- I'll get someone for the luggage.
- Thank you, Captain.
Mother, these people are so funny.
Everybody goes barefoot.
Stay where I can see you, Louis.
Watch him, Beebe.
- Don't let him get all untidy.
- Yes, memsahib.
Memsahib.
Who is here to receive us?
Someone will meet us, Moonshee.
Do try and watch the luggage.
No sign of anyone to meet you.
- You sure they knew you were coming?
- Oh, yes.
I suppose all this
seems strange to you?
Not entirely. I feel as though
I already knew Siam.
- Oh?
- I read a very interesting
book about it on the boat...
by a man who visited it once.
Don't smile.
It's really quite good.
For instance, I knew
that was the royal palace.
- Right.
- You see?
- Have you ever been inside it?
- Yes, almost all of it...
except, of course, the nang hahn.
Oh, the harem, you mean.
Yes. It's, uh, quite a place.
I've heard it called a universe...
with a single sun
and a thousand moons...
- the king being the sun, naturally.
- Good gracious.
They run a bit of language out here.
They say, too, that he's the disc of light
they all revolve around.
How many women revolve
around this disc of light?
- Oh, 1,000 or more.
- Really?
The book didn't mention that.
I haven't anything against that
book of yours, Mrs. Owens, but look here.
This is Siam.
There isn't even a consulate here.
You see...
- Hello.
- Someone to meet me, I suppose.
Mrs. Owens, may I present
His Excellency the Kralahome...
Prime Minister of Siam.
Chow Koon, Mem Anna Owens.
Are you lady who is to teach
children of royal family?
- Yes.
- Have you friends in Bangkok?
No, I know no one in Bangkok at all.
Are you married?
I was married.
My husband is dead.
- How long your husband been dead?
- About a year.
What manner of man, uh,
your husband?
He was an officer
in Her Majesty's Army, serving in...
Ask His Excellency why
it is necessary to know these things?
My master says, if he ask...
it should be enough
for mem to answer.
Tell your master that his business with me
is in my capacity as governess.
It is not necessary for him
to pry into my personal affairs.
My master graciously says
mem need not talk at all.
His slaves will take her to palace.
- Tell him to wait.
- Uh, Chow Koon!
I was promised that a house of my own
would be provided for me on my arrival.
I wish to be taken there.
My master says if mem
does not wish to go to palace...
she can go wherever she pleases.
Why, that's the rudest man
I ever met in my life.
If that book of yours
had been any good at all...
you'd know they ask personal questions
here just to be polite.
He wasn't being rude.
He came out to meet you in person.
And you're a woman, and women do not
exist in Siam. They simply do not exist.
I hope I'll have nothing more
to do with him.
My dear young woman, you'd better realize
you can't do anything here without him.
And if I were you, I'd see him first thing in the
morning and tell him you didn't understand...
that you're sorry,
or as near it as you can manage.
Well, looks like you sleep
onboard tonight.
Means I can't go with you in the morning,
get down the river early.
Oh, well, I'll find someone.
- Thank you, Captain Orton.
- Not at all, ma'am.
And don't worry, ma'am.
The king has invested money
in your passage...
and he's, uh... he's very canny
about money.
He'll see that you have a chance
to do your work.
Mem.
He's not gonna wait for us.
Ahhh.
Good morning.
I wish to see your master.
Mm. I will see. You will wait.
They write in such a funny way here.
Don't be rude, darling.
Come here and wait quietly.
- You will come this way.
- Thank you.
You will wait.
What shall I draw now?
- Well, let's see. Draw an elephant.
- I just did.
I wish we could go.
We're going to wait.
My master wishes to know why
you come here, what you want.
Tell His Excellency
I did not understand...
the honor he paid me
in coming to meet me.
I'm sorry I behaved ungraciously
and I came here to tell him so.
My master wishes to know if mem truly
regrets sin of having bad temper...
or if she only says so
in order to ask favor of him?
I...
Tell him it's both.
I am sorry and I would like his help
in getting started with my work.
Why doesn't he have a coat on?
You make me wear one.
- Quiet, dear.
- Let's go. I don't think I like him.
- What is your name, boy?
- Louis Owens, sir.
- Are you afraid of me?
- I don't think so.
That is good. I like you.
- Take seat. Sit down.
- Thank you.
Your Excellency speaks English.
I didn't know.
Not necessary to know everything
in first minutes.
What for you object to live in palace?
Your Excellency,
I must have a place of my own...
where I can go when my duties
are over for the day.
What you wish to do evenings
that cannot be done in palace?
You don't understand,
Your Excellency.
It isn't for some foolish reason.
I came here to teach because I must work
to support myself and my son.
- Why you not marry again?
- Oh, no. Not ever.
The only thing I want now
is to bring up my son.
He's very like his father,
and I want him to grow up that way.
That's difficult to do
in a strange country.
That's why we must
have a home of our own.
This is very important to me,
Your Excellency.
- Please believe that.
- You say king promise you this house?
- Yes. I have the letter.
- You do not show me. I do not think you lie.
But sometime His Majesty
do not remember everything he promise.
But couldn't you remind him?
Mem, if I tell king
he breaks his promise...
I will make anger in him.
I think it is better if I make anger
in him about larger matters.
Very well.
If you're afraid to tell him, I'm not.
Will you arrange for me
to see him as soon as possible?
You think you tell king
he breaks his promise?
Yes, if that's necessary.
If he wants to get angry
about breaking his own promise...
Mem, I think I arrange
this meeting for you.
- When?
- I do not know.
His Majesty very busy now.
Is he too busy to remember
he asked me to come?
Unfortunately, new year and you
arrive at same time.
New year more important.
It wouldn't take
10 minutes of his time...
And after new year is festival
called Songkran, with fireworks.
That will take week or so maybe.
- Then it's time for cremation of late cousin.
- But surely...
Then His Majesty goes upriver
to receive sacred white elephant.
Then ceremonies of tonsure of hair
of oldest daughter.
What am I supposed to do
in the meantime?
Wait. Live in palace and wait.
This is ridiculous.
I came here to teach.
