The Elephant Man

ANNE: Oh... why Mr. Merrick she's beautiful.

MERRICK: She has the face of an angel... She was an angel. She was so kind... so kind to me. It's not her fault, for in the fourth month of her maternal condition she was knocked down by an elephant. I'm sure I must have been a great disappointment to her.

ANNE: Oh no, Mr. Merrick. No. No son as loving as you are could ever be a disappointment.

MERRICK: If only I could find her. If only she could see me now, here, with such lovely kind friends. You, Mrs. Treves, and you, Mr. Treves. Then maybe she would love me as I am. I've tried to hard to be good.

MERRICK: They have noble faces.

ANNE: I've always thought that myself.

MERRICK: Oh, yes.

ANNE: And here is one of Frederick's mother.

MERRICK: How lovely.

MERRICK: Oh yes. You have so many nice things, and so much room.

ANNE: Oh?

ANNE: Mr. Merrick, sugar?

MERRICK: Yes please, two.

ANNE: One or two?

MERRICK: Two, please.

ANNE: More romances for John?

TREVES: Hmmm?

ANNE: ...Freddie! What's the matter? You've been like this all evening.

TREVES: Oh... I've just been thinking about something that man Bytes said.

ANNE: Oh, Freddie. What could that wretched vampire say to upset you?

TREVES: That I am very little different from him.

ANNE: Oh that's absurd, Frederick. No, no Frederick, that's all wrong! John is happier and more fulfilled now than he has ever been in his entire life. And, that is completely due to you.

TREVES: But why did I do it? What was this all for? So John Merrick could live out his last days in peace and comfort? Or so I could become famous?

ANNE: Frederick, just what is it that you are saying?

TREVES: ...Am I a good man or am I a bad man?

ANNE: Oh Frederick.

TREVES: You stay with me.

ANNE: Dinner will be served, shortly, dear.

TREVES: Yes.

ANNE: And here are my mother and father.

TREVES: John loves the house.

ANNE: Do you?

TREVES: I'm sorry... I don't know either. I just don't know.

ANNE: Well, these things take time.

TREVES: I've only got until two o'clock tomorrow afternoon, when Carr Gomm meets him. Somehow, between now and then I've got to make John Merrick at least seem like an intelligent man... Why am I fooling myself? Nothing short of John delivering the Sermon on the Mount is going to sway Carr Gomm...

ANNE: Perhaps you're just polishing a stone, endowing this Elephant Man with qualities he doesn't possess?

TREVES: And what qualities are those? Intelligence or stupidity?

ANNE: I'm sure I don't know, Freddie.

ANNE: Frederick, why are you so interested in this particular case?

TREVES: I don't know. I can't explain it. If this is an intelligent man, trapped in the body of a monster, then I'm under a moral obligation to help free that mind, free that spirit as best I can, to help him live as full and content a life as possible. But! If he's an imbecile, who's body I can't treat and who's mind I can't touch, well, then my obligation is discharged. They can put him where they will; he won't be bothered, I won't be bothered, and everyone's conscience can remain free and untroubled. And that is my dilemma... what is in his mind?

ANNE: Freddie?... Freddie, don't look so discouraged.

TREVES: I shouldn't be. We made great progress today. I taught him to repeat a few basic phrases. He did rather well, too, but I had to lead him every step of the way. Though frankly, at times I was unsure of who was leading whom.

ANNE: What do you mean?

TREVES: Well, I wasn't sure whether he was parroting me because that's all he was capable of, or whether he sensed that that's all I wanted to hear, and he was trying to please me.

ANNE: But I thought you said that he was rather... simple?

TREVES: He is. I mean, I've always thought he was. I think he must be. Is he simple? Or is that just something I've wished upon him to make things simpler for myself?

ANNE: Did it go well, darling?

TREVES: Yes, very well, I think. Are the girls in bed?

ANNE: Yes, and they send their kisses. Would you like your sherry now?

TREVES: No, I think a whiskey.

ANNE: You won't be long?

TREVES: I'll join you shortly.

BOY: Our man is sick. Come right away.

TREVES: What is it?

BOY: Like this.

TREVES: I'll get my bag.

BOY: Excuse me, Mr. Treves, sir.

TREVES: Yes?

BOY: I found it.

TREVES: Did you see it?

