13

“The Young Victoria”

Pre-watching:

If I Were King

I often wish I were a King, And then I could do anything. If only I were King of Spain, I'd take my hat off in the rain. If only I were King of France, I wouldn't brush my hair for aunts. I think, if I were King of Greece, I'd push things off the mantelpiece.

If I were King of Norroway, I'd ask an elephant to stay. If I were King of Babylon, I'd leave my button gloves undone. If I were King of Timbuctoo, I'd think of lovely things to do. If I were King of anything, I'd tell the soldiers, "I'm the King!"

A. A. Milne

1. Would you like to be a king/queen if you had an opportunity? Why (Why not)?

2. “Even a palace can be a prison”. What do you think is meant by this saying?

Vocabulary and grammar list

No	LANGUAGE UNITS	NOTES AND COMMENTS
	Présent arms!	1. A position in the military manual of arms in which the rifle is held vertically in front of the body. 2. A command to assume present arms or to give a hand salute.
	a disabled person	(EUPHEMISM) someone who is disabled cannot use a part of their body properly, or cannot learn easily [↪ handicapped]: a support group for parents of disabled children physically/mentally disabled
	to meet my destiny	the things that will happen to someone in the future, especially those that cannot be changed or controlled [= fate]: Nancy wondered whether it was her destiny to live in England and marry Melvyn.
	Kensington	Kensington Palace is a royal residence set in Kensington Gardens in the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea in London, England. It has been a residence of the British Royal Family since the 17th century.
	*Speakers’ Corner	A Speakers' Corner is an area where open-air public speaking, debate and discussion are allowed. The original and most noted is in the north-east corner of Hyde Park in London, United Kingdom. Speakers there may speak on any subject, as long as the police consider their speeches lawful, although this right is not restricted to Speakers' Corner only.
	How dare you!	(SP) said to show that you are very angry and shocked about what someone has done or said: How dare you accuse me of lying!
Gr	She wouldn’t sign the order. The car wouldn’t start. The door wouldn’t open.	Think of your own examples:
	an ignorant baby	not knowing facts or information that you ought to know: an ignorant and uneducated man (BrE, SP) rude or impolite: ignorant behaviour
	Duchess	a woman with the highest social rank outside the royal family, or the wife of a duke: the Duchess of York
	a penniless duke	someone who is penniless has no money [↪ broke]: Uncle Charlie was jobless and penniless.
	I give up.	to stop trying to do something: We spent half an hour looking for the keys, but eventually gave up and went home. I give up. What's the answer?
	a drawing room	(FML) a room, especially in a large house, where you can entertain guests or relax
	He must have English force at his disposal.	available for someone to use: Tanner had a lot of cash at his disposal.
	pledge support	to make a formal, usually public, promise that you will do something The new governor pledged to reduce crime. He pledged his cooperation.
	like rabbits crammed in a hutch	CRAMMED completely full of things or people [= packed]: The streets were crammed with people. HUTCH a small wooden cage that small animals are kept in, especially rabbits.
	a pin * a paper-pin	a short thin piece of metal with a sharp point at one end, used especially for fastening together pieces of cloth while making clothes
	Have I offended you in some way?	to make someone angry or upset by doing or saying something that they think is rude, unkind etc: His remarks deeply offended many Scottish people. Liddy was offended by such a personal question.
	I don’t mind Schubert.	(esp. BrE) if you do not mind what someone does or what happens, you do not have a strong opinion about it: 'Do you want to go out now or later?' 'I don't really mind.' I don't mind where we go.
	As a matter of fact…	(SP) used when adding more details about what you have just said: 'Have you had many visitors yet?' 'No, as a matter of fact you're the first.' I knew him when we were in college - as a matter of fact we were on the same course.
	It’s not my forte. ['fO:teI]	to be something that you do well or are skilled at: He found that running long distances was not his forte. As a writer, her forte is comedy.
Gr	You had better learn the rules. You'd better phone to say you'll be late. We'd better not tell Jim about our plans just yet.	used to say that someone should do something:
	Don’t be impertinent.	rude and not respectful, especially to someone who is older or more important [= cheeky]: He was always asking impertinent questions.
	These boys pester you.	to annoy someone, especially by asking them many times to do something: She'd been pestered by reporters for days. I can't even walk down the street without being continually pestered for money. The kids have been pestering me to buy them new trainers.
	Windsor Castle	one of the official homes of the British royal family, in the town of Windsor
	The Tory Party	another name for the British Conservative Party
	He’ll take full advantage of it.	to use a particular situation to do or get what you want: I took advantage of the good weather to paint the shed. You'll want to take full advantage of the beachfront clubs.
