--I won't tolerate any
devotion
that cannot be performed at home.
Epiphanius Wilson - Japanese Literature
--What may it be?
KAUZHIYU. --'Tis, father, that the words thou hast just spoken have
found a lodgment in mine ears. Thy charge, truly, is Mitsunaka; but
Mitsunaka's son is mine. This, if any, is a great occasion, and my
years point to me as of right the chief actor in it. Be quick! be
quick! strike off my head, and show it to Mitsunaka[165] as the head
of my lord Bijiyau!
NAKAMITSU. --Thou'st spoken truly, Nakamitsu cries,
And the long sword from out his scabbard flies,
What time he strides behind his boy.
BIJIYAU. --But no!
The youthful lord on such stupendous woe
May never gaze unmov'd; with bitter wail
The father's sleeve he clasps. Nought may 't avail,
He weeping cries, e'en should the deed be done,
For I will slay myself if falls thy son.
KAUZHIYU. --But 'tis the rule--a rule of good renown--
That for his lord a warrior must lay down
His lesser life.
BIJIYAU. -- But e'en if lesser, yet
He, too, is human; neither shouldst forget
What shame will e'er be mine if I survive
NAKAMITSU. --Alas! alas! and 'tis for death they strive!
KAUZHIYU. --Me deign to hear.
BIJIYAU. --No! mine the truer word!
NAKAMITSU. --Ah! this my child!
KAUZHIYU. --And there behold thy lord!
NAKAMITSU. --Betwixt the two see Nakamitsu stand:--
CHORUS. --His own brave life, an' 'twere his lord's command,
Were freely giv'n; but now, in sore dismay,
E'en his fierce courage fades and droops away.
BIJIYAU. --Why heed a life my sire himself holds cheap?
Nought may thy pity do but sink more deep
My soul in wretchedness.
KAUZHIYU. --Mistake me not!
Think not 'tis pity moves me; but a blot
The martial honor of our house will stain,
If, when I might have bled, my lord be slain.
CHORUS. --On either side 'tis infancy that pleads.
NAKAMITSU. --And yet how well they've learnt where duty leads!
CHORUS. --Dear is thy lord!
NAKAMITSU. --And mine own child how dear!
CHORUS. --But Nakamitsu knows full well that ne'er,
To save the child his craven heart ador'd,
Warrior yet dar'd lay hands upon his lord.
He to the left, the trembling father cries,
Was sure my boy, nor lifts his tear-stain'd eyes:--
A flash, a moment, the fell sabre gleams,
And sends his infant to the land of dreams. [166]
NAKAMITSU. --Oh, horror unutterable! to think that I should have slain
mine own innocent child! But I must go and inform my lord. [_He goes
to Mitsunaka's apartment. _ How shall I dare to address my lord? I
have slain my lord Bijiyau according to your commands.
MITSUNAKA. --So thou hast killed the fellow? I trow his last moments
were those of a coward. Is it not true?
NAKAMITSU. --Not so, my lord. As I stood there aghast, holding in my
hand the sword your lordship gave me, your son called out, "Why doth
Nakamitsu thus delay? " and those were the last words he was pleased to
utter.
MITSUNAKA. --As thou well knowest, Bijiyau was mine only child. Go and
call thy son Kauzhiyu, and I will adopt him as mine heir.
NAKAMITSU. --Kauzhiyu, my lord, in despair at being separated from
young my lord, hath cut off his locks,[167] and vanished none knows
whither.
I, too, thy gracious license would obtain.
Hence to depart, and in some holy fane
To join the priesthood.
MITSUNAKA. --Harsh was my decree,
Yet can I think what thy heart's grief must be
That as its own my recreant child receiv'd,
And now of both its children is bereav'd.
But 'tis a rule of universal sway
That a retainer ever must obey.
CHORUS. --Thus would my lord, with many a suasion fond,
Have rais'd poor Nakamitsu from despond.
Nor eke himself, with heart all stony hard,
Might, as a father, ev'ry pang discard:--
Behold him now, oh! lamentable sight!
O'er his own son perform the fun'ral rite.
PART II
Scene I. --Mitsunaka's Palace
_Some time is supposed to have elapsed, and Weshin, abbot of the
monastery on Mount Hiyei, comes down from that retreat to Mitsunaka's
palace in the capital, bringing with him Bijiyau, who had been
persuaded by Nakamitsu to take refuge with the holy man. _
WESHIN. --I am the priest Weshin, and am hastening on my way to my lord
Mitsunaka's palace, whither certain motives guide me. [_They arrive at
the gate and he cries out_:] I would fain crave admittance.