Mem, this country has been here
1,000 years before you came...
and must continue.
That may be, but I intend to keep
my part of the bargain...
and I assure you
I expect the king to keep his.
Mem, I do not think king
will remember this promise...
but I do think will be
very interesting meeting.
I don't think we'd better open this one.
- It's full of things I didn't know what to do with.
- 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?
- The house you promised me.
Conditions different suddenly.
- Have we not agreed to teach our women?
- Well, of course I have.
How can you teach them
if you live outside?
It is our pleasure that you
shall reside within this palace.
If Your Majesty remembers,
you promised me a house.
I will do remembering
of what I promise.
Who is king here?
I remind you...
I do not know condition
which will arise.
I do not know anything
but that you are my servant...
and that it's our pleasure that you
shall reside within this palace...
and you shall obey.
Your Majesty, I'm prepared
to obey all your commands...
as far as they concern
my duties as a teacher.
You shall live in palace.
You shall live in palace! You shall...
Come back! Come back!
I command you, come back!
That king hasn't very good manners.
His mother certainly
didn't teach him not to shout.
Women don't seem to count
for very much out here.
"How can a king be wrong
and a woman be right?"
Well, the Disc of Light
isn't going to talk to me like that.
Beebe, take Louis
into the other room.
Yes, what do you want?
I have been ordered
into Forbidden City...
so I could personally
conduct mem to house...
His Majesty has graciously
decided she should have.
A house outside the palace?
His Majesty instruct me to say...
he desire to observe fully
terms of his promise.
Well.
Is this it?
Get out of my way!
Get out of my way!
What was it like? Is there a stable
for my pony when I get it?
- Is it on the river?
- Oh, Louis, it was horrible.
And he did it deliberately
to teach me a lesson...
to put me in my place.
But he'll rue this day,
let me tell you...
if he knows the meaning
of the word rue.
Unpack these things, Beebe.
Unpack everything.
- But, memsahib, you said...
- It doesn't make any difference what I said.
That man's going to give me
a house before I leave...
if I have to stay here the rest of my life.
I'll not just go away and let him
sit here laughing at me.
I'll not.
Mrs. Owens has graciously
changed her plans...
so will live in royal palace...
and be free for question
of education at all times.
I command you to be diligent...
and to make most
of this opportunity...
for sake of yourselves and country.
We will come to attention, please.
Order, please!
Quiet! Order, please! Quiet!
Order! Quiet!
Be quiet! Be quiet! Order, please!
Quiet! Order!
Don't any of you understand
any English at all?
Aaah!
They think you wear dress like that...
because you're shaped
like that down there.
Oh, you speak English.
Good morning, sir.
I am very glad to see you.
I think of you very often.
In the beginning...
God created the heaven
and the Earth.
Missionary.
Oh, a missionary taught you English.
- Thiang.
- Lady Thiang.
- Yes, sir.
- How fortunate.
I shall ask you to help me
in explaining to the others.
Uh, yes, sir.
Good morning, sir.
We shall now begin the class.
The usual way to begin would
be with the English alphabet...
but I should like
to impress His Majesty...
with the way English people feel.
Therefore, we will begin
by learning a song or two...
Or a sentence or two...
which will express English feeling.
For instance, this one.
It's an old proverb.
"If a man break faith with me...
"shame on him...
"but if I let him
deceive me twice...
shame on me."
It is not good day. I feel it.
There will not be
many gifts this morning.
- Who shall this be?
- My name is Tuptim.
She was sent
by governor of Lao province.
She's daughter
of his youngest brother.
Ah. What favor shall
this governor want now?
Never mind. Write letter.
Say thank you.
Make it nice letter.
Where this come from?
I do not know, Your Majesty.
There is writing on it.
Read it to me, oh, my father.
You would not understand it,
little one.
But I have studied a month now.
The English mem cha
says I'm very clever...
and you will be pleased.
Tell me something that you
have learned in school.
Good morning.
This is the thought for the day:
A promise delayed...
is justice deferred.
A promise neglected...
is a truth untold.
East or west, home is best.
Which seek thro' the world
Is ne'er met with elsewhere
Home, home
Sweet, sweet home
There's no place like home
There's no place like home
Be it ever so humble
There's no place like...
That will do for today.
Now I think it's time we started
learning our alphabet.
Look on your slates and listen...
while I pronounce the letters.
"A."
"B."
"C."
"D."
"E."
Oh, good morning, Your Majesty.
Are you going to say something
to our class this morning?
No!
"F." "G."
There's no place like home
No singing here!
If singing necessary, I sing!
Your Majesty.
It has begun, Toongramon.
We've lost Cambodia.
Our governor of Cambodia has made
a treaty with the French government.
They have recognized Cambodia
as independent of Siam...
placed it under their "protection":
and this governor of ours still protests
his loyalty to Your Majesty.
So, a camel's nose is in the tent.
The partition of Siam, it has begun.
For a long time,
we've said this hour must come.
Now it is no longer talk.
It is upon us. What do we do?
Nothing.
We shall do nothing
whatever in this matter...
because there is nothing we can do.
Your father took such a man once...
and burned out both his eyes...
hung him in the sun in a cage
over cool running water...
until he went mad.
We have not the right to waste ourselves
on something which cannot be changed.
We shall save what strength
and cunning we may have...
to hold together what is left of Siam.
And if we cannot save all that is left...
we shall save what we can.
Tell me something, Toongramon.
A long time ago...
I came to you and asked you
to leave a life of peace...
and be the king.
If I could ask you now
to make that choice...
what would your answer be?
Think well before you answer that.
Think what this can mean to you.
You feel great responsibility for me,
don't you, Chow Koon?
You might still be living peacefully
at the monastery...
if I had not persuaded you.
Perhaps it is not too late to return.
Think well on that.
The monastery instead of this place
where you have only enemies and danger.
Well, you know this is not the end.
The ships of Europe
will crowd thicker on our seas...
greedy for conquest.
They have the power...
and the cunning.
They know how to set your nobles against you,
how to buy and threaten them.
How can you hope to hold Siam together
against enemies without and within?
All that it can mean to you is that
in the end you will die in a lost cause.
