{"id":181,"date":"2013-07-13T01:26:26","date_gmt":"2013-07-13T01:26:26","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/localhost\/?p=181"},"modified":"2013-07-13T01:26:26","modified_gmt":"2013-07-13T01:26:26","slug":"34-prince-of-edur-act-2-sc-2-vol-07-collected-plays-part-ii-volume-07","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/worksofthemotherandsriaurobindo.org\/index.php\/01-works-of-sri-aurobindo\/01-sabcl\/07-collected-plays-part-ii-volume-07\/34-prince-of-edur-act-2-sc-2-vol-07-collected-plays-part-ii-volume-07","title":{"rendered":"-34_Prince of Edur Act-2 Sc-2.htm"},"content":{"rendered":"\n\n
\n
\n
\n

\n
\nSCENE II<\/b><\/font>
\n<\/font><\/b><\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nThe road through the valley to Dongurh.
\nToraman, Canaca, Hooshka and Scythians.<\/i><\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\n\tTORAMAN <\/font><\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nI know not what impelled these mountain-boars
\nTo worry Death with their blunt tusks. This insult
\nI will revenge in kind at first, then take
\nA bloody reckoning.<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

\n\tC<\/font>ANACA
\n\t<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

\nFegh! it was a trick even beyond my wits. To put a servant-girl
\non the throne of Cashmere! All Asia would have been one grin
\nhad the jest prospered.<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

\n\tT<\/font>ORAMAN
\n\t<\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nThey take us for barbarians
\nAnd thought such gross imposture good enough
\nTo puzzle Scythian brains. But I’ll so shame
\nThe witty clowns, they shall hang down their waggish heads
\nWhile they are still allowed to live. You’ll wed
\nA princess of the Rajpoots, Canaca ?<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

\n\tC<\/font>ANACA
\n\t<\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nI would prefer a haunch of Rajpoot venison any day; they have
\nfat juicy stags in their mountains.<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

\n\tT<\/font>ORAMAN
\n\t<\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nI give thee Edur’s daughter. While I ride
\nWith half my lances to our mountains, thou
\nShalt ruffle round as Scythian Toraman
\nAnd wed the princess.<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

\n\tC<\/font>ANACA
\n\t<\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nShall I indeed ? Do you take me for a lettuce that you would have
\nme sliced for a Rajpoot salad ? Oh, I’ld love to be a prince if only<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nPage \u2013 780<\/font><\/p>\n

\n

\nto comfort myself with one full meal in a lifetime; but an empty
\nplebeian paunch is a more comfortable possession than a princely
\nbelly full of Rajpoot lances.<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

\n\tT<\/font>ORAMAN
\n\t<\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nWhy should they at all
\nDiscover thee, dull fool ? None know me here.
\nThe Rana and his men have not received me.
\nNo doubt the arrogant princeling scorned to eat
\nAs host and guest with me in Edur; even to dine
\nWith us is thought a soil! Therefore ’twas fixed
\nIn this rare plot that I should ride from Dilsa
\nOn a fool’s errand. Well, it helps me now,
\nThough I’ll avenge it fearfully. ‘Tis feasible.
\nNone know us, you are richer-robed than I,
\n<\/b>And what’s uncouth in you, they will put down
\nTo Scythia’s utter barbarousness, whose princes
\nAre boors and boors unhuman. Oh, ’twill work.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\n\tC<\/font>ANACA
\n\t<\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nWill it? Well, so long as I keep my belly unprodded, ’tis a jest
\nafter my own heart.<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

\n\tT<\/font>ORAMAN
\n\t<\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nAnd mine. These haughty Rajpoots think themselves<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nThe only purity on earth; their girls<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nSo excellent in Aryan chastity,<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nThat without Rajpoot birth an emperor’s wooing<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nIs held for insult. This they hoped to avenge<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nBy foisting a baseborn light serving-wench<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nOn the prince of all the North. How will they stare,<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nHow gnash their teeth and go stark-mad with shame<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nWhen they discover their sweet cherished lily,<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nThe pride of Rajasthan, they thought too noble<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nTo lower herself to Cashmere’s lofty throne,<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nBedded with the court-jester of Cashmere,<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nSoiled by the embraces of a low buffoon<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nPage \u2013 781<\/font><\/p>\n