NAKAMITSU. --Who is it that asks to be admitted? Ah! 'tis his
reverence, Weshin.
WESHIN. --Alas, for poor Kauzhiyu!
Nakamitsu. --Yes; but prithee speak not of this before his lordship.
[_He goes to Mitsunaka's apartment. _] How shall I venture to address
my lord? His reverence, Weshin, hath arrived from Mount Hiyei.
MITSUNAKA. --Call him hither.
Nakamitsu. --Your commands shall be obeyed. [_He goes to the room where
Weshin is waiting, and says_:] Be pleased to pass this way.
[_They enter Mitsunaka's apartment. _
MITSUNAKA. --What may it be that has brought your reverence here
to-day?
WESHIN. --'Tis this, and this only. I come desiring to speak to your
lordship anent my lord Bijiyau.
MITSUNAKA. --Respecting him I gave orders to Nakamitsu, which orders
have been carried out.
WESHIN. --Ah! my lord, 'tis that, 'tis that I would discourse of. Be
not agitated, but graciously deign to give me thine attention while I
speak. Thou didst indeed command that my lord Bijiyau's head should
be struck off. But never might Nakamitsu prevail upon himself to lay
hands on one to whom, as his lord, he knew himself bound in reverence
through all the changing scenes of the Three Worlds. [168] Wherefore he
slew his own son, Kauzhiyu, to save my lord Bijiyau's life. And now
here I come bringing Bijiyau with me, and would humbly supplicate thee
to forgive one who was so loved that a man hath given his own son in
exchange for him. [169]
MITSUNAKA. --Then he was a coward, as I thought! Wherefore, if Kauzhiyu
was sacrificed, did he, too, not slay himself?
WESHIN. --My lord, put all other thoughts aside, and if it be only as
an act of piety towards Kauzhiyu's soul--curse not thy son!
CHORUS. --As thus the good man speaks,
Tears of entreaty pour adown his cheeks.
The father hears, and e'en his ruthless breast,
Soft'ning at last, admits the fond request,
While Nakamitsu, crowning their delight,
The flow'ry wine brings forth, and cups that might
Have served the fays: but who would choose to set
Their fav'rite's bliss that, home returning, wet
His grandson's grandson's still remoter line,
Beside the joy that doth itself entwine
Round the fond hearts of father and of son,
Parted and now in the same life made one?
WESHIN. --Prithee, Nakamitsu, wilt thou not dance and sing to us
awhile, in honor of this halcyon hour?
[_During the following song Nakamitsu dances. _
NAKAMITSU. --Water-bird, left all alone
Now thy little mate hath flown,
On the billows to and fro
Flutter, flutter, full of woe!
CHORUS. --Full of woe, so full of woe,
Flutter, flutter, full of woe!
NAKAMITSU. --Ah! if my darling were but here to-day
I'd make the two together dance and play
While I beat time, and, gazing on my boy,
Instead of tears of grief, shed tears of joy!
CHORUS. --Behold him weep!
NAKAMITSU. --But the gay throng perceive
Nought but the rhythmic waving of my sleeve.
CHORUS. --Hither and thither, flutt'ring in the wind.
NAKAMITSU. --Above, beneath, with many a dewdrop lin'd!
CHORUS. --Ah, dewy tears! in this our world of woe
If any stay, the friends he loves must go:--
Thus 'tis ordain'd, and he that smiles to-day
To-morrow owns blank desolation's sway.
But now 'tis time to part, the good priest cries--
Him his disciple follows, and they rise;
While Nakamitsu walking in their train,
The palanquin escorts; for he would fain
Last counsel give: "Beware, young lord, beware!
Nor cease from toilsome study; for if e'er
Thy sire again be anger'd, all is lost! "
Then takes his leave, low bending to the dust.
Forward they're borne; but Nakamitsu stays,
Watching and weeping with heart-broken gaze,
And, mutely weeping, thinks how ne'er again
He'll see his child borne homeward o'er the plain.
ABSTRACTION
[_The Japanese title is "Za-zen". _]
DRAMATIS PERSONAE
A HUSBAND.
HIS WIFE.
TARAUKUWAZHIYA, their servant.
