duminică, 8 septembrie 2024

The beggar king


**Scene 1**


*It is the year 1871, late autumn. We are in a luxurious 17th-century inn with wooden tables and chairs in a German style. The innkeeper is an important man from Hălmagiu, and a few travelers are seated at the tables.*


*Next to a clean window filled with flower boxes, Farkas János sits at a table, carefully studying the menu. On the opposite side, near the stairs leading to the upper floor, a few Moți (mountain people) are seated at a table, calculating the money they've earned from selling wooden spoons and other wooden objects.*


*A boy of about 12-13 years old is busy cleaning the establishment, staying close to the innkeeper, who occasionally gives him a small coin.*


**Innkeeper:** Guten tag! Jó napot! Dobrý deň! Bună ziua! Welcome to our inn!


**Farkas János:** Guten tag! Good day, sir. Do you speak Romanian as well?


**Innkeeper:** Good day, sir! Of course, I speak Romanian.


**Farkas János:** Really? That's great! My name is Farkas János. I'm traveling on business, and I would like a room at the inn. Also, if possible, I would like to have lunch now.


**Innkeeper:** Certainly, no problem! We have free, clean rooms, and if you've made up your mind, I'll send the boy to take your order.


**Farkas János:** Sir, I notice you speak Romanian very well; you have a Romanian accent.


**Innkeeper:** Yes, well, I am Romanian.


**Farkas János:** And the name of the inn?


**Innkeeper:** I took it over from a Saxon family who left the area.


**Farkas János:** I'm Romanian too.


**Innkeeper:** I can hear it in your speech; it's clear you're Romanian, but your name doesn't seem very Romanian.


**Farkas János:** No, I translated it into Hungarian—Lup Ion, Farkas János.


**Innkeeper:** A beautiful name, from the mountains. What brings you to this area, Mr. Ion or János?


**Farkas János:** I've long wanted to visit this area, to see it again, to listen, to reminisce...


**Innkeeper:** Reminisce?


**Farkas János:** Yes. (pauses) Who is the mayor here?


**Innkeeper:** Mr. Moga, Dimitrei Moga, a Romanian.


**Farkas János:** Interesting, very interesting. (another pause) So it's settled: I want a room for one person and dinner.


**Innkeeper:** Certainly.


*A waiter comes to Farkas János’s table and takes his order. The innkeeper signals the waiter to be very attentive and to be careful, then looks in a certain way at the Moți, hinting that the man claiming to be Romanian might be a German spy. After that, he leaves to tend to other matters.*


*The Moți settle more comfortably in their chairs and seem to talk about trivial things like the weather. A hostile atmosphere for Farkas János settles in the inn's central hall.*


*The waiter takes the order. The innkeeper returns to the traveler, tells him the room number, hands him the key, and wishes him a pleasant stay. The traveler takes his luggage and heads toward the room he was assigned. The innkeeper, slightly pensive, strolls through the inn, speaking as if to himself.*


**Innkeeper:** Who could this be, a Romanian with a changed name? Well-dressed, we must be careful, very careful! It’s been a long time since state spies have set foot here; he mustn’t find out anything about what’s ours.


*The innkeeper approaches the Moți, acting familiar with them. He pats one of them, Ion, on the shoulder and says:*


**Innkeeper:** Ion, be careful what you talk about; the man is strange. From his accent, it's clear he's one of us, but he changed his name to a Hungarian one. What kind of man could he be? He says he wants to remember things—be very careful, Ion! Be very careful, brothers!


**Ion:** Hhhhhh! Understood! So he’s a half-breed? Neither ours nor theirs.


*Avram is another Moț among those in the inn.*


**Avram:** So he ran after money and positions, huh?! He didn’t like being with us! He wanted to be a noble's servant. A Bozgor (derogatory term for a Hungarian).


**Ion:** Be careful, brothers, be careful.


**Avram:** Let him run to the foreigners then, because we don’t know him anymore from now on.


**Ion:** Calm down, Avram, don’t be angry. Even they don’t love him; they just use him.


**Avram:** You’re right. That’s what he deserves.


*Farkas János returns to the inn and sits at the table, meticulously studying a newspaper he brought with him, "Foaie pentru minte și suflet" (A Sheet for the Mind and Soul). The Moți recognize the newspaper by its front page, even though they can't read. They frown and glare at Farkas János. What is a Bozgor doing with a Romanian newspaper?*


**Avram:** He reads a Romanian newspaper, yet he changed his name to a Hungarian one. He’s clearly a spy.


**Ion:** (louder) Did it rain in the mountains, brothers?


**Avram:** No! The sun is rather harsh now.


*The waiter brings food for Farkas János, who begins to eat rather awkwardly because he feels some eyes are fixed on him. He had heard it was dangerous to venture into the land of the Moți, but he was confident because he too was Romanian.

The Innkeeper approaches the table and asks if he’s satisfied with the food, but in reality, he wanted to probe deeper into the man who was once called Lupu.

Innkeeper: Enjoy your meal!
Farkas János: Thank you! The food is good here!
Innkeeper: But it seems like you haven’t eaten much.
Farkas János: I’m probably just very tired.
Innkeeper: Yes!

The Innkeeper goes to the counter, brings back small clay mugs and a bottle of palinka, places them on the table, and pours the drinks.

Innkeeper: Here’s a cure for your appetite!
The Innkeeper drinks first, then speaks to Farkas János in a very familiar tone.

Innkeeper: What brings you here, man?
Farkas János: As I said, I have some business in the area.
The Innkeeper looks at Farkas János without blinking. Farkas János realizes he hasn’t been very convincing.
Farkas János: I have some memories to sort out.
Innkeeper: If your business has anything to do with the revolution, I’m the best guide, advisor, source of knowledge—you can call it whatever you want; it all depends on who I’m talking to, meaning whether you’re an honest man or not! I’m telling you all this to save you from wandering who knows where and eventually having the questions come back to me. I think it’s simpler to address the right person from the start!

Farkas János feels like he’s being interrogated, as if he’s a fish caught on a fisherman’s hook, surrounded by those men standing near the door.

Farkas János: What can I say... maybe we should leave this conversation for tomorrow when the fatigue has passed.
Innkeeper: But why not talk now, Farkas János? I have a cure for your fatigue too (pointing to the bottle of palinka)—a hearty piece of meat and a strong drink can wake even the dead.
Farkas János: If you say so, innkeeper!

The two exchange long, suspicious glances, the men remain silent, the waiter stands at the counter, and the 12-year-old boy sits quietly on the stool by the entrance to the cellar.

Farkas János: Sir, were you a revolutionary?
Innkeeper: I was.
Farkas János: Did you kill people?
Innkeeper: I defended myself.

A short pause follows... a wave of fear mixed with confusion passes between them.

Innkeeper: Were you, Herr Farkas János, a revolutionary?
Farkas János: Yes.
Innkeeper: Did you kill people?
Farkas János: No.
Innkeeper: Then what kind of revolution did you partake in if you didn’t fight in the war?
Farkas János: I was at Blaj, I wrote—I mean, I also wrote the Blaj Proclamation, I handled correspondence with revolutionaries from other places.
Innkeeper: So you were with the Romanians?
Farkas János: Yes, I already told you I’m Romanian.
Innkeeper: As you say, Herr Farkas János. Those were hard and ugly times; it was like a storm that passed over us too.
Farkas János: Yes, but I see that now even the Romanians have risen, they lead the prefecture, they have schools, they have a chance in the Empire.
Innkeeper: Yes, we’ve risen too, and before, some of us had risen, but now it seems we can do more. What did you do or what do you do? I’m genuinely curious; maybe we could do some business together, like Romanian to Romanian, no?
Farkas János: I was a high-ranking public official in the Empire.

The Innkeeper laughs under his mustache, and the men throw a couple of sharp looks at Farkas János, then start murmuring a song dedicated to Avram Iancu.

Innkeeper: Come on, tell me what you were and in which province, so we can brag about a prominent Romanian.
Farkas János: (fearfully) In Partium, I was head of the chancellery, (a pause follows) and I was also a government commissioner.
Innkeeper: I’ve heard of some Romanians who rose to those high positions, I don’t remember which, but I don’t think it was you. Well, I’m glad to hear it.
Farkas János: More Romanians have risen; they’ve made careers, they’re important people now.
Innkeeper: Yes, but it doesn’t seem right (he pauses and adds) for someone like me. I feel good as an innkeeper.

Farkas János is confused. What did he mean? Is it good to be an innkeeper?
Farkas János: Of course, it’s good to be an innkeeper, sir innkeeper, but if it weren’t for that moment, could you be an innkeeper in your inn?
Innkeeper: Farkas János, it would’ve been harder, but even then our people had started to rise, they were going to schools, don’t forget that the Romanians were led by a handful of intellectuals, mostly priests.
Farkas János: Yes, Vlădica led the whole thing, and the Committee appointed him leader in September.
Innkeeper: Vlădica?
Farkas János: Yes.
Innkeeper: Forgive me, I wasn’t where Vlădica was, but we, the ones who made the revolution with weapons, considered him somewhat of a traitor.
Farkas János: How a traitor?
Innkeeper: Just that. What was he up to in Pest with Kossuth?
Farkas János: He wasn’t up to anything, brother; that was the order of the world then, the parliament, I mean the Diet, and the government were there, and he believed we could get political rights from Kossuth.
Innkeeper: The Emperor was in Vienna or at his residence, and the Diet was in Cluj. The country has only one emperor anointed by God, and that wasn’t and isn’t Kossuth.
Farkas János: Yes, that’s right, you’re right, but those were troubled times, and you know yourself that the Hungarians wanted to make their own country.
Innkeeper: Their own country outside the Empire?
Farkas János: In the end, it turned out that’s what they wanted.
Innkeeper: Yes, they were encouraged by the Germans because they want the Empire to fall.
Farkas János: No, brother, that’s how things were back then.
Innkeeper: Yes, that’s how things were back then. They wanted their own country and to make us Hungarians like you made yourself.

