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54
The forehead of the desert becomes green, because by
nature it is jealous, it wants to be the only dry place that
honors the sun and ancient legend. And it wants to get into
the pharaonic dynasty.
“Well, then let’s go look for the sea! Without it one can die
of boredom!” everyone says. But they can’t get out of the
cylinder.
“Do you hear, riff-raff! Stay in the cylinder, you’re theatrical
beings and I forbid you to get out!” I become angry even
while speaking.
“But, dad, why are you cursing them, they look unhappy,
and if you don’t let them look for the sea, they’ll die of
thirst!” Jacob pleaded.
“All right, I’ll open the curtain, but only with the proviso
that in the evening you’ll eat oatmeal with fish oil, which
you hate the taste of, and go to sleep at nine!” I pronounce
my conditions.
Jacob agrees.
The beggar goes first and carries the barrel of tar. The meat
grinder does a headstand, leaping on its fingertips.
Mephistopheles gallantly flutters his overcoat and sneezes
lightning. The prince, having thrust the wooden sword into