| Yoshitsune. | His face he conceals with A hat of wreathed rushes; |
| Chorus. | Leans on an iron staff; |
| Yoshitsune. | Wears drudge's pattens; |
| Chorus. | And with a halting gait Tramps slowly onward, A spectacle pitiful. |
Benkei. Follow in our rear, my lord. Now, are all ready?
Pilgrims. We are ready.
Man-at-arms (at the barrier). Sir, a number of pilgrims seek passage.
Togashi. What say you? Pilgrims seeking passage? Aye, so it is. Pilgrims, this is a barrier.
Benkei. Sir, we are pilgrims who have been sent to travel through the country seeking aid for the re-building of Tôdaiji[1] in Nara. We are instructed to visit the northern circuit, and have thus reached this place. We pray your contribution.
Togashi. You do well. I will contribute. But this barrier all save pilgrims may pass.
Benkei. Sir, the reason?
Togashi. The reason! Yoritomo and Yoshitsune have become enemies, and it has been reported to my lord Yoritomo that Lord Hangwan (Yoshitsune), with eleven followers disguised as pilgrims, is on his way northward to seek the assistance of Hidehira of Mutsu. Orders have therefore been issued that barriers shall be set up in all the provinces and pilgrim-friars rigorously scrutinised. This barrier is in my charge: pilgrims cannot pass. Above all, a band so numerous as yours. Not one of you can have passage.
- ↑ See Appendix, note 13.
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