BOY: Don't!

BYTES: Shut up!

BOY: What are you going to do?

BYTES: I'll show you! I'll show you!

BYTES: You sly bastard. You're doing this to spite me, aren't you!

BOY: Aw, Bytes, he's sick.

BYTES: He's doing it to spite me, I tell you, and it's got to stop!

BOY: He's sick, Bytes. He's going to die.

BYTES: If he does it's his own fault! But I'm not burying that swollen bag of flesh.

TREVES: Now I think we really do understand one another.

BYTES: Right... Right.

BYTES: I want my man back.

TREVES: Just a moment, how did you get in here?

BYTES: Never mind that, I want my man!

TREVES: He's still very sick. Please come downstairs with me. I'll explain the situation.

BYTES: DON'T... Don't muck me about. You've had plenty of time to fix him up, and he's leaving with me, NOW. Do you understand me? Now, Mr. Treves. We had a bargain!

TREVES: You misunderstood. This man suffered a severe fall, if you take my meaning. He's my patient now and I must do what...

BYTES: Pull the other one, why don't you! We made a deal!

TREVES: I know what you've done to him and he's never going back to that.

BYTES: He's a freak! That's how they live. We're partners, him and I, business partners. You're willfully deprivin' me of my livlihood!

TREVES: All you do is profit from another man's misery!

BYTES: You think you're better 'n me? YOU wanted the freak to show all your doctor chums and make a name for yourself, you guv. So I gave him to you. On trust, in the name of science! And now I want him back.

TREVES: You don't own this man!

BYTES: I want him back!

TREVES: So you can beat him? So you can starve him? A dog in the street would fare better with you!

BYTES: I've got my rights, damn you, and I'm going to the authorities!

BYTES: I like doing business with you. You and I understand each other, completely. I know I can trust you. Can't I?

TREVES: Everything will be seen to.

TREVES: This man belongs in hospital.

BYTES: Can't you fix him up here? ...He's my livelihood. Listen.

TREVES: You listen, you're not going to have much of a livelihood if this man dies. He's got the rale, he's very weak, and I don't know how much damage has been done by his "fall". Now stop wasting time and fetch a cab.

BYTES: He's a clumsy git. Never watches where he is going.

TREVES: Why is he sitting up like this? He needs rest.

BYTES: That's the way he sleeps. If he lays down, he'll die. Head's too heavy.

TREVES: What happened?

BYTES: He fell. He falls.

TREVES: He must have taken quite a fall.

BYTES: What did you do to him? He's been like this all night!

TREVES: What do you mean?

BYTES: He was fine when he left here, and now look at him.

TREVES: I intend to.

TREVES: Don't you think this is a bit premature? We don't have the backing yet to...

CARR: Steady on, Treves. Have a seat.

TREVES: Has the response picked up?

CARR: Frankly, Treves, it's not what I'd expected. A few small cheques. Well- wishers. Don't worry, these things undoubtedly take time.

TREVES: But he's so afraid he's going to be carted off. I've promised him that won't happen.

CARR: Well... I'll let you know if there's something in the afternoon post.

TREVES: Please do.

CARR: Don't we?

TREVES: No, we don't. Their committees have informed me that they're unwilling to take Mr. Merrick, even if they were supplied with funds. They don't want him.

CARR: Well, it's up to us then, isn't it?

CARR: You are quite right, Treves, this is an exceptional case. And I quite agree that the committee should see Mr. Merrick.

TREVES: I could easily arrange...

CARR: No, not that way. Broadneck and the others don't like to deal with patients directly. It makes them queasy... Do you have any photographs of Mr. Merrick?

TREVES: Well, yes.

CARR: Excellent. We shall present them, along with the other particulars of the case to the committee. I want them to see, exactly, how horribly his body has been affected. You and I shall vouch for his inner qualities.

TREVES: Do you think they'll go along with us?

CARR: Of course they will. They're reasonable men.

CARR: Can you imagine what his life has been like?

TREVES: Yes, I think I can.

CARR: No you can't. You can't begin to know, no one can.

CARR: Treves. Well done.

TREVES: Not me, sir. Mr. Merrick. He succeeded in spite of my shortsightedness.

TREVES: How did you, know the rest? I never taught you the rest of it.

CARR: I don't understand.

