Chapter II: Part 2

Hopelessly mad. “Use your spade properly,” shouted I. “Much better give me a guitar,” said he, smiling.

_Governor_

But how did he manage to escape from Vajragarh and come up here?

_Headman_

That I do not know. Nothing seems to fasten on to him. His boisterousness is infectious. The diggers are getting frisky.

_Governor_

Hallo, isn’t that Rañjan himself,--going along the road, thrumming on an old guitar? Impudent rascal! He doesn’t even care to hide.

_Headman_

Well, I never! Goodness alone knows how he broke through the wall!

_Governor_

Go and seize him instantly! He must not meet Nandini in this parish, for anything.

(_Enter Assistant Governor._)

Where are you going?

_Assistant Governor_

To arrest Rañjan.

_Governor_

Where is the Deputy Governor?

_Assistant Governor_

He is so much amused by this fellow that he doesn’t want to lay hands on him. He says the man’s laugh shows us what queer creatures we governors have grown into.

_Governor_

I have an idea. Don’t arrest Rañjan. Send him on to the King’s sanctum.

_Assistant Governor_

He refuses to obey our call, even in the King’s name.

_Governor_

Tell him the King has made a slave-girl of his Nandini.

_Assistant Governor_

But if the King----

_Governor_

Don’t you worry. Come on, I’ll go with you myself.

[_They go._

(_Enter Professor and Antiquarian._)

_Antiquarian_

I say, what is this infernal noise going on inside?

_Professor_

The King, probably in a temper with himself, is engaged in breaking some of his own handiwork.

_Antiquarian_

It sounds like big pillars crashing down one after another.

_Professor_

There was a lake, at the foot of our hill over there, in which the waters of this Sankhini river used to gather. One day, suddenly, the rock to its left gave way, and the stored-up water rushed out laughing like mad. To see the King nowadays, it strikes me that his treasure lake has grown weary of its rock wall.

_Antiquarian_

What did you bring me here for, Professor?

_Professor_

Latterly he has begun to get angry with my science. He says it only burgles through one wall to reveal another behind it, and never reaches the inner chamber of the Life spirit. I thought that, perhaps in the study of antiquity, he might explore the secret of Life’s play. My knapsack has been rifled empty, now he can go on pocket-picking history.

Do you see who that is passing by?

_Antiquarian_

A girl wearing a grass-green robe.

_Professor_

She has for her mantle the green joy of the earth. That is our Nandini. In this Yaksha Town there are governors, foremen, headmen, tunnel-diggers, scholars like myself; there are policemen, executioners, and undertakers,--altogether a beautiful assortment! Only _she_ is out of element. Midst the clamour of the market place she is a tuned-up lyre. There are days when the mesh of my studies is torn by the sudden breeze of her passing by, and through that rent my attention flies away _swish_, like a bird.

_Antiquarian_

Good heavens, man! Are even your well-seasoned bones subject to these poetic fits?

_Professor_

Life’s attraction, like the tidal wave, tears away mind from its anchorage of books.

_Antiquarian_

Tell me, where am I to meet the King?

_Professor_

There’s no means of meeting him. You’ll have to talk to him from outside this network.

_Antiquarian_

We’re to converse with this net between us?

_Professor_

Not the kind of whispered talk that may take place through a woman’s veil, but solidly concentrated conversation. Even the cows in his stall don’t dare to give milk, they yield their butter straight off!

_Antiquarian_

Admirable! To extract the essential from the diluted, is what scholars aim at.

_Professor_

But not what God in His creation aims at. He respects the fruit stones that are hard, but rejoices in the pulp that is sweet.

_Antiquarian_

Professor, I see that your grey science is galloping fast towards grass-green. But I wonder how you can stand this King of yours.

_Professor_

Shall I tell you the truth? I love him.

_Antiquarian_

You don’t mean to say so?

_Professor_

He is so great that even what is wrong with him will not be able to spoil him.

(_The Governor comes in._)

_Governor_

I say, man of science, so this is the person you volunteered to bring here. Our King flew into a passion at the very mention of his special subject.

_Antiquarian_

May I ask why?

_Governor_

The King says there is no age of history which may be called old. It is always an eternal extension of the present.

_Antiquarian_

Can the front exist without the back?

_Governor_

What he said was: “Time proceeds by revealing the new on his front; but the men of learning, suppressing that fact, will have it that Time ever carries the burden of the old on his back.”

(_Nandini comes in hurriedly._)

_Nandini_

What is happening? Who are they?

_Governor_

Hallo, Nandini, is that you? I shall wear your _kunda_ chain late in the evening. When three-quarters of me can hardly be seen for the dark, then perchance a flower garland might become even me.

_Nandini_

Look over there--what a piteous sight! Who are those people, going along with the guards, filing out from the back door of the King’s apartments?

_Governor_

We call them the King’s leavings.

_Nandini_

What does that mean?

_Governor_

Some day you too will know its meaning; let it be for to-day.

_Nandini_

But are these men? Have they flesh and marrow, life and soul?

_Governor_

Maybe they haven’t.

