BORTE (A Historical Drama)

you. Hand in hand, the frightened children run with their mother towards the dense forest. A reasonable being, Hoelun, So as not to lose her sons, Tightened the belt on her fur coat, Bending low down to the floor, Seeing the roots, digging them up, Collecting the currants and thorns; A troubled being, Hoelun, Like a wizard trampled the mountain with her feet, Taking the iron ketmen in her hands, Sorting through hillocks and ravines, Having dug out a branchy root, Her worthy sons She sent out to help collect a decoction of herbs. A stubborn being, Hoelun, Strengthening the fortitude of her sons, Drawing a net, catching fish, A mother protecting, containing, So they matured to become warriors. The spacious Dai Setsen palace on the banks of the Kerulen River. The day has come to see Borte off. The hosts, relatives and servants awaiting the groom and matchmakers (support group) are in a commotion, preparing to welcome the guests. Dai Setsen is by himself. He is extremely worried. Approaching a low chest lined with a sable skin, he impatiently sits then springs to his feet. DAI SETSEN: They should have arrived yesterday, it’s already past noon, but they’re still not here. I hope nothing bad happened. SATIN: The way is far; they’re probably not here because of that. DAI SETSEN: It’s a three-day path, and today is the fourth day. All around us are our hidden enemies. If everything was fine, they would have arrived a long time ago. Outside there is a hubbub of excited voices. SATIN: It seems that some people have come. I’ll go and find out who it is. She runs out. When the door opens, the noise and clamour in the courtyard increases. Satin rushes back into the house. Her face, which had been suppressed by fear, brightens. She pauses in confusion, not knowing how to communicate the good news. DAI SETSEN: Is everything okay? What’s with the commotion outside? SATIN: They have arrived. All your matchmakers are safe and sound. They stand in front of the door asking permission to enter. DAI SETSEN: Thank God! Let them come in. With these words, he rises from his seat to meet the matchmakers. Enter Temujin, Belgutei, Hasar and their mother Hoelun-Ujin. As they step over the threshold, everyone bows respectfully to Dai Setsen. Only after that do

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