Page:Eminent Authors of Contemporary Japan, volume 2.pdf/39

Rh * avenge your husband. This is what I thought when I played my shakuhachi each day under your window for two months. I thought that ever you might be happy in spite of your misfortune. I even hoped that you might forget your revenge, though I knew that when you were well you would start to hunt me again. Life, after all, is only a short dream, and happiness does not remain long with us. Gohei, I do not mean to insinuate, but I can envy you!
 * (Okuni turns slightly pale, and looks significantly at Gohei.)
 * Gohei.—Ikeda, it is decided, and you must abide by my mistress’s wish. Again I say, and finally … prepare yourself … and …
 * (Gohei rushes at him with his drawn sword. Tomonojo defends himself with his shakuhachi flute, moving back step by step, and rails at them in a sad voice).
 * Tomo.—You are wicked and unmerciful people! You have no conscience … You committed adultery … You are a false lord and retainer! (A blow of the sword wounds him in the shoulder and he falls. He continues to cry louder) Oh, how dare you try to kill me! … Wait, I tell you, wait! I have one thing to tell you before you finish me … that lady there … that … Okuni …
 * Gohei.—Quick, finish quickly, what have you to say?
 * Tomo.—(weakly) That Okuni … to me, to this Tomonojo that you are trying to kill … she …