(Booming of talking drums, summoning people home for a state meeting.)

Afua Dokua: Ah! papa, what means this frequent state drumming, daily summoning people at work from their farms again and again? So the Chief Linguist ͻkyeame Kuma and the elders mean to depose the ͻmanhene by all means.

ͻkyeame Kakraba: Hold your tongue! One bad trait in you modern youth is this damnable act of poking your inexperienced noses in serious matters of state. Who put it into your silly head that the Chief Linguist is bent on destooling the ͻmanhene? These affairs are more serious and far above your age.

Afua Dokua: Why, papa, I am now 20 years old! I am a member of the Kokoroko Women's Association. You know Dora Mansah is our leader, and I know too that ͻkyeame Kuma is the leader of the elders against the chief.

Kakraba: Yes, this second world war has put these insolent traits—this empty show of bravado—into modern youth. Because your brothers are mobilising and returning home from East Africa, you speak freely anywhere of serious matters of state. I won't blame you. It's the chief's fault. He gives occasion for some elders of the state to urge you on. I have always held my own philosophical views about these affairs. Hum, this small little Kokoroko State so tormented with petty rival factions! The ͻmanhene refuses to learn reason, rushing rashly in passion, and insulting men in the street, and giving us, the elders, no peace!

(Drums boom again.)

Akua: Papa, the drum still calls the people.

Kakraba: I am not deaf, Afua. It's barely two hours since I arrived in this farm. I have done practically no work, but I am now to rush home to discuss the ill behaviour of a chief, a proud tyrant. Oh God help us! But who is that running down the hill?

Adjei, the herald: ͻkyeame Kakraba, the Chief Linguist desires your presence immediately. Aren't you hearing the drum? The people have almost assembled.

Kakraba: Clear away, you babbling liar! You said so yesterday, but I found only a handful of men at the meeting, after I rushed down in hurried haste. Get going. I'lI follow.