University of Virginia Library

Scene 1.

A Street, with temple-gate and steps.
Enter Wataru and Kameju.
Wataru.

I like the Samurai as little as thou thyself,
Kameju! yet, sooth to say, with no very good
reasons for it.

Kameju.

There is reason enough in the looks and
the ways of Sakamune. What mischief he is working
with my Lord I have not yet discovered; but Morito
Endo is no more himself. He sleeps not, eats not,
drinks not, fights not. His war-horse grows gross at
the manger for want of use; and since the festival

at the maple-trees I have not once seen him string his
bow for the practice.

Wat.

Thou and I, good Kameju! will arouse him.
A new war is gathering in the East, and we will take
him there. After what he wrought for me and for
the Emperor's treasure, the Court is well disposed
to Morito.

[Exit Kameju.

Domo! what spy I here? The crest of my house upon
the bearers, and Adzuma's litter borne so quickly?

Enter Adzuma in her kago. Seeing Wataru, she alights, and respectfully salutes her husband.
Wataru.
Whither, in such high haste, my Adzuma?

Adzuma.
Oh, not to pleasure if not where thou art!
My mother sends me word some trouble irks,—
A little ache, I hope—prays me repair
With all the speed I may. One must not keep
A mother long expectant—must we, dear?—
Even for bribe of blesséd times at home
When thou art there, and this too burning noon
Melts to the purple peace of evening.

Wat.
Nay, but be back long ere the evening!
I have a thing to show thee—ah! a piece
Wonderful for its fancy—newly wrought.
Art thou so hurried, wife? List! there's a hill—
'Tis done in pearl and ivory on a plate
Of silver—there's a hill, and on the hill
An ancient castle; and the castle's held
By rebels; and the reigning Emperor's troops
Must take it, if they take the place at all,
Soon; since there comes an army of relief
Will raise the siege; but 'tis of utmost need
The place be yielded to his Majesty,
Therefore the question stands, “Have these men food,
Or must they open, starved, if siege be held!”

Adz.
Yes; my sweet Lord?

Wat.
So they send in a spy
In woman's clothes, young Genjiro, the knight,
Who enters safe; and seeks, and hears, and sees
There's provend but for two days in the fort,
And that such stuff as dogs would sniff and leave:
Whom, as he steals back with his precious news,
They mark, detect, unguise—'tis Genjiro!
Oh! every rebel knows him,—Genjiro,
The best bow of the enemy! fierce hands
Seize him and thrust him to their rampart-edge.

Adz.
Ah, how I long to see this piece of work!
What will they do?

Wat.
Yonder's his tent, his wife,
His comrades, and the friendly, pleasant camp,
All that life means; and at his back spear-blades
Sharp pricking, and a savage voice which growls:
“Shout ‘Friends! they have taken me! the fort is full,
Victualled for twenty days—best raise the siege!’”

Adz.
Is that what the plate pictures?

Wat.
Not just that;
The point's a little later. Genjiro,
Upon the wall, hears what they say to him;
Feels the pushed spears sting; knows that he may live
If he will lie, and let his duty go:
But, all too loyal to buy life with shame,
He thunders, “Ere the week is out they starve!
Keep leaguer still!” whereon a sheaf of spears
Pierce him; but Genjiro has saved his Lord.
That's what the craftsman shows.

Adz.
Oh, I'll come home
Quickly to see it. 'Tis a noble thing
To die for duty. You had done it, too,
As well as Genjiro.

Wat.
Adzuma-chan,
The “would-dos” and the “have-dones” differ so!
Yet, 'tis the next best thing to Honour's self
To love high deeds and honourable deaths,
And keep glad memory of them. Hasten back,
And see my silver knight rejoice to die
Where death was duty.

Adz.
Keep it for me, Lord!
I praise the tale. Like a glad bird I'll come
Whose wings know of themselves the way to home.

[Exeunt Omnes.