B. They must be taught and they will learn the truth.
[The procession enters. A small band of musicians comes with primitive instruments, among them drums. They are followed first by dancers, then by a priest (Pr.) flourishing in his bloody hand a large knife. By his side walks a shepherd carrying a lamb. Behind them the farmer's (F.) family and other people]
GS. What horrible sounds! And the crowd behave like madmen.
Pr. Maha Kali!
Crowd. Kali Ma!
Pr. Goddess of the black countenance! Great Black Mother!
Crowd. Maha Kali! Kali Ma!
Maha Kali! Kali Ma!
Maha Kali! Kali Ma!
[The priest steps to the altar; the crowd kneels in a large circle. At the priest's signal the farmer approaches the altar and kneels. His behavior betrays superstitious timidity and great awkwardness. The shepherd exhibits the lamb first to the priest and then to the dancers who in fantastic dancing step advance and retreat while the music plays. Finally the lamb is placed on the altar.]
Pr. Have Mercy on us! Slay the demon of disease.
Keep away Yama the horrible one, the god of Death.
Crowd. Kali Ma, have mercy on us!