Farkas János feels the disdain in the innkeeper’s eyes, the words he spoke hit him directly in the chest.

Innkeeper: And did they succeed?
Farkas János: I made myself a Hungarian by name after the revolution.
Innkeeper: After the war.
Farkas János: I say it was just a revolution. But know this, if Kossuth had been a truly wise man and made a country with two, three, four equal nations, things would be different today.

The Innkeeper remains tense for a few seconds. János can’t read anything on his face.

Innkeeper: I don’t want a union with the Hungarians outside the Empire. Our Emperor is good and God gave him to us. Kossuth was a curse for his people, but also for the Romanians. (pause) But Vlădica, since we were talking about him, did he achieve anything during his stay in Pest?
Farkas János: No.
Innkeeper: Shall I tell you what I think of Vlădica? Better not, because I see you’re a big admirer.
Farkas János: Brother, he couldn’t have known what the Hungarians wanted! Who could have known they would assassinate the vice-regent? Who could have known they would commit so many atrocities?
Innkeeper: Who could have known? Vlădica. He had priests in every Romanian village, he knew how we’ve been disrespected since the union of the three nations, 1400-something. What brother can you be with someone who dictates even how you dress so that everyone knows you’re Romanian, meaning a serf or jeler. Our houses were painted in specific colors so they would know how much to tax us. News came from everywhere about how hard life was for us, he knew we didn’t want the union. Because we don’t want it, period, and he went there to grab the bone. However the wind blows, he wanted to land on his feet. May God forgive me, but it seems to me like flattery, and I won’t say what else. Let’s not forget we also had deputies in the Parliament of Pest, who, before being Romanian, thought only of maintaining their positions and privileges. (a short pause) But those times are over, now there is peace. People still have deep wounds, they still mourn their dead, some of us have risen, but it’s still hard, maybe the Emperor will hear us too.
Farkas János: 1437.
Innkeeper: What?
Farkas János: The union of the three nations, 1437.
Innkeeper: Yes, that’s it (he pours into the glasses again). 


**Farkas János**: Man, in troubled times, many things happen. It's a shame that Christian brothers have come to fight and hate each other.


**Innkeeper**: You're right, to fight. But why did they fight us?


**Farkas János**: They didn't want to recognize our nation; they wanted us to unite with them and become all Hungarians.


**The innkeeper smiles.**


**Innkeeper**: And you actually did.


**Farkas János**: (jumps up as if burned, red with anger) I am Romanian.


**Innkeeper**: No, you're not!


**Farkas János sits down on a chair, head lowered, pushes aside the plate of food, and nearly cries. The Moți (people from the Apuseni Mountains), from their table, watch the drama unfold.**


**Innkeeper**: Let it be, Farkas János, I understand you've made a career... you're proud of it.


**Farkas János says nothing, only feels like he's suffocating and unbuttons his collar.**


**Innkeeper**: Honestly, I didn't mean to upset you, I don't know what came over me to say such things. How many like you have I seen?


**Farkas János**: You should know that I am Romanian; I took my wife's name, I have two beautiful children, a beautiful family, and I am Romanian.


**Innkeeper**: I believe you (pauses). You know, I was wrong with you, it's not a sin to love. I, too, loved a girl as beautiful as the sunrise, Ilonca, but her father wouldn't give her to me. Who was I? What was I? Now, when I pass through Alba, I make a stop by the shop (pauses) just to see her a bit.


**Farkas János**: Ilonca?


**Innkeeper**: No.


**Farkas János**: Who, brother? I don't understand.


**Innkeeper**: They call her Ilonca in the papers, but I call her Ana.


**Farkas János**: Who is Ana?


**Innkeeper**: Ana is my daughter with Ilonca.


**Farkas János**: And you didn't get married? I ran away with my wife, and then they called us back home because it was too hard without their daughter.


**Innkeeper**: No. Now I'm the best drinking buddy with Ilonca's father. We don't hate each other anymore.


**Farkas János**: Truly, I don't understand anymore.


**Innkeeper**: When they found out she had a child with a Romanian, they locked her up and spoke to her harshly because she was the shame of the family.


**Farkas János**: That's how parents react sometimes; they get scared too.


**Innkeeper**: We tried to keep in touch, but we Romanians defeated Hatvany, but I couldn't defeat István.


**Farkas János**: I'm listening, brother.


**Innkeeper**: And after some time, my Ilonca decided to leave us all.


**The innkeeper cries. Farkas János cries too. They were two good men with very difficult life stories.**


**Farkas János**: I'm sorry, brother.


**Innkeeper**: István called me to see her. Everything I have and everything I am is for Ana. She knows she's mine. And the family knows, even though we don't speak. I've gathered a beautiful dowry for her, and I'll accept whatever son-in-law she brings.


**Farkas János**: Let's have another drink, brother, in memory of our loved ones.


**Innkeeper**: Tell me more, brother, about our people.


**Farkas János**: Do you know why our people survived in the mountains and didn't lose their essence?


**Innkeeper**: In battles.


**Farkas János**: Yes, in battles, but why did they survive so long on this land?


**Innkeeper**: Yes. Because there are people like me. Maybe I have some Greek or Hungarian blood and Ana, but we didn't renounce our Christian faith; we didn't run to shake hands with them and speak their language because our mother would call us to dinner, and we'd answer, "Coming, mother." It's a heavy story, Farkas János, but what does it matter now?


**Farkas János**: You're harsh, or maybe you're just speaking the truth. I used to think we survived because all, Hungarians, Saxons, Romanians, all, absolutely all, but all, you understand, all suffer from one disease: enclavization.


**Innkeeper**: Encla-what?


**Farkas János**: Enclavization, meaning everyone isolates themselves with their own, avoiding others, afraid to live together. That's why they didn't let you and Ilonca make a family. In the end, they suffer, you suffer, and most of all Ana suffers. No matter how much you love her, brother, no matter how much money you give her, whatever her grandparents do for her, a mother is one and only, and this deep-seated hatred killed that woman. Come on, brother, don't cry anymore. You should know the most troubled are the Gypsies. They used to do the most odious jobs, including that of executioner.


**Innkeeper**: I've heard many things until now, but this is totally new to me. Tell me more about that enclavization.


**Farkas János**: Well, it’s like this: in any village you go to, a village on the plains, a village with a bit of a market and administration, everyone lives in their own neighborhood, in their part of the village, they don’t marry into other groups, they don’t talk to each other. You know what happens to a boy who loves a girl from another group?


**Innkeeper**: Of course, you think I haven’t loved? And how many beatings I’ve taken. You give some, you take some. Educational.


**Farkas János**: What if people didn’t isolate themselves?


**Innkeeper**: If they didn’t isolate themselves? I think you’re on the wrong path. In any community you go to, how many Hungarians do you see? Few. How many Saxons? Even fewer, just here and there. How many Romanians do you see? Many. And why weren’t they respected? Why were they humiliated, degraded? Who ruled over us?


**Farkas János** says nothing, staring with wide eyes, speechless. The innkeeper pours another drink, as it loosens the tongue, and signals to the Moți that the man is peaceful, so they can go about their business.


**Innkeeper**: And how many of those Saxons, Székelys, Jews, are really what they believe themselves to be? How many are like my Ana? Because I won’t say anything to any son-in-law she brings or to whatever she decides to do because a parent’s love burns the soul like a fire, and my little child is the king of my soul, but that doesn’t mean my Ana isn’t Romanian.


**The innkeeper wipes his tears. Farkas János, staring as if at another world, is like a stone statue.**


**Innkeeper**: Let’s have another drink; we’re not to blame for all this, it’s all from the Lord.


**Farkas János mechanically grabs the glass and downs it.**


**Innkeeper**: So where are you headed, or who do you want to see?


**Farkas János**: It’s really complicated. You know I was in Blaj, in April and May (a pause) and in autumn. I delivered the correspondence. Were you there?


**Innkeeper**: No.


**Farkas János**: What did you do, brother?


**Innkeeper**: I told you, whenever Crăișorul called us to war, we were there. We had no weapons, no ammunition. In the forest, on the rocks, we fought with stones, then with clubs, pitchforks, or with some guns taken from the Hungarians, and after the fights, we buried our dead. We couldn’t even cry. The fields weren’t worked, the vines bore no fruit, and we had little food, our children wept. We buried the Hungarians too, put a cross and a candle at their heads. We were everywhere, even when the Vlădica had fled to the warmth of Wallachia, we were there, burying the innocent dead killed by Hatvany, and we tried to kidnap Buteanu. A great man, prefect in Zarand, trusted the words of Dragoș, who was supposedly sent by Kossuth and had a safe-conduct. What does it matter anymore?


**Farkas János**: Buteanu, the prefect?


**Innkeeper**: Yes. Buteanu, the prefect, and Dobra. Crăișorul was lucky he didn’t trust the Hungarian’s words. What a worthless man Kossuth is! Later, when he was losing ground to the Austrians, he sent word again to Iancu, through another Romanian deputy, but no one believed him anymore; his honor was equal to Buteanu and Dobra's deaths.


**Farkas János**: Dragoș wasn’t a man.


**Innkeeper**


: He was, even if he was blind. He didn’t care if he betrayed his own people.


