The Post Office

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तमसो मा ज्योतिर्गमय
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VISWA BHARATI
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TIE POST OFFICE This Edition is intended for circulation only in India, Burma and Ceylon

THE POST OFFICE
BY
RABINDRANATH TAGORE
TRANSLATED
BY
DEVABRATA MUKERJEA
Indian Edition
MACMILLAN AND CO., LIMITED
CALCUTTA . BOMBAY. MADRAS. LONDON
1919

PREFACE ; Wiren this little play was performed in London a year ago by the Irish players, some friends of mine eliscovered much detailed allegory, the Headman being one principle of social life, the Curdseller or the. Caffer another ; but the meaning is less intellectual, 'more emotional and simple. The deliverance sought and won by the dying child is the same deliverance which rose before his imagination, Mr. Tagore has said, when once in the early dawn he heard, amid the noise of a crowd returning from some festival, this line out of an old village song, "Perryman, take me

vi
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to the other shore of the river." It
may come at any moment of life,
though the child discovers it in death,
for it always comes at the moment
when the “T," seeking no longer for
gains that cannot be 6 assimilated
with its spirit," is able to say, “All
my work is thine
(Sadhanā, pp.
162, 163). On the stage the little
play shows that it is very perfectly
constructed, and conveys to the right
audience an emotion of gentleness
and peace.
W. B. YEATS.

DRAMATIS PERSONAL
MADHAT.
Amar, his adopted child.
Sudia, a little flower girl,
The Doctor.
DAIRYMAN.
WATCHINAX.
GAFFER.
VILLAGE HEADMAN, a hully.
King's HERALD.
Royal PHYSICIAN.

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THE PUST OFFICE AUT I

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ACT I
( Madhav's House.)
;
Madhav
What a state I am in ! Before he
came, nothing mattered ; I felt so free.
But now that he has come, goodness
knows from where, my heart is filled
with his dear self, and my home will
be no home to me when he leaves.
Doctor, do you think he
Physician
If there's life in his fate, then he
will live long. But what the medical
scriptures say, it seems
Madhav
Great heavens, what ?

4 TIIE POST OFFICE Physician The scriptures have it: “Bile or palsey, cold or gout spring all alike." Madhav Oh, get along, don't ſing your scriptures at me ; you only make me more anxious ; tell me what I can do. Physician (taking snuff) The patient nceds the most scrupulous care. Madhav That's true ; but tell me how. Physician I have already mentioned, on accouut must he be let out of doors. no Mazliav Poor child, it is very hard to keep him indoors all day long.

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5
Physician
What else can you do ?. The autumn
sun and the damp are both very bad
for the little fellow--for the scriptures
have it :
" In wheezing, swooning or in nervous
{retran
In jaundice or leaden eyes
Nadhav
Never mind the scriptures, please.
Eh, then we must shut the poor thing
up. Is there no other method ?
Physician
None at all : for, “In the wind and
in the sun
Madhav
What will your "in this and in
that" do for me now? Why don't
you let them alone and come straight
to the point? What's to be done

6 THE POST OFFICE then ? Your system is very, very hard for the poor boy; and he is so quiet too with all his pain and sickness. It tears my heart to see him wince, as he takes your medicine. Physician The more he winces, the surer is the effect. That's why the sage Chyabana observes: “In medicine as in good advice, the least palatable is the truest." Ab, well ! I must be trotting now. Exit. ( Gaffer enters.) Madhav Well, I'm jiggered, there's Gaffer now. Gaffer Why, why, I won't bite you. Madhav No, but you are a, devil to send children off their heads.

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7
Gaffer
But you aren't a child, and you've
no child in the house ; why worry
then ?
Madhav
Oh, but I have brought a child into
the house.
Gaffer
Indeed, how so?
Jadhav
wife
was
You reinember how
my
dying to adopt a child ?
Gaffer
Yes, but that's an old story; you
didn't like the idea.
Madhav
You know, brother, how hard all
this getting money in has been. That
somebody else's child would sail'in

8
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and waste all, this money earned withi
so much trouble-Oh, I hated the
idea. But this boy clings to my heart
in such a queer sort of way
Gaffer
So that's the trouble! and your
money goes all for him and feels jolly
lucky it does go at all.
Nadhav
Formerly, earning was a sort of
passion with me; I simply couldn't
help working for movey. Now, I
make money, and as I know it is all
for this dear boy, earning becomes a
joy to me.
Gaffer
Al, well, and where did you pick
bim up
?
Jludlau
He is the son of a man who was a
brother to my wife by village ties.

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9
Ile has had uo mother since infancy;
and now the other day..he lost his
father as wel].
Carler
Poor thing: and so he needs me all
the more.
Madhav
The doctor says all the organs of
his little body are at loggerheads with
cach other, and there isn't much hope
for his life. There is only one way
to save him and that is to keep him
out of this autunn wind and sun.
But you are such a terror! What
with this game of yours at your age,
too, to get children out of doors!
Gaffer
God bless my soul! So I'm already
as bad as autumn sind and sun, eh!
But, friend, I know something, too,
of the game of keeping them indoors.