I have done you a sorry service...
to have brought you to this moment.
I think you take too much credit
on yourself, Chow Koon.
There is a man born for every task...
and I was born for this one.
Remember,
I was prince before I was monk.
Let me ask you...
if you were in my place,
what would your answer be?
Then give me as much credit
as you allow yourself, my friend.
If only we had more time.
- She's got someone else at it.
- She?
That woman and her house!
Stop it!
Take a lesson from her, my friend...
and you'll never give up on anything.
- Give her a house.
- But...
Give her a house! If she was meant
to be a sign to us, she deserves a reward.
And if she wasn't, well,
give her a house anyway...
before she drives me out of my mind!
- Very nice.
- Yes, mem.
No fish here.
No fish.
You like it?
I could be quite comfortable here.
It is, of course, our wish that mem
shall be perfectly satisfied.
Oh, I am perfectly,
Your Excellency.
I said I'd get a house, and I got it...
but now you may go to the king
and tell him he can have it back.
I wouldn't live in it
if it had a roof made of rubies.
And you can tell him
something else too.
I wouldn't live in a country where
promises mean nothing, simply nothing.
I won't stay in Siam
a minute longer than I have to...
not if he gave me the whole palace
to live in all by myself.
Good day, Your Excellency.
I'll find out what time we sail.
I think we can go aboard ship
the first thing in the morning.
If Louis wakes up,
tell him I'll be back soon.
Yes, memsahib.
How dare you treat me
in this manner?
I demand an explanation,
and I warn you...
- Be quiet, sir.
- That I'm a British subject.
That is not reason you are safe.
I could have you killed if that would serve
my purpose. Such things are simple here.
Sir, did you enjoy your triumph
about your house?
'Cause you shall now
enjoy greater triumph.
I have something to ask of you...
not demand, but ask.
It is that you shall stay in Siam.
You may enjoy yourself if you like, sir.
No matter what you asked,
I wouldn't do it.
- If you do not stay in Siam, where will you go?
- I don't know.
- Have you other place to put your life?
- What has that to do with you?
- Have you, sir?
- Please stop calling me "sir"!
I call you sir so you will not
be lowly like a woman...
but you continue to talk like a woman,
I no longer call you sir.
You think now you are nothing here...
but that could be different.
How could it be as long as the king...
can change his mind
from one day to another?
- The king is not ordinary man.
- Indeed he isn't.
- He is lonely man.
- Lonely!
Mem, I have watched you.
I think there is need here for you.
I think you know what is truth
about many things.
I know you have courage to speak it.
The king has no one near him like you.
He has many wives,
but they cannot help him.
You can speak with him as a woman
where they cannot.
And he will listen to you, because he will know
you do not seek something for yourself.
Indeed I wouldn't, least of all the chance
to revolve around him.
- He doesn't need help.
- Mem, why you not see?
Why?
He is two men!
One part of him is king,
like his father was.
Other part tries to be man
of new world...
scientific man who desires to learn
all modern things to save his country.
But greedy men of Europe
are at our door.
They say Siam is barbaric land...
and so must be ruled by them.
So king must learn
all modern things now.
He tries work too big for any man,
with no one to help.
His own people are his enemies.
They do not want change.
And sometimes
inside himself is enemy...
that cannot change.
Mem, are you blind?
Have you no eyes to see?
He does not live
coldly with mind as I do.
But with heart.
With heart, mem, as king must...
and so is torn in two within himself.
And to whom can he turn?
Whom can he trust?
He is very lonely man...
and very strange man.
Yet for him, I would die.
I'm...
I'm afraid I haven't been
very understanding.
Mem, I cannot promise that
it will ever be easy for you.
We have proverb here...
"Go up by land, and you meet tiger.
Go down by water,
and you meet crocodile.'
But for you,
it will be place to put your life.
"Your Majesty once suggested that I might
possibly be of some slight help to him...
with his correspondence
and in the translation of..."
Ah! Alak, take letter.
To Mrs. A. Owens, by our gracious consent,
governess of the court of Siam...
uh, et cetera, et cetera, et cetera.
Dear mem, I have your letter...
in which you make offer
of assistance.
In reply, beg to state...
you were engaged for teaching school,
not otherwise.
I think you shall ask yourself...
are your scholars now interested
in facility of language...
more than certain songs
and proverbs concerning houses?
This seems to be
definitely no answer.
Do you speak English?
My family speaks some English
a long time.
- What is your name?
- Tuptim.
He's very amusing, but none of us
can do any work while he's here.
You'd better take him outside
until school is over.
He will be good, mem.
He's really very clever,
but I cannot allow him to stay.
Take him out now, Tuptim.
If he make people to laugh
in this dull palace, that is good.
I don't want to make a report of this
to His Majesty.
His Majesty give him to me.
But not to bring to school.
Go to the king... if you like.
Mem...
do not make quarrel
with new favorite of the king.
- You will lose.
- Tuptim?
Let's get on with our work now, please.
We've lost enough time.
Mem, there is thing in this book
I do not believe.
What is it, Prince Chulalongkorn?
It shows world like round ball...
that spins on stick through middle...
and everyone knows that world
rests on back of great turtle...
who keeps it from running into stars.
- Where did you get the book?
- I gave it to him.
- But you shouldn't without asking me.
- I'm sorry.
There are many stories about the world,
Your Royal Highness.
When we're further along
with our studies...
I shall try and explain them to you.
But for the present,
I think we'd better stick to our letters.
But I know all my letters, mem.
Quiet, please!
I know that you
are very quick to learn...
and I shall do all I can
to help you...
but for the present,
I wish you to recite with the class.
Oh. You wanted to see me,
Lady Thiang?
Yes, sir.
I'm glad you stayed. I wanted to thank you
for warning me about Tuptim.
Yes, sir.
I don't quite understand
about Tuptim being the favorite.
I thought that Lady Son Klin...
Why you think
Lady Son Klin not here?
- Oh, I thought perhaps she was ill or...
- She in prison.
But what for?
Because she gamble too much,
which is law...
but she do not
go to prison for this...
if she is still favorite.
