_Bishu_
Sister, we can only say the words,--they put in the meaning.
(_The Governor comes in._)
_Chandrá_
Sir Governor!
_Governor_
Well, my child?
_Chandrá_
Grant us leave to go home for a little.
_Governor_
Why, aren’t the rooms we have given you excellent, much better than
the ones at home? We have even kept a state watchman for your safety.
Hallo, 69 Ng, to see you amongst these people reminds one of a heron
come to teach paddy birds how to cut capers.
_Bishu_
Sir, your jesting does not reassure me. Had my feet the strength to
make others dance, would I not have run away from here, first thing?
Especially after the striking examples I’ve seen of the fate that
overtakes dancing masters in this country. As things are, one’s legs
tremble even to walk straight.
_Chandrá_
Give us leave, Sir Governor, do give us leave. Let us go just for
once, and see our waving fields of barleycorn in the ear, and the
ample shade of our banyan tree with its hanging roots. I cannot tell
you how our hearts ache. Don’t you see that your men here work all
day in the dark, and in the evening steep themselves in the denser
dark of drunkenness? Have you no pity for them?
_Governor_
My dear child, surely you know of our constant anxiety for their
welfare. That is exactly why I have sent for our High Preacher,
Kenarám Gosain himself, to give moral talks to the men. Their votive
fees will pay for his upkeep. Every evening the Gosain will come
and----
_Phágulal_
That won’t do, sir! Now, at worst, we get drunk of an evening, but if
we are preached to every night, there’ll be manslaughter!
_Bishu_
Hush, hush, Phágulal.
(_Preacher Gosain comes in._)
_Governor_
Talk of the Preacher and he appears. Your Holiness, I do you
reverence. These workmen of ours sometimes feel disturbed in their
weak minds. Deign to whisper in their ears some texts of peace. The
need is urgent.
_Gosain_
These people? Are they not the very incarnation of the sacred
Tortoise of our scripture, that held up the sinking earth on its
back? Because they meekly suppress themselves underneath their
burden, the upper world can keep its head aloft. The very thought
sends a thrill through my body!
Just think of it, friend 47 V, yours is the duty of supplying food to
this mouth which chants the holy name. With the sweat of your brow
have you woven this wrap printed with the holy name, which exalts
this devoted body. Surely that is no mean privilege. May you remain
for ever undisturbed, is my benediction, for then the grace of God
will abide with you likewise.
My friends, repeat aloud the holy name of Hari, and all your burdens
will be lightened. The name of Hari shall be taken in the beginning,
in the middle, and at the end,--so say the scriptures.
_Chandrá_
How sweet! It’s long since I have heard such words! Give, oh give me
a little dust off your feet!
_Phágulal_
Stop this waste of money, Governor. If it’s our offerings you want,
we can stand it, but we’re fairly sick of this cant.
_Bishu_
Once Phágulal runs amok it’s all over with the lot of you. Hush,
hush, Phágulal!
_Chandrá_
Are you bent on spoiling your chances both in this world and the
next, you wretched man? You were never like this before. Nandini’s
ill wind has blown upon you,--and no mistake.
_Gosain_
What charming naïveté, Sir Governor! What’s in their heart is always
on their lips. What can we teach them?--it’s they who’ll teach us a
lesson. You know what I mean.
_Governor_
I know where the root of the trouble is. I’ll have to take them in
hand myself, I see. Meanwhile, pray go to the next parish and chant
them the holy name,--the sawyers there have taken to grumbling,
somewhat.
_Gosain_
Which parish did you say?
_Governor_
Parish T-D. No. 71 T is headman there. It ends to the left of where
No. 65 of Row M lives.
_Gosain_
My son, though Parish T-D may not yet be quieted, the whole Row of
M’s have lately become steeped in a beautiful spirit of meekness.
Still it is better to keep an extra police force posted in the parish
some time longer. Because, as you know our scripture says,--pride
is our greatest foe. After the strength of the police has helped to
conquer pride, then comes our turn. I take my leave.
_Chandrá_
Forgive these men, Your Holiness, and give them your blessing, that
they may follow the right path.
_Gosain_
Fear not, good woman, they’ll all end thoroughly pacified.
[_The Gosain goes._
_Governor_