_Nandini_

Had they never any?

_Governor_

Maybe they had.

_Nandini_

Where then is it all gone now?

_Governor_

Man of science, explain it if you can, I’m off.

[_He goes._

_Nandini_

Alas, alas! I see amongst these shadows faces that I know. Surely that is our Anup and Upamanyu?

Professor, they belong to our neighbouring village. Two brothers as tall as they were strong. They used to come and race their boats in our river on the fourteenth day of the moon in rainy June. Oh, who has brought them to this miserable plight?

See, there goes Shaklu,--in sword play he used to win the prize garland before all the others. Anu-up! Shaklu-u! look this way; it’s I, your Nandini, Nandin of Isháni, your very next village. They won’t even raise their heads--heads lowered for ever!

Who is that? Surely, it is Kanku! Ah misery me! Even a boy like him has been chewed dry and thrown away a piece of sugar cane. He was a very shy lad. He would sit by the sloping side of the river landing where I used to go and fetch water, pretending he had come to gather reeds for making arrows. How often have I mischievously teased him. Kanku, look back at me! Alas, he whose blood would dance in his veins at a mere sign from me, now leaves my call unanswered.

Gone, gone, all the lights of our village are gone out! Professor, the steel is all eaten away, only the dark rust remains,--however did this happen?

_Professor_

Nandini, your notice happens to be attracted towards the ashes, but turn your eyes towards the flame, and you will behold the brilliance of its writhing tongues.

_Nandini_

I don’t follow you at all.

_Professor_

Well, you have seen the King, haven’t you? I hear you were charmed by his appearance.

_Nandini_

Of course I was! Isn’t he marvellous in his strength?

_Professor_

That marvellousness is the credit side of the account, and this ghastliness is the debit. These small ones are consumed to ash, that the great ones may leap up in flame. This is the principle underlying all rise to greatness.

_Nandini_

It’s a fiendish principle!

_Professor_

It’s no use getting annoyed with a principle. Principles are neither good nor bad. That which happens _does_ happen. To go against it, is to knock your head against the law of being.

_Nandini_

If this is the way of man’s being, I refuse to _be_, I want to depart with those shadows,--show me the way.

_Professor_

When the time comes for showing us out, the great ones themselves will point the way. Before that, there’s no such nuisance as a way at all! You see how our Antiquarian has quietly slipped off, thinking he’ll fly and save himself. After going a few steps, he’ll soon discover that there’s a wire network stretched from post to post, from country to country.

Nandini, I see, your temper is rising. The red oleanders against your flaming cheek are beginning to look like evening storm clouds gathering for a night of terror.

_Nandini_

(_Knocking at the net window_) Listen, listen!

_Professor_

Whom are you calling?

_Nandini_

That King of yours, shrouded in his mist of netting.

_Professor_

The door of the inner room has been closed. He won’t hear you.

_Nandini_

(_Calling out_) Bishu, mad brother mine!

_Professor_

What d’you want with _him_?

_Nandini_

Why hasn’t he come back yet? I feel afraid.

_Professor_

He was with you only a little while ago.

_Nandini_

The Governor said he was wanted to identify Rañjan. I tried to go with him, but they wouldn’t let me. Whose groaning is that?

_Professor_

It must be that wrestler of ours.

_Nandini_

What wrestler?

_Professor_

The world-famous Gajju, whose brother, Bhajan, had the bravado to challenge the King to a wrestling match, since when not even a thread of his loin cloth is anywhere to be seen. That put Gajju on his mettle, and he came on with great sound and fury. I told him at the outset that, if he wanted to dig in the tunnels underneath this kingdom, he was welcome,--he could at least drag on a dead and alive existence for some time. But if he wanted to make a show of heroics, that would not be tolerated for a moment.

_Nandini_

Does it at all make for their well-being thus to keep watch and ward over these man-traps night and day?

_Professor_

Well-being! There’s no question of “well” in it at all,--only “being.” That _being_ of theirs has expanded so terribly that, unless millions of men are pressed into service, who’s going to support its weight? So the net is spreading farther and farther. They must exist, you see.

_Nandini_

Must they? If it is necessary to die in order to live like men, what harm in dying?

_Professor_

Again that anger, the wild cry of red oleander? It is sweet, no doubt, yet what is true is true. If it gives you pleasure to say that one must die to live, well, say so by all means; but those who say that others must die that they themselves may live,--it’s only they who are actually alive. You may cry out that this shows a lack of humanity, but you forget, in your indignation, that this is what humanity itself happens to be. The tiger does not feed on the tiger, it’s only man who fattens on his fellow-man.

(_The Wrestler totters in._)

_Nandini_

Oh poor thing, see how he comes, staggering. Wrestler, lie down here. Professor, do see where he’s hurt.

_Professor_

You won’t see any outward sign of a wound.

_Wrestler_

All-merciful God, grant me strength once more in my life, if only for one little day!

_Professor_

Why, my dear fellow?

_Wrestler_

Just to wring that Governor’s neck!

_Professor_

What has the Governor done to you?

