Lord Of The Rings Text
GANDALF (cont'd)
You still have friends - you are not alone in this fight. Send word to Theoden of Rohan. Light the beacons.
DENETHOR smiles at GANDALF, as if amused by something.
DENETHOR (softly)
You think you are wise, Mithrandir, yet for all your subtleties.you have not wisdom. Do you think the eyes of the White Tower are blind? I have seen more than you know. With your left hand you would use me as a shield against Mordor and with your right you would seek to supplant me.
CLOSE ON: GANDALF looks shocked, DENETHOR'S eyes NARROW.
DENETHOR (cont'd) (contemptuous)
I know who rides with Theoden of Rohan. Oh, yes. Word has reached my ears of this
Aragorn, son of Arathorn, and I tell you now, I will not bow to this Ranger from the North - last of a ragged house, long bereft of Lordship.
GANDALF (stung)
Authority is not given to you to deny the return of the King - Steward!
DENETHOR (explosive)
The rule of Condor is mine, and no others!
CLOSE ON: PIPPIN, horrified. GANDALF looks at Denethor closely for a moment, then turns on his heel to leave, PIPPIN follows.
GANDALF Come.
GANDALF and PIPPIN stride from the TOWER HALL ... DENETHOR slumps back into his SEAT.
Refusal: and I tell you now, I will not bow to this Ranger from the North - last of a ragged house, long bereft of Lordship.