n searching for the truth, on setting up
Its lamp and following its holy light.
Nirvana is attained when passions are
Extinct and when the heart is blessed with peace.

_GS._ Thou art more than a mortal, holy man. Auspicious
is this day on which I've met thee. The people call
thee Buddha, perhaps rightly so! A feeling of deep
reverence comes over me and the truth dawns on
me. Truly thou art the teacher of the world. If
thy doctrine impressed the people a new era would
begin, an era in which mankind would be wiser and
nobler, happier and better.

[Barbaric music is heard behind the stage, the drum being prominent.]

_Voices behind the stage:_ Maha Kali! Kali Ma!

_GS._ Behold how wretched are these people in their ignorance.

_B._ They must be taught and they will learn the truth.

[The procession enters. A small band of musicians comes with primitive
instruments, among them drums. They are followed first by dancers,
then by a priest (_Pr._) flourishing in his bloody hand a large knife.
By his side walks a shepherd carrying a lamb. Behind them the farmer's
(_F._) family and other people]

_GS._ What horrible sounds! And the crowd behave like madmen.

_Pr._ Maha Kali!

_Crowd._ Kali Ma!

_Pr._ Goddess of the black countenance! Great Black Mother!

_Crowd._ Maha Kali! Kali Ma!
Maha Kali! Kali Ma!
Maha Kali! Kali Ma!

[The priest steps to the altar; the crowd kneels in a large circle. At
the priest's signal the farmer approaches the altar and kneels. His
behavior betrays superstitious timidity and great awkwardness. The
shepherd exhibits the lamb first to the priest and then to the dancers
who in fantastic dancing step advance and retreat while the music
plays. Finally the lamb is placed on the altar.]

_Pr._ Have Mercy on us! Slay the demon of disease.
Keep away Yama the horrible one, the god of Death.

_Crowd._ Kali Ma, have mercy on us!

_Pr._ Thou art Parvati, the wife of Siva. Thou hast conquered the
giant Durga, the evil one, and now thyself art called the goddess
Durga.
Thou art Mahishamardini, the slayer of Mahisha.
Thou art Kalaratri, Nightly Darkness, abyss of all mysteries.
Thou art Jagaddhatri, mother of the world.
Thou art Jagadgauri, renowned throughout the world.
Thou art Katyayina, refulgent with a thousand suns.
Thou art Singhavahini, seated on a lion thou wonest victory over
Raktavija, leader of the giants' army.
Great Mother of Life, accept our offering, the blood of