TREVES: Tell me, John, how did you know the rest of the 23rd Psalm?

CARR: It was a nice try, Treves, but the man is so obviously mouthing your words.

TREVES: Yes, I'm very sorry to have wasted your time, sir. I just felt that I had to do anything I could to protect him.

CARR: I'm sorry too. He simply doesn't belong here. He's be much happier somewhere else, where he could be constantly looked after. Believe me, Frederick, it's better that it worked out this way. Good day.

CARR: Oh yes?

TREVES: And what was that, John?

TREVES: ...As I said, it's only a physical problem... but I do feel that Mr. Merrick is very flattered that you're taking the time and trouble to meet him, and he's most anxious to make a good impression, so he might seem rather nervous.

CARR: He needn't. I have no desire to cause him any discomfort. Did you make those inquiries we spoke about?

TREVES: Yes, I spoke to both the British Home and Royal Hospital for Incurables. I'm afraid that they weren't very encouraging, but they said they'd bring it up at their next committee meeting, so we should have their answers shortly.

CARR: Fine, fine. You know, your dedication to this patient is an inspiring thing, Treves. But you must remember that this is a hospital, and there are many patients here. Patients who can be made well, and you owe them your first consideration. Just don't become so obsessed, old man, that you begin to neglect them.

TREVES: It's only a physical problem. He has trouble with certain sounds because of the constrictive deformity of the mouth. But he can talk, and has a great eagerness to make contact with people who will let him. So if you have any difficulty understanding what he is saying, just tell me and I'll make it clear.

CARR: Speaking is one thing, Treves, but can the man comprehend?

CARR: Singularly unpleasant chap... uh... I don't suppose there would be any harm in my meeting your... patient, Mr. Treves.

TREVES: Thank you very much Sir. Shall we say in a few days then?

CARR: Shall we say two o'clock tomorrow afternoon?

TREVES: Wh... whatever is most convenient for you, sir.

CARR: Two o'clock then... you know Treves... It seems this acquaintance of yours has become rather more than just an acquaintance.

TREVES: ...Yes, Sir.

CARR: Have you contacted the British Home and the Royal Hospital?

TREVES: Ah, no sir. I had planned to see them in the morning.

CARR: Good! How is the patient?

TREVES: He's doing very well. In fact that's why I came to see you. I think that if I were to present Mr. Merrick to the hospital committee, then they would have a chance to see for themselves not only the extraordinary nature of the disease, but of the man as well. If the committee had a chance to speak with him, hear him say a few words for himself, I'm sure they would see him as a patient, rather than as a violation of the rules.

CARR: A few words? I thought he was imbecile?

TREVES: Well sir, perhaps I should explain...

CARR: I really don't think that's necessary Treves. I'm quite sure the committee will be able to make an equitable decision on the merits of the case, such as they are.

TREVES: I don't agree. No one can make a reasonable decision about this man's future without at least meeting him. No doctor would presume to diagnose a patient he had never met.

CARR: No, Treves, it's out of the question. Now if it was up to me, I'd say "Certainly, let's meet the fellow, by all means," I'm sorry, I simply can't speak for the other members of the committee.

TREVES: Then will you meet him, as a representative of the committee.

CARR: Mr. Treves, it's out of the question. I want to hear as soon as possible what the other hospitals can do. I'm sorry.

CARR: I certainly sympathize with your problem, Treves... Why don't you try the British Home, or the Royal Hospital for perhaps they would have a place for him.

TREVES: Yes sir, I'll look into that. Would you like to meet him sir?

CARR: A hospital is no place for secrecy, Mr. Treves. Doctors spiriting hooded figures about are liable to cause comment. Why wasn't this patient properly admitted, and why is he in isolation? Is he contagious?

TREVES: No sir, he's got bronchitis and he's been badly beaten.

CARR: Why isn't he in the General Ward, then?

TREVES: Well sir, he's quite seriously deformed, and I fear the other patients would find him... rather shocking.

CARR: Deformed? Is that it. Then am I to assume that he is ultimately incurable?

TREVES: Yes sir.

CARR: What are your plans then, Treves... You are aware that the London does not accept incurables. The rules are quite clear on that point.

TREVES: Yes, I'm well aware of that. But this case is quite exceptional.

CARR: Oh, is he a friend of yours?

