The King of the Dark Chamber

by Rabindranath Tagore

FIRST HERALD.
Our King, the King of this country.

FIRST CITIZEN.
What, is the fellow mad? Whoever heard of our King coming out heralded by these vociferous gentry?

SECOND HERALD.
The King will no longer deny himself to his subjects. He is coming to command the festivities himself.

SECOND CITIZEN.
Brother, is that so?

SECOND HERALD.
Look, his banner is flying over there.

SECOND CITIZEN.
Ah, yes, that is a flag indeed.

SECOND HERALD.
Do you see the red Kimshuk flower painted on it?

SECOND CITIZEN.
Yes, yes, it is the Kimshuk indeed!—what a bright scarlet flower!

FIRST HERALD.
Well! do you believe us now?

SECOND CITIZEN.
I never said I didn’t. That fellow Kumbha started all this fuss. Did I say a word?