"SUKEROKU YUKARI-NO EDO-ZAKURA" Kabuki-Play
I ACT.
Wr i t t e n by Tsumur a J i h e i .
T
o be pr es en te d by K i k u g o r o , K i ch i e mon, et c . a t the Tokyo The atr e May 5 - 3 1 , ’ 46.
Satobushi
( Facade o f Mi u r a y a , a b r o t h e l in Y o sh i wa r a . When the c u r t a i n r i s e s , t h e e x p l a i n e r e x p l a i n s t he o r i g i n o f t h i s c l a s s i c a l p l ay and then u rge s the Kato-bushi r e c i t e r s to take to s i n g i n g . )
r e c i t i n g : Sp r i n g has c o me t o the Yosh i n o mounta i ns a
nd the f l o we r s a r e o u t in Mi u r aya house, he re in Yosh iwa ra.
The name o f Hanakawado (Su k e r o ku ' s f a m i l y n a m e ) i s as f r a g r a n t as the blossoms.
(Meanwhile si x c o u r t e s a n s , Yaeg inu, Uk ihashi, Kocho, A
i z e n , Tag as ode and Umegaka come in accompanied by young ma i d s .
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-Agemaki, a c o ur te sa n o f the h i g h e s t c l a s s , comes in through the pa ssage a tt e n d e d by s i x man f o l l o w e r s , t h r e e w oman f o l l o w e r s and t wo c h i l d a t t e n d a n t s . ) Y ae g in u : Look f o l k s , th er e comes Agemaki l o o k i n g as i f r o l l e d
on a bo a t .
U k i h a s h i : Sure. She must have drunk much.
Kocho: S he was a l r e a d y drunken enough when I met h e r a t Ma t su ya j u s t now.
F u j i z o m e : N o w , A g e m a k i , w h e r e h a v e you. Al l : Drunk so much?
A g e ma k i : We l l , f o l k s , many thanks f o r y our kindness t o have w a it e d f o r m e h e r e . Yes, I have drunk much, f o r when I was w a l k i n g a l o n g the s t r e e t , e v e r y door c a l l e d
f o r me and o f f e r e d me cups a f t e r c u p s . N o one
e v e r has e q u a l l e d me in d r i n k i n g , no ma t t e r how heavy a d r i n k e r . Yes, ye s , I have drunk much, but I am
not i n t o x i c a t e d though I am by no means proud to o w n i t .
Ch i l d a t t e n dant 1: Oh, dangerous, Agema k i .
Agema k i : Thank s f o r yo ur a d v i c e , c h i ld. but, I am not a b i t drun ken.
Man f o l l o w e r 1: Y o u ’ d b e t t e r h u r r y , maam Man f o l l o w e r 2: To the bench t h e r e .
Agema k i : Come on chil dre n. C hi ld r en: We're coming.
C h i l d 1 ( t a k i n g out a d r u g ) : Her e ' s a m e d i c i n e to sober you down.
Agema k i :
Katobush i
I ky u :
Gompei:
Mo r o k u :
Many thanks. (Takes t he drug) Well , as you know, I have drunk so much because e v e r y t h i n g has gone a g a i n s t me in my l o v e with Su k e r o ku.
r e c i t i n g : The cuckoo coos and wa r b l e s . Wi t h such a sad v o i c e . Sad i s our f a t e Of l e a d i n g a l i f e o f s l a v e r y Here in t h i s wo r l d o f shame; Where a f f e c t i o n i s not r e a l Nor l o v e , t r u e .
( Meanwhile Shiratama, a co u r t e s a n , comes i n t o the s t a g e - p a s s a g e a t t e n d e d by t h r e e man f o l l o w e r s and t wo c h i l d a t t e n d a n t s . I k y u , a r i c h o l d samurai, f o l l o w s h e r , accompanied by f o u r man f o l l o w e r s -Gompei, Mor ok u , Kampachi, Fu s h i c h i ---, t h r e e younger men and f o u r women.
T h e r e ’ s a prov erb s a y i n g t h a t a p a i r o f f a i r arms makes a p i l l o w f o r a thousand heads . On the other hand, however, i t i s a l s o a co urtesan t h a t w i l l n e v e r be moved f o r m i g h t , f o r money. Ton ig ht I ’ m sure I ’ l l g e t the mi t t e n a g a i n . I t ’ s r a t h e r a p l e a s u r e f o r me now t h a t I ' m through so many hard e x p e r i e n c e s . N ow f o l k s , s h a l l we commit
double s u i c i d e w ith wine?
Wh a t the boss says stands much r eas on . Love and wine are the s o u r se o f g a l l a n t r i e s .
Here on the s t r e e t Na k a - n o - ma c h i , the fancymen h i d e t h e i r f a c e s in deep h a t s .
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Kampachi: N i g h t i n g a l e s come and v i s i t the f l o wers. Fus hic hi : We , t h r o n g i n g h e r e .
Gompe i : Are the f o l l o w e r s
A l l : Of Ikyu, the " R i ch B e a r d . "
Ikyu: We l l , f o l k s , ther e a r e many c o u r t es a n s s i t t i n g on the bench. Ar e they the d e b u t a n t e s ?
Gompei : Oh, y e s , s i r .
I k y u : Why, I think I s h a l l have a good time w i th them. S hi ra tam a: We l l , Ikyu, y o u ’ re so many minded. T h a t ’ s why
Agemak i h a t e s you.
Ikyu: Oh, I was wrong.
Shiratama: Min d i t , pl e a s e .
Ikyu: L e t ' s go a n d g e t a cq u a in t ed with them, a t l e a s t . (They a l l come i n t o the s t a g e . )
Courtesans: H a l l o , Mr. Ikyu.
Ikyu: You a l l know my name? Many thanks. Y a e g i n u : Now, Agemaki, Mr. Ikyu has come.
Agemaki: Don’ t make such a do about i t . We l l , Mr . Ikyu, I ’ ve been lon g w a i t i n g --- .
Ikyu: Wait i n g f o r Sukeroku, eh? A g e maki: What?
I k yu: I k n o w w e l l t h a t y o u ’ r e v e r y i n t i m a t e w i t h him though y o u ’ r e t r y i n g to c on c e a l i t from me. A gema k i : Bu t, the o t h e r day, when you came t o know our
c o n n e c t i o n , y ou pe rm i t t e d us, a f t e r a lo n g preach, to see each o t h e r .