- Is there anything we can do?
- She is young.
She will become
used to such things.
I will help her
when this can be done...
but it is hard.
I not in favor with my lord.
- Oh?
- Not for long time.
My lord's table...
I taste food there, that is all.
- For fear of poison?
- Yes, sir.
Guard my lord, that is all.
- Oh, I'm sorry.
- No, sir.
No, not for me, sorry.
I Chow Chom Manda,
mother royal prince.
Prince Chulalongkorn?
Yes, sir. Yes. My little boy.
- You like little boy?
- Yes, of course.
You think my little boy learn?
Well, yes. He seems very bright.
Please, mem.
You do not mind
that it is hard for him...
hard to learn from woman.
He wants much to learn.
Please, you will help him
to learn all wisdom.
That is most important thing.
Yes, of course.
And I'm sure he'll do beautifully.
Well, after today,
I think I can manage a large cup of tea.
Louis!
Thank you, Lady Thiang,
for all your help.
Good-bye, sir.
Ready for tea? I'm sure I am.
Well, we might as well, I suppose.
Oh, dear.
What seems to be the trouble?
I think you'd better tell me.
Well, I can't make any sense of it.
He says nobody can touch his head
because it's sacred...
and his shoulders are, almost.
Anyone who struck me upon head
would have to be killed.
When I am king like my father...
no one may stand
so head is higher than mine.
So the only way
they know how to fight...
is to hold a long stick and beat
each other on the shins and legs with it.
You might just as well stand and kick each
other's shins, but he wouldn't even do that.
It is a matter that takes much skill.
I would've beaten him very badly.
I see.
But suppose you tell me why
it was necessary to fight in the first place.
Well, he said I wasn't a man because I told you
I was sorry about giving him the book...
and a man shouldn't tell a woman
he's sorry, not about anything.
Oh.
Tell me, Your Royal Highness...
if your father corrected you about
something, would you resent that?
He is man. He is very wise.
He knows everything.
Well, you see, in our country...
it's possible for me to be
almost like a father to Louis...
even though I am a woman.
And because we love
one another very much...
he knows I want
only what is right for him.
And he can accept authority from me
just the same as you can from your father.
I do not think I would like country
in which this was so.
But since it is so with us,
I see no great need to fight.
It would be much nicer
if you could be friends.
Well, he was not coward.
He would've tried sticks.
Well, all right, then.
That's better. We'll see you
in school tomorrow.
Memsahib! Memsahib!
It is the end. The end has come!
I knew it would come!
- Don't be foolish, Beebe. What is it?
- His messengers are here.
The king wishes to see you.
- What can he want at such a time?
- I don't know.
Help me find my things.
Your Majesty.
Mem, I think your Moses
shall have been a fool.
Moses?
Moses, Moses, Moses.
I think he shall have been a fool.
Here it stands, written by him:
'The world was created in six days.'
Now, you know, I know it took
many centuries to create world.
I think he shall have been a fool
to have written so.
What is your opinion?
Do you mean to say
that you sent for me...
at this hour of night
just to ask me that?
Yes. What is your opinion?
Couldn't you have waited
till morning?
Mem, you say you wish
to help with study, et cetera.
Do you wish help or do not?
I'm sorry, Your Majesty.
I do want to help if I can.
Then what is your opinion
of this thing as stated by Moses?
Mem, it is necessary
for me to read all European books...
to try to understand
knowledge of modern world...
and there have been
very many things written.
There have been mountains
of things written...
and knowledge is buried
underneath this mountain.
I ask you to consider this is
very much reading for one lifetime.
And how shall I do this understanding...
when different English books
say different things?
Your Majesty...
the Bible was not written
by men of science.
It was written by men of faith.
It was their explanation
of the miracle of creation...
which is just as great a miracle...
whether it took
six days or many centuries.
I think science
does not contradict the Bible.
It has only made us more aware
of how great the miracle was.
Well, I still think your Moses
shall have been a fool. You may go.
Moses. The idea.
3:00 in the morning.
Someone ought to tell him a thing or two.
Lady Tuptim's slave?
I am not sorry about the monkey,
if that is why you make me stay.
It isn't the monkey, Lady Tuptim.
I want to ask your help for someone.
- It's your slave woman L'Ore. I've talked with her.
- By what right?
I can't believe you would deliberately
keep her in chains so long...
- and with a child too.
- She tried to run away.
She was only trying to go to her husband.
He wants to buy her freedom.
Isn't there a law in Siam that says a slave
must be freed if the money is offered?
What right has she to be happy
with someone she love...
while I am shut up here?
Let her stay where she is.
You can have your law.
I have the king.
Go and find this out for yourself.
- Mem cha.
- Oh, yes, Your Royal Highness.
What is it about this law?
Does it mean slaves of king too?
Of course.
A law is the same for everyone.
But I do not understand about law...
that makes it
more important than king.
- Tell me.
- I'm sorry. We'll talk about it some other time.
- Now I must go and see your father.
- Yes, mem cha.
- Mem?
- Oh, yes, Lady Thiang.
Is it not all right for him
to ask you things...
things outside of the books?
Of course. But some other day
when we have more time.
I'm sorry,
but I must go to the king now.
He's really doing very well
with his studies.
Your Majesty,
I've come to you because I felt...
I must bring something
to your attention.
- It concerns...
- Why must you stir up tempest
over Lady Tuptim's slave?
I have much unpleasantness
because of this.
Then Lady Tuptim
has already told you about it.
I do not have time to waste
discussing matters of such nature.
In future, do not trouble me with same.
They do not interest me. You may go.
But surely, Your Majesty,
you want to hear all the truth.
You've only heard
Lady Tuptim's story.
- Perhaps this slave isn't important.
- Why you stand over my head?
I don't understand.
Last night, when I invited you
to consider Moses...
you stood up over me.
You do so now.
I cannot stand up all the time.
In this country, no one's head
shall be higher than the king's.
It is sign of great disrespect. In future,
you shall conduct like all other subjects.
- You mean on the floor?
- All subjects do so.
