University of Virginia Library

AWOI NO UYE

Scene in Kioto
Daijin

I am a subject in the service of the Blessed Emperor Shujakuin. They have called in the priests and the high priests for the sickness of Awoi no Uye of the house of Sadaijin. They prayed, but the gods give no sign. I am sent to Miko, the wise, to bid him pray to the spirits. Miko, will you pray to the earth?

Miko

Apparition

It may be, it may be, I come from the gate of hell in three coaches. I am sorry for Yugawo and the carriage with broken wheels. And the world is ploughed with sorrow as a field is furrowed with oxen. Man's life is a wheel on the axle, there is no turn whereby to escape. His hold is light as dew on the Basho leaf. It seems that the last spring's blossoms are only a dream in the mind. And we fools take it all, take it all as a matter of course. Oh, I am grown envious from sorrow. I come to seek consolation. Singing.
Though I lie all night hid for shame in the secret carriage, looking at the moon for sorrow, yet I would not be seen by the moon.

Speaking.

Where does that sound of playing come from? It is the sound of the bow of Adzusa!

Miko

Though I went to the door of the square building, Adzumaya —

Apparition

— you thought no one came to knock.

Miko

How strange! It is a lady of high rank whom I do not know. She comes in a broken carriage, a green wife clings to the shaft. She weeps. Is it —

Daijin

Yes, I think I know who it is. To the Apparition.
I ask you to tell me your name.

Apparition

In the world of the swift-moving lightning I have no servant or envoi, neither am I consumed with self-pity. I came aimlessly hither, drawn only by the sound of the bow. Who do you think I am? I am the spirit of the Princess Rokujo, [1] and when I was still in the world, spring was there with me. I feasted upon the cloud with the Sennin, [2] they shared in my feast of flowers. And on the Evening of Maple Leaves I had the moon for a mirror. I was drunk with colour and perfume. And for all my gay flare at that time I am now like a shut Morning-glory, awaiting the sunshine. And now I am come for a whim, I am come uncounting the hour, seizing upon no set

moment. I would set my sorrow aside. Let some one else bear it awhile.

Chorus

Love turns back toward the lover, unkindness brings evil return. It is for no good deed or good purpose that you bring back a sorrow among us, our sorrows mount up without end.

Apparition

The woman is hateful! I cannot keep back my blows.

She strikes.
Miko

No. You are a princess of Rokujo! How can you do such things? Give over. Give over.

Apparition

I cannot. However much you might pray. Reflectively, as if detached from her action, and describing it.
So she went toward the pillow, and struck. Struck.

Miko

Then standing up —

Apparition

This hate is only repayment

Miko

The flame of jealousy —

Apparition

— will turn on one's own hand and burn.

Miko

Do you not know?

Apparition

Know! This is a just revenge.

Chorus

Apparition

I, like a bush —

Chorus

It is a gleam cast up from the past. I am full of longing. I would be off in the secret coach, and crush her shade with me.

Daijin

Help. Awoi no Uye is sinking. Can you find Kohijiri of Tokokawa?

Kiogen

I will call him. I call him.

Waki (Kohijiri)

Do you call me to a fit place for prayer? To the window of the nine wisdoms, to the cushion of the ten ranks, to a place full of holy waters, and where there is a clear moon?

Kiogen

Yes, yes.

Waki

How should I know? I do not go about in the world. You come from the Daijin. Wait. I am ready. I will come.

He crosses the stage or bridge.
Daijin

I thank you for coming.

Waki

Where is the patient?

Daijin

She is there on that bed.

Waki

I will begin the exorcism at once.

Daijin

I thank you. Please do so.

Waki
beginning the ritual

Then Gioja called upon En no Gioja, and he hung about his shoulders a cloak that had swept the dew of the seven jewels in climbing the peaks of Tai Kou and of Kori in Riobu. He wore the cassock of forbearance to keep out unholy things. He took the beads of red wood, the square beads with hard corners, and whirling and striking said prayer. But one prayer.

During this speech the APPARITION has disappeared. That is, the first SHITE, the PRINCESS OF ROKUJO. Her costume was "The under kimono black satin, tight from the knees down, embroidered with small, irregular, infrequent circles of flowers; the upper part, stiff gold brocade, just shot through with purples, greens, and reds."
The HANNYA has come on. Clothed in a scarlet hakama, white upper dress, and "The terrible mask with golden eyes." She has held a white scarf over her head. She looks up. Here follows the great dance climax of the play.
Hannya
threatening

Oh, Gioja, turn back! Turn back, or you rue it.

Waki

Let whatever evil spirit is here bow before Gioja, and know that Gioja will drive it out.

He continues whirling the rosary.
Chorus
invoking the powerful good spirits

On the east stand Gosanze Miowo.

Hannya
opposing other great spirits

On the south stand Gundari Yasha.

Chorus

On the west stand Dai Itoku Miowo.

Hannya

On the north stand Kongo —

Chorus

— Yasha Miowo.

Hannya

In the middle Dai Sei —

Chorus

Hannya
overcome by the exorcism

O terrible names of the spirits. This is my last time. I cannot return here again.

Chorus

By hearing the scripture the evil spirit is melted. Bosatsu came hither, his face was full of forbearance and pity. Pity has melted her heart, and she has gone into Buddha. Thanksgiving.