The King and I -- Part 1

ORTON: Hello, laddy.

LOUIS: How near are we to Bangkok, Captain?

ORTON: See that cluster of lights jutting out into the river? That’s it. That’s Bangkok.

LOUIS: Oh, look! All our boxes

ORTON: Aye, and a fair lot they are.

LOUIS: We packed everything we had in our Singapore house--furniture and everything.

ANNA: Louis! Where are you?

LOUIS: Mother! Mother, look! There’s Bangkok! Do you see, Mother? That cluster of lights that sticks out into the river. You see, Mother? That’s Bangkok.

ANNA: I see, Louis. I see them. It’s exciting, isn’t it?

LOUIS: Will the King of Siam come down to the dock to meet us?

ANNA: The King himself? I don’t think so. Kings don’t as a rule.

ORTON: I wonder if you know what you’re facing, Ma’am--an Englishwoman here in the East…

LOUIS: Look, Mother! Look at that boat! Look at the dragon’s head in the bow, and all the men standing up, carrying torches.

ORTON: That’s the Royal Barge!


LOUIS: Do you suppose that’s the King, the man sitting under the gold canopy?

ORTON: That’s the Kralahome. Sort of “Prime Minister”-- the King’s right-hand man, you might say.

ANNA: Do you suppose he’s coming out to meet us?

ORTON: No doubt of it. They’ll be waiting till we pass them. Then they’ll come around our stern. Ma’am…if I might be allowed to offer you a word of warning…

ANNA: What is it, Captain?

ORTON: That man has power, and he can use it for you or against you.

ANNA: (Laughing) Oh.

ORTON: I think you should know.

(He goes off. A sound comes from the river, a snarling sound in rhythm, oarsmen marking the cadence of their stroke)

LOUIS: Look, Mother! They’re closer! Mother! The Prime Minister is naked!

ANNA: Hush, Louis, that’s not a nice word. He’s not naked. Well, he’s half naked.

LOUIS: They all look rather horrible, don’t they, Mother? Father would not have liked us to be afraid would he?

ANNA: No, Louis. Father would not have liked us to be afraid.

LOUIS: Mother, does anything every frighten you?

ANNA: Sometimes.

LOUIS: What do you do?

ANNA: I whistle.

LOUIS: Oh, that’s why you whistle!

ANNA: Yes, that’s why I whistle
Whenever I feel afraid
I hold my head erect
And whistle a happy tune,
So no one will suspect
I’m afraid

While shivering in my shoes
I strike a careless pose
And whistle a happy tune,
And no one ever knows
I’m afraid.

The result of this deception
Is very strange to tell,
For when I fool the people I fear
I fool myself as well!

I whistle a happy tune,
And ev’ry single time
The happiness in the tune
Convinces me that I’m
Not afraid.

Make believe you’re brave
And the trick will take you far;
You may be as brave
As you make believe you are.
(Louis whistles this strain, then they both sing)

ANNA and LOUIS:
You may be as brave
As you make believe you are.

LOUIS: I think that’s a very good idea, Mother. A very good idea.

ANNA: It is a good idea, isn’t it?

LOUIS: I don’t think I shall ever be afraid again.

ANNA: Good!
(LOUIS resumes singing the refrain. ANNA joins in. They do not see four Siamese slaves, naked from the waist up, with knives in their belts, come over the rail, down the gangway, and line up, center. As they are happily singing the last eight measures ANNA turns, LOUIS sees them, too, and clutches his mother’s arm. Then they face the men and whistle--as casually as they can)

ORTON: Clear that away! Ma’am, I wouldn’t whistle. He might think it disrespectful.

ANNA: Oh, was I whistling? Sorry, I didn’t realize.

(The interpreter comes over the rail and down the steps)

INTERPRETER: (to ANNA) Good evening, sir. Welcome to Siam.

(He turns his back on her and prostrates himself, toadlike, as do the four slaves)

LOUIS: He called you sir!

ANNA: Hush, dear! Hush!

(The KRALAHOME comes over the rail slowly and with terrifying majesty. He is naked from the waist up, except for several necklaces.)
(Now he addresses the INTERPETER in Siamese)

INTERPRETER: Sir, His Excellency wishes to know--are you lady who will be schoolmistress of royal children?

ANNA: Yes.

INTERPRETER: Have you friends in Bangkok?

ANNA: I know no one in Bangkok at all.

(The interpreter delivers her answers and the Kralahome directs him to ask further questions)

INTERPRETER: Are you married, sir?

ANNA: I am a widow.

INTERPRETER: What manner of man was your deceased husband?

ANNA: My husband was an officer of Her Majesty’s Army in…Tell your master his business with me is in my capacity of schoolteacher to the royal children. He has no right to pry into my personal affairs. (ORTON tries to signal a warning, but she turns to him impatiently) Well, he hasn’t, Captain Orton!

(The INTERPRETER gives the KRALAHOME gives the INTERPRETER a kick on the shoulder which sends him sprawling out of the way)

LOUIS: I don’t like that man!

KRALAHOME: In foreign country is best you like everyone--until you leave.
ANNA: Your Excellency, I had no idea you spoke English.

KRALAHOME: It is not necessary for you to know everything at once. You come with me now. Your boxes are carried to palace--later.

ANNA: No. Not the palace. I am not living at the palace.

KRALAHOME: Who say?

ANNA: The King say…Says! The King has promised me twenty pounds a month and a house of my own.

KRALAHOME: King do not always remember what he promise. If I tell him he break promise, I will make anger in him. I think it is better I make anger in him about large matters.

ANNA: But all I want is ten minutes audience with him.

KRALAHOME: King very busy now. New Year’s celebrations just finishing. Fireworks every night. Cremation of late Queen just starting.

ANNA: Oh. You have lost your Queen. I am so sorry. When did she die?

KRALAHOME: Four years ago…With cremation ceremony comes also fireworks.

ANNA: And what do I do in the meantime?

KRALAHOME: In the meantime you wait--in the palace.

ANNA: Your Excellency, I will teach in the palace, but I must have a house of my own--where I can go at the end of the day when my duties are over.

KRALAHOME: What you wish to do in evening that cannot be done in palace?

ANNA: How dare you? I’m sorry, Your Excellency, but you don’t understand. I came here to work. I must support myself and my young son. And I shall take nothing less than what I have been promised.

KRALAHOME: You will tell King this?

ANNA: I will tell King this.

(The faint suggestion of a smile curls the corner of the KRALAHOME’S mouth)

KRALAHOME: It will be very interesting meeting…You come now? (ANNA does not answer) You come now, or you can stay on boat. I do not care! (He turns toward gangway and starts to go)

ORTON: If you wish to stay on my ship and return to Singapore, Ma’am…

ANNA: No, thank you, Captain Orton. Your Excellency--I will go with you. I have made a bargain, and I shall live up to my part of it. But I expect a bargain to be kept on both sides. I shall go, Your Excellency.

