RED OLEANDERS (continued 2)
Reading edition
[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:
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