5 I k y u : Agemaki I k y u : Agemaki: I k y u : Agemaki : Ikyu: Agemaki: Ikyu: Agemaki: I k y u :
And why are you t h w a r t i n g our l o v e a g a i n ?
I d i d p e r mi t you, then. But, I won’ t , now. Wh a t i s Sukeroku? H e’ s a r o b b e r .
( a n g r y ) : Wha t did you s a y ? W
he n e v e r he f i g h t s , he t a k e s the sword o f h i s
opponent. That pr ov e s the f a c t t h a t he i s a r o b b e r . Are you g o i n g to e n j o y you r t i me w i t h him?
I hav e not a l i f e to e n j o y m y s e l f . Bu t , though I d o n ’ t know why, I
---In l o v e w i th Sukeroku? I ’ m a f r a i d I am.
I am o n l y s o r r y f o r you, f o r you w i l l one day
be r o b bed o f a l l your t h i n g s i f y ou go on a s s o c i a t i n g w i t h him.
You may c a l l me mad, f o o l or an y th in g you l i k e . But, to c a l l Sukeroku a r o b b e r , i t ' s a l i t t l e too
much.
I t ’ s not too much. I f you keep company with a
r o b b e r , y ou to o , wi l l come to search f o r the purposes o f o t h e r s and you w i l l become a co upl e o f homeless w a i f s .
I t ’ s v e r y importunate o f you. Suke roku i s f a i t h f u l t o h i s own p r i n c i p l e o f g a l l a n t r y .
" Like a t t r a c t s l i k e you know. I sha l l now take to c a l l i n g you h a r d names. ( P u t t i n g on a i r s . ) W e l l,
M
r . Ikyu, when I c omp a i r you with Su ke r oku, one l o o k s f i n e and one l o o ks i l l - n a t u r e d .
Y o u ’ re as l i k e as ch a lk and chees e . The ocean and the inland sea, they are both se as;
but the dif f e r e n c e i s t h a t one i s deep and the
Ikyu :
o t h e r i s s h a l l o w . A c o ur te sa n w i l l have such a miserable l i f e wi thout a fa n c y - man I s h a l l n e ve r mistake
you f o r Sukeroku e v e n i n the dark, Hu m (t ou c he s h i s swo r d . )
Agemaki: We l l , cut me down i f i t p l e a s e s you. Cu t , or k i l l e d , I sh a l l n e v e r g i v e him up. Do cut me, Mr . I k y u .
I k y u : ( P u t t i n g a w a y h i s sw or d ) : Go away. Agemaki: Whe r e s h a l l I g o ?
Ikyu: To Sukeroku.
Agemaki: Have you no say?
Ikyu: Go away.
(Agemaki stands up and g o e s to t h e passage) Sh i r a t a m a ( c a l l i n g her ba c k ) : Now, Agemaki you
Agemaki:
w i l l d r i v e Sukeroku i n t o t r o u b l e s by g e t t i n g so mad and angry w i t h I kyu. We l l , Agemak i , j u s t come
back.
I have no mi n d to go a g a i n s t the words o f you, my b e s t f r i e n d , though I should be v e r y g l a d to go to my dear Suke roku.
Shiratama: Wi l l you c o m e b a c k th e n ?
Agemaki: C e r t a i n l y I s h a l l . ( G o i n g b a c k t o t h e m a i n s t a g e . ) I say, Mr . Iky u, I ’ l l ne ver see you a g a i n . W e l l ,
Shiratama. Shiratama : Wh y , Agemaki.
Agema k i : Corme on, chil d r e n. C h i l d r e n : Okay.
-Yae gi nu: A i z e n : Ukihash i : A l l : Katobushi Courtesans A l l : Sukeroku: Song: S u k e r oku:
(Agemaki, Sh i r a t a ma and the c h i l d r e n go out. Sh a k u h a c h i ---a k i n d o f f l u t e --- sounds behind the s t a g e . ) There comes a s t r o l l i n g f l u t e - p l a y e r . He i s n ot a fl u t e pl a y e r , but a young f e l l o w . Well? Ce r t a i n l y he i s .
( Sukeroku comes i n t o the pas sage.)
r e c i t i n g : Urged by the sound o f sa mi s e n ,
Here he c o me s , a dashing y oung f e l l o w , His handsome f a c e r e f l e c t i n g upon the
r a i n y sky. W
e l l , Sukeroku, wh a t ' s the o r i g i n . O
f your h e a d-band? You mean t h i s turban?
Th i s i s the t o ken o f our promise. Which n e ve r f o r g o t t e n w i l l be.
F
or we have promised Ne v e r to change our mind.
As the e v e r g r e e n s change not t h e i r c o l our. Alon g the banks o f the r i v e r Sumi d a ,
Willows are weepi n g and c h e r r i e s are out.
Flo w e r s and blossoms f a l l down upon the p a r a s o l s . Fu j i a nd Tsukuba a re seen beyond the f l o w e r s . Flo w er s, d o n ’ t h ur r y to f a l l :
Do n ’ t be im pa tie nt f o r the day o f a pp o in t me n t . The n i g h t o f r e n d z - v o us w i l l come in time
The woman lo v e d by me --- . 7
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Song: " I s Agemaki"
A11:
And thus h e shuts h i s u m b r e l l a Wi t h m u c h g r a c e
Hurrah
Y a e g i n u : We ’ v e been w a i t i n g f o r you, Sukeroku. U k i h a s h i : Come here
A l l : Just f o r a moment.
Su ke r ok u : Oh, how are you? You ar e a l l as b e a u t i f u l as e v e r . May I t h r u s t m y s e l f among you?
Courtesans:: P l e a s e do
Suk e r o k o : Excuse me ( S i t s on the b e nc h .)
(A d r u g - p e d d l e r comes in accompanied by the
master and m i s t r e s s o f Mi u r a y a and pr o p a g a te s the e f f e c t o f the m e d i c i n e " U i r o " in a dance.
Courtesans: W i l l you have a f i l l o f to bacco? (Each o f f e r s a p ip e to him)
Sukeroku: Look out f o r f i r e . Courtesans:: Oh, d o n ’ t m i n d .
Ikyu: Now, c o u r t e s a n s , w i l l you g i v e me j u s t one f i l l ? Y a e g i n u : We would f a i n g i v e you one i f we had a p i p e . Ikyu: Y ou ’ ve g o t so many.