KRALAHOME: To the palace?

ANNA: For the time being. (KRALAHOME exits)

ANNA: Good-bye, Captain Orton and thank you very much for everything. Louis!

LOUIS: (shaking hands) Good-bye, Captain.

ORTON: Good-bye, laddy.

(As they turn from the captain, ANNA and LOUIS are confronted by the INTERPRETER and the slaves standing in a stern line, their arms folded, their faces glowering in a most unfriendly manner. ANNA and LOUIS pause, then raise their chins and whistle “a happy tune” as they walk by the men and start to climb the gangway)

INTERMEDIATE SCENE

A Palace corridor.
Several court dancers have their costumes adjusted and last minute touches added to their faces by make up experts. An attendant enters and clasps his hands. The dancers bustle off promptly, their attendants making their exit on the opposite side.

SCENE TWO

The King’s study in the royal palace.
As the curtain rises the KING is seated cross-legged on a low table, dictating letters to PHRA BLACK, his secretary, and paying only scant attention to a group of girl dancers. At length he throws the last letter at the secretary, rises and snaps his fingers. The secretary and the dancers retire quickly. The KING beckons to someone offstage. The KRALAHOME enters.

KRALAHOME: Your majesty…

KING: Well, well, well?

KRALAHOME: I have been meaning to speak to you about schoolteacher. She is waiting to see you.

KING: She is in Siam? How long?

KRALAHOME: Two weeks, three weeks. She has needed disciplining, Your Majesty. She objects to living in palace. Talks about house she say you promise her.

KING: I do not recollect such promise. Tell her I will see her. I will see her in a moment. (The KING sees LUN THA enter, preceded by a female palace attendant) Who? Who? Who?

KRALAHOME: Your Majesty, this is Lun Tha, emissary from court of Burma.

KING: Ah! You are here for copying of famous Bangkok temple. (To KRALAHOME) I have give permission.

KRALAHOME: (As TUPTIM is carried on, on a palanquin, by four Amazons) He brings you present from Prince of Burma.

KING: Am I to trust a ruler of Burma? Am I to trust this present they send me, or is she a spy?

TUPTIM: (Rising from palanquin) I am not a spy…My name is Tuptim. You are pleased that I speak English? My name is Tuptim.
(The King looks at her appraisingly. The KRALAHOME signals for her to turn around. She does so. The KING walks around her slowly, darts a brief enigmatic look at the KRALAHOME, and walks off.)

KRALAHOME: King is pleased with you. He likes you.

(He dismisses LUN THA and leaves. Before going out, LUN THA exchanges a worried, helpless look with TUPTIM. TUPTIM turns and looks forward where the KING made his exit, bitterness and hatred in her eyes)

TUPTIM: The King is pleased!
He is pleased with me!
My lord and master
Declares he’s pleased with me--
What does he mean?
What does he know of me,
This lord and master?

When he has looked at me
What has he seen?
Something young,
Soft and slim,
Painted cheek
Tap’ring limb,
Smiling lips
All for him,
Eyes that shine
Just for him--
So he thinks…
Just for him!
Though the man may be
My lord and master,
Though he may study me
As hard as he can,
The smile beneath my smile
He’ll never see.
He’ll never know I love
Another man,
He’ll never know
I love another man!

(The KING enters. TUPTIM immediately resumes her humble and obedient attitude) Your Majesty wishes me to leave?

KING: I will tell you when I wish you to leave?

KRALAHOME: (Entering, ushering in ANNA, who is followed by two Amazons) Schoolteacher. (ANNA curtseys) Madame Leonowens.

KING: You are schoolteacher?

ANNA: Yes, Your Majesty, I am schoolteacher. When can I start my work?

KING: You can start when I tell you to start.

ANNA: There is one matter we have to settle, Your Majesty…

KING: (Interrupting) You are part of general plan I have for bringing to Siam what is good in Western culture. Already I have bring printing press here--for printing.

ANNA: Yes, I know, Your Majesty.

KING: How you know?

ANNA: Before I singed our agreement, I found out all I could about Your Majesty’s ambitions for Siam.

KING: Ha! This is scientific. You are pleased with your apartments in palace?

ANNA: They…are quite comfortable, Your Majesty. For the time being. But my young son and I have found it rather…confining…with Amazons guarding the doors and not permitting us to leave.

KING: Strangers cannot be allowed to roam around the palace before presentment to King. You could look out windows.

ANNA: Yes, Your Majesty, we have done that. We have seen New Year celebrations, royal cremation ceremonies, etcetera, etcetera.

KING: What is this “etcetera”?

ANNA: According to the dictionary, it means “and the rest.” Your Majesty. All the things you have been doing while we were waiting. The fireworks--

KING: Best fireworks I ever see at funeral. How you like my acrobats?

ANNA: Splendid, Your Majesty. Best acrobats I have ever seen at funeral.

KING: Ha! (To KRALAHOME) Have children prepare for presentation to schoolteacher.

ANNA: How many children do you have, Your Majesty?

KING: I have only sixty-seven altogether. I begin very late. But you shall not teach all of them. You shall teach only children of mothers who are in favor of King…(LADYTHIANG has entered. She prostrates herself before the KING) Ah! Lady Thiang. Madame Leonowens, this is Lady Thiang, head wife.

THIANG:
There is a happy land , far, far away,
Where saints in glory stand, bright, bright as day.

(Speaking) In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth. (Anna looks puzzled) Mis-son-ary.

ANNA: A missionary taught you English!

THIANG: Yes, sir, Mis-son-ary.

KING: Lady Thiang, you will help Madame Leonowens with her schoolteaching, and she in her turn shall teach you the better English. (THIANG prostrates herself at the feet of the KING to ANNA’s surprise and horror. The KING explains) She is grateful to me for my kindness.

ANNA: I see. Your Majesty, in our agreement, you…

KING: You, Tuptim. You already speak well the English. (TUPTIM. The KING turns to ANNA, pointing to TUPTIM) She arrive today. She is present to me from Burma prince.

ANNA: She is a present?

TUPTIM: Madame, you have English books I can read?

ANNA: Of course I have.

TUPTIM: I wish to read book called “The Small House of Uncle Thomas.” Is by American lady, Harriet Beecher Stowa.

KING: A woman has written a book?

ANNA: A very wonderful book, Your Majesty. All about slavery…

KING: Ha! President Lingkong against slavery, no? Me, too. Slavery very bad thing. (ANNA looks significantly at the prostrate figure of LADY THIANG. The KING snaps his fingers and LADY THIANG rises. The KING paces thoughtfully, speaking half to himself, half to ANNA) I think you will teach my wives too--those wives who are in favor.

