Page:Eminent Authors of Contemporary Japan, volume 2.pdf/25

Rh * be going to some place in Oshu?
 * Komuso.—(After a pause) … to the next village!
 * Gohei.—If that is so, let us all go together, for as the old proverb tells us, “It is pleasant to have friedsfriends [sic] in travelling,” as far as the next village.
 * Komuso.—(Listens, but does not answer.) …
 * Gohei.—O, holy man, what ails you? Why do you not answer a friendly question?
 * Komuso.—A moment ago, you said that you had nothing of importance to say, … yet … oh, do not hide what you have to say, for you wish to look at my face!
 * (Gohei and Okuni look up with great surprise at the priest, but do not speak.)
 * Komuso.—If you wish to see me, I will let you look … (So saying, he calmly takes off his hat, and under it appears a very handsome young samurai with a clean-shaved face and exceedingly fair skin.)
 * Gohei.—Oh! Oh!
 * Okuni.—(Rising) You are Ikeda Tomonojo! …
 * Komuso.—Yes, I am Ikeda Tomonojo … It is indeed a very long time since I last spoke to you!
 * Okuni.—It must have been the will of my dear husband’s spirit that we should meet in such a place … Your time has come, Ikeda Tomonojo … Be prepared!
 * Gohei.—I have been hunting for you for the past three years, escorting my lady from place to place, so that when we found you I might at last avenge my master. Ikeda Tomonojo, your star has fallen at