**Farkas János**: I saw the Romanian who left this place for Vienna, because only there could he be someone, but he didn’t care that his brothers here remained with broken backs, murdered, and the guilt was placed on us. If you didn’t flee, the Hungarians would have killed you too.


**Innkeeper**: I wasn’t at the meeting where Crăișorul tried to reason with the Vlădica, saying “Well, why did we fight?” But I knew all the facts. I don’t know why Crăișorul didn’t go to Vlădica’s funeral, and it’s better we don’t speak of it. You know the story too, or maybe you were there. What can a man do alone? (He wipes his tears.)


**Farkas János**: It’s not true that Crăișorul didn’t go to the funeral, nor that the Romanians fled. It’s not true that all the dead were taken to Blaj.


**Innkeeper**: It’s not true?


**Farkas János**: No. Crăișorul was just arriving in the land from across the hills; we came together. He arrived after the funeral; that’s why he wasn’t there.


**Innkeeper**: And the other story?


**Farkas János**: We stayed on our land, we never left, and you know what happened in Blaj? Those who remained alive in Apuseni will never forget.


**Innkeeper**: What happened in Blaj?


**Farkas János**: The guards wanted to kill us in our beds, and it was all the doing of Kossuth and Avram. Their argument? The Hungarians would come to get us. This way, they would have had a clear conscience, and those who remained alive would get their weapons. Many came, bringing food, tools, wool, hemp. It was autumn. The soldiers swore that our brothers, if they survived, would live well.


**Innkeeper**: Who would believe such a thing? And Avram, what did he do?


**Farkas János**: What could he do? He did his duty, trying to save us. Our people, young and old, believed in him. Only a few of us, about ten thousand, escaped.


**Innkeeper**: And the others? They didn’t?


**Farkas János**: They did, and they say some managed to hide. But we didn’t go to the encampment anymore. They promised to come help us. Many people cried in Blaj, but they never came.


**Innkeeper**: What happened next?


**Farkas János**: The camp burned, and we made a promise to ourselves that if we ever meet again, we won’t let ourselves be humiliated by others. (A pause.) Now that the war is over, the mountains will be desolate, and the church will fall to ruin. The lord of our land, the boyar, and his friends will come to reap the fruits of their deeds, to put us in chains, and they’ll never again show us the weapons. They’ll beat us, take away our rights, but until then, they’ll hide.


**Innkeeper**: How could this happen, brother?


**Farkas János**: The weapons were old, they said they were going to send new ones, but the soldiers took them all away, leaving us empty-handed. It wasn’t like in Wallachia where the boyars gave the people weapons to defend the land. Here, it was different.


**Innkeeper**: You know what really puzzles me?


**Farkas János**: What?


**Innkeeper**: Our Crăișor (a leader) never lost a battle, yet he was humiliated by some fools, but he stayed with us.


**Farkas János**: Yes, brother, I cry just thinking about him (and he cries like a child).


**Innkeeper**: But where did that coward Kossuth run off to?


**Farkas János**: Vienna would have hanged him if he hadn’t fled.


**Innkeeper**: Maybe. But he's still a coward. He led the rebellion against the emperor? He should have owned up to it. I heard that now his son has returned to the Empire and even entered the emperor’s service. I mean, his father spits, and his son licks it up?


**Farkas János**: You know he’s not even really Hungarian?


**Innkeeper**: I know, that’s the biggest joke in history. Kossuth, the leader of the Hungarian revolution, is not Hungarian.


**Farkas János**: And neither is Bem.


**Innkeeper**: I know, brother, and that one ran off too. Many paid with their lives, but they committed so many crimes and atrocities in the name of what?


**Farkas János**: How many mothers saw their children dead, and how many villages were destroyed? How many churches were burned?


**The innkeeper looks closely at Farkas János, noticing that he seems to speak too much like a scholar, possibly even a spy.**


**Innkeeper**: Where could that Bem be now?


**Farkas János**: With the Turks, he betrayed our Christian faith and became a Muslim. He’s doing well.


**Innkeeper**: What?! (jumps off his chair) That Polish man is an even bigger traitor; he betrayed the emperor, he betrayed the Hungarians, and he even betrayed God! Dear Mother! (and he crosses himself).


After a pause, as is fitting among drinking companions, they each take a small glass.


**Innkeeper**: You know, our Crăișor stayed with us! Do you understand what it means to be a great man? Our Avrămuț (a diminutive for Avram) is a great man. This man doesn’t know what it means to betray his word. This man had courage. He didn’t want medals and positions; he wanted justice for our people. A great man.


**Farkas János**: I know! (He is quite drunk and starts babbling all sorts of things.)


**Farkas János**: I told you I was a great man, and I’ve been around offices and heard many things…


The two sit at the table, reminiscing about all sorts of memories until dawn.


---


**Scene 2**


On the wall of the inn, a clock shows 11 o’clock. Farkas János wakes up hungover and comes down to the inn. He feels extremely awkward because he doesn’t remember how he ended up in his room or all the things he said the night before. He tries to make some gestures, but a sharp pain keeps his head bowed.


**Innkeeper**: Good morning, Herr Farkas János!


**Farkas János**: Good morning, brother, I have such a headache that I can’t even lift my eyes.


**Innkeeper**: I know a remedy, cabbage juice.


**Farkas János**: I know that remedy too, maybe it’ll help a bit.


**Innkeeper**: Here, have some, I drank it myself this morning.


**Farkas János**: Innkeeper, I’ll ask you directly, don’t get upset, did I say something last night that I shouldn’t have?


**Innkeeper**: Herr, all your secrets are safe with me.


Farkas János is stunned, the answer was not what he wanted to hear.


**Farkas János**: Oh, I’m so glad to hear that. You know, there are strange people in this world who can twist your words and ruin you.


**Innkeeper**: You’re right, sir, just earlier I saw how they took away a Jew, the pharmacist, I don’t know what he did because I knew him to be a serious man.


János’ eyes widen; he feels the ground slipping from under his feet.


**Innkeeper**: What are your plans for today? Are you staying with us? We can bring you something to eat; we have a rich menu.


**Farkas János**: I’d like to recover a bit and then head to the church, I’ve forgotten its name, I’m looking for a priest.


**Innkeeper**: Yes, a man must take care of his soul.


**Farkas János**: Yes, that’s true.


János is extremely surprised by the innkeeper’s reply. The night before, they were the best of friends, and now they seem like strangers.


**Innkeeper**: Will you join us for dinner today, so we know how many people we have?


**Farkas János**: Yes, of course.


**Innkeeper**: Here’s your pickle juice, sir.


Farkas János and the innkeeper drink the pickle juice, the most valuable remedy for any hangover that a man might suffer. –


**Scene 3**


Farkas János enters the inn after a tiring day, wipes his face with a starched white handkerchief, and sits at a table, waiting for someone to speak to him.


**Farkas János**: What a day, sir, what a day? The heat, the fatigue. What a day?


**Innkeeper**: Good afternoon, Herr Farkas János!


**Farkas János**: Good afternoon, brother!


**Innkeeper**: How did your day go?


**Farkas János**: I don’t know how to say, it was a strange day.


**Innkeeper**: I don’t understand, sir.


**Farkas János**: I tried to find out a few things, to find some people. Nothing. It’s as if they vanished into the ground.


**Innkeeper**: The ground!


**Farkas János**: Yes. Still, years have passed, but biologically they couldn’t all disappear.


**Innkeeper**: Who, Herr?


**Farkas János**: I’m looking for some old revolutionaries, brothers, and I can’t find them.


**Innkeeper**: I understand. Will you stay for dinner?


**Farkas János**: Of course, brother, and please, if you don’t have other plans, join me for the meal. It’s on me.


**Innkeeper**: As you say, Herr. Perhaps you’d like to refresh yourself a bit now, and we can dine together.


Farkas János looks around the inn, noticing a child eating in a corner, a few customers, the waiter at the counter, and the cleanliness.


**Innkeeper**: Please choose what you’d like to eat, Herr Farkas János.


**Farkas János**: You know it bothers me that you keep calling me Herr, I told you I’m Romanian.


**Innkeeper**: Yes, you told me, but you are also a guest, and you’ve changed your name, so you’ve made a choice.


**Farkas János**: I don’t remember where our conversation was interrupted last night. The pickle juice was exceptional, it worked wonders, but I think I told you it’s not good for people, for communities, to isolate themselves. However, between us, I brought a man into the Romanian camp and had two beautiful children.


**Innkeeper**: You’re right, Herr, to love your wife and it’s not important which camp she’s in, but let’s say you had two children together and that’s it.


**Farkas János**: Brother, my children speak Romanian.


**Innkeeper**: Not that it’s a problem, but I’m curious, what religion are your children?


**Farkas János**: They are Catholics; the Orthodox priest wouldn’t marry us.


**Innkeeper**: That’s foolishness, as there’s only one God and one Holy Scripture. But, from what I’ve heard and seen in this world, children are the soul of their mother. They stay with her all day, she teaches them who they are, so you had two children. But what does it matter?


**Farkas János**: I see you want to offend me. It’s nothing; I still consider you a brother. But Ana?


**Innkeeper**: Herr, you’ve caught me there. I’m weak before you. For a long time, I believed I had killed Ilonca because I was stubborn.


**The Innkeeper sits next to Farkas János at the table.**


**Innkeeper**: Her father suggested we run away and raise our child, but I wanted to stay here, not to flee, with the girl I loved. I started the tavern with István’s help so I could earn enough to support my child if something happened to him and his wife. I couldn’t overcome my feelings. István says that the war made me this way. Know, Herr, that here was a tough battle. Blood flowed in torrents beside us, and we resisted. That’s why I can’t stand Vlădica or the others in the Committee.


