Benkei. I accept the trust, my lord. An idea occurs to me. We others have all the semblance of poor pilgrims, but unless you are further disguised, we cannot hope to escape notice. With your pardon I would suggest that you doff your pilgrim's robe, take that baggage-bearer's pack on your back, pull your hat far over your face, and follow us at a little distance, simulating extreme weariness. You will scarcely be recognised if you take these precautions.
Yoshitsune. It is wisely said. Remove this robe then.
Benkei. At your service, my lord. Here, baggage-bearer!
Baggage-bearer. At your service. Sir.
Benkei. Bring your pack here.
Baggage-bearer. It is here, Sir.
Benkei. A sacrilege, in truth, that your pack should be placed on my lord's shoulders. Now go forward, and see how things fare at the barrier. Bring a true report whether they are really subjecting pilgrims to close scrutiny.
Baggage-bearer. I obey.
Benkei. My lord, we may now go forward. Aye! It is well said that the purple flower, wherever it be planted, cannot be hidden.
| Chorus. | Surely his robe changed For coarsest of raiment, His lordly gait altered To lowly churl's slouching, No heed will be paid to This humble-miened toiler. |
Benkei. Aye, and the baggage-pack—
Yoshitsune. Yoshitsune has shouldered.
| Chorus. | Shelter to give to The borne not the bearer, A common churl's rain-cape! |
40
