Anna and the King of Siam Page #7

some of the prettiest women there,

wouldn't you?

But how shall I let him

see them like this?

No shoes on feet.

He will go back

and tell Queen Victoria I am barbarian.

- Why you not think of that?

- Who will tell her, Your Majesty?

Sir Edward Ramsay.

So you, mem, shall choose

most beautiful women of harem...

and dress and educate same

in European custom for presentation.

When do you wish

to have them ready?

5:
00 post meridian, this Saturday.

But that's only four days. I can't

possibly have them ready in four days.

Mem, shall it be possible

you are becoming lazy?

I'm not lazy at all. I simply can't...

Perhaps if mem understood

very great importance of occasion.

Then why have you not told her this?

Mem...

do you think I am barbarian?

Oh, of course not, Your Majesty.

I hope Sir Edward

shall agree with you.

The situation for Siam

very murky and critical.

Oh? What's happened?

My agents in Singapore

have obtained copies of letters...

written to British government

from certain persons...

wishing to acquire interests

in Siam or parts thereof.

Such letters describing me

as barbarian...

and not suitable as ruler of Siam...

wherefore they suggest necessity

of establishing protectorate, maybe.

That's outrageous.

I have met situation by requesting...

official visit

of British representative...

who shall see for himself

whether or not I am barbarian...

make report of same

to your gracious queen.

So, now you see necessity

of making dresses for them.

Y-Your Majesty, wouldn't it make

a better impression upon Sir Edward...

if the ladies receive

in their own manner and dress?

Mem, you are not scientific.

He knows we are Siamese.

I wish him to see

we are also European.

So you shall tell me

which of these girls...

are most like European women

for dressing as same.

Very well, then.

Let me see.

Son Klin, stand still.

How can I fasten this?

Mem, what kind of men

are Englishmen?

I have heard they have the evil eye...

terrible blue eyes, mem,

that look into the soul!

Nonsense.

Who ever heard of such a thing?

Oh, dear!

- What shall be trouble now?

- I forgot.

They've practically

nothing to wear underneath.

- Shall you be wearing something underneath?

- Certainly, Your Majesty.

I am not aware of difference.

But there is a great difference, Your Majesty,

whether you're aware of it or not.

All properly dressed European ladies

must have undergarments.

If I am not aware of difference,

how shall Sir Edward be?

- But he might notice.

- He should not.

Mem, what is your opinion?

Shall they be all right?

I think they're going to look charming.

Your Majesty,

do you mind if I make a suggestion?

What shall this be?

I think it's wrong that

the only reports about Siam...

are taken back by sea captains

and adventurers.

And I think that if you ask him...

Sir Edward would help you get official

representatives from England...

to be here permanently.

A consulate, I mean. And such men

would tell the truth in their reports.

As long as you're having Sir Edward here,

why not have other people at the same time?

The Dutch and the French, all the Europeans

you can reach with invitations...

and ask their help in accomplishing

the same thing with their countries.

- All at same time?

- Why not?

You want all the other governments

to know what you're trying to do here.

Too many people. I think you shall proceed

with the outer garments, mem.

Oh, dear.

I don't think I can stand it.

You shall write invitation

for dinner for Saturday...

6:
00 post meridian...

from list of European people

furnished hereto...

and any other desirable you may think of,

submitting names to me personally.

- But I thought you said...

- We are aware, gratefully...

that such idea

was suggested by you...

but it's idea of doing so with dinner

which is important.

All slaves shall be given you

as you shall need for cooking and serving...

and you shall train same.

Furthermore,

you shall set table yourself...

so that everything shall be done

in best European custom.

I'll do everything I can,

Your Majesty, but...

I shall prove to all

that I am not barbarian.

You may go.

Shall this be correct

for table service?

Perfect, Your Majesty.

The loveliest I've ever seen.

Oh! Oh, how magnificent!

- Suitable for European, maybe?

- Oh, yes!

- But where are the knives and forks?

- Mem? Pure gold, mem.

We couldn't possibly use

chopsticks with soup...

and other things I've arranged for.

- Mem, have you such things?

- Yes, but not nearly...

Get knives, forks, spoons, two kinds

from Mem Owens, and have them copied.

- And in gold.

- But there isn't time, Your Majesty.

They shall work without sleeping

until this is ready.

And If it is not done, each man

shall be beaten 100 strokes.

Tell them this.

They shall be ready.

- Mem?

- Yes, Your Majesty?

Shall it be necessary for me to use...

knife and fork also?

It would be desirable,

I think, Your Majesty.

Would you like me

to show you how?

That shall not be necessary!

I have ability for proper use

without lesson.

Now, ladies, take your seats, please.

And, remember, all you have to do

is sit in your chair...

until His Majesty makes the presentation,

then rise and bow.

- Now, do you understand?

- Oh, yes, mem.

I only hope you do

when the time comes.

Now just sit quietly

until the presentation...

and for goodness sake,

be careful with your dresses.

Your Majesty, may I present

Mrs. Cortwright and Mr. Cortwright.

Mr. Cortwright is the editor

of the newspaper in Singapore.

Ah. This is newspaper

that prints I am spare man.

I should like to talk with you,

Mr. Cortwright.

Rose water.

Hospitable custom of country.

Wherefore have you decorated yourself

better than all the rest?

- Shall it be for my observation?

- Your Majesty.

You are fine. Very fine, indeed.

Your Majesty, may I present

Miss Elizabeth MacFarlane...

who's just come out from England.

Miss MacFarlane's brother

is the lieutenant governor in Singapore.

Are you an anecdote,

Miss MacFarlane?

I beg your pardon?

You are unmarried woman.

An anecdote and an unmarried woman

are not the same in English.

They are the same.

An anecdote is a hereto untold event

of curious interest.

And an unmarried woman's life

is also an untold event...

and therefore of curious interest.

- I say they are the same.

- But...

Well, this will make an interesting

anecdote for you, Miss MacFarlane.

Makes no difference...

I'm sure Miss MacFarlane would like

some rose water, Your Majesty.

She is very ugly.

Herewith shall be list of subjects

for you to bring up for talk.

Because on such subjects,

I am very brilliant...

and will make fine impression.

- Mem?

- Yes, Alak?

The napkins, they did not come.

- I think he will be very angry.

- It's too late now.

We can only pray he won't notice.

His Majesty made a very interesting point

the other day about Moses...

when he was reading the Bible.

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