(During the ensuing dialogue, small groups of the KING’s wives peek in through the entrances and retreat, as if curious to hear and see, but afraid of the KING’s mounting temper)

ANNA: I shall be most happy to teach your wives, even though that was not part of our agreement…Speaking of our agreement reminds me that there is one little matter, about my house…

KING: Also, I will allow you to help me in my foreign correspondence.

ANNA: Yes, Your Majesty. I don’t think you understand about the house, Your Majesty. For the time being…

KING: (Wheeling around suddenly) House? House? What is this about house?

ANNA: (Startled, then recovering) I want my house! The house you promised me, Your Majesty.

KING: You shall live in palace. You teach in palace, you shall live in palace. If you do not live in palace, you do not teach, and you go--wherever you please. I do not care. You understand this?

ANNA: I understand but, Your Majesty, if these are the only terms on which I…

KING: Enough! I have no more time to talk. Talk to other women, my women--my wives.

(He snaps his fingers at TUPTIM, who follows him obediently as he exits. As soon as the KING has left, the wives rush on from all sides, chattering excitedly. They surround ANNA, taking her gloves and her reticule, fingering her clothes. Two on the floor try to lift up her skirt)

ANNA: For goodness’ sake! What is the matter? What are they trying to do to me?

THIANG: They think you wear big skirt like that because you shaped like that.

ANNA: Well, I’m not!

(She lifts her hoop skirt, revealing pantalettes. Two wives address LADY THIANG, the orchestra, as usual, playing sounds to indicate the Siamese language)

THIANG: They wish to know, sir, if you have children?

ANNA: One little boy.

THIANG: I have boy, too--Crown Prince Chowfa Chulalongkorn, heir to throne…(pleading) I would be happy if you would teach children.

ANNA: I would like to very much. I came all the way here from Singapore to do so, but I really cannot…

THIANG: You could be great help to all here, sir

ANNA: Lady Thiang, why do you call me “sir”?

THIANG: Because you scientific. Not lowly, like woman.

ANNA: Do you all think women are more lowly than men? (THIANG translates this to the wives, all of whom smile broadly and nod their heads, apparently quite happy with the idea of female inferiority. ANNA’s voice is indignant) Well, I don’t.

THIANG: Please, sir, do not tell King. Make King angry.

ANNA: King seems to be angry already. That lovely girl. He said she was a present…

THIANG: From court of Burma. I think she love another man. If so, she will never see other man again.

ANNA: Poor child!

THIANG: Oh, no, sir! She is foolish child, to wish for another man when she has King.

ANNA: But you can’t help wishing for a man, if he’s the man you want.

THIANG: It is strange for schoolteacher to talk so--romantic

ANNA: Romantic! I suppose I am. I was very much in love with my husband, Tom.

THIANG: Tom

(She translates this to the wives, who repeat after her, “Tom.”)

ANNA: Once a woman has loved like that, she understands all other women who are in love…and she’s on their side, even if she’s…schoolteacher. (The wives again pronounce “Tom” as if fascinated by the sound) Yes…Tom.

(She opens the locket around her neck and shows it to LADY THIANG)

THIANG: He was pretty in face.

ANNA: Oh, dear, yes. He was very pretty in face. (She sings)

When I think of Tom
I think about a night
When the earth smelled of summer
And the sky was streaked with white,
And the soft mist of England
Was sleeping on a hill--
I remember this,
And I always will…

There are new lovers now on the same
Silent hill,
Looking on the same blue sea,
And I know Tom and I are a part of them all
And they’re all a part of Tom and me

Hello, young lovers, whoever you are,
I hope your troubles are few.
All my good wishes go with you tonight
I’ve been in love like you.
Be brave, young lovers, and follow your star
Be brave and faithful and true,
Cling very close to each other tonight--
I’ve been in love like you.
I know how it feels to have wings on
Your heels,
And to fly down a street in a trance.
You fly down a street on the chance
That you’ll meet,
And you meet --not really by chance.
Don’t cry, young lovers, whatever you do,
Don’t cry because I’m alone;
All of my memories are happy tonight,
I’ve had a love of my own,
I’ve had a love of my own, like yours
I’ve had a love of my own.

(Now there is a loud crash on a gong. The KING enters)

KING: The children! The children! They come to present to schoolteacher.

ANNA: But, Your Majesty, we have not solved my problem…

KING: Silence! You will stand here to meet royal children. (He indicates a place for her)

ANNA: Very well, Your Majesty.

KING: The Royal Princes and Princesses!

(Now, to the strains of a patrol, the royal Siamese children enter, one by one, each advancing first to the KING and prostrating himself before his father, then rising, moving over to ANNA, and greeting her in the traditional manner by taking her two hands and pressing them to his forehead, after which he backs away across the stage, and takes his place with the wives and children who have previously entered. Each succeeding child enters at about the time that his predecessor has greeted ANNA and is backing across the stage. The twins enter together, and the KING holds up two fingers to ANNA, so that she is sure to observe that they are twins. There are other variations. One little girl goes straight to her father, her arms outstretched, but he sternly points to the floor. She prostrates herself in the formal manner and, very much abashed, goes on to ANNA. One little girl, who had been delegated to give ANNA a rose, forgets it the first time and has run back to ANNA, disgraced by her absent mindedness. The most impressive moment is the entrance of the Crown Prince, CHULALONGKORN. The music becomes loud and brave at this point. Then, toward the end of the patrol, the music becomes softer and ends with the smallest children coming on, the last child backing up and bowing with the others on the last beat of the music. Throughout this procession, ANNA has obviously fallen more and more in love with the children. She is deeply touched by their courtesy, their charm, their sweetness. After they have all bowed to her and the KING, she slowly moves to the center of the room. She looks back at the KING, who nods understandingly, and then slowly she starts to untie the ribbons of her bonnet off her head, on little child gasps an excited “ah,” and the children with one accord all rush up to her and surround her. She leans over and hugs all those she can reach, and it is obvious that they are going to be fast friends as the curtain closes)

SCENE THREE

In the Palace grounds
A group of PRIESTS chant as they walk by. From the other side the children enter singing “Home Sweet Home” as a counter-melody to the chant. They walk two by two, in time to the music. The PRIESTS exit. The KING enters and gestures to CHULALONGKORN to step out of line. The PRINCE obeys. The other children continue offstage.

PRINCE: Father, I shall be late for school.

KING: You wait! Please to recite proverb you have learned yesterday and writing down twelve times in your copybook.

PRINCE: “A thought for the day: East or West, home is best.”

