before the emperor They sent a messenger. "We want you to appear before the Emperor." I replied, "Why does the Emperor want to see me?" They said, "It is the Emperor, you must come." I let them take me to the Emperor. When I stood before him he was resplendent, and I bowed low in his presence. The Emperor smiled and took my arm. "We've been wondering what you look like. We hear you are a philosopher of the countryside." I replied, "My reputation far from home is something I'd never considered." "You should consider it more often." "Failing to consider it has gotten me this far." He frowned and said, "Let's not play this kind of game. I have something of great urgency to discuss with you." By this time we were walking alone beside a small river. "I have been Emperor since I was a child," he continued, "but now I am no longer a child. I must take charge of my kingdom, but I have never been outside this garden." We came to a small pavilion where two women in saffron dresses were making things ready for us. We went in and sat down at a small table. They brought food and placed it before us, that we might eat. They brought beer, then retired to the other end of the room. The Emperor took my hand and confided in me. "Ever since I was a little boy, I have feared these people. I fear they are holding me prisoner. I have friends of course in other castles, but lately they have refused to come." I could only reply, "Go to them." "But how?" I shrugged. "Just go." He was incredulous. "You want me to run away?" I was demure. "I know a few good places. I'll come with you. We'll hide for a couple of days, and change your appearance. After that, you can go where you want." He said, "And you?" Mysteriously I replied, "I will be with you, but you will not know me."
	location: New York City date: 1991 average rating: [not rated] your rating (0-10):