Page:Anthology of Japanese Literature.pdf/305

  

[Esashi Jūō]



"Persons"


 * (The stage is completely bare. Two drummers and a flute-player, passing down the Bridge, take their usual seats at the rear of the stage. They are followed by Emma. He wears a devil’s mask and a red wig. On his head there is a gold crown. His kimono is bright and large-patterned, and is resplendently decorated with gold thread. His hakama and outer kimono are of a similarly elaborate material, and he wears a brocade sash. His followers also wear devils’ masks and red wigs, and their clothing is similar to his, though less elaborate. They carry bamboo poles. They come from the Bridge and immediately take their places on the stage in two rows facing one another, with Emma standing closest to the Waki’s Pillar.)

(singing): Emma, the King of Hades,
 * Emma, the King of Hades,
 * Comes to the Meeting of the Six Ways.