Two Friends 2

TWO FRIENDS

a screenplay by

Michael J. Clark

mclark7@mindspring.com

TWO FRIENDS

Part One

1. Scene opens from above, looking down at a globe. Zooms down to flat map of Southeast Asia. Zooms to map of Vietnam. Zooms to NorthernVietnam, to Ha Tinh Province, to the town of Can Loc.

Narrator

Once, long ago, in the small country of Vietnam, in the province of Ha Tinh, in the town of Can Loc, there lived two boys, Luu Binh and Duong Le. They were the best of friends.

Luu Binh and Duong Le were not from the same class. Luu Binh's family was poor. Luu Binh's father owned a small shop in Can Loc. Luu Binh was the oldest son; and, because of this, it was his duty to help his father in the shop. Luu Binh was also expected to excel at school. The path to success in Vietnam was through education. If one did well in school, one could perhaps take the the national exam some day; and perhaps even become a mandarin, a minister of the government.

It was everyone's dream to become a minister of the government.

Duong Le, on the other hand, was the only son of a wealthy landowner. Duong Le's mother had died when he was four years old. So Duong Le lived alone with his father and their many servants. They had the largest house in Can Loc. His father was very busy. He was treated with reverence by everyone in the town.

Luu Binh and Duong Le had met in school. They became as close as brothers.

2. Luu Binh and Duong Le are fishing. They are teenagers. They sit beside a beautiful river. The sky is blue.

Luu Binh

What will become of us when we become adults, Duong Le?

Duong Le

Why, we will both become mandarins, of course. We will become officials of Ha Tinh Province. Isn't that our dream?

Luu Binh

Yes, but to do this we must study very hard.

Duong Le

You already study hard enough for both of us, Luu Binh. And I will study harder when the time is right. I am a bit lazy, it's true. But I am only biding my time. When it is time for me to apply myself to study, I will not disappoint my father. I won't disappoint you either, Luu Binh.

Duong Le gets a strike. He reels in the fish. Luu Binh is exicted for him.

Luu Binh

Steady, bring it in easy. It's a beauty.

Duong Le lands the fish. He holds it up and presnets it go Luu Binh.

Duong Le (proud)

You see, Luu Binh. Things seem to come naturally to me. I don't seem to have to work so hard to get things. I seem to have luck.

Luu Binh

It's true. You seem blessed by destiny, Duong Le.

3. Luu Binh and Duong Le are walking home. Each carries a fishing pole. Duong Le carries his great fish. As they walk through the town, people come out to look at Duong Le's fish.

First Townsman

That's a true fish, Duong Le. Your father will be proud of you.

Second Townsman

That's a sign of good fortune, Duong Le. You will live long and be fruitful.

Two young women in the crowd blush and whisper to each other as the two friends walk by.

Young Woman in the Crowd (to her girlfriend)

Duong Le and Luu Binh are such wonderful friends. I wish Duong Le would notice me. He is so handsome and graceful. Look how he walks, with the dignity of a mandarin.

Girlfiend

And what of Luu Binh! Is he less graceful? Is he less handsome?

Young Woman

No. He too is a splendid man. They are, I believe, a special pair. So true is their friendship. They have great hearts. They will achieve something great, each of them.

4. They walk by the house of Nguyen Viet, an old man famous in Can Loc for his powers of prophecy.

Luu Binh

Shall we stop by and give the fish to Nguyen Viet? Perhaps he will divine from the fish something great in our destinies.

Duong Le

Excellent idea, Luu Binh. He will see, in the eye of the fish, our future. He is old. He and his wife may appreciate our gift.

Luu Binh rings the bell at the gate of Nguyen Viet's house. Nguyen Viet's wife appears.

Mrs. Nguyen

Hello, Luu Binh, Duong Le. It's nice to see you again. Are you here to see my husband?

Duong Le

Yes, Mrs. Nguyen. We have come to see your esteemed husband. We wish to present him with this great creature from the river.

Duong Le holds up the fish, showing it to Mrs. Nguyen.

Mrs. Nguyen

And to receive from him a prophecy? People come day and night to receive a prophecy from my husband...

Luu Binh

The entire town, the entire provice, reverences your husband Madame Nguyen. If he is tired of visitors, perhaps you will just give to him our gift...

Mrs. Nguyen

Nonsense. He is not weary of visitors. He lives for visitors. He has yet to turn one away without some word of wisdom. Come in.

Luu Binh and Duong Le follow Mrs. Nguyen into the garden where they meet a thin old man with a white beard. He is sitting quietly watching a nightingale in a nearby tamarind tree. The bird sings a lovely song. They approach Nguyen Viet slowly, trying not to disturb his peace.

Nguyen Viet (motioning the boys to join him)

Wisdom comes not from men. Wisdom comes from the songs of the birds, young men. For, when a man listens deeply to the nightingale, he hears, within that song, the voice of his own inner stillness. It is this inner stillness which knows and sees everything. Learn to hear that inner stillness in your own heart and you will know the wisdom.

The two friends stand near Nguyen Viet listening to the song of the nightingale. It is a beautiful song. Then it ends; the bird is gone.

Nguyen Viet

Sit, sit. I am pleased with your visit. I have not seen you for many days, Luu Binh. Nor you either, Duong Le. How is your father?

Duong Le

He is fine, sir. He sends you his regards.

Nguyen Viet

And return mine to him. Luu Binh, how is your family? Is your father still working like a demon in his shop? (Laughing) He is a good man. Tell him I think of him often. And how are your studies coming?

Luu Binh

Well, sir. For both of us.

Nguyen Viet

Both of you? (Again he laughs a warm soft laugh.) Your friend is noted as much for his fishing as for his diligence at study.

Luu Binh

Duong Le is merely biding his time, sir. When the time comes....

Nguyen Viet

Nonsense. The time never comes. The time always is. (To Duong Le:, eyeing the fish.) Have you brought me a present?

Duong Le

Yes, sir. Fresh from the deep.

Nguyen Viet

And you would like a reading from the deep I presume. Isn't that why you've come?

Luu Binh

If you don't find us unworthy of your knowlege....

Nguyen Viet

(Laughing) You are worthier than most, Luu Binh. And Duong Le, as I have said, is noted for his fishing.....

Nguyen Viet takes out his spectacles and puts them carefully on his nose, hoooking the temples behind his ears. He looks probingly into the eye of the fish. He is drawn into the eye of the fish. He enters a dark place. A match is lit. It is like a cave. There is something written on the cave wall: "Coming Soon". A nightingale flies into and out of the light. Nguyen Viet follows the bird through the cave into the light. The cave overlooks a great ocean. The sky is very blue. There is a beautiful young woman with long flowing black hair dressed in a crimson au dai. She is very beautiful. "Coming soon," she says. "What is coming soon?" Nguyen Viet asks. "The young man will be tested." "Which young man? Duong Le?" "Yes," the woman replies. "In what manner?" Nguyen Viet asks. "He will lose one who is close to him?" "Luu Binh?" Nguyen Viet asks. "No. That is not coming soon. Coming soon is the loss of one who guards him." "His father?" Nguyen Viet asks. "And with loss comes gain, but a gain which is a loss," the woman says. The beautiful woman floats away, disappearing into the mist of the sea. The nightingale sings again and darts past Nguyen Viet, back into the cave. Nguyen Viet follows the bird back into the darkness. He follows the small light. Again, he sees words written on the cave wall. But this time the words are "Soon Gone". Darkness. Pulling back: again there is the eye of the fish. Nguyen Viet blinks hard, clearing his mind, having returned from his vision.

Nguyen Viet (to Duong Le)

Some men are born knowing their true natures. Others must work to try to find them. You shall be tested to find your true nature, Duong Le. You have luck, it is true. But Luck is a knife that has two sides, each of which cuts differently. Luck is no substitute for character. And character is what you will find through your test. It is better to have friends than luck. Luck turns against you. True friends never do.

(To Luu Binh) You know where you are and where you must go. You know what it is to be virtuous. So, also know what it is to be patient. And when one you love is lost and abandons you, do not know judgment, know instead that nothing is eternal except real friendship.

Mrs. Nguyen re-appears with lemonade on a tray.

Mrs. Nguyen

Boys, please sit. It is too hot today to stand there around my my husband. Here, have something cool to drink. My husband speaks better when he has lemonade to drink.

Nguyen Viet

Yes, sit, young men. There will be plenty of time to talk. For the moment at least, listen to my wife. What she says is more wise than what I have to say.

Nguyen Viet watches a bee light upon a hollyhock. Nguyen Viet focusses on the bee; in the background the boys quietly drink their lemonade.

5. Luu Binh and Duong Le are walking down the street together.

Duong Le

So what did the eminent Nguyen mean by his admonishment of me, Luu Binh...?

Luu Binh

He did not admonish you. He merely....

Duong Le

He did not provide me with a hopeful future, Luu Binh. What am I supposed to make of that? Am I supposed to take it seriously?

Luu Binh (troubled)

I don't know. His vision of you seems clouded.

Duong Le

His vision is not clouded, Luu Binh. However, the future he presents to me seems clouded. What do you make of these tests he speaks about?

Luu Binh

I don't know. Perhaps he means the national scholar test in Hue...!

Duong Le

Be serious, Luu Binh! Nguyen Viet is no fool. When he speaks of tests, he means that my life will be difficult. He also seems to insinuate that you and I shall be....that I shall abandon you or betray you. But that is not so. I will not abandon you. How do you understand what he said?

Luu Binh

I do not know, Duong Le. The bonds that tie you and I together shall never be broken.

Duong Le

I wish we would not have gone to see Nguyen Viet. I feel sad now. I feel that some cloud has been dragged across the sky.

Luu Binh

Whatever your tests, Duong Le, I will be a support to you. If your life becomes hard, I shall be your foundation. If your life loses its focus, I shall be your road again. If your life is washed over with tribulations, I shall be your boat....

Duong Le (smiling)

Ok, I get the picture. You're such a poet!

Luu Binh

Here, take my hand, Duong Le. Let us promise, with this handshake, to ever be true, to ever be like brothers.

The two boys shake hands.

6. Duong Le's home. It is very nicely furnished. They are rich. Duong Le is an only child. He and his father sit together at the dining room table. The meal is being served by Tam, the family servant. Mr. Duong is a strong-looking man, a man of will, handsome, seemingly in the prime of health. Tam is an older man, perhaps 65 years old. He is thin but wiry. He obviously runs the household with efficiency and good judgment. Duong Le and his father are eating soup.

Mr. Duong

Son, I want to ask you something. You are getting to the age now where you are becoming a man. What is it you want from life? We have talked about this before--but what do you wish to do with your life?

Duong Le

I don't know, father. I am still young. I wish to pursue my education, I suppose. To study to become a mandarin. To become a respected member of the government. Is that not what all decent men wish?

Mr. Duong

And if something should happen to me, if I should lose my health for some reason, or be eaten by a tiger....what then?

Duong Le

Don't speak that way, father. I don't like to hear you say that.

Mr. Duong

I know, son. I don't like it either. I have worked hard to build up my businesses. Perhaps I have worked too hard at it. I don't seem to have much time to spend with you. If something should happen to me, son, what would you do with my businesses?

Duong Le

I don't know, father. I don't know much about your businesses. Perhaps I would get Tam to take care of them.

Mr. Duong (laughing)

Tam is a good man, very trustworthy, very wise. But he is not a businessman. He is a servant. He could not run my businesses. I have instructed my brother, your Uncle Minh, in the case of an accident or illness, to become your guardian and teach you the ways of business. Will you listen to your Uncle Minh, if something should happen to me?

Duong Le

Please stop talking about this, father. I don't want to hear it.

Mr. Duong

I am fine, son. There is nothing wrong with me. But what if I should be robbed and killed by a thief tomorrow? It could happen. A man with money is always the object of hostility. If something were to happen to me....I want you to promise that you will honor my wishes, do as I ask, allow Uncle Minh to train you to run the family businesses....

Duong Le

And what about my studies?

Mr. Duong

You are my only son, my heir. I wish you to marry, to have children, and to perpetuate the businesses I have built. That is my wish.

7. Duong Le's home. The upstairs room. Looking from outside in, a candlelight in the window. Moving in through the window, through the curtains: Mr. Duong is coughing violently. He is trying to remain quiet. He looks at his handkerchief. It is filled with blood. Tam knocks and enters the room.

Tam

Sir, may I be of some assistance? Shall I run for the doctor?

Mr. Duong

No, Tam. I'm fine. I just need to rest.

Tam

I'll be glad to get the doctor, sir.

Mr. Duong

No, I'm fine, really. I just need to rest, Tam. Please close the door. Did I wake my son?

Tam

No, sir. I don't think so.

Mr. Duong

Remember, not a word of this to him. Not a word.

Tam

Yes, sir.

Tam closes the door, puts his hands up to his eyes, and begins to cry.

8. Luu Binh is at home, studying. He sits at a table near an open window. His mother, Anh, sits with him, knitting.

Narrator

Time passed, one day running into the other. Luu Binh and Duong Le continued to work hard in school, Luu Binh working harder perhaps, but Duong Le also making progress. Study did not come so easily to Duong Le. He had more distractions. He was a bit less disciplined than Luu Binh. But he did work hard. And his grades were always good.

One day Luu Binh was alone with his mother:

Luu Binh

Some day I will be able to help you and father more, mother. When I pass the exam, then father won't have to work so hard each day. That is my dream.

Anh

Do not trouble yourself over us, son. We are happy. We have a healthy family. There is no war in the country. We are happy.

Luu Binh

Yes, I understand, mother. We do have a good life. But I wish to help more. I am not content to be, for ever, merely your son who studies hard. I wish to become, one day, a man who has power and wealth so that I will be able to help my family.

Anh

That is a dream for you to follow, son. We each need a dream, for that's what gets us through the many doors of our life.

Luu Binh's younger sister, Lan bursts through the door, crying to Luu Binh:

Lan

Brother, I have heard the worst news at the market. Tien's mother told me that Duong Le's father died last night. She said he collapsed in his son's arms and died very quickly.

A look of horror comes over Luu Binh's face. He jumps up from the table.

Luu Binh

I must find my friend and comfort him.

Luu Binh rushes from the house, runs through the front garden out into the street. The streets are full, busy with sellers hocking their wares, pedestrians, cyclos Luu Binh runs up the street, oblivious of those around him. His faces shows that he is sharing his friend's pain. He runs and runs, sweat coalescing on his brow. The sun is hot, glaring down at the street. Duong Le's house is on the edge of town. Luu Binh has to slow to catch his breath. Then he runs again. He finally comes to the large house on the edge of Can Loc. He enters the gate. The servant is not present. He hurries through the large garden to the front door of the house. He knocks on the door. And old male servant, Tam, answers the door.

Tam, the Servant

Luu Binh. We have suffered a tragedy in our house, young man. Duong Le is now with his uncle. He is not able to play now.

Luu Binh

I must see Duong Le. I must comfort my friend.

Tam

There is nothing you can do now, Luu Binh. Duong Le is not available. He is now the man of this house. His days of play, sadly, have ended.

Luu Binh

I must talk with him.

Tam

I will tell him you called. You can see him after the funeral.

Luu Binh hangs his head, and wanders back through the garden. He is sad. He feels cut off from his friend. He stops at the gate, looks back. The house seems larger than before, almost like a fortress. He had never really looked at the house before. Now it is quite imposing. He looks at the upstairs window, trying to get a glimpse of Duong Le. But there is nothing to see, only sunlight reflecting on the window, creating a glare.

9. Duong Le's Uncle Minh is looking out the upstairs window of the house, down into the garden. He watches Luu Binh slowly move back toward the gate. He turns to Duong Le, who is seated across the room.

Uncle Minh

Your world has changed, nephew. Your world has changed in a very drastic way. Your father, my brother, was a wealthy man. He owned several businesses--now you will own them. Your days of study are over, Duong Le. There is no one else to take charge of your father's affairs.

Duong Le

I do not wish to talk of this now. My father has just died....

Uncle Minh

Yes, and you have my great sympathy. I too loved my brother--dearly. It is a great shock, a sad day. But grieving will not bring him back to us. Grieve, Duong Le! Grieve! And when the grieving is done, grieve no more. When the grieving is done, you must become a man.

Duong Le

I have been prepared as a scholar....

Uncle Minh

Yes, you have been prepared as a scholar, and that is good. But you are the oldest son, the only son, of your father. You must now become a man of the world. If you wish to sell your father's businesses, you can. But if you do sell your father's businesses, one day you will run out of money. If you choose to manage your father's businesses, and you manage them successfully, you can be rich until the day you die. That is what your father wanted. If you fail what he has begun, you will disappoint him greatly.

10. The funeral. Tents have been set up adjacent to the house. There is a line of people moving in to the house. Everyone is dressed in white. The women all seem to carry a large bouquet of flowers which they are taking inside the house.

Narrator

Nearly everyone in town was at Duong Le's father's funeral. Many friends and business associates; many enemies perhaps, for one never was successful in business without creating an enemy or two. Also, there were many who had known Duong Le's father only enough to say hello. Even some who had never seen the man. It made one look important to have known the richest man in town. So more than one man said to his friend: "Oh, yes. Mr. Duong and I were very good friends. Didn't you know? Oh, yes, I've known him for years. I will go to his funeral. I wish to have a chance to say a last goodbye to my good friend."

Duong Le sat near his father's sealed coffin. He was surrounded by relatives, his Uncle Minh and Aunt Trang, other uncles and aunts and cousins. Each wore a white sash of mourning tied around their heads. There were professional mourners who had been paid to wail and moan. Duong Le seemed in a trance of sorrow. He did not look up, but sat silent, deep in his thoughts.

Luu Binh went to the funeral with his family. Luu Binh's mother carried a large bouquet of flowers. The family stood in line for nearly an hour until they finally made their way into Duong Le's house. Luu Binh tried to catch his friend's eye. But Duong Le did not see him. Finally, the family made it's way to the altar. They bowed and prayed for the soul of Duong Le's father. Luu Binh's mother placed her flowers among the many bouqets near the altar. Then the family turned to Duong Le. Duong Le's eyes lit up when he saw his friend. Luu Binh's father handed to Duong Le a small envelope, containing money, as a sign of condolence. The family bowed to Duong Le. Duong Le rose up to greet Luu Binh. He whispered into his friend's ear: "Don't go away. I must speak with you. Wait for me out in the garden."

11. Luu Binh is sitting in the garden. It is dusk. Most of the guests have gone. Duong Le comes running out of the house, looking for his friend.

Duong Le

I am sorry to have kept you waiting so long. It's my uncle, Luu Binh, he won't let me out of his sight. I am sad, so sad. It seems as though my life is ending. I miss my father so. And my uncle insists that I travel with him to Hanoi, to study business with him. He says I must give up my studies; I must take over my father's businesses. He says my dream of being a scholar must end. I must go to him with Hanoi, so I can learn business, and then return to run my own affairs.

Luu Binh

And what of us, Duong Le? What of our dream?

Duong Le

I will return, Luu Binh. We will talk when I return. I must go inside, to be with my uncle. I will not forget you, Luu Binh. Strange, the vision of Nguyen Viet seems so true now. I believe that I am entering the trials he spoke of.

Duong Le's uncle Minh appears on the porch of the house. He looks out into the garden at the two friend.

Duong Le embraces his friend.

Duong Le

I will not forget you, Luu Binh. Remember to study hard. When I return I will find you and tell you of my travels.

Luu Binh watches his friend walk back toward the house. It is getting dark. Golden light comes from the windows of the house. Duong Le becomes a shadow, walking up to his uncle. Uncle Minh is also a shadow. They walk into the house: each a separate shadow.

Part Two

1. Scene opens on a classroom of eight students. Luu Binh is writing in his workbook. He looks over at an empty chair: his friend Duong Le is gone. He continues to write.

Narrator

The days became weeks and the weeks became months. Luu Binh had not heard from Duong Le. Luu Binh continued to study. His dream was very clear. Yet his heart was not always so clear. He missed his friend. He wondered if Duong Le was alright. Hanoi was so far away, a big world. Luu Binh feared the Duong Le might be swallowed up by the chaos of the city.

2. Night. Duong Le is eating dinner with his Uncle Minh and two other men. They are talking business. Duong Le is only partly involved. There is an attractive woman singing in a dimly-lit corner of the restaurant. Several young men are gathered around her. Duong Le's attention drifts toward the woman.

Uncle Minh

So, we have an agreement? You will deliver ten tons by the end of the week?

Business Man #1

Yes.

Business Man #2

And we'll deliver a second ten tons one month later.

Uncle Minh

Good. Let's drink to our new partnership.

The men drink together. They are all smoking.

Business Man #1

Join us, Duong Le. Here, have a cigarette with me.

Duong Le

No, thank you. I don't care for tobacco.

Business Man #2

Come now. You uncle wishes you to learn business. To succeed in business you must be sociable. You must drink with us, and smoke. (He pours Duong Le a drink.)

Duong Le

I don't care about drinking, sir. I am still young.

Businessman #1

Nonsense. I was fourteen when I sold my first order. I have been smoking since I was eleven. A man drinks and smokes. If you wish that other men take you seriously, you will drink and smoke with them. You will let them know that you are tough, that you can meet any challenge they might present.

Duong Le looks at his uncle. Uncle Minh is impassive, watching to see how Duong Le will react. Duong Le looks at the two businessmen. They seem to be challenging him. Finally, as the silent look of his uncle becomes too much for Duong Le, he takes the drink and the cigarette. The three men laugh their approval. Duong Le drinks the wine. Then he lights the cigarette.