	demure little head	quiet, serious, and well-behaved - used especially about women in the past: Old photos of Maggie show her young and demure.
	hatch a plot	to form a plan etc in secret
	It’s a plain fact.	showing clearly and honestly what is true or what you think about something [= frank, candid]: I don't know, and that's the plain truth. The plain fact is people still buy books.
	an ally ['1laI]	someone who helps and supports you when other people are trying to oppose you: Ridley was one of the Queen's closest allies. She knew she had found an ally in Ted.
	hovering with his net	to stay nervously in the same place, especially because you are waiting for something or are not certain what to do: Her younger brother hovered in the background watching us. I noticed several reporters hovering around outside the courtroom.
	I have no small talk.	= I am not good at small talk.
	dispense with any thought of regency	to not use or do something that people usually use or do, because it is not necessary: Ann suggested that they dispense with speeches altogether at the wedding. Let's dispense with the formalities (=speak openly and directly), shall we?
	I have been continuously insulted.	to offend someone by saying or doing something they think is rude: Nobody insults my family and gets away with it! I hope Andy won't be insulted if I don't come.
	flout or disobey *disobedience	to deliberately disobey a law, rule etc, without trying to hide what you are doing: Some companies flout the rules and employ children as young as seven.
	Our sole aim is to protect you.	=the only one: the sole American in the room The story was published with the sole purpose of selling newspapers. The company has the sole rights to market Elton John's records.
	You are like a china girl walking over a precipice.	a very steep side of a high rock, mountain or cliff: A loose rock tumbled over the precipice.
	as slippery as a barrel full of eels	BARREL a large curved container with a flat top and bottom, made of wood or metal, and used for storing beer, wine etc: The wine is aged in oak barrels. EEL a long thin fish that looks like a snake and can be eaten
	dislodge	to force or knock something out of its position: He dislodged a few stones as he climbed up the rock.
	I draw the line at him.	to allow or accept something up to a particular point, but not beyond it: I don't mind doing some gardening but I draw the line at digging.
	a lady-in-waiting	a woman who looks after and serves a queen or princess
	I must endure her.	to be in a difficult or painful situation for a long time without complaining: It seemed impossible that anyone could endure such pain. He can't endure being apart from me.
	a vulture	a large bird that eats dead animals
	It’s not up to me.	= It’s not for me to decide.
	albeit at a distance [O:l'bi:It]	used to add information that reduces the force or importance of what you have just said [= although]: He accepted the job, albeit with some hesitation. Chris went with her, albeit reluctantly.
	a sense of reverence	(FML) great respect and admiration for someone or something reverence for tradition
	The Privy Council *Privy Councillors	a group of important people in Britain who advise the king or queen on political affairs
	Sovereign, to reign	(FML) a king or queen REIGN to rule a nation or group of nations as their king, queen, or emperor: George VI reigned from 1936 to 1952.
	She has a flair for description.	a natural ability to do something very well [= talent]: Jo has a flair for languages.
	Every suitor will come with strings attached.	SUITOR (old use) a man who wants to marry a particular woman NO STRINGS (ATTACHED) having no special conditions or limits on an agreement, relationship etc: The policy offers 15% interest with no strings attached.
	Can’t I be my own mistress?	if a woman is a mistress of something, she is in control of it, highly skilled at it etc [↪ master]: She appeared to be very much the mistress of the situation.
Gr	I couldn’t have asked for a better tutor. I could have gone to Oxford University but I preferred Harvard. She could have married him but she didn't want to.	Think of your own examples:
	resent monarchy	to feel angry or upset about a situation or about something that someone has done, especially because you think that it is not fair: I resented having to work such long hours.
	creed	set of beliefs or principles: Marxism has never been weaker as a political creed. people of all colours and creeds
	sneak his feet back under the table *get your feet under the table to become familiar with and confident in a new job or situation: It's better to wait until you've got your feet firmly under the table before you make any big changes.	to go somewhere secretly and quietly in order to avoid being seen or heard [= creep] They sneaked off without paying! She snuck out of the house once her parents were asleep.
	footman	a male servant in the past who opened the front door, announced the names of visitors etc
	I shouldn’t meddle.	to deliberately try to influence or change a situation that does not concern you, or that you do not understand [= interfere] I don't like other people meddling in the way I run this prison. He accused the US of meddling in China's internal affairs.