10
TILE POST OFFICE
When my day's work is over I am
coming in to make friends with this
child of yours.
Edit.
(1 mal enters.)
Amal
Uncle, I say, Uncle !
Madhav
Hullo! Is that
you,
Amal ?
Anual
Mayn't I be out of the courtyard
at all?
Madhav
No, my dear, no.
donde
Amal
See, there where Auntie grinds
lentils 'in the quiro, the squirrel is
sitting with his tail up and with his
wee hands he's picking up the broken

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11
grains of lentils and crunching them.
Can't I run up there?
Madhav
No, my darling, no.
Amal
Wish I were a squirrel !--it would
be lovely. Uncle, why won't you let
me
go
about?
Mad!.av*
Doctor says it's bad for you to be
out,
Amal
Ilow can the doctor know?
Madhav
What a thing to say! The doctor
can't know and be reads such huge
books!

14 THE POST OFFICE Amal that far-away hill from our window-I often long, to, go beyond those bills and right away. Madhav Oh, you silly! As if there's nothing more to be done but just get up to the top of that hill and away ! Eh ! You don't talk sense, my boy. Now listen, since that hill stands there upright as a barrier, it means you can't get beyond it.' Else, what was the rise in heaping up up soo many. large stones to make such a big affair of it, eh! Amal Uncle, do.you think it is meant to prevent us crossing over? It seems to me because the earth can't speak it raises its hands into the sky and beckons. And those who live far off, and sit alone by their windows can see THE POST OFFICE 15 the signal. But I suppose the learned people- Madhav No, they don't have time for that sort of nonsense. They are not crazy like you. Amal Do you know, know, yesterday I met some one quite as crazy as I am. Mladlar Gracious me, really, low so? Amal a lle had bamboo staff on his shoulder with a small bundle at the top, and a brass pot in his left hand, and an old pair of shoes on; he was making for those hills straight across that meadow there. I called out to him and asked, "Where going?" He answered, "I don't are you

16
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know, anywhere!” I asked
I asked again,
"Why are you going?" He said,
"I'm going out to seek work.” Say,
Uncle, Lave you to seek work?
Madhav
Of course I have to. There's many
about looking for jobs.
Amal
How lovely! I'll go about, like
tlíem too, finding things to do.
Nadliau
Suppose you seck and don't liu.
Then
Amal
Wouldn't that be jolly ? Then I
should go farther! I watched that
mau slowly walking on with his pair
of worn-out shoes. And when he got
to where the water flows under the

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17
ſig tree, he stopped and washed his
feet in the stream. Then he took out
from his bundle some
gram-flour,
moistened it with water and began to
eat. Then he tied up his bundle and
shouldered it again ; tucked
up
his
cloth above his knees and crossed the
stream. I've askod Auntie to let me
go up to the stream, and eat my
gram-ilour just like him.
Madhay
And what did your Auntie say to
that?
Amal
Auntie said, "Get well and then I'll
take you over there." Please, Uncle,
when shall I get well ?
Madhav
It won't be long, dear.

18 TIIE POST OFFICE Amal Really, bat then I shall go right away the moment I'm well again, Madhav And where will you go? Amal Oh, I will walk on, crossing so many streams, wading through water, Everybody will be asleep with their doors shut in the heat of the day and I will tramp on and on seeking work far, very far. Madhav I see! I think you had better be getting well first; then- Amal But then you won't want me to be learned, will you, Uncle ?

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19
Alladhav
What would you rather be then ?
Amal
I can't think of anything just now ;
but I'll tell you later on.
Aladlar
Very well.
But mind you, you
.aren't to call out and talk to strangers
again.
dial
But I love to talk to strangers !
Jadhar
Suppose they had kidnapped you ?
anal
That would have been splendid !
But no one ever takes me away.
They all want me to stay in here.

20
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1
Iludlar
I am off to. ny work--but, darling,
you won't go out, will you ?
mal
No, I won't But, Uncle, you'll let
me be in this room by the roadside.
[Erit Nadlar.
Dairyman
". Curus, curds, good nice curds.
imal
Curdseller, I say, Curdseller.
Dairyman
Why do you call me? Will you
buy some curds?
Amal
How can I buy? I have no money.

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21
Dairyman
What a boy! Why call. out then ?
Ugh! What a waste of time.
Amal
I would
with
youl
if I could.
Dairyman
With me?
Amal
Yes, I seem to feel homesick when
I hear you call from far down the .
road.
Dairyman (lowcring his yoke-pole)
Whatever are you doing here, my
child ?
Ama?
The doctor says, l'm not to be out,
80 I sit here all day long.