I'm sorry. I shall try my best...
never to allow my head
to be as high as Your Majesty's...
but I simply cannot
grovel on the floor.
You are very stubborn, mem.
I do not understand
why you must be so.
Your Majesty,
I couldn't possibly work that way.
Surely when we're alone,
it isn't necessary...
No one shall say I am not a reasonable man.
I grant you such favor.
Thank you, Your Majesty.
But you shall observe care that head
shall not be higher than mine.
If I shall sit, you shall sit...
uh, et cetera,
et cetera, et cetera.
- I'll try, Your Majesty.
- Very well. You may go.
Not until I've said
what I came to say.
I think this slave has a right
to expect justice from you.
And I think it's wrong
when the king of Siam...
upholds his wife when she chooses
to disobey the law.
I am the law here, as people
can discover if not discreet.
I'm sorry to hear you say that,
Your Majesty...
because it goes against everything
I thought you wanted for your country.
How shall you know
what I want for my country?
I know you want it to progress...
to take its place among
the other nations of the world.
You made this law yourself...
but if you put your own will
above the laws you make, you'll fail.
Other countries
won't trust a nation...
where a man can put himself
above the law.
Everything might change
with your successor.
Siam's word,
her treaties with them...
would be good
only as long as you live.
I do not like this talk
about successor.
Why must you make entire household
in uproar over one slave?
I ask you to remember,
there are 3,000 women in household.
3,000 women
can be very much uproar.
And how shall I do work which is
necessary when there is so much uproar?
But this is more important,
Your Majesty.
The progress you want isn't
a matter of customs or manners.
It's the spirit behind those things.
It's... It's recognizing that every
living person is an individual...
with the same right to liberty
and justice under the law...
so that he can make as much
as he's willing to make of his life.
Your law began to give
your people that right...
but a law must be the same
for everyone...
for slave just as much as for king.
Consider Her Gracious
Majesty Victoria...
queen of the United Kingdom
of Great Britain and Ireland...
and powerful sovereign of British colonies
around globe of human world...
and our most affectionate sister.
- Is she not above the law?
- No, Your Majesty.
My country may have many faults,
but her laws are the same for all.
And in the United States,
their president Mr. Lincoln...
is fighting a war
for the same principle.
Ah. This sounds like progress
in America pretty bloody.
Sometimes you have to fight
for what you believe in.
Who shall this Mr. Lincoln be?
Is he king of this United States?
- He is their president.
- What is this "president"? I do not understand.
It means he was elected.
That means he was chosen by the people
by a vote to lead them.
I do not think I like this.
Shall he be winning this war?
No one knows, Your Majesty.
And how shall he be trained to rule
if he is not born to do so?
But he doesn't rule them.
He only sees that the laws
they make themselves are carried out.
And I believe he studied very hard.
He educated himself.
This very difficult thing.
I know of sad experience.
I teach myself English
and other language.
In this respect,
Mr. Lincoln and I much alike.
He said something
about progress once...
when he was speaking
at a school.
He said he was afraid
we were inclined...
to accept as wisdom
what is only knowledge...
and to accept as progress things
that are nothing more than change.
He said true progress...
must bear some relation
to man's character.
It must have its roots in his heart.
I think I like this Mr. Lincoln.
Why is he not winning
this war of his?
Has he not got enough guns and elephants
for transporting same?
There are no elephants in America.
- No elephants?
- No, Your Majesty.
Ah. No wonder Mr. Lincoln
does not win war.
- We will write letter to Mr. Lincoln.
- Now, Your Majesty?
Now... when you think?
Now always best time.
But I wanted to talk to you
about the slave woman...
- Take letter to Mr. Lincoln.
- Yes, Your Majesty.
By the blessing of the highest
superagency of the whole universe...
king of Siam, sovereign
of all interior tributary countries...
adjacent and around
in every direction...
uh, et cetera, et cetera, et cetera.
To his most respected excellent...
To his most respected
excellent presidency.
President of
the United States of America...
it has occurred to us...
it has occurred to us...
that should there be several pairs
of young male elephants...
turned loose in forests of America...
we are of opinion that after a while
they will increase in numbers...
- and inhabitants of...
- Your Majesty.
- Well?
- I don't think you mean
pairs of male elephants.
Do not interrupt.
And inhabitants of America
will be able to catch them...
and tame them
and use them as beasts of...
- Your Majesty.
- How can I think...
Only male elephants?
Hmm. Hmm.
We, on our part, will procure
young male and female elephants...
and forward them unto you
one or two pairs at a time.
Believe me.
Yours faithfully,
uh, et cetera, et cetera.
That is all. You may go.
But, Your Majesty, I had hoped
you'd talk about the slave woman.
That is all. Good day, Mem Owens.
Good day, Your Majesty.
"True progress...
shall lie in man's heart."
Good morning, Lady Tuptim.
I wish to show you
something very beautiful.
Oh, how lovely.
My name mean "pomegranate."
He say I am most perfect
and fascinating woman in palace.
- It's a beautiful gift.
- It is worth thousand times price of slave.
Then the slave is free?
She mean nothing to me now.
I do not wish to see her again.
It was very generous of you,
Lady Tuptim.
Perhaps it means much more
than you realize.
- You did not know this... that she is free?
- No.
It is strange he did not tell you this.
He didn't give me any answer at all.
I thought...
Then you did talk to him.
And it is you he listened to.
If I am not first here,
what is left for me?
"I appreciate most highly...
"Your Majesty's tender of good offices...
"in forwarding to this government...
"a stock from which
a supply of elephants...
"might be raised on our own soil.
But, unfortunately, the present
jurisdiction of this government...'
- "Jurisdiction"?
- It means authority.
Jurisdiction.
Jurisdiction.
"The present jurisdiction
of this government...
"no longer reaches those latitudes
southerly enough...
"to favor the multiplication
of the elephant.
'But this nation is warmly grateful...
'for this indication
of Your Majesty's friendship...
"and commends both Your Majesty...
"and the generous people of Siam...
"to the blessings of almighty God.
Your good friend,
Abraham Lincoln.'
Yes, I think I like this Mr. Lincoln.
Jurisdiction. Jurisdiction.
