in-law?" "Has the carnival begun already?" "Why the sudden regard for this calf-killer?" "Do you trade in daughters?" "You've made her cry" "A girlish fancy" "Don't you think I should be consulted?" "Like all Frenchwomen, you're never lost for words" "Not like you. I've nothing to hide" "Let everyone hear what a wretch you are" "Wait till we get home" "You're a tyrant, not the good father you make out" "Appearances are deceptive" "Look at them, playing at soldiers" "What if you are outnumbered by the enemy?" "A rifleman fights to the death, but never retreats" "Where's the Town Hall?" "Try to be dignified and a little haughty" "Open the door." "Are you afraid?" "How gracefully those mountebanks ride" "They're Spaniards!" " Did you hear?" " l'm not deaf." "But it's your problem;" "rank always brings risks" "The Mayor is always hanged first" "Where duty calls, I go" "It's the royal seal" " What's it about?" " Open it." "You open it, you're oldest" "A letter for you, Mayor" "Gentlemen, a stiff upper lip is called for" "His Excellency, Don Pedro de Guzman," "Duke of Olivieres, Ambassador of His Most Catholic Majesty, will spend the night at Boom, with his entourage and escort" "Officers of the Guild of Saint Cyprien, rally round the flag!" " Already tattered?" " l've been shot at twice." "But still ours" " You shouldn't provoke them." " lt's my nature." " We can but pray." " Why despair so easily?" "The troops will liven up the town" "Were you too young to remember the horrors of the occupation?" "Passing soldiers bring passing trade" "They sacked Antwerp in a night" "Young man, hell has nothing like Spanish fury" "Our houses will be pillaged and reduced to ashes" "Blood will run in the streets, our women will be violated" "Suckling babes will be hurled from the windows before your very eyes and you, city fathers, will be mutilated" "Believe me, the slightest resistance will bring death to us all" "If there must be a victim, let it be me" "My friends, has heaven inspired me?" "I have an idea" "The Town Crier must proclaim this before midday" "The Mayor, Father of the City, heeding naught but his own courage is ready comma as always comma to sacrifice himself for the sake of his beloved people" "Hurry up, they'll be here within an hour" "Do your know your prayers?" "Say them" "Again?" "God knows them already" "Never mind, say them all over again" " lt's Jean." " Ask him in." "I won't have to say my prayers" "Don't look so miserable" "We may never see each other again" "Mother's on our side" "Have we time for happiness?" "The Spaniards are coming lf anything happens, my last thought will be of you" "You were my only love" "Have you finished?" "What are you getting so worked up about?" "Put him back to bed, on his right side" "There'll be time enough to worry when..." "There, there;" "lean on my arm" "Would you like the smelling-salts?" "You are right to chide me." "I wish to be a man worthy of... I don't wish to bother your husband I'm here" "I have come to take my leave..." "Your affairs matter little when the enemy is at the gates" " What will you do?" " Don't be inquisitive." "I'm not inquisitive, I'm suspicious" "Civic interests don't concern women" "Have you any consecrated box-wood?" "Are you going to fight with that?" "Let us not quarrel in the face of the enemy" "Let us unite" "Get a pair of clean sheets" "What's father doing in there?" "I don't know; stop asking childish questions I suppose you don't know what's going on" "You can't see beyond your paintbrushes" "Find out what's happening" "You stay here; all you think of is kissing and cuddling" "Have you got the best linen sheets?" "And the pillowcases, too" "Kiss me" "It's Martha" "I'm sorry to have to keep going to and fro" "Careful, they're not cutlets and steaks" "They're shifting the furniture now" "For a barricade?" "They're not using grandmother's wardrobe for a barricade!" "Can't you tell me?" "Can't I help you?" "What shall I do?" "Nothing." "Matters of civic importance are not for women" "I sharpened that this morning;" "it will go rusty" "You won't understand; it's a matter of civic importance" " What are you doing?" " None of your business." "What if a thief is watching?" "You might