ABSTRACTION
Scene I. --A Room in a Private House in Kiyauto
HUSBAND. --I am a resident in the suburbs of the metropolis. On the
occasion of a recent journey down[170] East, I was served (at a
tea-house) in the post-town of Nogami, in the province of Mino, by a
girl called Hana, who, having since then heard of my return to the
capital, has followed me up here, and settled down at Kita-Shira-kaha,
where she expects me this evening according to a promise made by
letter. But my vixen of a wife has got scent of the affair and thus
made it difficult for me to go. So what I mean to do is to call her,
and tell her some pretty fable that may set me free. Halloo! halloo!
are you there, pray? are you there?
WIFE. --So it seems you are pleased to call me. What may it be that
makes you thus call me?
HUSBAND. --Well, please to come in.
WIFE. --Your commands are obeyed.
HUSBAND. --My reason for calling you is just simply this: I want to
tell you how much my spirits have been affected by continual dreams
that I have had. That is why I have called you.
WIFE. --You are talking rubbish. Dreams proceed from organic
disturbance, and do not come true; so pray don't trouble your head
about them.
HUSBAND. --What you say is quite correct. Dreams, proceeding as they do
from organic disturbance, do not come true nine times out of ten.
Still, mine have affected my spirits to such an extent, that I think
of making some pilgrimage or other to offer up prayers both on your
behalf and on my own.
WIFE. --Then where shall you go?
HUSBAND. --I mean (to say nothing of those in the metropolis and in the
suburbs) to worship at every Shintau shrine and every Buddhist temple
throughout the land.
WIFE. --No, no! I won't allow you to go out of the house for a single
hour. If you are so completely bent upon it, choose some devotion that
can be performed at home.
HUSBAND. --Some devotion to be performed at home? What devotion could
it be?
WIFE. --Burning incense on your arm or on your head. [171]
HUSBAND. --How thoughtlessly you do talk! What! is a devotion like that
to suit _me_--a layman if ever there was one?
WIFE.
--I won't tolerate any devotion that cannot be performed at home.
HUSBAND. --Well, I never! You _are_ one for talking at random. Hang it!
what devotion shall it be? [_He reflects a few moments. _] Ah! I have
it! I will perform the devotion of abstraction.
WIFE. --Abstraction? What is that?
HUSBAND. --Your want of familiarity with the term is but natural. It is a
devotion that was practised in days of old by Saint Daruma[172]--(blessings
on him! ) you put your head under what is called the "abstraction blanket,"
and obtain salvation by forgetting all things past and to come--a most
difficult form of devotion.
WIFE. --About how long does it take?
HUSBAND. --Well, I should say about a week or two.
WIFE. --That won't do, either, if it is to last so many days.
HUSBAND. --Then for how long would my darling consent to it without
complaining?
WIFE. --About one hour is what I should suggest; but, however, if you
can do it in a day, you are welcome to try.
HUSBAND. --Never, never! This important devotion is not a thing to be
so easily performed within the limits of a single day. Please, won't
you grant me leave for at least a day and a night?
WIFE. --A day and a night?
HUSBAND. --Yes.
WIFE. --I don't much relish the idea; but if you are so completely bent
upon it, take a day and a night for your devotion.
HUSBAND. --Really and truly?
WIFE. --Really and truly.
HUSBAND. --Oh! that is indeed too delightful! But I have something to
tell you: know then, that if a woman so much as peep through a chink,
to say nothing of her coming into the actual room where the devotee is
sitting, the spell of the devotion is instantly broken. So be sure not
to come to where I am.
WIFE. --All right. I will not come to you. So perform away.
HUSBAND. --Well, then, we will meet again after it shall have been
happily accomplished.
WIFE. --I shall have the pleasure of seeing you when it is over.
HUSBAND AND WIFE. --Good-by! good-by! [_She moves away. _
HUSBAND. --I say!
WIFE. --What is it?
HUSBAND. --As I mentioned before, mind you don't come to me. We have
the Buddhist's warning words: "When there is a row in the kitchen, to
be rapt in abstraction is an impossibility. "[173] So whatever you do,
do not come to me.
WIFE. --Please feel no uneasiness. I shall not think of intruding.
HUSBAND. --Well, then, we shall meet again when the devotion is over.
WIFE. --When it is done, I shall have the pleasure of seeing you.
HUSBAND AND WIFE. --Good-by! Good-by!