Business Man #1 (to Uncle Minh)

I see your nephew can't take his eyes off of sweet Lin.

The men laugh.

Uncle Minh

He has good taste at least.

Business Man #1

Yes. I certainly don't blame him.

Business Man #2

Have you taken him to Madame Phan's house yet?

Uncle Minh

No. He hasn't proven himself to me yet.

Duong Le

Proven myself in what way?

Uncle Minh

That you have a head for business. That you can run my brother's businesses. (To the businessmen:) Our counselor is taking care of things while we're away. But when he returns to Can Loc, Duong Le must take over management of my late brother's affairs.

Business Man #1

You should give him a taste of Madame Phan's pleasures. Nothing motivates a man to be successful like a pretty young woman. It might make him a man, if you know what I mean.

Business Man #2

I went there when I was sixteen. My father took me there. He wanted to teach me about the world.

Uncle Minh

Yes, perhaps that's not a bad idea. He's too bookish now. He wasn't really prepared well for business. This may help to change him. (Turning to Duong Le:) Yes, tonight you will have a treat, a coming of age present from your uncle. After dinner we will visit Madame Phan's house. You will be astonished by what you see.

3. Madame Phan's house. The interior is elegantly appointed, with silk cloths, hanging beeds, expensive, ornate furniture and seductive warm lighting. Men are gambling are three different tables. Pretty young women dressed in silk dresses watch the men closely, sitting or standing beside them. There is traditional guitar music being played by a man, and a pretty woman sits beside him, singing. Duong Le is sitting at one of the tables, playing cards. A beautiful girl is sitting behind him, silent. The men are loud, clearly feeling their liquor. Duong Le is also drunk.

Businessman #1

The dealer has 19.

Businessman #2

That beats everyone but the kid.

Businessman #1

The kid has good luck, no doubt about it.

Duong Le

I was born under a lucky star. I've always had luck on my side.

Uncle Minh

Luck is only part of the equation, young man. Luck is good. But ingenuity is even better.

Businessman #1

Ingenuity is luck, Minh.

Uncle Minh

Luck is a gift from the mother. Ingenuity is a gift from the father.

Businessman #2

Yes, you've got that right, Minh. We'd better let the boy go with Pearl there, before he takes all of our money.

Uncle Minh turns and looks at the woman seated behind Duong Le. He scrutiinzes her, to see if she meets his requirements. He finally smiles, a drunken smile, but still his same severe self.

Uncle Minh (to his nephew)

So, are you ready to become a man, Duong Le?

Duong Le (looking at Pearl)

Sure.

Uncle Minh (to Pearl)

Take care of my nephew, Pearl. Show him everything you know.

Pearl (bowing)

Yes, Mr. Minh.

Pearl takes Duong Le's hand, leads him away from the table, into a hallway.

Businessman #1

God, how I envy that kid.

Businessman #2

She's a beauty alright.

Businessman #1

I wish I knew at his age what I know now.

Uncle Minh

That isn't allowed, Mr. Trinh. No one is corrupt at fifteen. We have to be led into corruption. We only become corrupted after our parents grow too weak to rule. Then we inherit their world. That's when we learn about corruption.

Businessman #2

Is that why you're so eager to corrupt your nephew....?

Uncle Minh

Yes, of course. He has inherited the world of his father. Someone needs to show him what's expected of him now. (He drinks more rice wine.) We come into the world as angels, friends. We fall from grace and become devils. We fall from power, repent, and leave the world as saints. That is the eternal wheel on which we are riding. You men and I, we are merely in the devil stage of life. Waiting to lose our footing, and fall from our individual pedestals. Some day even drunkards like us shall become saints, when we're too old and weak for anything else.

The men laugh heartily, shaking their head in agreement.

4. Luu Binh is visiting the house of Nguyen Viet. He carries a fishing rod and a satchel of poems. He has no fish.

Narrator

Luu Binh did not hear from Duong Le for several months. He visited Duong Le's house many times. Tam always informed him that Duong Le was "studying" in Hanoi. Finally, disturbed by the silence, Luu Binh visited Nguyen Viet again, the prophet of Can Loc.

Mrs. Nguyen shows Luu Binh into the garden where Nguyen Viet is sleeping.

Mrs. Nguyen (to Luu Binh)

He's not really sleeping. He just pretends to be sleeping when he hears me approach. He's enjoying the peace and quiet. He doesn't want me to disturb him.

Nguyen Viet

You can't ever fool a woman, young man. No matter what I do, she sees right through me, like my secrets are placed beyind a piece of glass. (Looking up at Luu Binh.) Yes, I knew you'd come. Did you bring me another fish?

Luu Binh

I tried. But I caught nothing. I'm not a very good fisherman.

Nguyen Viet

You're a man of books, I guess. And your friend, the one with good luck, where is he now?

Luu Binh

He has gone to Hanoi, to study business with his uncle.

Nguyen Viet

Yes, his uncle. I know his uncle. Not exactly a pleasant man.

Luu Binh

I wanted to bring you a fish so you could look again in the eye of the fish and see my future and that of my friend....

Nguyen Viet

Why? Has something changed?

Luu Binh

Yes, didn't you hear? Duong Le's father died, and....

Nguyen Viet

Oh, yes: I know that. That was what I foretold, young man. But has anything changed. I told you your friend would suffer through trials, difficulties. That his luck would really not be luck at all. And that you would lead a disciplined life of the mind, that you would build for yourself a world through your studies. What more do you need to know?

Luu Binh

I have no fish to give you...

Nguyen Viet

Forget the fish. You, too, are transparent, my young friend. I can look in your eye, too: and see a world. You are worried about your friend, Duong Le. You fear that he will get lost in the big world. Yes, he will get lost. But you must let him get lost. He is not your shadow. He is himself, a life, a unique soul, experiencing life. Your world is not his world. And your path is not his path. You love your friend; and that is good. You wish to help him, as he has helped you. I know that he pays your tuition at the school each month. That he sends his servant Tam to the schoolmaster. That is good of him. You will have a chance to help him too. But it is not the time now. Take care of yourself now. Do your own work. Your friend may fall. But he probably won't want your help until he does fall. Then, when he is ready, you can help him. But help him find his better self. He has been spoiled by wealth. He does not yet know how to find his deep nature.

Mrs Nguyen appears with two cocoanuts on a tray.

Mrs. Nguyen

Is anyone thirsty?

Nguyen Viet (to Luu Binh)

See, she is more the prophet than I. She knew we were thirsty. In fact--don't tell anyone--everything I know I have learned from my wife.

Luu Binh

That's what my father tells me, too.

Nguyen Viet

Yes, a man without a wife is a like kite without a string.

Mrs. Nguyen

When he is feel good, he says this: a man without a wife is like a kite without a string. But when he is feeling bad, he says: a man with a wife is like a ship with a heavy anchor: unable to move, unable to chase his dream.

Nguyen Viet

And both are true, dear. Both are true. Through everything, the paradox endures.

5. Luu Binh is sitting in a pagoda. Incense sticks are burning in a large black urn with red Chinese letters on the side. Monks in purple robes with shaved heards move about the pagoda in silence, performing their tasks. Luu Binh is writing a poem. The pagoda is silent, dark, peaceful. Luu Binh sits in a strand of warm golden sunlight. But near him are shadows and a comforting emptiness. Luu Binh writes diligently.

Luu Binh's younger brother Nhut slips into the pagoda and sits beside his brother.

Nhut

What are you doing, Luu Binh?

Luu Binh

I am meditating. And writing poetry. Why have you come here?

Nhut

Mother sent me. What does your poem say?

Luu Binh

Do you want me to read it to you?

Nhut

Yes.

Luu Binh

Very well. It's entitiled: "The Wild Canary".

The wild canary in tempest flees

The loving nest all mothers weave.

The sky will build a home of trees

A larger nest the gods conceive.

Nhut

I don't understand it. The bird's home is ruined by the wind.... Is that what it means?

Luu Binh

Yes, that's part of it. The wind ruins one home. And the wind creates another home.

Nhut

I don't understand it.

Luu Binh

It's a paradox, young brother. Have you never heard that through everything the paradox endures. So, why did mother send you here?

Nhut

Oh, yes. What is a paradox, brother?

Luu Binh

A paradox is something that seems to be contradictory. It almost doesn't make sense; but, as one looks deeper at it, it not only makes sense, but appears to be a law of nature.

Nhut

I don't understand that. Is what you've said, itself, a paradox--or just a confusion?

Luu Binh

Yes, I guess it is a paradox, in a way.

Nhut

I don't understand it then. Oh, mom sent me because she was told by the fish sauce vendor that Duong Le has returned home. Someone saw him at the market.

Luu Binh is up in an instant. A look of unsuppressed excitement fills his face.

Luu Binh

Why didn't someone tell me?

Nhut

I did. I just did tell you.

Luu Binh

It's strange, his best friend is the last to know.

Nhut

Is that a paradox, Luu Binh?

Luu Binh

No, that is simply a trick of existence.

Luu Binh tiptoes out of the pagoda, being silent, carrying his books under his arm, picking up his sandals on the way out. Nhut follows him, looking at everything with wide eyes, scuffing his feet as he goes. When Luu Binh reaches the street, he begins to run. He is very happy. He looks as if he wants to shout. But he does not. He runs up the street, past the market when the old women squat and chew beetle nut. They watch him run past, staring at him like his presence is a nuisance. Luu Binh runs by his father's shop. Nhut is trying to keep up with him; but he is out of breath. He stops at his father's shop, tired from running. Luu Binh's father is out in front of his shop. Luu Binh waves as he runs up the street. He shouts: "Duong Le is back, father! Duong Le is back!" His father smiles, waves back; then he greets young Nhut. Luu Binh does not stop. He runs and runs to the edge of the town, pausing once to catch his breath. Then he reaches Duong Le's house. He opens the gate, moves through the garden, and knocks on the front door of the house. Tam, the servant, answers the door.

Tam

Yes, Luu Binh?

Luu Binh

I hear that Duong Le has returned.

Tam

Yes, Duong Le has returned. Please come in.

The house seems very large and imposing. Luu Binh looks at the high ceiling. The house seems cold now. Luu Binh follows Tam through a long hallway, into a large living room. There are four men seated at a table, playing cards. Duong Le is one of the men. Duong Le is no longer dressed in simple country clothes. He is now dressed in fancy city clothes. He is smoking a cigarette. All the men are drinking. Then Luu Binh notices the women. There are four women. One of the women is Pearl. She is seated near Duong Le. Another young woman, very pretty, is lying on a couch near a window. Her legs are exposed. It is a party. Luu Binh seems to shrink.

Tam

Master: you have a visitor. Luu Binh has come to see you.

Duong Le

What? Why, Luu Binh, old friend. Yes, it is wonderful to see you again.

He rises from the table, hands his cards to Pearl, "Here, play for me." He strides across the room to Luu Binh. He hugs Luu Binh awkwardly.

Duong Le

My, it's good to see you. I've been away so long. Come meet my friends.

Luu Binh pulls back.

Luu Binh

It seems that you're busy. I can come back some other time.

Duong Le

No, don't be silly. Come meet my friends. You can join us. Would you like a drink?

Luu Binh

No, thank you.

Pearl

Who's this, dear? Is it Luu Binh? He's cute.

Pearl is very pretty. She is older than Duong Le by a few years. The other men are boys too, in fact--although several years older than Duong Le. They are all handsome and sophisticated, well dressed, slightly drunk.

Pearl

We've heard much about you, Luu Binh. Duong Le says you're his best friend.

Friend #1

How about a drink, Luu Dinh...?

Girl Friend #1 (laughing)

It's not Luu Dinh. It's Luu Binh. You can't even get your "B's" straight.

Friend #1

I'm too drunk to talk but I'm not too drunk to love, sweet thing.

Girl Friend #1 (smiling seductively)

Love is all you think about, Trung. You'll wear yourself out. You'll become an old man too soon.

Friend #2 (smoking; smoke covers his face)

He's already an old man, Men. When you tire of him, you should try a real man.

Girl Friend #2

Don't you dare, Men. He talks more than he tangos.

Luu Binh

Really, Duong Le, I can't stay. I came by to see how long you'll be staying. I can come back later when you're not so busy.

Pearl

I don't think he likes us, dear. Maybe we're too much for him.

Duong Le (to Pearl)

Nonsense. Luu Binh is a real sport. He's my best friend.

Pearl

From the country days. But your country days are over, Duong Le. Luu Binh doesn't like your new friends.

Friend #3

You don't like us, Luu Binh. Why not?

Luu Binh

No. I like you. Of course I like you. But I have to help my father at his shop. My father needs my help. It's been nice meeting all of you. I must go, Duong Le.

Duong Le

But....

Luu Binh hurries from the living room, down the hall toward the door. Duong Le follows him.

Duong Le

Wait, Luu Binh. When will you come again to visit me?

Luu Binh (stopping, turning back to Duong Le)

I don't know. You tell me. When should I come?

Duong Le

Come tomorrow, early. We'll take a walk or something.

Luu Binh

Fine. Yes, tomorrow morning then.

Luu Binh hurries back to Duong Le, embraces him.

Luu Binh

I'm glad you're back, Duong Le. I've missed you so.

Luu Binh turns and departs, bowing to Tam as he leaves.

Duong Le returns to the party. Pearl is not pleased.

Pearl

I don't see what you see in that boy, Duong Le. He's nothing but pure country. He's a fool. He has absolutely no sophistication.

Friend #1

He definitely didn't like us. Did you see his face!

Duong Le

He was just surprised, I think. He didn't expect to see so many people. He's a very good person...

Pearl

I don't like him. I don't want him coming around here. He depresses me. I was having such a good time; now I'm sad. I don't like your friend. I don't want to see him again. I hope you won't ask him to come back here again.

Pearl gets up from the table and leaves the room. Duong Le is standing in the center of the room. Suddenly the party becomes very quiet.

6. Duong Le is in his bedroom. He is undressing. A kerosene lamp is burning, illuminating the room. Pearl is in bed. She is upset. Her bare arm is exposed above the cover.

Pearl

I don't like Luu Binh, Duong Le. He is small. He has no imagination. I don't wish you to be his friend any longer. He's a country boy. He doesn't fit with your new life, Duong Le. You have grown up. And he is still a boy.

Duong Le

He is a good person.....

Pearl

Don't tell me who is good. He wants you to come back to Can Loc. I cannot live here, Duong Le. There are probably many good people here. But I can't live in this boring place. There is no excitement here. No imagination I'm not sure I can stand it another day....!

Duong Le

You are tired, Pearl. You should sleep....

Pearl

I will sleep when I'm ready. You are not the only man who appreciates my company, Duong Le. Other men listen to me when I speak. You only pretend to listen. You try to deflect what I say. I will not be friends with Luu Binh, Duong Le. I won't mention him again. But I don't intend to be his friend.

Duong Le

I am not asking you to be his friend. I don't understand why you are making so much of this.

Pearl

Because I understand more than you, Duong Le. I understand more than you do.

Pearl turns away from Duong Le, lying with her back to him. Her black hair falls across the covers; her bare arm still exposed outside the cover. She is beautiful. Duong Le looks at Peal silently. He obviously loves her. He puts out the lamp and everything goes black.

7. Luu Binh and Duong Le are walking in Duong Le's garden. It is early morning. The golden light of the warm morning pours in on the flowers and trees. But Duong Le looks preoccupied.

Luu Binh

I am hurt, Duong Le. You did not write to me. I hear nothing from you for months. You finally do come home and you do not contact me. It seems that you have new friends now. You apparently have new interests. You don't seem to care about your old friends.

Duong Le

Oh, I do care, Luu Binh. But it's true, things have changed for me. I have opened another door. I have entered another world. The city is so exciting. There is so much to see and do. I don't know that I can ever come back to being what I was before.

Luu Binh

Why not? It depends what you want, Duong Le.

Duong Le

Perhaps. But I like my new life, Luu Binh. And I don't like Can Loc anymore. Everything here is so small, and boring. I don't want to be here. My uncle insists that I go into business. But I have no interest in business. I'm thinking of selling the businesses, and living in Hanoi. Hanoi is a fun place to live, Luu Binh. I go to parties all the time. I really have become a new person. I do have new interests.

Luu Binh

The woman, you mean?

Duong Le

Yes, there's Pearl. And I'm in love with Pearl.

Luu Binh

Do you intend to marry her.

Duong Le

Marriage? Oh, no, Luu Binh. Not now anyway. I don't think Pearl is interested in marriag. Besides, we're having too much fun. We go out and dance. We learn the dances from Europe. Hanoi is so lively. Can Loc is dead, Luu Binh. There is nothing to do here.

The window on the second floor is opened. Luu Binh and Duong Le look up. It is Pearl. Her hair is toussled. She yawns.

Pearl

What are you doing up so early? Is that Luu Binh? Good morning, Luu Binh. Honey, please come back to bed. I can't sleep without you. You can always talk with Luu Binh later.

Duong Le

I'll be up in a minute, dear.

Pearl

A gentleman doesn't keep a lady waiting! I want you to come up right now, Duong Le! Right now! A man who keeps a lady waiting usually finds another man taking his place...!

Pearl slams the window shut.

Duong Le (embarassed)

I need to go, I guess.

Luu Binh

Be careful of your friends, Duong Le. They may not really be friends. Are they rich too?

Duong Le

What?

Luu Binh

Are your friends rich? Do they have their own money to spend? Or are they spending your money?

Duong Le

What are you suggesting? That I would let myself be used by these people? That I have so little charm that I must buy my friendships? Who do you think you are? Are you my big brother?

Luu Binh

Remember what Nguyen Viet told you: you are entering into a time of trials. Your friends may not be friends; they may, themselves, be your trials?

Duong Le

My friends are fun; they're witty; they're educated. You wouldn't understand about that. You don't understand city life. Your world is too small, Luu Binh. I should have known: there's no way you can fit into my new world. Your world is a cup of water and my world is now the sea.

Luu Binh

My world is a clean cup of water, Duong Le.

Duong Le

Making my world what....a sea of...sewage? How dare you judge me? Go back to your tiny world of books and dry conceptions. You'll never know what it is to live, to dance, to make love. You'll never know what it is to be alive. You're imprisoned in your little world. And that's the way you like it. Pearl is right about you. You're too small. You're nothing but a country boy with no imagination and a trite, boring nature.

Luu Binh is shocked by his friend's indictment. He tries to find a response. He can think of nothing to say. He is blushing a deep red, shamed, insulted. Finally, he looks Duong Le in the eyes and says:

Luu Binh

Fate moves each of us. I am your friend, Duong Le. Some day you will remember that. And when you do, I will remember you.

Luu Binh leaves the garden. Tam hurries to open the gate giving him a look of shared sorrow as he passes. Then Tam returns to Duong Le who is watching Luu Binh retreat.

Duong Le (to Tam)

It does not matter, Tam. He is no longer my friend. He is no longer welcome here.

Part Three

1. Luu Binh is studying at home. It is late. He reads by a candle. The rest of the house is dark. Luu Binh's mother appears out of the darkness.

Mrs. Luu

It is so late, son. Do you need to work this late?

Luu Binh

Yes. I need to be ready for the Regional Exam, mother. It is only a week away. If I do well, I may be eligible to take the National Exam.

Mrs. Luu

But you always do well in school, Luu Binh. But you do not always study this late. Is something bothering you?

Luu Binh

No, mother. This exam is special. This is the most important test I have taken.

Mrs. Luu

And what of your friend, Duong Le? I know you went to see him. But you have said nothing of this. You have not gone back to see him....

Luu Binh

We are no longer friends, mother. He has new friends now. He belittles my ambition for learning. He believes that living for money and pleasure will sustain him. He insulted me, mother. So, we can no longer be brothers. He has taken a different path.

Mrs. Luu

Do not hate your friend, son. I'm sure he did not mean to insult you. Remember when you were close as brothers. If he is no longer close to you it is because his fate has led him away. His father died. He inherited too much money. He is not old enough to understand how to live with money....

Luu Binh

I do not hate him, mother. I still love him, even with the insult. But I will never again approach him, not until he comes to me and offers me an apology for the shame he has cast on me.

Mrs. Luu

Yes. That is how it should be. He knows where you live. He can come to apologize.

Luu Binh

I am afraid for him, mother. He surrounds himself with people who do not care for him, who only love him for his money. He no longer has a true friend. But he cannot see it, mother. His eyes have been shut. He knows only sensation now. Good judgment has left him.

Mrs. Luu

He is being tested by God....

Luu Binh

Or seduced by a demon!

Mrs. Luu

Yes, or seduced by a demon. You will see him again, son. Be true to him in your heart. Keep a place open for him when he comes to beg your forgiveness. Don't become bitter. He will someday realize that you are his best friend.

2. The streets of Hanoi. Duong Le is walking arm-and-arm with Pearl. Each is dressed in elegant clothing. Pearl stops and looks into a shop, pointing at jewelry in the window. We cannot hear what they are saying, but it is clear that Peal wants Duong Le to buy her the necklace.

Narrator

Duong Le realized that he was not equipped to manage his father's business affairs. Instead, he sold the businesses, against his Uncle Minh's wishes. His uncle had warned him: "If you sell my brother's businesses, you are out of this family! I have worked to instruct you on the nature of business! If you turn your back on me, you will be henceforth on your own!"