explain to me" "Matters of civic interest are beyond your comprehension I see the top of the wardrobe" "Look again, don't give up so easily" "Can you see better?" "What are they hammering?" "The canopy is in the way" "So you won't tell me anything I see the butcher's feet on a chair, his hands over his head with a hammer" "Get down, I'll have a look" "Do you feel strong?" "Yes or no?" "Poor Siska" "What a brute that butcher is" "Maybe, but I'm sure he could lift me" "Doubtless you have come to... I'll show you the way" "So that's the game" "Who let her in?" "A big, healthy man, pretending to be dead" "Because you're scared of the Spaniards I'm not discussing my plan with silly geese" "May the Spaniards give you a fitting burial" "Shut up, and don't give the game away" "All your military displays are just a sham" "persons resisting will lead to reprisals" "Everyone must remain calm and obedient, accepting heaven's decree, in the name of our Holy Church" "The Mayor is a shrewd politician I'll not put my nose out of doors" " What if they find you?" " l've a good hiding place." " What about your shop?" " My wife will be there." " They'll have her skirts up." " No danger of that." "She's safe, all right" "Soldiers aren't bad" "What do you know?" "It's a matter of civic interest" "Admit you're a coward" "You men aren't even jealous now" "Why bother to resist?" "If you're weak, what's the use?" "No fighting to the death for the rifleman?" "Going to hide?" "Certainly. I'm hiding so as to fight again another day" "Brave deserter" "There's no sense in trying to make women see reason" "Go to bed, the lot of you" "Women, as the men have lost control of the situation, we'll replace them" "Let's do without them" "But that's impossible" " Why?" " You know very well." "That way men need us more than we need them" "Where was I?" "In a nutshell, the situation is that the Spaniards are coming" "Terrible, armed to the teeth, and we must meet them bare handed" "We're beaten already" "Since the Garden of Eden, woman has had the strongest weapon" "We can't rule, that's the man's job" "Don't we rule our house and children?" "But we can't rule men" "Ruling men is even easier" "Women, we've let this go on too long" "We followed our mothers' example and let men rule, but today's events have opened our eyes" "Let us women set an example to the whole of Flanders by saving the town through our decisiveness and courage" "And now deeds, not words" "Firstly, the tired Spanish men will be thirsty" "Ajob for the brewer's wife" "It sounds like a farmyard before a storm" "God save us from their help" "We must stop this cackling" "You two watch from the tower;" "wave to us when you see them" "You all know what to do?" "Get ready, then ln silence" "Lean on me; be careful the steps are worn" "Can you smell the wind of Flanders?" "All the distant flowers" "Are you sad?" "Why?" "I don't know;" "I feel hot and cold" "Sometimes I wouldn't mind dying l feel the same; we're so alike I'll paint you as the Virgin, Salome, Eve, Joan of Arc... I shall paint you all my life" " What do you want?" " Something for Madame." " What's that?" " Madame's mourning dress." "As tight as you can" "How nice, I haven't changed in five years I'm the same size as I was at the great Guild banquet" "You may look now." "What did you want to tell me?" "Mother, I know everything;" "don't go alone to the gate" "The other ladies will be with me" "You need a man. I'll go" "With your bow?" "Hold the mirror for me now" "What if you don't come back?" "Why all this dressing up?" "It concerns civic matters which are not for men" "WELCOME TO OUR visitors" "I had to sew up two holes in my dress" "You always wear the latest fashion" "Sleeves are wider now, surely." "Anyway, I'm so thirsty I can't swallow a drop" "Have we got everything?" "Where's the key?" "Give it another polish, girl lt's too hot to walk quickly" " Are you ill?" " lt's the suspense." "Try to pray." "God knows what sacrifices this duke expects" " l'll offer myself." " Egoist." "I want you to say something no one else has ever said to me" "That's difficult I love you" "I haven't a handkerchief to wave" "The hour has struck" "What do you call the Duke?" "Formally, I