Henry Ponsonby Quotes in Mrs Brown (1997)

Henry Ponsonby: I have sent for a Mr. John Brown from Balmoral. Her Majesty has mentioned him, on one or two occasions, as being a most devoted outdoor servant to Prince Albert during his last days there. The depths of the Queen's sorrow remain impenetrable. She has now restricted herself to a regime of such ferocious introspection that we are all at our wits' end. The Household continues, at her instruction, to observe the rituals now so familiar to her, in a vain attempt to render vivid that which can never be revived. It will not surprise you to hear that she continues steadfast in her refusal to accept any public engagements, however trivial. Family and staff expend all their efforts endeavouring to draw her out of this state of unfettered morbidity, but to no avail. Indeed, Doctor Jenner will not undertake to vouchsafe her sanity, unless some remedy is found. We must hope, therefore, that this Mr Brown will appeal to the Queen's sentimental, though deeply-held, view that all Highlanders are good for the health. If she can at least be persuaded to take the air, the prospect of further recovery may seem less remote. He is arriving by boat this afternoon, by which time it is hoped Her Majesty will be in a fit state to consider riding out. As to that decision, along with all others, we remain, as ever, prisoners of the Queen's grief. Ever your devoted husband, Henry.

John Brown: If I find out that you had anything to do with this, I will have you sacked.

Henry Ponsonby: I believe that decision rests with Her Majesty.

John Brown: Don't think I can't persuade her.

Henry Ponsonby: We are, all of us, subject to forces beyond our control, Mr Brown. Even you.

John Brown: You'll regret saying that.

[last lines]

Doctor Jenner: [about John Brown] Cause of death was pneumonia.

Henry Ponsonby: Not too protracted, I hope.

Doctor Jenner: A few days. When he heard, the Prince of Wales threw the bust over the wall of the north tower. Took four hours to gather the fragments.

Henry Ponsonby: Queen wishes to publish an account of him.

Doctor Jenner: Dear, oh, dear.

Henry Ponsonby: We think she can be dissuaded. Have you had a glance at the diary?

Doctor Jenner: Yes.

Henry Ponsonby: Quite. I think I best take it back.

Doctor Jenner: Oh, of course.

[hands it to him]

Doctor Jenner: Where did you find it, by the way?

Henry Ponsonby: Oh, some young Page was boasting about having seen it. Lucky.

Doctor Jenner: [chuckles] Well, no rest for the wicked, Henry.

Henry Ponsonby: [walking away with the diary] No. Indeed...