Page:Eminent Authors of Contemporary Japan, volume 2.pdf/35

Rh * to return to my own home, for I would make Gohei an honorable samurai … Oh, you forget that my dear child is waiting at home for me.
 * Tomo.—Then for pity’s sake spare my life now. I cannot die! I want to live! I entreat you, Okuni, have pity on me, for I am a miserable man!
 * Okuni.—(Looks at Gohei, and then grips the handle of a small dagger.)
 * Gohei.—Enough! Cease saying such things.
 * Tomo.—Are you not going to kill me? Well, what is the use in hiding anything from me now, for I shall never be able to speak after I am dead. I have followed my dear one for four long years, therefore do you think that I have been blind? I do not doubt that when you first started out you were both but mistress and retainer, but I know well that your loyalty has grown into deep love, and unknowingly you both feel it. Are you aware that I was a guest in the next room to yours when you passed a night in that hotel at Kumagaya?
 * Okuni.—What? Then, that night you …
 * Tomo.—Yes, that night I heard what you said in the next room. But Okuni, do not let it trouble you, for there will be no one in this world who knows your secret after you have killed me here. When you go back to your castle, after having had your long-sought-for revenge, you will be able to marry publicly. I shall be the only fool then!
 * Gohei.—I am very ashamed that you know our secret. Believe me when I tell you that my intentions were