KING: East, West, home best. Means house! Every day for many months! Always something about house! Are my children to be taught nothing more?

PRINCE: Yesterday we are taught that the world is a round ball which spins on a stick through the middle. Everyone knows that the world rides on the back of a great turtle, who keeps it from running into the stars.

KING: How can it be that everyone knows one thing, if many people believe another thing?

PRINCE: Then which is true? (Pause)

KING: The world is a ball with stick through it…I believe.

PRINCE: You believe? Does that mean you do not know? (His father does not answer) But you must know, because you are King.

KING: Good. Some day you too, will be King and you too will know everything..


PRINCE: But how do I learn? And when do I know that I know everything?

KING: When you are King. Now leave me.(PRINCE exits. The KING soliloquizes) When you are King. But I do not know. I am not sure of anything (He sings)
When I was a boy
World was better spot.
What was so was so,
What was not was not.
Now I am a man--
World have change a lot:
Some things nearly so,
Others nearly not.

There are times I almost think
I am not sure of what I absolutely know.
Very often find confusion
In conclusion I concluded long ago.
In my head are many facts
That, as a student, I have studied to procure
In my head are many facts
Of which I wish I was more certain I was sure!
Is a Puzzlement! What to tell a growing son
What, what for instance, shall I say to him of women?
Shall I educate him on the ancient lines?
Shall I tell the boy, as far as he is able,
To respect his wives and love his concubines?
Shall I tell him every one is like the other
And the better one of two is really neither?
If I tell him this I think he won’t believe it--
And I nearly think I don’t believe it either

When my father was a king
He was a king who knew exactly what he knew,
And his brain was not a thing
Forever swinging to and fro and fro and to.
And be willfully unmovable and strong?
Or is better to be right?
Or am I right when I believe I may be wrong?

Shall I join with other nations in alliance?
If allies are weak, am I not best alone?
If allies are strong with power to protect me,
Might they not protect me out of all I own?
Is a danger to be trusting one another,
One will seldom want to do what other wishes…
But unless some day somebody trust somebody,
There’ll be nothing left on earth excepting fishes!

There are times I almost think
Nobody sure of what he absolutely know
Everybody find confusion
In conclusion he concluded long ago,
And it puzzle me to learn
That though a man may be in doubt of what he know,
Very quickly will he fight,
He’ll fight to prove that what he does not know is so!

Oh-h-h-h-h-h!
Sometimes I think that people are gong mad!
Ah-h-h-h-h-h!
Sometimes I think that people not so bad!
But no matter what I think
I must go on living life.
As leader of my kingdom I must go forth,
Be father to my children,
And husband to each wife--
Etcetera, etcetera, and so forth.
(His arms and eyes raised in prayer)
If my Lord in Heaven, Buddha, show the way,
Every day I try to live another day.
If my Lord in Heaven, Buddha, show the way,
Every day I do my best--for one more day!
But…is a puzzlement!
(The lights go out. The voices of the children are heard in the darkness, coming from the schoolroom)

Scene Four

The schoolroom. Up center is a large stand with a map hanging from it. This is an ancient map, showing a very large Siam with a heroic figure of an armored king super-imposed. Adjoining is a much smaller Burma, with a pathetic naked figure representing the king of that country. The children are lined up singing their school song. LADY THIANG and TUPTIM stand a little apart from the group, as does LOUIS. CHULALONGKORN is in the group with the children and the wives. ANNA conducts them with a blackboard pointer. Soon after the curtain rises, she stops them in the middle of their song.

ANNA: Spread out, children. Now, that last line was “English words are all we speak.” I didn’t quite understand. I want to hear the beginnings and ends of your words. Once again, now, and nice big smiles because we love our school.

WIVES AND CHILDREN (Singing)
We work and work
From week to week
At the Royal Bangkok Academy.
And English words
Are all we speak
At the Royal Bangkok Academy.
If we pay
Attention to our teacher
And obey her every rule,
We’ll be grateful for
These golden years
At our dear old school
The Royal Bangkok Academy
Our dear old school

ANNA: That’s fine. Now take your places. Lady Thiang will you start?
(ANNA hands the pointer to LADY THIANG)

THIANG: Blue is ocean. Red--Siam (Enthusiastic reaction from the children at Siam’s size) Here is King of Siam. In right hand is weapon--show how he destroy all who fight him. (More approval) Green--Burma. (LADY THIANG looks disapprovingly at TUPTIM) Here, King of Burma. No clothes mean how poor is King of Burma. (Children giggle)

ANNA: Thank you, Lady Thiang. Will you take my chair? (LADY THIANG sits) The map you have been looking at is an old one. Today we have a surprise. Louis--(LOUIS rolls down an 1862 world map in Mercator projection. The children gasp) A new map--just arrived from England. It is a gift to us from His Majesty, you King.

WIVES AND CHILDREN: (Bowing in unison) The Lord of Light.

ANNA: Er--yes--The Lord of Light.

LOUIS: The white is Siam.
(There is a groan of disbelief and disappointment from the children and wives)

PRINCE: Siam is not so small!

LOUIS: Wait! Let me show you England. (Pause) See! It is even smaller than Siam.
(Children indicate approval)

ANNA: For many years, before I came here, Siam was to me that little white spot. Now I have lived here for more than a year. I have met the people of Siam. And I am learning to understand them.

A PRINCESS: You like us?

ANNA: I like you very much. Very much indeed. (The children express their delight. ANNA sings)
It’s a very ancient saying,
But a true and honest thought,
That “if you become a teacher
By your pupils you’ll be taught.”
As a teacher I’ve been learning
(You’ll forgive me if I boast)
And I’ve now become an expert
On the subject I like most:
(She speaks)
Getting to know you…
(She sings)
Getting to know you,
Getting to know all about you,
Getting to like you,
Getting to hope you like me.
Getting to know you--
Putting it my way, but nicely,
You are precisely
My cup of tea!
Getting to know you,
Getting to feel free and easy;
When I am with you,
Getting to know what to say--
Haven’t you noticed?
Suddenly I’m bright and breezy
Because of
All the beautiful and new
Things I’m learning about you,
Day by day.
(The refrain is taken up by the wives, Amazons and children. ANNA teaches them handshaking, and LADY THIANG learns to curtsey. One wife performs a dance with a fan and ANNA, imitating her, dances with her. Then she dances with the children. At the finish they are all seated on the floor giggling. She rises suddenly, remembering her duties) My goodness! This started out to be a lesson! Now, let’s get back to work!

PRINCE: (Pointing to the map) What is that green up there?

ANNA: That is Norway. Nor-way.

WIVES AND CHILDREN: Norway is very cold place. It is sometimes so cold that the lakes and rivers freeze, and the water becomes so hard that you can walk on it.