Duong Le sold the businesses anyway, taking the money in order to live a rich life in Hanoi. He had many friends in the city. He bought a large house, spent his nights in the gaming houses, bought Peal many expensive gifts, forgot about his friend back in Can Loc. He was a big man in Hanoi, rich, handsome, favored by the wealthy class and admired by the beautiful young women of the city.

3. A party. It is a large house, very formal. Everyone is well dressed and rich. A group of older men, appearing very dignified and powerful, stand together, talking. The younger men are standing with a group of pretty women. Duong Le is in this group. A group of young women stand in the corner of the room, watching Duong Le.

First Woman

There he is. Look at him! Ahh, isn't he handsome!

Second Woman

He's too noble for that witch on his arm!

Third Woman

She's a beauty--what do you mean "witch"?

Second Woman

She's no more than a....you know. A....woman of the night.

Third Woman

No. She's too young for that.

Second Woman

You know, you can't tell an Asian's age. She's more than twenty. She went to work at Madame Phan's when she was fifteen.

Third Woman

No, I don't believe it.

First Woman

It's true. She says that she's an actress. Look at her, so low but acting so high. And with a man of his caliber.

Second Woman

They say he sold his father's businesses. And that he has a yen for gambling.

First Woman

They say he wins at gambling. That he has a lucky nature.

Second Woman

He's not lucky with his women. She spends every Sunday night with Trung Yun, that old man who owns the shipping company.

Third Woman

Is that true? Trung Yun is fat and ugly.

Second Woman

And rich. A woman like that....she thinks only of money.

Third Woman

Someone needs to rescue him from her then. He seems like such a gentleman....

First Woman

He's blind to her though. He spends all of his money on her. She can do no wrong in his eyes.

Second Woman

Look at us, each far more beautiful than that whore. But does he have an eye for us. She has him in a trance. She much be a witch. She has put him in a trance with her looks.

Pearl notices the young women looking at them, talking. She stares back at the young women with a look of defiance and disgust.

4. Luu Binh is in school. He sits in the classroom with his teacher, Mr. Trang. Mr. Trang is middle-aged, well-bred, thin, greying hair, eyeglasses. He is holding a sheath of paper, Luu Binh's test.

Mr. Trang

I have asked you here, Luu Binh, to bring you some good news--and some disappointing news. The good news is something which is not a surprise to me. Your final test was excellent, the best in the class. I suspect it is the best in the district. Perhaps the best in the whole province. You will be eligible to take the national exam. However, to pass the national exam you will need much more studying of the classics. Mr. Ngu is the one you would study with for the national exam. But there is bad news in this, Luu Binh. We have not received your tuition for nearly three months. I visited with Tam at Mr. Duong's house only yesterday. He told me that Duong Le had given him explicit instructions that he was not to provide us with your tuition money any longer. I have talked with Mr. Ngu about instructing you for a reduced fee, which I, myself, would provide. But he has refused. He believes that the national test should be open only to the aristocracy. He opposes the idea of the poor and the working class having an opportunity for classical education. I am sure that your family will not be able to afford the tuition on their own. So I have taken the liberty of speaking with an old man who lives outside town, a Mr. Duy, who was once a magistrate in this district. Mr. Duy is a widower. He lives on a small piece of property, meditating and enjoying his retirement. This man was friends with my father when my father was alive. Anyway, I talked with him about instructing you in the classics. You must learn history, literature, logic, philosophy. You must study all the great masters. And he's a man who can teach you these things. He told me that he would tutor you. He said that I should send you to him. I told him that I would take you to him. I will take you there tomorrow if you like?

Luu Binh

How will I ever be able to pay Mr. Duy?

Mr. Trang

He doesn't need your money, Luu Binh. Mr. Duy has money. He never had children however. So, for him, this is an opportunity to leave an inheritance of his knowledge to someone before he leaves the earth.

Luu Binh

I don't know how to thank you, Mr. Trang, for taking care of me in this way.

Mr. Trang

You can thank me by continuing to study hard and by passing the national exam. When you have passed the exam, I will be content. We teachers live for our students' glory. Your glory is our glory too, Luu Binh.

5. Mr. Trang and Luu Binh walk through the Vietnamese countryside. Peasants are working the rice fields. Water buffalo wade through the water. On their backs are small children. Emerald green fields spread out in all directions, interrupted by dramatic peaks and arching trees. Peasants nod and say hello as the two men pass.

Mr. Trang

Mr. Duy was not unlike yourself when he took the national exam. He was not from the wealthy class. His father was an educated man without money. He was befriended by the Phan family. They were very wealthy then. Mr. Duy began with nothing except a fertile mind; and he eventually became a wealthy, powerful man in our province. There is his house. Let us go in.

A servant greets them at the gate and shows them in to the house. It is a modest house, but well appointed. Everything about the house speaks of good taste and order. Mr. Duy is refined, but not vain. He looks strong, decisive. He is drinking tea and reading on the porch, overlooking his garden. He is about seventy-five years old, but healthy, vigorous.

Master Duy

Come in.

He stands and bows to Mr. Trang. He asks them to sit at the table.

Master Duy

You come very highly recommended, young man. Mr. Trang is a very dedicated teacher. He tells me that you have great potential. Mr. Trang has honored you by approaching me. Now you have a very great responsibility. You must become an excellent man, or you will dishonor both myself and Mr. Trang. Not to mention your own family.

Luu Binh (nervous)

I understand my responsiblity, master.

Master Duy

Good. Responsbility is the foundation of discipline. Discipline is the foundation of a successful life and of the decent society. Do you write poetry?

Luu Binh

Yes, of course, master.

Master Duy

Good. Each day when you visit me you will bring me a new poem. I will critique each poem before we start. Writing is the basis of thought. Without words we are merely angels without wings. Writing builds thought and thought builds the city of existence.

The servant, a small, thin man named Vu, brings pastry and tea to the visitors.

Mr. Duy

How is your mathematics, young man? Do you enjoy numbers?

Luu Binh

Yes, of course.

Mr. Duy

Good. Some speak with admiration of the Man of Letters; others speak of the practical goodness of the Man of Numbers. But I say to you that either without the other is not complete. You will be a poet, an historian, a logician, and a mathematician. You will be a reflection of the universe itself, embracing each branch of knowledge, skilled both at theory and practice, skilled in dialogue as well as monologue, a thinker but also a man of practical skill. You are preparing yourself not only to expand your inner horizons but also to serve your fellow men in the world. I will require, too, that you learn how to fish successfully and harvest rice. I do not believe in class, Mr. Luu. I do not believe that the rich are better than the poor. I believe that there are good and bad at each level. The question, when it comes to the quality of a man, is not to which class he belongs, but the goodness of his heart, first, and the caliber of his mind, second. A man with character, if he has nothing but character, will always be virtuous and filled with grace.

Have another piece of pastry. Beginning tomorrow, you will begin a new life, Mr. Luu.

6. Duong Li is walking with a friend in Hanoi. The friend is Trinh Ha. It is night. The men have been drinking.

Trinh Ha

Hey, old boy. I'm a bit light tonight. Do you think I can borrow a bit from you? A few hundred?

Duong Le

I suppose, Ha. You don't ever seem to have any money.

Trinh Ha

I'm an artist, Duong Le. An artist is not concerned with material things. If you loan me two hundred I will take you to a place you've never been before. A place of pleasure. The kind of pleasure that will free yourself from this world of illusion and pain.

Duong Le

What place is this?

Trinh Ha

Ma Lon's place. Do you know it?

Duong Le

No.

Trinh Ha

I didn't think so. It's a secret place. Not many talk of it. So, do I get the money?

Duong Le

Will you pay it back?

Trinh Ha

Of course, when I sell my first painting.

Duong Le

When the world is made of cheese.

Trinh Ha

Don't laugh at me. Or I'll steal away your good luck. You know I have powers.

Duong Le gives Trinh Ha the money.

Trinh Ha

Good. Let's go. It's not far from here.

The two men move quickly through the Hanoi night. Around them move beggars and shadows, night figures. It is a poor side of the town. Some tattered young women try to talk with the men. They push past them. An old woman eyes them with steely eyes as they pass, muttering something under her breath.

They reach a run-down building set in a block of undistinguished-looking buildings. Trinh Ha knocks on the door. An old woman answers the door, looks them up and down, then lets them in. It is an opium den. Men are stretched out on wooden beds. Small boys move about the room with pipes, offering them to those reclined.

Duong Le

I'm not sure about this, Ha!

Trinh Ha

Oh, don't worry about it. I've done it many times. It hasn't affected me. There's nothing like it. Not women. Women are nothing compared with this. I'll buy your first bowl. You're a man of pleasure now. You have to try everything once.

Duong Le follows Trinh Ha. The boys bring each of them a pipe. Trinh Ha encourages Duong Le. Duong Le smokes the pipe. He draws the opium deep into his lungs; then lies down on the wooden bed.

There is a field of poppies, first yellow, then red. Then the poppies change into daffodils. Then tulips. Then the sea of flowers turn blue, beome a great sea. Duong Le is wading in the sea. He reaches into the sea. Water in the palm of his hand; the water becomes gold coins, falling out of his hand, into the sea. Coins keep rising out of his palm only to fall into the sea. A woman's laugh is heard in the background. It is Pearl. She is not in the picture; but Duong Le hears her laughter. He looks at the sky. A raven flying by. Wind coming up, blowing his hair. He looks back down at his hand. Gold coins still falling. But the sea slowly transforms itself. Duong Le sees slowly that it is not the sea into which his coins are falling, but a gigantic purse. Then Pearl says: "That's it. Put it in, Duong Le. Put it in."

Then the wind is very strong. It blows everything away, the purse, the sea, Pearl's voice....and Duong Le is standing in a overrun garden. Tam stands silently in the distance. Duong Le's father is dressed in white, ghostly, with a white band around his head. His face is long and sad. He says to Duong Le: "We are mourning the passing of our son. He is passing into nothing." Duong Le tries to speak. But he is choking. Great puffs of smoke pour out of his mouth as he coughs. His father vanishes in the smoke; then Tam; then the garden. Nguyen Viet appears very far away. He cries to Duong Le: "The beginning is not the end. The end is not the beginning." Duong Le floats away. He looks back down to the earth, shrouded in clouds. He sees his own body lying asleep. He drifts away from his body. There is a sky. He is in the sky. A doctor appears before him, saying: "Why have you come here, young man? Are you sick?" Two nurses begin to snicker as Duong Le stutters...and the doctor says: "So much for your luck, young man. Luck and character are the same thing." Duong Le is walking toward a mansion. Everything is peaceful, beautiful, a spring day. As he approaches the house he sees a lion come around the side of the house. He is afraid. The house is beautiful. But it is protected by the lion. He cannot go any further. He wants to enter the house. The lion growls and moves toward him. He looks into the second floor window. He sees Luu Binh's face in the window. He calls: "Luu Binh! Luu Binh!" but the lion begins to move toward him. Duong Le turns and begins to run. The beautiful spring day becomes windy, darkened by clouds. Then it begins to rain. It becomes cold. Duong Le runs into a dark wood. He hears the lion roaring, running behind him. He is running with all his strength, all his strength....he runs and runs. He is tired. He wants to stop. He turns to look behind him. Then everything goes black.

Darkness for several seconds.

Then Duong Le awakens. Light is coming through the boards on the widnows, golden light in a latticework on the room of wooden beds. Bodies are littered like corpses on the beds. Some asleep; some half-asleep. Duong Le moans. He looks for his friend. Trinh Ha is not there.

One of the young boys approaches him.

Young Boy

Are you alright, sir?

Duong Le

No. Where is my friend?

Young Boy

I don't know, sir. Do you have a friend here?

Duong Le

I came with a friend, Trinh Ha.

Young Boy

I don't know about him, sir. Perhaps he is gone.

Duong Le rises from the wooden bed. It seems smoky in the room, dismal, but with a strange golden light everywhere. Duong Le checks for his pocketbook.

Duong Le (animated)

I have been robbed! I have been robbed!

Duong Le looks around the room. Shadowy figures move in the half-light. Sunlight streams down through windows high in the room, casting a lattice of sun into a room of inherent darkness. No one pays attention to Duong Le. It is as if they are all moving in a trance.

Young Boy (also entranced)

I don't know, sir. I don't know about that.

Duong Le stumbles out of bed, past the bodies that seem like corpses on the beds. He pushes open the front door. Light. Fresh air. He looks around. Women and children, men working: they stop and look at him. Everyone on the street stops what they're doing and stares at Duong Le.

Duong Le (angry)

What are you looking at me for? Stop it! Look away! Look away or I'll have you all arrested! I have friends in the police department! I have friends!

The people all look away quickly, intimidated by Duong Le's threat. Duong Le stumbles down the street, out of view.

7. Luu Binh with Master Duy. They are in his study discussing philosophy.

Narrator

The two friends, thus, continued on their separate paths. Luu Binh visited Master Duy daily. They studied and interpreted together the classics. But there was more to Luu Binh's education than merely books. Master Duy required than Luu Binh seek to become a complete man, a balanced man, both of this world and the next.

Luu Binh is seen working in the rice fields, beside Master Duy. The women and men they work with are smiling, both amused and perplexed that a great man like Master Duy and a learned young man like Luu Binh would choose to accompany them in their labors.

Narrator

Master Duy believed that physical labor freed the mind from too much contemplation. He believed that "all things in moderation" was a wisdom which would benefit Luu Binh is his long road of life.

Master Duy also believed that each man, and each woman as well, must develop both body and soul, for the world of flesh and the world of spirit were not adversaries but poles of expression, much as the earth has two poles within and through which a great life revolves. Master Duy taught Luu Binh the art of self-defense also.

Luu Binh moves through a series of martial arts postures with Master Duy, smooth, disciplined movements.

Master Duy

Grace is a form of truth and perhaps the highest of human qualities. Physical grace and spiritual grace are reflections of one another. We do not learn martial arts for their own sake. We learn them for their result, physical grace and confidence of movement.

Luu Binh steps back and bows to Master Duy.

Narrator

Master Duy also taught Luu Binh the fine art of fishing, a skill as yet not mastered by Luu Binh.

Luu Binh and Master Duy are sitting beside a small pond. Master Duy has two fish on a string beside him. Luu Binh has an empty string.

Master Duy

You catch no fish because your concentration is not strong. When you sit here fishing your mind drifts to your books. Forget your books now. When you are fishing, fish! When you are reading, read! When you are laughing, laugh! Do not be somewhere else when you are here. Concentration is the essence of power. Mental discipline is the foundation of concentration. Practice concentration, Luu Binh. Practice concentration.

Dusk. Luu Binh and Master Duy are walking up a country road, each carrying a string of handsome fish. Luu Binh looks very content, very proud. He has finally learned to catch fish.

Luu Binh

Master, the Buddhists do not believe in killing living things. Yet we kill these fish. Is it a good thing we've done?

Master Duy

Good and bad. I do not know all the truths about right and wrong. Follow your heart. Do you feel it is wrong?

Luu Binh

I don't know.

Master Duy

One must develop his instincts, and follow them. To me it is not wrong. Life feeds off of life. Life and death are for ever interwoven. We eat fish; eventually the worms eat us. There is a just circle evinced in this, don't you think? Those who pronounce themselves virtuous for not eating animals do, in fact, eat vegetables. Are vegetables less alive than animals? Not really. Less mobile perhaps, but not less alive. In the end, it is not an instructive question. If we do not accept life, and the priciples we inherit regarding the basics of life, then we must choose death. And why should one choose death? One would not be here if he had not chosen life to begin with? And, finally, ultimately, death will find us when it wishes. There is no way for us to avoid this.

Luu Binh and Master Duy are seen from behind, walking together into a beautiful sunset, over a hill in the Vietnamese countryside. Everything is peaceful and silent. They are walking near one another, like a father and son.

7. Hanoi, night, the street outside Ma Lon's. Shadows, dark people moving in the half-light. Duong Le is moving up the street, his collar turned up, looking about to see if he might be recognized by anyone. He knocks on the door of Ma Long's opium den. The door opens. He slips inside.

Narrator

While Luu Binh learned about life from Master Duy, Duong Le learned from a different master a different lesson of life in Hanoi.

Duong Le is meeting in a cafe with two businessmen. They sit together at a table, drinking tea.

Businessman #1

It's not our fault. The market merely has too much supply. We're going to need another forty thousand. That will get us through the season. I know we promised you we'd return 30% in a year. It's just been a bad year.

Businessman #2

Next year will be better. We have guarantees from Chan Lu. He guarantees us a better price next year.

Duong Le shakes his head in dismay.

Duong Le

This makes more than two hundred thousand that I've fronted for you two--and I've received nothing back but guarantees. Guarantees and more guarantees.

Businessman #1

It's the market, Duong Le. There's too much supply.

Duong Le

Your job is not to make excuses. Your job is to make me money. This is the last money I'm fronting. I want results. I don't care if you have to force your product down someone's throat. I want it sold, for a decent price. I can't continue to fund your failures. Do you understand. This is the last installment of my loan. I want money back within three months...!

Duong Le leaves the cafe, distraut.

The two businessmen watch Duong Le leave. When he is gone, they smile at one another.

Businessman #1

A fool and his money...?

Businessman #2

Are soon parted.

Businessman #1

This is our best year ever. He's so wrapped up with his woman he can't see what is real.

Businessman #2

And the opium. He goes down to Ma Lon's nearly every night now.

Businessman #1

It's like taking candy from a baby.

The businessmen laugh together, smoking cigarettes and drinking beer.

8. Duong Le is seen walking alone near the water. He is shaken. His clothes are no longer colorful and smart. He is unkempt. His shirt is not tucked in. His hair is mussed.

Narrator

Luck had begun to desert Duong Le. He was losing money now. Investments came to nothing. Pearl had even more expensive tastes than Duong Le had expected. The inheritance he had received from his father would have been enough had he lived a modest life. But Duong Le had many friends who nearly all seemed to need his help. Duong Le had been generous. His gambling losses were mounting. Now, he could see the end of his resources.

Also, he had problems with his love life.

Duong Le is walking by the waterfront, unkempt, dejected. He notices Pearl about two blocks away, hurrying through the streets. Duong Le calls her name, but there is the noise of the fishermen unloading their catch, the women in the market selling fish and vegetables. Peal does not hear him; she continues on her way. Duong Le follows her. She is in a hurry. She moves with a sense of direction. He follows her for two blocks. She turns into a narrow street and enters a hotel. Duong Le does not follow her into the hotel, but has a bowl of beef noodle soup at a kiosk near the hotel, sitting and waiting for her. However, after about two minutes of waiting he notices his friend Trinh Ha moving up the street. Trinh Ha walks by Duong Le without seeing him. Trinh Ha enters the hotel.

Duong Le is suspicious. He is animated, worried. He watches the hotel--there must be some mistake. Why would Pearl go to a hotel in the middle of the day? And why would Trinh Ha go to the same hotel? Pearl appears in a second floor window for a second, then closes the curtains

Duong Le rises from his chair and walks toward the hotel. There is a balcony on the second floor, outside the window where he has seen Pearl. Duong Le slips around to the side of the hotel; he climbs a tree, scales the hotel, pulling himself up to the second floor by a drain pipe. He comes around to the front of the hotel, crouching so he will not be seen. He pulls himself onto the balcony before Pearl's room. No one notices him because the hotel is shielded by tamarind trees. Duong Le is on the balcony, peering through the window into the hotel room. He sees through an opening in the curtain Pearl and his friend Trinh Ha embracing, kissing.

Trinh Ha

Did you have any trouble getting away...?

Pearl

From Duong Le? No, of course not. He's a blind bat. Tell him anything, he'll believe it. I could tell him I'm visiting the convent to do charity work--and he'd believe it. He spends all his time at Ma Lon's now anyway. I don't know if he even cares about me anymore. I have at least three nights away each week now. I used to have to work to find a night for my regular customers. Now I've taken on a few more.

Trinh Ha

Your suggestion to take him to Ma Lon's was brilliant. He has a weak character. He's an addict now.

Pearl

You're such a devious boy. How about kissing me? Show me how much you've missed me...!

Duong Le turns away from the window, devastated. He looks down at the street below, at the brickwork. He stops for a moment. The view moves from the balcony down to a closup on a single brick in the pavement below. He thinks for a moment about jumping. He takes a deep breath. A tear comes into his eye. He wipes it away, regaining some strength.

Through the window:

Pearl

Oh, I love you. I love you, sweet man.

Ha Trinh

You love me now. But you'll love someone else this afternoon.

Pearl

Yes. But a girl's got to take care of herself.

Closeup on Duong Le's grieving face. Another tear rolls down his cheek.

9. A busy street in Hanoi. It is daytime. Cyclos move through the street. People hustle about, doing business, exchanging greeetings. Tam, Duong Le's servant, is riding on a cyclo. He has a suitcase attached; and the cyclo driver is talking excitedly.

Cyclo Driver

Mister Duong is well-known in Hanoi. Oh, yes, his house is up here on the right. Have you come far? Are you here on business?

Tam

I am a friend of the family.

Cyclo Driver

Yes, he is a good man, a decent man. I hear that he is down on his luck some. That's what people have said. He has lost some money this year. Bad investments. Things like that.

Tam

It never benefits one to spread rumors, friend. Spread a rumor in one direction, it comes back from the other direction.

Cyclo Driver

I have not spoken badly of your friend. He has a good face. I like the man. Yes, his house is over here.

