Page:Brinkley - Japan - Volume 3.djvu/61

Mount Itatori Trodden by woodmen.[1] Shallow-streamed Asasuzu;[2] Mikuni's haven; And Shinowara, where Lapping the reeds' feet, Salt wavelets ripple. Till at Ataka Spring's early blossoms Lower meek heads to Their foe, the wind's onset.[3]

Yoshitsune.^[4] Benkei!

Benkei. At your service, my lord.

Yoshitsune. Did you hear what those travellers said just now ?

Benkei. No, my lord, I did not hear anything.

Yoshitsune. They said that a new barrier-guard has been set at Ataka, and that pilgrims attempting to pass are subjected to rigorous examination.

Benkei. What incredible ill-fortune! They must have set a guard because they heard of your lordship's journey. This is of the gravest import. Let us take counsel here.

The other Pilgrims. It does not seem to us that the case is so serious. We have only to cut a way for our lord's passage.

Benkei. A moment! It is true, as you say, that we might easily force this one barrier. But we have to consider our lord's subsequent movements. Every effort must be made, in my opinion, to avoid disturbance.

Yoshitsune. I trust the matter to your management, Benkei.

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1. See Appendix, note 9.
2. See Appendix, note 10.
3. See Appendix, note 11.
4. See Appendix, note 12.

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