Part 6 (2/2)

Yes, they are like the turnips, which cling to the ground.

_Dada_

Well, then, listen to me----

How awful! Here's Dada going to run amuck with his quatrains.

Oh dear, oh dear! The quatrains are let loose. There's no holding them in.

To all pa.s.sers-by I give notice that Dada's quatrains have gone mad, and are running amuck.

_Chandra_

Dada! Don't take any notice of their fun. Go on with your reading. If no one else can survive it, I think I can. I am not a coward like these fellows.

Come on, then, Dada. We won't be cowards. We will keep our ground, and not yield an inch, but only listen.

We will receive the spear-thrusts of the quatrains on our breast, not on our back.

But for pity's sake, Dada, give us only one--not more.

_Dada_

Very well. Now listen:

_If bamboos were made only into flutes, They would droop and die with very shame, They hold their heads high in the sky, Because they are variously useful._

Please, gentlemen, don't laugh. Have patience while I explain.

The meaning is----

The meaning?

What? Must the infantry charge of meaning follow the cannonading of your quatrains, to complete the rout?

_Dada_

Just one word to make you understand. It means, that if the bamboos were no better than those noisy instruments----

No, Dada, we must not understand.

I defy you to make us understand.

Dada, if you use force to make us understand we shall use force to force ourselves not to understand.

_Dada_

The gist of the quatrain is this, that if we do no good to the world, then----

Then the world will be very greatly relieved.

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