HUSBAND [_laughing_]. --What fools women are, to be sure! To think of
the delight of her taking it all for truth, when I tell her that I am
going to perform the religious devotion of abstraction for one whole
day and night! Taraukuwazhiya, are you there? halloo?
SERVANT. --Yes, sir!
HUSBAND. --Are you there?
SERVANT. --At your service.
HUSBAND. --Oh! you have been quick in coming.
SERVANT. --You seem, master, to be in good spirits.
HUSBAND. --For my good spirits there is a good reason. I have made, as
you know, an engagement to go and visit Hana this evening. But as my
old woman has got scent of the affair, thus making it difficult for me
to go, I have told her that I mean to perform the religious devotion
of abstraction for a whole day and night--a very good denial, is it
not? for carrying out my plan of going to see Hana!
SERVANT. --A very good device indeed, sir.
HUSBAND. --But in connection with it, I want to ask you to do me a good
turn. Will you?
SERVANT. --Pray, what may it be?
HUSBAND. --Why, just simply this: it is that I have told my old woman
not to intrude on my devotions; but, being the vixen that she is, who
knows but what she may not peep and look in? in which case she would
make a fine noise if there were no semblance of a religious practice
to be seen; and so, though it is giving you a great deal of trouble, I
wish you would oblige me by taking my place until my return.
SERVANT. --Oh! it would be no trouble; but I shall get such a scolding
if found out, that I would rather ask you to excuse me.
HUSBAND. --What nonsense you talk! Do oblige me by taking my place; for
I will not allow her to scold you.
SERVANT. --Oh sir! that is all very well; but pray excuse me for this
time.
HUSBAND. --No, no! you must please do this for me; for I will not so
much as let her point a finger at you.
SERVANT. --Please, please let me off!
HUSBAND. --Gracious goodness! The fellow heeds what my wife says, and
won't heed what I say myself! Do you mean that you have made up your
mind to brave me?
[_Threatening to beat him. _
SERVANT. --Oh! I will obey.
HUSBAND. --No, no! you mean to brave me!
SERVANT. --Oh no, sir! surely I have no choice but to obey.
HUSBAND. --Really and truly?
SERVANT. --Yes, really and truly.
HUSBAND. --My anger was only a feint. Well, then, take my place,
please.
SERVANT. --Yes, to be sure; if it is your desire, I will do so.
HUSBAND. --That is really too delightful. Just stop quiet while I set
things to rights for you to sit in abstraction.
SERVANT. --Your commands are laid to heart.
HUSBAND. --Sit down here.
SERVANT. --Oh! what an unexpected honor!
HUSBAND. --Now, then; I fear it will be uncomfortable, but oblige me by
putting your head under this "abstraction blanket. "
SERVANT. --Your commands are laid to heart.
HUSBAND. --Well, it is scarcely necessary to say so; but even if my old
woman should tell you to take off the abstraction blanket, be sure not
to do so until my return.
SERVANT. --Of course not. I should not think of taking it off. Pray
don't be alarmed.
HUSBAND. --I will be back soon.
SERVANT. --Please be good enough to return quickly.
HUSBAND. --Ah! that is well over! No doubt Hana is waiting impatiently
for me. I will make haste and go.
WIFE. --I am mistress of this house. I perfectly understood my partner
the first time he asked me not to come to him on account of the
religious devotion which he was going to perform. But there is
something suspicious in his insisting on it a second time with a
"Don't come to look at me! don't come to look at me! " So I will just
peep through some hidden corner, and see what the thing looks like.
[_Peeping. _] What's this? Why, it seems much more uncomfortable than I
had supposed! [_Coming in and drawing near. _] Please, please; you told
me not to come to you, and therefore I had intended not to do so; but
I felt anxious, and so I have come. Won't you lift off that
"abstraction blanket," and take something, if only a cup of tea, to
unbend your mind a little? [_The figure under the blanket shakes its
head. _] You are quite right. The thought of my being so disobedient
and coming to you after the care you took to tell me not to intrude
may justly rouse your anger; but please forgive my rudeness, and do
please take that blanket off and repose yourself, do! [_The figure
shakes its head again. _] You may say no again and again, but I _will_
have it off. You _must_ take it off. Do you hear? [_She pulls it off,
and Taraukuwazhiya stands exposed. _] What! you, you rascal? Where has
my old man gone? Won't you speak? Won't you speak?