_Wrestler_

It’s he who brought about the whole thing. I never wanted to fight. Now, after egging me on, he goes about saying it’s my fault.

_Professor_

Why, what interest had he in your fighting?

_Wrestler_

They only feel safe when they rob the whole world of strength. Lord of Mercy, grant that I may be able to gouge his eyes out some day, to tear asunder his lying tongue!

_Nandini_

How do you feel now, Wrestler?

_Wrestler_

Altogether hollowed out! These demons know the magic art of sucking away not only strength but hope.

If only once I could somehow,--O good God, but once,--everything is possible to Thy mercy,--if only I could fasten my teeth for once in the Governor’s throat!

_Nandini_

Professor, help me to raise him.

_Professor_

That would be a crime, Nandini, according to the custom of this land.

_Nandini_

Wouldn’t it be a crime to let the man perish?

_Professor_

That which there is none to punish may be a sin, but never a crime. Nandini, come away, come right away out of this. The tree spreads its root-fingers and does its grabbing underground, but there it does not bring forth its flowers. Flowers bloom on the branches which reach towards the light. My sweet Red Oleander, don’t try to probe our secrets in the depths of their dust. Be for us swaying in the air above, that we may gaze upwards to see you.

There comes the Governor. He hates to see me talk to you. So I must go.

_Nandini_

Why is he so dead against me?

_Professor_

I can guess. You have touched his heart-strings. The longer it takes to tune them up, the more awful the discord meanwhile.

(_The Professor goes, the Governor comes in._)

_Nandini_

Sir Governor!

_Governor_

Nandini, when our Gosain saw that _kunda_ garland of yours in my room, both his eyes,--but here he comes----

(_The Gosain comes in._)

Your Holiness, accept my reverence. That garland was given to me by our Nandini here.

_Gosain_

Ah indeed! the gift of a pure heart! God’s own white _kunda_ flowers! Their beauty remains unsullied even in the hands of a man of the world. This is what gives one faith in the power of virtue, and hope for the sinners’ redemption.

_Nandini_

Please do something for this man, Your Reverence. There’s very little life left in him.

_Gosain_

The Governor is sure to keep him as much alive as it is necessary for him to be. But, my child, these discussions ill become your lips.

_Nandini_

So in this kingdom you follow some calculation in apportioning life?

_Gosain_

Of course,--for mortal life has its limits. Our class of people have their great burden to bear, therefore we have to claim a larger portion of life’s sustenance for our share. That’s according to Almighty God’s own decree.

_Nandini_

Reverend Sir, may I know what good God has so heavily charged you to do to these people?

_Gosain_

The life that is unlimited gives no provocation to fight for its distribution. We Preachers have the charge of turning these people towards this unlimited life. So long as they remain content with that, we are their friends.

_Nandini_

Then will this man with his very limited life have to remain lying here half dead?

_Gosain_

Why should he remain lying down anyway? What say you, Governor?

_Governor_

Quite right. Why should we let him lie? From now he won’t need to walk by his own strength alone, we shall carry him along with ours.

Here, Gajju!

_Wrestler_

Yes, Sir Governor!

_Gosain_

Good Lord, his voice has already become ever so much reedier. It strikes me we shall be able to make him join our choir of the Holy Name.

_Governor_

Gajju!

_Wrestler_

At your service, Sir!

_Governor_

Report yourself at the Headman’s quarters, parish Y-Z.

_Nandini_

How can the poor man possibly walk?

_Governor_

Look here, Nandini, it is our business to drive men. With the right kind of push a man can be made to go a good distance, even when he is at the point of collapse.

Get along with you, Gajju!

_Wrestler_

As you command, Sir!

_Nandini_

Let me come over to the Headman’s quarters to help you.

_Wrestler_

No. Don’t add to my troubles, I beg of you.

[_The Wrestler goes._

_Nandini_

Governor, stay, tell me, whither have you taken my Bishu?

_Governor_

Who am I that I should take him? The wind carries off the clouds,--if you think that to be a crime, make enquiries as to who is behind the wind.

_Nandini_

Dear me, what an awful place! You are not men, and those you drive are not men, either,--you are winds and they are clouds!

Reverend Gosain, I am sure, _you_ know where my Bishu is.

_Gosain_

I know, for sure, that wherever he is, it’s for the best.

_Nandini_

For whose best?

_Gosain_

That you won’t understand--

Oh, I say, leave off, let go of that, it’s my rosary.--Hallo, Governor, what wild girl is this you have----

_Governor_

The girl has somehow managed to ensconce herself in a niche, safe from the laws of this land, and we can’t lay hands on her. Our King himself----

_Gosain_

Good heavens, now she’ll tear off my wrap of the Holy Name too. What unspeakable outrage!

[_The Gosain flies._

_Nandini_

Governor, you _must_ tell me where you have taken Bishu.

_Governor_

They have summoned him to the court of judgement. That’s all that there is to tell you. Let me go.

_Nandini_

Because I am a woman, you are not afraid of me? God sends His thunderbolt through His messenger, the lightning spark--that bolt I have borne here with me; it will shatter the golden spire of your mastery.