**The Innkeeper gets up from the table and, walking around Herr Farkas János, says:**


**Innkeeper**: So, Herr, consider me a brother, especially since I heard you’ve been to many places today and asked about one thing or another and were on the verge of being called to the prefecture. I guaranteed for you that you’re a former imperial employee looking for some old friends.


Farkas János turns pale, he didn’t believe such things still happen in the Empire.


**Farkas János**: Brother, called to the prefecture?


The Innkeeper leans a bit over the table so that only Farkas János can hear.


**Innkeeper**: My dear brother, you’re not in the kingdom of Dacia that Viennese newspapers wrote about and accused us of having ideas.


**The Innkeeper makes a sign with his eyes.**


**Innkeeper**: So be careful what you say. You’re in Transylvania here, and in 1867 a dualist pact was made between former enemies, the Habsburgs and the Hungarians, and we are only Romanians. And one more detail: the pact was not for ordinary, small Hungarians, but only for the great nobles.


**Farkas János**: Brother, don’t scare me. I am an honest man towards the Empire and towards my brothers.


**Innkeeper**: Don’t worry, everything is fine, I’ve taken care of it. However, I think you should continue your journey tomorrow morning.


**Farkas János**: I understand.


The waiter comes, sets the table, and tries to pour a glass of wine, which Farkas János politely declines. The Innkeeper sits back at the table.


**Innkeeper**: I hope you like our menu today.


Farkas János doesn’t understand why the innkeeper is speaking so formally to him; they both begin to eat quietly.


**Farkas János**: Yes, lamb like this I haven’t eaten in a long time.


**Innkeeper**: It definitely needs to be paired with wine.


The door opens and a beggar enters the inn. The man has dusty, patched pants, red shoes, a crushed hat, and an unkempt beard and mustache.


The Innkeeper jumps up from his chair as if burned, and with a slight bow towards the newcomer, greets him respectfully and invites him to the table.


**Innkeeper**: How good it is to see you again, God has brought you to me today.


**Avram Iancu**: Good evening, innkeeper, I’m glad to find you well.


**Innkeeper**: What table would you like to sit at? Shall I prepare a room for you?


Avram Iancu makes a discreet gesture that he won’t stay the night.


**Innkeeper to Farkas János**: 


**Innkeeper**: Mr. Farkas János, we have the pleasure of having Mr. Avram Iancu, the Chief of the Mountains, among us.


Out of reflex, Farkas János stands up, slightly hunched. Avram Iancu walks towards him and shakes his hand.


**Avram Iancu**: A pleasure to meet you?


**Farkas János**: Farkas János.


Avram Iancu sits down and invites Farkas János to join him.


**Avram Iancu**: Did I interrupt your meal?


**Innkeeper**: No, how could that be, the waiter will clear the table and bring whatever our guest desires.


From the inn’s kitchen, the waiter and the cook quickly change the table, bringing new utensils and dishes. Farkas János watches as his food is taken away and replaced with new dishes.


With his heart frozen, János sees a beggar being treated like a king. He thinks to himself: - Could it be Avram Iancu, the one with the golden cross of the Empire? In such rags?


**Avram Iancu**: Lamb, kebabs, and wine. A good menu. You always know what I like, innkeeper.


**Innkeeper**: Sir, I don’t have words to express how happy I am that you’ve come to visit me. Please, make yourself at home; my inn is at your disposal.


**Avram Iancu**: How did you find Halmagiu, Herr Farkas János?


**Farkas János**, with a lump in his throat, responds.


**Farkas János**: Sir, it is beautiful.


**Avram Iancu**: Beautiful?


**Farkas János**: The locality is beautiful.


Avram Iancu and the innkeeper burst out laughing. Farkas János remains tense.


**Avram Iancu**: I see. What news do you bring from the country? Did you come from Cluj?


**Farkas János**: No, from Brașov.


**Avram Iancu**: Are you from Brașov?


**Farkas János**: No, I’m from Turda. I studied there, was an employee of the Empire, and now I’m retiring.


Avram Iancu looks at him closely with his large, blue eyes.


**Avram Iancu**: I thought you might tell us what new laws


 have been enacted in the Empire.


**Farkas János**: Certainly, I can tell you a lot; I am knowledgeable about all of these.


**Avram Iancu**: Great things have been done in the country. I wish for a public bath and a library in Câmpeni. I’ve written this in my will, but I haven’t succeeded yet.


**Farkas János**: We can strive for this thought of yours, Mr. Avram Iancu. I don’t think it’s impossible.


**Avram Iancu**: I believe so too, but you see, my people are poor. They were deceived with the land, and some of them have risen, but it seems they forgot to support other brothers to rise as well.


**Farkas János**: No, sir, they haven’t forgotten. It was hard for them to rise, but now they have gained strength and have returned to help.


A smile of admiration appears on Farkas János's face for Avram Iancu.


**Avram Iancu**: No one wants help, it’s better said as a duty. They rose on the blood of those who stayed home.


**Farkas János**: Yes, sir.


**Avram Iancu**: I haven’t read a good book in a long time.


**Innkeeper**: Would you like me to send for the librarian to bring the newest book?


**Avram Iancu**: No, I have a lot of work these days.


**Farkas János**: I have a very good book. I bought it to read on my journey. I’ll go get it now.




---


Farkas János hurries to bring the book. During this time, Avram Iancu is consulting with the innkeeper. When János returns, it feels as if they have been interrupted from a very personal conversation.


**Farkas János**: Here, an interesting title.


**Avram Iancu**: I will read it; it is written in Hungarian.


Avram Iancu reads a few lines.


**Avram Iancu**: I will read it the next time I am here.


The innkeeper jumps to take the book and put it away. Avram Iancu changes the tone of the conversation.


**Avram Iancu**: I understand you have been to Blaj.


**Farkas János**: Yes, sir, I heard you there, speaking passionately, shouting “Do you know what unio is?” and the people responded: “No, no, we don’t know!”


**Avram Iancu**: What times.


**Farkas János**: Then I stayed near the Romanian National Committee and did various correspondence tasks. I regretted when we withdrew to Wallachia, but we also reached Bukovina, where the Hurmuzachi family helped us immensely. You should know that Bărnuțiu and Vădica defended you when you were wrongfully accused.


**Avram Iancu**: Yes!


**Farkas János**: I heard about the battles fought, the determination of the Romanians. I cried when I heard how Buteanu and Dobra were assassinated. You led hard battles, great God, at Fântânele.


**Avram Iancu**: (murmuring) Yes!


**Farkas János**: We were on edge, everyone prayed for you and the brave Romanians. You defeated them all.


Avram Iancu murmurs again.


**Farkas János**: Oh, sir, I think it was very hard, to see life and death being divided around you, to lay your head on the pillow and not know what tomorrow holds. I admire you, I admire that you resisted in the mountains, that neither Hatvany nor Vay defeated you.


**Avram Iancu**: Innkeeper, bring more wine. You know, these days I’ve been fishing; there’s good fish in the mill pond.


Farkas János does not understand. He had spoken so much, and Avram Iancu seemed not to have heard him.


**Innkeeper**: Right away, sir!


The innkeeper gestures to Farkas János to stop bothering Mr. Avram Iancu with his talk.


**Farkas János**: Please forgive me for reminding you of those moments. It is a unique occasion for me, a chance to have met you. In fact, that is why I came here; I wanted to meet you.


Farkas János says these words almost trembling.


**Avram Iancu**: I know.


There is a pause, and then Avram Iancu addresses the innkeeper.


**Avram Iancu**: Have you seen the beautiful horse the mayor bought?


**Innkeeper**: No, I haven’t seen it, but I know from this young lad who hangs around here.


Avram Iancu turns to the boy.


**Avram Iancu**: Did you see the horse?


**Boy**: Yes, I saw it, Your Majesty!


**Avram Iancu**: Did you like it?


**Boy**: Yes, Your Majesty, it is very beautiful.


Farkas János is surprised and puzzled; the boy keeps calling Avram Iancu "Your Majesty." There is a pause as if it lasted a hundred years, and Avram Iancu speaks as if to himself.


**Avram Iancu**: Maybe it’s a colt from Brutus; it has the same gait. Brutus, my friend, where are you wandering now? The last horseshoes were put on at Pitar, but it didn’t do a good job; it seems it didn’t hollow out the right front hoof properly, it was a bit uncomfortable.


The innkeeper signals Farkas János to be quiet and not to contradict Avram Iancu.


**Avram Iancu**: I will use Lucia more; what can I do? Although I need two horses, you can’t ride a single horse day in and day out; you have to let it rest.


**Farkas János**: Do you have a horse, Mr. Avram Iancu?


Avram Iancu remains thoughtful for a moment and does not respond, then says.


**Avram Iancu**: No, I don’t have one anymore; I used to have.


**Farkas János**: Then I misunderstood. Lucia was your horse.


**Avram Iancu**: I (and pauses), ...went fishing yesterday, in the mill pond. The fish were biting well. It was a beautiful day; I fried the fish over a gentle fire; it was very good. What do you need in this life to be happy? A good fish, a whistle, and a small glass of wine don’t hurt.


Everyone laughs and agrees.


**Farkas János**: Mr. Avram Iancu, I know it’s not appropriate, but I read or heard about the beautiful horses you had. Speaking of the mayor’s horse, did you sell it?


