Page:Anthology of Japanese Literature.pdf/313

Rh It feels as if our chins are sagging, doesn’t it?

Eat up! Oh, it’s all gone!

Yes, all gone.

Well, you can be proud of yourself.

I can be proud of myself? It was you who first looked at the busu and first ate it. I’ll tell the master as soon as he gets back.

I was only joking. Now, tear up this kakemono.

Very well.


 * (He goes to the Waki’s Pillar and makes motions of tearing a kakemono.)

''Sarari. Sarari. Pattari.''

Bravo! First you looked at the busu, then you ate it, and now you’ve torn up the master’s kakemono. I’ll inform him of that as soon as he returns.

I only did it because you told me. And I shall inform the master of that.

I was joking again. Now smash this bowl.

No, I’ve had enough.

Then let’s smash it together.

All right.


 * (They go to the Facing Pillar and make motions of picking up a large bowl and dashing it to the ground.)

Garari chin.

Ah—it’s in bits.

Now what excuse will we make?

When the master returns, the first thing to do is to burst into tears.

Will tears do any good?

They will indeed. He’ll be coming back soon. Come over here.

Very well.


 * (They go to the back of the stage and sit there. The Master stands up and speaks at the First Pine.)

I have completed my business now. I imagine that my servants must be waiting for my return. I shall hasten home. Ah, here I am already. Tarō kaja, Jirō kaja. I’ve returned!