SERVANT. --Oh! I know nothing.
KAUZHIYU. --'Tis, father, that the words thou hast just spoken have
found a lodgment in mine ears. Thy charge, truly, is Mitsunaka; but
Mitsunaka's son is mine. This, if any, is a great occasion, and my
years point to me as of right the chief actor in it. Be quick! be
quick! strike off my head, and show it to Mitsunaka[165] as the head
of my lord Bijiyau!
NAKAMITSU. --Thou'st spoken truly, Nakamitsu cries,
And the long sword from out his scabbard flies,
What time he strides behind his boy.
BIJIYAU. --But no!
The youthful lord on such stupendous woe
May never gaze unmov'd; with bitter wail
The father's sleeve he clasps. Nought may 't avail,
He weeping cries, e'en should the deed be done,
For I will slay myself if falls thy son.
KAUZHIYU. --But 'tis the rule--a rule of good renown--
That for his lord a warrior must lay down
His lesser life.
BIJIYAU. -- But e'en if lesser, yet
He, too, is human; neither shouldst forget
What shame will e'er be mine if I survive
NAKAMITSU. --Alas! alas! and 'tis for death they strive!
KAUZHIYU. --Me deign to hear.
BIJIYAU. --No! mine the truer word!
NAKAMITSU. --Ah! this my child!
KAUZHIYU. --And there behold thy lord!
NAKAMITSU. --Betwixt the two see Nakamitsu stand:--
CHORUS. --His own brave life, an' 'twere his lord's command,
Were freely giv'n; but now, in sore dismay,
E'en his fierce courage fades and droops away.
BIJIYAU. --Why heed a life my sire himself holds cheap?
Nought may thy pity do but sink more deep
My soul in wretchedness.
KAUZHIYU. --Mistake me not!
Think not 'tis pity moves me; but a blot
The martial honor of our house will stain,
If, when I might have bled, my lord be slain.
CHORUS. --On either side 'tis infancy that pleads.
NAKAMITSU. --And yet how well they've learnt where duty leads!
CHORUS. --Dear is thy lord!
NAKAMITSU. --And mine own child how dear!
CHORUS. --But Nakamitsu knows full well that ne'er,
To save the child his craven heart ador'd,
Warrior yet dar'd lay hands upon his lord.
He to the left, the trembling father cries,
Was sure my boy, nor lifts his tear-stain'd eyes:--
A flash, a moment, the fell sabre gleams,
And sends his infant to the land of dreams. [166]
NAKAMITSU. --Oh, horror unutterable! to think that I should have slain
mine own innocent child! But I must go and inform my lord. [_He goes
to Mitsunaka's apartment. _ How shall I dare to address my lord? I
have slain my lord Bijiyau according to your commands.
MITSUNAKA. --So thou hast killed the fellow? I trow his last moments
were those of a coward. Is it not true?
NAKAMITSU. --Not so, my lord. As I stood there aghast, holding in my
hand the sword your lordship gave me, your son called out, "Why doth
Nakamitsu thus delay? " and those were the last words he was pleased to
utter.
MITSUNAKA. --As thou well knowest, Bijiyau was mine only child. Go and
call thy son Kauzhiyu, and I will adopt him as mine heir.
NAKAMITSU. --Kauzhiyu, my lord, in despair at being separated from
young my lord, hath cut off his locks,[167] and vanished none knows
whither.
I, too, thy gracious license would obtain.
Hence to depart, and in some holy fane
To join the priesthood.
MITSUNAKA. --Harsh was my decree,
Yet can I think what thy heart's grief must be
That as its own my recreant child receiv'd,
And now of both its children is bereav'd.
But 'tis a rule of universal sway
That a retainer ever must obey.
CHORUS. --Thus would my lord, with many a suasion fond,
Have rais'd poor Nakamitsu from despond.
Nor eke himself, with heart all stony hard,
Might, as a father, ev'ry pang discard:--
Behold him now, oh! lamentable sight!
O'er his own son perform the fun'ral rite.
PART II
Scene I. --Mitsunaka's Palace
_Some time is supposed to have elapsed, and Weshin, abbot of the
monastery on Mount Hiyei, comes down from that retreat to Mitsunaka's
palace in the capital, bringing with him Bijiyau, who had been
persuaded by Nakamitsu to take refuge with the holy man. _
WESHIN. --I am the priest Weshin, and am hastening on my way to my lord
Mitsunaka's palace, whither certain motives guide me. [_They arrive at
the gate and he cries out_:] I would fain crave admittance.