Ya eg in u: These p ip es have been o f f e r e d a l r e a d y . I k y u : To whom?
Sukeroku: To me. Wh a t a t h i n g ! As soon as I appe a r a t the
end o f the s t r e e t , e v e r y door c a l l s f o r me and o f f e r s a p i p e .
La s t n i g h t , when I j u s t dropped i n t o Ma ts u y a , l i g h t e d p i p e s wer e p i l e d up mountain h i g h . I f you e v e r st ep i n t o t h i s kind o f l i f e , you should
be t r e a t e d l i k e t h i s . However r i c h y ou may be , you cann ot g e t i t f o r money.
9
-W
e l l , ol d man, i f you want a pi p e , I wil l f a i n len d you one.
Ikyu : T h a n k y o u s o m u c h . W i l l y o u ? Sukeroku: A l l r i g h t . You sh a l l have o n e .
Sukeroku o f f e r s I kyu a pipe pi n ch in g i t up w i th h i s t o e s . ) How do you l i k e i t ?
Ikyu: (La ugh ing ) Ha, ha, ha. He i s a sim p let on a f t e r a l l , though he l o o k s f i n e . He mu s t be a workman or a p o r t e r f o r he seems to be a good w a l k e r .
W
e l l , the r e a l g a l l a n t r y i s t o walk the way o f j u s t i c e , to behave on e s e l f , n e ve r to make p r e t e x t s and to be f a i t h f u l to o n e ' s p r i d e .
In t h e s e p r o s t i t u t e q u a r t e r s , young unemployed a re apt t o act im p o r t a n t. I won’ t m ind t h em no more
than I mind mosquitoes b u z z i n g about my e a r s . I th in k I shalL smudge them o f f .
(Burns an i n c e n s e . )
Sukeroku: As the "Sanryaku" , a famous Chinese book on t a c t i c s say s, s t r a t e g y must change a c c o r d i n g to o n e ' s
opponent. Those who are i m p e r t i n e n t must be t r e a t e d wi t h the f o o t ; those who a r e rude must be
t r e a t e d with sa nd als . T h a t ’ s the way with g a l l a n t r y . There can be no s e c r e t nor i n i t i a t i o n f o r the r e a l g a l l a n t r y . As f o r s uch a r a s c a l , i t ’ s enough
t o shake a nd knock him d o wn. W
e l l , l a d i e s , a snake f r e q u e n t Yoshi ha r a o f l a t e , I h e a r .
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-Sukeroku: Oh, you nee dn’ t be f r i g h t e n e d , f o r i t won’ t b i t e you. I t has a b l u s t e r i n g a i r , wh i t e h a i r and beard,
and lo o k s j u s t l i k e Kichiemon. We l l , t h i s snake i s
so t e n a c io u s th at he v i s i t s a c o u r t es a n e v e r y n i g h t though he always g e t s the mi t t e n . He o f t e n burns an i n c e n s e ,
w
ha t f o r i s i t ? J u s t to smudge away t he l i c e s i n f e s t i n g h i s beard. He’ s so smart th at no one w i l l know the r e a l r eas on .
Mombei (b e h in d the s t a g e ) : I won’ t . (Comes in. He s e e ms to have come out o f a bat h. O- T a t su, a b r o t h e l ma t r o n , f o l l o w s t r y i n g to check him.
Mombei : I won’t .
Ikyu: Wh a t are you grumbling about, Kampe r a . (M o m b ei's n ick -n a m e)?
Mombei : Why, boss, j u s t l i s t e n to me . Such a woman! Come h e r e , woman. You've made doubl e d e a l i n g s w i t h co u r t e s a n s .
O-Tatau: What do you mean, a i r ?
Mombe i: Do n ’ t make a fun o f me . We l l , the famous Kampera, a f t e r cups and f e a s t s , d e si g n e d to want t o have a b a th , and or de re d you to make a l l the co ur te sa ns c o me i n t o h i s bath-room and wash h i s back.
You s e r i o u s l y answered t h a t you would comply with my r e q u e s t . And so I have been w a i t i n g and w a i t i n g f o r them. But, no one appeared and I was h a l f
b o i l e d up in the tub. Could i t be e v e r c a l l e d proper to t r e a t a r i c h man l i k e t h i s ? D o n ’ t h e s i t a t e , P r e s e n t a l l the v i c i o u s women b e f o r e me . I ’ l l j u s t b o i l
11 Yae g i n u : Uk i h a s h i : Kambei: Ya eg in u: A i z e n : A l l ( laugh.) Mombei; Mombei: Fukuyama: Mom b e i: Fukuyama: Momb e i: Fukuyama: Ah, I f e e l d i z z y !
How do y ou dare to c a l l us such names, Mr . Kampe r a "
I f y ou go on, we s h a l l j ust f i t up your mouth w it h a do or.
Shut up. I f you f i x a door t o my mouth, my words w i l l go out through my n o s t r i l s . Come, b r i n g out a l l the v i c i ous women h e r e . I ’ l l j u s t t i e them
in a row so t h a t I could t e l l the beads w i t h them. How co u ld you do t h a t !
Just l o o k how u n a t t r a c t i v e he l o o k s .
You’ ve laughed a t me. A l l r i g h t . S e e what I do ( c r i e s l i k e mad .)
(Fukuyama, a m a c a r o n i - p e d d l e r , comes in with h i s c a r r y i n g - b o x and runs a g a i n s t Mombei.)
Ouch!
Oh, excuse me.
Why, do you think t h a t i t ’ s enough to say t h a t , a f t e r knocking y o u r c a r r y i n g - b o x a g a i n s t me? You f r e c k l e d l o o s e - l o o k i n g s i m p l e t o n !
I ’ m so s o r r y . I w as in such a h u r ry , you know, Excuse me, p l e a s e .
I won’ t excuse you. Do n ’ t move an in c h .
You won’ t pardon me when I have made so many a p o l o g i e s ?
■ Fukuyama: Mom be i: Mombei: Sukeroku Fukuyama: Mombei: Sukeroku: Mombei: Suke r o k u : Mombei: Suke roku: M o m be i: Sukeroku: Mombei: Sukerok u : Mombei: Sukerok u: Mombei: Sukoroku: Mombei:
Do what you would, then. Though i t may compromise t h e honour of the famous shop Fukuyama, I am so fond o f
q u a r r e l s . I ’ m as quick in temper as in c a r r y i n g macaroni. I ’ l l j u s t make you see how b o l d and d a r i n g I am.