But no elephants.
I thought the prince might like
to come to lunch, but he didn't.
I think he's lonesome. He doesn't
even live with his mother or talk to her.
It's almost as if he didn't have a mother.
Why is that?
That's just the way
things are out here, dear.
I've noticed he hasn't seemed
quite so interested in his school.
Probably something on his mind.
I'll have to find time to talk to him.
Mem. Uh, mem.
His Majesty wish
that you come to him at once.
But we're just beginning luncheon.
His Majesty say
you shall come right now.
Oh, dear.
Mem, shall it be proper for English
dignitary to see some of our women?
Well, if Your Majesty were in England,
you'd wish to see...
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.
Ah. Moses.
A very remarkable man.
If you remember,
he wrote in the Bible...
But unfortunately,
the present jurisdiction...
of my good friend
Mr. Lincoln's country...
did not favor the multiplication
of the elephant...
and we considered the idea
was not practical.
I was not aware that Your Majesty
was so familiar...
with Mr. Lincoln's situation
with the war in America.
Ah! This is point.
This is exactly impression
I hope you will correct.
Court of Siam,
through much study thereof...
is familiar with happenings
on entire globe of modern world.
And now, ladies, gentlemen...
I commend to you theatricals
for your pleasure...
and they shall be of history
of kingdom of Siam...
a very old and very proud history.
Not now, Your Majesty.
They've finished.
- May I permit them to say
I am barbarian without napkin?
- But...
Oh!
Gracious heavens, no!
Wherefore do you not sit down
when I am in same position?
I've experienced very fatiguing day.
So have I, Your Majesty,
and it's very late.
Very anxious day for me also.
I had great fears for success.
Are you aware of why
I am so hungry?
I was sick. Very sick.
However, I shall tell you that on account
of conversation with Sir Edward...
we are in accord
with British government...
regarding consulates and other matters
relating to security of this nation.
I am very happy thereof.
I am very happy too, Your Majesty.
Very.
I...
I hope you will accept
slight gift of appreciation.
For you.
Your Majesty, you're very kind.
I shall treasure it always.
- Shall you be hungry?
- Terribly.
Plenty for two.
Well, this is odd.
Where do you suppose everybody is?
- Perhaps they're just late.
- It's queer they should all be late.
Looks as though something
extraordinary is going on.
Perhaps there won't be
any school today.
- I'll try and find out what's happening.
- May I get my pony and ride?
If you like, but be sure
you take Moonshee with you.
Good day, sir.
Lady Thiang, something
very strange is going on.
I'd be grateful if you could tell me
what's happening.
Why are you concerned
with such matters instead of school?
Because whatever it is,
it affects my school and me.
- Why you come to me?
- Because I thought you would know.
- You do not say I told you.
- Of course not.
- Lady Tuptim has been found.
- Tuptim?
Didn't you know she had
run away from the palace?
No. She hasn't been to school
for some time.
But how could she possibly
get out of the palace?
She escaped in robes of novice
of the priesthood...
which someone gave to her.
- Where was she found?
- I do not know.
All I do know is...
when she was brought
back to the palace...
they brought a young priest with her.
- What will this mean, Lady Thiang?
- What it has always meant here.
When will she go on trial?
They question her now.
You mean her trial's already begun?
This is not the same thing.
- But she will have...
- I do not say any more.
And I think it will be best...
if you return to teaching of pupils.
Thank you, Lady Thiang.
The other novices
who lived in cell with me...
never knew I was woman
until this morning.
They were with me all the time.
If they did not know I was woman...
how could he know?
They will tell you he did not know.
Why are they not here?
Why do you not ask them?
The truth is this man
got you a novice's robe...
in which you escaped
from the palace.
You went to his cell and stayed
with him there until you were found.
Will you confess to this...
or must we get it out of him?
No, wait!
You must believe the truth about him.
He had nothing to do with it.
He is completely innocent.
I went to the monastery because
I did not know where else to go.
But Phra Palat did not recognize me,
not then or ever...
not even though he had known me
since he was a boy.
I had been betrothed to him
by my family...
before I was sent to palace.
After I was sent to palace,
he entered the priesthood...
and put me
out of his mind completely.
If he ever thought of me at all...
he thought of me as gone forever
beyond the wall of inside.
He taught us every day...
and I grew quiet and happy
because I was near him.
I no longer wanted
to be anything to him...
but only to be near him.
Only to be near him.
A very pretty story...
and you told it beautifully.
Only no one believes you, of course.
Now, let us get back
to the beginning.
- You went to this man because you love him.
- No!
You lived in his cell as a woman.
Ask the others.
They will tell you the truth.
You make him break
his holy vows. Confess!
I will not. I will not!
Stop it! Stop it, you hear?
Stop it!
She's telling the truth,
and you know it.
Why don't you call the others novices?
You don't want the truth!
I shall go to the king
and have her taken out of your hands.
We will wait.
The mem has much to learn.
Your Majesty will forgive me.
It's a matter of great importance.
It's Lady Tuptim, Your Majesty.
Is there nothing dishonorable to me...
that is secret here?
Go. All of you, out!
It will be better
if you understand at once...
that this matter
does not concern you.
But it does. It does dreadfully...
because of her,
and even more because of you.
Your Majesty, I'm sure
if you'd known in the first place...
that she was in love
with someone else...
you never would've allowed her
to be brought here at all.
But now they're trying to make her
confess to something that isn't true...
- torturing her without regard
to proof or witnesses.
- You waste your time.
But surely you're going to see
that they call her witnesses.
This shall be my affair.
You must when she's called to trial.
I do not wish to talk more of this!
You can't refuse her a trial.
- There must be a law in this.
- I am the law!
That's what I was afraid of,
Your Majesty.
I beg you,
don't take revenge on this girl.
If you do, you'll have thrown away
everything you've done...
all you've built up
for your country and yourself...
with such labor against such odds.
And you'll never be able
to get it back again.
How can you have faith yourself
in what you're doing...
or ask anyone else to believe in you
or the country you represent...
when you know yourself
you're only pretending?
That you don't give a snap of your fingers
for your people or human progress.