He steers the cyclo up to a splendid gate which guards a very nice house. A servant opens the gate. Tam pays the driver. The servant carries Tam's suitcase inside.

Duong Le comes to the front door, having heard the noise. He leans out, smiles when he sees Tam. Duong Le looks pale. He has lost weight. His face is long. He is obviously troubled.

Tam comes forward and bows to Duong Le.

Duong Le

Tam, Tam, come in. It's so good to see you.

Tam

I have done as you asked, Master Le. I have come to Hanoi. It was a long journey. The city is much too crowded for me....

Duong Le

Come in. I'll have the cook fix you something cool to drink.

They disappear inside the house.

10. Inside Duong Le's house. The sitting room. The cook brings tea and sweets on a tray. Tam seems uncomfortable in the new setting. He sits on the edge of his chair. He seems to wish he was managing the house, not sitting at the table with his master.

Tam

If I may enquire, sir, why you have sent for me? I feel uncomfortable having left the house in Can Loc unattended.

Duong Le

I have sent for you to come live with me here, Tam. I have had some difficult business dealings, Tam. I seem to have lost my luck a bit. I am being forced to sell our house and land in Can Loc, forced to sell my family house, Tam. I need the money. Things are not going well.

Tam is shocked. His mouth falls open.

Tam

Sell the family house! I don't understand, sir! That house has been in the family....

Duong Le

I know, Tam. For generations. This is not easy for me. I wish I did not have to....to fall so low.

Tam

Sir, could you not sell this house and return to Can Loc....?

Duong Le

No! No, that is not an option! To return to Can Loc a failure, a failure in the eyes of all the people there! No, I could not do that, Tam. I could not.

Tam

Of course, the decision is yours, master. I will do anything you ask. I will support you wherever your wish.

Duong Le

I need someone who is a friend, Tam. I have few friends here. The friends I do have are not trustworthy. The city is a place of shadows, Tam. I need your guidance. I need a true friend.

Tam

What do you wish me to do, sir?

Duong Le

I will talk with you later, after you've had a chance to rest. I want you to take over management of this house. But, before that, I also want you to return to Can Loc and oversee the sale of our furnishings. I have arranged with a man here to sell the house in Can Loc. You won't need to be involved with that. But I would like you to help me sell the furnishings. (He reaches across the table and takes Tam's hand.) I am ashamed to dishonor my father so, Tam. I have fallen in with bad people here. And I have developed bad habits. I neeed your help, Tam. I need someone to help guide me in this narrow place.

Tam

Young master, I have watched you grow from your birth. Your father treated me like his own brother. I feel for him the greatest gratitude and loyalty. You are to me like my own son. I will do whatever I can for you, of course. I will give my life for you, if you should wish it.

Duong Le

Quite the contrary, my old friend. I do not want to take your life. I want you to be even more alive if that is possible. I, too, wish to be more alive, Tam. I wish to become as noble as my own father was. But I need your help to do this. I need your support and, occasionally, your guidance.

11. Duong Le's house in Hanoi, several months later. Tam is moving through the house, the main servant of the house now. He is cleaning the sitting room, setting pillows straight, organizing the room.

Narrator

It was a good plan, to have Tam rescue Duong Le. To have Tam "re-create" the home they, together, had known in Can Loc. And, for a few months, the plan worked. Duong Le avoided Ma Lon's. Duong Le saw less and less of Pearl. Of course it did not matter to Pearl. There was no end to men who would spend money on her.

But Tam was old. Living in Hanoi was not easy for him. He had lived his entire life in Can Loc. He appreciated the slow pace of life there, and the friends he had made. Hanoi was busy. It was harder to run the house in the city. People in Hanoi were not as friendly. And he did not trust them.

The stress of his new life made Tam lose his strength. One day, while working in the house, Tam felt a pain in his chest, and a loss of breath. He moved into the garden, seeking for fresh air and a place to rest. But everything grew gray and hazy. Tam collapsed in the garden.

Tam is shown working in the house, then grabbing his chest, growing short of breath, feeling his way to the front door, then out into the garden, where he falls and remains motionless. A small black kitten moves through the flowers, up to Tam, licks his face affectionately; but Tam does not move.

12. Duong Le's house, the central living room. Tam lies in a coffin. Flowers dominate the room. Duong Le is standing before the coffin. Duong Le is alone. Tam seems so peaceful now. Duong Le feels so alone. Duong Le reaches down and runs his hand through Tam's thin gray hair. He has affection for the old man. Tam is Duong Le's last link to his good life, life with his father, life in Can Loc. Duong Le bends over and kisses Tam on his cold forehead. Duong Le has tears in his eyes. Duong Le looks down at Tam and says:

Duong Le

The world is too heavy now, Tam. The world is too heavy for me.

Part Four

1. Five years have passed. Luu Binh is with Master Duy. Both are older. It is raining. They sit on the porch, watching the rain, drinking tea together, playing chess.

Master Duy

In a few days, you shall be free of me, Luu Binh--finally. In a few days, you will stand on your own feet before the world, and let the world see what you have become.

Luu Binh

What you have made me, Master Duy.

Master Duy

Nonsense. I have done nothing but file down your edges, teach you certain tricks and certain vocabularies. I have not made you become what you were not already. God made you. I am only helping dress you for the world, Luu Binh.

Luu Binh

I will never be able to re-pay you.

Master Duy

You have already repaid me. Do you think I would do this if I didn't enjoy your company? You have given me as much as you have taken from me. So, you needn't re-pay me; you owe me nothing. But if you were to speak of pleasing me, that is another matter. You would please me to no end by passing your exam this week. That would make me very pleased, indeed.

Luu Binh

Yes, sir, I know. And I will do my best.

Master Duy

Yes, I know you will. Are you traveling to Hue with Mr. Trang?

Luu Binh

Yes, Mr. Trang intends to accompany me.

Master Duy

That is good.

Luu Binh

My mother wished to accompany me. But she needs to take care of the rest of the family.

Master Duy

Mr. Trang has been your teacher for many years. It is right that he accompany you to Hue. This is your first step into adulthood, Luu Binh. A man should be accompanied by his teacher to Hue.

Luu Binh

I wish you could come with me, sir.

Master Duy

I know. But I am too old for such a journey. Besides, I am weary of Hue. I am too old to enjoy the beautiful women there. And I know too well the political intrigues--I have had enough of that. I'd rather sit here and watch the rain fall. However, should you pass the national exam, I would ask that you present this letter of introduction to the Prime Minister, Nguyen Loc. He and I are old friends. He will be very good to you. Remember, present the letter only after you pass the exam.

Master Duy hands Luu Binh a letter.

Master Duy

I would be proud if you had been my son, Luu Binh. You're all a man could hope for in a son. But, remember, don't be too severe. A man needs to laugh and to enjoy life too. After you pass the exam, you should find a wife and raise a family. And remember to keep fishing, son. And also remember--and there will be many in the government who do not agree with this--that all men and women deserve to be treated with respect. We are all equal in God's eyes. Being rich and educated does not give one the right to mistreat the poor. When you pass the exam, and receive an appointment in the ministry, act as a force for positive change in our country, Luu Binh. Make the burden of the poor less. And seek to make the corruptions of the rich also less. If you do this, you will make me the second proudest man on earth, second to your own father, Luu Binh.

Luu Binh

I will do my best, master. I will do my best to make you proud.

Luu Bihn looks out into the rain. It is pouring. The landscape is rolling rice paddies. Far away, a young boy is riding a waterbuffalo and laughing and his sister runs beside, striking the buffalo on the rear with a stick to make it run faster.

2. Hue. The streets are filled with students, all in white, carrying books. Luu Binh and Mr. Trang are walking together in the crowd. They seem somewhat lost, overwhelmed by all that is new. Hue is a beautiful city. The Perfume River is winding through the town, within view from the street, off to the west. The sun is shining. Students are riding bicycles. Cyclos move past the two men. Trees are everywhere, casting shade down on the street.

Luu Binh and Mr. Trang enter the grounds of the emperor, the Citadel. Elegantly dressed men are moving about, discussing politics and art. Old men, young men. The grounds are alive with ideas.

First Mandarin

The French don't mean to enslave us, friend. They mean to use us to get a foothold in China.

Second Mandarin

That's what the Indians thought about the British.

Third Mandarin

We do not have the forces to defeat the French in an open conflict. An open conflict would destroy our world, Nguyen Loc. All of our lands would be destroyed. The French would enslave us.

Second Mandarin (Nguyen Loc, the Prime Minister)

Better that we be enslaved after a fight than enslaved through our own negotations.

Luu Binh hears the name Nguyen Loc. He stops and looks at the Prime Minister. Nguyen Loc is middle-aged, about forty-five. He has jet black hair and a trimmed gotee. He looks intelligent, strong, defiant. He notices Luu Binh staring at him. He nods to Luu Binh. Luu Binh smiles.

Mr. Trang

Come on, Luu Binh (pulling on Luu Binh's arm). You'll be late for the exam.

They hurry through the crowded courtyard. A group of male students stand in a line entering a large white canopy in the center of the courtyard. Mr. Trang stops a elderly mandarin who is walking through the crowd.

Mr. Trang

Sir, excuse me, is this where the young men go to take the national exam?

The endlerly mandarin looks down his nose at Mr. Trang, then at Luu Binh, then speaks harshly:

Elderly Mandarin

That country boy has as much chance of passing the national exam as a cockroach has of winning a race with a deer.

The mandarin turns his back arrogantly on the two and walks away, his nose in the air.

A young man in the line has overheard this conversation.

Young Man In the Line

Yes, sir. This is the line. (To Luu Binh) Join us, Mr. Cockroach. We are all cockroaches in this line today.

Luu Binh gets in line behind the young man. There are two lines leading into the large white examination tent. One for the members of the royal family, who are all dressed in the most resplendent silk garments; these students are very rich. The elderly mandarin moves to stand with this group, talking animatedly with these young men. The second line, the one in which Luu Binh stands, is for the poorer students, the ones not related to the royal family, who have come from all parts of Vietnam.

Young Man In the Line

My name is Si Tran. I'm very glad to meet you.

Luu Binh

I'm Luu Binh. And this is Mr. Trang, my teacher.

They exchange bows.

Si Tran

I am very pleased to make your acquaintance, Mr. Trang. All the honorable teachers are waiting there, under the shade trees.

About thirty men, mostly elders, are seated on benches in the shade beside a ministry building.

Mr. Trang

Thank you, young man. I will join my colleagues. (To Luu Binh) Remember the Seven Truths. And remember the Seven Virtues.

Luu Binh (teasing Mr. Trang)

The Seventh Truth is that dinner comes after breakfast. The Seventh Virtue is knowledge comes before wealth, and love comes after knowledge.

Mr. Trang laughs, blushes. The line begins to move. Mr. Trang's face takes on a very worried look.

Mr. Trang

Good luck, Luu Binh. I will wait for you over here (pointing). Good luck, also, Mr. Si.

Si Tran (nodding to Mr. Trang; then says to Luu Binh)

This is the first of four days. Let's wish each other luck that we both can survive it.

The line of students from the royal family moves first into the large white tent.

Luu Binh

Who are they?

Si Tran (smiling sarcastically)

They are members of the royal family. They are treated as the first class of students; we are treated as the second.

When the students from the royal family have entered the large white tent, the line of second students follows. After all the young men have passed into the tent, an older man in a formal black au dai closes the flap of the tent.

3. Inside the large white tent. About sixty young men are taking the exam. Two older men in black robes walk about the room, observing. Luu Binh is writing diligently. His hand is cramping. He takes the pen out of his right hand; flexes his hand several times; then begins writing again.

There are several windows cut in the cloth of the tent, near the top of the tent, small windows, catching light. The light begins to change, from bright light, to softer light, to the light of dusk. Night is coming on.

Luu Binh is still writing diligently. All the men in the room are writing diligently. There is an intensity in the room. Then a voice booms out:

Voice of Authority

Put down your pens. And close your notebooks. Make sure your names are in the front of the notebooks. Now, leave the room quietly. We will see you again early tomorrow.

The students file out into the evening light. All are tired. Some have hair that is mussed. Some have clothing that is wrinkled or askew. It has been an ordeal. Luu Binh seems ready to drop. Mr. Trang hurries up with the other teachers.

Mr. Trang

Luu Binh, how did you do?

Luu Binh

I am worn out, sir. That was a very long day.

Mr. Trang

Let's go back to our tent. I will bring you dinner. You should go to sleep very early tonight. Tomorrow you will be tested on mathematics and poetry.

They move slowly out of the courtyard. The students are all dragging. The teachers are all a bundle of nerves. The sun is sinking. Dust rises as the crowd moves throught the gate, out into the street. The view pulls up, away from the crowd. There is a street filled with students and friends. The view pulls up to show the street, which leads along a walled section of the emperor's grounds. There is another open gate on the left, a hundred yards away. Inside the gate, viewed from a high angle, in the sky, is an open ground upon which are set the students' various canopy, where they stay during the testing. Some canopies are large, grand. These are the canopies of the rich students. Other canopies are very modest, with tops made of cocoanut leaves. These are the "homes" of the poorer students. The crowd moves slowly up the street, then turns through the gate back home for the night.

4. Again, inside the large white tent. The students are again writing. Light falling on the students from the windows, begins gold, turns to brown, then red. The students look afflicted. Many are fatigued. Then someone farts. Everyone breaks up, laughing. Even the observers in robes laugh. The tension is broken for an instant. Then back to work. The light from the window again, falling down on the students. Turning, telling time. The nib of Luu Binh's pen breaks. He has to get a second pen from his school bag. Then, again the Voice of Authority:

The Voice of Authority

Put down your pens. And close your notebooks. Make sure your names are in the front of the notebooks. Now, leave the room quietly. We will see you again early tomorrow. Tomorrow, you will be tested on history.

The students struggle from their desks and leave the tent. Again, the students from the royal family leave the tent first. Some of the students now look almost surly from fatigue. Si Tran moves up alongside of Luu Binh.

Si Tran

How are you holding up?

Luu Binh

I don't know. I hit a stretch there where I could not think, could not remember a thing. I think I'm about used up.

Si Tran

We all are. Bui Tin said he was not coming back tomorrow.

Luu Binh

No! Not after all this!

Si Tran

He'll be here. He won't let down his family. But he's pretty disgusted. We all are. It's just too much. Go back to the tent and get some sleep. Tomorrow we'll regurgitate history.

The students pass out into the courtyard. Mr. Trang hurries up to Luu Binh. Luu Binh looks up at the sky. A dove is soaring on the wind. Luu Binh watches it fly. Then he looks at Mr. Trang. The bird is reflected in Mr. Trang's eyes, soaring in the evening sky.

Mr. Trang

Well, how did you do?

Luu Binh

Fine, I think. I am good with poetry. Tomorrow is history. That will be even harder. I'm tired though. I wish it was over.

Mr. Trang

Do you remember your poem well enough to tell me?

Luu Binh

Yes, of course. We were required to write a poem about "friendship". I wrote about my friendship with Duong Le, back in Can Loc. I wrote:

Two Friends

What is required of a friend?

And why, in truth, is friendship lost?

When fate decrees it at an end

What is its worth, and what its cost?

I shall remember to my grave

My closest friend, Mr. Duong Le.

Our friendship nature could not save,

Our friendship time sought to betray.

He turned his back, and bid me leave;

And to this day I sometimes grieve.

He turned his back, and bid me leave;

In his noblest virtue I still believe.

What is required of a friend?

Nothing but love; nothing but truth.

Adn what remains, when at an end?

Friendship endures, eternal as youth.

Mr. Trang

Very good. Very good. Your poem shall be one of the best of all the students.... But let me get you back home, to eat and rest. Two days to go.

6. Again inside the large white tent. It is raining lightly outside. The air in the tent is darkened by the gloom outside. Large kerosene lamps are lit inside the classroom. Light flickers and shadows dance among the students and on the wall of the tent. The students write. One student is asleep. The observer in a black robe nudges him awake. Luu Binh's hand is tightening up again. But so are other students' hands. They all look sick, weary. The rain is tapping on the tent, creating a primeval, chaotic background music.

Luu Binh is sitting with a worried look on his face. Inside his brain, the following racing thoughts exist:

Voice of Luu Binh

The Oracle Bones were from the Shang Dynasty? No, from the Longshan period? No. I don't remember. Was it the Zhou Dynasty that saw the overthrow of Shang-ti as the most powerful of gods? The late Zhou Period saw the rise of the great classic literature: Confucianism, Daoism, Legalism. Is that right? Qin was the legalist who conquered all of China. And Shi Huangdi, the First Sovereign Emperor, oversaw the building of the Great Wall? The Han Dynasty established the first centralized government in China, founded on the Qin model. The Song Dynasty oversaw the end of the old aristocratic dominance in Chinese government. Or was that the Tang Dynasty....?

Luu Binh's mind is spinning and spinning. Luu Binh looks up at the ceiling of the tent, at the small window opening. The sky is filled with gray clouds. Luu Binh's mind passes out of the tent, out into the sky above Hue. Luu Binh's mind is flying. He soars on the currents of the wind; and looks down at the city. It is sunny now. He is above the clouds. The Perfume River turns peacefully through the city, on out into the countryside. Luu Binh looks down through the clouds at the streets of the city. He flies over the Citadel, the magnificent structure of the building complex, the gardens, the open fields beyond Hue. He soars above the courtyard where the exam in being given. He looks down to the bench near the testing center. Mr. Trang waits with the other teachers patiently but nervously. Luu Binh laughs as he hovers above Mr. Trang's head. Mr. Trang looks up. Luu Binh sees himself reflected in Mr. Trang's eyes again, a dove soaring in the heavens.

Luu Binh wakes up; his pen has fallen out of his hand off his desk on to his bag of books, making a noise. His test booklet has an empty page. The light in the tent indicates the day is nearly done. He has wirtten almost nothing. Then he hears the voice of Master Duy.

Voice of Master Duy

Yes, the Oracle Bones were from the Shang Dynasty. You always struggled with history, young man. Tang power reached its apex from 712 to 756 during the reign of Tang Xuanzong. Chinese lyric poetry reached its apex at the same time when the world's first book, a book of poetry, was printed.

Luu Binh begins to write wildly. It is as though he is taking dictation.

Voice of Master Duy

The Mandate of Heaven shifted to a peasant leader, who founded the MING dynasty, which lasted from 1368-1644. The third Ming ruler, the tyrant YANGLE Emperor, moved the capital northward to a rebuilt Beijing. He inaugurated a series of large-scale expeditions as far as the Indian Ocean, the Persian Gulf, and East Africa. Also, at this time, agricultural productivity increased with the introduction of New World crops. The population rose by the end of the dynasty to somewhere around 260 million. And most of the great Chinese novels, each the product of centuries of work by successive writers, achieved final form during this Ming period....

Luu Binh continues to write wildly, filling up his book. Many of the other young man are tired, unable to write. They watch Luu Binh with wonder as he writes frenetically. The voice of Master Duy is gone; but Luu Binh has found his own voice. He writes and writes. Finally, Luu Binh has filled up the notebook. He puts his pen down, closes his notebook, sits back in his chair and closes his eyes, totally at peace.

7. Luu Binh and Si Tran come out of the tent together. Each is tired; both look gaunt.

Luu Binh

Isn't it odd that to rule Vietnam we must study so diligently the history of China. One would think we were competing to govern China, not Vietnam.

Si Tran laughs.

Si Tran

We are to believe, I suppose, that Vietnam is unworthy of its own history.

Mr. Trang approaches Luu Binh and Si Tran. He nods to Si Tran. Si Tran nods back. Then he is gone. There is no joy among the students and the teachers. Everyone is tired. They leave the gate silently and turn up the street, toward the tent city. Mr. Trang says to Luu Binh:

Mr. Trang

One day to go, Luu Binh. One day to go.

8. Luu Binh is lying in bed. It is dark in the room, except for a candle which burns on a table at which Mr. Trang is writing. He is writing a letter to his wife. Luu Binh is restless, shifting in the bed. He is dreaming.

