"My friends," he began. "My friends, I am your Dalai Lama." He repeated this until the crowd fell silent.

"I wish to tell you this. We have had a sign. But it is not yet The Sign.

"If The Sign comes, it will be later; probably after the 2004 campaign, or maybe the mid-term elections.

"For now, you must work peacefully. I implore you."

The words struck the heart of everyone present; a warm murmur came from the crowd.

Heartened, the Dalai Lama added, "and to cap things off, Emmanuel Music will now perform a Bach Cantata for you."