That it's a lie...
something to cover up caprice
and passion and self-indulgence.
You go too far.
This girl hurt your vanity, that's all.
You don't love her.
She didn't hurt your heart.
You haven't a heart! You've never loved anyone!
You are a barbarian!
You'll never change.
You'll be a barbarian as long as you live.
Mem, how shall you like...
if I make you watch what I shall do?
He has not sinned!
He did no wrong to anyone!
We have not sinned!
We have not sinned!
- Good-bye, mem cha.
- Good-bye, Prince Sawat.
- Bye, mem cha.
- Good-bye, Princess Phatana.
- Bye, mem cha.
- Bye, Princess Sumawa.
- Good-bye, mem cha.
- Good-bye, Princess Mowana.
Where's Prince Chulalongkorn?
He would not come.
- Mem cha.
- Princess.
I will always feel so unhappy...
thinking of you being among
all those English people.
I shan't ever forget you, Princess.
Good-bye.
I guess that's all.
- You go on, Mother.
- What are you going to do, Louis?
I rather thought I'd like
to say good-bye to the prince.
Oh. It's odd he wasn't here today.
Well, he's funny.
All right, dear, but don't be too long.
Oh.
- Good day, sir.
- Good day.
We are wishing to
say something to you, mem.
- Oh?
- Be seated, please.
Shall you be ready?
"Dear friend and teacher:
"My goodness gracious.
Do not go away.
'We are in great need of you.
'We are like one blind.
'Do not let us
fall down in darkness...
"but continue...
"good and sincere concern for us...
"and lead us in the right road.
Your loving pupils."
Thank you. Thank you.
You can't imagine...
You can't imag...
Lady Thiang.
I came here because I...
I've seen very little of you lately.
Somehow I have a feeling
you've been avoiding me.
I should hate to leave like that.
I have a sense of having failed here...
but I'd hoped that we had become
rather special friends.
If there's any reason why...
Does the mem want me
to say she has not failed...
or does she wish me to speak truth?
Well, the truth, of course.
This is maybe not good room...
for mem to speak about her failure.
Has she ever observed my wallpaper?
- It's very beautiful.
- But you have not really looked at it.
It tells a story for anyone
with the eyes to see.
I had it painted.
That straight young tree...
is like unto me when I am young...
and became first wife to my lord...
who is the great tree there.
I am happy...
and you can see that
there are flowers all around.
They are the happiness...
that grows in our shadow.
But here...
other trees grow up
between me and my lord.
That is custom...
for king to take many wives.
And here, my lord the king...
the great tree, grows very fast...
very high, trying to touch stars.
But the branches are bare...
not green with leaves...
to make kind shadow from the sun.
See, the flowers are almost gone...
and the small tree, which is me...
droops and withers.
I cannot help him.
And here I see that beside me...
very small tree is growing.
This is my son...
the prince who shall be king.
See that the ground is all bare now.
The sun is very cruel.
I try to shelter him...
but I am very small...
because I am only woman.
I try, but I do not know
if I can do this.
But you haven't finished it.
No. I did not know
what the end shall be.
But I know now...
and I do not wish to paint it.
I cannot help him.
This tree will not be better...
than the other one.
And this shall be your fault...
Mem Owens.
You should have helped him.
That is what I hoped for.
He wished for such love
as your son has.
That is what he needed.
I watch him.
He could have grown gentle and kind...
and in this is happiness,
not in lessons.
All this you could have given him...
but I could not.
He is the one you fail.
And I shall remember you
for this failure...
every time I look at my son...
as long as I shall live.
Memsahib! Memsahib!
Only infidels would
send gifts at a time like this, memsahib.
They should be sold,
and this I will undertake for you.
We'll see, Moonshee.
- Good day, mem.
- Your Excellency.
You're better today, maybe?
Much better.
Won't you sit down, Excellency?
Not today, mem.
I'm here officially today.
I have something
I'm ordered to read to you.
- Are you prepared for listening, mem?
- Yes.
"The unforeseen misfortune...
"a mournful event of death
of said affectionate boy...
"has caused great sorrow
to His Majesty and to royal family...
'since this boy was beloved by all...
'as if member of said family.
"But as sign of regret...
"that events
of such sorrowful nature...
"must be arriving to those
deserving of better happiness...
'the 12th of September is appointed...
'as day of mourning
for entire country...
'to observe same with fireworks
and other ceremony...
"just as for member of royal family.
"Also from this day...
"Mem Anna Owens shall bear title...
"of Lady Kroo Yai of kingdom of Siam...
'as mark of sad respect
of said nation.
Maha Mongkut, king of Siam.'
It took him a long time
to write it, mem.
He wrote it many times.
It was very kind.
Mem, please try and understand.
He's trying to say
in this letter that he is sorry...
not only about your son...
but about the woman.
That he was wrong.
That you spoke truth to him.
That nothing is any better for it.
That is very much for him to say, mem.
It is first time that he
shall have tried to say...
that he is sorry to any person.
Please thank him for me.
Memsahib,
is this to be put up with?
Is it to be endured for Louis sahib?
Fireworks?
They're holding religious services too,
if you'll listen.
Then listen.
Mem.
- You may go.
- Yes, mem cha.
- Mem cha.
- Your Royal Highness.
I came...
I wanted to ask...
Do you remember this?
When we said good-bye
to each other...
he gave it to me.
I think that you shall maybe
want it back.
No. It was Louis's to give
to whom he pleased.
You think that I may keep it?
Yes.
- Mem?
- Yes, Your Royal Highness?
I did not give Nar Lek...
That is what I called Louis...
I did not give him anything...
and there is something I would
have given to him, I think.
It is white.
Not all white, of course,
but it is whiter than most...
and it is mine.
There are not many things
that are mine, not really...
I mean, to give,
so if you wouldn't mind taking it...
maybe... maybe it would be like...
What is it?
My elephant.
It's almost white, and...
You liked Louis, didn't you?
Well, he gave me the knife...
and he'd like it if you had something
that could take care of you.
I think he's very strong, the elephant,
and I like him very much.