TREVES: No, more of an acquaintance.

TREVES: Don't be frightened. He won't hurt you.

CARR: Indeed!

CARR: Good morning, Treves.

TREVES: Good morning, sir.

CARR: You've acquired a taste for this?

TREVES: It's quite nutritious, sir.

CARR: Don't be mad. This muck can kill you.

CARR: It was a great pleasure to meet you, Mr. Merrick.

MERRICK: I am very pleased to meet you.

CARR: I hope we can talk together again sometime. Good day.

CARR: What is it, Treves?

MERRICK: Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies, Thou anointest my head with oil...

MERRICK: ...everyone has been very kind.

CARR: Yes, of course... Well, it's been a pleasure meeting you, Mr. Merrick. Good day.

MERRICK: ...I... everyone has been very kind to me.

CARR: Of course. How long did you and Mr. Treves prepare for this interview?

CARR: How are you feeling today?

MERRICK: I feel much better. Thank you for asking. And you?

CARR: I'm feeling very fit, thank you. How is your bronchitis?

MERRICK: I feel much better. Thank you.

CARR: Are you comfortable here?

MERRICK: Everyone has been very kind. I am extremely grateful.

FOX: You never mentioned his mental state.

TREVES: He's imbecile, no doubt from birth. He speaks, but... it's all gibberish. No, the man's a homeless idiot... I pray God he's an idiot.

FOX: Good Lord, Freddie! What have you got in there?

TREVES: You'll know presently. At the meeting of the society. But until then, I beg of you Fox, keep it to yourself.

FOX: Certainly, if you insist. You must have quite a find there.

TREVES: I don't know what I've got.

FOX: Nothing of any importance, eh?

FOX: I say Freddie, what are you about?

TREVES: Oh nothing... nothing of any great importance.

TREVES: Abominable things these machines. One can't reason with them.

FOX: What a mess.

TREVES: How long has this man been here?

FOX: Three quarters of an hour.

TREVES: Mmmm. Hodges, Pierce come closer. Mr. Hill, take hold of the rope please. It's a machine accident. I expect you'll be seeing a good deal of this.

K. HEN: Fair Katharine, and most fair, will you vouchsafe to teach a soldier terms Such as will enter at a lady's ear And plead his love-suit to her gentle heart?

KATH: Your majesty shall mock at me; I cannot speak your England.

K. HEN: O fair Katharine, if you will love me soundly with your French heart, I will be glad to hear you confess it brokenly with your English tongue. Do you like me, Kate?

KATH: Pardonnez-moi, I cannot tell vat is "like me".

K. HEN: An angel is like you, Kate, and you are like an angel.

KATH: O bon Dieu! les langues des hommes sont pleines de tramperies.

K. HEN: What say you, fair one? That the tongues of men are full of deceits?

KATH: Oui, dat de tongues of de mans is be full of deceits.

K. HEN: I know no way to mince it in love, but directly to say "I love you". What! A speaker is but a prater; a rhyme is but a ballad. A good leg will fall; a straight back will stoop; a black beard will turn white; a curl'd pate will grow bald; a fair face will wither; a full eye will wax hollow; but a good heart, Kate, is the sun and the moon, or rather the sun and not the moon; for it shines bright and never changes, but keeps his course truly.

KENDAL: Why, Mr. Merrick, you're not an Elephant Man at all...

MERRICK: Oh no?

KENDAL: Oh no... no... you're a Romeo.

MERRICK: Have not saints lips, and holy palmers too?

KENDAL: Ay, pilgrim, lips that they must use in prayer.

MERRICK: O, then, dear saint, let lips do what hands do. They pray, grant thou, lest faith turn to despair.

KENDAL: Have you read it?

MERRICK: No, but I certainly shall.

MERRICK: Mr. Treves says that you are in the theatre. Do you live there?

KENDAL: Oh no, Mr. Merrick. I just work there.

MERRICK: Well, even to work there would be wonderful. Is it beautiful?

KENDAL: You've never been?

MERRICK: Alas, no.

KENDAL: Well you must go. It is one of the most beautiful places on earth. Of course, I'm rather partial.

MERRICK: Tell me about it, please!

