AUTUMN-FESTIVAL(play)
Rabindranath Tagore
CHARACTERS
Sanyasi, Emperor Vijayaditya in disguise
Thakurdada
Luckeswar
Upananda
Rajah
Boys
Ministers, Courtiers, etc
Scene. The forest near the river Vetasini.
LUCKESWAR and UPANANDA.
LUCKESWAR।
Have you brought me the money which is long overdue?
UPANANDA।
My master died last night.
LUCKESWAR।
Died! Absurd! That trick won't do. What about the money?
UPANANDA।
He hasn't left anything except the vina which was his only means of paying off your debt.
LUCKESWAR।
Only the vina! That's a consoling piece of news to bring to me.
UPANANDA।
I haven't come to give you news. There was a time when I was a beggar in the street; he sheltered me and allowed me to share his food, which was scanty enough. I have come to offer my service till his debt is fully paid.
LUCKESWAR।
Indeed! Now that he is no more you have come to share my food, which is not overabundant. I am not such an ass as to be taken in by you. However let me First know what you can do.
UPANANDA।
I can copy manuscripts and illuminate them. Food I won't take in your house. I shall earn it and also pay off the debt.
LUCKESWAR।
(aside). The vina player was a big fool and he has moulded this boy in his own pattern. This vagabond is pining to take up some voluntary burden to be crushed to death. For some creatures this is the only natural death. -Good, I agree. But you must pay me the money on the third day of each month, otherwise -
UPANANDA।
Otherwise what! Your threats are of no use. In memory of my dear master I take this up. But no threats for me, I warn you.
LUCKESWAR।
Don't take offence, my child. You are made of gold, every inch of you: you are a jewel. You know I have my god in the temple, his worship depends upon my charity. If, owing to any irregularity in your payment, I have to curtail the temple expenses, the sin will be on your head. (UPANANDA moves away to another side of the forest.) Who's that! It must be my own boy prowling about this place. I am sure the rogue is seeking for the place where I keep my treasure hidden. Simply out of fear of these prying noses I have to remove it from place to place. - Dhanapati, why on earth are you here?
YOU ARE READING
Tagore
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