_Governor_

Then let me tell you the truth before I go. It’s you who have dragged Bishu into danger.

_Nandini_

I?

_Governor_

Yes, you! He was so long content to be quietly burrowing away underground like a worm. It’s you who taught him to spread the wings of death. O fire of the gods, you’ll yet draw forth many more to their fate.--Then at length will you and I come to our understanding, and that won’t be long.

_Nandini_

So may it be. But tell me one thing before you go. Will you not let Rañjan come and see me?

_Governor_

No, never.

_Nandini_

Never, you say! I defy you to do your worst. This very day I am sure, absolutely sure, that he and I will meet!

[_Governor goes._

(_Knocking and tugging at the network_) Listen, listen, King! Where’s your court of judgement? Open its door to me.

(_Kishôr comes in._)

Who is that? My boy, Kishôr! Do you know where Bishu is?

_Kishôr_

Yes, Nandini, be ready to see him. I don’t know how it was, the Chief of the Guard took a fancy to my youthfulness and yielded to my entreaties. He has consented to take him along by this path.

_Nandini_

Guard! Take him along? Is he then----

_Kishôr_

Yes, here they come.

_Nandini_

What! Handcuffs on your wrists? Friend of my heart, where are they taking you like that?

(_Bishu comes in under arrest._)

_Bishu_

It’s nothing to be anxious about!--Guards, please wait a little, let me say a few words to her.--My wild girl, my heart’s joy, at last I am free.

_Nandini_

What do you mean, Singer of my heart? I don’t understand your words.

_Bishu_

When I used to be afraid, and try to avoid danger at every step, I seemed to be at liberty; but that liberty was the worst form of bondage.

_Nandini_

What offence have you committed that they should take you away thus?

_Bishu_

I spoke out the truth to-day, at last.

_Nandini_

What if you did?

_Bishu_

No harm at all!

_Nandini_

Then why did they bind you like this?

_Bishu_

What harm in that either? These chains will bear witness to the truth of my freedom.

_Nandini_

Don’t they feel ashamed of themselves to lead you along the road chained like a beast? Aren’t they men too?

_Bishu_

They have a big beast inside them, that’s why their heads are not lowered by the indignity of man, rather the inner brute’s tail swells and wags with pride at man’s downfall.

_Nandini_

O dear heart! Have they been hurting you? What are these marks on your body?

_Bishu_

They have whipped me, with the whips they use for their dogs. The string of that whip is made with the same thread which goes to the stringing of their Gosain’s rosary. When they tell their beads they don’t remember that; but probably their God is aware of it.

_Nandini_

Let them bind me like that too, and take me away with you, my heart’s Joy! Unless I share some of your punishment I shan’t be able to touch food from to-day.

_Kishôr_

I’m sure I can persuade them to take me in exchange for you. Let me take your place, Bishu.

_Bishu_

Don’t be silly!

_Kishôr_

Punishment won’t hurt me. I am young. I shall bear it with joy.

_Nandini_

No, no, do not talk like that.

_Kishôr_

Nandini, my absence has been noticed, their bloodhounds are after me. Allow me to escape the indignity awaiting me by taking shelter in a punishment I joyfully accept.

_Bishu_

No, it won’t do for you to be caught--not for a while yet. There’s work for you, dear boy, and dangerous work too. Rañjan has come. You must find him out.

_Kishôr_

Then I bid you farewell, Nandini. What is your message when I meet Rañjan?

_Nandini_

This tassel of red oleanders (_hands it to him_).

[_Kishôr goes._

_Bishu_

May you both be united once again.

_Nandini_

That union will give me no pleasure now. I shall never be able to forget that I sent you away empty-handed. And what has that poor boy, Kishôr, got from me?

_Bishu_

All the treasure hidden in his heart has been revealed to him by the fire you have lighted in his life. Nandini, I remind you, it’s for you to put that blue-throat’s feather on Rañjan’s crest.--There, do you hear them singing the harvest song?

_Nandini_

I do, and it wrings my heart, to tears.

_Bishu_

The play of the fields is ended now, and the field-master is taking the ripe corn home. Come on, Guards, let’s not linger any more.

(_Sings_)

_Mow the corn of the last harvest, bind it in sheaves.
The remainder, let it return as dust unto the dust._

[_They go._

(_The Governor and a Doctor come in._)

_Doctor_

I’ve seen him. I find the King dissatisfied with himself. That’s a disease, not of the body, but of the mind.

_Governor_

What’s the remedy?

_Doctor_

A big shock. Try and get up a big row, either with some other king, or amongst the people themselves!

_Governor_

In other words, unless he is allowed to harm some one else, he will harm himself?

_Doctor_

These big men are big babies. They must have plenty of play. When they get tired of one game, if you don’t supply them with another, they’ll break their toys. But be prepared, Governor, there isn’t much time to lose.

_Governor_

I’ve read the signs long ago, and completed all arrangements. But what a pity! Just when our golden city has amassed wealth such as it never had before, to have to--never mind, you may go--I’ll think it over.