KENDAL: It's very difficult to put into a nutshell, but I should say the theater is the shrine of the imagination, where one may suspend disbelief and travel anywhere in the world, to any time you desire. You may look over the shoulders of kings, unobserved, battle with ruthless tyrants, and marry the beautiful princess, all in the space of a few hours. Onstage you may be whoever you wish to be, do anything you please, and always, always live happily ever after. The theatre is all the brightest and best things of the world, Mr. Merrick. It is lights and music, gaiety and joy. It's... well, it's romance.

MERRICK: Romance!

KENDAL: That's one thing the theatre has in great store. which reminds me. I have something else for you...

KENDAL: She's very pretty, your mother.

MERRICK: Yes.

KENDAL: I want you to know that I don't go about giving my pictures to just anyone.

MERRICK: Oh, no. I would never think it! It's so beautiful. You are so... I'll give it a place of honor, here, next to my mother.

MERRICK: Good day...!

KENDAL: I've brought you some things. I hope you'll like, Mr. Merrick. I hope you don't think it too forward.

MERRICK: Oh, no.

KENDAL: I knew you'd understand. Here.

KENDAL: It's all arranged. I'll send over some evening gowns for the sisters that you select to accompany Mr. Merrick. You'll be using the Royal entrance and Princess Alexandra herself will be there to welcome him to her private box.

TREVES: I'm very grateful to you, Mrs. Kendal. This is just the thing to help him forget his ordeal. John will be very excited.

KENDAL: Well it is a miracle he ever got back. And, I'm sure, Mr. Treves, under your expert care, he'll have many happy years ahead.

TREVES: I fear not, Mrs. Kendal. Even in the short time he was gone the size of his head has increased rapidly... as is his pain.

KENDAL: How awful for John.

TREVES: And yet, not once have any of us heard him complain.

KENDAL: Is he... dying then?

TREVES: Yes. There is nothing more frustrating, nothing that makes a physician feel more useless, than standing by watching his patient deteriorate. And when that patient is a friend, no... no, there's absolutely nothing I can do.

KENDAL: Well, it's all quite... I've never heard... It's quite...

TREVES: Yes.

TREVES: John, I'd like you to meet one of the brightest lights of the British stage, Mrs. Kendal. Mrs. Kendal, John Merrick.

KENDAL: Good day, Mr. Merrick.

PLUMED DWARF: I'm sorry I could only get you a third class ticket, but it's all we had.

MERRICK: Oh no, my friend...

PLUMED DWARF: Say hello to London for me. I miss her.

MERRICK: Oh, yes.

PLUMED DWARF: You know, I saw you once there, in London. You're a great attraction.

PLUMED DWARF: You alright?

MERRICK: y-y-yes--

PLUMED DWARF: Want to come out?

MERRICK: You're English.

PLUMED DWARF: Of course! You want out?

MERRICK: Yes.

PLUMED DWARF: Won't be a moment.

MERRICK: I'll have to find some more.

NORA: Yes... well, good day, Mr. Merrick.

NORA: What's this?

MERRICK: The main spire.

NORA: The... oh, the spire! How silly of me, it's as plain as day... Mr. Merrick, where did you learn to do this?

MERRICK: ...I learned a long time ago.

NORA: The hallway? Oh, the wastecan!

MERRICK: I meant no harm, it was the only place where I could find cardboard. I thought it has been thrown away.

NORA: It's alright, it was thrown away. No one wants it. It's just that it's a little dirty, that's all.

NORA: What? Oh! I see! It's St. Phillips. Oh, of course. Why... why that's very good, I mean you've gotten the windows and arches just right.

MERRICK: Yes.

NORA: But it's so good, I mean... it's so very good.

MERRICK: Thank you... very much.

NORA: Where did you get this box?

NORA: Good morning, Mr. Merrick.

MERRICK: Good morning.

MERRICK: Thank you very much.

NORA: Well, if there is nothing more, I suppose we'll be leaving you now.

MERRICK: No, nothing.

NORA: Feeling better now, Mr. Merrick?

MERRICK: Yes.

TREVES: Goodnight John. Sleep well.

MERRICK: You too, my friend. Goodnight.

TREVES: Yes John?

MERRICK: Mr. Treves, tell me... tell me truly. Is it alright, did I make any mistakes that you can see?

TREVES: No, John, not one that I can see.

MERRICK: Then I shouldn't change anything?