But if you gave me
this strong, gentle elephant...
who's going to look after you?
You're growing so fast...
your wrists are sticking
out of your jacket.
Somebody really ought
to look after you.
Mem. Mem.
Oh.
You sent for me, Your Majesty?
Yes, I... I sent for you.
What is it, Your Majesty?
I...
Mem, doctors I send say you do not
take medicine for sleeping as prescribed.
Resting shall be necessary.
I do not understand why you shall be
so strong-headed in this matter.
I'm sorry.
I'm afraid I haven't...
I want Your Majesty to know that...
I'm very grateful for the kind things
you've done since...
since my boy's death.
Such things I do not important.
- Is that all, Your Majesty?
- No, this is not all.
I have other matter to talk with you.
Mem, I become every day
more behind with work...
which every day
becomes more difficult...
thus making for me much confusion,
weariness, et cetera.
For such instance,
it shall be important to know...
why shall geography say
this is absolute monarchy?
How shall I be absolute if,
when I wish for something to be so...
it doesn't happen in this way
despite my absolute will to the contrary?
Geographies. What is opinion, mem?
I don't know. I...
Never mind. Is difficult question.
I am also much worried
whether I shall send delegate...
suitable display, et cetera,
to great exhibition in Paris.
What is opinion?
It sounds like an admirable idea,
Your Majesty.
Mem, I think you shall not give opinions
so quickly without thinking.
Maybe French have murky reason
for suggesting such exhibit.
Why you not think of this?
Mem, it would be much help if you would examine
correspondence for such murky propositions.
This I am too burdened to do myself...
and there is no one else to be trusted.
This shall be much important, mem.
What shall answer be?
I can't, Your Majesty.
Mem, shall you be forgetting
that work is always best remedy?
I know, but I can't.
I can't take any more letters or give
any more advice. I'd like to, but I can't.
What shall you be doing, then?
You do not go away?
I don't know. I...
I haven't been able to think. I...
I'd like to keep on with my school,
I think.
I've nowhere else.
I'd like to keep on with my school.
But, mem, only school teaching?
- I think that also...
- It's the children that I want.
It's the children.
Very well, mem.
I think if you do other work,
such as letters...
such arrangement would contemplate
raise in salary, but...
Very well, mem.
That will be all for today.
And for tomorrow, you'll need not
prepare the lesson in geography.
I find His Majesty has done away
with the geographies we had...
so we'll have to wait
until new books arrive.
That's all. You may go.
If... If any of you would like
to remain for any questions...
- Mem.
- Yes, Alak?
- His Majesty wish you...
- I told you...
Mem, while writing correspondence...
suddenly he very angry.
I do not know why.
He say he cannot do such things alone.
He say no one tell him truth.
He say there is no one to be trusted.
He say...
Oh, mem, if you will not come...
it will be very bad for me.
I'm coming. I'm coming.
Et cetera, et cetera...
et cetera.
- "F."
- "F."
- "G."
- "G."
- "H."
- "H."
Mem.
You must come.
Quick, mem.
Please remain in your seats
until I return.
He worked late into night.
I thought he had fallen into sleep
as he has done so often lately...
and I let him rest.
But he was ill, very ill.
He asked for us.
But we must wait again...
maybe for last time.
Mem.
Yes, Your Majesty?
Wherefore have you not
arrived more quickly?
- I wish to talk to you.
- I'm sorry.
Sorry, sorry, sorry.
Sit down, mem.
You mustn't talk now, Your Majesty.
I shall talk, I say.
- There is not much time. I die, mem.
- No.
Do not say foolish things.
I know if I die or do not die.
You shouldn't be here.
Can't we move you to your room?
No. I wish to remain here
in room with knowledge.
I have finished thinking about dying.
I think of many other things
while I am lying here.
I think of things
I should have said to you.
I mean...
when I think maybe
I do not see you again, I...
I write down these things.
I think maybe it will be better
he shall read them.
Shall you be listening, old friend?
There shall be words for you too.
I'm listening, Toongramon.
"I think there shall not
be much important...
"that a man shall die...
'for it is time
that does all true things...
'not man.
'Then I think it shall be important...
to consider those
who have been of most help.'
Ah! Words, words.
I wish to say...
you... you have spoken truth to me...
always.
Even when I do not wish to hear it...
you have always courage
to say when I am wrong.
You have set feet of children...
on excellent path of learning...
and are therefore most affectionately
thought of by same.
More so than regular parents...
including self.
So that if some shall grow
better than parents...
it shall be your doing.
And as reward for this...
what shall I have done?
I have often lost my temper on you.
I have never spoken gratitude or feeling.
I haven't even given
promised raise in salary.
I do not wish to die...
without having said that...
gratitude and... and...
and large respect...
and...
confidence on you...
which shall have become larger...
every day.
But, mem, if I haven't graciously...
said this gratitude before...
you must remember you have been...
very difficult woman...
and much more difficult
than the generality.
Generality.
It's a good word.
It means...
- It means...
- Never mind.
True progress...
shall lie...
et cetera...
et cetera...
et cetera.
He tried so hard.
No one will ever know.
It was so hard to let anyone help him.
He wanted to, but he couldn't.
He was like a little boy sometimes.
You remember,
about the forks and knives.
And he was sick that night,
he cared so much.
They didn't know he cared like that.
Nobody understood.
Not really.
It seems a long time ago...
I tried to make you understand
this man.
I do not think I said it half so well.
What happens now?
All his work...
I think now the young prince
will have much need of you.
It was meant that you
shall stay and help him.
Let this, our first message
to our people...
be proclaimed.
And not as if we were doing
a great and lordly thing...
but only what is right and fitting.
That from this hour,
the ancient national custom...
of obeisance on hands
and knees is abolished...
and all men
shall stand before the king...
and before one another,
as men should do.
And let it be the spirit
of this proclamation...
that this shall be
the first of many changes...
which we hope to bring about
as soon as they are possible...
as I believe my father, the late king,
would wish us to do...
and as I have learned...
it is right and necessary to do...
if we are to live
and work together...
in liking and respect
for one another...
as we must do if we are to work together
for the good of our country.