[_Doctor goes._

(_A Headman comes in._)

_Headman_

Did Your Lordship send for me? I am the Headman of Parish J.

_Governor_

You are No. 321, aren’t you?

_Headman_

Marvellous! Your Lordship remembers even my unworthy self!

_Governor_

My wife will be driving out to-day. The post will be changed near your village, and you must see that she’s not detained.

_Headman_

There’s a plague on the cattle of our parish, and not a single ox can be had to draw the car. Never mind, we can press the diggers into service.

_Governor_

You know where you have to take her? To the garden-house, where the feast of the Flag-worship is to be held.

_Headman_

I’ll see to it at once, but let me tell you one thing before I go. That 69 Ng, whom they call mad Bishu,--it’s high time to cure his madness.

_Governor_

Why, how does he annoy you?

_Headman_

Not so much by what he says or does, as by what he implies.

_Governor_

There’s no need to worry about him any further. You understand!

_Headman_

Really! That’s good news, indeed! Another thing. That 47 V, he’s rather too friendly with 69 Ng.

_Governor_

I have observed that.

_Headman_

Your Lordship’s observation is ever keen. Only, as you have to keep an eye on so many things, one or two may perchance escape your notice. For instance, there’s our No. 95, a distant connection of mine by marriage, ever ready to make sandals for the feet of Your Lordship’s sweeper out of his own ribs,--so irrepressibly loyal is he that even his wife hangs her head for very shame,--and yet up to now----

_Governor_

His name has been entered in the High Register.

_Headman_

Ah, then his lifelong service will at last receive its reward! The news must be broken to him gently, because he gets epileptic fits, and supposing suddenly----

_Governor_

All right, we’ll see to that. Now be off, there’s no time.

_Headman_

Just a word about another person,--though he’s my own brother-in-law. When his mother died, my wife brought him up with her own hands; yet for my master’s sake----

_Governor_

You can tell me about him another time. Run away now.

_Headman_

There comes His Honour the Deputy Governor. Please speak a word to him on my behalf. He doesn’t look upon me with favour. I suspect that when 69 Ng used to enjoy the favour of free entry into the palace, he must have been saying things against me.

_Governor_

I assure you, he never even mentioned your name.

_Headman_

That’s just his cleverness! What can be more damaging than to suppress the name of a man, whose name is his best asset? These schemers have their different ways. No. 33 of our parish has an incurable habit of haunting Your Lordship’s private chamber. One is always afraid of his inventing goodness knows what calumnies about other people. And yet if one knew the truth about his own----

_Governor_

There’s positively no time to-day. Get away with you, quick!

_Headman_

I make my salute.

(_Coming back_) Just one word more lest I forget. No. 88 of our neighbouring parish started work on a miserable pittance, and before two years are out his income has run into thousands, not to speak of extras! Your Lordship’s mind is like that of the gods--a few words of hypocritical praise are enough to draw down the best of your boons.

_Governor_

All right, all right,--that can keep for to-morrow.

_Headman_

I’m not so mean as to suggest taking away the bread from his mouth. But Your Lordship should seriously consider whether it’s wise to keep him on at the Treasury. Our Vishnu Dutt knows him inside out. If you send----

_Governor_

I shall send for him this very day. But begone,--not another word!

_Headman_

Your Lordship, my third son is getting to be quite a big boy. He came the other day to prostrate himself at your feet. After two days of dancing attendance outside, he had to go away without gaining admission to you. He feels it very bitterly. My daughter-in-law has made with her own hands an offering of sweet pumpkin for Your Lordship----

_Governor_

Oh confound you! Tell him to come day after to-morrow, he will be admitted. _Now, will you_----

(_Headman goes. The Deputy Governor comes in._)

_Deputy Governor_

I’ve just sent on the dancing girls and musicians to the garden.

_Governor_

And that little matter about Rañjan,--how far----?

_Deputy Governor_

That kind of work is not in my line. The Assistant Governor has taken it upon himself to do the job. By this time his----

_Governor_

Does the King----?

_Deputy Governor_

The King can’t possibly have understood. Some lie told by our men has goaded Rañjan to frenzy, and he’s rushing to the usual fate of----I detest the whole business. Moreover, I don’t think it right to deceive the King like this.

_Governor_

That responsibility is mine. Now then, that girl must be----

_Deputy Governor_

Don’t talk of all that to me. The Headman who has been put on duty is the right man,--he doesn’t stick at any dirtiness whatever.

_Governor_

Does that man Gosain know about this affair?

_Deputy Governor_

I’m sure he can guess, but he’s careful not to know for certain.

_Governor_

What’s his object?

_Deputy Governor_

For fear of there being no way left open for saying: “I don’t believe it.”

_Governor_

But what makes him take all this trouble?

_Deputy Governor_

Don’t you see? The poor man is really two in one, clumsily joined,--Priest on the skin, Governor at the marrow. He has to take precious care to prevent the Governor part of him coming up to the surface, lest it should clash too much with his telling of beads.

_Governor_

He might have dropped the beads altogether.