NAKAMITSU. --Who is it that asks to be admitted? Ah! 'tis his
reverence, Weshin.
WESHIN. --Alas, for poor Kauzhiyu!
Nakamitsu. --Yes; but prithee speak not of this before his lordship.
[_He goes to Mitsunaka's apartment. _] How shall I venture to address
my lord? His reverence, Weshin, hath arrived from Mount Hiyei.
MITSUNAKA. --Call him hither.
Nakamitsu. --Your commands shall be obeyed. [_He goes to the room where
Weshin is waiting, and says_:] Be pleased to pass this way.
[_They enter Mitsunaka's apartment. _
MITSUNAKA. --What may it be that has brought your reverence here
to-day?
WESHIN. --'Tis this, and this only. I come desiring to speak to your
lordship anent my lord Bijiyau.
MITSUNAKA. --Respecting him I gave orders to Nakamitsu, which orders
have been carried out.
WESHIN. --Ah! my lord, 'tis that, 'tis that I would discourse of. Be
not agitated, but graciously deign to give me thine attention while I
speak. Thou didst indeed command that my lord Bijiyau's head should
be struck off. But never might Nakamitsu prevail upon himself to lay
hands on one to whom, as his lord, he knew himself bound in reverence
through all the changing scenes of the Three Worlds. [168] Wherefore he
slew his own son, Kauzhiyu, to save my lord Bijiyau's life. And now
here I come bringing Bijiyau with me, and would humbly supplicate thee
to forgive one who was so loved that a man hath given his own son in
exchange for him. [169]
MITSUNAKA. --Then he was a coward, as I thought! Wherefore, if Kauzhiyu
was sacrificed, did he, too, not slay himself?
WESHIN. --My lord, put all other thoughts aside, and if it be only as
an act of piety towards Kauzhiyu's soul--curse not thy son!
CHORUS. --As thus the good man speaks,
Tears of entreaty pour adown his cheeks.
The father hears, and e'en his ruthless breast,
Soft'ning at last, admits the fond request,
While Nakamitsu, crowning their delight,
The flow'ry wine brings forth, and cups that might
Have served the fays: but who would choose to set
Their fav'rite's bliss that, home returning, wet
His grandson's grandson's still remoter line,
Beside the joy that doth itself entwine
Round the fond hearts of father and of son,
Parted and now in the same life made one?
WESHIN. --Prithee, Nakamitsu, wilt thou not dance and sing to us
awhile, in honor of this halcyon hour?
[_During the following song Nakamitsu dances. _
NAKAMITSU. --Water-bird, left all alone
Now thy little mate hath flown,
On the billows to and fro
Flutter, flutter, full of woe!
CHORUS. --Full of woe, so full of woe,
Flutter, flutter, full of woe!
NAKAMITSU. --Ah! if my darling were but here to-day
I'd make the two together dance and play
While I beat time, and, gazing on my boy,
Instead of tears of grief, shed tears of joy!
CHORUS. --Behold him weep!
NAKAMITSU. --But the gay throng perceive
Nought but the rhythmic waving of my sleeve.
CHORUS. --Hither and thither, flutt'ring in the wind.
NAKAMITSU. --Above, beneath, with many a dewdrop lin'd!
CHORUS. --Ah, dewy tears! in this our world of woe
If any stay, the friends he loves must go:--
Thus 'tis ordain'd, and he that smiles to-day
To-morrow owns blank desolation's sway.
But now 'tis time to part, the good priest cries--
Him his disciple follows, and they rise;
While Nakamitsu walking in their train,
The palanquin escorts; for he would fain
Last counsel give: "Beware, young lord, beware!
Nor cease from toilsome study; for if e'er
Thy sire again be anger'd, all is lost! "
Then takes his leave, low bending to the dust.
Forward they're borne; but Nakamitsu stays,
Watching and weeping with heart-broken gaze,
And, mutely weeping, thinks how ne'er again
He'll see his child borne homeward o'er the plain.
ABSTRACTION
[_The Japanese title is "Za-zen". _]
DRAMATIS PERSONAE
A HUSBAND.
HIS WIFE.
TARAUKUWAZHIYA, their servant.