22
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Dairyman
My poor child, whatever has hap.
pened to you?
Amal
I can't tell. You see am not
learned, so I don't know what's the
matter with
me. Say, Dairyman,
where do you come from?
I
Dairyman
From our village.
Amal
Your village ?
Is it very far ?
Dairyman
Our village lies on the river Shamli
at the foot of the Panch-mura hills.
Amal
Panch-mura hills! Shamli river !
I wonder. I
your
village. I can't think when though!
may have
seen

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23
Dairyman
Have you seen it ? Been to
foot of those bills ?
the
Amal
Never. But I seem to remember
having seen it. Your village is under
some very old big trees, just by, the
side of the red road-isn't that so?
Dairyman
That's right, child.
Amal
And on the slope of the hill cattle
• grazing
Dairyman
How wonderful ! Cattle grazing in
pur village ! Indeed, there are !

24
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Amal
And your women with red sarees
fill their pitchers from the river and
carry them on their heads.
Dairyman
Good, that's right. Women from
our dairy village do come and draw
their water from the river ; but then
it isn't every one who has a red saree
No put on. But, my dear child, surely
you must have been there for a walk
some time.
mal
Really, Dairyman, never been there
at all. But the first day doctor lets
me go out, you are going to take me
to your village.
Dairyman
I will, my child, with pleasure,

THE POST OFFICE 25 Amal And you'll teach me to cry curds and shoulder the yoke like you and walk the long, long road ? dill you Dairyman Dear, dear, ever ? Why should you sell curds ? No, you will read big books and be learned. Amul Vo, I never want to be learned I'll be like you and take my curds from the village by the red road near the old banyan tree, and I will hawk it from cottage to cottage. Oh, how do you cry-"Curds, curds, fine curds !” Teach me the tune, will ? you Dairyman Dear, dear, dear, teach you the tune ; what a notion !

· 26
THE POST OFFICE
Amal
Please do. I love to hear it. I
can't tell you how queer I feel when
I hear you cry out from the bend of
that road, through the line of those
trees! Do you know I feel like that
when I hear the shrill cry of kites
from almost the end of the sky ?
Dairynian
Dear child, will you have
curds? Yes, do.
some
imal
But I have no money.
Dairyman
No, no, no, don't talk of money!
You'll make me so happy if you take
some curds from me.
amal
Say, have I kept you too long?

THE POST OFFICE 27 Dairyman Not a bit ; it has been no loss to me at all ; you have taught me how to be happy selling curds. [Exit. Amal (intoniny) Curds, curds, fine curde--from the dairy village-from the country of the Panch-mura hills by the Shamli bank. Curds, good curds ; in the early morning the women make the cows stand in a row under the trees and milk them, and in the evening they turn the milk into curds. Curds, good curds. Hello, there's the watchman on his rounds. Watchman, I say, come and have a word with me. Iatchman What's all this row about? Aren't you afraid of the likes of me? Amal No, wby should I be?

28
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Ilutchman
Suppose I march you, off then ?
Amal
Where will you take me to ? Is it
very far, right beyond the hills ?
Watchman
Suppose I march you straight to
the King ?
Amal
To the King! Do, will
you
i? But
the doctor won't let me go out. No
one can ever take me away.
to stay here all day long.
I've got
l'atchman
Doctor won't let you, poor fellow ?
So I see! Your face is pale and there
are dark rings round your eyes. Your
veins stick out from your poor thin
bands,

THE POST OFFICE 29. Amal Won't you sound the gong, Watchman ? Watchman Time has not yet come. dmal How curious! Some say timo, has not yet coine; and some say time bas gone by! But surely your time will the moment you strike the come gong! Watchman That's not possible ; I strike up the goug only when it is time. Imal Yes, I love to hear your gong. When it is mid-day and our meal is over, Uncle goes off 'to his work and Auntie falls asleep reading her Ramayana, and in the courtyard under the

30
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shadow of the wall our doggie sleeps
with his nose in his curled-up tail ;
then your goog strikes out, “Dong;
dong, dopg!” Tell tre why does
your gong sound ?
Ulatchmien
My gong sounds to tell the people,
Time waits for none, but goes on for
ever.
Imal
Where, to what land ?
Iatchuman
That uone knows.
Amal
Then I suppose no one has ever been
there! Oh, I do wish to fly with the
time to that land of' which no
knows anything
one

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31
Watchman
All of us have to get there one day,
my child.
Amal
Have I too?
Watchman
Yes, you too !
Amal
But doctor won't let me out.
ll'atchman
himself may
One day the doctor
take you there by the hand.
Amal
He won't ; you don't know him.
He only keeps me in.

