Charles II: The Power & the Passion

[speaking to Monmouth]

George Villiers, Duke of Buckingham:
Wait here to be arrested, or make your peace with the King... if you can.

[pauses]

George Villiers, Duke of Buckingham:
For my part I am weary of Whitehall, I have neglected my wife these past twenty years. It is time I went home.

Queen Henrietta Maria:
Did you know that last night at dinner I was obliged to eat all five courses from the same plate? I've never heard of anything so disgusting.

Nell Gwynn:
[after being mistaken for Charles' Catholic mistress Louise de K?roualle] Good people, you are mistaken; I am the Protestant whore.

King Charles II:
It's all been for nothing, Nell. The cause that gave my life meaning, will die with me. I fought to restore everything that was lost when my father was murdered but James will destroy it all. I know that, I've always known that.

Nell Gwynn:
Then why did you fight so hard for him?

King Charles II:
Not for him, for the principle. For the rights of Kings. Parliament will have its victory in the end.

Nell Gwynn:
You know what I think about politics; it's all a lot of foolish men scheming to ruin each other for no reason anyone can remember a few years later. If it was up to me, I'd give the throne to Monmouth. Because, in my opinion, a King should always be handsome. [laughs]

King Charles II:
Sweet Nell, how much better the world might be if it were arranged to your liking.

King Charles II:
[on his deathbed] Be kind to Portsmouth and let not poor Nelly starve.

King Charles II:
As you intend on poetry, Rochester, why not provide it yourself?

Rochester:
A short epigram in your honour then, Your Majesty. [pause] "We have a pretty, witty King, Whose word no man relies on. Who never said a foolish thing, Nor ever did a wise one"

King Charles II:
Be just, Rochester. The wise words are my own, the deeds are my ministers'.

Soldier:
[busting a Millenarian prayer meeting] Good news, preacher, you'll be seeing Jesus sooner than you think!

Nell Gwynn:
I belong to the king. Not just because he bought me, but because I choose it. And as long as he wants me, I'll be his, and his alone. And you know what? I do love him. He's kind and decent, and he'll look after me. How's that for a transaction?

George Villiers, Duke of Buckingham:
I've seen many a lady turn into a whore, but I've never seen a whore make such a fine lady.

Catherine of Braganza:
Anne...

Anne of Braganza:
I know!

King Charles II:
My god, they've brought me a bat to marry.

Lord Shaftesbury:
[on the King] He'll never end up like his father. He has too much intelligence, and too few principles.