Luu Binh sees his mother. She is hanging clothes near their house in Can Loc. He walks up to her. She says: "What are you doing here? You should be in Hue, taking your exam. Don't forget Friday's test is on Literature, your favorite subject." She hands him a book. The title is: "The Book of Changes". He carries the book with him. He is walking down a street of Can Loc. His father waves to him from his shop. Luu Binh waves back. An old woman comes out into the street with her children. She is angry at Luu Binh. She says: "Where is your friend, Duong Le? I hear that he is a beggar now, living on the streets. You are living the good life; and he has nothing. They say you have turned your back on him." A crowd appears, surrounding Luu Bhin: "Betrayer!" they shout. "You have betrayed your friend!" "No, it is not true," Luu Binh protests--but then the crowd is gone; and there is only a child of about 4 years who points down toward a lake and says: "They want you down there. An old man named Duy has asked that I send you." Master Duy is standing in the water, knee-deep in the lake. He says: "Lakes resting upon one another: JOY. Thus the superior person joins with his friends for discussion and practice." Luu Binh tries to join Master Duy in the lake; yet, as soon as his feet touch the water, the scene is transformed. Duong Le appears on a city street. He is dressed as a beggar. He stands beside Luu Binh. He says: "Do you speak of me, my friend: seduced from honest labors?" "No, truly, I speak of no one. I speak only of my studies," Luu Binh replies. Duong Le walks away, ashamed. There is a fire in the forest. It is a rubber plantation, tree after tree all in a row. Peasants are working the rubber plantation. Their faces are pale and strained. They slice the trees and let the rubbber run. The fire is not in the rubber plantation, but beyond. Luu Binh walks toward the fire. One of the peasants turns to him as he walks toward the fire. The peasant is slicing a tree, but turns to Luu Binh; Luu Binh recognizes his face: it is Si Tran. Si Tran says: "Don't sleep too late, or you will miss the exam and be disqualified." A fire is raging all around Luu Binh. It encircles him, roaring, the heat rising. Master Duy appears again, and says: "Fire rises twice: The Cosmic Mean. Thus the great person, by perpetuating this brightness, illumines the four corners of the world." Luu Binh reaches out to touch Master Duy's sleeve; but as soon as he touches it, the scene is transfomred. Mr. Trang is fixing his tea. It is morning. They are in their room. "Good morning, sir," Mr. Trang says. But Mr. Trang becomes Tam, Duong Le's servant. "I'm afraid I will be late to the exam," Luu Binh says to Tam. "Do not worry, sir," Tam replies. "I will call you before it all begins." Luu Binh is in a room of gamblers. There ar ewomen clothed in silk--a very pretty woman in blue silk. "You don't belong here with us, boy!" It is Duong Le's husky voice. "Get out of here! You don't belong here!" Luu Binh hurries from the room out into the clear night. A pretty girl walks up to Luu Binh. She has long black hair which falls to her back. She is dressed in expensive clothes. She is the daughter of a rich man. She says: "Destiny will bring us together." Luu Binh tries to see her face--but it is too dark. Clouds are moving across the moon and the light is like a gauze on the girl's face. Luu Binh tries to take her hand, but she is gone. He is standing all alone, looking down on the Perfume River. A very tall mandarin is standing behind him. He startles Luu Binh when he speaks: "Damned cockroach! Why don't you go back where you came from! You cockroaches are a danger to us all! You cockroaches now want to govern the world!" Luu Binh is hurt, afraid . The mandarin is a huge figure, intimidating. All of the sudden, however, the huge, arrogant mandarine pops and the air rushes out of him. He is but a balloon, airless suddenly, lying at Luu Binh's feet. Master Duy is holding a pin, smiling. He says: "Heaven and water go their opposite ways: STRIFE. Thus, in all his transactions, the superior person carefully considers the beginnings." Luu Binh tries to respond; yet as soon as he utters the words "Master Duy..." the scene is again transformed. Luu Binh is walking into the national exam tent. The teachers are seated on the bench under the shade trees. But he is the only student going in. It is late in the day. The rest of the students are coming out. Si Tran smiles at him on the way out. He says: "You slept too long. You missed the test on Literature. How could you have been so careless?" Luu Binh enters the classroom. The two observers are there, dressed in robes, as always. They say, in unison: "We're sorry, Luu Binh. You have failed the test. You have missed the test on Literature" Then they begin to laugh. All the students are laughing too. They have followed him into the classroom; they are looking through the door at him. Even Si Tran is laughing at him. Luu Binh begins to cry.

Luu Binh is lying on a bed. A young boy carries an opium pipe. The young boy is Duong Le. He hands the pipe to Luu Binh. "Go ahead, friend. Have a smoke." "No," Luu Binh replies. "I can't. I won't." But Duong Le holds Luu Binh down, forces him to smoke the pipe. Luu Binh is surrounded by smoke. He feels relaxed. Duong Le says: "There is no pipe. And there is no smoke." Duong Le says: "Do not be afraid. You have missed nothing." Duong Le says: "The Wind drives across heaven: RESTRAINT BY THE WEAK. Thus, the superior person refines the outward aspect of his nature." Luu Binh cannot respond.

Duong Le picks Luu Binh up from the hard wooden bed. He carries him up the street, through the city out into the countryside. He carries him down the road under the moonlight. He carries him for what seems to Luu Binh to be many hours. Then they are in Can Loc. Duong Le carries Luu Binh to his home, opens the door, carries Luu Binh to his own bed, and places him gently in the bed. Duong Le is gone. Luu Binh calls out to Duong Le: "Don't go away, Duong Le! Don't go away!" But Luu Binh is tired. He cannot rise. He falls into a deep sleep. Then everything is black.

Looking down at Luu Binh: he is sleeping. It is dark. But the light begins to change. The sun is beginning to come up. Light comes through the window, falling partly on Luu Binh. Mr. Trang is sleeping on the other side of the room. A rooster begins to crow: Cock-a-doodle-do.

Luu Binh startsup from his bed, wide awake. He begins to dress. He looks at Mr. Trang, sleeping soundly. He is surprised that Mr. Trang is sleeping.

Luu Binh

Wake up, Mr. Trang! We will be late for the final exam!

Mr. Trang (waking up, disoriented)

What, Luu Binh! What are you saying? Is it time already?

Luu Binh

Yes, it is time. Friday tests a knowledge of Literature.

Mr. Trang

Yes. Yes. That is correct. Excuse me for sleeping so late. I have become so tired lately.

Luu Binh

Don't worry, Mr. Trang. I know I'll do well on the exam today. I am rested. I feel alert. I am very confident now.

9. Luu Binh is in the testing tent again. He is writing quickly, effortlessly. Master Duy appears in his mind; Duong Le; mages from his dream. The other young men in the classroom are weary, writing painfully. Their thinking appears strained and difficult. But Luu Binh is refreshed. He writes easily. He is very confident. The other young men look at him with astonishment. Several of the students from the royal family are looking at him with envy.

Narrator

The final day of testing went easily for Luu Binh. He had been revitalized by his sleep. He felt alert and the words from the classics of literature seemed to leap into his brain, down his arm and out through his pen.

The students are leaving the testing tent. They hug one another, relieved to have the labor done. The students from the royal family do not mix with the other students. Luu Binh hugs Si Tran. Then he finds Mr. Trang. Mr. Trang is smiling a proud, broad smile.

The students leave the courtyard in a group, leaving the teachers behind. They wander over the streets of Hue. They make eyes at pretty girls. The girls blush and move aside, looking back to follow the men as they move through the street. The students are celebrating. And the people of Hue appreciate them. Everyone knows how rigorous the test has been.

Luu Binh and Si Tran break off from the group. They are seen eating dinner at a restaurant stall. They flirt with pretty girls as they eat. Each is relaxed. The world treats them like conquering heroes. The women all know that those students who pass the exam will be very eligible bachelors. The women are as interested in the men as the men are interested in them. Si Tran is seen buying some wine from a man in the market. Luu Binh and Si Tran walk outside the city, up a hill overlooking Hue. It is a beautiful evening, still sunny, with a cooling breeze. The Perfume River coils below. They drink the rice wine. Then each falls asleep, lying in the grass.

10. Midday. Luu Binh and Mr. Trang are drinking tea at a sidewalk cafe, relaxed. Mr. Trang is reading the local newspaper. Luu Binh is not reading. He is just watching the world pass. Suddenly, a student cries into the street:

Student Crier

The grades have been posted! The grades have been posted!

Luu Binh and Mr. Trang are up in an instant, hurrying up the street with many other students and teachers. It is crowded at the gate. People are pushing to get in first, to see the results. Grades are posted on a central bulletin board in the courtyard. Luu Binh and Mr. Trang get separated. Everyone is pushing. Luu Binh pushes back. All the students begin to laugh, enjoying the game of pushing. Mr. Trang gets pushed away; he gives up. Most of the teachers give up. The students push crazily. Luu Binh is strong. He pushes his way to the front of the line. He looks up at the notice. The notice reads:

"THE FOLLOWING STUDENTS HAVE PASSED THE NATIONAL EXAM:

FIRST STUDENT: LUU BINH

SECOND STUDENT: NGUYEN TAM

THIRD STUDENT: TRINH MINH

FOURTH STUDENT: SI TRAN....."

A great smile of satisfaction spreads across Luu Binh's face. He looks back through the crowd to find Mr. Trang. He can't see him. He finds Si Tran. He is smiling too, looking for Luu Binh. Their eyes meet, congratulating one another with a nod. Just then, a dignified mandarin moves into the crowd of students. Whispering among the students. They grow silent, move aside for the mandarin. It is the intimidating mandarin, the man who insulted Luu Binh on the first day of testing. The mandarin moves with extreme self-possession through the students to view the listing. The looks at the list through a pair of spectacles he places on his nose.

Mandarin (reading aloud)

Luu Binh is first student. (He turns to the group of students.) Who is this Luu Binh? Please step forward.

Luu Binh steps forward. The other students step back.

Si Tran (under his breath)

It looks like the cockroach has conquered the deer afterall.

The mandarin hears this. He looks at Si Tran with a raised eye. The mandarin turns to Luu Binh.

Mandarin

Let me be the first to congratulate you, young man. The national exam is a gruelling competition. You have done well. Despite your humble origins, you have risen to the challenge. Let me congratulate all of you who have passed. Those of you who have not passed, there will be other, lesser callings for you in life. All callings in life need to be approached with a perfectionist's gravity.

Luu Binh nods to the mandarin. The mandarin nods back, reserved still, not especially gracious to Luu Binh. Luu Binh catches Si Tran's smiling eyes. The mandarin notices the two men exchange their look of support.

Mandarin (to Si Tran)

Young man, respect for one's elders is a cornerstone of our education, and prime evidence of good breeding. Am I to understand that you, too, are from the peasant class?

Si Tran

The present class? Yes, sir.

Mandarin

I said the peasant class, not the present class.

Si Tran

I am not a peasant, sir. I am a student. But I have been a student of the peasants, sir.

Mandarin

A student from the peasants then?

Si Tran

At times a student for the peasants, sir.

Mandarin (with distaste)

Indeed! Your name then?

Si Tran

Nguyen Hue, sir.

The mandarin looks back at the list, searching for the name Nguyen Hue. It is not on the list. He smiles.

Mandarin (with satisfation)

The name Nugyen Hue is not on the list, young man.

Si Tran (feigning disappointment)

Nguyen Hue did not pass the test, sir.

Mandarin

Well, you will find something to do with your life.

Voice in the Rear

Perhaps he will lead the peasants in revolt, your excellency.

Mandarin

My God, who said that.

The students split apart. Nguyen Loc appears, smiling at the mandarin.

Nguyen Loc, Prime Minister

Are you still terrorizing students, Liem Dang? Don't you ever grow weary of playing the dragon?

Liem Dang

Should the dragon grow weary of being a dragon, Prime Minister?

Nguyen Loc

Only if the dragon, by being himself, makes himself weary. (To the students) I wish to congratulate all students, not only those who passed the exam, but all who were chosen to take the exam. Being here is, in itself, a great honor. You have all made us proud with your efforts. Those of you who did not pass the exam: I encourage you to return and try again. The future of our country is very much in your hands. You will be tomorrow's leaders in these very difficult times into which we are entering. I am pleased for you all. Please, now that the exam is completed, enjoy yourself while you are here in the capitol.

The students bow genuinely to Nguyen Loc. They then begin to filter out of the courtyard. Luu Binh does not move. He waits for Nguyen Loc. He is studying the list of names on the bulletin board. Finally, Luu Binh moves up to speak with the Prime Minister.

Luu Binh

Excuse me, your excellency.

Nguyen Loc (turning back to Luu Binh)

Yes. What is it?

Luu Binh (pulling a letter from his satchel of books)

I have been instructed by an old friend of yours, Master Duy, to present this letter to you.

Luu Binh hands the letter to the Prime Minister. Nguyen Loc is obviously pleased.

Nguyen Loc

And how do you know Master Duy?

Luu Binh

I am his student, your excellency. He prepared me for the national exam.

Nguyen Loc

Did he? I thought he was comfortably retired. I didn't realize that he was teaching again.

Luu Binh

I had no money for school. He agree to tutor me, sir. He is a great man.

Nguyen Loc

Yes, indeed. He is a great man. So, did you pass the exam?

Luu Binh

I did, sir.

Nguyen Loc

And what is your name?

Luu Binh

Luu Binh, sir.

The Prime Minister turns back to the bulletin board, looking for Luu Binh's name. He begins to smile. He turns back to Luu Binh.

Nguyen Loc

Not only did you pass the exam--you passed it as First Student. That is very impressive. Why don't you meet with me today at 4:00 for tea. You can find me in the ministry building at the end of this path. I will inform my assistant that I am expecting you.

They bow to one another. Luu Binh bows more deeply. Nguyen Loc walks back toward his ministry, agitated, tapping the unopened letter against his right thigh as he walks. He is whistling.

11. The sumptuous quarters of the Prime Minister. Luu Binh is sitting at a small table. The room is a library. Books line the walls. Wonderful sculptures and oil paintings make the room feel exquisitely cultured. There are long windows which let in light. The curtains are velvet, scarlet colored. The room speaks of power and wealth. Luu Binh is nervous. He taps his foot on the wood floors, unable to control his nerves.

Nguyen Loc bursts into the room. He is carrying the letter. He has read it several times.

Nguyen Loc

I apologize for being late, Luu Binh. I was in a meeting and could not leave. It was a very boring meeting. Men, as they amass titles, also seem to acquire a boundless capacity for speech. It is easier to talk than it is to act--and these men are expert talkers. That's why we're about to be overwhelmed by history....too much talk by our governors, and not enough actiton...!

Nguyen Loc sits at the table across from Luu Binh.

Nguyen Loc

Anyway, I have read the letter from Master Duy. Master Duy has been like a father to me--in this you and I have much in common. He also tutuored me, many years ago. He is a brilliant man. I love him dearly. He believes you to be a young person of the highest quality. He predicted, in this letter, that you would pass the national exam impressively. Even he did not predict a First Student result however. He will be pleased to no end.

A man dressed in a formal coat brings tea into the room. The man is old, thin, smiling. He seems good-natured. He pours tea for the Prime Minister and Luu Binh.

Nguyen Loc

Master Duy has asked that I look after you, in your new career, at least until you get settled. I intend to recommend that you be placed under my direction, here at the ministry, if that would please you. You are clearly a young man of great potential. I spoke with some of the exam judges. They felt your poems to be exquisite. And your understand of literature to be impressive and complete. Obviously, you have learned well from Master Duy. You should go home for a few months, celebrate your victory. When you receive your appointment, it will be to work in my ministry--if that is acceptable to you.

Luu Binh

I would be most pleased, sir. Most pleased to serve you.

Nguyen Loc

Good. It is decided then.

A door to the chamber suddenly opens. It is behind Luu Binh. A young woman enters.

Young Woman

Father? Oh, excuse me. I thought you were alone...

We see from behind the young woman, through the open door into the room. Her hair is long and black, hanging down her back. Luu Binh turns in his chair, looks back at the young woman, smiling, obviously moved by the woman's beauty.

Nguyen Loc

No, dear, that's alright. This is Luu Binh. He took the National Examination this week. He was the First Student in the Exam. Say hello to him.

The sun is coming through the window and throws a glare across the young woman's face. Luu Binh cannot see her face. But he sees hair long black hair. She reminds him of the beautiful woman from his dream. Her voice is warm and sweet, like honey.

Nguyen Loc's Daughter

I'm pleased to meet you, Luu Binh.

Luu Binh

I'm pleased to meet you too.

Nguyen Loc

Luu Binh will be coming back to work with me in about a month or so. You two should be friends.

Nguyen Loc's Daughter

Yes. We will. But I must leave you alone now.

She closes the door without making a sound. Luu Binh is obviously charmed by the young woman.

Nguyen Loc

So, I have responded to Master Duy's letter. (He hands Luu Binh a letter.) Please take this to him and tell him I hope to see him soon. If he won't come to me then I will certainly come to him. As for you, you will be formally notified of your assignment in about a month. I will make all the preparations for you, or at least my assistant will: a place to live, all the necessitites. In the mean time, have some fun. Go home. Be with your family. I'm sure you will be a celebrity in Can Loc. You deserve to be, Luu Binh. You have done well. I have another meeting to attend. Please finish your tea before you leave. Feel free to look around the library. And I will see you in a few weeks.

Luu Binh rises and bows as the Prime Minister leaves the room. Luu Binh carries his tea cup and saucer around the room. He walks up to the books, reads the titles, drinking his tea, savoring his success. He looks around the beautiful room. Then he walks to the window, looks out over the city. Hue is beautiful, sunny, resplendent with trees which sway gently in the wind. Luu Binh is satisfied. He mutters under his breath: "Yes! I did it! I did it!"

Luu Binh's gaze goes from the city of Hue up to the blue sky. A few white clouds skud by.

12. Fade to: blue sky above Can Loc. A few white clouds skud by. The sky is peaceful, unlimited. Pull down to the city streets. Noise, excitement, activity. A crowd has gathered around Luu Binh's father's shop. Well-to-do merchants, peasants, beggars, children, police, young women...they all surround the shop.

Merchant

Send him out then, we want to take a look at him!

Old Woman

The conquering hero returns! Let us hear him speak!

Second Merchant

He is the greatest glory for Can Loc since Binh Li saved the children in the flood!

Old Man

They're saying he ate with the Prime Minister!

Merchant

Luu, send him out immediately!

Luu Binh steps out of the shop, shy, wishing to hide. A great roar comes up from the crowd. People reach out to pat Luu Binh on the back, on the shoulder.

The Policeman

Let's not be too disorderly here!

Second Old Woman

Speak, young Luu! We hear you met the Prime Minister. The teacher Trang told us that!

Luu Binh

Yes, it's true. I had tea with Nguyen Loc, the Prime Minister. And he's a very gracious man, a good man, gentle and intelligent. I will be going back to Hue to work with him.

First Old Woman (to a friend)

You hear that! He's going to work with the Prime Minister. I knew he was a special child. I knew it when he was this high (measuring).

Friend

We all knew he was special. Why, you could see it with every step he took. He had the carriage of an angel. Everyone knew it.

First Merchant

You scored first on the test! What was it like?

Luu Binh

The test was very hard, gruelling. But I was well-prepared, first by Mr. Trang, then by Master Duy who lives to the north of town.

Tough-Looking Man

We know Duy. He's an arrogant man. He thinks he's better than everyone.

Luu Binh

No, that's not so. He's one of the best men I've ever known. He cares for the poor. He really is a noble man.

Second Tought-Looking Man

It's easy to be noble when you're rich!

Luu Binh

I couldn't have passed the exam without Master Duy.

First Merchant

This Master Duy should be here with you now, helping you celebrate!

Luu Binh

He enjoys his solitude. He doesn't come into town much anymore.

Tough-Looking Man

What did the Prime Minister say about the French? Will there be a war?

Luu Binh

We didn't talk about politics....

Second Tough-Looking Man

Are you going to work in the war department...?

Luu Binh

Eventually, I'd like to come back here as a magistrate. So I can help the people I know, the people I grew up with.

This pleases the crowd. They gather around him, jostle him, until his Luu Binh's father comes out of the shop to rescue his son.

Mr. Luu

We will have a celebration on Saturday. Everyone will be invited.

The crowd is very pleased with this. They all shake their heads with excitement. Then they begin to disperse down the street.

13. Saturday evening. Outside, near Luu Binh's house. Tables have been set up underneath the trees. People are eating. Everyone in town is there. Mrs. Luu is hurrying back and forth from the house, carrying food to the guests. Her children are helping, as are neighbors. At the main table sit Luu Binh, Luu Binh's father, the mayor of Can Loc, Mr. Trang and Master Duy. The men all sit together. The woman all sit together, on the wing, near the back of the house. Luu Binh is drinking rice wine.

Mr. Luu (drunk with rice wine)

This is the happiest day of my life, son. The happiest day of my life. All of my troubles, all of my worries: they've all ended today. There is nothing for me to worry about now. You have made me so proud.

Mayor Ngu

He will be paid well as a magistrate, Luu. You will not only be proud, but you will be rich too. Yes, you will be rich too.

Mr. Trang

It was not for money that we worked so hard, Mayor Ngu. There is something nobler than gold....

Mayor Ngu

Yes, Mr. Trang. Nobility is good. Nobility is good. But money is also good. Hard work should be rewarded.

Mr. Trang

Hard work is its own reward.

Mayor Ngu

Yes, what you say is true. But excellence should receive recognition.

Mr. Trang

Excellence has been recognized, Mayor Ngu.

Mr. Luu

Of course, we shall accept a good salary from the king. Of course we shall. My son did not study for gold. But what Mayor Ngu is saying Mr. Trang is that....the fates look favorably on he who is...well devoted.

Mr. Trang

Master Li wrote: "To virtue comes the fruits of virtue."

Mr. Luu

Yes, exactly. To virtue comes the fruits of virtue.

Mayor Ngu

Very well said, Professor Trang. Very well said.

Master Duy is reserved, speaking to no one but Luu Binh. They sit together and talk quietly.

Luu Binh

I am very pleased you came tonight. I realize that this specatacle does not suit you.

Master Duy

I came because of you. I wanted to see you celebrated.

Luu Binh

It seems my life has only begun. I have you to thank for all of this. Without you I am just another boy in the streets of Can Loc. You taught me discipline, knowledge; and, during the test, when I was ready to falter, I felt your spirit come to me, and instruct me. During the history test: I heard your voice, in the air, instructing me as if you were sitting beside me.

Master Duy

Perhaps I was, Luu Binh. There is much that does not meet the eye.

Luu Binh

What do you mean, Master Duy.

Master Duy

There is much that we don't understand, about how nature works. Perhaps I was beside you, in spirit at least. Perhaps when I rested in my house, weary from the hot afternoon, perhaps my spirit left me in a dream, journeyed to Hue, to help you when you needed it. It is certainly possible. There is much we cannot know.