A SMALL PRINCE: Walk on water?

ANNA: Yes, walk on water?

PRINCE: How is it possible? Hard water!

ANNA: It is not only hard, but very slippery, too. When people walk on it, the fall down, and slide…(General reaction of skepticism) Not only do the lakes and rivers freeze, but the raindrops, as they fall, are changed into small white spots that look like lace! This is called snow.

TUPTIM (Fascinated) Snow?

WIVES AND CHILDREN (Another new word) Snow…

PRINCE: Spots of lace!

ANNA: Yes, Your Highness! The water freezes--on the way down from the sky.

PRINCE: And the raindrops turn into little stars!
(The pupils giggle, their credulity strained too far. The class becomes disorganized)

ANNA: Yes, Your Highness. Some are shaped like stars--small, white…
(Bedlam is breaking lose)

PRINCESS YING YAOWALAK: I do not believe such thing as snow!
(Cries of assent)

TWINS: And I do not believe that Siam is this big--(Indicating size) And other country so big! (Wide gesture)

PRINCE: Siam is biggest country in world!
(Shouts, cartwheels, pandemonium greet this popular pronouncement)

KING: (Entering suddenly) What? What? What? (All but ANNA and LOUIS instantly prostrate themselves. The KING stands for a moment in outraged silence) How can schoolroom be so…unscientific?

ANNA: Your Majesty, we have had a little misunderstanding. I was describing snow and they refused to believe that there was such a thing.

KING: Snow?

ANNA: (Gesturing snow falling) Snow.
(PRINCE has raised his head an noted her gesture)

KING: Oh, yes. From mountain top.

ANNA: From the sky.

KING: From sky to mountain top.

PRINCE: Sire…please…how does it come down from the sky?

KING: Like this. (And he makes exactly the same gesture as ANNA did, lowering his hands and wiggling his fingers the while)

PRINCE: (Gravely) Thank you, sire.

KING: (He snaps his fingers as if bringing the picture back to his mind) I have see picture--Switzerland!

ANNA: That’s right, Your Majesty.

KING: Land all white--with snow. Who does not believe this? (Complete silence)

ANNA: Well, after all, they have never seen it, and…

KING: Never see? If they will know only what they see, why do we have schoolroom? (He turns to the class and crackles out a sudden command) Rise! (They all come to their feet) Do not let me hear of not believing teacher, who I have bring here at high expense--twenty pounds--each month.(All eyes turn toward ANNA with a strange accusing look, as if she were robbing the KING)

KING: Twenty English pounds! (He stamps his foot) Sterling! (Not knowing what “sterling” means, but impressed by the sound as the KING shouts it, they all fall to the floor again) Children must learn. Teacher must teach! Not waste time instructing children in silly English song “Home Sweet House”--to remind me of breaking promises that I never made, etcetera, etcetera, etcetera…

ANNA: Your majesty…you did promise me a house. “A brick residence adjoining the royal palace.” Those were your words in your letter.

KING: I do not remember such words.

ANNA: I remember them.

KING: I will do remembering. Who is King? I remind you--so you remember that! (Screaming) I do not know of any promises. I do not know anything but that you are my servant.

ANNA: Oh, no, Your Majesty!
(There is a gasp of astonishment from those in the schoolroom)

KING: What? What? What? I say you are my servant!

ANNA: No, Your Majesty, that’s not true. I most certainly am not your servant!

PRINCE: (To Louis) I would say your mother has bad manners.

LOUIS: You would, would you? Well, I’d say your father has no manners at all!

ANNA: Louis! (She takes his hand and turns to face the KING)
ANNA: If you do not give me the house you promised, I shall return to England.

PRINCESS SOMAWADI: No! No! No!

PRINCE SUK SAWAT: Do not go to England!

PRINCE THONGKORN YAI: We learn. We believe schoolteacher.

PRINCESS YING YAOWALAK: I believe in snow!

THIANG: Do not let her go away.

KING: I let her do nothing, except what is my pleasure. It is my pleasure you stay here. You stay here in palace. In palace!

ANNA: No, Your Majesty!

KING: I give you servants. I give you bigger room.

ANNA: That is not the point, Your Majesty.

KING: Why do you wish to leave these children, all of whom are loving you so extraordinarily?

ANNA: I don’t wish to leave them. I love them, too…quite extraordinarily. But I cannot stay in a country where a promise has no meaning.

KING: I will hear no more about this promise…

ANNA: A land where there is talk of honor, and a wish for Siam to take her place among the modern nations of the world! Where there is talk of great changes, but where everything still remains according to the wishes of the King!

KING: You will say no more!

ANNA: (On the edge of tears) I will say no more because I have no more to say. (She starts off) Come, Louis.
(He follows her out, as the wives and children call after her: “Please don’t go, Mrs. Anna,” etc. But she goes! The KING stamps his foot angrily to silence them all. Then he shouts a dismissal)

KING: Out! Out! Out! (They scurry out. He paces up and down, then stops before the map. His voice is low and thoughtful) So big a world! Siam very small… England very small…all people very small. No man big enough for to be alone. No man big enough! King? King different! King need no one…nobody at all! (Pause) I think!
(He leaves the room)
(In a moment TUPTIM comes in. She looks around cautiously, then sits on floor with a book. LUN THA enters, then stops quickly, surprised to find TUPTIM alone)

LUN THA: Where is Mrs. Anna?

TUPTIM: She will not be with us ever again. She has quarreled with the King.

LUN THA: How can we meet if she is not with us? Mrs. Anna was our only friend, and…

TUPTIM: We cannot be seen talking like this. Anyone can come in. Pretend you wait for her.

LUN THA (Bitterly) If only we could stop pretending! (He sings)
We kiss in a shadow,
We hide from the moon,
Our meetings are few,
And over too soon.
We speak in a whisper,
Afraid to be heard--
When people are near
We speak not a word!
Alone in our secret,
Together we sigh
For one smiling day to be free
To kiss in the sunlight
And say to the sky:
“Behold and believe what you see!
Behold how my lover loves me!”
(He speaks) Tuptim, when can we meet? When?

TUPTIM: It is not possible. We cannot meet alone ever--not ever.

(LADY THIANG enters at the back, sees the two lovers together, and goes off, unseen by them)

LUN THA (As TUPTIM suddenly breaks away) What is it?

TUPTIM: Someone was here! (She looks around fearfully) I had a feeling someone was watching us…Please go!
Please! (He leaves. TUPTIM sings sadly)
To kiss in the sunlight
And say to the sky:
“Behold and believe what you see!
Behold how my lover loves me!”

