PRIDE AND PREJUDICE script PDF

FINAL SCRIPT
humble abode is separated only by a lane from Rosings Park, her ladyship's residence. Lady
Catherine has asked me twice to dine at Rosings, and sent for me only the Saturday before, to
make up her pool of quadrille in the evening. Miss de Bourgh’s indifferent state of health
unhappily prevents her being in town; and by that means, as I told Lady Catherine one day, has
deprived the British court of its brightest ornaments. Her ladyship seemed pleased with the idea;
you may imagine that I am happy on every occasion to offer those little delicate compliments,
which are always so acceptable to ladies.
MARY
Do these pleasing attentions proceed from the impulse of the moment, or are they result of
previous study?
MR. COLLINS
They arise chiefly from what is passing at the time, and though I sometimes amuse myself with
suggesting and arranging such little elegant compliments as may be adapted to ordinary
occasions, I always wish to give them as unstudied an air as possible.
MR. BENNET
No one would ever think otherwise. Good night, Mr. Collins. (Exits).
MR. COLLINS
Mrs. Bennet, would you do me the honor? I think the time is right to speak about this most
pressing issue. That is if the ladies would be so kind and excuse us for a moment.
MRS. BENNET
Yes, of course, Mr. Collins. Good night girls. (The Bennet daughters exit.)
MR. COLLINS
As you know I have a very particular and fortunate relationship with Lady Catherine de Bourgh.
She has been of great assistance; she is a most active magistrate in our parish. The minutest
concerns, about which I always consult her, she helps me settle. I value her advice above all
else. Well, Lady Catherine has condescended to advise me to marry as soon as I could, provided
I choose with discretion. Having now a good house and a very sufficient income, I intend to
marry; and in seeking a reconciliation with the Longbourn family, I mean to choose one of your
daughters, to atone for inheriting the estate, as I have found them as handsome and as amiable as
they were represented by common report. I have a wife in view. I have the strictest notions of
what is due to seniority; and for the first evening Miss Jane Bennet was my settled choice.
MRS. BENNETT
I wish to caution against choosing my eldest daughter. Jane, I must just mention, is likely to be
very soon engaged.
MR. COLLINS
Ah, but I only have to change from Jane to Elizabeth. Elizabeth is next to Jane in seniority and is
equal in beauty.
MRS. BENNET
Yes, I quite agree.
MR. COLLINS
Good evening, Mrs. Bennet.
MRS. BENNET
Good evening, Mr. Collins. (He exits.)
MR. HILL Mrs. Bennet might have two daughters married. Won’t Miss Lizzy be surprised?
SCENE 11 - LONGBOURN – to – MERYTON – Late morning – Tuesday, November 19,1811
MR. HILL
Mr. Collins spent much of his life under the guidance of an illiterate and miserly father. He has
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