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♫ Change of Hand, Sleight of Mind ♫
85/398
“I enter the corridor” scrolls across the screen—much like clouds forming and dissolving in a time-lapse sky—as on-screen text, just as THE CONJURER (wearing a plain red robe with a broad black cloth belt and a black hat) enters a clinically white, glaringly bright hospital corridor. He stops.
THE CONJURER
Many deem they be upon the playnest way
And yet they wander far astray
Whiche leadeth not to vertuous lyfe.
The Conjurer walks on. The doors along the sides swing open: to the sound of circus music, FOUR SCANTILY CLAD GO-GO GIRLS present items to him on velvet cushions, such as:
- (on a beige cushion) a pacifier,
- (on a purple cushion) a tjurunga,
- (on a red cushion) a submachine gun,
- (on a blue cushion) a golden laurel wreath.
The Conjurer casts a brief glance at each of the tempting offers, but then shrugs and leaves them aside. Only now is it noticeable that he carries a wicker basket on his belt, with A SMALL OWL peeking inquisitively out of its opening. While walking:
THE CONJURER
Blest is he who strayeth not from the waye
If he hath founde it for to keepe
For oft the side-path turneth deepe.
More doors swing open beside the Conjurer; FOUR MORE GO-GO GIRLS (or are they the same?) present:
- (on an orange velvet cushion) a gaming console,
- (on a green cushion) the Charter of Human Rights,
- (on a yellow cushion) an ivory tower, and
- (on a turquoise cushion) The Glass Bead Game from Hesse’s novel of the same name.
At the end of the corridor, a coral-colored curtain awaits the Jester. He pushes it aside…
THE CONJURER
(smiling)
I dread the dayes are drawing nigh,
When menne shall more newe tidings finde,
Than shall content or suit our minde.
…and then disappears behind it.

