Part 17 (1/2)

_Minstrel_

I hear with my whole being.

_Chandra_

They all started up with fear, when I asked about the Old Man.

Only this Minstrel seemed to have no fear. I suppose because he cannot see, he is not afraid.

_Minstrel_

Do you know why I have no fear? When the sun of my life set, and I became blind, the dark night revealed all its lights, and, from that day forward, I have been no more afraid of the dark.

Then let us go. The evening star is up.

_Minstrel_

Let me sing, and walk on as I sing, and you follow me. I cannot find my way, if I do not sing.

What do you mean?

_Minstrel_

My songs precede, I follow.

(_He sings._)

_Gently, my friend, gently walk to your silent chamber.

I know not the way, I have not the light, Dark is my life and my world.

I have only the sound of your steps to guide me in this wilderness._

_Gently, my friend, gently walk along the dark sh.o.r.e.

Let the hint of the way come in whisper, Through the night, in the April breeze.

I have only the scent of your garland to guide me in this wilderness._

ACT IV

SONG-PRELUDE

[_There enter a troupe of young things, and they introduce themselves in a song as follows:_]

THE SONG OF RETURNING YOUTH

_Again and again we say ”Good-bye,”

To come back again and again.

Oh, who are you?

I am the flower vakul.

And who are you?

I am the flower parul.

And who are these?

We are mango blossoms landed on the sh.o.r.e of light.

We laugh and take leave when the time beckons us.