You i m p e r t i n e n t ! I can stand no more.
(Swings about h i s f i r s t . Sukeroku i n t e r f e r e s him and t w i s t s h i s a rm s .)
Ouch!
( to F ukuyama ) : Go a l o n g . Oh, thank you.
Don' t move . Go, qu ic k.
Don’ t mov e, or y o u ’ l l be ki l l e d . You must keep p a t i e n t , s i r .
" I must", you say? Do be p a t i e n t .
"Be p a t i e n t " , you say" That sounds s t r a n g e . Oh, d o n ’ t be so p a r t i c u l a r . Put up w i t h him. Y o u ’ ve been so d a r i n g . You d o n ’ t know me, I ’ m s u r e .
Oh, what you sa y ! Every one know s you. You’ re
so famous he re in Y o s h i wa r a and in a l l the w o r l d , t o o . Do you know my name?
No, I d o n ’ t .
Don’t make a fun o f me .
I don't k n o w y o u , but God knows. How do you dar e! You do n't know me?
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-Sukeroku:
Ah, I see. You’ v e come h e re to Yoshiwara f o r the f i r s t t i me, I ’ m su r e. B e a l l e a r s , now.
Well, t h i s gentleman st a n d i n g here i s my boss. He i s named Kan-u a f t e r the he r o o f the Chinese n o v e l Sangokushi . His cognomen i s Un-cho, and he i s u s u a l l y c a l l e d Ikyu the B ea rde d."
I am h i s f a v o u r i t e f o l lowe r Kampera -M ombei and I am r i c h enough, t o o . No, take o f f your
turban and make an ob eis an ce to me.
A l l r i g h t . All r i g h t . Your words sound d i g n i f i e d . But, h i s ma ca ron i w i l l g e t s p o i l e d during your
speech, I ’ m a f r a i d . (To Fukuyama) Go a l o n g , qu ic k.
Mombei: You shan’ t .
Sukeroku: Why do you say so when he has a p o l o g i z e d so
many t im e s . Ah, I s e e . You’ re hungry. A l l r i g h t ; I ’ l l stand you t h a t .
(Takes out a bowl o f macaroni)
Sukeroku: Ju s t have a bowl. Or, are you ke ep ing mai g r e ? Mombei: I won’t eat, i t .
Sukeroku: Do n ’ t be so proud. Wi l l you have i t with pepper?
(Mombei s n e e z e s ) Shall I f e e d you from my mouth? Mombei: Feed me ?
Sukeroku: Yes, f e e d you.
Mombei: An e a g l e t n e ve r f e e d s an e a g l e . I shan’ t e a t i t . Sukeroku: Wo n ’ t you ?
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Sukeroku: D o w h a t y o u w o u l d . ( P ours the macaroni o v e r Mombei. ) Mombei : Oh, I ' ve been cut .
Fukuyama ( g o i n g o u t ) : I t o l d you so.
b a d l y - made macaroni, t o o . I ’ m angry w i t h him now. We l l , young boy. r emember my name and put i t in y ou r book i n h e l l . I am c a l l e d
the handsome". I ’ l l just th ro w you away. ( Asagao-Sembei c o mes in, w i t h many f e l l o w- a t t e n d a n t s .
Sembei: Why, boss . Mombei: Oh, Sembei.
Sembei: Wh a t ' s the m at t e r ?
Mombei: I ’ m s o r r y I ’ ve been taken by s u r p r i s e . A m I s e r i o u s l y wounded?
Sembei: Wh y , bo ss , you a r e n ’ t hu rt a t a l l .
Momb e i : Not at a l l ? Why, I 'm b l e e d i n g s o . Oh, t h i s i s ma c a r o n i .
Sembe i: We l l , I n e v e r .
Momb e i : Fa l l on him, f e l l o w s .
Sukeroku: Wh a t di d you s a y ? W e l l boys, i f your clubs e v e r touch me, you s h a l l l a y dead in heaps.
a l l : Why!
Sukeroku: Put o f f your c l u b s . A11: a l l r i g h t . ( r e t i r e s . )
Sembe i : You y o u n g s t e r , s i m p l e t o n , f o o l . I ' v e ne ver seen anyone cha l l e n g e my boss. How could y o u d a r e !
- 15 -
( F a l l s on Sukeroku, when he i s f a i r l y f l i nged down by S u k e r o k u .)
Sembei: Ouch.
Mombei: Why, Semb e i , wh a t ' s the ma t t e r ?
Sembei: I ’ ve g o t h u r t by knocking a g a i n s t the r o o t t h e r e .
Mombei: Oh, the r o o t i s your op pon ent . We l l , then, the one t h a t has won the natch i s --- --- .
Semb e i : W e ll ? Mombei: The r o o t .
A l l : Oh, what a f e l l o w !
Mo m be i: You smart young wretch, what i s ---- ---.
A l l : Your name?
Sukeroku: I ' l l t e l l you by and by, f o r those who e v e r step i n t o these q u a r t e r s should know my name. in the f i r s t p l a c e , i t w i l l make a charm a g a i n s t ague .
In the second p l a c e , i t w i l l make a ta li sm a n a g a i n s t g e t t i n g the mitten from pr o s t i t u t e s . Though I am s h o r t i n s i z e , I a m b o l d i n mind. The o l d man making c h a r c o a l f a r in the suburbs o f Edo rumours o f me and o f my q u a r r e l s as w e l l as the o l d woman o w n i ng the b r o t h e l Mit a n i he re in Y oshiw ara . I ’ ve n e v e r been d e f e a t e d in q u a r r e l s . I ’ m a l s o famous
f o r t h i s our p urple turban o f mine and f o r my h a i r - d r e s s i n g .
Many opponents i n q u a r r e l s a r e f o r me what much w a t e r is f o r a f i s h . I am known a l l through Edo as Sukeroku o f the f a m i l y Hanakawado o r as
16
A l l :
Sukeroku, l o v e r o f Agemaki. Fo l k s , come n e a r e r and worship me on your knees.
hurrah!
