The King of the Dark Chamber/Act 18
XVIII
The Street. Grandfather and Kanchi
Grandfather
What, Prince of Kanchi, you here!
Kanchi
Your King has sent me on the road.
Grandfather
That is a settled habit with him.
Kanchi
And now, no one can get a glimpse of him.
Grandfather
That too is one of his amusements.
Kanchi
But how long more will he elude me like this? When nothing could make me acknowledge him as my King, he came all of a sudden like a terrific tempest—God knows from where—and scattered my men and horses and banners in one wild tumult: but now, when I am seeking the ends of the earth to pay him my humble homage, he is nowhere to be seen.
Grandfather
But however big an Emperor he may be, he has to submit to him that yields. But why have you come out at night, Prince?
Kanchi
I still cannot get rid of the feeling of a secret dread of being laughed at by people when they see me meekly doing my homage to your King, acknowledging my defeat.
Grandfather
Such indeed is the people. What would move others to tears only serves to move their empty laughter.
Kanchi
But you too are on the road, Grandfather.
Grandfather
This is my jolly pilgrimage to the land of losing everything.
Sings
I am waiting with my all in the hope of losing everything.
I am watching at the roadside for him who turns one out into the open road,
Who hides himself and sees, who loves you unknown to you,
I have given my heart in secret love to him,
I am waiting with my all in the hope of losing everything.