Mr. Luu (to Master Duy)

I thank you with all my heart, Master Duy, for what you have done to help my son.

Master Duy

I received great pleasure in teaching your son. He is a wonderful person. You should congratulate yourself, Mr. Luu, on raising him so well.

There is a band of local musicians. One is banging on a drum. Another plays a flute. They are off-key. Another plays the lute. The celebrators laugh at the band. Rice wine is being passed around. Most of the celebrators are joyous and slightly drunk.

One Celebrator

You sound like a pack of gnats singing in the trees!

Middle-Aged Woman

Come on, get it right, so we can dance!

Lute Player

Be patient, my dear. We haven't played together for weeks.

Second Celebrator

You sound like a sack of chestnuts swinging in the wind!

Flute Player

Gnats or chestnuts, which is it?

Third Celebrator

You sound like a cow giving birth--that's it!

Middle-Aged Woman

Get it right, so your daughter can say hello to Luu Binh.

The band finds the right key; and begins playing a traditional Vietnamese song.

Middle-Aged Woman (to her daughter, Men)

Men, come forward now. Listen to me. Luu Binh is of the marrying age now. Come with me and we'll approach him. Let him get a good look at you. With drink and music, he'll be in a mood for romance. When you hook him with your beauty we'll approach the family with an offer. Don't be shy. (Quietly) Your family is counting on you. Marry this man, and we will all be rich, young lady. Our lives will be saved.

Men steps into the light. She is about sixteen, with lovely milk-white skin, dressed in a very pretty white ao-dai. Her hair is black. She is clearly one of the town's beauties. She moves through the tables with her mother, blushing as she approaches the head table with Luu Binh and his father.

Mrs. Trinh

Excuse me, Luu Binh. Do you remember me?

Luu Binh

Yes, of course, Mrs. Trinh.

Mrs. Trinh

Do you remember my daughter?

Luu Binh seems confused, not sure.

Men

Remember when you were fishing with Duong Le a few years ago: Duong Le caught a fish and he gave it to me. He said he was giving it to me because I was so pretty.

Luu Binh's eyes light up.

Luu Binh

You're little Men? Yes, of course I remember you. My, you've grown up.

Men pivots her body at the hips shyly, revealing a woman inside of the white ao-dai.

Mrs. Trinh

We both wanted to tell you how proud we are of you. Your have certainly made the whole town, the whole district, very important in the eyes of our country.

Luu Binh

Thank you very much, Mrs. Trinh. I appreciate your honoring me with your presence tonight.

Mrs. Trinh bows, smiles at Mr. Luu, and leads Men back away from the table, smiling at her small victory.

Mr. Luu (to Luu Binh)

Be careful, son. The old cow intends to make you her daughter's meal.

Men looks back over her shoulder, smiles at Luu Binh, a smile of encouragement and interest.

Luu Binh

She is a pretty girl, father. Yes, very pretty. But I am going to Hue soon. My destiny lies in Hue.

Luu Binh, feeling important, drinks a large glass of rice wine in one big gulp. His eyes begin to spin as he sets the empty glass down.

14. Late. The music has stopped. Most of the tables are empty. Some men have become drunk and are sleeping at the tables, or moving listlessly, talking in a dull tone. The women are more lively, talking with animation, not heavy with drink. Luu Binh is sitting at his table of honor. He has drank too much. His father sleeps at his side, his head on the table. Master Duy is gone. Mr. Trang and the mayor have left. Luu Binh looks out into the darkness, beyond the few men still littering the tables. He sees a young man dressed in rags. He tries to focus his eyes to see the man better. Focussing and moving into a close-up: it is Duong Le.

Luu Binh sits up in shock. He rubs his eyes. The beggar turns and begins to walk away. Luu Binh pushes himself up from the table. He tries to hurry from his yard--but he is unsteady from the rice wine. The dark figure in rags is moving through the streets. Luu Binh follows him. "Wait!" Luu Binh cries. "Duong Le, wait!" But the beggar keeps moving. Luu Binh runs after him. But the beggar is also running. They run up the dark streets of the town. Luu Binh cannot see well. He stumbles occasionally. The beggar is leading him through the center of town. Luu Binh runs, but he does not gain ground on Duong Le. Duong Le was always a faster runner than Luu Binh.

They run through the town. Finally, near the bridge, Luu Binh loses sight of his friend. There is just the night, the bridge, the sound of the river: nothing else. Luu Binh is out of breath. He stops to rest. Then he hears a woman's voice: It is Mrs. Nguyen, wife of Nguyen Viet, the seer. She is standing by the gate at the front of her house.

Mrs. Nguyen

Luu Binh. What are you doing here at such an hour?

Luu Binh

I was following someone. I saw someone at my party, an old friend, and I followed him here. Now I can't find him.

Mrs. Nguyen

Would you like to come in for something to eat?

Luu Binh

No, Mrs. Nguyen. It is too late.

Mrs. Nguyen

Nonsense. My husband and I don't sleep much anymore. The older one gets, the less sleep one seems to need. Come in.

She opens the gate. Luu Binh enters. Mrs. Nguyen leads Luu Binh back to the garden where Old Nguyen Viet sits quietly. He does not look at Luu Binh or hear his voice.

Nguyen Viet

Luu Binh, it's been several years since you came by to see us. Have you forgotten about us? We've been waiting for you, calmly waiting for you. Are you so smart now, so prescient, that you no longer need to visit your friends?

Luu Binh

No, sir. I've been busy. I've been away....

Nguyen Viet

Yes, I've heard about your triumph. We were surprised you did not come here to tell us personally. Or come here to invite us to your party.

Luu Binh

I'm so sorry. I've been so....

Nguyen Viet

Wrapped up in yourself?

Luu Binh

Yes, I'm ashamed to admit. I have been wrapped up in myself....

Nguyen Viet

And what brings you to us now, at this late hour?

Luu Binh

Well, I felt bad that you were not at the party....

Nguyen Viet

Don't lie to make us feel better. I know you did not think of us tonight. I know you were chasing a ghost through the streets. I heard both of you running. I told my wife that you were approaching. I sent her out to the gate to let you in....

Luu Binh

How could you have seen that?

Nguyen Viet

I hear it. The ears are eyes too, Luu Binh. When it becomes dark, the ears become the eyes. The ears see what the eyes can't. It was Duong Le's ghost you were chasing, wasn't it? Yes, his ghost moves through this town often.

Luu Binh

His ghost! Duong Le is not...

Nguyen Viet

No, he is not dead. We have ghosts inside us which roam even when we are living. We have many ghosts inside us. They move most any direction they wish. Duong Le is not dead. But his spirit is dead, or at least near death. He is very sad, very alone. He has lost nearly everything. He lives as a poor man now, working for pennies, in Hanoi. He is too proud to come home, even though he wishes too. He wants most to find you, his old friend, and to apologize for having shamed you.

Luu Binh

I, too, wish to find him. I will go to Hanoi....!

Nguyen Viet

No! Let Duong Le come to you. He will find you. He has been proud. He has forgotten his values. He has been spoiled by his father and now he is learning to be alive on his own. He must sink into the depths before he can rise up again and join the living. He will seek you. And, when he does, remember, do not give him his salvation. Make him find it himself. Make him work to raise himself back up. Help him; but do not do it for him.

Mr. Nguyen returns with sweets on a tray. She gives one to Luu Binh. He eats it. It is chocolate. He begins to chew it. It is very good....

15. Luu Binh's house, at the party. The party is still continuing. Luu Binh is alseep, his head lying on the table. His mouth is moving, as if he is trying to chew something. His father is talking with Mr. Trang and the Mayor. Master Duy is gone. Luu Binh wakes. He looks around. It is late. Some people have left. He looks for Master Duy. He cannot find him. Then, out on the edge of the property, where he had seen Duong Le in his dream, he sees Master Duy. He is old and he is walking with a cane. He is walking away. Luu Binh rises to run after Master Duy--but when Luu Binh rises, Master Duy looks back, over his shoulder. He smiles a full smile at Luu Binh, raises his hand in salutation. Luu Binh understands that he will never see Master Duy again. Luu Binh waves back; and smiles a smile of deep respect. Master Duy looks one last time into Luu Binh's eyes, across the yard. Then he turns and walks alone down the street, bent, with his cane, moving into the darkness.

Sorrow wells up in Luu Binh. He realizes he will never see Master Duy again.

Soft Voice of Men

Luu Binh. My mother says you can come visit me this weekend if you wish. She says she thinks that you and I should become friends.

Luu Binh's vision moves from the dignified Master Duy moving slowly into oblivion to the beautiful young girl, Men, her long hair flowing, her lips red, her eyes full of eagerness for life.

Luu Binh

I appreciate your mother's offer, Men.

Men

It is not her offer alone. It is my offer also, Luu Binh. I believe that you and I should become very good friends.

Part Five

1. Hanoi. Daytime. The streets are busy with human activity. Mr. Trang, the teacher, is walking down the street with another man, his uncle, Trang Li. They are laughing, enjoying one another's company.

Narrator

Three years passed. Luu Binh had moved to Hue to work with the Prime Minister. He had become very successful, in a very short time. He was greatly honored as an assistant to the Prime Minister.

Duong Le, on the other hand, had disappeared from view. No one in Can Loc knew what had befallen the unlucky Duong. Occasionally, a rumor would again circulate through the town, certifying again Duong Le's wretched condition, a rumor which made some sad, but also made some glad, since one man's tragedy often elevates others at least in their own eyes.

Mr. Trang, the teacher, had made a long-delayed visit to Hanoi one summer to visit his uncle, Trang Li. It had been years since Mr. Trang had visited his brother's family. The city excited him. There was so much to see: culture, plays, art museums. One day Mr. Trang was walking with his uncle when he noticed a man, obviously a destitute man, sitting at a sidewalk cafe drinking tea. The man was dressed in dirty clothes. There were holes in his pants. He had not shaved. But Mr. Trang recognized the man: it was Duong Le.

Mr. Trang spoke to his uncle, pointed to Duong Li. The uncle nodded, departed. Mr. Trang moved to join Duong Le.

Sidewalk cafe.

Mr. Trang

Excuse me, sir. Are you not my pupil, Mr. Duong Le?

Duong Le (surprised)

No, I am not, sir. Duong Le is....I knew Duong Le. He once lived here. I hear that he is dead, that he died last year in a flood of the Red River....

Mr. Trang (sitting down)

Do not send me away, son. You are still my student. I never forget a student. Every student carries with me a part of myself. It's like a scent. It never leaves.

Duong Le

That scent is not your own, Mr. Trang. The scent, I'm afraid, is my own. I have not bathed recently.

Mr. Trang

I intend to eat. Will you join me for lunch?

Duong Le

No, really, I must be going....

Mr. Trang

Do not be in such a hurry to leave me, son. You are not shamed in my eyes. And I have news for you from the old town. You still have friends back in Can Loc....

Duong Le

I'm afraid I will cry if I sit here with you, respected teacher.....

Mr. Trang

Cry then. I have seen tears before. I may cry also. It does a man good to cry on occasion.

Duong Le

My life has surely collapsed, sir. I did not listen to what you and others told me....

Mr. Trang

Let's eat first. We have all day to be together and talk about what we did not do.

Mr. Trang signals the waitress.

The writress returns with their food. They eat, Duong Le diligently, Mr. Trang moderately. When Duong Le finishes, Mr. Trang orders a second bowl.

Mr. Trang

Ok, now that your stomach is full, now tell me your story.

Duong Le

I don't know where to start. My father's death....that was the beginning.

Mr. Trang

Not really. The seeds go back further than that. You were a lazy boy, even in school. You thought luck would replace hard work. You were the brightest boy in my school when you were young. Even as bright as Luu Binh was, you were brighter. Except Luu Binh worked harder. You were spoiled. You had too much money. You became soft on the inside.

Duong Le

Yes. It is true.

Mr. Trang

I'm sorry to interrupt you. After your father died...?

Duong Le

I came here to learn business from my uncle. But business is very corrupt. I do not like the merchants I met. They seemed narrow, without souls. They did not care for the beautiful things of the world. Only money interested them.

Mr. Trang

So you sold your father's businesses, against your uncle's wishes.

Duong Le

Yes. How did you know?

Mr. Trang

We live in a small world. There are very few secrets. Go on.

Duong Le

I fell in with a bad crowd. I had money, time, no work, no study. I discovered women, pleasure...

Mr. Trang

Opium?

Duong Le

Yes, even opium.

Mr. Trang

And now. Even now opium?

Duong Le

No. Never. I am not an addict now. I am merely down on my luck. I can't seem to get up.

Mr. Trang

You just need some help. You can come back to Can Loc. You can stay with me, until you find yourself. But it is your old friend, Luu Binh, who can help you most. Do you know what became of Luu Binh?

Duong Le

I heard he passed the national exam.

Mr. Trang

Not only did he pass the exam, he passed as First Student. Through his tutor, Master Duy, who died last year, God rest his soul, he met the Prime Minister. He has worked for the Prime Minister for nearly three years. The Prime Minister was so taken with our young friend that he gave Luu Binh his own daughter as a bride. She is the most beautiful woman in the country, some say. Luu Binh is moving back to our district, Duong Le. He's coming back to be the district magistrate.

Duong Le

He has had good luck. When we were young, I had all the luck. Now he has it.

Mr. Trang

Hard work generates luck. You wander in circles, without a clear goal. Luu Binh moves in a straight line. He sees what he wants; and he seizes it. (Softening) Come back with me. Go and talk with Luu Binh. See if he can help you.

Duong Le

No, I could not. I remember the day I insulted Luu Binh at my house. I feel so much shame for that day.

Mr. Trang

Then go to him and tell him. He is still your friend. He has become famous; but he has not become cruel. Tell him you are sorry. Tell him you repent. Friends help you when you are in trouble. That's what it means to be a friend to someone. (He hands Duong Le some money, hiding it with his hand, passing it across the table.) I must return to my uncle's house. I return to Can Loc on Friday by boat. Meet me here on Friday morning. Be ready to leave. I will take you back with me. And we will begin a new life together.

Mr. Trang reaches across the table and grasps Duong Le's hand. Tears come into Duong Le's eyes. Tears also come into Mr. Trang's eyes. Mr. Trang is embarassed. He wipes his eyes and walks away, glancing back and smiling strongly, nodding, to Duong Le.

2. Haiphong Harbor. Mr. Trang and Duong Le are seen boarding a boat in the harbor. Each is carrying a bag. Duong Le has shaved. He wears clean clothes.

3. Ha Tinh Province. A beautiful countryside. A majestic house, surrounded by a formal fence and gate. It is the magistrate's house. He has servants and gardeners. A carriage with two white horses stands in front of the house.

Duong Le is looking at the house through leaves of a grove of trees. He is hidden from view. Duong Le is dressed well; he looks handsome. But he looks nervous.

Duong Le approaches the house. It is so large, he feels intimidated. Everything is so rich, much richer than his own father's house. There are men and women moving about the house doing official government business. No one stops him at the open gate, but when he reaches the house, a servant stops him.

Doorman

Who may I say is calling?

Duong Le

I am a friend of Luu Binh....

Doorman (clearing his throat)

The magistrate?

Duong Le

Yes...the magistrate.

Doorman

Do you have an appointment?

Duong Le

No. I am a friend from childhood.

Doorman

The magistrate is too busy to visit with childhood friends who just happen to drop in.

Duong Le

Yes. Please give this letter to him. I am sure he will see me.

Doorman

Very well. Come wait here.

The doorman shows Duong Le to a waiting room. It is elegantly paneled, but small, with stained-glass windows high on the walls, emitting colored light into the room. Duong Le sits on a bench and waits.

4. Luu Binh's study. He is sitting at his desk, working. Two advisors sit with him silently. He is writing.

First Advisor

Magistrate. This is perhaps not the most wise thing to do in a political sense. This reduction of taxes on the peasants will not please the landowners or your own government in Hue.

Luu Binh

An impoverished peasantry is not in anyone's interest. Should a war with the French come, we will need a peasantry loyal to the emperor to fight for our country. Besides, the landowners have been bleeding the peasants for years. Do they want slaves instead of workers? The peasants are not the government's enemies. They are the foundation of the society. Without them, the landowners cease to exist.

Second Advisor

We appreciate your motiviations, sir. But we must explain your decisions to the powerful men of the district....

Magistrrate

Explain to them that I am friend to them and also friend to the peasants. My duty is justice, jutice for the rich and for the poor. I do not see that a starving peasantry benefits anyone.

A small knock on the door. Another servant enters quietly, bows apologetically for interrupting, hands Luu Binh a small envelope. Luu Binh reads. His eyes light up.

Magistrate

You must now excuse me. I have an important matter to address. We can continue this discussion tomorrow. Although I am not likely to change my mind. So, if I were you, I would begin to approach the lords of the district to explain that the government is adopting a more even hand in these matters at this time.

The two advisors bow and leave the room.

Luu Binh jumps up from his desk. He hurries out of his office, down the grand staircase, toward the waiting room. But he does not enter the waiting room. He, instead, enters a secret door in the wall, leading to a hidden hallway. From here he is able to look into the waiting room through a small hole. He sees Duong Le sitting quietly in the somber air of the waiting room. Luu Binh begins to cry as he sees his friend. Duong Le looks so small, so insignificant. A memory pops up in the darkness with Luu Binh: it is the face of Nguyen Viet. He says: "Let Duong Le come to you. He will find you. He has been proud. He has forgotten his values. He has been spoiled by his father and now he is learning to be alive on his own. He must sink into the depths before he can rise up again with the living. He will seek you. And, when he does, remember, do not give him his salvation. Make him find it himself. Make him work to raise himself back up. Help him; but do not do it for him."

Luu Binh passes back through the secret door. The doorman approaches him.

Doorman

Your excellency, shall I show the young man in?

Luu Binh

No. Hurry, gather all the servants here, quickly.

The doorman hurries from the room; then he returns with eight servants, men and women.

Luu Binh

We must pretend that we are having a party. I want you to laugh, break a few plates, dance. We need music. Get the musicians in here. I want my friend to believe we are having a party. Hurry, get as many people here as you can find.

5. Duong Le in the waiting room.

Narrator

Duong Le waited for his friend to see him for several hours. But no one came. Duong Le could hear the celebration going on nearby. He told himself that Luu Binh was now an important man, too important to meet with childhood friends who came unannounced, without an appointment.

Noise of celebration. Music. A party. Something crashing. Women laughing.

This makes Duong Le restless. He begins to walk in circles in the small room.

Luu Binh is watching his friend through the peep-hole. He sees that Duong Le is become agitated.

Luu Binh re-enters the main room. He joins the celebration.

Luu Binh (his voice raised)

What is it, Dang? What did you say about a visitor?

Dang, the Doorman

He says he's a friend of yours. His name is Duong Le.

From within the waiting room, Duong Le hears this exchange. He becomes excited.

Voice of Luu Binh

Who?

Voice of Dang

Duong Le. A friend from childhood.

Voice of Luu Binh

I know of no one with that name. What does he look like?

Voice of Dang

A small man, sir. Insignificant. A poor man. A man without much stature.

Voice of Luu Binh

If he is insignificant, then what could he want with me. If he is a man without stature, then let him wait until I'm ready to see him.

Duong Le turns red with anger. He rushes out of the witing room, slams the door. He hurries out of the house, back into the grove of trees.

Luu Binh watches through a window as Duong Le crosses the yard, leaves the front gate, and disappears into the grove of trees.

6. Duong Le striding through the trees, moving into the shadows, angry, desperate, crying. He mutters under his breath: "I hate him! How could he insult me this way! I wish him dead! I wish I never had come back!"

Duong Le walks in the woods. He has no where to go. Finally, he sits. His intiial anger begins to give way to despair. He realizes he has no hope now, no future. He sits and cries. He cries and falls asleep.

When he awakens it is dusk. The night is falling. Duong Le rises, walks slowly deeper into the woods. He sees no one. Finally he comes to a foot-bridge overlooking a roaring river. He walks out on the bridge. He looks over the edge (much as he looked over the edge on the hotel in Hanoi when he found Pearl with his friend): he is thinking about jumping. He looks down at the water. The water is roaring below, crashing into large white boulders. It is a long way down. His eyes zoom into the water. The view starts chaotic, passing down to the water, then into the water, into the deep, from above, to where it begins to appear peaceful, unmoving, green, welcoming. Duong Le is mesmerized by the deep. He is going to take his life.

Duong Le moves to the edge of the bridge. He steps to the outside of the bridge, preparing to jump. Then, suddenly, a small graceful hand touches his shoulder. He looks back. Standing there, dressed in a peasant' clothes, is the most beautiful women he has ever seen. Her hair is long and black. Her features are beautifully molded, her face delicate, her eyes soft and deep.

Woman

If you are committed to ending your life, then don't let me intrude, sir. But I wonder what great sorrow would drive a handsome man such as yourself to this bitter end?

Duong Le

Who are you? Where did you come from? Ending my life? No, I was just...I was just walking on the bridge.

Woman

Why so miserable? You seem healthy. You seem well. What has driven you to despair? Is it the love of a woman?

Duong Le (softening)

No, it is not a woman. I have nothing. I have no hope for the future. There is nothing left for me to do but save face by ending my miserable life. I have lost everything, my father's house, my father's money, the love of my best friend....

Woman

Of which friend do you speak?

