Page:Tales from old Japanese dramas (1915).djvu/322

250 home, and since that time has roamed about from one place to another. At last she lost her sight through much weeping and now she begs from door to door, singing this song to the strains of a samisen or koto. Some time ago a relative of hers, a woman, came in search of her and even managed to find her, but the woman died soon after. So the girl now wanders alone about this neighbourhood and in spite of her blindness she is a very sweet singer so that everybody feels for her and lends her patronage. Among us this song of hers is very well known and we generally call her 'Asagao' ('Morning-glory'). An unhappy fate for a young girl, is it not, sir?" concluded the landlord, his eyes running over with tears.

"Unhappy, indeed," said Jirōzayémon, his heart beating fast with the thought that this forlorn girl might be Miyuki. "To-night I feel strangely lonesome. I should like to listen to the blind girl's singing. Please be so kind as to send for her."

"Your wish is law, sir," replied mine host with prompt assent.