TREVES: No, no, I wouldn't change a thing.

TREVES: Will the cathedral be finished soon, John?

MERRICK: Yes, very soon.

TREVES: Splendid. it's truly a masterpiece. Well, I suppose I'll be on my way now. I hoped your enjoyed yourself this evening.

MERRICK: Oh yes! It was wonderful!

TREVES: I'm glad, John. Goodnight.

TREVES: Stand up, John. Let them see you.

MERRICK: Oh no, I couldn't.

TREVES: It's for you, John. It's all for you. Go ahead, let them see you.

MERRICK: Mr. Treves! Treves.

TREVES: John.... how can you ever forgive me?

TREVES: Is it the one you wanted?

MERRICK: Oh, Mr. Treves. Mr. Treves.

TREVES: Are you sure? Because I can take it back.

MERRICK: Mr. Treves. Thank you my... friends.

MERRICK: My home.

TREVES: There is one more thing, John. Here.

MERRICK: ...my... home?

TREVES: Yes, John.

MERRICK: You did this for me?

TREVES: Yes.

MERRICK: Please... please thank the governing committee for me. I will do my utmost to merit their kindness.

TREVES: You want a dressing bag, John?

MERRICK: You don't think it's too gaudy, do you?

TREVES: How blind of me. Is there anything else, John, anything at all that I could get for you?

MERRICK: Oh no! There is nothing! I have everything, you have given me everything I could possibly want. I am happy every hour of the day. I only wish there was something I could give to you.

TREVES: Please John, it would give me so much pleasure to give you something. Something just for yourself. Isn't there something you would like to have?

TREVES: The cathedral is coming along nicely.

MERRICK: Yes, soon I will start the main spire, but I must finish these columns first, How kind of her!

TREVES: No John, I can't. I can care for you, but I can't cure you.

MERRICK: I thought as much.

MERRICK: Mr. Treves, there is something I've been meaning to ask you for some time...

TREVES: Yes, John?

MERRICK: ...Can you cure me?

MERRICK: When will the stream be aweary of flowing under my eye? When will the wind be aweary of blowing over the sky? When will the clouds be aweary of fleeting? When will the heart be aweary of beating, and nature die?

TREVES: Never, oh! Never, nothing will die. the stream flows the wind blows the heart beats Nothing will die.

TREVES: Good morning, John.

MERRICK: Good morning.

TREVES: John, there's someone here who would like to meet you. Would that be alright?

MERRICK: Would you... would you like to see my mother?

TREVES: Your mother?

MERRICK: Here.

MERRICK: The Children. Where are your children

TREVES: Oh, they're gone for the day... with friends.

MERRICK: Friends. Ah yes, friends! How nice.

MERRICK: Well, it's a lovely bedroom. What do you call that thing above the bed?

TREVES: That's a canopy, John.

MERRICK: Ohhh...

TREVES: How is your tea, John?

MERRICK: It's very good. I'm enjoying my visit with you very much. It's so very kind of you to have me as a guest in your home. I'm sorry I made a spectacle of myself.

TREVES: Not at all, John.

MERRICK: I love the way you've arranged your pictures on the mantlepiece. Is that the way it's done in most houses?

TREVES: Oh yes.

MERRICK: Who are they of?

TREVES: Oh, our relatives... the children.

MERRICK: The children! May I see?

TREVES: Of course.

TREVES: John... what's the matter? John... why are you upset?

MERRICK: I'm not used to such kindness. From a beautiful woman.

TREVES: You look splendid, John.

MERRICK: Thank you very much.

TREVES: When one is invited to tea, one must look one's best.

MERRICK: How long will I stay here?

TREVES: I promise you. You will never see the inside of that horrible place again. You will never, ever go back to the workhouse... or that man. It's a splendid room, don't you think?

MERRICK: This... is my new home?

TREVES: Yes.

MERRICK: The hospital?

TREVES: Of course! What did you think?

TREVES: Good evening. How are you feeling?

MERRICK: Good evening. Very well, thank you. And you?

TREVES: Very well, thank you. I have something for you, John. I'm sure you'll enjoy it, it's very popular.

TREVES: Why did you let me go on like that, teaching you what you already knew? Why didn't you tell me you could read?

MERRICK: You did not ask me.

TREVES: I never thought to ask. How can you ever forgive me?