INTERMEDIATE SCENE

The Palace corridor.
LOUIS and CHULALONGKORN enter from opposite sides. After passing each other in unfriendly silence, each repents and turns at about the same time. Then with a common impulse, they rush toward each other and shake hands.

PRINCE: I am sorry we nearly fought just now.

LOUIS: I am too.

PRINCE: Are you really going away?

LOUIS: Mother plans to leave on the next sailing.

PRINCE: I am not sure my father will allow your mother to go.

LOUIS: I am not sure whether my mother will allow your father not to allow her to go.

PRINCE: Why does not your mother admit she was wrong?

LOUIS: I don’t believe that Mother thinks she was wrong.

PRINCE: It begins to look as if people do not know when they are right or wrong--even after they have grown up.

LOUIS: I have noticed that, too.

PRINCE: A puzzlement!…When I left my father a little while ago, I heard him talking to himself. He seemed uncertain about many things.

LOUIS: I don’t believe grownups are ever certain--they only talk as if they are certain.

PRINCE: (Singing)
There are times I almost think
They are not sure of what they absolutely know.

LOUIS:
I believe they are confused
About conclusions they concluded long ago

PRINCE:
If my father and your mother are not sure of what they absolutely know,
Can you tell me why they fight?

LOUIS:
They fight to prove that what they do not know is so!

PRINCE: (With the mannerisms of his father)
Oh-h-h-h-h-h!
Sometimes I think that people going mad

LOUIS:
Ah-h-h-h-h-h
Sometimes I think that people not so bad

PRINCE:
But no matter what I think,
I must go on living life
And some day as a leader I must go forth
Be father to my children
And husband to each wife
Etcetera, etcetera, and so forth.
(His eyes and arms uplifted)
If my Lord in Heaven, Buddha, show the way
Every day I try to live another day,
If my Lord in Heaven, Buddha, show the way
Every day I do my best--for one more day.
But--

LOUIS:
Is a puzzlement.
(The two boys walk off together thoughtfully)

SCENE FIVE

ANNA’s bedroom.
ANNA is sitting on the bed. She has started to undress, but apparently has stopped, engrossed in her thoughts. Her brows knit. She glares at an imaginary adversary. Her nostrils dilate with scorn. Then she starts to let him have it:

ANNA:
Your servant! Your servant!
Indeed I’m not your servant
(Although you give me less than servant’s pay)
I’m a free and independent employee…
Employee
Because I’m a woman
You think, like every woman,
I have to be a slave or concubine--
You conceited, self-indulgent libertine--
Libertine.
How I wish I’d called him that! Right to his face!
Libertine! And while we’re on the subject, sire,
There are certain goings on around this place
That I wish to tell you I do not admire:

I do not like polygamy
Or even moderate bigamy
(I realize
That in your eyes
That clearly makes a prig o’me)
But I am from a civilized land called Wales,
Where men like you are kept in county gaols.

In your pursuit of pleasure, you
Have mistresses who treasure you
(They have no ken
Of other men
Beside whom they can measure you)
A flock of sheep, and you the only ram--
No wonder you’re the wonder of Siam!
(At first elated by this sally a frightened, embarrassed look comes into her eyes. She speaks.)
I’m rather glad I didn’t say that…Not with the women right there…and the children.
(She sings wistfully)
The children, the children,
I’ll not forget the children.
No matter where I go I’ll always see
Those little faces looking up at me…

At first, when I started to teach
They were shy and remained out of reach
But lately I’ve thought
One or two have been caught
By a word I have said
Or a sentence I’ve read,
And I’ve heard an occasional question
That implied, at least, a suggestion
That the work I was trying to do
Was beginning to show with a few…

That Prince Chulalongkorn
Is very like his father,
He’s stubborn--but inquisitive and smart
(Sudden tears)
I must leave this place before they break my heart,
I must leave this place before they break my heart!
(She stops, picks up the watch that is on her pillow and looks down at it)
Goodness! I had no idea it was so late.
(She resumes undressing)
Shall I tell you what I think of you?
You’re spoiled!
You’re a conscientious worker
But you’re spoiled.
Giving credit where it’s due
There is much I like in you
But it’s also very true
That you’re spoiled!
(She struts up and down, imitating him)
Everybody’s always bowing
To the King,
Everybody has to grovel
To the King.
By your Buddha you are blessed,
By your ladies you’re caressed
But the one who loves you best
Is the King!

All that bowing and kowtowing
To remind you of your royalty,
I find a most disgusting exhibition.
I wouldn’t ask a Siamese cat
To demonstrate his loyalty
By taking that ridiculous position!

How would you like it if you were a man
Playing the part of a toad?
Crawling around on your elbows and knees,
Eating the dust in the road!…
Toads! Toads! All of your people are toads!
Yes, Your Majesty; No, Your Majesty.
Tell us how low to go, Your Majesty,
Don’t let us up of our knees Your Majesty.
Give us a kick, if it please Your Majesty,
Give us a kick if you would Your Majesty--
(Taking an imaginary kick)
Oh! That was good, Your Majesty!…
(THIANG enters and rings the string of bells by the door twice)

ANNA: Who is it?

THIANG: Mrs. Anna, it is I, Lady Thiang.

ANNA: At this hour of the night! Come in, Lady Thiang.

THIANG: Mrs. Anna, will you go to King?

ANNA: Now? Has he sent for me?

THIANG: No. But he would be glad to see you. He is deeply wounded man. No one has ever spoken to him as you did today in schoolroom.

ANNA: Lady Thiang, no one has ever behaved to me as His Majesty did today in the schoolroom.

THIANG: And there is more distressing thing. Our agents in Singapore have found letters to British Government from people whose greedy eyes are on Siam. They describe King as a barbarian, and suggest making Siam a protectorate.

ANNA: That is outrageous! He is many things I do not like, but he is not a barbarian.

THIANG: Then you will help him?

ANNA: You mean--advise him?

THIANG: It must not sound like advice. King cannot take advice. And if you go to him, he will not bring up subject. You must bring it up.

ANNA: I cannot go to him. It’s against all my principles. Certainly not without his having asked for me.

THIANG: He wish to be new-blood King with Western ideas. But it is hard for him, Mrs. Anna. And there is something else--Princess Tuptim. I do not tell him--for his sake. I deal with this my own way. But for these other things, he need help, Mrs. Anna.

ANNA: He has you.

THIANG: I am not equal to his special needs. He could be great man. But he need special help. He need you.

ANNA: Lady Thiang, please don’t think I am being stubborn. But I simply cannot go to him. I will not.