32
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IT'atchman
One greater than he comes and lets
us free.
Amal
When will this great doctor come
for me? I can't stick in here any
more.
Watchman
Shouldn't talk like that, my child,
Amal
No. I am here where they have
left me-I never move a bit. But
when your gong goes off, dong, dong,
dong, it goes to
my
heart.
Watchman ?
Say,
Watchman
Yes, my dear.
Amal
Say, what's going on there in that
big house on the other side, where

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there is a flag flying high up and the
people are always going in and out ?
.
Watchman
new
Post
Oh, there? That's our
Oflice.
Amal
Post Office ? Whose ?
Watchman
Whose ? Why, the King's surely !
Amal
Do letters come from the King to'
his office here ?
Watcliman
Of course.
One fine day there may
'be a letter for you in there.
A letter for
little boy.
Amal
mp
? But I am only a

34
TIE POST OFFICE
ll'atchman
The King sends tiny notes to little
boys.
Amal
Oh, how splendid! When shall I
have my letter? How do you know
he'll write to me ?
Watchman
Otherwise why should he set his
Post Office here right in front of your
open window, with the golden flag
flying ?
Imal
But who will fetch mc my King's
letter when it comes ?
Watchman
The King has many postmen.
Don't you see them run about with
'round gilt badges on their chests ?

THE POST OFFICE 35 Amal Well, where do they go ? Watchman Oh, from door to door, all through the country. Amal I'll be the King's postman when I grow up. Watchman Ha ! ha! Postman, indeed ! Rain or shine, rich or poor, from house to house delivering letters that's very great work ! Amal That's what I'd like best. IVhat makes you smile so ? Oh, yes, your work is great too. When it is silent everywhere in the heat of the noonday, your gong sounds, Dong, dopg, dong, -and soinetimes when I wake 96 THE POST OFFICE up at night all of a sudden and find our lamp blown out, I can hear through the darkness your gong slowly sounding, Dong, dong, dong! Il'utclunan There's the village headlman! I must be off. If he catches me gossiping there'll be a great to do. Amal The headman ? Whereabouts is he ? Watchman Right down the road there ; see that huge palm-leaf umbrella hopping along? That's him ! Amal I suppose the King's made him our heaclman liere?

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37
Il’atchman
Hade him
Oh, no!
A
fussy
busybody ! He knows so many ways
of making himself unpleasant that
everybody is afraid of him. It's just
a game for the likes of him, making
trouble for everybody. I must be off
now! Mustn't keep work waiting,
you know ! I'll drop in again to
morrow morning and tell you all the
ncis of the town.
[Exit.
Amal
It would be splendid to have å
letter from the King every day. I'll
read them at the window. But, oh !
I can't read writing. Who'll read
them out to me, I wonder ; Auntie
reads her Ramayana ; she
may
know
the King's writing. If no one will,
then 1, must keep them carefully
and read them when I'm grown, up.
But if the postman can't find me ?

38 THE POST OFFICE Headman, Mr. Heacman, may I have a word with you ? Ileadman Who is yelling after me on the highway ? Oh it's you, is it, you wretched monkey? Amal You're the headman. Everybody minds you. Headman (looking pleased) Yes, oh yes, they do! They must! Amal Do the King's postmen listen to you? Headman They've got to. By Jove, I'd like to see- Amal Will you tell the postman it's Amal pho'sits by the window here?

THE POST OFFICE
39
Ileadınan
What's the good of that?
muil
In case there's a letter for me.
Headman
A letter for you! Whoever's going
to write to you?
Amal
If the King does.
an
Headman
Ha! ha! What
uncommon
little fellow you are ! Ha! ha! the
King indeed, aren't
you
his bosom
friend, eh! You haven't met for a
long while and the King is pining for
you, I am sure., Wait till to-morrow
and you'll have your letter.

40 THE POST OFFICE € Amal Say, Headman, why do you speak to me in that tone of voice? Are you cross ? Headman l'pon my word! Cross, indeed! You write to the King ! Madhav, is a devilish swell nowadays. He's made a little pile ; and so kings and padlishalıs pre everyday talk with his people. Let me find him once and I'll make him dance. suipper snapper! I'll get the King's, letter sent to your house-indeed I will ! Oh you, you Amal No, no, please don't trouble yourself about it. Headman And why not, pray! I'll tell the King about you and he and he won't be

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11
long. One of his footmen will come
presently for news of you. Madhav's
impudence staggers me. "If the King
hears of this, that'll take some of
his nonsense out of him.
[Exil.
Amal
Who are you walking there? How
your
anklets tinkle! Do stop a while,
won't you?
(A Girl enters.)
Girl
it is
I haven't a moment to spare;
already late !
Amal
I see, you don't wish to stop; I
don't care to stay on here either.
Girl
You inake me think of some late
star of the morning! Whatever's the
matter with you?

42
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mul
I don't know the doctor won't let
me out.
Girl
Al me! Don't go then! Should
listen to the doctor. People will be
cross with you if you're naughty. I
know, always looking out and watching
must make you feel tired.
Let me
close the window a bit for you.
Amul
No, don't, only this one's open!
All the others are shut. But will you
tell me who you are ? Don't seein to
know you.
Girl
I am Sudha.
Amal
What Sudha ?