Duong Le

The magistrate, Luu Binh. We were best friends as children. Now, he ridicules me. He speaks of me as if he does not remember me.

Woman

The magistrate? I understand your hatred for the magistrate. I, too, hate the magistrate. He robbed my father of his land. And he soiled me in love--and then refused my hand in marriage. You may jump if you wish. But I would rather you choose vengeance on your enemy than vengeance on yourself.

Duong Le

What do you mean?

Woman

Your friend, the Magistrate, is very proud of himself, of his intellect. If I were you, I would seek to defeat him on his own ground, rather than annihilate yourself in this river.

Duong Le

I have no where to live. I have no friends.

Woman

I have a house. My father's house. I will open it to you, on the condition that you devote yourself to revenge against the magistrate. By this I do not mean violence against the man, for violence is self-destructive. I will support you if you agree to these conditions: you will study to take the national exam. You will pass the national exam. And you will unseat your friend as Magistrate of Ha Tinh Province. I will have my satisfaction through you--and through the decline of your friend Luu Binh.

Duong Le

I don't know. I don't know if I can do it. Perhaps when I was younger. I have not been in school for years....

Woman

You can choose: either accept my proposition, and try to raise yourself up; or be on your own again.

Duong Le (clearly moved by the woman's beauty)

You are, indeed, a beautiful woman....

Woman

The second condition being that you will treat me as a sister. There is no room for love between us. We have a business relationship: I support you; you provide me with pleasure by transcending Luu Binh. If you do not live up to these conditions, you will have to leave my house.

Doung Le moves away from the edge of the bridge. He kneels before the woman. He kisses the hem of her skirt. He looks up at her, seeing her beautiful face looking down at him.

Duong Le

I agree to all your conditions, miss. You are my salvation. I will never be able to thank you enough for this.

Woman

You will be able to thank me by surpassing your friend. That is all I ask of you.

Duong Le

My name is Duong Le. What is your name?

Woman

My name is Chau-Long.

7. A small thatched-roofed peasant house deep in the woods. Very charming. There is a garden, some chickens, pigs. Inside, the house is small but well lit. In the main room, there is a table where Duong Le studies. In the corner is a weaving loom, where Chau-Long works. In the back is Chau-Long's bedroom. Duong Le sleeps on a mat in the main room.

Duong Le is studying. Light comes through the window, illuminating his books. Chau-Long works at her spinning wheel, spinning silk. She is very graceful, her fingers long and delicate. She is so beautiful, Duong Le often pauses just to stare at her. Without looking up, she corrects him:

Chau-Long (at her spinning wheel)

Concentrate on your work. That is our agreement.

Duong Le

Yes. But you are so beautiful--I can't help myself.

Chau-Long

Don't seek to use your charm on me. You used your charm instead of your intelligence--and you ended up losing everything but your life. Be serious with me; or I will ask you to leave.

Duong Le (wounded)

Yes, I am sorry, sister. I am working hard. I merely need to rest my eyes occasionally, so I don't go blind. How did you come into these books, sister? They are wonderful books. But they cost money....

Chau-Long

I once had money. My father was a scholar. I had property until it was taken away from me by the Magistrate. Now, all I have left is this house. I sell my silk in town to buy rice.

Duong Le (sincerely)

I admire you as I admire no other, sister. You were dealt a bad hand, after living well--much as I was. But it made you stronger. It only made me weaker.

Chau-Long

Strength is not a possession, brother. It is a character trait. It is something you develop, as one develops his intelligence, not something you inherit.

Duong Le watches Chau-Long spinning silk in the golden light. She is beautiful. She is like some heavenly creature.

Duong Le

Some day, when I have passed the national exam, and unseated Luu Binh as the Magistrate, may I then discuss my fondness for you? May I then approach you with intentions of marriage...?

Chau-Long

Only when you have succeeded in everything we have planned--only then can we discuss anything about our future together.

Duong Le smiles. He returns diligently to his studies.

It is late. Duong Le studies by candlelight. There are sounds of the forest coming in through the window: crickets, an owl hooting, the sound of a stream running clearly in the night. Duone Le looks back toward Chau-Long's room in the back of the house. The room is dark. Chau-Long is in bed. Duong Le looks longingly into the room. Then he looks out through the window, out into the soft night.

Duong Le (under his breath)

I don't think I have ever been so happy.

8. Again in the house in the woods. Duong Le is studying; Chau-Long is spinning.

Narrator

For three years Duong Le studied for the National Exam. Chau-Long supported him, cooked for him, sold silk in the town for rice. She raised chickens. She kept the garden. Duong Le studied. A strong feeling grew between them. In Duong Le's mind, they had become like husband and wife. Still Chau-Long insisted there would be no feeling between them until Duong Le passed the National Exam.

Duong Le took and passed the District Exam. Then he took and passed the Regional Exam, and became qualified to take the National Exam in Hue.

Sometimes Chau-Long would leave the house for several days. She always told Duong Le that it was to go to town. She would return with food and supplies. Duong Le would be miserable when she was gone.

Chau-Long leaves the house, waving to Duong Le as she leaves. Duong Le watches her pass out of sight, clearly uncomfortable with her leaving.

Once, when Chau-Long was gone, an old man passed by the house. Duong Le came out to greet him. The old man has a flask of rice wine. They drank the wine together. Duong Le became drunk. When Chau-Long came home, she was furious.

Chau-Long

Is that the thanks I get for helping you? As soon as I'm gone, you get trunk with some stranger wandering in the woods. We had an agreement. And you've broken that agreement.

Duong Le

I am sorry. I was wrong. But I studied all day. I am ready to study again. Please forgive me, Chau-Long. I can't leave you now. Please don't kick me out of your house. I have come to love you, dear sister. Without you, I am nothing. I am nothing.

Chau-Long

I will not kick you out of my house. I love you too, Duong Le. As a brother. You are a wonderful man. And we have a goal. We are closer to our goal each day. But do not become weak again, Duong Le. I do not wish that you let me down again.

Duong Le

I promise that I will not.

It is day. Chau-Long works in the garden. Birds are soaring in the sky. It is such a perfect world. Duong-Le is studying outside, under a tree, watching Chau-Long. He picks up a piece of paper. He writes:

Duong Le (poem)

In the blue light of heaven's garden

I see you working, turning the soil.

My heart for you will never harden;

In your eyes I see tenderness toil.

I declare my love for you,

Not as a brother feels for his kin,

But as a man who embraces the true.

I proclaim to the world: this love is no sin.

Duong Le's voice reads the poem as he watches Chau-Long work in the garden.

Narrator

That night, as Duong Le was drawing water from the stream, Chau-Long notiched a piece of paper protruding from one of Duong Le's books. She opened the book. And read the poem.

Chau-Long reads the poem. She sees Duong Le returning to the house. She puts the note back in the book, closes the book, and hurries back to her room. She sits on her bed, a troubled look on her face.

9. It is night. Chau-Long is lying in bed, sleeping. All the lights are off. Duong Le gets up from his mat and tiptoes into to see Chau-Long. As he crosses the threshold, he trips on a string strung across the threshold, which is tied to a small bell. The bell rings softly.

Chau-Long awakens. She draws a sword from beside her bed and brandishes it swiftly.

Chau-Long

Who is there?

Duong-Le (mumbles)

It is I, Chau-Long. I wish to be with you. I love you dearly. I wish to be your husband.

Chau-Long (lighting a candle)

It is not to be, Duong Le. That is not to say that I'm not attracted to you. You are handsome, intelligent, charming. You are good company. You are a man of wit and courage. You are a good man. I do care for you too, deeply. But we cannot talk like this again until after you have passed the exam and taken your revenge on Luu Binh. You would not disgrace me by sneaking into my bed, against my wishes?

Duong Le

No, of course not.

Chau-Long

Then treat me as a sister for one more month. Then you will take the test. We will speak of marriage, once you have proven to me that you are successful.

Chau-Long sits in the bed, holding a sword, the light and shadow of the candle playing across her features. She is stunning. Duong Le nods to Chau-Long, leaves her room; but he stops at the door and says

Duong Le

I love you dearly. I will make you proud of me.

10. Daytime. At the house. Duong Le is packing a bag with clothes and books. He looks anxious.

Duong Le

I don't like leaving you here alone. I feel very bad to be leaving you.

Chau-Long

Don't worry about me. I will stay with friends in the village while you are gone.

Duong Le

I will propose marriage to you when I next see you. You might as well accept that. That is my intention. There is no point pretending it is not so.

Chau-Long

You must pass the exam. Everything else will follow that.

Chau-Long appears from her room carrying new men's clothing, tradition Vietnamese clothing, made of silk. Expensive clothing.

Chau-Long

This is for you to wear to Hue.

Duong Le is shocked.

Duong Le

How could you afford such fine clothing?

Chau-Long (laughing)

I did not buy it. I made it.

Duong Le

Of course. But when? I did not see you making clothing for me.

Chau-Long

I made it when you slept, in the morning.

Duong Le

And how did you know my size.

Chau-Long

I measured you while you were sleeping. Here, try it on. I'll leave the room.

Chau-Long goes outside. Duong le slips into the beautiful garment. Then he steps outside, into the sunlight.

Chau-Long (clearly pleased)

Now, you look like a gentleman, a gentleman of learning. You have changed so since the first day I saw you running from the Magistrate's house.

Duong Le (surprised)

You were at the Magistrate's house that day?

Chau-Long

Yes, I was there to ask the Magistrate a favor too. And he refused to see me also. I saw you run from the house. And I followed you.... You will be very handome in Hue with your new clothes. The women of Hue are noted for their beauty. You will be very popular with them.

Duong Le

I am interested in no one but you, Chau-Long.

Chau-Long
I know. But it is ok to be popular and handsome, so long as you don't let it go to your head.

Duong Le

I love you and no one else. I will never be untrue to you.

Chau-Long

Be true to the best part of yourself, and you will be true to me.

Duong Le and Chau-Long embrace. Duong-Le tries to kiss her. But she says "No" and lowers her head. But she hugs him tightly.

11. Chau-Long and Duong Le are walking along a country road together. Both are carrying bags. Duong Le is dressed in his noble clothes. Chau-Long is dressed as a peasant. They walk up to a dock in the river. The river is broad. A large boat is coming into view.

Chau-Long

Here comes your ride. (She hands him some money, making sure no one else can see it.) You will need money on your trip. I had some saved. You can pay me back when you become the Magistrate. Then you can get me back my family's land.

Duong Le looks at her as if his heart will break.

Chau-Long

Don't make me feel bad, Duong Le. It is parting only. I will see you after your triumph. Please do not forget me once you become successful.

Duong Le (tears in his eyes0

I will return the night of my success to ask your hand in marriage. Please be careful when I am gone. Stay with your friends in the village. These three years have been the happiest of my life. You have saved me. I will gladly give my own life for you.

Chau-Long

I dont' wish you to give your life. I wish you to claim it. That is all I ask of you.

The boat pulls up to the dock.

Boat-Master

Are you riding with us to Hue?

Duong Le

Yes. I am.

Chau-Long

Go ahead. And best of luck. Make me proud.

Duong Le boards the boat. The boat pulls away from the shore.

Chau-Long

Make me proud, brother.

Duong Le

I shall make you proud, Chau-Long.

The boat moves down the river. Duong Le watches Chau-Long's graceful features standing beside the river gradually grow dimmer and dimmer, smaller and smaller, until he can see her no longer. He is sad. He already is missing Chau-Long.

12. Hue. The streets are filled with students. Again the courtyard is packed with students and instructors. There is pushing and shoving.

Duong Le seems larger and older than the other students. He is standing by himself, proud, serious. Liem Dang, the sour-faced old Mandarin, eyes the students entering the test building. He looks at Duong Le in his new clothes.

Liem Dang, the Mandarin

It is nice to see someone not of the cockroach class, young man. I am sure you will do well on the exam. We need more students like you, from the ruling class.

Duong Le

Thank you, sir. But I am also from the cockroach class. My wife spent all of her money making me these clothes so I could look respectable on this important day. We are poor, sir. But we work hard to better ourselves.

Liem Dang turns up his nose, walks away with disgust, moving again to speak with the students who are related to the royal family. Duong Le moves into the second line, standing with many of the poorer students; the line then files into the testing tent.

Duong Le is seen writing seriously and steadily in the classroom. He is clearly more mature than the other students. And the test appears easy for him.

Duong Le emerges from the white tent at the end of the day. Other students move toward their teachers who sit on the bench under the tamarind trees. Duong Le looks at the bench. He recognizes no one.

Duong Le is seen at night. He is reading by himself in a small tent. A candle is burning. His books are open. He takes a piece of paper and sketches the face of Chau-Long in quick, fluid strokes. The face of Chau-Long comes alive under Duong Le's pencil; and he hears her speak: "When you have shown the world your talent, and when you have become successful, then we will speak of our feelings for each other." The darwing of Chau-Long shows her dignity and beauty. Duong Le hangs the drawing on his wall. Then he returns to his studies.

Duong Le is seen again writing in the testing tent. He writes easily, without fear or hesitation.

Duong Le is again seen in his tent, studying by candle-light. Again he looks up at the drawing of Chau-Long. He smiles peacefully. Then he returns to his books.

Duong Le is again seen under the testing canopy. He writes without fear or fatigue. The observers in robes move about the room silently.

Duong Le is in his own tent again, studying. He pauses, looks up at the drawing of Chau-Long. He pictures her in his mind. He sees their house in the woods. Chau-Long is working in her garden, her elegant body moving as if the wind itself. He pictures her spinning at her wheel. Duong Le closes his eyes. He is tired. He lays his head down on the table, on one of his open books. He drifts off to sleep.

Duong Le awakens. One of the observers is speaking:

Observer

We have finally reached the final day of testing. It has been a long, difficult four days. Today we will test you on your understanding of the classic books of literature. Please open your notebooks and respond to the seven questions we have provided for you.

Duong Le writes without difficulty. The other students around him seem weary and uncomfortable. Duong Le seems fresh, a man at work.

13. End of the day. The test is finished. The students file from beneath the white canopy. Duong Le is alone. He glances over to the teachers' bench out of habit as the other students move toward their teachers. Duong Le recognizes a face. Mr. Trang is sitting on the bench, smiling at Duong Le. Duong Le approaches him, smiling warmly.

Duong Le

Dear Mr. Trang, I am quite pleased to see you again. Why are you here? Do you have a student testing?

Mr. Trang

Yes, one of my best students.

Duong Le (looking behind himself for the student)

Perhaps I know him.

Mr. Trang

You know him quite well, Duong Le. It is yourself.

Duong Le

Me? Really? Well, I am honored by your presence. Let's go eat some dinner together. It is late. I am tired. But your company will help enliven me.

The two men leave the courtyard together, walking in the falling evening.

14. An indoor restaurant. Duong Le and Mr. Trang are eating. The atmosphere is pleasant. The light seems warm and golden.

Duong Le

I met the most wonderful woman after I left your home. My trip to Luu Binh did not go well. Luu Binh refused to see me. Then, filled with despair, contemplating suicide, I met an angel who led me to her home in the woods and instructed me in the classics. That is, she did not teach me directly. But she provided me with books and time and encouragement. I love her very much. When I return I will wed her. She saved my life, Mr. Trang. Do you know this woman, Chau-Long?

Mr. Trang

No. I don't believe so. You intend to marry her?

Duong Le

We will speak of this when I return. She insisted I succeed in the national exam before we speak of our affection. She spoke of me as her brother--but there is more to our love than mere familiality. Still, without her I would have withered away like a dry leaf.

Mr. Trang

So it is with women. They bring us into the world. And they keep us alive as long as they can. They know that we will leave them eventually. For men are from heaven and women are of this earth. They keep us here as long as they can, caring for us, encouraging us. So it is with Mrs. Trang. Without her I would be nothing, also a dry leaf.

Duong Le

Do you tell her how you feel?

Mr. Trang

Not often enough. I get busy. I forget. I will tell her when I return home.

Duong Le

How did you come to know that I was standing for the national exam? I thought no one knew.

Mr. Trang

I have many friends in this city. There are no secrets in Vietnam. When I heard you were testing I came immediately. My only regret is that I came so late; and that I was not able to help you during your ordeal.

Duong Le

It is not necessary to feel regret. The test was reasonable. I believe I did well.

Mr. Trang

I'm sure you did. You were my best student, remember. That's what I told you all along. You had the most natural ability. Now you have learned discipline. Now nothing can impede you in your goals. But, tonight, you must sleep. I will remain in Hue until the results are announced. Then I will return with you to Can Loc, if you wish me to?

Duong Le

That sounds wonderful. I appreciate everything you've done for me. Without friends such as yourself life becomes very dark and empty. I appreciate that you've come to be with me. Will you sleep in my tent tonight? There is plenty of room.

Mr. Trang

Yes. I would be most pleased.

Mr. Trang drinks from his glass of wine; and he looks very contented.

15. Duong Le is standing in the courtyard with Mr. Trang. He is surrounded by students. There is pushing to get close to the bulletin board where the test results are posted. Duong Le has a shocked look on his face. He looks at Mr. Trang who is smiling heartily. Duong Le looks back at the board.

"THE FOLLOWING STUDENTS HAVE PASSED THE NATIONAL EXAM:

FIRST STUDENT: Duong Le

SECOND STUDENT: Nam Viet

THIRD STUDENT: Trinh Tung

FOURTH STUDENT: Tran Dung....."

He looks back at Mr. Trang. Mr. Trang is ecstatic. He grabs Duong Le by the elbow and shakes him with glee.

Liem Dang, the sour old Mandarin, moves through the students to the notice. He reads the notice; then he turns to the students.

Liem Dang, the Mandarin

Who is this Duong Le?

Duong Le

It is I, sir.

Liem Dang, the Mandarin

You? Well, the one whose wife makes him dress like a prince. Yes, well, congratulations. I am told that your score is the highest we have had in more than a decade. You are to be congratulated. And so is your instructor. Is that your teacher standing next to you?

Duong Le

Yes.

Mr. Trang

No, I'm merely a friend....

Duong Le

This is Mr. Trang, my instructor. He is also the instructor of a man you may know, Magistrate Luu Binh, who worked for the Prime Minister, and who now is Magistrate in his home district, Ha Tinh Province. You may know him?

Liem Dang, the Magistrate

Yes, the name seems familiar. Mr. Trang, you should be very proud. If you would like, I will set an appointment for you both to meet the Prime Minister. He and I are old, good friends. And if you are friends with Luu Binh, then I'm sure the Prime Minister would like to meet you. I believe his daughter is married to this Magistrate, Luu Binh....

Duong Le and Mr. Trang smile at one another. Duong Le reaches out and puts his arm around his old teacher.

16. Duong Le and Mr. Trang are riding a boat back to the north together. Duong Le is standing by the railing, looking out at the beautiful landscape. Beyond, in the fields, peasants work the rice paddies. They are mostly dressed in black peasant garb, each is wearing a non-la. Children are moving in the fields. Men are driving water buffalo. Everything is lush. The river snakes its way through cocoanut trees. Duong Le is moved by the beauty of the landscape. He is wearing the clothing Chau-Long made for him. He looks at the cloth, thinks of his wife; a soft smile comes across his face.

Mr. Trang moves close to Duong Le.

Mr. Trang

It is wonderful that the Prime Minister granted your wish, to be magistrate in your home district....

Duong Le

It was not only my wish. It was Chau-Long's wish too. She wished that I return to our home district; and that I outshine Luu Binh as a magistrate. She hates Luu Binh. She says Luu Binh disgraced her; and stole land from her family.

Mr. Trang

I don't believe it. Luu Binh has been the most blessed of magistrates, always putting his concern for the peasants as a priority.

Duong Le

That is the story that Chau-Long told me. I'm sure she would not lie.

Mr. Trang

You should not hate Luu Binh, Duong Le. He never stopped caring for you....

Duong Le

And when I went to see him, to ask him for forgiveness....? Why, he treated me like I was dirt.

Mr. Trang

Yes. But there must have been a mistake. There must have been a misunderstanding.

Duong Le

He treated me with the same haughtiness that I treated him in my own home, for which I wished to apologize. I do not blame him. Perhaps I deserved it. But Chau-Long's family did not deserve mistreatment. And Chau-Long did not deserve being....shamed by Luu Binh. She is the most noble lady I have ever known. Even as a peasant, to which condition Luu Binh lowered her, she was still more noble than any woman I have known.

Mr. Trang

And what if you return and Chau-Long does not marry you?

Duong Le

Oh, she will. I have her word on it. I have her word that we will talk about it. She told me she found me handsome and pleasant. We have lived under the same roof for three years. Why would she not wed me?

Mr. Trang

What if she was married already?

Duong Le

I don't understand. How could you ask such a question? How could she be married and still be living in the woods by herself, with me?

Mr. Trang

I don't know. If she was not married, then why did she not assent to your love? If she loved you, as you say she does, then why did she not agree to marry you?

Duong Le

She insisted I fulfill my potential first. That I become successful.

Mr. Trang

You must promise me one thing, Duong Le, as a student might promise his teacher. You must promise me that whatever happens when you return to Chau-Long that you will visit Luu Binh, not as an adversary, but as an equal, a fellow magistrate. That you will visit him at least once. And you will talk with him about your life, about your love, and about you victory in the exam in Hue. He was once your best friend. He may still be your best friend. Will you promise me this?