\n

\nWho patters for a wage, her pride a jest,
\nHer purity a puddle and herself
\nThe world’s sole laughing-stock.<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

\n\tC<\/font>ANACA
\n\t<\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nHem! ‘Twill be a jest for the centuries.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\n\tTORAMAN <\/font><\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nAbout it, then.
\nFeign to laugh off the insult put on you
\nAnd urge your suit. Bound by their trick that failed,
\nThey must, though with great sullenness, consent;<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nAnd that’s desirable: the shame will taste
\nA thousand times more bitter afterwards.
\nHave her by force, if they are obstinate;<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nBut have her. Soon, be sure, I will be back
\nWith an avenging host and ring in Edur
\nWith loud assaults till I have crucified
\nKing, queen and princess on her smoking ruins.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nExit with a number of Scythians.<\/i><\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\n\tC<\/font>ANACA
\n\t<\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nWell then, I am Prince Toraman of Cashmere; remember that,
\nvillains. Or<\/b> why not Prince Toraman-Canaca or Prince Canaca-
\nToraman? it is rounder and more satisfying to the mouth. Yet
\nsimple Prince Toraman has a chastity of its own and all the
\nmagnificence of Cashmere marches after it. Ho, slave! What
\nsounds are those approaching my majesty? Send scouts and re-connoitre. Prince Toraman, the imperial son of Cashmere! It is
\na part I shall play with credit; nature made me for it of sufficient
\nproportions and gave me a paunch imperial.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\n\tH<\/font>OOSHKA
\n\t<\/font>(approaching)<\/i><\/font>
\n\t<\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nPrince Canaca-Toraman or Prince Toraman-Canaca or very
\nsimple Toraman, I hear tramp of men and the clang of armour.
\nNo doubt, the princess of Edur, thinking all safe by now, rides to
\nDongurh. Will you charge them and seize her?<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nPage \u2013 782<\/font><\/p>\n

\n

\n\tC<\/font>ANACA
\n\t<\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nTo cover, thou incompetent captain, to cover. Hast thou learned
\nwar and knowest not the uses of ambush ? We will hide, slave.
\nSee thou pokest not out that overlong nose of thine! Find thyself
\na branch big enough to cover it.<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

\n\tHOOSHKA <\/font><\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nHumph! What signal shall we expect from your Majesty for the
\ncharge?<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

\n\tC<\/font>ANACA
\n\t<\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nPrate not to me of signals! How lacking are thy dull soldier-wits
\nin contrivance! If I jump down into the road and howl, you will
\nall come jumping and howling after me; but if I run, you will
\ncatch hold of my tail and run too like the very devil. Nay, I have
\na rare notion of tactics. To cover, to cover! <\/font><\/p>\n

\nThey conceal themselves. Enter the Rao of
\nIchalgurh, Ruttan and Rajpoots.<\/i><\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

\n\tICHALGURH <\/font><\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nShe has escaped me, or the Scythian has her.
\nThe last were my dishonour.<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

\n\tR<\/font>UTTAN
\n\t<\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nWe’ve held the road
\nSince dawn. The Scythian had the serving women.
\nThe princess has escaped.<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

\n\tI<\/font>CHALGURH
\n\t<\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nI’m glad of it.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\n\tR<\/font>UTTAN<\/font><\/p>\n

\nWill you pursue it farther ?<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\n\tI<\/font>CHALGURH
\n\t<\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nAmbition only
\nEngaged me once to woo her; now my honour<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nPage \u2013 783<\/font><\/p>\n

