The Prisoner of Zenda Page #3

I couldn't begin to act like a king,

even if I tried.

I wouldn't deceive anybody.

What are you smiling at?

It would be a scene, wouldn't it?

Cathedral crowded to the doors.

Organ booming, I kneel to be crowned.

Then your friend Michael

steps forward and shouts:

"This isn't the king. This is an Englishman

named Rudolf Rassendyll!"

No, I'm afraid not, gentlemen.

Then Michael sits on the throne tonight.

And the king lies in prison or his grave.

After all, it would only be for a day,

wouldn't it?

By tonight,

you'll be safely across the border.

King for a day.

What would it mean if I fail?

Your life, and mine, and Fritz's here.

Confound it,

I'd grown awfully fond of this beard.

Well, I hope the crown's a better fit.

- What are we going to do, sir?

- Hide him.

We can't chance Michael's men

finding him.

- The cellar will be best. Pick him up.

- What if they search?

- Josef will put them off.

- I know, sir, but...

We're not playing!

Do you think I don't know the risk?

If they do find him, he's no worse off

than if he's not crowned today.

Pick him up.

- I beg your pardon, sir, I...

- One moment!

- How long have you been caretaker here?

- Ten years.

- Have you the keys of the wine cellar?

- Yes, sir.

Open it.

- No, no! No!

- Drink it.

- No!

- Drink!

Tie her up.

Better gag her too.

The night before your coronation,

you must have wine.

And wine, and more wine.

But you're my king.

The son of your father.

And may I rot in my grave

before Black Michael sits in your place.

Remarkable vintage, that '68.

Lock the door.

Sleep well, sire.

We go to see you crowned.

It's not bad, you know. Not bad at all.

There. The last detail.

Remember, that is to be released

20 minutes after Hentzau brings you word...

...that the coronation ceremonies

have been canceled.

- Twenty minutes, not before.

- Yes, Your Highness.

And now may I offer congratulations.

A shade premature.

But thank you, Detchard.

Gentlemen, you will now go

to your respective posts.

The time grows near.

We go to serve our country,

and our future sovereign.

Michael, you said I would be your wife.

I want to be your wife.

I want to serve you and make you happy.

But I know that dream is ended

if your plan succeeds.

Take the happiness I can give you.

- Let your brother have the power.

- No!

All my life I've played second fiddle

to that weakling and why?

Because his mother was a princess

and mine was not.

I'm the eldest son,

but he was the crown prince.

He lived in the royal palace.

He dined with kings.

Well, today the table is set for Rudolph.

But it's Michael who's going to the feast.

Come in!

- I'm sorry to interrupt you, Your Majesty.

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