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4?
Sudha
Don't you know? Daughter of the
flower-seller here.
Amal
What do you do?
Sudha
I gather flowers in my basket.
Amal
your feet
SO
Oh, flower gathering! That is why
seem glad and your
anklets jingle so merrily as you walk.
Wish I could be out too. Then I
would pick some flowers for you from
the very topmost branches right out,
of sight.
Sudha
Would you really ?. Do you know
as much about flowers as I ?

44 THE POST OFFICE Ama? Yes, I dos quite as much. I know all about Champa of the fairy tale and his seven brothers, If only they let me, I'll go right into the dense forest where you can't find your way. And where the honey sipping hummingbird rocks himself on the end of the thinnest branch, I will blossom into a champa. Would you be my sister Parul? Surtha You are silly! How can I be sister Parul when I am Sudha inother is Sasi, the lower-seller? I have to weave so many garlands a day. It would be jolly if I couldl lounge here like you! and my Amal What would you do then, all the & day' long?

THE POST OFFICE
45
Sudha
I could have great times with my
doll Benay the bride, and Veni the
pussy-cat, and--but I say, it is getting
late and I mustn't stor, or I won't
find a single flower.
Amal
Oh, wait a little longer; I do like
it so!
Sudha
Ah,
well--10w
don't
you
be
naughty. Be good and sit still, and.
on my way back home with the flowers
I'll come and talk with you.
Amal
And you'll let me have a flower
then ?
Suthu
No, how can I.? It has to be paid
for.

46
THE POST OFFICE
Amal
I'll pay when I grow up-before I
leave to look for work out on the other
side of that stream there.
Sudha
Very well, then.
Amal
And you'll come back when you
have
your
flowers ?
Sulha
I will.
Amal
You will, really?
Sudha
Yes, I will

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47
almal
You won't forget me? I am Amal,
remember that:
Yudha
I won't forget you, you'll see.
(Exit.
(4 Troop of Boys enter.)
Amal
Say, brothers, where are you all off
to ? Stop here a little.
A Boy
We're off to play.
Amal
What will you play at, brothers ?
A Boy
We'll play at being ploughmen.

18
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ilnother boy (showing a stick)
This is our ploughshare.
Another Boy
We two are the pair of oxen,
Amal
And you're going to play the whole
day?
л Boy
Yes, all day long.
Amal
will come
And
you
home in the
evening by the road along the river
bank ?
A Boy
Yes.
Amal
Do you pass our house on your way
home ?

THE POST OFFICE
49
A Boy
Come out and play with us, yes
dlo.
Amal
Doctor won't let me out.
A Boy
Doctor! Do you mean to say you
mind what the doctor says ? Let's be
off ; it is getting late.
Amal
Don't go. Play on the road near
this window ?
I could watch you
then.
A Boy
What can we play at here?
Arnal
With all thesd toys of mine that
are lying about. Here you are, have

50
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them. I can't play alone. They are
getting dirty and are of no use to me.
Boys
How jolly! What fine toys! Look,
here's a ship. There's old mother
Jatai. Isn't this a gorgeous sepoy ?
And you'll let us have them all ?
You don't really mind?
Amal
No, not a bit; have them by
all
means.
.
A Boy
You don't want them back ?
Amal
Ob,
no,
I shan't want them.
A Boy
Say, won't you get a scolding for
this?

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51
Imal
But will you
No one will scold me.
play with them in front of our door
for a while every morning? I'll get
you new ones when these are old.
that
A Boy
Oh, yes, we will. I say, put these
sepoys into a line.
We'll play
war ; where can we get a musket?
Oh, look here, this bit of reed will do
nicely. Say, but you're off to sleep
already
dimal
I'm afraid I'm sleepy. Ilon't know,
I feel like it at times. I have been
sitting along while and I'm tired
•my back aches.
A Boy
It's hardly mid.day now. How is it
you're sleepy ? Listen.!. The gong's
sounding the first watch.

52
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.
Amal
Yes, dong, dong, dong, it tolls me
to sleep.
A Boy
We had better go then. We'll come
in again to-morrow morning.
Amal
I want to ask you something before
you go. You are always, outodo you
know of the King's postmen ?
Boys
Yes, quite well.
Amal
Who are they ?
Tell
me
their
names.
A Boy
Onz's Badal.
Another Boy
(Another's Sarat.

THE POST OFFICE 53 Another Boy There's so many of them. Amal Do you think they will know me if there's a letter for me ? A Boy Surely, if your name's on the letter they will find you out. Anal When you call in to-morrow morning, will you bring one of shem along so that he'll kuow me ? A Boy Yes, if you like. CURTAIN

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THE POST OFFICE ACT II

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ACT II
(Amal in Bed.)
Amal
Can't I go near the window to-day,
Uncle ? Would the doctor mind that
too ?
Madhav
Yesu, darling, you see you've made
yourpall, worse squatting there . day
after day.
Amal
Ob, no, I don't know if it's made me
more ill, but I always feel well when
I'm there.
E + F
57

58
THE POST OFFICE
Madhar
No, you don't ; you
your squat there
and make friends with the whole lot
of people round here,
old and young,
as if they are holding a fair right
inuer my eaves--flesh and blood won't
stand that strain. Just see-your face
is quite pale.
Amal
Uncle, I fear my fakir 'll pass and
not see me by the window.
Madhav
Your fakir, whoever's that? .
Amal
He comes and chats to me of the
many lands where he's been. I love
to hear him.