The innkeeper looks at Farkas János long and pointedly, while Avram Iancu seems not to hear him.


**Avram Iancu**: Last night I heard a loud bang, and then a shiny, hissing snake appeared, coming toward me and saying just that. It had a crown on its head. I told it, “Go away, I don’t trust snakes,” I tried to hit it with a stick I had nearby, but it kept coming closer, almost wanting to bite me if I didn’t do as it said, but it was frightened by the falling star shower, so it fled through the bushes with its iron scales and crown.


Farkas János understands; he sees that Avram Iancu shifts from one state to another very easily. The innkeeper brings more wine and offers it to Farkas János. After a few seconds, he realizes that Avram Iancu is using metaphors, playing with the minds of those around him, and perhaps everything he said had a double meaning.


**Farkas János**: I understand, it’s a metaphor! The snake is the emperor.


No one responds.


**Farkas János**: Mr. Avram Iancu, dear innkeeper, I actually came to pay my debt.


No one says anything.


**Farkas János**: The debt Mr. Avram Iancu was talking about. I have gathered a small amount of money and I would like to reunite the Romanians, to show them the way again, to let them know they have a prefect. I would be honored if you could come with me to Cluj, to speak to the Romanian associations; they need to see you in person.


**Innkeeper**: Mr. Avram Iancu, do you want anything else, perhaps a dessert?


**Avram Iancu**: I heard you, Farkas János. It is an interesting proposal to travel and see the people in the County, if they are still alive, to see people who have risen and continue to carry this people and its interests forward. But I will never leave my territory; I can go as far as Alba Iulia, a fortress that owes me; I defended it.


**Farkas János**: Certainly, Mr. Avram Iancu, I understand. It is good there too. People know who you are and need you. Either I or another Romanian leader cannot lift the spirit. Many are happy to have risen from poverty and ignorance and are doing everything possible to integrate into a world that will collapse sooner or later.


**Innkeeper**: What were you talking about, Farkas János? Leave the world alone; let’s have a taste of something because today or tomorrow we’ll go to the Lord, and you still haven’t tasted the smoked bacon with paprika from my inn.


Farkas János sees that the innkeeper is changing the subject and probably does not trust him.


**Avram Iancu**: I was at a wedding about two weeks ago.


**Innkeeper**: I know, little prince.


**Avram Iancu**: I went with a group of lads to ask for the bride, then we celebrated beautifully as we do in our place. Lord, how beautiful and golden the bread was that the bride’s mother made! Even the father-in-law was no less. We sang and rejoiced; it seemed the sky was our witness to how well Romanians know how to celebrate. We have a beautiful family now, and we’re waiting for a little baby.


**Innkeeper**: May the Lord grant it.


**Farkas János**: Were you related to the bride and groom?


**Innkeeper**: No, Mr. Avram Iancu goes to all Romanian weddings where he is invited. He enjoys seeing how our people live and settle into their homes. In a way, he can be considered a sort of godfather to the Romanians.


**Avram Iancu**: Perhaps this forest should have been won because those at Tabla Regală have not yet done justice, but I am tired.


 Yes, I am tired of wandering and asking for what is rightfully ours.


**Farkas János**: Yes, Mr. Avram Iancu, you are a lawyer and can...


The innkeeper gestures for him to be quiet.


**Innkeeper**: Let’s bring more to the table, leave the work thoughts aside; a man also needs to rest.


**Avram Iancu**: How long will you stay here, Mr. Farkas János?


The innkeeper quickly answers in Farkas János’s place.


**Innkeeper**: He is definitely leaving tomorrow.


**Avram Iancu**: In a hurry?


**Innkeeper**: Yes.


**Avram Iancu**: In which direction are you heading?


**Farkas János**: Towards Câmpeni.


**Avram Iancu**: By coach or private carriage?


**Innkeeper**: By private carriage, little prince; it’s faster.


**Avram Iancu**: Can you take me as well? Otherwise, I would have to go on foot.


**Farkas János**: Yes, of course, it would be an honor for me.


Avram Iancu stands up and leaves without saying a word, only muttering.


**Avram Iancu**: This cow of mine, I’ve been waiting 22 years for it to calve.


Farkas János is profoundly surprised, relaxes a little, and says to the innkeeper.


**Farkas János**: Sir, I am shocked. I, no one, have met Mr. Avram Iancu. Don’t laugh at me for crying. This man has made history, has raised the consciousness of our people. The priests in the church mention him everywhere in the empire where there is Romanian breath. You see, even his horses were given Latin names, Brutus and Lucia. How beautiful, for we Romanians are the descendants of Rome, aren’t we? How great, maybe I or others passed by him without knowing it was him. You know he has a baron title which he refused and that generous salary. How many like him? You know he could have stayed in the imperial court if he had just said yes. He refused to accept the gold medal with a crown offered by the emperor three or four times because he said the emperor must keep his word to the Romanians. He accepted the medal offered by the czar in protest.


He defeated generals with pretensions and whims on the battlefield. Generals only with pretensions because they lacked character. As soon as they were defeated, they saved their skin and betrayed their Christian faith, preferring to die as pagans. I’m talking about Bem.


Those had a regular army, trained, fed with real weapons. Avram Iancu only had his mountaineers with home food for three days. What food could poor people bring from home? Bacon, onions, and bread. What weapons did he have? Tools and what he captured from villains.


I can almost see him at Blaj shouting “The Hungarians want unio... now they want to saddle us up!”


Do you know how he defeated that Hatvany, who treacherously killed Buteanu? Do you know what order a soldier in an expensive uniform gave his defeated army? “Run away as best as you can”.... he was a scoundrel trying to hide his proven incompetence on the battlefield by pretending to be betrayed by his soldiers and not admitting that he knew nothing about battles and tactics. Do you know how Iancu was persecuted in the fortress of Bălgrad, where a fool dared to slap the greatest hero of the Romanians? That’s where this terrible suffering of his comes from, or maybe he just justifies to scoundrels like us that he doesn’t want prizes and medals and a life of luxury. He was offered all these things and refused them. Do you know what he wrote in the prefecture ledger: “I fought for national rights, not for personal rewards.” What courage, what a man?


And this man sat at my table. He is here. I mean, he was here and will be my guest on the way to Câmpeni.



I really want him to come with me, even to Alba Iulia. The Romanians, the press, they need to know about him.  

He's a general, a Roman general in flesh and bone. Proud, powerful, he surpasses all limits. A braggart would have shied away from living simply and humbly, but he, he chose to live with his people, with all of us, and I believe he lacks nothing. I'll make sure to dress him up, to transform him a little, though. You can't take Avram Iancu into the crowd like this.  

People are dissatisfied with the dualist pact, the Empire is not just made up of Austrians and Hungarians. In 1867, a rupture occurred between the good emperor and the people, and now is the time. One gesture, and the entire Romanian intellectual class would rally around him. The snake with the crown was the emperor, yes, I know, I understand, the snake is cunning. Do you understand what Mr. Avram Iancu wanted to tell us?  

The innkeeper listens and then abruptly cuts off Farkas János.  

**Innkeeper**: "Yes. I know." (Pauses.) "Farkas János, tomorrow you’ll have a long road ahead of you, it’s time to rest."  

**Farkas János**: "How, we end the dinner so soon? Do you think I can sleep? My soul is trembling. I know, we will write history. This time, to the end."  

**Innkeeper**: "When and how history is written is only decided by the 'Little King.' We simply follow him. Good night!"  


**Scene 4.**


The clock in the inn shows 8 AM.  

At the inn, Farkas János comes down to have breakfast. The inn is filled with people of various kinds, not many, young Romanian students, the houseboy, the waiter, the innkeeper.  

**Innkeeper**: "Good morning, sir! How did you rest?"  

**Farkas János**: "Well, thank you, brother, though I don't think I closed an eye. The carriage arrives exactly at 9?"  

**Innkeeper**: "Certainly, sir."  

**Farkas János**: "Do you think Mr. Avram Iancu will come with me to Câmpeni?"  

**Innkeeper**: "You’ll have fine weather today; the sky was clear last night."  

Farkas János realizes that the innkeeper either doesn’t want to or can’t answer. In a corner of the inn, a few well-dressed Romanian students are making jokes at the expense of a Hungarian colleague, the houseboy is watering the flower boxes, and an Austrian official enters.  

**Innkeeper**: "Guten tag! Jó napot! Dobrý deň! Good day, sir! A coffee, some cold rosewater?"  

**Official**: "Good day!" (Clears his throat.) "How are you, sir?"  

**Innkeeper**: "Good, thank you, with the customers, sir!"  

**Official**: "Keep it up, sir, keep it up."  

The official sits at a table close to the counter, then greets Farkas János.  

**Official**: "Sir, I understand you’ll be leaving us today."  

Farkas János is initially very surprised, then replies in Romanian, no longer feeling afraid.  

**Farkas János**: "Yes, I will continue my journey. Is there a problem? Did something happen?"  

**Official**: "Oh no, I was just asking."  

**Innkeeper**: "Shall I bring you something? Maybe a Turkish coffee?"  

**Official**: "Yes, that would be good."  

The innkeeper signals for the official's coffee to be brought, and at the same time, Avram Iancu enters the inn—clean, in ragged clothes, shaved, with a fresh beard. The innkeeper rushes to greet him, the Romanian students become attentive to what’s happening.  

**Avram Iancu**: "Good morning, friends!"  

The innkeeper, Farkas János, and everyone else greet him enthusiastically, and after a while, the official too greets him, because Avram Iancu had stopped in front of him, standing at attention and waiting. The official puts his coffee aside and mutters a greeting.  