_Deputy Governor_

No, for whatever his blood may be, his mind, in a sense, is really pious. If only he can tell his beads in his temple, and revel in slave-driving in his dreams, he feels happy. But for him, the true complexion of our God would appear too black. In fact, Gosain is placed here only to help our God to feel comfortable.

_Governor_

My friend, I see the instinct of the Ruler doesn’t seem to match with the colour of your own blood, either!

_Deputy Governor_

There’s hope still. Human blood is fast drying up. But I can’t stomach your No. 321 yet. When I’m obliged to embrace him in public, no holy water seems able to wash out the impurity of his touch.

Here comes Nandini.

_Governor_

Come away, I don’t trust you. I know the spell of Nandini has fallen on your eyes.

_Deputy Governor_

I know that as well as you do. But you don’t seem to know that a tinge of her oleanders has got mixed with the colour of duty in _your_ eyes too--that’s what makes them so frightfully red.

_Governor_

That may be. Fortunately for us, our mind knows not its own secret. Come away.

[_They go._

(_Nandini comes in._)

_Nandini_

(_Knocking and pushing at the network_) Listen, listen, listen!

(_The Gosain comes in._)

_Gosain_

Whom are you prodding like that?

_Nandini_

That boa-constrictor of yours, who remains in hiding and swallows men.

_Gosain_

Lord, lord! When Providence wishes to destroy the small, it does so by putting big words into their little mouths.

See here, Nandini, believe me when I tell you that I aim at your welfare.

_Nandini_

Try some more real method of doing me good.

_Gosain_

Come to my sanctuary, let me chant you the Holy Name for a while.

_Nandini_

What have I to do with the name?

_Gosain_

You will gain peace of mind.

_Nandini_

Shame, shame on me if I do! I shall sit and wait here at the door.

_Gosain_

You have more faith in men than in God?

_Nandini_

Your God of the Flagstaff,--he will never unbend. But the man who is lost to sight behind the netting, will he also remain bound in his network for ever? Go, go. It’s your trade to delude men with words, after filching away their lives.

[_The Gosain goes._

(_Enter Phágulal and Chandrá._)

_Phágulal_

Our Bishu came away with you, where is he now? Tell us the truth.

_Nandini_

He has been made prisoner and taken away.

_Chandrá_

You witch, you must have given information against him. You are their spy.

_Nandini_

You don’t really believe that!

_Chandrá_

What else are you doing here?

_Phágulal_

Every person suspects every other person in this cursed place. Yet I have always trusted you, Nandini. In my heart I used to---- However, let that pass. But to-day it looks very very strange, I must say.

_Nandini_

Perhaps it does. It may really be even as you say. Bishu has got into trouble for coming with me. He used to be quite safe in your company, he said so himself.

_Chandrá_

They why did you decoy him away, you evil-omened creature?

_Nandini_

Because he said he wanted to be free.

_Chandrá_

A precious kind of freedom you have given him!

_Nandini_

I could not understand all that he said, Chandrá. Why did he tell me that freedom could only be found by plunging down to the bottom of danger?--Phágulal, how could I save him who wanted to be free from the tyranny of safety?

_Chandrá_

We don’t understand all this. If you can’t bring him back, you’ll have to pay for it. I’m not to be taken in by that coquettish prettiness of yours.

_Phágulal_

What’s the use of idle bickering? Let’s gather a big crowd from the workmen’s lines, and then go and smash the prison gate.

_Nandini_

I’ll come with you.

_Phágulal_

What for?

_Nandini_

To join in the breaking.

_Chandrá_

As if you haven’t done quite enough breaking already, you sorceress!

(_Gôkul comes in._)

_Gôkul_

That witch must be burnt alive, before everything else.

_Chandrá_

That won’t be punishment enough. First knock off that beauty of hers, with which she goes about ruining people. Weed it out of her face as the grass is weeded with a hoe.

_Gôkul_

That I can do. Let this hammer just have a dance on her nose tip----

_Phágulal_

Beware! If you dare touch her----

_Nandini_

Stop, Phágulal. He’s a coward; he wants to strike me because he’s afraid of me. I don’t fear his blows one bit.

_Gôkul_

Phágulal, you haven’t come to your senses yet. You think the Governor alone is your enemy. Well, I admire a straightforward enemy. But that sweet-mouthed beauty of yours----

_Nandini_

Ah, so you too admire the Governor, as the mud beneath his feet admires the soles of his shoes!

_Phágulal_

Gôkul, the time has at length come to show your prowess, but not by fighting a girl. Come along with me. I’ll show you what to fight.

[_Phágulal, Chandrá, and Gôkul go._

(_A band of men come in._)

_Nandini_

Where are you going, my good men?

_First man_

We carry the offering for the Flag-worship.

_Nandini_

Have you seen Rañjan?

_Second man_

I saw him once, five days ago, but not since. Ask those others who follow us.

_Nandini_

Who are they?

_Third man_

They are bearing wine for the Governors’ feast.

(_The first batch goes, another comes in._)

_Nandini_

Look here, red-caps, have you seen Rañjan?