THE POST OFFICE
59
OR
Jadhav:
How's that? I don't know of any
fakirs.
Anal
This is about the time he--comes il.
I beg of you, by your dear feet, ask
him in for a moineuť to talk to me
here.
(Gaffer enters in a -Fakir's Guise)
Amal
There you are,
Come here, Fakir,
by my bedside.
Madhav
Upon my word, but this is
Gatier (rcinkiny hurd)
I am the Fakir.
Madhar
It beats my reckoning what you're
not.

- 60
THE POST OFFICE
Amal
Where have you been this time,
Yakir ?
Fakir
To the Isle of Parrots. I am just
back.
Jadhav
The Parrots' Isle !
Fahir
I am
Is it so very astonishing ?
not like you.
A journey doesn't
cost a thing. I tramp just where I
like.
Amal (clapping)
How jolly for you ! Reueinber
your promise to take me with you as
your follower when I'm well.
Fakir
Of course, and I'll teach you
many traveller's secrets that nothing
SO

THE POST OFFICE 02 in sea or forest or mountain can bar your way. Nadhan What's all this rigmarole ? Gafier Amal, my dear, I bow to nothing in sea or mountain ; but if the doctor joins in with this uncle of yours, then I with all my magic must own myself beaten. Amal No.. Uncle won't tell the doctor. and I promise to lie quiet ; but the day i am well, off I go with the Fakir, and nothing in sea or mountain torrent shall stand in my way. Or Madhar Fie, dear child, don't keep on harping upon going! It makes sad to hear you talk so. ine 80 02 THE POST OFFICE Amal Tell me, Fakir, what the Parrots Isle is like. Gaffer It's a land of wonders ; it's a haunt of Birds. No men are therg; and they neither speak nor walk, they simply sing arfd they fly. Amal How glorious ! And it's by some sea ? Galler Of course. It's on the sea. Amal And green hills are there ? Gaffer Indeed they live among the green hills ; and in the time of the sunset when there is a red glow on the hill-

THE POST OFFICE
63
side, all the birds with their green
wings go flocking to their nests.
Amal
And there are waterfalls !
you don't
Galler
Dear me, of course ;
have a hill without its waterfalls.
Oh, it's like molten diamonds; and,
my dear, what dances they have !
Don't they make the pebbles sing as
they rush over them to the sea. No
devil of a doctor can stop them for a
moment. The birds looked upon me
as nothing but a man, merely a trifling
creature without wings—and they
would have nothing to do with me.
Were it not so I would build a small
cabin for myself among their crowd
of nests and pass my days counting
the sea waves,

64
THE POST OFFICE
Amal
How I wish I were a bird ! Then
Gaffer
But that would have been a bit of
a job; I hear you've fixed up with
the dairyman to be a hawker of curds
whee you grow up; I'm afraid such
business won't flourish among birds ;
you might land yourself into serious
loss.
Mudhau
Really this is too much. Between
you two I shall
turn crazy. Now,
I'm off.
Amal
Has the dairyman been, Uncle ?
Madhav
And why shouldn't, he? He won't
bother his head. running errands for
your pet fakir, in and out among the

THE POST OFFICE
65
nosts in his Parrots’ Isle. But he has
left a jar of curds for you saying that
he is busy with his niece's wedding in
the village,' and has to order a band
at Kamlipara.
Amal
But he is going to marry me to his
little niece.
Gatter
Dear me, we are in a fix now.
Anal
He said she would be my lovely
little bride with a pair of pearl drops
in ber ears and dressed in a lovely red
saree; and in the morning she would
milk with her owu hands the black
cow and feed me with warm milk
with foam on it from a brand new
earthen cruse; and in the evenings
she would carry the lamp rouud •the

66
THE POST OFFICE
cow-house, and then come and sit by
me to tell me tales of Champa and his
six brothers.
Gatter
Llow charming! It would even
tempt
hermit! But never
mind, dear, about this wedding. Lot
it be. I tell you that when you
marry there'll be no lack of nieces in
his bouschold.
me,
а
Madhali
Shut up! This is more than I can
stand.
-[Exit.
Amal
Fakir, now that Uncle's ofľ, irst
tell me, has the King sent me a letter
to the Post Office ?
Gator
I gather that his letter has already
started ; it is on the way here.
(

THE POST OFFICE
67
Amal
On the way? Where is it? Is it
on that road winding through the.
trees which you can follow to the end
of the forest when the sky is quite
clear after rain ?
Gafier
That is where it is.
about it already
You know all
Amal
I do, everything
Galler
So I see, but how?
Amal
I can't say; but it's quite i clear to
me. I faney I've seen it often in
days long gone by. How long ago
I can't tell. Do you know when ?

