Scene.—The barrier guard-house at Ataka.
Togashi (Iyenawo, whose title is Togashi-no-suke). I am Togashi. Yoritomo and Yoshitsune, having become foes, and Yoritomo having learned that Lord Hangwan (Yoshitsune, commonly called Hangwan) and his eleven followers, adopting the guise of pilgrim-priests, are making their way to Mutsu, has caused barriers to be set up in all the provinces, and has ordered that all pilgrim-priests shall be rigorously examined. I am thus charged with the duty of arresting the passage of pilgrims at this place, and I have to give strict injunctions in that sense. Ho there!
Man-at-arms. At your service, Sir.
Togashi. If any pilgrim-priests seek to pass to-day, report to me.
Man-at-arms. It shall be done. Sir.
(Enter a party of pilgrim-priests.)
| Chorus. | From traveller's vestment Pendent bells ring notes Of pilgrim's foot-falls; And from road-stained sleeves Pendent dew-drops presage Tears of last meetings. |
| Chorus. | Hankai[1] with tattered shield Of stole and surplice, From Miyako wends His many-mornèd way, To northern limits. Oh weary distance! Even thought grows tired. |
- ↑ See Appendix, note 6.
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