( Mo m b e i t re m bl es with f e a r . )
Sukeroku: You d i r t y , shabby, f r e c k l e d man. Are you g o i n g ? Mom be i: Fa l l on him, f o l k s .
( Mombei and Sembe i f i g h t with t h e i r swords.
Sukeroku knocks t h e m down w i t h h i s shakuhachi ( l o n g f l u t e ) .
Y a e g i n u : Mr . Sukeroku has won the day. Courtesans : Oh, b r a v o !
Sukeroku ( l o o k i n g at I kyu) : We l l you ol d chap, a l l your
Suk eroku :
f o l l o w e r s have been d e f e a t e d by me. You must
f e e l much m o r t i f i e d . Unsheathe your sword and g i v e a cut a t me. Wo n ' t you? W h y d o you remain so s i l e n t ? Are you dumb or d e a f ? Do unsheathe your sword.
You s p i r i t l e s s ! Just l i k e a ra t watched by a c a t . Oh, poor, he has d i e d . A l l r i g h t , a l l r i g h t , I
s h a l l say a r e q u iem f o r h i m.
(Takes o f one o f h i s sandals and pu t s i t on I k y u ’ s h e a d . )
" I beseech the Buddha Amitabha th at t h i s animal w i l l g e t e n li g h t e n m e n t and th at he w i l l go t o p a r a d i s e . "
( Ikyu throws away the sandal a nd touches the h i l t o f h i s sword. )
Unsheathe y o u r s w o r d wo n ’ t you?
( I k y u i s on the po in t o f unsheathing h i s sword, when he l o oks a t i t and s t o p s . )
I kyu: Mombei: Sembei: Ikyu: Sukeroku I k y u : Sukeroku: Shimbei Sukeroku 17 -I th in k -I w o n 't . W
hy, boss, i f you a r e s o meek and weak, I f e e l weak, t o o .
You are always so An e le p h a n t wo n ’ t with him.N o o n e He it, not a match
p r oud o f your f i g h t i n g a r t s . take to h e a r t what a hare does k i l l s a f l y w i t h a lon g sp e a r . f o r me. Now, f e l l o w s , t a k e care of your purges.
S u k e r oku unsheathes h i s sword and c u t s the a rm r e s t in the m idd l e .
: You see my sk i l l now. Fol k s , f a l l upon him.
( H i s f o l l o we r s f a l l upon Sukeroku. Mea nw hil e I kyu, Mombei, Sembei and the co ur te sa ns go i n t o the house Mi u r a y a . Shimbei, a wh i t e - w i n e - p e d d l e r , , c o mes i n . Sukeroku unsheathes h i s d i r k . Hi s opponents run away from him. Shimbei, l e f t behind, squats on the
p a s s a g e .
: They are so weak. W e l l , I t h i n k I s h a l l have a cup w i t h Agemaki.
( a d d r e s s i n g ) : I say, young man, j u s t a moment, pl e a s e .
: "Young man" you s a y ? Y o u ’ re so d a r i n g to say t h a t . W
18
(Comes t o the pa s s a g e . Shimbe i squats f l a t , r e a dy to f l e e . )
Who on e a r t h i s he th at has c a l l e d me and then
d i s a p p e a r e d ? I am Sukeroku, boss o f a l l g a l l a n t s in Edo. C o me out. Wh e r e are you h i d i n g ? (Goes i n t o the main s t a g e .)
Shimbei: I say, boss o f a l l g a l l a n t s , w i l l you w a i t j ust f o r a moment?
Sukeroku; Ca l l i n g ag a i n . Wh a t ' s the m a t t e r ?
(Goes to the p a s s a g e . S h i m b e i squats down a g a i n . ) Wh e r e are you h i d i n g ? I f you make a fun o f me, I ’ l l j u s t sweep you i n t o the r i v e r and ki ck a r o o f - bo at i n t o your n o s t r i l . Wh a t do you mean by do ing such a thin g?
(Comes i n t o the main s t a ge . )
S h i m b e i (Standing u p ) : I s a y , wa i t a min u t e , p l e a s e .
Sukeroku: ( F i n d i n g Shimbei ) Just s t a y where you a r e . Do n ’ t move an inch.
( Br i n g s Shimbe i to the ma i n s t a g e , t a k i n g him by the c o l l a r . )
Who the h e l l a r e you? Shimbei: I t ’ s me .
Sukeroku: Me? What a f a c e have you to say that to me? (Looks i n t o Sh i m b e i ’ s face and g e t s s u r p r i s e d . ) Shimbei: I t ' s me, you know.
Sukeroku: Why, S h i mb e i , my e l d e r b r o t h e r ! Shimbei: Oh, you r e c o g n i ze me, a t l e a s t .
Sukeroku: Wha t f o r have you come he r e ?
S h imbei: Just to be swe p t i n t o the r i v e r . You may k i c k a
boat i n t o my n o s t r i l , i f you l i k e . Wh i c h n o s t r i l , r i g h t o r l e f t ? You may choose w h ich ev er you l i k e .
Sukeroku: Oh, I s a i d such t h i n g s because I d i d n ’ t know t h a t you were the p e d d l e r .
Shim be i: Di d you say t h a t wi thout n o t i c i n g me? Sukeroku: How c o u ld I , i f I knew i t was you.
Shim be i: "A pebble i n the dark may h i t your pa r e n t " you know. Sukeroku: Um - - - ,
Shi m b e i : We l l , Sukeroku, what on e a r t h a r e you t h i n k i n g o f ? Our f a t h e r l a i d down h i s l i f e i n o r d e r t o save those o f h i s f e l l o w merchants. We b r o t h e r s have made up our mind to wipe out the s t a i n on h i s name and have done our b e s t t o a t t a i n our o b j e c t . I my s e l f have become a w h i t e -w i n e - p e d d l e r .
as f o r you, you k i l l your time h ere in Yoshiwara
and q u a r r e l day i n , day ou t. Mo t h e r i s so anxious about you and i s a l ways a sk in g me to preach you. "Who
was i t t h a t cut a man a t Takecho?" "Sukeroku". "Who was i t t h a t threw a man i n t o a heap o f sand?" " Sukeroku". Not a day passes with ou t our h e a r i n g your bad name, though the sun may f o r g e t t o sh i n e .
W
h a t the deuce has made you such a knave? I ’ l l l i s t e n to you no more now. I ’ l l j u s t s e v e r our br o t h e r l y r e l a t i o n and have no t h i n g to do with you. I d e s p i s e you. I ’ m d i s g u s t e d w i t h you.
