Benkei. I have heard, Sir. But your instructions are to stop pretended pilgrims. You surely do not mean that you will stop genuine pilgrims?
Man-at-arms. In sooth! Seeing that already three pilgrims were put to the sword here yesterday.
Benkei. Say you so! And were those slaughtered pilgrims Yoshitsune and his followers?
Togashi. Poh! arguments! I will have no controversy. Not one shall pass. I have said it.
Benkei. It is then your purpose to slay us also here?
Togashi. Undoubtedly.
Benkei. Incredible! We have come indeed to an ill-fated place! There is no help. We must then perform our last rites and submit quietly to our fate. Approach all and prepare. I begin our last rite.
Benkei. Servant of the great anchorite Yen is the friar-pilgrim.
Pilgrims. Fashioned after the sacred shape of the divine Fudo.
Benkei. His coif is the crown of the five talents.
Pilgrims. Its plaits are the twelve lusts of the flesh.
Benkei. His bells the nine rites that make perfection.
Pilgrims. His hose the emblem of dark chaos.
Benkei. His eight-looped sandals.
Pilgrims. The eight-petalled lotus-flower under his feet.
Benkei. Each breath he breathes forms the quintessential sounds.[1]
Pilgrims. The body of the Buddha, the pilgrim-friar's!
Benkei. Here to be struck down and laid low.
Pilgrims. How shall the divine Fudo be appeased?
Benkei. Kumano Gongen will mete out punishment,
- ↑ See Appendix, note 14.
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