**Official**: "Good morning, sir Avram Iancu" (almost murmured).  

**Avram Iancu**: "Ah, sir, I understand you haven’t eaten this morning. Let’s ask the innkeeper to bring you something to eat, since you can’t even manage a proper greeting."  

There’s a stir among the Romanian students, no one moves, everyone holds their breath. The official, with a more solemn voice, says:  

**Official**: "But what words are these, sir Avram Iancu?" 


---


Avram Iancu approaches him even closer, almost stepping on his feet. The official jumps out of his chair and says:


**Official**: "Good morning, sir Avram Iancu."


Avram Iancu responds with a military salute.


**Avram Iancu**: "Yes, sir, that’s right, you see that you know."


The official sits down, somewhat embarrassed, at his table. The innkeeper asks Avram Iancu where he would like to sit. Farkas János observes the scene from his feet.


**Innkeeper**: "Mr. Avram, where would you like to sit today?"


Avram Iancu gestures toward a table in the center, sits down, orders food, and then eats according to all the etiquette norms of the time. Some travelers who witnessed the scene comment, “Look, it's him; he made a mess of the Austrian, he’s like a king.” Avram Iancu hears them and replies:


**Avram Iancu**: "I am not Iancu, I am the shadow of Iancu. Iancu is dead."


Everyone in the inn feels quite uncomfortable. Iancu continues his meal, the official does not dare to serve the coffee, Farkas János looks astonished and frightened, the young Romanians seem ready to jump into action, and the sound of the carriage is heard.


**Innkeeper**: "Mr. Farkas János, your carriage has arrived. I think it’s time for you to leave."


**Farkas János**: "Certainly, sir, please prepare my bill."


Then he whispers:


**Farkas János**: "Thank you! Do you think Mr. Avram Iancu will come with me? Are we going out the back or how should we proceed?"


**Innkeeper**: "Your bill, sir," (loudly), "will cost you nothing; it’s on the house. Don’t worry."


Farkas János approaches the official and says:


**Farkas János**: "It was a pleasure!"


Farkas János turns towards Avram Iancu, unsure of what to do. Avram Iancu stands up from the table and says:


**Avram Iancu**: "Let’s go, we have a long road ahead."


Just outside the inn, a young Hungarian, who came for a morning coffee, has heard of the character and recognized Iancu. The young man's face shows both enthusiasm and shyness. He would like to speak to him, but the words catch in his throat.


**Avram Iancu**: "Young man?"


**Young man**: "Yes, sir!"


**Avram Iancu**: "Have you ever experienced a great love?"


**Young man**: "I don’t know, sir!"


**Avram Iancu**: "Have you ever felt that someone or something is everything to you, that you did everything, everything possible in this world for someone, ever?"


**Young man**: "I don’t know, sir?"


**Avram Iancu**: "Meaning, have you ever felt that nothing else matters, that you have ever merged with a great love for which you could die and not care?"


**Young man**: "No, sir" (voice almost choked)!


**Avram Iancu**: "Young man, then you have lived nothing."


Avram Iancu exits with the innkeeper, followed by Farkas János.


---


**Scene 5**


A carriage with 2 benches waits in front of the inn.


**Farkas János**: "It will be a long journey! How beautiful is our country! Oh, I cry when I think about it! But the day of our deliverance will come."


He pauses, looking at Avram Iancu, who is gazing into the distance through the window.


**Farkas János**: "Sir, I would very much like you to come with me to Alba Iulia, to speak with the Romanians, to let them know your desires, to let them know they have a leader. I believe we lacked a leader of our own."


"Sir, we are from Rome, we are Romans and Dacians, but more Romans, and to have these people trample us? It’s not right. I know some of us tried to survive, to get by, to do something to rise from the ground, as you know how humiliating are the days of servitude. It’s not right, sir, that we are Christians just like everyone else but have been humiliated for centuries. My father was very proud that I got an education to rise above the lower class. With us, only priests, even though they are like us, are not humiliated. Just 50 years ago, our people weren’t even allowed to wear Viennese clothes. No! We had to wear our own attire so that we could be recognized. But we were born here, our birth certificate is in Rome. What people can be prouder than us? Who are our ancestors? There you will find the answer, on the column. And all this time, we lived humbly, and woe to us."


"I know, I read in the Viennese press about the idea of a kingdom of ancient Dacia under the rule of our emperor, but how do you drive out the Turks and the Russians from our brothers? And how does our emperor make a pact with the tsar, as it is said he helped him in '49? But that’s not true; the imperial army saved the Empire and the emperor’s loyal people. Well, I know he wasn’t sincere with you, and for that, you gave him an unprecedented and unheard-of response worldwide. To offer you the emperor's gold medal and many benefits, and you refuse them? I look at you, but don’t be upset with me. I couldn’t have been so strong; I would have accepted the medal, taken the titles and social positions. Look, even you, I saw that people love you, respect you, but you are very bitter. No, don’t think I speak with disdain. No. I speak with admiration. I am a helpless person, not capable of what you do. You took on the emperor alone to spare us from doing it."


Avram Iancu listens.


"What has happened has happened; much blood has been shed, over 40,000 dead, over 200 churches burned, the pain and fear inflicted on Romanians and Hungarians is devastating, but we can rebuild everything, everything."


"Mr. Avram Iancu, it is enough for you to say: I want to form a party, an association, something, anything. I guarantee that all Romanian intellectuals in the empire will follow you. We are over 4 million Romanians and we have our own intellectuals who grew up with your image in their souls. We need to make our presence felt. You see, the Hungarians, they are always loud and demanding, they have pride, I don’t even know how to explain, all day they walk around like peacocks and demand their rights everywhere; they have achieved their goals. We are not united, we have no program, no goal; we are like a flock without a shepherd. Please, we need you."


"I have saved some money, I have a few friends like me, and together with you, we will succeed. Between us, you need to see the emperor again, don’t you?"


Avram Iancu looks lost into the distance and then takes out his whistle and plays a tune.


**Scene 5:**


**Farkas János reflects:** "I think he didn’t even hear me; perhaps the state of madness described in the Pest press, poor man, is the heroic savior of a people, reduced to madness and raggedness. I hope he will come with me to Alba. Just to be present at one or two meetings, because I’ll handle the rest, and maybe if he sees that his national dream is coming true, he might recover a bit."


**Farkas János:** "Mr. Avram Iancu, if you need anything, anything at all, let me know."


**Farkas János speaks to himself:** "I’ve never seen such a madman; he isn’t aggressive, he doesn’t talk nonsense, he just sits and sings—strange, very strange, and yet this man is so great."


After a few hours of travel, the carriage stops and the driver opens the doors.


**The Driver:** "We’ve arrived, Mr. Avram Iancu, we’ve arrived, sir."


Avram Iancu gets out first, followed by Farkas János.


**Avram Iancu:** "Câmpeni, Hhhhh! You know, Ioan, this is where I had my headquarters. Do you know what battles were fought here, how much fear and dread? My people."


Farkas János listens attentively, takes a deep breath of the fresh air, and looks around.


**Avram Iancu:** "Love cannot be forced."


**Farkas János:** "You’re right, sir."


**Avram Iancu:** "My dear, I heard everything you said on the road, but I didn’t respond because what you’re saying (pauses) never mind (pauses again and takes a few steps), but I want you to know that you didn’t understand anything, absolutely nothing."


Avram Iancu turns to face Farkas János.


**Avram Iancu:** "I paid for the journey; it costs you nothing."


Farkas János is surprised; he hadn’t even paid for the innkeeper's accommodation in Hălmagiu. He then looks around, noting that it is a beautiful city.


**Avram Iancu:** "Since we’re talking about it, the Emperor speaks exemplary Latin, kudos to him. And in this world, you’re not a brother anytime, anyhow, with just anyone."


The driver brings a bag for Avram Iancu and calls a boy to carry it, then greets respectfully and leaves.


**Farkas János:** "Yes, you’re right; a brother is one who is of the same blood as you."


**Avram Iancu:** "Yes, yes, yes."


**Avram Iancu:** "So we’ll meet in two days to leave for Alba!"


Farkas János bends to pick up his bag, and Avram Iancu disappears.


Later, Farkas János, noticing Avram Iancu’s disappearance, starts calling out and searching for him.


**Farkas János:** "Sir, sir, sir? Where are you?"


After a few seconds of searching, he stands in the middle of the road, almost frightened.


**Farkas János:** "Oh Lord, where did he go, where should I look for him? In the state he’s in, ragged, what will people say about him? Oh! And how strange, everyone serves him! He offered me this stay for free, and also a free journey. Strange. (Then he laughs heartily) And what he did to the official, ha, ha, ha!"


After a while, he hears a flute playing "Iancu’s March" and runs towards it, thinking it’s Iancu himself. When he arrives next to the player, he realizes he was mistaken.


**Scene 6:**


The inn of the baker Leeber, in a German style, with rigid furniture, located in the city center. The inn is full of various people. On the wall, a clock shows 10 o’clock.


**Leeber:** "Would you like anything else, Mr. Farkas János?"


**Farkas János:** "No, thank you, everything is fine."


**Leeber:** "I would like to know, if possible, will you be staying with us this evening as well?"


**Farkas János:** "Sir, theoretically I should meet someone here, but I don’t know if they will arrive on time. The matter remains under discussion."


**Leeber:** "So I understand that a friend should come here?"


**Farkas János:** "Sir, it’s a very complicated matter, (pauses) yes, I’m waiting for a friend. He told me we would meet in two days, he didn’t say where, but I know he is in Câmpeni, and I hope he will come here."