-Sukeroku:
Shimbei: Sukeroku:
Shim b e i:
I thank you v e r y much f o r your k i n d e s t adv i c e .
But, i t may be s a i d that I q u a r r e l as a f i l i a l duty. W
h a t ! A f i l i a l du t y ? W
e l l , I s h a l l t e l l you how i t i s . Our f a t h e r l o st the sword Tomoki rimaru and g o t i n t o t r o u b l e s f o r t h a t . I t ’ s o ur g r e a t e s t du ty to f i n d i t out and t o co ns ol e h i s s p i r i t . W e have t r i e d our b e s t , but a l l in v a i n . We l l , these p r o s t i t u t e q u a r t e r s a r e f r e q u e n t e d by so many rakes t h a t I thought i t c o n v e n i e n t to s e e k f o r our enemy here in Yoshiwara. I p i c k q u a r r e l s on dandies an d r a s c a l s and f o r ce t h em to unsheathe t h e i r swords so t h a t I may examine them.
I t ’ s p i t i l e s s o f you to g e t ang ry w ith me w i t h o u t e v e r l i s t e n i n g to my re a so n s. A l l r i ght, a l l r i g h t I ’ l l st o p q u a r r e l i n g and become a monk t o pl e a s e you a l l . H a i l to the Buddha
A m itabha and a l l the Buddhas in t h e Ten D i r e c t i o n s ; I beseech you to f o r g i v e me f o r my q u a r r e l s h e r e t o f o r e . I ’ ve thought so, Sukeroku. I ’ ve been t h i n k i n g i t
must have been to f i n d out Tomok i rimaru that you are i d l i n g away your t i m e . I t was v e r y bad o f me t o make such a preach. Oh, t h i s month o f mi n e , I t ' s t o blame. "You month, why on e a rth d i d you say t h a t ? Take c a r e and n e v e r r e p e a t i t a g a i n . Say
t h a t y o u ’ r e s o r r y f o r t h a t . ” "Oh, I ’ m so s o r r y . " My month says t h a t he is s o r r y f o r it . Put up w i t h him p le a s e .
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-Sukeroku: Oh, may I keep q u a r r e l i n g , then?
Shimbei: Of course you may. Make as many q u a r r e l s as you c a n .
Suke r o k u : I ’ l l t r y my b e s t , s i r .
Shimbei: A l l r i g h t , a l l r i g h t . Do your b e s t .
Su ke rok u: I f e e l q u i t e r e l i e v e d now t h a t I ' v e g o t the l i c e n c e .
Shimb e i : I , t o o , f e e l easy a t h e a r t . We l l , Sukeroku, have you found any cl u e?
Suke r o k u : No t e x a c t l y , Bu t , some time a g o , Ikyu stopped on the po i n t of unsheathing h i s sword, I wonder
Shimbe i:
why was i t .
Ah, he lo o k s knavish enough to be sus pe ct ed . I ’ l l s t a y h ere t h i s e v e n i n g and pick a q u a r r e l on him. Suke r ok u : But you a r e s o ... ..
Sh i m b e i : Oh, I can be animated enough i f you s t a y with me and h e l p me.
Sukeroku: A l l r i g h t . I ’ l l teach you how to quar r e l . Shimbei: Oh, w i l l y o u ?
Suke r o k u : Le t ' s have a r e h e a r s a l , then. Put out your elbow so, s t e p out your f o o t so.
Now, say: "You knavish samurai, why did you knock a g a i n s t me? I ' l l sweep you away i n t o t he r i v e r and kick a r o o f - b o a t i n t o your n o s t r i l . W hat do you mean by being so rude to me?"
That w i l l make him angry enough to unsheathe h i s sword.
22
-Shimbei: I s e t . I ' l l t r y .
(Takes out h i s t o w e l and makes a turban of i t . i m i t a t i n g . )
" You knavish samurai, why d i d you knock a g a i n s t me? I ’ l l k i c k a r o o f - b o a t in to vour n o s t r i l . What do you mean?”
A l l r i g h t , a l l r i g h t . I know qu i t e w e l l now how t o be g a l l a n t l y .
Sukeroku: Why, ther e c omes a g u l l .
Shimbe i ( a f f e c t e d ) : W hat on e a r t h do you mean?"
(A young boy comes i n from the r i g h t , h i d i n g h i s face in a sedge h a t . Suke roku robs him o f h i s sword l o o k s a t i t and then throws i t o f f . The boy
Boy: Creep between your l e g s ? Why, e v e r since I was born o f my m o t h e r ’ s womb, I have n e v e r --- .
( A f t e r h e s i t a t i n g f o r a m i n u t e . ) I t cannot be h e l p e d , I ’ m a f r a i d .
( Re l u c t a n t l y c r e ep s between S u k e r o k u ' s l e g s . ) Shimbei ( t r e m b l i n g ) : Creep between my l e g s , young ma n . )
(The young boy does as he has been t o l d and then h u r r i e s to the s t a g e - p a s s a g e . }
Boy: Oh, I ’ ve ea t en such d i r t . ( Goes o u t . ) Suke roku: What a f ell o w !
(A samurai c o mes i n, accompaniedby a f o l l o w e r Sukeroku snatches h i s sword from him, l o o k s at i t and throws i t away. T he f o l l o w e r p i c k s i t up and hands i t to h i s ma s t e r . The w a r r i o r sheathes i t . ) p i c k s i t up, sheathes i t and i s on t h e p o i n t o f
g o i n g away, when he i s c a l l e d b a c k . ) Sukeroku: Cr e e p between my legs.
23
-Sukeroku: Creep between my l e g s .
(The w a r r i o r c l a p s h i s hands and then cr e e p s between Sukeroku' s l e g s on al l f o u r s .
Shimbei ( t r e m b l i n g ) Creep between my l e g s . (The w a r r i o r c r e e p s )
Fo l l o w e r ( mor t i f i e d ) : I cannot stand i t any mo r e .
(He i s on the po i n t of unsheathing h i s sword, when h i s master c h ec ks him.
