Page:Anthology of Japanese Literature.pdf/405

Rh :::Ohatsu sits inside next to the door,
 * And nonchalantly lights her tobacco.


 * Just at this juncture Kuheiji bursts in,
 * With two or three of his foulmouthed friends
 * And a couple of blind musicians.

Hello, girls. You’re looking lonesome. How about it if I become a customer? Hello, boss. I haven’t seen you in a long time.

He strides arrogantly into the room.

Bring the tobacco tray and some saké cups.

No, don’t bother with the saké. I’ve had all I want to drink. There’s something I’ve got to discuss with you. You know Tokubei, the number one customer of your Ohatsu? Well, he found a seal I lost, and tried to cheat me with a forged note for two kamme of silver. The facts were too much for him, and he was lucky to get out of it alive. Now he’s completely discredited. Everybody will tell you that what I say is the truth, so even if Tokubei says the exact opposite, don’t you believe him for a minute. You’d best not let him in at all. Sooner or later he’s going to wind up on the scaffold.

He volleys forth his words convincingly.
 * Beneath the porch Tokubei gnashes his teeth,
 * And trembles all over in helpless rage.
 * Ohatsu, afraid he might reveal himself,
 * With her foot calms him, calms him splendidly.
 * The host is loath to answer yes or no,
 * For Tokubei’s a customer from old.
 * Instead he asks, “How about some soup?”
 * And covering his confusion leaves the room.
 * Ohatsu lost in tears exclaims.

You’re very clever, but I can’t let you get away with it. I know everything about Tokubei. We’ve told each other all our inmost secrets ever since we became lovers years ago. He doesn’t have the least particle of deceit in him—unfortunately for him. His generosity has been his undoing. He’s been tricked by you, but he doesn’t have the evidence prove it. Now Tokubei has no