Part 12 (1/2)

I opened my arms here--like this.--She stepped into them as though she had been there always--and now she has gone.--In one short moment I lived my mother-life.

O-SODE-SAN

It was magic! Come, Obaa-San, we'll make some prayers to burn.

O-KATSU-SAN

Some evil ghost.

OBAA-SAN

No! No! Some kindly spirit from the sky-dome came to me.--I have had one moment of happiness complete.--I dreamed and I have known. Now I shall dream again--a greater dream--a greater dream.

[_The old women go into the house._

THE GAKI

What! I can not feed! My Lady of the Weeping Willow Tree is gone! Obaa-San has built a circle of happiness about her head. Hai! I shall die in this shape.--I must feed.--Perhaps she tries to trick me.--I shall listen.--Why does she not weep?--Why do they not wail?

[_He starts for the house. As he nears it, the voice of Obaa-San is heard crooning the little lullaby_:

See, baby, see The ears of the wolf are long; Sleep, baby, sleep, Your father is brave and strong.

THE GAKI (_defeated, seems beside himself. Suddenly he looks out and sees the mountain-peak_) I'll find them in the bamboo glade. Perhaps I can make unhappiness there. Riki and Aoyagi!

_The Curtains Close._

ACT II

_A Bamboo Glade on the Mountain-side._

[_The Gaki comes in._

THE GAKI

This is the glade on the mountain side--the glade where Aoyagi and Riki think to find their happiness. Here must I feed or I shall die in this shape.--Hai!--They come.

[_Riki and Aoyagi enter._

RIKI

... and so like every other prince who is a real prince, he charged to the top of the hill before his men; and they, following him, fell upon the enemy and victory was theirs.

AOYAGI

And then--?