14. Siddhatta and the Priest
Rolling countryside. Trees in full bloom. Wildflowers adorn the meadows. The road winds over a hill.
Peaceful, Siddhatta walks along, approaches the rise. A broad valley with villages and a meandering river stretch in the distance.
From the other direction rides his father's Royal Brahmin Priest in a carriage. Now 75, his old age and feebleness shows. He does not recognize Siddhatta.
Siddhatta stays in the middle of the road, intentionally forces the Priest to stop.
PRIEST
Out of my way, you --
SIDDHATTA
Royal Priest of King Suddhodana, what do you think, are you so worthy just because you were born a Brahmin?
PRIEST
Who are you to --
SIDDHATTA
I asked you a question.
PRIEST
And I do not have to answer to the likes of you.
SIDDHATTA
Is it because you do not know the answer?
The Priest frowns.
SIDDHATTA
And I do?
Interest lights on the Priest's face.
PRIEST
Who is your teacher who makes you so arrogant?
SIDDHATTA
Priest, I have no teacher, as there are none my equal.
PRIEST
From your words, wanderer, you must be either a fool or a conqueror.
SIDDHATTA
I am a conqueror.
PRIEST
Alright, conqueror. Now get out of my way.
Siddhatta stands still.
PRIEST
I said, get out of my way!
SIDDHATTA
Priest, it is time for you to be tamed.
Incensed, the Priest grumbles and guides his carriage to go off the road, onto a rough grassy area, around Siddhatta and charges off.
Siddhatta watches. His eyes take on a look of seriousness yet softness. He scans over the valley.
A whirlwind spins up the hill, creating a small dust storm that blows onto Siddhatta. It passes.
SIDDHATTA
Yes, many will not understand me. But there will be others with little dust over their eyes.
He walks down the hill into the setting sun.
