20 quotes
The Power of a Woman's Silence
King Mongkut
When a woman who has much to say says nothing, her silence can be deafening.
[to Anna]
Quotes sourced from Wikiquote (© Wikiquote contributors), licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Modified for formatting/length.
The Conflict of Leadership and Change
Anna Leonowens
You have the power to lead your people...
King Mongkut
Now is not the time to change the way that things are done!
Anna Leonowens
Well, if not now, then when? How many more people must die so that you might save face?
Quotes sourced from Wikiquote (© Wikiquote contributors), licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Modified for formatting/length.
A Unique Dance Encounter Between Cultures
King Mongkut
I have never danced with a English woman before.
Anna Leonowens
Nor I with a king.
Quotes sourced from Wikiquote (© Wikiquote contributors), licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Modified for formatting/length.
The King's Many Wives Explained
Louis
Moonshee, why does the king have so many wives?
Moonshee
That is an excellent question — For your mother.
Quotes sourced from Wikiquote (© Wikiquote contributors), licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Modified for formatting/length.
A Return Driven by Unimaginable Loss
King Mongkut
Why did you come back?
Anna Leonowens
Because I could not imagine a Siam without you.
Quotes sourced from Wikiquote (© Wikiquote contributors), licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Modified for formatting/length.
A King's Dilemma Over His Heirs
King Mongkut
If Alak crosses the bridge, everything I love will die.
Anna Leonowens
But they are only children!
King Mongkut
Yes, and heirs to the royal throne.
Anna Leonowens
What will you do?
King Mongkut
We will blow up the bridge.
Anna Leonowens
Will that work?
King Mongkut
It will, if he is on it.
Anna Leonowens
Your Majesty, promise me, promise me I will see you again!
King Mongkut
If your Bible is correct, then the world was created in seven days. Who is to say that four men can not stop an army?
Quotes sourced from Wikiquote (© Wikiquote contributors), licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Modified for formatting/length.
First Encounter with an English Woman
Prince Chulalongkorn
She was the first English woman I had ever met. And it seemed to me she knew more about the world than anyone. But it was a world Siam was afraid would consume them. The monsoon winds had whispered her arrival like a coming storm. Some welcomed the rain, but others feared a raging flood. Still she came, unaware of the suspicion that preceded her. But it wasn't until years later, that I began to appreciate how brave she was, and how alone she must have felt. An English woman. The first I had ever met.
Quotes sourced from Wikiquote (© Wikiquote contributors), licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Modified for formatting/length.
A Mother's Resolve Against Loss
Anna Leonowens
Because I already lost one man to the jungle, your majesty... I wasn't about to let it happen again.
Quotes sourced from Wikiquote (© Wikiquote contributors), licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Modified for formatting/length.
The Impact of Meaningful Moments in Life
Prince Chulalongkorn
It is always surprising how small a part of life is taken up by meaningful moments. Most often they are over before they start, although they cast a light on the future and make the person who originated them unforgettable. Anna had shined such a light on Siam.
Quotes sourced from Wikiquote (© Wikiquote contributors), licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Modified for formatting/length.
Cultural Exchange Through Dance and Dialogue
Anna Leonowens
What?
[Gazing at the King on a balcony]
King Mongkut
Am wondering, giving circumstances, if it is proper for king to ask Anna to dance.
Anna Leonowens
I have danced with a king before, Your Majesty.
King Mongkut
And I with an English woman.
King Mongkut
Until now, Madame Leonowens, I did not understand supposition, man can be satisfied with only one woman.
Quotes sourced from Wikiquote (© Wikiquote contributors), licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Modified for formatting/length.
Journeys and Destinations in Life's Roads
Anna Leonowens
My mind has taken me down many roads of late. All of which lead absolutely nowhere. What would Buddha say of that?
King Mongkut
That roads are for journeys, ma'am, not destinations.
Quotes sourced from Wikiquote (© Wikiquote contributors), licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Modified for formatting/length.
The Importance of Legends in Dreaming
Anna Leonowens
Everyone should have legends. It allows us to dream.
Quotes sourced from Wikiquote (© Wikiquote contributors), licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Modified for formatting/length.
Conflict Between Royalty and Commonality
Prince Chulalongkorn
Son of teacher forgets that I am son of King.
Louis Leonowens
Son of teacher couldn't care less.
Anna Leonowens
Louis, remember what I told you.
Louis Leonowens
I'm sorry Mother, but he started it.
Prince Chulalongkorn
In my country, man never tell a woman he is sorry. If you had father, you would know this.
Louis Leonowens
You don't have a father, you have a map.
Anna Leonowens
Louis!
Prince Chulalongkorn
It is forbidden to touch royalty.
Louis Leonowens
I didn't touch you — I shoved you. Why don't you get one of your servants to shove me back?
Quotes sourced from Wikiquote (© Wikiquote contributors), licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Modified for formatting/length.
Perception Shapes Our Understanding of Reality
Anna Leonowens
Most people do not see the world as it is. They see it as they are.
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Age and Wisdom Are Not Synonymous
King Mongkut
You are teacher?
Anna Leonowens
Yes, Your Majesty, I am.
King Mongkut
You do not look sufficient of age for scientific teaching. How many years have you?
Anna Leonowens
Enough to know that age and wisdom do not necessarily go hand in hand, Your Majesty.
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A Father's Love Endures Through Time
Prince Chulalongkorn
I was only a boy, but the image of my father holding the woman he loved for the last time has remained with me throughout the years.
Quotes sourced from Wikiquote (© Wikiquote contributors), licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Modified for formatting/length.
A Moment's Decision in Uncertain Times
Anna Leonowens
Lord Bradley, may I have a moment?
Lord Bradley
I'm afraid a moment is all we have.
Lady Bradley
We're leaving on the next boat, and so should you.
Anna Leonowens
My place is here.
Lord Bradley
Your question?
Anna Leonowens
Are the British behind these Burmese attacks?
Mr. Kincaid
Stick to teaching, Ms. Leonowens. It's clear that you know nothing of pollitics.
Anna Leonowens
I know that Burma would never make a move without England's blessing.
Lord Bradley
Precisely. But, if our economy was threatened, then it would be our duty to protect our interests.
Anna Leonowens
Our economy?! Our interests?!
Lady Bradley
The ways of England are the ways of the world, my dear.
Anna Leonowens
Yes, a world that I am ashamed to call my own!
Lord Bradley
You forget yourself madam. Now if you will excuse us.
Anna Leonowens
No, I will not. You toasted him! You praised him for his learning! And all the while you were planning to take the throne from him!
Lord Bradley
Well, you should do well to remember your own self, next time you are cheek to cheek with the king!
Quotes sourced from Wikiquote (© Wikiquote contributors), licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Modified for formatting/length.
A Vision for a Modern Siam
Anna Leonowens
In my letter confirming my employment, Your Majesty, you claimed you wanted Siam to take its place among the nations of the modern world. You spoke of building something greater than yourself. A country where no man is above the law. Which is why I chose to come here.
Quotes sourced from Wikiquote (© Wikiquote contributors), licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Modified for formatting/length.
The Value of Life in Faith
Anna Leonowens
Life is... precious, especially if you're a Christian and only allowed to have one.
[to King Mongkut]
Quotes sourced from Wikiquote (© Wikiquote contributors), licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Modified for formatting/length.
Charming Encounters with the King
Beebe
How was the King compared to the other Englishmen?
Anna Leonowens
He was charming, very charming. I don't think I will ever forget, how he held his hand out to me, like I was...
Beebe
One of his 26 wives?
Quotes sourced from Wikiquote (© Wikiquote contributors), licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Modified for formatting/length.