s a r u m a n

LORD OF THE RINGS - (c) Three Foot Six Ltd.

Isengard, the dominion of the treacherous Wizard SARUMAN, has been destroyed by a combined army of men and Ents (huge treelike creatures). He has retreated to his fortress tower, Orthanc, from which he attempts to seduce King Theoden and his men with his magical, honeyed voice.

SARUMAN
My Lord of Rohan. The friendship of Saruman and the power of Orthanc cannot be lightly thrown aside, whatever grievances, real or imagined, may lie behind. You have won a battle, but not a war - and even then, only with such help as you cannot be certain of again. You may find the Shadow of the Wood at your own door next ... It is wayward, and senseless and has no love for Men.
(pause)
So, I am to be called a murderer, because valiant men have fallen in battle? If you go to war needlessly, for I did not desire it, then men will be slain. But, if I am a murderer on that account, then all your house is stained with blood. Many wars have the Kings of Rohan fought - many times have they assailed those who would defy them; yet also, with some, they have afterwards made peace, none the worse for being politic.
(pause)
Peace and friendship, Theoden, King. It is ours to command.

He smugly awaits the King-s response.

THEODEN
We will have peace. Yes.
(pause)
We will have peace when you and all your works have perished!

SARUMAN-s face goes dark as THEODEN continues.

THEODEN
You hold out your hand to me? I perceive only the dark claw of Mordor. You are a liar, Saruman! I do not lick your fingers any more. Look elsewhere for a cur.

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED:

As the King-s words sink in, a change comes over SARUMAN. Venom spills out of him, stripping away his false guise of reasoned calm.

SARUMAN
Gibbets and crows! Dotard! What is the House of Eorl but a thatched barn where brigands drink in the reek - their brats rolling on the floor amongst the dogs and filth? Too long has Rohan escaped the gibbet, but the noose comes, slow in the drawing, tight and hard in the end. Hang then, if you will!

-END-