Duong Le

Yes, sir. At your request I will visit Luu Binh. I am not sure that I will visit him as a friend, for I don't know the man any longer. He treated me like a failed child, like a worthless cousin. I do not love him any longer. But I wish to show him that....that I have raised myself up. That I am at least his equal.

Mr. Trang

Good. A promise is a promise. And I will trust you to keep your word. Whatever happens with Chau-Long. If she weds you, if she dismisses you, if she disappears....whatever happens, you will visit Luu Binh?

Duong Le

I have given you my word.

The boat cuts through the water. We see the bow slicing through the greenish water. Duong Le is looking down into the water. It is mesmerizing. We see Duong Le's face reflected in the water. Duong Le watches this reflection. Then, suddenly, behind him, appear the faces of Luu Binh and Chau-Long, each smiling at him. Then the two reflections are gone. Duong Le stares into the water, shocked by what he has seen. He blinks his eyes, to clear his vision. Then he withdraws his head back into the boat. We see the railing of the boat, and behind it the reflected sky.

17. Duong Le is walking in the woods, up the road to his house. He comes around the corner, where he can see the house. But it seems empty. There is no one in the garden. In fact, the garden looks to be in a riot. Weeds have taken over the crops. One fence is down. The house has no life, no light. Duong Le hurries toward the house. He had expected to be greeted by Chau-Long. Instead, he is driven into a state of fear. What if Chau-Long is gone?

He drops his bag and runs to the house. He hurries up the porch and throws open the door. The house is empty. All that remains is a few of Duong Le's belongings, his old clothes, a few books, a candle, a blanket for a bedding.

Duong Le is frightened. His heart sinks. He leaves the house, sits down on the front porch, shaken. His whole world, so large again from his success in Hue, has again contracted. He puts his head in his hands and begins to cry.

18. Duong Le is seen in the small village near his house. He is moving from shop to shop, stopping people on the street.

Duong Le (to a woman on the street)

Do you know the woman, Chau-Long? She came here to sell silk for rice. She lived outside of town. She came to this town many times. She is very beautiful....

Woman

There is no one by that name here. No, I knew no woman who sold silk for rice.

Second Woman (overhearing the conversation)

There is the Cham girl; she lives in the Cham village....

Duong Le

No, this woman is not a Cham.

Second Woman

No, then. We know all the women who live here or who visit here. The woman you describe has never come here.

Duong Le hurries into a restaurant. Men are sitting, eating soup. Duong Le is seen asking them about Chau-Long.

Narrator

Duong Le searched for Chau-Long for weeks. He went from one village to the next. He received the same reply, wherever he went: No, they did not know the woman. No, they had not seen the woman.

Duong Le returned to his house each night. But it was empty. It pained him greatly to be in the house without Chau-Long. He began to lose hope. He began to sink again into despair.

One night as he was sleeping outside, under the banyon tree, he had a dream:

Duong Le is sleeping beneath a banyon tree. He turns restlessly. We enter his dream. He is walking in the woods and he sees a foot-bridge. He is sad. He has been looking for Chau-Long and he has not been able to find her. He moves onto the bridge. Looking down, he sees himself reflected in the green water. Then, behind him in the reflection, both Chau-Long and Luu Binh appear. They are friends. They are holding hands, standing behing Duong Le. Duong Le pivots quickly on the bridge, trying to see Luu Binh and Chau-Long. But they are not there. Instead, Mr. Trang is standing there quietly, his arms crossed. He says: "You promised me that you would visit Luu Binh. Why is it, Duong Le, that you have not kept your promise?"

Duong Le wakes from his sleep. He has heard a noise. Not far away, maybe twenty feet, a tiger is walking through the woods. He stops and looks at Duong Le. The two look at one another for maybe five seconds. Duong Le begins to sweat. The tiger looks away, and continues walking through the woods.

Duong Le sits with his back against the tree. He is fully awake. He looks up at the full moon. The night is beautiful. Moonlight streams down on the earth, making everything seem magical.

Duong Le

I will visit Luu Binh tomorrow. Perhaps he will be able to help me find Chau-Long.

Part Six

1. Luu Binh is working in his office. He is dressed in a colorful tunic. He is writing an official document. His assistant, Hue, enters after knocking.

Hue

Sir, you have a visitor.

Luu Binh

I am busy, Hue. I have instructed you not to disturb me when I'm working in the morning. Lord knows I'll have enough to do this afternoon when I must meet with my advisors....

Hue

I'm sorry, sir. I would not have disturbed you. I thought you would need to know, sir, that the new magistrate has come to see you....

Luu Binh (standing up from the desk)

Magistrate Duong Le? Is he here, then?

Hue

Yes, sir. He is in the waiting room.

Luu Binh (smiling)

Fine. Fine. Yes, instruct the cook that we will have a formal dinner early today. Cancel all my appointments. And inform my wife and here sister that we will have a visitor.

Hue

Yes, sir. Anything else?

Luu Binh

Yes. Escort the magistrate up here to my library. I will see him immediately.

Hue

Yes, sir. I will return in a moment.

Hue leaves, shutting the door. Luu Binh strides around the room nervously. He is agitated. He looks around the room. He arranges the chairs in a circle in the center of the room. He closes the drapery of one window, cutting down on the glare, making the room more somber, more soft.

There is a knock on the door.

Luu Binh (his voice cracking a bit, nervous)

Yes.

The door opens. Hue shows Duong Le into the room.

Hue

I would like to present to you, sir, the new magistrate in the province, Mr. Duong Le.

Luu Binh cannot suppress a smile. He strides across the room, bows to Duong Le.

Luu Binh

Yes, yes. I am most pleased to welcome you to my house, Duong Le. (He cannot help himself. He puts his arms around Duong Le and hugs him.) I am most pleased you are here. I am most pleased. (To Hue) Please bring us some wine. And notify my wife of our guest's arrival. (To Duong Le) Please, come in. Join me.

They sit in the center of the room, facing one another. Duong Le is not comfortable. He is not loose with Luu Binh. There is still a deep well of resentment in Duong Le. Luu Binh ignores it.

Luu Binh

I read of your great success in Hue. I even talked with our teacher, Mr. Trang. He tells me that your score was the highest in many years. He tells me you ate with the Prime Minister. In fact, the Prime Minister has written me. He sends his best to you as well. He tells me that you are quite splendid. And that you have asked for an appointment in Ha Tinh Province, that we will sit together on the Ruling Council.....

Duong Le

Your success is, likewise, legendary, Luu Binh. Your fame has spread throughout the kingdom. The mandarins in Hue speak of you as if you were already Prime Minister.

Luu Binh

I have no ambition for the ministry. I am pleased to be home. My ambition is to serve the people of my district.

Duong Le

So humble. You were always more humble that I, Luu Binh. That's probably why I....why I lost my way for so long.

Luu Binh

You are not lost now.

Duong Le

No. I am not lost now. But I am lonely, my old friend. I was ashamed to come visit you. I visited you once, and you refused to see me. And I hated you for it. But I hated myself also, because I remembered how I insulted you many years before, in my father's garden. I wished to apologize to you for my behavior. But you refused to see me.

Luu Binh

I did not refused to see you. I....

Duong Le

It does not matter now. When I left this house that day, I decided to take my own life. I had nothing: no hope, no friends, no property. I was nothing but a beggar. Worse, I was a beggar because of my own weakness. It was not fate that dragged me down; I did it to myself. I was ready to leap from a bridge into a wild river....when a beautiful young woman stopped me. She took me into her home. She fed me, helped me to study, encouraged me to pass the national exam. And I fell deeply in love with this woman. It was not an ignoble love, Luu Binh, but the noblest of loves. A love of the heart surely, as pure as that of a brother for his sister. I did not wish it this way, for I wanted to marry her. But she insisted on such purity. For three years we lived this way, in bliss surely, if not completely fulfilling bliss. I studied. She spun silk which she sold for rice. She, in fact, spun the clothing I wear today. We were to talk of marriage when I returned, when I had proven myself in Hue. But when I returned, she was gone. I looked for her everywhere. No one knows her. It is as if she were a spirit, sent by some god down to the earth for my protection. But now, without her, I feel again the dreaded spirit of despair. It is as if my life is not worth living now, without her, for my triumph seems meant for her even more than for myself. If she is not able to share it, then it seems empty to me. I need you to help me find her. She says you were cruel to her and her father. That you stole her father's land. And disgraced her. Her name is Chau-Long. Do you know a woman named Chau-Long...?

Luu Binh

Yes, I do. .

Duong Le

Do you know where I might find her?

Luu Binh

Yes, indeed.

Duong Le

Where is she then?

Luu Binh

Not far from here.

Duong Le

Will you help me to find her?

Luu Binh

Yes, I will. I will. But first, there is someone I want you to meet. I don't know where she is--why she is taking so long. Let me go look for her. Will you excuse me for a moment..?

Duong Le

Yes, of course.

Duong Le is feeling better. He is distracted. He is clearly thinking about Chau-Long. His friend has promised to help Duong Le find her. The thought makes him grow euphoric.

Luu Binh leaves the room.

Duong Le stands and moves about the study in happy agitation, lost in thought.

There is a knock on the door, a small knock.

Duong Le says nothing; but looks toward the door.

The door opens slowly. A woman enters, with some hesitation. It is Chau-Long. She is dressed in elegant clothing; still, she seems natural, and as graceful as before, as if the affluent room in which she were entering were a garden still in the densest part of the woods.

Duong Le cannot believes his eyes. He moves toward Chau-Long.

Duong Le

Chau-Long!

Chau-Long

Duong Le.

Duong Le rushes to embrace her. But she lowers her head and pushes him away.

Duong Le

I don't understand this. Why are you here, in this man's house, dressed in such elegant clothing? This man who shamed you, and who dishonored your father....?

Chau-Long

This man is my husband, Duong Le. Luu Binh is my husband.

Duong Le

What? No! I don't believe it! Has he forced you into some marriage against your will...!

Chau-Long

No, of course not. I love Luu Binh. The story I told you about hating him, about his cruelty to me and to my father....it was not true. I could not think of anything else to tell you. I wished us to have a shared goal. Anger at Luu Binh seemed to be the easiest motivation.

Duong Le

He did not dishonor you, or steal your father's land?

Chau-Long

No. In fact, my father is Nguyen Loc, the Prime Minister. No one has stolen his land. I am sorry that I deceived you about this, Duong Le. I didn't know what else to say. I needed you to believe that we had a shared plan....

Duong Le

I don't understand this then. For three years you lived with me, helping me to study, to change my life. Why would you do such a thing?

Chau-Long

I did it because my husband asked me to. The day you came to see Luu Binh, he was not really partying. He wanted to help you; but even more, he wanted you to help yourself. When you ran from the house, Luu Binh told me to follow you. The house where we lived is an old hunting cabin that belongs to Luu Binh. He wished you to fulfill your dream of becoming a minister. But he didn't want you to know that he was helping you....

Duong Le

I am in love with you, Chau-Long. When I returned to our home, and you were not there, I wished to die. I wished to die. I do not understand how Luu Binh could trick me in this way. That he could allow me to fall in love with his own wife.... I do not understand any of this.

Chau-Long

My husband sent me to you because he wished to help you. Because he loved you. And, as I am his best friend, and because he treasures me, he wished to share with you my own friendship. Had my husband taken you in when you came to our house three years ago, you would not have saved yourself, you would have expected him to save you. And, because he loves you, he would have done so. And you would not have developed your own intelligence and discipline. My husband did not wish to save you directly, because he wished you to develop your own strength. But he did not let your drown either. I was the rope he threw to you. I was the boat he sent into your river.

Think of it, Duong Le, what man would give up his own wife to another man for three years? Is there any doubt left in you of my husband's love for you? He loves you like a brother. I, too, love you like a brother. I never promised you anything more than a sister's love. And you have that. You have always had that. And you still do have it. You are welcome in our house. My husband and I both know your sweetness, your generosity, and your intelligence. Honor us with your friendship. We should have a long life together, as the greatest of friends.

Duong Le (thoughtful, his hand on his brow)

But I love you, Chau-Long. I cannot merely be your friend now.

Chau-Long

Why not? You were my friend before.

Duong Le

You promised me that when I returned we would speak of marriage.

Chau-Long

And we are, Duong Le. At this moment, we are speaking of marriage. I am married. And I wish to be your friend. Nothing more. I love my husband. I cannot have a second husband.

Duong Le sits down and lowers his head. Despair comes sweeping over him. He feels lost.

Chau-Long

Is you life better now or worse than it was the last time you came to this house?

Duong Le

It is clearly better.

Chau-Long

And what do you lack now? What makes you so sad?

Duong Le

I lack you.

Chau-Long

You lack a wife. You still have me. I still am your friend. And I will see you every day. I also have a wife for you.

Duong Le

What!

Chau-Long

I have a wife for you!

Duong Le

Who?

Chau-Long

My sister.

Duong Le

Are you insane?

Chau-Long

You have profited by following my advice, have you not?

Duong Le

Yes. Up to this moment.

Chau-Long

Listen to me again. My sister is sweeter than I, prettier than I; and she will make for you an excellent wife. She is intelligent; and she will support you in your life.

Duong Le

Do I have no choice in this matter? It seems that you and Luu Binh have been the puppet masters and I the puppet.

Chau-Long

It's because we love you, Duong Le. We want what is good for you. You don't have to say yes or no. Merely meet my sister. Do not resist her. You will find her charming in every way. I will always be your sister, Duong Le. But my sister will make you happy as a wife can her husband.

Duong Le

Does your sister know anything about this?

Chau-Long

She knows something. She's a very bright girl. But it is your job to romance her, and to win her heart. I think you should be able to do this. You have charm, Duong Le. That is one quality you seem to have in abundance.

Luu Binh enters the room, looking confused. He sees his wife, then smiles.

Luu Binh (to Chau-Long)

There you are. I've been looking all over for you.

Luu Binh then looks at Duong Le. He blushes, seems to become shy.

Luu Binh (to Duong Le)

My wife has explained everything to you?

Duong Le

Yes. I don't know what I should love you or hate you, Luu Binh. I came here with two minds, one filled with anger toward you for abandoning me, and another filled with a longing to rekindle our friendship. For I have missed your friendship, Luu Binh. I have never really had another friend all my life; never one like you, Luu Binh. That is, until I met Chau-Long. Now I find out that Chau-Long is your wife. I don't know what I feel. I love Chau-Long. I wished to make her my wife, Luu Binh. Now I know that I can never have her as a wife.

Luu Binh

But you can still have her as a friend.

Duong Le

And if that is my choice: to either have her as a friend, as your wife, and to be friends with you, Luu Binh, or to not have her at all, then I will choose her as a friend. Really there is no choice. I will choose to be friends with both you and Chau-Long.

Duong Le's eyes begin to well with tears. He moves to Luu Binh. He kneels at Luu Binh's feet. Luu Binh raises him up.

I have been selfish and blind, to accuse you of abandoning me, Luu Binh. For you to make such a sacrifice for me, to share with me for three years your beautiful wife....so that I might again find a reason to live. No other man in this world would do this for a friend. I am so moved by your sincerity, Luu Binh. Please forgive me for being so stupid.

I understand now why Chau-Long remained every day so virtuous in her love for me. Her love for you, Luu Binh, is without blemish. She honored you in the greatest way imaginable--serving your will with the purest of motives. You are a great man, Luu Binh. And you have a great and noble wife. I only wish that I can be even more deserving of you and your wife's friendship.

Luu Binh

You are a worthy friend, Duong Le. Of this there has never been a question. When we were boys we spoke of a dream together, to each pass the national exam and each to become magistrates in our home district, able to help our friends and our familes. It is a dream I carried in my heart for many years. We are finally able to fulfill that dream. It has been a long, hard road, especially for yourself. But you have walked it. I helped some; my wife helped a great deal; but you did most of the work yourself. You discovered in yourself the ocean of virtues that is your true nature. This moment I welcome you back. I welcome you back into my life, into my heart, into my home. Friendship never dies, Duong Le. Friendship builds the world. Friendship gives to the world a soul that it otherwise might not have.

Duong Le and Luu Binh embrace. Luu Binh opens his arm to Chau-Long. All three embrace.

2. Luu Binh's house. A grand celebration. An orchestra is playing. There is a banquet. Duong Le sits at the main table with Luu Binh and Chau-Long. Next to Duong Le sits Hoa-Lan, Chau-Long's sister. Hoa-Lan is very beautiful. She is young, about eighteen. Her hair is long and black. Her body is thin and elegant. She has a charming smile. There are as many aa fifty people, dignitaries with their wives, sitting at the tables in the room. Luu Binh is presenting Duong Le to the Ha Tinh Ministry.

Luu Binh

Excuse me for a moment, please. I would like to introduce to you all my dear friend, Duong Le, who recently passed the National Exam as First Student, and who will be joining us in Ha Tinh Province as a judicial magistrate. I have known Duong Le since I was a boy growing up in Can Loc. At that time he was the most intelligent boy in town. He was a bit mischievous too. But he had more potential than any man I have ever known. Now he has begun to fulfill that potential.

I hope that you will all come to know my friend, the Magistrate Duong Le, and treat him as my own brother. He will be an asset to our community in Ha Tinh Province. He will prove himself as possessing humor, good judgment, a keen mind, and a sense of appropriateness in the governance of our district. Please, welcome my friend, Mr. Duong Le, to my house.

There is a reserved applause. Duong Le rises, bows to the crowd, cannot suppress a boyish smile. He sits down again, looking at Hoa-Lan. She is radiant. He is clearly moved by her beauty.

Duong Le

You will be staying with your sister for how long?

Hoa-Lan

For the summer, another two months.

Duong Le

Interesting.

Hoa-Lan

My sister encouraged me to come. In fact, she wanted me to meet you. She thinks very highly of you.

Duong Le

Really?

Hoa-Lan

She believes you to be a good prospect for marriage. I, myself, don't know about that. But you seem to be lively, and you seem to be serious enough.

Duong Le

And you are quite straightforward.

Hoa-Lan

My father also finds you acceptable.

Duong Le

Your father?

Hoa-Lan

Yes, of course. He knew about you when you came to Hue. My sister wrote him a letter about you. I think Luu Binh also talked with him about you.

Duong Le

So, all this was being planned behind our backs?

Hoa-Lan

Yes. Now it is up to you and me If you find me charming and acceptable as a bride, and if I find you acceptable as a husband....then it might be easy to convince my father to give his youngest daughter to such a noble magistrate. You see, my sister, in living with you for three years, came to see your best nature. She cares for you deeply. And, since she also loves me, she wishes both of us to find one another, if nature agrees with her wishes. She would like us both to be happy.

Duong Le

You've talked with her about this?

Hoa-Lan

Yes, of course. I am very close with my sister.

Duong Le looks toward Luu Binh. Luu Binh raises his glass of wine. "To friendship" Luu Binh says to his friend. Duong Le looks at Chau-Long: "To friendship" she seconds. Duong Le raises his own glass. He looks at Hoa-Lan. She raises her glass. The four toast one another across the room. "To friendship" Duong Le says.

3. Early morning, the sun just coming up. The golden light filters through the trees and settles like dust on everything. It is a beautiful landscape. Two men, Duong Le and Luu Binh, are walking down a dirt road. Each is carrying a fishing pole.

Duong Le

Of course, you've never been able to compete with me in fishing, Luu Binh. I can catch fish with my eyes closed.

Luu Binh

That used to be true. I was a lousy fisherman, Duong Le. But I've changed. Now I catch fish every time.

Duong Le

It would take an act of God for you to catch a fish.

Luu Binh

That used to be true. But it used to take an act of God for you to get an A in a test on literature. Now look at you.

Duong Le

Remember the day we went to visit Nguyen Viet, before my father died...?

Luu Binh

Yes. I remember it vividly. I remember how sad the visit made you.

Duong Le

So much changed after that day. I was lonely for most of my life after that day, ever since I left Can Loc. Today, really, for the first time, I feel like I've come home, Luu Binh. I feel like nothing has really changed. I have had a long dream; and I've awakened finally. And now I'm home again. And we're fishing again.

Luu Binh

You've slept for many years.

Duong Le

Yes. But now I'm awake. (Laughing) I'll bet I still catch more fish than you do.

Luu Binh

You're on. What do you want to bet?

Duong Le

The loser has to cook the fish when we get home.

Luu Binh

Ok. Cook the fish and serve it to the family.

Duong Le

Agreed.

The view pulls up from behind Duong Le and Luu Binh. The two men begin to run down the road which turns down to the river. Each hurries to the riverbank and casts his line into the water.

The view pulls up from the two men fishing at the river. Then the view is in the sky, looking down at the two men. They look very small, moving like ants on the earth. The view pans to the right: a great forest, with Luu Binh's palace on one side on a hill in a clearing. The view pans again to the right: far from Luu Binh's palace in a clearing is the small cottage where Duong Le and Chau-Long lived for three years.. Then, panning again to the right: the small town of Can Loc. Then the view pulls up even more, showing northernVietnam, the landscape of rice fields and mountains, small towns scattered among the green landscpe. Then the view pulls up again and is poised above the whole country of Vietnam. It pauses here for a moment. Then it pulls back in, returning to each previous view: northern Vietnam, with towns and rice fields and mountains. Then down into Can Loc, the small town where Luu Binh and Duong Le grew up. It focueses in on Can Loc. It is a normal day in Can Loc. People are going about their work. Women are shopping. Men are working their shops. There are pedestrians and cyclo drivers. A normal street scene in Can Loc. The credits begin to roll.