[b]The Tale of the Loyal Scribe[/b] By Anathet of the Zhianku Dedication: For Auntie Rose, this story never would have existed without you [i]They say you meet love in unexpected places Doing your duty, living a vigorous life, Even serving, secret strife Long ago a scribe loyal, brave, and quick-witted Serving on the chain Recording with care, always guarding the master's estate A scribe and a spy silent slippers pass unseen A mind remembers, and a quill scratches secrets guarding the master's estate Summer night, warm glow betrayal by candlelight! Loyal scribe observes the lord's poison soon prepared One ingredient 'til done Abrupt departure seeking the poison by night The scribe but follows silent shadow on the trail descent to the lower wards The poisoner, her auburn hair dancing firelight brighter than the sun! Scribe took in a quiet breath Time stopped, so too did her heart Rash action, scattering Scribe stumbles upon the scene Perhaps an accident, unknown, but no more unseen What words passed such lonely lips? A secret affair nights and still more summer nights Meetings without time betrayal newly joined or, a clever trick to delay? One day, new door guard leaving scribe remarked and seen A scribe, quick of wit knowing that time has ended Rushes to her beloved A poisoner's choice abandon the art of death Choose to love instead Travel with her lovely scribe Seek a new life, together Quill scratches out words The plot all revealed, laid bare Poisoner and scribe Loyal first to the master Safety of the highest high Then the two lovers departed, their duty done New lives still to seek They slipped into the market Silence carried them away All praise loyal scribe! whose service was dutiful All praise the lovers! who sought out their peace and joy All found their place on the chain! [/i] Author's notes -The play may be performed by one person both reciting the lines and demonstrating various roles by use of masks. When departing as the lovers, two masks should be held together, neither entirely touching the face. -The play may also be performed by two actors, alternating recitation, or by two actors and one independent reciter. -Suggested musical accompaniment, if desired, is a wood block drum and a two or three-stringed shamisen [hider=Author's secret notes] The final three verses should be read ironically. The scribe has not chosen the master, but rather used her role to mislead him, leading to his ultimate downfall. Done properly, the lovers depart with the group of resistance members plotting the tyrant's overthrow. [/hider]