Elizabeth (1998)

Richard Attenborough: Sir William Cecil

Photos 

Quotes 

• Sir William Cecil, Lord Burghley : Forgive me, Madam, but you are only a woman...

  Elizabeth : [cuts him off firmly]  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.

• Elizabeth : Invite the Duke of Anjou. We shall see him in flesh.

  [She runs after Lord Robert, who is not happy with the news] 

  Monsieur de Foix : The Duke will not take kindly to a rival for his suit.

  Sir William Cecil, Lord Burghley : He is a traitor and his father before him. Lord Robert's head will end up on a spike, not on the pillow of a Queen.

• Sir William Cecil, Lord Burghley : Now, I really must...

  Elizabeth : The word "must" is not used to princes!

• Sir William Cecil, Lord Burghley : But you cannot marry Sir Robert! He's already married!

• Sir William Cecil, Lord Burghley : Secrets, Madam? You have no secrets! The world knows Lord Robert visits your chambers and you fornicate with him! It's even said you already carry his child!

  Elizabeth : Yes, Sir William, I live my life in the open! I am surrounded by people! I do not understand how so bad a judgement has been formed of me!

• Sir William Cecil, Lord Burghley : Please examine her Lady's sheets and keep me informed of all her proper functions.

  Kat Ashley : Proper functions?

  Sir William Cecil, Lord Burghley : Indeed. Her Lady's body and person are no longer her own. They belong to the State.

• Sir William Cecil, Lord Burghley : 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.