**Leeber:** "Sir, I don’t quite understand how that works, but maybe you should wait on the terrace outside; you’d be more visible there."


**Farkas János:** "Yes, sir, you’re right, I will go outside. Maybe the waiter will bring me a beer."


The clock shows 12 o’clock. Farkas János enters the inn, disappointed.


**Leeber:** "So I understand you haven’t met with your friend?"


**Farkas János:** "No."


Leeber speaking to himself.


**Leeber:** "What a madman! Maybe he’ll leave and won’t pay for his consumption even though he’s well-dressed."


Leeber moves towards Farkas János to question him further.


**Leeber:** "Tell me who he is and maybe I can help."


**Farkas János:** "Oh, no, don’t worry, I will wait here for another day or two until he comes."


**Leeber:** "It’s clear (says to himself), he is mad, completely mad. I mean, how does it work, supposedly you set up a meeting with a friend who is in Câmpeni and you don’t fix the place and time. Yes! There are many mad people in this world."


**Farkas János:** "Did you say something?"


**Leeber:** "Me? No. I was just asking if we should bring you something to eat. It’s lunchtime."


**Farkas János:** "Yes, you’re right. One more thing!"


**Leeber:** "Yes, please tell me."


**Farkas János:** "Is there any diligence to Alba Iulia today?"


**Leeber:** "Sure, it passes through here and makes a stop at 3:30 PM if there are no problems on the road. You can also find a carriage to Alba Iulia; just let us know and it will be arranged."


**Farkas János:** "Thank you, sir, you are very kind."


Farkas János turns and talks to himself, then sits at a table.


**Farkas János:** "Where could he be? Beautiful madman of our Romanian soul. I understand what you’re doing, Mr. Avram Iancu, I understand the fight you’re fighting, you have humbled all of us who hoped that through erudition and social position—obtained by keeping our heads down and being servile—we would become more than mere ants. Yes. We are a people of ants, and you are a free man. We have hidden our smallness behind all kinds of organizations or social positions. Clothes and luxury mean nothing. Social hierarchies mean nothing. Freedom has many forms and many colors. I know, you are a free man because you live as a free man. You have no constraints; you only follow your own rules. What has given you this strength? The fact that you accepted to live humbly and are content with little? How come you don’t yearn to wear a better coat? It is true that nothing is worth anything compared to what you have done. You have put a stop to a flood of pretensions and insolence telling us to always be ants. Yes. That is who you are, Mr. Avram Iancu. Yes. You are a king because your will is written in the history of the world, and only great people can make history; the rest of us live our humble and resigned lives, hiding behind so-called personal achievements. I know you are a free man. And you are one of us."



**Great general of the Romanians, a Roman general, and even your adversaries in Pesth write about you with sympathy.**


What if Kossuth had accepted a Hungarian and a Romanian to shake hands for a common ideal, on an equal footing? What if so much blood hadn't been spilled? Perhaps the pain and fear would have disappeared. Why do I sometimes feel that my family is not really mine, that I am only accepted? Lord, I love my children and my wife as my dearest, they are like the sun to me, but something is missing, something I had back home in my native village when I knew the strength of Uncle Vasile's skin and the foul mouth of Aunt Frăsina, but they were mine, they were with me. Now I look at my relatives, with whom God has bound me, and I do not know if they are friends or enemies. 


God has tested me to love a girl forbidden to me, and I know how much she suffers because she is well, but it feels like something always threatens us. And my little ones, what are they? They don't seem to be wanted on either side. 


And how would it have been if people were satisfied with the renewal of the Empire, because one is the emperor, the anointed of God, and he is neither Hungarian nor Romanian but holds with Rome, great Rome, HHH! Great Rome has done much harm! This struggle for power and followers. Does God say that? No.


Iancu! Avramuț! You are our light, for a people without light loses its vitality. I know, everyone pretends to have forgotten, but they are keeping their claws fixed on you to catch you. I haven't spoken a word, I haven't revealed myself, I've learned my lesson at Hălmagiu. 


You wish for a public bath and a library here in Câmpeni. I will make them. My wife won’t mind that I’ll spend the savings of a lifetime because if it weren’t for you, I’d be at the plow's horns.


Farkas János sits at his table by the window and thinks, waiting.


**Leeber** - Mr. Farkas János, are you still waiting?


**Farkas János** - Yes. Please bring me something to eat, whatever you think, today’s menu.


**Leeber** - Certainly, sir.


The clock in the inn shows 1:30 PM. An individual dressed in the latest fashion, German tunic, shirt, watch, pants with a strip, well-groomed, with a mustache and a hint of sideburns, descends the stairs leading to the dining hall. He sits at the central table of the inn. Leeber comes to the table and asks what he would like to eat, then signals to the boy at the bar to take the order. He sits at the elegant man’s table, and they begin to talk, and then dine, while Farkas János also dines. After a few minutes, Farkas János realizes that the elegant man, who seemed to be a count or baron, is familiar.


**Farkas János** - Who could this gentleman be? I probably met him when I was an imperial official. I need to ask the innkeeper for sure. And he’s dining with an innkeeper? Strange. Very strange. Could this be his inn? Is the innkeeper his man? Who could he be?


Leeber stands up from his table and approaches Farkas János’s table.


**Leeber** - Mr. Farkas János, Mr. Avram Iancu would like you to come to his table.


Farkas János is struck dumb, unable to utter a word.


**Leeber** - Sir, please do not refuse him. I don’t know if you know, but Mr. Avram Iancu is our general of the Romanians from the war of '49.


Farkas János does not make any move, and Leeber finds himself in a difficult situation, making several gestures to convince Farkas János.


**Leeber** - Sir, honestly, I don’t know why he wants you to dine with him, but if you refuse him, you put me in a difficult position as well.


Farkas János seems to recover a bit and tries to say a few words.


**Farkas János** - Is Mr. Iancu over there?


**Leeber** - Yes, sir.


**Farkas János** - Avram Iancu, the one who led the Romanians?


**Leeber** - Yes!


**Farkas János** - So, Avram Iancu?


**Leeber** - Yes.


**Farkas János** - Please help me, I’m about to faint, I feel like I’m dying, my heart is stopping.


Leeber rushes to help the poor man who is almost fainting, and the waiter and a few other people come to his aid. Meanwhile, Avram Iancu watches and waits.


Leeber brings Farkas János to Iancu’s table and then makes the introductions very solemnly.


**Leeber** - Mr. Avram Iancu, I have the pleasure of introducing Mr. Farkas János, a Romanian intellectual. We talked a lot last night about ancient Rome and Ovid, I believe you will enjoy discussing with him. I will also bring some wine because it is fitting for a hearty meal.


**Leeber** - Mr. Farkas János, I have the pleasure of introducing you to a great man and friend, our general, Mr. Avram Iancu. I fought under his command until the last battle, and I am ready to follow him anytime.


Farkas János says a few words that Leeber doesn’t quite understand, and Avram Iancu clears the situation by displaying a discreet smile, indicating that he finds the situation amusing.


**Avram Iancu** - My dear Leeber, I traveled with him from Hălmagiu two days ago. I will go with him to Alba Iulia, only to Alba Iulia, he had an appointment with me. And you are right, a good wine is a fitting company until the carriage arrives.


Leeber shows his delight at Farkas János.


**Leeber** - Well, why didn’t you say so, man? Why didn’t you say you’re the general’s man? It’s possible. You stayed in that lousy room. Who doesn’t speak! If I had known, I would have given you a better room and wine that only the emperor drinks.


**Farkas János** - Wine that the emperor drinks?


Leeber laughs.


**Leeber** - This one (points to Avram Iancu) is our emperor Ioan. Wine that only our emperor drinks.


Farkas János nods and is still confused.


**Avram Iancu** - Speak to me, sir, about Ovid. I understand you have read a lot about his exile in Moesia. I am glad we have common passions. History teaches us many things, and on the way to Alba Iulia, you will not drive me crazy with questions about the war because I will not tell you anything you do not need to know.


Avram Iancu laughs under his mustache, Leeber does the same, and Farkas János feels like a dwarf in a huge palace.


Leeber disappears from the scene, and Avram Iancu invites Farkas János to calm down and converse.


**Avram Iancu** - Tell me, Ioan. Tell me what you know about Ovid.


Farkas János is unable to say a word.


**Avram Iancu** - Ioan, I will go with you to Alba Iulia because I haven’t been there for a long time. I want to see the city again, and as I said, there are many who owe me there. As I see, you want to do great deeds but you don’t know anything about how the world works, you know nothing about death and life, you know nothing about the people you want to raise to fight, you don’t know how ideals are born and win over the centuries. What led the Moți to fight with me? What led me to fight with the Moți? Do you know what suffering looks like for those who have pulled the yoke? Do you know how the tears of orphaned and starving children burn? Do you know when a people is ready to fight? Can you throw a people into battle, men and women, and annihilate them? If too many die, for what people did you make the war?


---


**Scene 6**


**Avram Iancu**  

You have ideals; it's good to have them. But things happen when they should, not chaotically, and not everyone is allowed, by divinity, to play the card of history. Ioane, I enjoy your company, and I will take you for a walk to Alba. Everything is prepared. On the way, talk to me about Ovid and Rome; otherwise, be at peace. Everything that we Romanians needed to pay has been paid, everything I needed to build, I have built; now only time works.


**Scene 7**


The departure station for carriages and diligences is in the center of Câmpeni, across from the main market. There are a few trees, some benches, a beer kiosk, and a clock with a pedestal.


