Page:Anthology of Japanese Literature.pdf/395

  

[Sonezaki Shinju]&emsp;by Chikamatsu Monzaemon



A graceful young man who had served his term
 * As an apprentice in the firm of Hirano,
 * His breast burning with passion concealed
 * Lest billowing scandal should spread,
 * Given sometimes to one cup of wine,
 * And known for his elegant locks,
 * Renowned as expert in matters of love,
 * But now like fragrant wood buried,
 * A mere clerk selling sauces and oil,
 * And making the round of his clients
 * Followed by a boy who bears a dripping cask,
 * Now comes he to Ikutama Shrine.
 * From inside a teahouse, a woman’s voice
 * Cries, “Tokubei, Tokubei, is it not you?”
 * She claps her hands; he nods in recognition.