himself,
-however humble his situation.
-But to what purpose?
Monsieur, I remember I once
had a horse, which-
for amusement I taught to count
off the days of the week.
Did this make him a scholar?
Naturally, it remained a horse.
And so, with the peasant.
Surely, Colonel, given
a chance to learn…
No, Monsieur Hornblower,
I think you are-
a revolutionary at heart yourself.
-Indeed I am not, sir.
-I began to suspect it in the square-
-this afternoon, actually.
-I take offense at that, sir.
But, I tease you, of course.
But, monsieur, my country is
the farce you see today-
precisely because certain good souls
like yourself believe-
they can teach the peasant to think.
Major Edrington,-
like myself, you hold
aristocratic title.
Surely you will support me in this.
Colonel,you have obviously given
the matter more thought than I
However, you may be sure
that I thank God-
daily for the good fortune of
my birth for I am certain-
I would have made
a miserable peasant.
Take this woman, she is a peasant.
She works in my house, as
her mother did before her.
But, in the days of the Republic,
they made her a teacher.
Was this simple creature put on
this earth to teach grammar?
It's much better to leave her
free to do what she does best.
Oh, she says she is not an animal.
There is no need to translate
her words, sir.
I understood her French,as she
clearly understood your English.
-Have a care, Mr. Hornblower.
-So it is self-evident, sir,-
she cannot be as ignorant as
you are so anxious to make her.
Once again, monsieur,
I hear the rebel in you.
Then you mistake yourself again,
sir, for I am no rebel.
I hope I am a gentleman
and that I will always-
-treat any woman with respect.
-Enough!  Allez!
I will not argue with a common sailor
in the British Navy.
Before you slight a common sailor,
sir,-
may I remind you that the British
Navy and its common sailors-
have conveyed your grace's person
thus far-
without incident or injury.
Goodnight, gentlemen.
Now, where is our dessert?
Mademoiselle...I beg your pardon.
So, we are no more than the animals.
I assure you mademoiselle, it is not
a view I share,
nor would wish to hear expressed.
You have been kind. Once again,
you have tried to help me.
I did no more than my conscience
dictated.
But now, I am afraid there is nothing
more you can do for me.
Mademoiselle, at least allow me
to escort you home.
There is no need to trouble yourself.
I assure you, it is no trouble.
It would be a pleasure.
Very well.  Thank-you.
Today, I think there is only one
lord and master in France.
-Mademoiselle?
-That machine.
For Moncoutant or the Republicans,
it is the same.
Does he think he will make
us love him this way?
I'm afraid I am not privy to
the Colonel's plans.
Then what are you doing here?
I'm here to do my duty.
And what is that...your duty?
We will hold the bridge until
we are told to leave.
Or, until you are forced to leave.
So, the children have an
unexpected holiday.
I'm sure once the colonel is
more settled…
For twenty years, I lived like a
dumb farm animal.
-I have no desire to live like
that again.
-Nor will you.
I will not let it happen.
You have my word on it.
I accept your kindness, monsieur;
but not your word.
You do not know what
you are talking about.
Whilst I am here you will
come to no harm, I swear it.
-And when you are gone?
-You do not know me, mademoiselle.
If you knew me, you would not
be so quick to doubt me.
It is not you I doubt.
It is this place.
I will protect you.
On your way.
Back to the bridge, both of you.
I'm sorry, monsieur. Officers first,
naturally. Apres vous.
I do not think they will be back.
But, at least allow me to
protect you from them.
I would be glad if you did.
Beggin' your pardon, sir.
-Is everything all right, sir?
-Yes, fine.
Fine, thank-you, Matthews.
-What is it?
-The bridge.  Stay here.
-Reload!
-Quick!
Fire!
Reload and