THIANG: What more can I say to you?
(She sings)
This is a man who thinks with his heart,
His heart is not always wise.
This is a man who stumble and falls,
But this is a man who tries.
This is a man you’ll forgive and forgive,
And help and protect, as long as you live

He will not always say
What you would have him say,
But now and then he’ll say
Something wonderful.
The thoughtless things he’ll do
Will hurt and worry you--
Then all at once he’ll do
Something wonderful.
He has a thousand dreams
That won’t come true.
You know that he believes in them
And that’s enough for you.
You’ll always go along,
Defend him when he’s wrong
And tell him, when he’s strong
He is wonderful
He’ll always need your love--
And so he’ll get your love--
A man who needs your love
Can be wonderful!
(As she finishes she kneels and looks up at ANNA suppliantly. ANNA takes her hand and helps her rise. Then she crosses to the bed, picks up her jacket and starts to put it on. THIANG, taking this as a sign that her mission is successful, smiles gratefully and leaves ANNA to finish dressing)

INTERMEDIATE SCENE

The palace corridor
The KRALAHOME enters and meets LADY THIANG.

KRALAHOME: Did you succeed? Will she go to him?

THIANG: She will go. She know he needs her. Tell him.

KRALAHOME: I will tell him she is anxious to come. I will tell him it is she who needs him.

THIANG: That also will be true. (KRALAHOME exits) This woman knows many things, but this, I think she does not know…(She sings)
She’ll always go along.
Defend him when he’s wrong
And tell him when he’s strong
He is wonderful
He’ll always need her love
And so he’ll get her love
A man who needs your love
Can be wonderful!

SCENE SIX

The KING’s study.
The KING has been reading a large English Bible, which lies open on the floor beside a cushion arm-rest. There are some English newspaper also on the floor. The KING is walking up and down impatiently. He goes up and out to the terrace, looks off let, sees something, and hurries down to the Bible and resumes reading it. Presently, ANNA enters on the terrace.

ANNA: (Making a curtsey) Your Majesty. (She comes into the room) Your Majesty. (No answer. She looks down over his shoulder) Your Majesty is reading the Bible!

KING: Mrs. Anna, I think your Moses shall have been a fool.

ANNA: Moses!

KING: Moses! Moses! Moses! I think he shall have been a fool. Here it stands written by him that the world was created in six days. You know and I know it took many ages to create world. I think he shall have been a fool to have written so. What is your opinion?

ANNA: Your Majesty, the Bible was not written by men of science, but by men of faith. It was their explanation of the miracle of creation, which is the same miracle--whether it took six days or many centuries.

KING: (Rising) Hm. (He is impressed by her explanation but, of course, would not say so) You have come to apologize?

ANNA: I am sorry, Your Majesty, but..

KING: Good! You apologize.

ANNA: Your Majesty, I…

KING: I accept!

ANNA: Your Majesty, nothing that has been said can alter the fact that in my country, anyone who makes a promise must…

KING: Silence! Tell me about President Lingkong of America. Shall Mr. Lingkong be winning this war he is fighting at present?

ANNA: No one knows, Your Majesty.

KING: Does he have enough guns and elephant for transporting same?

ANNA: (Not quite smiling) I don’t think they have elephants in America, Your Majesty.

KING: No elephants! Then I shall send him some. (Handing her a notebook and pencil) Write letter to Mr. Lingkong.

ANNA: Now?

KING: Now! When else! Now is always best time. (He sits on the floor)

ANNA: Very well, Your Majesty.

KING: (Dictating) From Phra Maha Mongut, but the blessing of the highest super agency in the world of the whole Universe, the King of Siam, the Sovereign of all tributary countries adjacent and around in every direction, etcetera, etcetera, etcetera. Do you not have any respect for me? (ANNA looks up from her notebook having no idea what he means) Why do you stand over my head? I cannot stand all time. And in this country, no one’s head shall be higher than King’s. From now on in presence you shall so conduct yourself like all other subjects.

ANNA: You mean on the floor! I am sorry. I shall try very hard not to let my head be as high as Your Majesty’s--but I simply cannot grovel on the floor.
***ANNA: (cont) I couldn’t possibly work that way--or think!

KING: (He rises and studies her before he speaks) You are very difficult woman. But you will observe care that head shall never be higher than mine. If I shall sit, you shall sit. If I shall kneel, you shall kneel, etcetera, etcetera, etcetera.
(Pause)

ANNA: Very well, Your Majesty.

KING: Is promise?

ANNA: Is promise.

KING: Good. (He squats down on his heels to resume dictating. ANNA sits on the floor nearby) To His Royal Presidency of the United States in America. Abra-hom Lingkong, etcetera..
You fix up. It has occurred to us…(He stretches out prone, his chin leaning on his hand. Then he notices that ANNA’s head is higher) It has occurred to us--(He gives ANNA a significant look, and she reluctantly keeps her promise, lying prone, so that her head is no higher than his) It has occurred to us that if several pairs of young male elephants were turned loose in forests of America, after a while they would increase…

ANNA: Your Majesty--just male elephants?

KING: (Refusing to acknowledge mistake) You fill in details! (He rises, and she does also) Tonight my mind is on other matter--very important matters.

ANNA: Anything you want to discuss with me?

KING: Why should I discuss important matters with woman?

ANNA: Very well, Your Majesty. (She curtseys) Then I will say good night.

KING: Good night!
(ANNA goes up toward the terrace, then turns, to give him another chance)

ANNA: Your Majesty…

KING: What, what, what?

ANNA: I was wondering--When the boat arrived from Singapore yesterday…

KING: Singapore! Ha!

ANNA: Was there any news from abroad?

KING: News! Yes, there are news! They call me barbarian.

ANNA: Who?

KING: Certain parties who would use this as excuse to steal my country. Suppose you were Queen Victoria and somebody tell you King of Siam is barbarian. Do you believe?

ANNA: Well, Your Majesty…

KING: You will! You will! You will! You will believe I am barbarian because there is no one to speak otherwise.

ANNA: But this is a lie!

KING: It is a false lie!

ANNA: What have you decided to do about it?

KING: (After a pause) You guess!

ANNA: Well, if someone were sending a big lie about me to England, I should do my best to send the truth to England…Is that what you have decided to do, Your Majesty?

KING: Yes. That is what I have decided to do. (To himself) But how? Guess how I shall do this!

ANNA: Well, my guess would be that when Sir Edward Ramsay arrives her…

KING: Ramsay? Ramsay?

ANNA: The British diplomat.

KING: Ah, yes-on way from Singapore.

ANNA: We wrote to him last month.

KING: When he is here, I shall take opportunity of expressing my opinion of English thieves who wish to steal Siam. I shall show him who is barbarian! What is this face you put on?

ANNA: Well, Your Majesty, my guess is that you will not fight with Sir Edward.

KING: I will not?

ANNA: No, Your Majesty. You will entertain him and his party in an especially grand manner. In this way you will make them all witnesses in your favor. They will return to England and report to the Queen that you are not a barbarian.

