I can feel him coming nearer and nearer and my heart becomes
glad.
GAFFER. My eyes aren't young; but you make me see all the same.
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 accord.
AMAL. No, I would go to his gate and cry, "Victory to thee,
O King!" and dancing to the tabor's sound, ask for alms.
Won't it be nice?
GAFFER. It would be splendid, and if you're with me, I shall
have my full share. But what'll 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!"
GAFFER. What is there to be sad for, my child, even were you to
stay at 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 I like it more and
more being indoors, and as I think I shall get a letter one day,
I feel quite happy and then I don't mind being quiet and alone.
I wonder if I shall make out what'll be in the King's letter?
GAFFER. Even if you didn't wouldn't it be enough if it just bore
your name?
[MADHAV enters]
MADHAV.
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