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REFINEMENTS AND PASTIMES

Scene.—The barrier guard-house at Ataka.

Togashi (Iyenawo, whose title is Togashi-no-suke). I am Togashi. Yoritomo and Yoshitsune, having become foes, and Yoritomo having learned that Lord Hangwan (Yoshitsune, commonly called Hangwan) and his eleven followers, adopting the guise of pilgrim-priests, are making their way to Mutsu, has caused barriers to be set up in all the provinces, and has ordered that all pilgrim-priests shall be rigorously examined. I am thus charged with the duty of arresting the passage of pilgrims at this place, and I have to give strict injunctions in that sense. Ho there!

Man-at-arms. At your service, Sir.

Togashi. If any pilgrim-priests seek to pass to-day, report to me.

Man-at-arms. It shall be done. Sir.

(Enter a party of pilgrim-priests.)

Chorus.
From traveller's vestment
Pendent bells ring notes
Of pilgrim's foot-falls;
And from road-stained sleeves
Pendent dew-drops presage
Tears of last meetings.

Chorus.
Hankai[1] with tattered shield
Of stole and surplice,
From Miyako wends
His many-mornèd way,
To northern limits.
Oh weary distance!
Even thought grows tired.

  1. ↑ See Appendix, note 6.

37

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