Page:Anthology of Japanese Literature.pdf/412

408  Alas! she little thought she thus would use
 * Her sash of powder blue. She draws it taut,
 * And with her razor slashes it in two.

My sash is divided, but you and I will never part.

Face to face they sit, then twice or thrice
 * He ties her firmly so she will not move.

Is it tight?

Yes, it’s very tight.

She looks at him, he looks at her, they burst into tears.

This is the end of our unfortunate lives!

No, I mustn’t weep.

He raises his head and joins his hands.

When I was a small child my parents died, and it was my uncle who brought me up. I’m ashamed of myself that I am dying this way without repaying my indebtedness to him, and that I am causing him trouble that will last after my death. Please forgive me my sins.

Now soon I shall be seeing my parents in the other world. Father, Mother, come welcome me there!

Ohatsu also joins her hands in prayer.

I envy you that you will be meeting your parents in the world of the dead. My father and mother are still alive. I wonder when I shall meet them again. I had a letter from them this spring, but the last time I saw them was at the beginning of autumn last year. When they get word tomorrow in the village of my suicide, how unhappy they will be. Mother, Father, brothers and sisters, I now say good-bye to the world. If only my thoughts can reach you, I pray that I may be able to appear in your dreams. Dearest Mother, beloved Father!

She weeps convulsively and wails aloud.
 * Her lover also sheds incessant tears,
 * And cries out in despair, as is most natural.

There’s no use in talking any longer. Kill me, kill me quickly!

She hastens the moment of death.

I’m ready.