_First man_

I saw him the other day at the house of Headman Sambhu.

_Nandini_

Where is he now?

_Second man_

D’you see those men taking the ladies’ dresses for the feast? Ask them. They hear a lot of things that don’t reach our ears.

(_Second batch go, a third come in._)

_Nandini_

Do _you_ know, my men, where they have kept Rañjan?

_First man_

Hush, hush!

_Nandini_

I am sure you know. You _must_ tell me.

_Second man_

What enters by our ears doesn’t come out by our mouths, that’s why we are still alive. Ask one of the men who are carrying the weapons.

(_They go, others come in._)

_Nandini_

Oh do stop a moment and listen to me. Tell me, where is Rañjan?

_First man_

The auspicious hour draws near. It’s time for the King himself to come for the Flag-worship. Ask him about it when he steps out. We only know the beginning, not the end.

[_They go._

_Nandini_ (_shaking the network violently_)

Open the door. The time has come.

_Voice_ (_behind the scenes_)

But not for you. Go away from here.

_Nandini_

You must hear _now_ what I have to say. It cannot wait for another time.

_Voice_

You want Rañjan, I know. I have asked the Governor to fetch him at once. But don’t remain standing at the door when I come out for the worship, for then you’ll run great risk.

_Nandini_

I have cast away all fear. You can’t drive me away. Happen what may, I’m not going to move till your door is opened.

_Voice_

To-day’s for the Flag-worship. Don’t distract my mind. Get away from my door.

_Nandini_

The gods have all eternity for their worship, they’re not pressed for time. But the sorrows of men cannot wait to reach other men, they have so very little time.

_Voice_

I am tired, very tired. I go to the Flag-worship to revive my drooping spirit. Don’t unnerve me.

_Nandini_

Pass over my body if you will, I shan’t move.

_Voice_

Nandini, too much have I indulged you, so that you no longer fear me. But to-day you _shall_ be afraid!

_Nandini_

I dare you to frighten me, as you do the rest. I scorn your indulgence!

_Voice_

Do you indeed! Then I shall shatter your pride to-day. The time has come for me to reveal myself to you.

_Nandini_

I await that revelation. Open your door.

(_The door opens, the King appears._)

Oh who is that,--lying on the floor,--is it not Rañjan himself?

_King_

What did you say? Rañjan! How can that possibly be?

_Nandini_

Yes, this is indeed my Rañjan.

_King_

Then why did he not give his name? Why did he fling me his challenge?

_Nandini_

Wake, Rañjan, it is I, your Red Oleander! King, why does he not wake?

_King_

Deceived! These traitors have deceived me,--perdition take them! My own machine refuses my sway! Call the Governor--bring him to me handcuffed----

_Nandini_

King, they all say you know magic. Make him wake up for my sake.

_King_

My magic can only put an end to waking.--Alas! I know not how to awaken.

_Nandini_

Then lull me to sleep,--the same sleep! Oh, why did you work this havoc? I cannot bear it any more.

_King_

I have killed youth. Yes, I have indeed killed youth,--all these years, with all my strength. The curse of youth, dead, is upon me.

_Nandini_

Did he not take my name?

_King_

He did,--in such a way that every vein in my body was set on fire.

_Nandini_ (_to Rañjan_)

My love, my brave one, here do I place this blue-throat’s feather in your crest. Your victory has begun from to-day, and I am its bearer. Ah, here is that tassel of my flowers in his hand. Then Kishôr must have met him----

But where is he? King, where is that boy?

_King_

Which boy?

_Nandini_

The boy who brought these flowers to Rañjan.

_King_

That absurd little child! He came to defy me with his girlish face.

_Nandini_

And then? Tell me! Quick!

_King_

He burst himself against me, like a bubble.

_Nandini_

King, the Time is indeed now come!

_King_

Time for what?

_Nandini_

For the last fight between you and me.

_King_

But I can kill you in no time,--this instant.

_Nandini_

From that very instant that death of mine will go on killing you every single moment.

_King_

Be brave, Nandini, trust me. Make me your comrade to-day.

_Nandini_

What would you have me do?

_King_

To fight against me, but with your hand in mine. That fight has already begun. There is my flag. First I break the Flagstaff,--thus! Next it’s for you to tear its banner. Let your hand unite with mine to kill me, utterly kill me. That will be my emancipation.

_Guards_ (_rushing up_)

What are you doing, King? You dare break the Flagstaff, the holiest symbol of our divinity? The Flagstaff which has its one point piercing the heart of the earth and the other that of heaven! What a terrible sin,--on the very day of the Flag-worship! Comrades, let us go and inform our Governors.

[_They run off._

_King_

A great deal of breaking remains to be done. You will come with me, Nandini?

_Nandini_

I will.

(_Phágulal comes in._)

_Phágulal_

They won’t hear of letting Bishu off. I am afraid, they’ll----Who is this? The King!

Oh you wicked witch,--conspiring with the King himself! O vile deceiver!

_King_

What is the matter with you? What is that crowd out for?