KING: Naturally…naturally! This is what I shall have intended to do.

ANNA: This is the only way to get the better of the British. Stand up to them. Put your best foot forward. (The KING, bewildered, holds up his foot and looks at it) That is an expression, Your Majesty. It means dress up in your best clothes. Show them your most intelligent men, your most beautiful women. Edward admires beautiful women.

KING: Edward? You call him this?

ANNA: We are old friends. I knew him in Bombay before I was married.

KING: Ah!…Shall it be proper for the British dignitary to see my women with no shoes on their feet? Shall it be proper for them to put their best bare feet forward? No! Sir Ramsay will go back and tell Queen I am a barbarian. Why do you not think of this?

ANNA: (Suddenly inspired) We shall dress them up European fashion. ****

KING: You mean dress them in… dresses?
(ANNA nods)

ANNA: How many women can I have to sew for me?

KING: All women in Kingdom. How many dresses?

ANNA: That depends on how many ladies are chosen by Your Majesty.

KING: You shall tell me which of my women are most like Europeans, for dressing like same. (He crosses quickly to the throne table, strikes a gong and shouts) Wake up! Wake up, everybody! Wives! Etcetera, etcetera, etcetera!
***KING: I shall command Chinese artists to paint their faces very pale. And you shall educate them in European custom and manners for presentation.

ANNA: I wonder how much time we shall have.

KING: Sir Ramsay’s gunboat last reported off Songkla. How long he take depend on how many ports he call into. Let us say we have one week.

ANNA: One week! But, Your Majesty, I don’t think…one week!

KING: In this time whole world was created--Moses say!…Are there any details I do not think of so far?

ANNA: You must give them a fine dinner--a European dinner.

KING: I was going to.

ANNA: And a ball. With music.

KING: Music (His face lights up) And dancing!

ANNA: That’s right! Dancing!

KING: Why do you not think of dancing?

ANNA: It was an inspired idea, Your Majesty. (Wives enter in nightdress. TUPTIM is first. THIANG also enters, but not in nightdress) We can give them a theatrical performance. Tuptim has written a play, a version of Uncle Tom’s Cabin.

KING: Ha! We shall give them theatrical performance. We shall show them who is barbarian! Line up! Line up! Line up! Lady Thiang! On Saturday next, at nine o’clock post meridian, we shall give fine dinner--European dinner, for probably thirty people. (Thiang bows) You are to instruct steward during week he shall make eminent European dishes for tasting. I shall taste and schoolteacher shall taste. (The children begin coming in, with their nurses and the Amazons. They rub their eyes and yawn. The KING turns to ANNA) You say who is most European lady for dressing like same. (The KING continues his orders to THIANG) You are to make tablecloth of finest white silk for very long table. Also instruct court musicians to learn music of Europe for dancing, etcetera. (The TWINS enter) What? What? What? Am I to be annoyed by children at this moment? (A NURSE, having lost her charge, comes running around him, clapping her hands) Who? Who? Who? (All drop to the floor at his angry tones. Then the object of the NURSE’s solicitude, a very tiny boy, crawls between the KING’s legs and crouches in front of him.) Mrs. Anna, we must be more scientific with children! For the next week, the men and women of my kingdom will work without sleeping until all is ready, and for what is not done, each man and woman shall be beaten a hundred strokes. Everyone must know this, Lady Thiang. Tell this to everyone! Above all, I must not be worried by anything…

(There is a tremendous report that sounds like a cannon, and fireworks appear on the backdrop. Discipline is immediately abandoned, and there are shrieks and cries of fear. The children huddle together with the nurses and Amazons. The KING and ANNA run up to the terrace)

KING: What can this be?
(Another terrifying report)

ANNA: Look, Your Majesty!

KING: Fireworks! (The children move forward) Fireworks at this hour in the morning! No one may order fireworks but me.

KRALAHOME: (Rushing in) Your Majesty--the British! The gunboat!

KING: They attack?

KRALAHOME: No! They salute, and we answer with fireworks. It is Sir Edward Ramsay and his party.

ANNA: Now?

KRALAHOME: Now! They must have come direct from Songkla. No stops.

ANNA: No stops!

KING: Tell them to go back! We are not ready!

KRALAHOME: Not ready, Your Majesty?

KING: You do not know, you do not know. I had planned best idea I ever get.

ANNA: We can still do it, Your Majesty--you can do it.

KING: Ha! When English arrive we will put them to bed. Tomorrow morning we shall send them on sightseeing trip.

ANNA: We shall start now, this minute. Work! Work! We have only eighteen hours, but I shall do it somehow!

KING: I shall do it. You shall help me. No one shall sleep tonight or tomorrow. We shall work even when the sun shines in the middle of the day. We shall…Ah! Priests! (He motions them to come in) First we shall ask help from Buddha. Bow to him! Bow! Bow! Bow! (They all sink to their knees, the KING included, and raise their hands in prayerful attitude. ANNA remains standing but bows her head. The KING chants) Oh, Buddha, give us the aid of your strength and your wisdom.

ALL: Oh, Buddha, give us the aid of your strength and your wisdom
(The KING sits back on his heels)

KING: (Clapping his hands as orientals do to get Buddha’s attention) And help us to prove to the visiting English that we are extraordinary and remarkable people.

ALL: And help us to prove to the visiting English that we are extraordinary and remarkable people.
(During the repetition, the KING leans forward and down in a crouch, and steals a glance at ANNA)

KING: Help also Mrs. Anna to keep awake for scientific sewing of dresses, even though she be only a woman and a Christian, and therefore unworthy of your interest.

(ANNA looks up in surprise at the mention of her name, and comes to the KING in protest)

ALL: Help also Mrs. Anna to keep awake for scientific sewing of dresses, even though she be only a woman and a Christian, and therefore unworthy of your interest.

KING: (During the repetition of the prayer, to ANNA) A promise is a promise! Your head cannot be higher than mine! A promise! (Reluctantly, she sinks to a kneeling position to match his) And Buddha, I promise you I shall give this unworthy woman a house--a house of her own--a brick residence adjoining the royal palace, according to agreement, etcetera, etcetera, etcetera.

ALL: And Buddha, I promise you I shall give this unworthy woman a house--a house of her own--a brick residence adjoining the royal palace, according to agreement, etcetera, etcetera, etcetera.

(As they repeat his word, the KING watching to make sure that ANNA imitates him, sits back on his heels, then leans forward, finally stretching out, prone. They are both flat on their faces. Then he raises his head and rests his chin on his hand. She does the same. Fireworks burst through the air beyond the terrace. ANNA and the KING regard each other warily. Who is taming whom?)
Curtain