A L D U S , A J O U R N A L O F T R A N S L AT I O N
80
VOICES: (loud whisper) The elephant, marry? KING: (laughing out loud) This is what you have come to ask of me? ZAKARIYYA: Perhaps my lord will not grant us this wish. KING: (turning to his advisors and attendants) Do you hear that? A first-rate request. I have always said that I am lucky to have my people. Such kind-hearted people. They are filled with affection! Of course we will grant their request. (strikes the scepter) Royal decrees. The first decree will order an expedition to the lands of India to search for a female to marry to the elephant. The second decree will appoint this bold, courageous man to be the elephant’s constant companion. The third decree will order the holding of a public celebration for the wedding night. Drums will be played, food and drink will be offered to all, and the joyous festivities will last five days and nights. ZAKARIYYA: May God forever grant us the King’s favor. VOICES (harsh whisper) Forever grant us the King’s favor? KING: (laughing) I will grant your request. You may go now. (They withdraw in total submission, and the light goes out for a time. Afterwards, the group comes together, standing in a line before the audience. They have shaken off the appearance of acting... then, after a few seconds...) GROUP: This is a story. ACTOR 5: And we are actors. ACTOR 3: We have performed it for you to learn from it. ACTOR 7: Now do you know why elephants exist? ACTOR 3: Now do you know why elephants multiply? ACTOR 5: Yet our lives are only just beginning. ACTOR 4: When elephants multiply, another story begins. ALL: A bloody, violent story. We will play out that story another night. Exeunt Omnes. End.