Page:Eminent Authors of Contemporary Japan, volume 2.pdf/33

Rh * contrary to our expectations. We will speak thus of you afterwards if you will do as we ask.
 * Okuni.—Tomonojo, let me tell you that I dislike you no longer, for though you have been a bad man, you have indeed loved me truly. After you are dead, I promise to have masses said for the repose of your soul,. [sic] Therefore, for my sake, if you still love me, be prepared to die now like a brave man.
 * Tomo.—Oh, I am so happy, and yet so sad, to hear you speak to me with such tender words. I cannot but weep. It is seven years since I heard you speak so kindly. Now, I have nothing to live for any longer, therefore if you wish it, I will die for you. It is impossible to live in this wilderness with you for ever. Oh, how I envy Gohei! If I might only be spared so that I might travel with you for years through this great empire, I would follow you and be your slave for ever … Gohei, surely you, who are a great and true samurai, must have a little sympathy for me?
 * Gohei.—I have great sympathy for you; therefore, I have asked you to prepare yourself for death!
 * Okuni.—And what joy can you receive by living ? It was a long, long time ago that I was your betrothed, and all the love that I ever had for you is dead. Even should you kill Gohei, I should never become your wife. I would rather die with Gohei.
 * Tomo.—(Laughing coldly) Ha, ha, ha! Why should I kill him? If I wished to do so, you know, madam, that I could not. I have not the strength to match