Genghis Khan

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22.
OLD MAN'
(TIRED) Your Highness, I am a simple man. I have only one
answer.
GENGHIS KH.Ai'J
But the King of Shensi is dead. The Prince of Shensi is dead.
That upstart Korocha, too, will die. I can exterminate the
entire population of Shensi. Have you reflected on the consequences
of silence?
OLD MAN
There is no need to reflect. We must all die eventually-­
even Your Highness.
GENGHIS KHAN
(BELLOWING) • The Khan will not die!
The Khan will rtever--
HE STOPS IN MID-PHRASE, LOWERS HIS
HEAD, DWELLING FOR THE FIRST TIME
ON THE POSSIBILITY OF DEAT~.
OLD MAN
No one can resist the laws of nature. What is important is
to know how to choose one's death.
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GENGHIS KHAN
will choose yours for you •
OLD :MAN
I have been prepared for it a long time. It's an abuse of
· :,the gifts of heaven to have lived as long as I have already.
Now, thanks to your solicitude, I shall know a worthy death.- -
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GENGHIS KHAN
:· A worthy death! Ha! I see you have no idea what is in store .
for you •
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·. . OLD 1-f..AN
· . You may tear out my eyes, cut all my tendons, break my bones,
remove my flesh bit by bit, and even pulverize what is left
of me. I shall die a thousand deaths, but I shall not be
vanquished. And that is all that matters. Your Highness
· may give the order •
THE KHAN STUDIES HIM A MOMENT, THEN
HES!TANTLY RAISES THE GONG-BEATER •
C .
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Your Highness--
What is it?
JEBAY
GENGHIS KHAN
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