The Speech of King Charles I. of Romania

This speech was written for the monologue competition "Bridges Over Time", where it won Special Prize.

We are King Charles I of Romania, perhaps you might recognize My Highness by a different designation: Hohenzollen-Sigmaringen Charles. In the year of the Lord 1839, on April 20th, I was born into the German monarchy as one of its esteemed princes, but I had the grand misfortune of only being second, then I tested my burgeoning skills in the Prussian army until the Romanian government required my capable services to be their monarch.

The ultimate purpose being called into office as ruler of the entire country was to be realized upon my glorious triumph when I drove the phalanx of the unified armies of valiant Romania and mighty Russia to shining victory against the juggernaut of the Ottoman legions. This bitter struggle started in the bleak year of 1877. Initially, the might of the Russian force was struggling hopelessly against the stubborn forts of the dogged Ottomans. We had offered valuable support in this gruelling battle, but their overconfidence almost lost them this terrible war. Then they miraculously recalled our offer of military aid, but, by all the gods of war, in the meantime, my resentment got the better of me, and I altered our terms and conditions just slightly enough to take most of the glory of our glorious victory.

Hey, wouldn’t you? Had I not intervened, their army would have lost the battle shamefully, due to their utter inability to conquer a proper pacific fort. Consequently, I was successful in the reorganization of Romania into a country separated into two distinct halves, similar to the tradition that had endured since the tragic fall of the indomitable Dacian Empire. In short, I masterfully created Romania as we know it. Before I was to be elected rightful king, I vowed to make our country live up to the most elaborate western European standards. One of the paramount changes materialized in our first constitution being fashioned on the model of the Polish book of national rules.

Another pinnacle of my contribution to our beloved country was the realization of the world-class Peles Castle. I took great pride in elevating that fine establishment to a state-of-the-art residence that the finest of rulers would surely covet. The entire design of the castle was proposed by yours truly. Electricity might be a mundane reality presently, but my abode was a pioneer of its time, fully equipped with this new technology, while its intricate design, was one befitting a monarch of a country. I have ever dreamed of the creation of a modern society with the latest values expected from an advanced contemporary society.

Then the disaster of the First World War would wreak havoc. I will be blunt: I personally meant to join the German Axis, but the majority of my allies begged to differ. Ultimately, we come to an agreement that we wouldn’t join the madness of war and remain neutral until I was in charge. Then the final curtains caught up with me. 75 years… they passed like a breeze.

Ferencz Hunor   VIII. B