_Phágulal_

To break the prison gate. We may lose our lives, but we shan’t fall back.

_King_

Why should you fall back? I too am out for breaking. Behold the first sign--my broken Flagstaff!

_Phágulal_

What! This is altogether beyond us simple folk.

Be merciful, Nandini, don’t deceive me. Am I to believe my eyes?

_Nandini_

Brother, you have set out to win death. You have left no chance for deception to touch you.

_Phágulal_

You too come along with us, our own Nandini!

_Nandini_

That is what I’m still alive for, Phágulal. I wanted to bring my Rañjan amongst you. Look there, he has come, my hero, braving death!

_Phágulal_

Oh, horror! Is that Rañjan lying there, silent?

_Nandini_

Not silent. He leaves behind him in death his conquering call. He will live again, he cannot die.

_Phágulal_

Ah, my Nandini, my beautiful one, was it for this you were waiting all these eager days?

_Nandini_

I _did_ await his coming, and he _did_ come. I still wait to prepare for his coming again, and he _shall_ come again. Where is Chandrá?

_Phágulal_

She has gone with her tears and prayers to the Governor, accompanied by Gôkul. I’m afraid Gôkul is seeking to take up service with the Governor. He will betray us.

King, are you sure you don’t mistake us? We are out to break your own prison, I tell you!

_King_

Yes, it is my _own_ prison. You and I must work together, for you cannot break it alone.

_Phágulal_

As soon as the Governor hears of it, he will march with all his forces to prevent us.

_King_

Yes, my fight is against them.

_Phágulal_

But the soldiers will not obey you.

_King_

_You_ will be on my side!

_Phágulal_

Shall we be able to win through?

_King_

We shall at least be able to die! At last I have found the meaning of death. I am saved!

_Phágulal_

King, do you hear the tumult?

_King_

There comes the Governor with his troops. How could he be so quick about it? He must have been prepared beforehand. They have used my own power against me.

_Phágulal_

My men have not yet turned up.

_King_

They will never come. The Governor is sure to get round them.

_Nandini_

I had my last hope that they would bring my Bishu to me. Will that never be?

_King_

No hope of that, I’m afraid.

_Phágulal_

Then come along, Nandini, let us take you to a safe place first. The Governor will see red, if he but catches sight of you.

_Nandini_

You want to banish me into the solitary exile of safety?

(_Calling out_) Governor! Governor!--He has swung up my garland of _kunda_ flowers on his spear-head. I will dye that garland the colour of my oleanders with my heart’s blood.--Governor! He has seen me! Victory to Rañjan!

[_Runs off._

_King_ (_calling after her_)

Nandini!

[_Follows her._

(_The Professor comes in._)

_Phágulal_

Where are _you_ hurrying to, Professor?

_Professor_

Some one said that the King has at last had tidings of the secret of Life, and has gone off in quest of it. I have thrown away my books to follow him.

_Phágulal_

The King has just gone off to his death. He has heard Nandini’s call.

_Professor_

The network is torn to shreds! Where is Nandini?

_Phágulal_

She has gone before them all. We can’t reach her any more.

_Professor_

It is only now that we shall reach her. She won’t evade us any longer.

(_Professor rushes out, Bishu comes in._)

_Bishu_

Phágulal, where is Nandini?

_Phágulal_

How did you get here?

_Bishu_

Our workmen have broken into the prison. There they are,--running off to fight. I came to look for Nandini. Where is she?

_Phágulal_

She has gone in advance of us all.

_Bishu_

Where?

_Phágulal_

To the last freedom.

Bishu, do you see who is lying there?

_Bishu_

Rañjan!

_Phágulal_

You see the red streak?

_Bishu_

I understand,--their red marriage tie!

_Phágulal_

They are united.

_Bishu_

Now it is for me to take my last lonely journey.--Perhaps we may meet.--Perhaps she may want me to sing.--My mad girl, O my mad girl!--

Come, brother, on to the fight!

_Phágulal_

To the fight! Victory to Nandini!

_Bishu_

Victory to Nandini!

_Phágulal_

Here is her wristlet of red oleanders. She has bared her arm to-day,--and left us.

_Bishu_

Once I told her I would not take anything from her hand. I break my word and take this. Come along!

[_They go._

(_Song in the distance._)

_Hark ’tis Autumn calling,--
Come, O come away!
The earth’s mantle of dust is filled with ripe corn!
O the joy! the joy!_

CURTAIN

FOOTNOTES:

[1] _Nîlkantha_, a bird of good omen.

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Transcriber’s Notes

Obvious typographical errors and punctuation errors have been silently corrected after careful comparison with other occurrences within the text and consultation of external sources. Some hyphens in words have been silently removed and some silently added when a predominant preference was found in the original book. Except for those changes noted below, all misspellings in the text and inconsistent or archaic usage have been retained.

Page 51: “Hullo, 69 Ng” replaced by “Hallo, 69 Ng”.

Page 52: “banian tree” replaced by “banyan tree”.

Italicized text is surrounded by underscores: _italics_. Bold text is surrounded by equal signs: =bold=.