08 THE POST OFFICE I can see it all: there, the King's postman coming down the hillside alone, a lantern in his left hand and on his back a bag of letters'; climbing down for ever so long, for days and nights, and where at the foot of the mountain the waterfall becomes a stream he takes to the footpath on the bank and walks on through the rye ; then comes the sugarcane field and he disappears into the narrow lane cutting through the tall stems of sugarcanes; then he reaches the open meadow, where the cricket chirps and where there is not a single man to be seen, only the snipe wagging their tails and poking at the mus with their bills. I can feel him coming nearer and nearer and my heart becomes glad. Gaffer My eyes are not young; but you 'make me see all the same. 4

TIIE POST OFFICE
69
Amal
Say, Fakir, do you . know the King
who has this Post Office ?
Gaffer
I do; I go to him for my alms
every day.
Amal
Good! When I get well, I must
have my alms too from him, mayn't
I?
Gaffer
You won't need to ask, my dear,
he'll give it to you of his own qocorų.
Amal
No, I will go to his gate and cry,
“Victory to thee, O King!!!! and
dancing-to the tabor's sound, ask for
aļms. Won't it be nice'?
.

70 THE POST OFFICE Gaffer It will he splendid, and if you're with me, I shall have my full share. But what will you ask? Amal I shall say, "Make me your postman, that I may go about, lantern in hand, delivering your letters from door to door. Don't let me stay at home all day !" Gutier What is there to be sad for, my child, even were you to stayat home? Amal It isn't sad. When they shut me in here first I felt the day was so long. Since the King's Post Office was put there, Irlike more and more being indoors, and as I think I shall get a letter one day, I feel"quite happy and

THE POST OFFICE
71
then I don't mind being quiet and
alone. I wonder if I shall make out
what'll be in the King's letter ?
Guffer
Even if you didn't wouldn't it be
enough if it just bore your name?
( Mudhar enters )
Madhur
IIave you any idea of the trouble
you've got me into, between you two?
Gatjer
Wat's the matter?
Madhav
I hear you've let it gei rumoured
about that the King has planted his
office here to send messages to both
of you.

72
THE POST OFFICE
Gaffer
: Well, what about it?
Madhav
Our headman Panchanan las had
it told to the King anonymously.
Gatter
Arén't we aware that everything
reaches the King's ears?
Madhur
· Then why don't you look out?
Why take tlie King's name in vain ?
You'll bring me to ruin if you do.
Amal
Say, Fakir, will the King be cross?
Gnifer
Cross, ponsense! And with a child
like you and a fakir such as I am.

THE POST OFFICE 78 Let's see if the King be angry, and then won't I give him a piece of my mind. Amal Say, Fakir, I've been feeling a sort of darkness coining over my eyes since the morning. Everything seems like a dream. I long to be quiet. I don't feel like talking at, all. Won't the King's letter come ? Suppose, this room melts away all on a sudden, suppose- Guffer (fanning Anal) The letter's sure to come to-day, my boy.' (Doctor enters:) Doctor And how do you feel to day?

74 TIC POST OFFICE Amal 0 Feel awſully well to-day, Doctor. All pain seems to have left me. Doctor (aside to Madhar) Don't quite like the look of that smile, Barl sign that, his feeling well! Chakradhan las observed- Madhuv For goodnass' sake, Doctor, leave Chakradhan alone. Tell what's going to happen? Doctor me Can't hold'him in much longer, I fear ! I warned you before this looks like a fresh exposure. care Mashar No, I've used the utinost never let him out of doors; and the windows have been shut almost all the time.

THE POST OFFICE 75 Doctor There's a peculiar . quality in the air to-day. As I came in I found a fearful draught through your front door. Tbat's most hurtful. Better lock it at once. Would it matter if this kept your visitors off for two or three days? If some one happens to call unexpectedly-there's the back door. You had better shut this window as well, it's lettivg in the sunset rays only to keep the patient awake. Madhar Amoil has shut bis eyes. I expect he is sleeping. His face tells me- Oh, Doctor, I bring in a child who is a stranger and love him as my own, and now I suppose I must lose bim ! Doctor What's that? There's your headman sailing in "What a bother! I 76 THE POST OFFICE must be going, brother. You had better stir about and see to the doors being properly fastened. I will send on a strong dose directly I get home. Try it on bim-it may save him at last, if he can be saved at all. [Ereunt Mudhav and Doctor, ( The Headman enters.) Ilead man Hello, urchin !-- Gaffer (rising hastily) 'Sh, be quiet. Amal No, Fakir, did you think I was asleep? I wasn't. I can hear everything ; yes, and voices far away. I feel that mother and father are sitting by my pillow and speaking to me. (Machap enters)