mean" " Majesty..." " No, Monseigneur, perhaps?" " He's not a bishop." " Well, we'll see." "Will these glasses be enough?" "Where's the key?" "Monseigneur, the townswomen..." " He said Monseigneur." " l guessed right." "are waiting to welcome you" "Are they pretty?" "Let's see" "I scarcely anticipated such a welcome, Madame" "Monseigneur, gentlemen, please refresh yourselves" "Judging by this reception, our visit will be delightful" "Alas, Monseigneur, I bear sad tidings" "Our town is in mourning for its late, lamented Mayor I am his widow, Monseigneur" "I beg you journey on to a less mournful town" "Madame, your wish will be fulfilled" "Our men have come a long way" "The Archduke's messengers expect to find you here" "The horses must be re-shod" "You hear, Madame?" "As things are, I fear we must stay, but rest assured we shall respect your sorrow" "By dawn we shall have left the town quietly" "Half-past twelve. lt worked;" "the Spaniards have gone" "Heaven has answered you" " Who was right?" " You, as always." "Shoulder pikes!" "The drums will be muted" "You are so considerate" "It's like the prophet entering the promised land" " They march strangely." " lt's the Spanish way." "These open faces gladden my heart" "Are their husbands working in the fields?" "We're the only men" "A dwarf, like in a circus!" " What are you looking at?" " Real men." " You mustn't go out." " lt's no fun indoors." "How singular of you, Monseigneur" " l've torn my sleeve." " l'll sew it for you." " l'm awfully ticklish." " Your skin is so soft." "Those pleats are most becoming lt's just a simple robe lsn't it a Dominican habit?" "The Dominicans attached to the Inquisition I was once Assessor at Toledo;" "that ages one" "Isn't blood flowing in the gutters?" "They're marching in good order" " My wife is joking with an officer" " Mine's with a friar" "What about mine?" "She's with the leader" "They haven't lost their sense of rank" " Plenty of women." " We've struck it lucky." " What was that drink?" " Beer, you had it in Brussels." " So hairy." " So dark." "What darling monkeys" "One of these men stole a duck from me" "Who stole a duck?" "Well, if you can't recognize him..." " Hang him by the feet, twenty minutes." " Hanged by the feet for a duck?" "Such a nice boy" "By the feet, like Saint Andrew" "Discipline is the mainspring of an army" "The first men we've seen here" "The artist has talent influenced by the Venetians, but nevertheless... lf these are the native men, I pity the women" "A little Christian charity;" "you know nothing of art" "My taste is different;" "I prefer El Greco" " Give me the Register." " Without written authorization?" " We're abolishing red tape." " Authority is dead." "I'd like to billet NCOs;" "the senior ranks I can help the Second Lieutenant with his diet I also have room for some of the guardsmen I don't mind the lower ranks" "I'll make the Chaplain comfortable" "A pallet of straw in the stables will suffice for me" "First things first" "Monseigneur, will you do me the honour of staying at the Mayoral house?" "I shall respect your grief and stay at the inn" "My inn is widely renowned" "My husband would not have let anyone else serve you" "The rooms have been repainted;" "not a bug is left" "Clean sheets for every guest, even for one night only" "I must sew your doublet I always have thread on me." "Keep still" "Wouldn't it be easier if I took it off?" "No, I can reach" " Quickly." " Are you hard pressed?" " What do you take me for?" " The prettiest woman I ever saw." " Stop, or I'll be cross." " Why?" "You really ought to pull the curtain" "Put it on the tray" " They're here." " Warn the Mayor!" "The guests have arrived" "The guests?" "The other way round, girl!" "Monseigneur, may I show you to your room?" "Madame, first I must pay my respects to the late Mayor" "Monseigneur, you are too gracious I wish to lay flowers at the bier" "How did he die?" "Suddenly." "Are there other cases in town?" "Yes, very many" "Could it be an epidemic?" "Better burn the body" "You are very brave, but I will leave you to your grief" "The poor man did well to die" "What do you mean?" "Death is sometimes a deliverance, not only for the departed" "God bless you" "Did