MERRICK: Oh, no do not say that. You have been so kind to me. I was afraid to say too much. People always want me to be quiet. You wanted me to speak, but I was afraid. Forgive me.

TREVES: We do have a lot to talk about, don't we?

TREVES: ...Yes potatoes... but...

MERRICK: But the variety of food here is very pleasing... I commend you.

TREVES: Mr. Merrick likes the food here. Don't you John?

MERRICK: Oh yes! It is much better than what I am used to.

TREVES: John, may I introduce you to Sir Carr Gomm.

MERRICK: Hello... my name is John Merrick. I am very pleased to meet you.

MERRICK: The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want, he maketh me to lie down in green pastures; He leadeth me beside still waters. He restoreth my soul: He Guideth me in the paths of righteousness...

TREVES: Righteousness...

MERRICK: Righteousness for his namesake.

TREVES: Very good, very good. Now, when your visitor comes today I want you to say it exactly the way you said it just now. I will introduce him to you and you will say the words you've learned. If you have any trouble with any of the words, I'll help you. I'm sure you'll be just fine. If you do as well for him as you've done for me these last two days, then I'm sure our visitor will be very pleased. Now, let's go through the whole thing again, shall we? I will say "May I introduce you to Mr. Carr Gomm." And you will say...

MERRICK: Hello, my name is John Merrick. I am very pleased to meet you!

TREVES: Why, my dear Mrs. Mothershead, how good of you to join us. Mr. Merrick, will you please introduce yourself?

MERRICK: Hello, my name is John Merrick.

MERRICK: ...Yyes

TREVES: Yyyess.

MERRICK: Yyess.

TREVES: That's much better. I could understand that "yes".

MERRICK: Yes!

TREVES: Very good! Oh yes! Now listen. I'm going to say some things to you and I want you to repeat them... um... I want you to say them back to me. Do you understand? I'm going to say some things to you and I want you to say them back to me. Do you understand?

MERRICK: Yes.

TREVES: Excellent! Now, say... "Hello"

MERRICK: Hello...

TREVES: My name is...

MERRICK: My... name is...

TREVES: John Merrick.

MERRICK: John... Merrick

TREVES: Say "Merrick".

MERRICK: Merrick...

TREVES: Say "Mmmerrick."

MERRICK: Mmmerrick.

TREVES: Say "Mmmerrick."

MERRICK: Mmmerrick.

TREVES: Well, that's alright. I understand you. Now, say the whole thing again, Hello ...

MERRICK: Hello... my name is... John Merrick.

MERRICK: Yyyy... Yyye... yyyess.

TREVES: Yes John!

TREVES: So you see, John, there's no need for a lighthouse. All your friends are here.

MOTHERSHEAD: Welcome home, John.

MOTHERSHEAD: Mr. Treves, some more books arrived for Mr. Merrick.

TREVES: Thank you, Mothershead. Have a porter put them in my office.

MOTHERSHEAD: Yes sir. What's that?

TREVES: A dressing bag.

MOTHERSHEAD: Very smart indeed.

TREVES: Yes. John wants it.

MOTHERSHEAD: A dressing bag?

TREVES: You don't think it's too gaudy, do you.

MOTHERSHEAD: Well...

TREVES: John thinks it's very dashing. Something no gentleman should be without. I'm inclined to agree.

TREVES: Incredible, isn't it? Well, I think John has had enough visitors for one day, Mothershead. I've got a lecture at the college, I'll be back this evening.

MOTHERSHEAD: Excuse me, sir. I'd like to have a word with you.

TREVES: Oh?... Well, quickly please, Mothershead, I'm overdue.

MOTHERSHEAD: I can't understand why you let those people go in there, sir.

TREVES: Now Mothershead, you have to understand that this is very good for John. He relishes contact with people outside the hospital...

MOTHERSHEAD: But you saw them, sir. They couldn't hide their disgust. They don't care anything for John, they're just trying to impress their friends.

TREVES: Aren't you being just a little harsh, Mothershead? You yourself hardly treated John with much loving kindness when he first arrived.

MOTHERSHEAD: I bathed him, didn't I? I fed him and cleaned up after him! If loving kindness can be called care and practical concern, then yes, I did treat him with loving kindness, and I'm not ashamed to say it.

