The Cycle of Spring Part 14

That won't suit us. That would be awkward for our Spring Festival.

_Chandra_

We shall have to change our date from the full moon to the dark moon. For the dark moon has no end of eyes on her breast.

_Watchman_

But I warn you, my friends, you are not doing wisely.

No, we are not.

We are found out again. We never do anything wisely. It is contrary to our habit.

_Watchman_

Do you take this to be a joke? I warn you, my friends, it is dangerous.

Dangerous? That's the best joke of all.

(_They sing._)

_We are neither too good nor wise, That is all the merit we have.

Our calumny spreads from land to land, And danger dogs our steps.

We take great care to forget what is taught us, We say things different from the book, Bringing upon us trouble, And rebuke from the learned._

_Watchman_

Ah, Sir, you spoke about some Leader. Where is he? He could have kept you in order, if he were with you.

He never stays with us, lest he should have to keep us in order.

He simply launches us on our way, and then slips off.

_Watchman_

That's a poor idea of leaders.h.i.+p.

_Chandra_

He is never concerned about his leaders.h.i.+p. That is why we recognize him as our Leader.

_Watchman_

Then he has got a very easy task.

_Chandra_

It is no easy task to lead men. But it is easy enough to drive them.

(_They sing._)

_We are not too good nor wise, That is all the merit we have.

In a luckless moment we were born, When the star of wisdom was the dimmest.

We can hope for no profit from our adventures, We move on, because we must._

Dada, come on. Let us go.

_Watchman_

No, no, Sir. Don't you get yourself into mischief in their company.

_Ferryman_

You read your verses, Sir, to us. Our neighbours will be here soon. They will be greatly profited.

_Dada_

No. I'm not going to move a step from here.

Then let us move. The men in the street can't bear us.

That's because we rattle them too much.

You hear the hum of human bees, they smell the honey of Dada's quatrains.

_Youths_

[_Together._] They come! They come!

(_Enter Village folk._)

_Villager_

Is it true that there is going to be a reading?

Who are you? Are _you_ going to read?

No. We commit all kinds of atrocities, but not that. This one merit will bring us salvation.

_Villager_

What do they say? They seem to be talking in riddles.

_Chandra_

We only say things which we perfectly understand ourselves, and they are riddles to you. Dada repeats to you things which you understand perfectly and these sound to you the very essence of wisdom.

(_Boy enters._)