THE POST OFFICE
77
Headman
I say, Madhav, I hear you hobnob
with bigwigs nowadays.
Madhav
Spare me your jokes, Headman, we
are but common people.
Headman
But your child here is expecting a
letter from the King.
Madhav
Don't you take any notice of him,
a mere foolish boy!
Headman
Indeed, Wby not! It'll beat the
King hard to find a better family!
Don't you see why the King plants
his new Post Office right before your
window? Why, there's a letter for
you from the King, urchin

78
THE POST OFFICE
Amal (startiny up)
Indeed, really!
Hearlman
How can
it be false ? You're
the King's chum. Here's your letter
(showiny a blank slip of paper). Ha,
ha, ha! This is the letter.
Amal
Please don't mock me.
is it so ?
Say, Fakir,
Guffer
Yes, my dear. I as Fakir tell, you
it is his letter.
Amal
How is it I can't see? It all looks
so blank to me. What is 'there in
the letter, Mr. Headman?

TIJE POST OFFICE
79
Healminen
The King says, "I am calling on
you shortly; you had better have
puffed rice for me.-Palace fare is
quite tasteless to me now." Ha! ha!
ha!
Madhav (irith folled palms)
I bescech you, Headman, don't you
joke about these things
Gaffer
Joking indeed! He would not dare.
Mudhia
Are you out of your mind too,
Gaiter?
Gaffer
(ut of my mind, well then I am ;
read plainly that the King
writes he will come himself to see
Amal, with the State Physician.
I can

80 THE POST OFFICE Amal 'sh, his trumpet ! Fakir, Fakir, Can't you hear ? Headman Ha! ha! ha! I fear he won't until he's a bit more off his head. I Amal Mr. Headman, I thought you were cross with me and didn't love me. never could have believed you would fetch me the King's letter. Let me wipe the dust off your feet. Hen Iman This little child does have an instinct of reverence. Though. a little silly, he has a good heart. Amal It's hard on the fourth I suppose-Hark the gong, "Dong, watch now, .

THE POST OFFICE 81 dong, ding-Dong, dong, ding. Is the evening star up? How is it I can't see- Gaffer Ob, the windows are all shut; I'll open them. (A knocking outside.) Mailhav What's that?- Who is it? What a bother! l'oice (froni outside) Open the door. Madhav Headman-I hope they're robbers. not Headman Who's there? It is Panchapan, the headman, who calls.- Aren't you

82
THE POST OFFICE
afraid to make that noise ? Fancy !
The noise has ceased ! Panchanan's
voice carries far.-Yes, show me the
biggest robbers !
Madhav (peering out of the rindow)
No wonder the noise has ceased.
They've smashed the outer door.
( The King's Herald enters.)
Herald
Our Sovereign King comes to-night!
Headman
My God!
Amal
At what hour of the night, Herald ?
Herald
On the second watch,

THE POST OFFICE
83
Amal
When my friend the watchman will
strike his gong from the city gates;
“ding dung ding, ding dong ding
then ?
Herald
Yes, ther:". The King seuds his
greatest physician to attend on his
young friend.
(State Physician enters.)
State Physician
What's this ? Ilow close it is here !
Open wide all the doors and windows.
(Feeliny Amal's body.) How do you
feel, my child ?
Amal
I feel very well, Doctor, very well.
All pain is gone. How fresh and
open !
I can see all the stars now
twinkling from the other side of the
dark.

84
THE POST OFFICE.
Physician
Will you feel well enough to leave
your bed when the King comes in the
middle watches of the night?
Amal
Of course, I'm dying to be about for
ever 80 long. "I'll ask the King to
find me the polar star.-I must have
seen it often, but I don't know
exactly which it is.
Physician
He will tell you everything. (To
Madhar.) Arrange flowers through the
room for the King's visit? (Indicating
the Headman.) We can't have that
person in here.
Anal
No, let him be, Doctor. He is a
friend. It was he who brought me
the King's lotter.

THE POST OFFICE 85 Physician Very well, my child. He may remain if he is a friend of yours. Madhav (vchispering into Anal's ear) My child, the King loves you.. He is coming himself. Beg for a giſt from him. You know humble circumstances. Our Amal Don't you worry, Uncle. I've made up my mind abqut it., Madhav What is it, my child ? Amal I shall ask him to inake me one of his postmea that I' may wander far and wide, delivering his message froin door to door.

86 THE POST OFFICE Madhav (slapping his forehead) Alas, is that all ? Anal What'll be our offerings to King, Uncle, when he comes ? the Herald He has commanded puffed rice. Amal Puffed rice ! Say, Headman, you're right. You said so. You knew all we didn't. Heartman If you would send word to my hous? I could manage for the King's advent really nice- Physician No neod at all. Now be quiet all of you. Sleep 18 coming over him. I'll sit by his pillow ; he's dropping

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The Post Office