\n

\nIs deeply pledged. The spur of chivalry<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nSuffers me not to yield a Rajpoot flower<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nTo Scythian handling; nor could I refuse<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nA challenge to adventurous emprise<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nSo fairly given. About, to Dongurh! \u2022<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\n\tRUTTAN <\/font><\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nBrother,
\nThe place is strong, nor we equipped for sieges.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\n\tICHALGURH <\/font><\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nI’ll have her out even from that fortressed keeping
\nAnd set her in my crest at Ichalgurh
\nFor gods to gaze at.<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

\nCanaca leaps down into the road brandishing a sword,
\nfollowed by Hooshka and his Scythians.<\/i><\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\n\tC<\/font>ANACA<\/font><\/p>\n

\nHo Amitabha! Buddha for Cashmere!<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\n\tI<\/font>CHALGURH
\n\t<\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nThe Scythians on us! Swords!<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\n\tC<\/font>ANACA
\n\t<\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nPut up your skewers! Quiver not, ye wretches; steady, steady your
\nquaking kneecaps. Though I have cause for anger, yet am I
\nmerciful. Ye would have robbed me of some very pretty property,
\nbut ye are mountain-thieves by nature and nurture and know no
\nbetter. Therefore peace. Sleep in thy scabbard, thou dreadful
\nservant of the wrath of Toraman; await a fitter subject than these
\ncarcasses. Courage, Rajpoots, you shall not die.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\n\tI<\/font>CHALGURH
\n\t<\/font>(smiling)<\/i><\/font><\/p>\n

\nWho is your Mightiness ?<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\n\tC<\/font>ANACA<\/font><\/p>\n

\nI am the very formidable and valiant hero and Scythian, Tora-<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nPage \u2013 784<\/font><\/p>\n

\n

\nman, prince of Cashmere. Nevertheless, tremble not. I am
\nterrible to look at, but I have bowels; \u2014 ay, a whole paunchful
\nof them.<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

\n\tICHALGURH <\/font><\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nYou sought the Princess?
\nWhat, she has slipped through your most valiant fingers ?<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\n\tC<\/font>ANACA
\n\t<\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nAs if she had greased herself with butter.
\nBut I am going to Dongurh straight away to demand her and dinner.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\n\tI<\/font>CHALGURH<\/font><\/p>\n

\nTogether then. We’re comrades in her loss;<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nWhy not allies to win her ?<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\n\tC<\/font>ANACA
\n\t<\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nAm I to be so easily bamboozled ? Wilt thou insult my cranium ?
\nThou wouldst use my valiant and invincible sword to win her,
\nthinking to steal her from me afterwards when I am not looking.<\/font> 
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\n\tI<\/font>CHALGURH
\n\t<\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nWho would dare
\nDefraud the formidable Toraman,
\nThe valiant and heroic Scythian ?<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

\n\tC<\/font>ANACA
\n\t<\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nWell!
\nI am content; fall in behind me, mountaineers.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\n\tI<\/font>CHALGURH
\n\t<\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nRuttan, we’ll keep an eye upon this Scythian.
\nHis show of braggart folly hides, I fear,
\nA deal of knavishness.<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

\n\tC<\/font>ANACA
\n\t<\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nTrumpets! To Dongurh! March!<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nExeunt.<\/i><\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nPage \u2013 785<\/font><\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/table>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

SCENE II     The road through the valley to Dongurh. Toraman, Canaca, Hooshka and Scythians. TORAMAN I know not what impelled these mountain-boars To…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[6],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-181","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-07-collected-plays-part-ii-volume-07","wpcat-6-id"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/worksofthemotherandsriaurobindo.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/181","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/worksofthemotherandsriaurobindo.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/worksofthemotherandsriaurobindo.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/worksofthemotherandsriaurobindo.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/worksofthemotherandsriaurobindo.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=181"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/worksofthemotherandsriaurobindo.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/181\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/worksofthemotherandsriaurobindo.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=181"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/worksofthemotherandsriaurobindo.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=181"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/worksofthemotherandsriaurobindo.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=181"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}