ABSTRACTION
Scene I. --A Room in a Private House in Kiyauto
HUSBAND. --I am a resident in the suburbs of the metropolis. On the
occasion of a recent journey down[170] East, I was served (at a
tea-house) in the post-town of Nogami, in the province of Mino, by a
girl called Hana, who, having since then heard of my return to the
capital, has followed me up here, and settled down at Kita-Shira-kaha,
where she expects me this evening according to a promise made by
letter. But my vixen of a wife has got scent of the affair and thus
made it difficult for me to go. So what I mean to do is to call her,
and tell her some pretty fable that may set me free. Halloo! halloo!
are you there, pray? are you there?
WIFE. --So it seems you are pleased to call me. What may it be that
makes you thus call me?
HUSBAND. --Well, please to come in.
WIFE. --Your commands are obeyed.
HUSBAND. --My reason for calling you is just simply this: I want to
tell you how much my spirits have been affected by continual dreams
that I have had. That is why I have called you.
WIFE. --You are talking rubbish. Dreams proceed from organic
disturbance, and do not come true; so pray don't trouble your head
about them.
HUSBAND. --What you say is quite correct. Dreams, proceeding as they do
from organic disturbance, do not come true nine times out of ten.
Still, mine have affected my spirits to such an extent, that I think
of making some pilgrimage or other to offer up prayers both on your
behalf and on my own.
WIFE. --Then where shall you go?
HUSBAND. --I mean (to say nothing of those in the metropolis and in the
suburbs) to worship at every Shintau shrine and every Buddhist temple
throughout the land.
WIFE. --No, no! I won't allow you to go out of the house for a single
hour. If you are so completely bent upon it, choose some devotion that
can be performed at home.
HUSBAND. --Some devotion to be performed at home? What devotion could
it be?
WIFE. --Burning incense on your arm or on your head. [171]
HUSBAND. --How thoughtlessly you do talk! What! is a devotion like that
to suit _me_--a layman if ever there was one?
WIFE.
--I won't tolerate any devotion that cannot be performed at home.
HUSBAND. --Well, I never! You _are_ one for talking at random. Hang it!
what devotion shall it be? [_He reflects a few moments. _] Ah! I have
it! I will perform the devotion of abstraction.
WIFE. --Abstraction? What is that?
HUSBAND. --Your want of familiarity with the term is but natural. It is a
devotion that was practised in days of old by Saint Daruma[172]--(blessings
on him! ) you put your head under what is called the "abstraction blanket,"
and obtain salvation by forgetting all things past and to come--a most
difficult form of devotion.
WIFE. --About how long does it take?
HUSBAND. --Well, I should say about a week or two.
WIFE. --That won't do, either, if it is to last so many days.
HUSBAND. --Then for how long would my darling consent to it without
complaining?
WIFE. --About one hour is what I should suggest; but, however, if you
can do it in a day, you are welcome to try.
HUSBAND. --Never, never! This important devotion is not a thing to be
so easily performed within the limits of a single day. Please, won't
you grant me leave for at least a day and a night?
WIFE. --A day and a night?
HUSBAND. --Yes.
WIFE. --I don't much relish the idea; but if you are so completely bent
upon it, take a day and a night for your devotion.
HUSBAND. --Really and truly?
WIFE. --Really and truly.
HUSBAND. --Oh! that is indeed too delightful! But I have something to
tell you: know then, that if a woman so much as peep through a chink,
to say nothing of her coming into the actual room where the devotee is
sitting, the spell of the devotion is instantly broken. So be sure not
to come to where I am.
WIFE. --All right. I will not come to you. So perform away.
HUSBAND. --Well, then, we will meet again after it shall have been
happily accomplished.
WIFE. --I shall have the pleasure of seeing you when it is over.
HUSBAND AND WIFE. --Good-by! good-by! [_She moves away. _
HUSBAND. --I say!
WIFE. --What is it?
HUSBAND. --As I mentioned before, mind you don't come to me. We have
the Buddhist's warning words: "When there is a row in the kitchen, to
be rapt in abstraction is an impossibility. "[173] So whatever you do,
do not come to me.
WIFE. --Please feel no uneasiness. I shall not think of intruding.
HUSBAND. --Well, then, we shall meet again when the devotion is over.
WIFE. --When it is done, I shall have the pleasure of seeing you.
HUSBAND AND WIFE. --Good-by! Good-by!
