Quotes from The Empress

The people's rage. It is like an illness, an ulcer. And ulcers must be cauterized.

Swallow, lend me your wings
Take me with you to the faraway land
And should I with you soar up there
In the ever blue firmament
How I then shall fervently praise the god
From whom freedom was sent

When a thing doesn't bend, it must break.

Elisabeth: "Sometimes, I say exactly what I think."
Franz Joseph: "Maybe you could teach me."

We're not well-liked. Well, you're not. The general opinion is that Maman calls the shots and you shit your pants when the French of Prussians come. I say, "He hasn't shit his pants in years."

"A marriage born of love. Is that allowed?"
"We're trying something new."

Elisabeth: "I love only you."
Franz Joseph: "Why, then, is that not enough?"

Maximilian: "Luziwuzi. You're ruining my appetite. Maybe go pet your doll in your room."
Elisabeth: "That is quite funny. I wanted to ask you to do the same."

Maximilian: "That was brazen earlier."
Elisabeth: "I beg your pardon once again."
Maximilian: "No need. You were honest with me, I liked that."
Elisabeth: "My pleasure."

You'll never get fat. I can tell from your wrists. It's different with her. I'll have to get out of this soon. Don't worry, she doesn't understand.

Elisabeth: "You are always elegant without even trying. You know what to say and what not to."
Helene: "Unlike you."

Franz Joseph: "My marriage is about political interests. And an heir to the throne."
Louise Gundemann: "And what are we about? It's not about love, is it?"

Everyone's always told me what to do my whole life. I can't do that anymore. For months I've felt dead and with you, I suddenly want to celebrate my birthday. You tell the truth when no one else will. And you don't see things like the others. I need someone like you.

Franz Joseph: "Do you always do that, secretly watch others?"
Elisabeth: "No, Your Majesty."
Franz Joseph: "Where are your shoes?"
Elisabeth: "I like going barefoot."
Franz Joseph: "Why the bird in your hands?"
Elisabeth: "Why all the questions this early? It was in the villa and couldn't get out."
Franz Joseph: "I know the feeling."

Sophia: "And who is this?"
Maximilian: "The enchanting Francesca, Baroness of somewhere."
Sophia: "I thought the Italians couldn't stand us."
Maximilian: "This one can."
Sophia: "I heard you sowed your wild oats on your journey."

I heard he has hair all over his body, like a wild boar. And he loves it when the ladies scratch his fur.

Helene: "He wanted to know so little about me. He hardly asked me anything."
Sofia: "All he wants to know is if you're pretty and polite. If he wants to learn, he'll go to the library."

The Emperor is not here to chat, so no personal questions. He's not interested in emotions. No womanly opinion or remarks!

I want an empress to wear our crown with zeal. An empress who's a shimmering light. That is not you, Elisabeth.

Sentenced to death for conspiracy, revolutionary behaviour lèse-majesté and high treason. Solely His Majesty the Emperor has the power to pardon the condemned. Do those condemned to death have anything to say?
You sit in your palace. We sit in filth. Your Majesty. You can kill us, but it'll do you no good. The people will rise against you. I'm dying for the people!

Napoleon is an imposter. We won't marry into that. And aesthetics disqualify the Belgians' daughters.

You know the Emperor's brothers will also be here. I'm not hopeful, but sometimes crumbs fall on the floor for the dog.

Helena: "All this poetry is why Mother wants to send you to a madhouse."
Elisabeth: "If he starts talking to you, I'll take you with me."

Don't tell me I've lost my mind. I hear that often, but I haven't lost it.

My family has a talent for using pretty things for ugly purposes.

Once you get to know me, you'll see I'm not a bad person. I'm just the black sheep of the family like you.

I think there are things one never gets used to.

These are difficult times. Let's give the people something to dream about.