Page:Anthology of Japanese Literature.pdf/311

Rh You know, I’d like to have a look at the busu. What do you think it can be?

Have you gone mad? Don’t you know that even the wind from its way means certain death?

Let’s go up to it fanning from this side. In that way we won’t get any wind from it.

That’s a good idea.


 * (The two men stand, and fanning vigorously approach the cask.)

Fan, fan hard.

I am fanning.

I’m going to untie the cord around it now, so fan hard.

Right!

I’ve unfastened it. Now, I’ll take off the cover.

Do it quickly!

Keep fanning!

I am fanning.

It’s off! (They flee to the Bridge.) Oh, that’s a relief!

What’s a relief?

That thing—it’s not an animal or it would jump out.

Perhaps it is only playing dead.

I’ll have a look.

That’s a good idea.


 * (They approach the cask as before.)

Fan, fan hard!

I am fanning!

Now I’m going to have a look, so fan hard!

Right!

I’ve seen it! I’ve seen it! (They flee as before to the Bridge.)

What did you see?

Something dark gray that looked good to eat. You know, I think I’d like a taste of that busu.

How can you think of eating something which will kill you even if you only catch a whiff of it?

I must be bewitched by the busu. I can’t think of anything but eating it. I will have a taste.

You mustn’t.