you put your banner there on purpose?" " l tore it on a nail." " l'll sew it for you." "My good sir, what do you take me for?" "The sun's in my eyes" "Mind my dress" "Here is your water, hot and cold" "As I thought. lt smells of fish, too" "Funny, I can't smell it;" "I must be used to it" "The entire house reeks of fish" "The slightest smell upsets me" "Open the window I've only a shirt on" "So I see;" "lovely lace." "Malines, isn't it?" "Just like mine, as you can see I'll take your word for it" "Madame, allow me to perform my ablutions" "I want to wash!" "How many pillows, Monseigneur?" "Monseigneur sleeps without pillows" " Monseigneur's slippers are lost." " l was fond of them." "A gift?" "I will catch cold if I put my boots on again" "Satisfied?" "How clever to let them into town into my very house" "Answer me" "You can laugh, it's me who's dead I gave them to him five years ago;" "they've outlasted him" "Have your fun" "Just wait till the Spaniards have gone" "What sort of man is the Duke?" "I'll introduce you;" "call him Monseigneur" "You have found me some slippers, much better than my own" "See that these are not lost" "Monseigneur, allow me to present my daughter, Siska" "Your sister, surely, Madame" "My eldest daughter. I have another as big as him" " ls this your son?" " No, the painter Jean Breughel I knew your father, and I've seen your work at the Town Hall" "Painters inherit talent as kings inherit crowns" "I congratulate you both" "The fife is nice, but I prefer drums." "Play something" " A rigadoon?" " No, a charge." "I'll improvise, but close the door or we'll disturb everyone" "Not on duty, sir?" "I've done my four hours at the bier." "Where's my wife?" "Accommodating the officers" "No rows or fights?" "Be very polite to the invaders" "Haven't you seen enough of our enemies yet?" "You're wasting your time with her" "That's what you think" "Have you come far?" "We've come from Brussels" "You speak our language well" " He's Swiss." " From Fribourg." "Try my cigars" " Where are you from?" " Piedmont." "Yet you're both Spanish soldiers?" "For the moment I've fought for France against Austria, Austria against France..." "Have you no preference?" "Yes, for the highest bidder" "See, Albert, they're just like other men" "I'm in room seven; where is the mistress of the inn?" "I have something that needs sewing I'm looking for her myself" "The sergeant in number seven has something to be sewn" "Be nice to him, he's an NCO" "I'm sorry to disturb you, but have you seen my wife?" "She has just gone to dine with the Mayoress" "Aren't you going?" "No, I'm on duty;" "I don't like such affairs, anyway I don't enjoy such functions, either" " Excuse me." " Keep me company." "That's delicate work I have a certain skill." "Do you appreciate needlework?" "I do some myself, but not so well" "Flatterer!" "Fetch your own work lt's here; this is my room I'm sorry I've disturbed you" "You honour my house" "Do you favour ribbing?" "Two plain, two purl for the feet, and one and one for the legs I use a much finer pattern altogether" " lt wears less well." " lt's kinder to the skin." "Before profiting from God's goodly gifts... let us think reverently of the master of the house happier than we now that he knows the only true life" "Domini exaudi orationem meam." "I'm hungry" "So am I." "I hope you will like my cooking I'm fond of Flemish dishes, Madame" "What's that?" "The works of Erasmus" "Will you bore us with that heretic?" "No, I'll sit on him" "Fitting tribute" "Sit closer" " Do your monkeys eat meat?" " They eat everything." " You look happier now." " At least we'll eat well." " After you, Father." " l'll not touch a morsel." "Look at the tiny pitchfork" "Court manners." "Watch how Monseigneur uses the fork I'm embarrased by being the centre of attraction" "What skill" "I always have difficulty in cutting meat, anyway" "Turn the prongs the other way" "It's nerves. I can't help laughing." "It's the same at funerals" "Come on, play up!" "Let's have a lively tune!" "No dancing on a day of mourning" "You can't make the Spaniards weep over your dead Mayor" "The thing is I don't want a riot." "Nonsense." "They're well behaved, good customers" "Let them enjoy