	scrapes	1) a mark or slight injury caused by rubbing against a rough surface [= graze]: I came away from the accident with only cuts and scrapes. 2) a situation in which you are in trouble or have difficulties: H got into all sorts of scrapes as a boy.
	not what is preached from the pulpit	PREACH to talk about a religious subject in a public place, especially in a church during a service: Christ began preaching to large crowds. PULPIT a raised structure inside a church at the front that a priest or minister stands on when they speak to the people: Rev. Dawson addressed the congregation from the pulpit.
	Lord M. is akin to a miracle.	(FML) very similar to something: Something akin to panic overwhelmed him.
	Are you going to propose?	to ask someone to marry you, especially in a formal way: Shaun proposed to me only six months after we met.
	I always find noses a challenge.	something that tests strength, skill, or ability, especially in a way that is interesting: The company is ready to meet the challenges of the next few years. Martins now faces the biggest challenge of his career.
	There’s nothing to rival an English garden.	RIVAL to be as good or important as someone or something else [↪ unrivalled]: The college's facilities rival those of Harvard and Yale. a stadium to rival any in the world
	the champion of the dispossessed	someone who publicly fights for and defends an aim or principle, such as the rights of a group of people: a champion of women's rights
	“Tike housing.”	*Being German, Albert mispronounces some words. Thus, “tike” = “take”.
	a bow	PMWa weapon used for shooting arrows, made of a long thin piece of wood held in a curve by a tight string: a bow and arrow
Gr	Where am I to live? Am I to beg on highways for a crust?	= Where am I supposed to live? Think of your own examples: CRUST the hard brown outer surface of bread: sandwiches with the crusts cut off
	The Mistress of the Robes	The Mistress of the Robes is the senior lady of the British Royal Household. Formerly (as the name implies) responsible for the Queen's clothes and jewellery, the post now has the responsibility for arranging the rota of attendance of the Ladies in Waiting on the Queen, along with various duties at State ceremonies.
	I am anxious to prove worthy of the honour.	feeling strongly that you want to do something or want something to happen [= keen] The company is anxious to improve its image. The president is anxious not to have another crisis.
	Stone of Scone [sku:n]	also known as the Stone of Destiny and often referred to in England as the Coronation Stone, is an oblong block of red sandstone, used for centuries in the coronation of the monarchs of Scotland and later the monarchs of England, Great Britain and the United Kingdom. Historically, the artifact was kept at the now-ruined Scone Abbey in Scone, near Perth, Scotland. Its size is about 26 inches (660 mm) by 16.75 inches (425 mm) by 10.5 inches (270 mm) and its weight is approximately 336 pounds (152 kg). The top bears chisel-marks. At each end of the stone is an iron ring, apparently intended to make transport easier.
	I’m in awe.	a feeling of great respect and liking for someone or something: He felt great awe for the landscape. Kate gazed at the statue with awe.
	Your instincts are always to your credit.	to have achieved something: She already has two successful novels to her credit.
	welfare	someone's welfare is their health and happiness: Our only concern is the children's welfare.
	You risk overturning the cart.	a vehicle with no roof that is pulled by a horse and used for carrying heavy things
	full to the brim	BRIM the top edge of a container: She filled each glass to the brim. filled/full to the brim (=completely full) The cup was filled to the brim with coffee.
	How inspiring.	giving people a feeling of excitement and a desire to do something great [≠ uninspiring]: King was a great orator and an inspiring leader.
	He is ready to take charge.	CHARGE the position of having control or responsibility for a group of people or an activity the officer in charge of the investigation Owens came in and took charge of (=took control of) the situation. A commander in each county was to have charge of the local militia.
	You may not attend the Proclamation Ceremony.	(=You are not allowed to.) PROCLAMATION an official public statement about something that is important, or when someone makes such a statement [↪ proclaim]: the proclamation of Lithuania's independence
	gruelling (BrE spelling) grueling (AmE spelling)	very difficult and tiring: The cast took a break from their gruelling schedule. a grueling journey
	He’d thrown me over for lady Holland.	(OLD-FASHIONED) to end a romantic relationship with someone
	I don’t wish to crow.	to talk about what you have done in a very proud way - used to show disapproval He was crowing over winning the bet.
	It’s common knowledge (that…)	something everyone knows: It is common knowledge that travel broadens the mind.
	He’s about to lose vote.	if someone is about to do something, or if something is about to happen, they will do it or it will happen very soon: We were just about to leave when Jerry arrived. Work was about to start on a new factory building.
	Don’t set store by appearances.	to consider something to be important: Patrick has never set much store by material things.