War r i o r ( f e i g n i n g to be dumb): A - a - a - ( Goes out, f o l l o w e d by h i s a t t e n d a n t . )
Sukeroku: What a weak w a r r i o r ! A
man of f a s h i o n ( comes i n ) : Taking a walk a l o n g t h i s s t r e e t i s always v e r y s t y l i s h , y ou know. And she is always s l e n d e r and b e a u t i f u l . I t ’ s q u i t e n a t u r a l t h a t m any a man c o u r t s h e r . We l l , w e l l , she i s the b e s t cour te sa n he re , a f t e r a l l . ( Makes to
the l e f t , when he i s addressed by Sukeroku. ) Sukeroku: Creep between my l e g s .
M a n : Creep b e t ween your l e g s ! We l l , I n e v e r ! I s n ' t i t r a t h e r unromantic to creep between a n o t h e r ' s l e g s here in these q u a r t e r s ? A l l r i g h t , a l l r i g h t ,
I ' l l j u s t do i t in fun, as the famous m i n i s t e r Konshin ( personage i n Chinese h i s t o r y ) di d in h i s young days.
(Takes o f h i s sandals and c r e e p s . ) Man: My g o o d n e s s ! I'm a l l mud.
I t ' s by no means r o m a n ti c , I'm a f r a i d She wi l l g e t d i s g u s t e d o f me i f she e v e r se es me in t h i s s t a t e .
Shimbei: Creep between my l e g s.
Man: O n c e a g a i n ? W e l l , w e l l , w e l l ! ( Creeps be tw een Shi m b e i ' s l e g s . )
I ’ ve done enough, I ' m sure? Oh, I ’ m q u i t e p u z z l e d . ( Goes o u t )
Sukeroku: We l l , such a st r an ge f e l l o w .
(Age mak i’ s v o i c e behind the s t a g e . ) Agemaki: Take c a r e o f your s t e p s , i f you p l e a s e .
Sukeroku: T h a t ’ s Agemaki, I ’ m sure. She seems t o see o f f a v i s i t e r . I have a v e r y bla ck crow to pluck w i t h he r Shimbei: Oh, y e s , make as much co mplaint a s you can.
( Gets as mad as a March h a r e . )
Mi t s u e , Sukeroku' s m o t h e r , comes out o f the house Miuraya, d i s g u i s e d as a w a r r i o r , he r f a c e hidden in a sedge h a t .
Agemaki: Are you g oi n g back now? I am v e r y s o r r y to par t from you.
(Mit su e nod s . Sukeroku and Shimbei check them in the middle of the s t a g e . )
Sukeroku: Wa i t a minute, you samurai. Shimb e i : Wa i t a minute.
Agemak i : Do be p a t i e n t , Suke roku. Sukeroku: Shut up, you v i c i o u s woman! Agemaki: Wh a t a v i o l e n t w o r d .
Sukeroku: Wh a t , i f i t i s ,
S h im b e i : We ’ l l j u s t take i t out o f then .
Sukeroku ( t o M a n k o ) Why d i d you t r e ad on me, when the road i s wide enough. Take o f f the mud on my socks. i s v-xd- enough
-Shimbei : He must he must.
Agemaki: Y o u ' l l be s o r r y f o r i t a f t e r w a r d s .
Sukeroku: Shut up, woman. (To M a n k o ) W hy d o n ' t you answer me? Ar e you d e a f , or a r e you dumb? I t ' s i m p o l i t e
to be we a r i n g such a ha t b e f o r e r e s p e c t a b l e persons. Take i t o f f . You w o n ' t ? A l l r i g h t . I ' l l make you. (He t ak es o f f h e r hat and g e t s s u r p r i s e d t o g e t
f a c e to f a c e w i t h h i s m o t h e r . )
Agemaki: We l l Sukeroku, you may do whatever you want now. ( Su keroku l o o k s d e j e c t e d . )
Shimbei: We l l , shal l I beat h i m, Suke roku? ( Sukeroku t r i e s to check h i m . )
Oh, d o n ’ t stop me. Now, man, do you see how g a l l a n t l y I am? Ouch, i t ' s p a i n f u l to be g a l l a n t l y . We l l ,
I an Kasubei the w h i t e - w i n e - s e l l e r , you know.
I have a f i s t h e r e , wh i ch my parents gave me to use to knock down my enemies.
(P u t s out h i s f i s t , but, on l o o k i n g a t M a n k o , u t t e r s a h e l p l e s s c r y . )
M an ko:
O - o - o . A - a - a . . M y h e a v e n s ! W
hy, Sukeroku, what a con duc t! A l l r i g h t . I ’ l l a c c e p t your c h a l l e n g e . Knock me, t re a d on me.
W
hat a knave you have become!
Sukeroku: I say, mother---Ah, I see ( To Agemaki. ) You urged he r to do a l l t h i s , e h ?
Agemaki: I ? Oh how could I ?
Sukeroku: Whose id e a was i t , then ?
Agema k i : Your mother is so anxious about you that she can h a r d l y s l e e p a t n i g h t and---.
2 6
-Manko : Agemaki, de ar , don’ t say a n y th i n g to him, I pray you. I won’ t e i t h e r . I t ' s o u tr a g eo u s o f him t o
conduct l i k e t h i s when he has a g r e a t o b j e c t to attain.
"He who touches p i t c h s h a l l he d e f i l e d t h e r e w i t h " . Oh, Mr . Kas ubei the wine p e d d l e r , I thank you h e a r t i l y f o r ha vi n g made my sun such a r a s c a l , ( Shimbei t r i e s to e s c a p e . )
W
h e r e are you g o i n g ? Come h e re , p l e a s e .
(Takes Shimtbei to the ma i n stage and l o o k s a t h i m . ) Why, y o u ’ r e Shimbei.
Shim bei: I d o n ’ t know whether I am Shimbei or K a s u b e i . Manko: Wh a t a man you a r e !
Shi m b e i : I ' m so ashamed o f m y s e l f t h a t I wish the ground
M an ko:
wi l l open and e n g u l f me. W
h a t a p a i r o f b r o t h e r s ! Both of y o u ! (Through t e a r s ) I cannot but ki l l m y s e l f t o a lo ne f o r my n e g l i g e n c e .
( T r i e s to go o u t . Sh i mbei, Sukeroku and Agemaki t r i e s to check h e r . )
Shimbei: Just a minute, p l e a s e . T e l l your s t o r y to he r,
Sukeroku
q u i c k .