themselves, no one will mind" "It's true, there's nothing like an army" "Any army is good for trade" "Armies are indispensable" "The Spaniards have been maligned" "Well, that's politics" "That's the end!" "Music on a day of public mourning" "Why hasn't the butcher come back?" "I'm starving" "The food isn't for you" "Lobster, paté, burgundy" "My burgundy!" "Where's that butcher got to?" "You can't trust him with anything." " He's only just gone" " You've had your dinner!" "We bring you the Andalusian breeze from our mountains" "How delighfully you talk" "I shall cool your forehead with palm leaves, like an Arab" "Let the Mayoress be your model, ladies" "She piles a fan better than any Seville beauty" "No one taught me" "Please go on, for my delectation" "Father, tell us about the Inquisition" "That was long ago" "For our edification" "Not that; the white wine" "You remind me of a girl broken by flagellation" "Was she naked?" "Like Eve before the Fall" "She was smeared with honey and a he-goat licked her with his scabrous tongue" "Erasmus numbs my bum" "Sit on my lap, my lad, don't be afraid" " How old are you lad?" " Forty-two." "Good heavens!" "Get off at once!" "Here I am and here I stay" "So that's how it is" "When Monseigneur learns of your mockery, you'll be sorry" "Look, lad... your lordship" "We're family men I'm engaged to be married I'll give you fifty crowns" "A hundred crowns" "You'll hang" "Two hundred crowns if you'll not breathe a word I'll not breathe a word" "They've gone to the dance and left me to my reverie" "Flask in hand" "Quite fortuitous." "What have you there?" " You look unwell." " l'm fine." "Why so flushed?" "You look feverish I'm ticklish" "Are you starting to grow at last?" "The Duke disapproves of quick routes to wealth" " There's something in it for you." " l have avowed poverty." "The dead man isn't dead" "So you extorted money from cowards." "It shall be returned I'll give you twenty-five crowns" "Fifty crowns" "A hundred crowns, for your charities" "The only argument that overcomes my harsh scruples" "Now let us go to the inn, to discourage deplorable excesses" "Take your places for the Knights of the Arquebus" " Where are you billeted?" " Here at the inn." "Are you well catered for?" "Extremely well" "Pity, I have lots of room and my husband's away on duty" "An earwig has dropped down my back, Lieutenant!" "Shall I lend a hand?" "If Monseigneur drinks from this glass, we will treasure it" "Monseigneur is not thirsty" "Just put your lips to it" "Stop pestering Monseigneur" "These people are tactless" "You do not have to stay, Monseigneur;" "are you bored?" "With you?" "How could you imagine that?" "Shall we take the air?" "I'm fond of the people, but not in such a sweat" "The night is scented with jasmine" "They haven't seen us." "They're planning their future lt is never too late at any age to enjoy happiness" "This is just a dream;" "the Spaniards will leave tomorrow" "The butcher will come to claim his fiancée" " l'd rather die." " Have you really thought of that?" " Did you favour the sword or poison?" " Poison." " l agree, it's much tidier." " One suffers less." "Tomorrow we shall be united for ever" "A single rose will blossom on our graves" " lt's mother I'm sorry for." " Yes, I loved her, too." "Poor mother" "The moon on the water, the songs..." "it's just like Venice" "Have you been there?" "I dream of going there." "The Leaning Tower." "That's at Pisa" "Italy... the sun, the orange trees... I'd love to travel, read poetry by moonlight..." "Bathe at night in the Sea of..." "Well, the sea that's there I've never known such joys" "It's not too late lt is... but I want my daughter to know them" "Live now, wait not for tomorrow" "Life's roses should be gathered from today" "Did you write that?" "Do you say that to all the women?" "If only you knew how lonely l am" "People have strange ideas about the nobility I'm terrified of thunder... and mice." "I can't help it lf l could live an ordinary life here, with a wife like you..." "That's a dream." "All I want is my daughter's happiness" "And you alone can help me, Monseigneur" "Call me Pedro" "Don't ask the impossible of me" "Take my fatherless child under your