	I am looking for a token.	something that represents a feeling, fact, event etc a token of your gratitude/respect/appreciation etc Please accept this gift as a small token of our appreciation.
	Good day!	(OLD-FASHIONED, esp. BrE) used to say hello or goodbye, especially in the morning or afternoon: I must get back. Good day to you.
	…enjoy her confidence	ENJOY (FML) to have a particular ability or advantage: These workers enjoy a high level of job security. CONFIDENCE the feeling that you can trust someone or something to be good, work well, or produce good result:COLLOCATIONS Our first priority is to maintain the customer's confidence in our product.
	frilly petticoats	FRILL a narrow piece of cloth that has many small folds in it, and that is attached to something as a decoration: She was wearing a white blouse with frills at the cuffs. PETTICOAT (BrE) a piece of women's underwear like a thin skirt or dress that is worn under a skirt or dress
	a shuttlecock *a shuttle	a small light object that you hit over the net in the game of badminton
	Queen flouts Prime Minister.	to deliberately disobey a law, rule etc, without trying to hide what you are doing: Some companies flout the rules and employ children as young as seven.
	in the clutches *in car	the power, influence, or control that someone has: a small boy trying to escape from his mother's clutches She'll have him in her clutches soon enough.
	seducer	a man who persuades someone to have sex with him
	Things will get worse.	= Everything will change for the worse.
	anointed king	ANOINT to put oil or water on someone's head or body, usually as part of a religious ceremony: He was anointed with sacred oil.
	…interfere in matters that do not concern me…	if an activity, situation, rule etc concerns you, it affects you or involves you: The tax changes will concern large corporations rather than small businesses.
	elopement	ELOPE to leave your home secretly in order to get married: My parents didn't approve of the marriage, so we eloped.
	parish benefits	1. the area that a priest in some Christian churches is responsible for: Father Doyle moved to a new parish. 2. (BrE) a small area, especially a village, that has its own local government: elections to the parish council
	I was tipped for success.	most likely to succeed in doing something: He's tipped as a future world champion. He had been widely tipped to get the new post of deputy director.
	filthy	very dirty: The house was filthy, with clothes and newspapers strewn everywhere.
	How’s Albert settling in?	to begin to feel happy and relaxed in a new situation, home, job, or school: How's your new home? Are you settling in OK? It takes a few months to settle into life at college.
Gr	How dare you talk across me as if I were a child? *(as though) Mrs Crump looked as if she was going to explode. Gary was behaving as though nothing had happened.	Think of your own examples:
	petted and passed over	PET to touch and move your hand gently over someone, especially an animal or a child [↪ stroke]: Our cat loves being petted. PASS OVER 1) if you pass someone over for a job, you choose someone else who is younger or lower in the organization than them: This is the second time I've been passed over for promotion (=someone else has been given a higher job instead of me). 2) if you pass over a remark or subject, you do not spend any time discussing it: I think we'd better pass over that last remark.
	the brink of the abyss	1. SGa deep empty hole in the ground 2. a very dangerous or frightening situation The country might plunge into the abyss of economic ruin. At that time Bosnia was standing on the edge of an abyss.
	It wasn’t a very good shot.	an attempt to do something or achieve something, especially something difficult: I didn't think I had much chance of winning the race, but I thought I'd give it a shot (=try to do it).
	irreplaceable	too special, valuable, or unusual to be replaced by anything else: Works of art were lost, many of them irreplaceable.
	Is that reassuring?	making you feel less worried or frightened: a reassuring smile It's reassuring to know that problems are rare.
	faultless	having no mistakes [= perfect]: a faultless performance
	My vanity is not the issue here.	VANITY too much pride in yourself, so that you are always thinking about yourself and your appearance: Sabrina had none of the vanity so often associated with beautiful women. ISSUE a subject or problem that is often discussed or argued about, especially a social or political matter that affects the interests of a lot of people: Unemployment is not the issue - the real problem is the decline in public morality.
	face a task	if you face or are faced with a difficult situation, or if a difficult situation faces you, it is going to affect you and you must deal with it: Emergency services are facing additional problems this winter.
	Don’t I have a say in this?	the right to take part in deciding something The workers had no say in how the factory was run. The chairman has the final say (=has the right to make the final decision about something).
	unflagging	continuing strongly and never becoming tired or weak: his unflagging energy
	to date	up to now: The cost of the work to date has been about £150 million. Her best performance to date was her third place at the World Junior Championships.