TREVES: You're right, Mothershead, please forgive me... Of course, I appreciate everything you've done for John, and I'm glad that you are concerned about his welfare. But, I'm the physician in charge and I must do what I think best. I'm also very late, so please forgive me.

MOTHERSHEAD: Watery headed bunch.

TREVES: I regret that I must leave you here, m' Lord, m' Lady. Thank you so much for coming. It was an act of the greatest charity.

MOTHERSHEAD: Good Lord, Mr. Treves!

TREVES: We've made tremendous strides today, Mothershead. He listens and repeats with great attention, and this certainly isn't easy for him.

MOTHERSHEAD: Parrots can do as much, Mr. Treves. It's all very nice, but I don't see the point. You know they won't let him stay here.

TREVES: I'm sure that if Mr. Merrick made a good impression on the hospital committee they'd see that he's the exception to their rule. Now I'm not expecting miracles. I'm not saying he'll be able to read or write, but I do think that I can get him to speak for himself. I'm going to arrange things with Carr Gomm right now. That was very good, John, very good. That's all for today. We shall do some more tomorrow. Mothershead?

TREVES: He's had his share of "smacks", Mothershead. I expect that's what drives him under the bed. We must use patience and understanding with this man.

MOTHERSHEAD: Perhaps you've got the time for that, Mr. Treves, I certainly don't. I've got an entire hospital to look after, and you have your real patients. Don't waste your time with him sir, it's like talking to a wall. I don't mean to be harsh, but truthfully what can you do for him? I'll be back later for his bath. And Mr. Carr Gomm would like to see you when you have a moment. Good day sir.

MOTHERSHEAD: Won't come out, eh?

TREVES: No, he's very upset about something.

MOTHERSHEAD: Just being obstinate, sir. I'll handle it.

MOTHERSHEAD: Good morning, Mr. Treves. It'll be his bath-time soon. Has he eaten?

TREVES: Not quite yet, Mrs. Mothershead. There seems to be some difficulty this morning.

MOTHERSHEAD: The workhouse.

TREVES: Yes! The workhouse!

TREVES: Ah, Mothershead. How are you feeling today?

MOTHERSHEAD: Fine.

TREVES: Good. Excellent. Now then, Mrs. Mothershead, I want you to come into this room with me. Inside there is a man with a rather... unfortunate appearance.

MOTHERSHEAD: I've heard.

TREVES: Yes... Well, I want you to clear up a little mess, a breakfast tray was spilt. And bring up another breakfast. When you've done that, you and I shall give the man a bath. But, Mothershead, I'm counting on your many years of experience to get you through this, Above all, do not scream, do not cry out, or in any way show this man that you are frightened of him...

MOTHERSHEAD: Sir, you don't have to worry about me. I'm not the sort to cry out. Shall we go in?

TREVES: Yes... Yes, let's go in.

TREVES: Don't lie to me. I know all about it. You were SEEN. Where did you take him?

NIGHT PORTER: Take him? Now wait... I didn't take him anywhere. We were just having some fun. We didn't hurt him... just having a laugh, that's all.

TREVES: HE'S GONE!

NIGHT PORTER: When I left him, he was in his bed, safe and sound.

TREVES: YOU BASTARD! You tortured him. YOU TORTURED HIM, you bastard. WHERE is HE?

NIGHT PORTER: YOU'RE NOT LISTENING TO ME! I ain't done nothing wrong. People pay to see your monster, Mr. Treves. I just take the money.

TREVES: YOU'RE THE MONSTER! YOU'RE THE FREAK! GET OUT! YOU'RE FINISHED!

TREVES: WHERE IS MR. MERRICK?

NIGHT PORTER: I... I don't know what you mean, Sir.

TREVES: So you'll bring him to me, tomorrow, 10:00 a.m.? Mr...?

OWNER: Bytes. Mr. Bytes. He'll be there.

TREVES: I'll send a cab. Here is my card.

TREVES: I'd pay handsomely for a private showing. Are you the proprietor?

OWNER: Handsomely?... Who sent you?

TREVES: Pardon me?

OWNER: Never mind. I'm the owner.

TREVES: Are you the proprietor?

OWNER: And who might you be, sir?

TREVES: Just one of the curious. I'd like to see it.

OWNER: I don't think so. No sir, we're closed.