Anna and the King of Siam Page #2

- Yes, memsahib.

Beebe, do stop crying.

I told you Moonshee

will probably be here any minute.

I think I shall never see him again.

- They said he could not live here with us...

- Nonsense.

You must have misunderstood.

It's just there isn't room for him here now.

- Yes, memsahib.

- Do you remember where I packed those sheets?

- I see fireworks.

- It's New Year's Day.

No, it isn't, Mother. It's only April.

It's the New Year's out here.

I won't sleep a wink tonight unless

we have our own sheets on those beds.

After dinner,

may we go see the fireworks?

We'll see. Ah, yes.

They're in here. I remember now.

There, Beebe. All right. Come on, darling.

Now I'll see about dinner.

We would like to have some dinner.

Something to eat. Eat.

No, wait a moment.

What part of the palace are we in?

Well, poor souls.

They don't seem to understand.

- What made them shut the door?

- Uh, I don't know...

What are they doing there?

Oh! Oh, no!

Oh. So that's why Moonshee

can't be here with us.

Oh, go away. Beebe.

What a thing for me to do.

And I said so positively.

Oh, Louis, you'll have to

forgive your mother.

I said we'd have a home of our own...

and here I've brought you

straight into a harem.

What does that mean? What is a harem?

Well, it's... it's...

Oh, don't ask me now.

When you ask me something like that,

I should have a good answer...

and I will,

but I just can't think of one now.

Do I have to wear this suit,

Mother?

Don't sulk, dear.

Come, we must hurry.

Where did I put my...

Oh, here it is.

The day is here, Mem Owens.

It is unfortunate mem had to wait

for new year and cremation...

but at least she's ahead

of white elephant.

Who is going to present me

to the king?

Oh, by all means,

I present you myself.

First, let us observe manner

of entering presence of His Majesty.

Let us suppose

Lord of Light sits here.

Here is door.

- Oh, no.

- It is custom of country.

I couldn't.

I'm very sorry, but I couldn't.

His Majesty very sensitive

about such matters.

Your Excellency, I intend to show

His Majesty the utmost respect...

but he cannot possibly expect me

to crawl on the floor.

I wouldn't do that

for my own queen.

What you do in presence

of your own queen?

I'll show you.

Do as you wish, mem.

But remember,

you are not only one with temper.

This king has temper too.

I return when it is time.

You will wait.

Mother, I can walk on my knees

if they want me to. That's easy.

Louis, I want you to walk in and make

your bow exactly as I've shown you.

Don't you dare crawl in like a worm.

Don't you dare!

Yes, Mother.

Perhaps they don't like us here

or something.

Oh, this is perfectly childish.

- The mem is ready now?

- Quite ready.

Sorry, mem, His Majesty

has concluded audience.

You mean he isn't going

to receive us after all?

Some other day, not today.

- I wish to be presented now.

- I do not advise it.

Louis.

Who? Who? Who?

Your Majesty,

I present new English governess...

Mrs. Anna Owens, and son Louis.

How old shall you be?

You do not look like scientific person

for teaching of school.

- How old shall you be?

- I am 150 years old, Your Majesty.

In what year were you born?

1712, Your Majesty.

- And how many years shall you be married?

- Several, Your Majesty.

How many grandchildren shall you have by now?

How many? How many? How many?

Ah! You do not answer that so quick.

I make better questions

than you make answers, hmm?

You not afraid to tell king

something is not his business?

It would not be a compliment

to His Majesty if I were afraid of him.

Ah. Not to be afraid

is good thing in scientific mind.

I think maybe...

you will make very good

school-teaching.

These... my wives.

This... Chow Chon Son Llin,

who is favorite.

They not speak English,

and I haven't time for teaching...

being busy with foreign affairs

and other situations.

We'll get my children.

I have fine idea.

You teach all my wives

as have sense to learn.

Siam be very modern country.

Very good...

everybody speaking English.

I would be happy to, Your Majesty.

Ah, here come my children.

You see, mostly boys.

Not all. Few more.

Ahhh! Oh.

How many are there, Your Majesty?

They are not all here, of course.

Only those old enough for school.

I have 67 children. Not many.

I began marriage a little late.

Which is the eldest?

Ah, this one.

This is Prince Chulalongkorn.

This... Princess Fa-Ying.

This... Prince Tay Wa Wong.

This...

No. Too many.

Will take time to learn.

They're a wonderful-looking family,

Your Majesty. You make me wish I had 67.

Ah, is impossible.

That is very funny.

Come.

I consider Mrs. Owens suitable

for teaching wives as well as children.

- Thank you, Your Majesty.

- You shall begin school next Thursday.

That is best day for such undertaking

according to astrologers.

- Very well, Your Majesty.

- I am very pleased with this lady.

Why was she not presented here

more soon?

150 year, hmm?

How many grandchildren?

You may go.

Good day, Your Excellency.

Come, darling.

Is this the school?

I don't know, dear,

but we'll find out soon.

Don't they even

start school on time here?

Perhaps the astrologers found

a star they'd overlooked.

What's the matter now, Mother?

I don't know. Must have something

to do with the king.

June 12, 1862! June 12, 1862!

June 12, 1862!

June 12, 1862!

He is fool!

You understand meaning

of word "agility"?

I think Your Majesty's giving

a very good illustration of it.

You see, she understands!

This ignorant and lazy man

is my secretary.

Understands nothing.

All he ever wants to do is sleep, sleep!

On June 12, 1862, which is today...

and therefore birthday for me.

You see, I am young and strong.

- I have agility like young man!

- Of course, Your Majesty.

Then how can I be spare man?

How can I?

Perhaps if Your Majesty

could explain a little more.

Birthday should be happy day.

And what is first happening?

It is writing about me in British newspaper

from Singapore says I am spare man.

A king cannot be spare man!

How can I be spared from work

which is necessary?

Who can fill my place?

I ask you this!

Who can fill my place?

Your Majesty, the word spare

has two meanings.

One of them is "extra,"

the other is "thin."

They don't mean to say

that you're unnecessary, just thin.

- Why should you contradict me?

- I'm only trying to help you.

Is it help to say I am wrong?

How can king be wrong and woman be right?

I ask you that. How?

I'm afraid, Your Majesty,

that it has happened sometimes.

It is clear you are not scientific.

Why are you here?

Because you told me you intended

opening my school today.

My astrologers are fools. How can this

be good day for schools? You may go.

Very well, Your Majesty, but since

you've postponed opening the school...

there's something

I would like to discuss with you.

I should like to use the time

getting settled in my own house.

- House? House? House?

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