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OCTOBER, 1975
Sumitra :
Vijaya :
As body-guards, it is our duty to protect the Prince. What matters is the loss of opportunity to win the applause of public as great heroes and protector of the people. Never again will come this opportunity to excel as archers. [Sighs] [Voices from behind the screen : “Glory to Prince Vardhaman ! Victory to the Prince ! Hail Vardhaman!”]
Vijaya :
Wherefrom these sounds of Victory?
Sumitra :
Why, glory unto Vardhaman ? On one side the elephant is mercilessly crushing unarmed people ; and on the other they are singing halleluiahs.
Vijaya :
It is all a conundrum.
Sumitra :
Let us come and find out the actual position.
Vijaya :
Happy tidings are in store. Let us join the chore.
[As they are about to start, two citizens enter]
1st Citizen :
Our salutations unto you. You appear to be comrades of Prince Vardhaman.
Sumitra :
So it is. But where is Prince Vardhaman ?
2nd Citizen :
He is in the crowd. And flowers are being showered on him from all sides.
Vijaya :
Flowers ? How? Why? And where is the elephant ?
Sumitra :
Yes, that mad elephant that had lost its moorings and was crushing people here and there.
1st Citizen :
That same elephant has been tamed by the Prince.
Sumitra :
How ! Did the Prince use his bow and arrow?
2nd Citizen :
The Prince did have the bow and arrow but those he handed over to me. He faced the elephant unarmed.
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