protection" "Command her marriage I am your humble servant, Madame" "Monseigneur, to show my gratitude I would like... I'll fetch the Deputy Mayor to register their marriage." " And us?" " Monseigneur, have pity." "Whose fault is it if the dead man is practically a cuckold?" "I advise you to make less noise" "Does it disturb your banquet?" "It wasn't us who died I've come for the Deputy Mayor, to act as magistrate" "Kindly prepare for the marriage of Siska and Jean Breughel." "Over my dead body!" "Don't push me too far, you and your Duke" "Get back in bed, he's not far away." "You refuse to come with me?" "That's final?" "Who dares raise his voice to a widow at her husband's bier?" "Not me." "Aren't you delighted by the news of this ideal match?" " Double six" " My backside!" "Let us think of higher things." "Sew this for me, will you?" "You, too?" "No, I've run out of thread" "Have you seen Monseigneur's Chaplain, Madame?" "He was here a moment ago" "Will you marry us?" "With pleasure, but in more dignified surroundings" "At my home" "Excellent, the wine is better there" "Between Siska de Witt and Jean Breughel" "Add:" "Who have declared to us..." " They've told me nothing." " No sour grapes." "Why sour grapes?" "I've no idea" "That's that" "What about witesses?" "Where must I sign?" "Would you like more candles for the ceremony?" "No, let the illumination be in their hearts lt won't take long, just a simple ceremony" "Are you ill?" " Control yourself." " l can't help it." "Try to pray" "Don't drink when you're maudlin" "Why are you crying?" "The wedding brings back memories" "All day I've been keyed-up to make any sacrifice" "The Spaniards haven't done what people said" "They're supposed to rape and pillage." "I've waited all day I'm very emotional" "Wake up." "Listen to the silence lt torments me most of all." "Tell my wife I must speak to her" "What if I meet the Duke?" "You won't; his room's on the floor above my wife's" "I'm staying at your house, lead the way I'm guarding the bier" " Listen, son." " No familiarity." "Take my monkeys." "Sit down!" "Animals in my bed?" "The Duke's monkeys pay you an undeserved honour" "Are you comfortable, Coco?" "We have no further need of you" "Have you seen my wife?" "Why hasn't she come?" "She's deceiving you while you sleep." "I saw her" "I shall be avenged!" "Do you understand?" "I'll go through the nursery, onto the connecting balcony" "And when I tap with my halberd, I rush to the Duke's room to bar his escape" " What are you doing here?" " lt's obvious." "Have you been feeding the child for the last two hours?" "You'll wake the house" "I knew it!" "I'm disgraced for all to see!" " Balcony doors open." " lt's so hot." "Murder, lead me on!" "Down with the Spaniards!" "Where's my halberd?" "Duke!" "We have matters to settle!" "Forward" "Go on. lf you kill the Duke you'll be hanged lf you don't, you'll also be hanged" "What are you doing, booby?" "Must I tickle your neck to make you talk?" "A plot against your life." "I've come to defend you" "Aren't you Flemish?" "Flemish by birth, but Spanish at heart" "But there are still bad feelings" "Even in this house" "The Mayor has deceived you I thought the boot was on the other foot" "Don't trust him, he's a knave" "He was, because he's dead now" "May he rest in peace" "Your cowardice got me into trouble, but I smoothed it over" "Who told you to knock him out?" "I'll put him out of his misery" "No, enough of corpses" "Time to go, Father" "Milk rolls and chocolate" "May you be repaid a hundredfold" "For your charities" "They who give to the poor, give to God" "My lamb, keep these indulgences" "The only genuine indulgences, beware of imitations" "You've had nothing to drink, Father" " Too hot." " Keep the bowl." "Look, the Spaniards are going" "Spaniards?" "What Spaniards?" "Do not stay here!" "I forbid you to stay here!" "You will see!" "Friends," "His Excellency, Duke de Olivares, touched by our people's good hospitality, exempt from taxes the city of Boom for a whole year!" "This is solely ascribable to the heroism of our mayor!" "I don't remember this collar..." "It's the wedding present from the Monseigneur to Siskar." " What a perfectionist, this Monseigneur!" " Yes."