**Farkas János**  

- Mr. Avram Iancu, I feel, I don’t know how I feel, I feel bad compared to you. I want you to know that it is the greatest honor of my life to be next to you. I know these may seem like big words, but this is how I feel.


**Avram Iancu**  

- Ioane, if I hadn't read on your face that you are a man, a true man, when we were in Hălmagiu, when I was dressed in rags, we might never have seen each other again.


**Farkas János**  

- Yes, yes!


**Avram Iancu**  

- Don’t forget. Ovidiu.


**Farkas János**  

- Certainly, sir (he starts and smiles).


**Avram Iancu**  

- You know, lately I've been thinking a lot about my teachers, how they taught us the secrets of writing in Latin script. When they spoke to us about Rome, about Caesar's and Trajan's battles, or about Hannibal, it was as if I could see them. You don't know how much I love Rome. Rome is in my soul, in my consciousness, in my creed. I, you, we all are Rome. Rome is a philosophy, it is the civil code and the family code, it is a way of life, a set of values. Rome is not just stone and mortar. That is the greatness of Rome, her descendants, the people who praise her victories and wisdom. I haven’t visited it, but I know every street and corner as my teachers told me. They tried to make us into people. They gave something of their ideals and wisdom to an entire generation of Romanians, Hungarians, Saxons, Szeklers, Gypsies, people. In school, we were just academic citizens, or striving toward that.


**Farkas János**  

- Yes, sir.


Avram Iancu looks slightly bored at Farkas János because he feels he is unable to break out of a verbal routine.


**Avram Iancu**  

- Yes!


A brief pause follows between the two.


**Farkas János**  

- From Alba, I will send a telegram home to tell my children that I met you. If it doesn’t bother you, I would like to invite them to Alba as well. They learn well. They read Latin script and understand or see, black on white, how our language resembles the ancient language of Rome, eternal Rome.


**Avram Iancu**  

- Look, Ioane, our carriage has arrived; it's 4 o'clock sharp.


**Farkas János**  

- Yes, sir.


**Avram Iancu**  

- I prefer the name Ion; I will call you Lupu Ion.


**Farkas János**  

- Thank you, sir; I also prefer it that way. I will baptize my children and wife like that too.


People begin to gather around the station near the carriage.


**Farkas János**  

- What a crowd! Probably some diligence or something is coming.


Avram Iancu remains calm. Farkas János feels pushed and almost shoved.


**Farkas János**  

- What are you doing, man? You're stepping on my feet. Move aside! The carriage is waiting for me.


**People**  

- Go away, damn you, you foreigner! Get out of here! Hoo! Hoo! Go back to your own! Iancu is ours! Don’t leave us, little prince! Stay with us! Don’t go to the traitors!


**Farkas János**  

- Mr. Iancu, Mr. Avram Iancu! I can’t see you!


**People**  

- Hoo! Hoo! Foreign scum, get out! Leave Iancu alone, Hoo! May God split the heavens and destroy all the roads, and may Iancu not leave us! Hoo! Hoo! Iancu, don’t leave us; you are all we have, Iancu!


(They had then gathered around him, imploring: - You stay with us and stand by us, no one should take you away from here.)


**People**  

- Leave, leave, you came alone, leave alone!


**People**  

- Who do you think you are? An official government person? A cheap servant. Get away from us.


A large crowd has gathered, seemingly from nowhere. The people are furious and have a common enemy, Farkas János. They push and hit him.


**People**  

- Leave, leave, filth, barbarian! Leave alone!


The confusion is even greater; people almost suffocate János. The coachman jumps in to help him.


**Coachman**  

- Good people! Good people! What has this poor soul done to you? Don’t kill him!


**People**  

- What has this foreigner with tassels done to us? This cheap servant? He wants to take Iancu from us. Iancu is ours. Do you understand, scoundrel?


From the crowd comes the first punch to János's ribs.


**Farkas János**  

- Don’t hit me! Don’t hit me! Ouch, ouch! Mr. Iancu, help! Help!


The coachman, in a poorly judged move, jumps to help János and is also rewarded with punches and insults.


From a distance, a sort of siren or bells can be heard, signaling the intervention of soldiers from the garrison, mostly young, inexperienced, eager to build a future in the Empire.


**Soldiers**  

- Move aside, move aside!


**Officer**  

- In the name of the emperor, restore order!


**People**  

- To battle, Romanian brothers, the nobles have attacked us!


No one remembers where the conflict started. Now soldiers are fighting against Romanians.


From the city streets, more and more people gather. The innkeeper, Leeber, runs to the fray.


**Leeber**  

- Brothers, protect the general. Our general, form a circle around him!


The fighting lasts for more than two hours. The soldiers are disarmed and kneeling, surrounded by Romanians. Among the soldiers is also the coachman, with torn clothes, trembling like a leaf, though it is unclear whom he hit: soldiers or Romanians. János, whom the Romanians believed had the mission to abduct Iancu, is sought to be punished.


**People**  

- Where are you, barbarian?! Show yourself! We will find you!


**Officer**  

- Good people, don’t do anything foolish; it’s a shame for all of us.


A Szekler hits the officer in the neck, and the officer falls to the ground.


**Szekler**  

- Barbarian, János, come out, come out to the light!


**People**  

- Let’s hang him! Let’s hang the traitor! Yes, yes!


Farkas János, found hiding among the soldiers, is sought for hanging. The soldiers do not intervene to defend him; some of them lament their sad fate in Romanian.


**Soldier**  

- What did I do, man, to end up like this? I beg you, stop, don’t hit me anymore!


**Szekler**  

- But when I take my cattle to the mountains and you take them because supposedly it’s not my forest, how is that fair?


**Soldier**  

- I follow orders, man!


**Szekler**  

- Romanians, brothers! This one has learned to speak Romanian! Brother, give him another one; maybe he will speak better and not forget.


The soldier is ruthlessly beaten because for the Szeklers, a Romanian who has joined the enemy is more contemptible than a brave and dignified enemy.


**People**  

- Hang him from the lantern! Bring a rope and soap. No one steals Iancu from us; he’s our prince! No one! No one!


Farkas János struggles, cries, calls out for Iancu.


**Farkas János**  

- Prince, prince! I’m not a traitor, I have no hidden intentions! Help! Help!


Suddenly, as the crowd is about to hang Farkas János, two gunshots are fired into the air from among the Romanians. Iancu jumps onto an improvised platform and speaks to the people.


**Avram Iancu**  

- Brothers, good people! What do you want?


**People**  

- Iancu, don’t leave! You are ours! Stay with us!


**Avram Iancu


**  

- Ioane, Ioane!


**Farkas János**  

- Yes, yes, general! I am here.


The people fall silent.


**Avram Iancu**  

- Ioane, do you see our brothers? Do you know what the power of any empire stands on? On the number of subjects who toil day by day. The glory of nobles and emperors is made by all the poor who are chased by taxes or wronged and disrespected by the rich. Ioane, there are different kinds of power in this world. The one you get with the force of arms placed in the hands of the poor, transformed into faithful servants, or a true power that comes freely, without coercion.


It is said that power is of divine origin. It is said that God gives you power. Ioane! Today, here, you have seen what kind of power I like. I am not powerful. I was not powerful. You, my Szeklers, are the power. I fought not for medals and positions; I only wanted the justice of my people. I want my Romanians to be free people on their land.


Ioane, tell this further.


**Mr. Officer!**


**Officer**  

- Yes, general!


**Avram Iancu**  

- Nothing happened here.


**Officer**  

- Understood, general!


**Avram Iancu**  

- Brothers, my Romanians, Farkas János will leave in peace for Alba, and you will go back to your homes.


The people start to leave the square quietly. Romanians return the weapons they had requisitioned to the soldiers; the coachman jumps to help János, and some Romanians throw a curse or a slap at János.


**Coachman**  

- Come, sir, come! I will pull the carriage, to see where it might be. It’s best if you leave the area.


Farkas János no longer has clothes but rags; he is dirty and covered in bruises. A Szekler throws the expensive leather bag with personal items at his feet.


**Coachman**  

- The carriage leaves in 5 minutes! Come, sir! Come!


**Farkas János**  

- And where is Mr. Iancu?


**Coachman**  

- With his Szeklers. He belongs to them.


Farkas János neither cries nor laughs.


**Farkas János**  

- I hoped he would come with me to Alba to speak to the people, to be seen by the Romanians, to inspire courage.


**Coachman**  

- The Romanians see him, the Romanians know him, the Romanians protect him, the Romanians love him.


**Farkas János**  

- Yes, I understand what you’re saying, but I hoped all Romanians would see him.


**Coachman**  

- Sir, I hear you clearly, but you don’t hear me. The Romanians know everything.


Farkas János stands for a few seconds in thought, then embraces the coachman warmly.



Farkas János:Yes. Yes! You are right! Two actors. Two players. Two. The same. Him and the emperor. (laughs) "A madman doesn’t converse with a liar."

Farkas János laughs, then puts his luggage into the carriage, looks around at the station, at the market, at the prefect’s house, and then, with his eyes fixed on the lantern, hums a few words from Iancu's March.

Farkas János:I, I am Lupu, Lupu Ion from the village of Banpotoc, and I am Romanian. I am Lupu, Lupu Ion, and I am with Avramuț. Listen! I am Lupu, Lupu Ion.

- The End -


Victor Rebengiuc în ,,Tatăl,,

 Luni, 4 noiembrie 2024, în cancelaria școlii fiind, am mărturisit colegelor mele, cu o satisfacție triumfătoare, că am fost la teatru. Înde...