University of Virginia Library

Waki

Are you the flower-keeper?

Boy

I am a man who serves the "Jinnushi
Gongen." I always sweep in blossom season—
so you may call me the flower-keeper, or the
honorary servant; but, whatever name you
use, you should think of me as some one of
rank, though I am concealed in humble
appearance.

Waki

Yes, you look that. Will you tell me about
this temple?

Boy

This temple is called Seisuiji; it was
founded by Tamura Maro. In Kojimadera
of Yamato there was a priest named Kenshin.
He was always wishing to see the true light of
Kwannon. And one time he saw a golden
light floating on the Kotsu River. And he

was going toward it, when he met an old man
who said to him, "I am Gioye Koji, and you
must seek out a certain patron and put up a
great temple."

And the old man went off to the East, and
he was Kwannon. And the patron was Maro,
Sakanouye no Tamura Maro.

Chorus

In this pure water, Kwannon with a thousand
hands gives blessing. She blesses this land
and this people.

Waki

Well, I have met some one interesting.
Can you tell me of other places about here?

Boy

The peak to the south is Nakayama Sei-kanji.

Waki

And what is that temple to the northward
where they are ringing the nightfall bell?

Boy

That is the temple of Ashino-o. Look!
the moon is lifting itself over Mount Otoba,[1]
and lights the cherry flowers. You must look!

Waki

It is an hour outweighing much silver.

[The Boy and the Priest together recite
the Chinese poem.
[The is a break here in the notes. There
should follow a chorus about cherries
under the moon.

Chorus

Having seen these things with you, I know
you are out of the common. I wonder what
your name is.

Boy

If you want to discover my name, you must
watch what road I take. You must see to
what I return.

Chorus

We cannot know the far or near of his
route.

Boy

I go into the mountains.

Chorus

He said: "Watch my path." And he
went down in front of the Jinnushi Gongen
temple, and to Tamura-do. He opened the
door and went in.