HUSBAND [_laughing_]. --What fools women are, to be sure! To think of
the delight of her taking it all for truth, when I tell her that I am
going to perform the religious devotion of abstraction for one whole
day and night! Taraukuwazhiya, are you there? halloo?
SERVANT. --Yes, sir!
HUSBAND. --Are you there?
SERVANT. --At your service.
HUSBAND. --Oh! you have been quick in coming.
SERVANT. --You seem, master, to be in good spirits.
HUSBAND. --For my good spirits there is a good reason. I have made, as
you know, an engagement to go and visit Hana this evening. But as my
old woman has got scent of the affair, thus making it difficult for me
to go, I have told her that I mean to perform the religious devotion
of abstraction for a whole day and night--a very good denial, is it
not? for carrying out my plan of going to see Hana!
SERVANT. --A very good device indeed, sir.
HUSBAND. --But in connection with it, I want to ask you to do me a good
turn. Will you?
SERVANT. --Pray, what may it be?
HUSBAND. --Why, just simply this: it is that I have told my old woman
not to intrude on my devotions; but, being the vixen that she is, who
knows but what she may not peep and look in? in which case she would
make a fine noise if there were no semblance of a religious practice
to be seen; and so, though it is giving you a great deal of trouble, I
wish you would oblige me by taking my place until my return.
SERVANT. --Oh! it would be no trouble; but I shall get such a scolding
if found out, that I would rather ask you to excuse me.
HUSBAND. --What nonsense you talk! Do oblige me by taking my place; for
I will not allow her to scold you.
SERVANT. --Oh sir! that is all very well; but pray excuse me for this
time.
HUSBAND. --No, no! you must please do this for me; for I will not so
much as let her point a finger at you.
SERVANT. --Please, please let me off!
HUSBAND. --Gracious goodness! The fellow heeds what my wife says, and
won't heed what I say myself! Do you mean that you have made up your
mind to brave me?
[_Threatening to beat him. _
SERVANT. --Oh! I will obey.
HUSBAND. --No, no! you mean to brave me!
SERVANT. --Oh no, sir! surely I have no choice but to obey.
HUSBAND. --Really and truly?
SERVANT. --Yes, really and truly.
HUSBAND. --My anger was only a feint. Well, then, take my place,
please.
SERVANT. --Yes, to be sure; if it is your desire, I will do so.
HUSBAND. --That is really too delightful. Just stop quiet while I set
things to rights for you to sit in abstraction.
SERVANT. --Your commands are laid to heart.
HUSBAND. --Sit down here.
SERVANT. --Oh! what an unexpected honor!
HUSBAND. --Now, then; I fear it will be uncomfortable, but oblige me by
putting your head under this "abstraction blanket. "
SERVANT. --Your commands are laid to heart.
HUSBAND. --Well, it is scarcely necessary to say so; but even if my old
woman should tell you to take off the abstraction blanket, be sure not
to do so until my return.
SERVANT. --Of course not. I should not think of taking it off. Pray
don't be alarmed.
HUSBAND. --I will be back soon.
SERVANT. --Please be good enough to return quickly.
HUSBAND. --Ah! that is well over! No doubt Hana is waiting impatiently
for me. I will make haste and go.
WIFE. --I am mistress of this house. I perfectly understood my partner
the first time he asked me not to come to him on account of the
religious devotion which he was going to perform. But there is
something suspicious in his insisting on it a second time with a
"Don't come to look at me! don't come to look at me! " So I will just
peep through some hidden corner, and see what the thing looks like.
[_Peeping. _] What's this? Why, it seems much more uncomfortable than I
had supposed! [_Coming in and drawing near. _] Please, please; you told
me not to come to you, and therefore I had intended not to do so; but
I felt anxious, and so I have come. Won't you lift off that
"abstraction blanket," and take something, if only a cup of tea, to
unbend your mind a little? [_The figure under the blanket shakes its
head. _] You are quite right. The thought of my being so disobedient
and coming to you after the care you took to tell me not to intrude
may justly rouse your anger; but please forgive my rudeness, and do
please take that blanket off and repose yourself, do! [_The figure
shakes its head again. _] You may say no again and again, but I _will_
have it off. You _must_ take it off. Do you hear? [_She pulls it off,
and Taraukuwazhiya stands exposed. _] What! you, you rascal? Where has
my old man gone? Won't you speak? Won't you speak?
SERVANT. --Oh! I know nothing.