( t o M a n k o) : I t ’ s q u i t e n a t u r a l t h a t you should think i t shameless o f me t o behave as I do, mother.
But, t o t e l l the t r u t h , I am f a r from being n e g l i g e n t of my dut y. The reason why I pic k
27
-q u a r r e l s w i t h e v e r y b o d y i s to f i n d out T o mokirimaru. I don’ t q u a r r e l f o r l e i s u r e , you know . Se t your he a r t at r e s t , p l e a s e .
Manko ( A f t e r a pause) : Now I f e e l q u i t e easy a t heart. Take c a r e o f your s e l v e s and do your b e s t to f i n d i t out. Suke roku: Shimbei: Sukeroku: Manko: You w i l l f o r g i v e us, t h e n ? Oh, thank y o u - - — So much. W
e l l , Agemaki, I n o w f e e l q u i t e easy a t h e a r t . It's a l l f o r you. Thank you.
Now Sukeroku, I s h a l l g i v e you a mascot to keep you from d a n g er s . (Takes o f f her paper co a t and g i v e s i t to he r s o n . ) I t wi l l t e a r e a s i l y i f you Shimbei: Sukeroku: Manko: Sukeroku: M a n k o : Shimbei: Agemaki Manko Agemaki behave v i o l e n t l y . Oh, i t w i l l s u r e l y encourage p a t i e n c e .
Thank you so much f o r your kindness, mother. I s h a l l put i t on a t once. ( P u t s i t o n . )
Oh, Madam A g e m a k i , I can n e v e r thank you enough f o r your kindness. Come, Shimbei, l e t ’ s
go home. Come, Suker oku.
I must s t a y here a l i t t l e l o n g e r , I ’ m a f r a i d , f o r I have some i d e a about the swor d .
A l l r i g h t . Come, S h i mb e i . May I accompany you?
(To M a n k o ): I t ’ s so co ld t h i s e v e n i n g . Take care and don’ t ca tc h a c o l d , p l e a s e .
Oh, thank you. We l l , A g e ma k i . --- . We l l --- .
Shimb e i : Good n i g h t .
( Manko and Shimbei g o o u t.)
Ikyu (beh in d the s t a g e ) : Agemaki. Agemaki. Su k ero k u : T h a t' s I k y u ’ s v o i c e , I'm su r e .
Agemaki: Oh, Sukeroku, remember your paper c o a t , p l e a s e . ( She h i d e s Sukeroku under her lo n g o v e r - d r e s s . Ikyu comes i n . Two c h i l d a tt e n d a n ts f o l l o w h i m . )
I k y u : Here you a r e , Agemaki. Agemaki: Wh y , Mr. Ikyu.
Ikyu: I have been l o o k i n g f o r you f o r a lo n g t im e . What have you been a b o u t?
Agemaki: We l l , Mr. Ik y u , I ’ ve drunk so much th a t I f e e l l i k e e x p o s in g my s e l f to the wind. But, I ’ m a f r a i d y o u ’ r e to o o ld to do so. You had b e t t e r go to bed now.
Ik y u : I f you s t a y h e r e , I s h a l l , t o o . We l l , Agemaki, i f po o r Sukeroku s e e s us t o g e t h e r h e r e , he w i l l f r e t and fume, I ’ m su re.
(Draws n e a r e r to Agemaki, Sukeroku pinches him on h is l e g . )
Ouch, someone has pinched me on my l e g .
A gem aki: Why, pinched you on you r l e g ? How m is c h ie v o u s ! Don’ t be so naughty, c h i l d r e n .
C hild I : No, we have not --- . Chi l d r e n : Done t h a t .
Agem aki: No e x c u s e s . Go i n t o the h ou se, q u ic k . C h i l d r e n : A y e . ( Go o u t . )
-Ik yu : ---. (Goes nearer to her.) No, i t was n ot the c h i l d r e n . T h e r e ’ s someone
Agemaki: Dear me! We l l , Mr. Ikyu , th e r e a re so many s t a r s , a r e n ’ t t h e r e ?
Ik y u : Y ou d o n ’ t say so . S t a r s a r e out e v e r y n i g h t .
Oh, you mean t h a t one, eh? T h a t 's the "Robber S t a r " , you know, t h a t keeps an eye on c o u r te s a n s th at
o t h e r s have en gaged. A l t a i r cannot meet
Venus so lo n g as I , the Mi l k y Way R i v e r , l i e between
them. ( I t r e f e r s t o a Chinese t r a d i t i o n ) I s n ' t i t so, Agemaki?
(Sukeroku p in c h e s a g a i n . )
Ouch! He pin ch es me a g a i n ! Wh e r e i s h e ? Agemaki: Naughty c h i l d r e n !
Ik y u : They a r e not h e r e , you know.
Agemaki: (To h e r s e l f ) Oh, t h a t ' s i t . (To I k y u ) I t must be a r a t .
Ik y u : A r a t ? Agemaki : Oh, y e s .
Ik yu : C e r t a i n l y i t i s . A r a t , a r a t . There runs a r a t round your f e e t .
Agemaki ( f r i g h t e n e d . ) Dear me! Wh e r e ? Ikyu: Just t h e r e .
(Sukeroku jumps o u t . Agemaki g o e s i n t o the h o u s e . ) Sukeroku: Ik y u ?
Ikyu : Sukeroku?
Agem aki: Remember your paper c o a t , Sukeroku.
Ik y u : Ik y u , the e x c e l l e n t c a t , has lo n g n o t i c e d t h a t - 29
-Sukeroku, a d i r t y r a t , i s h i d i n g i n the p e t t i c o a t o f Agema k i , a v i c i o u s woman. Why do you rob,
Sukeroku? You can no t be p r o p e r l y c a l l e d a g a l l a n t i f you go on do i n g such t h i n g s .
You r a s c a l , you coward!
( S t r i k e s Sukeroku w i th h i s f a n . )
Sukeroku: I wish to be a s l uc ky a s you a r e . My b r o t h e r and I , we ha ve not y e t a t t a i n e d our aim though we have been doing our b e s t f o r e i g h t e e n y e a r s .
You’ re lu ck y enough to beat your r i v a l i n l o v e . I envy you. I w i s h I were as l u c k y as you.
As f o r me, I cannot even r e s i s t you, f o r my
m o t h e r ’ s p a p e r - c o a t w i l l t e a r i f I behave v i o l e n t l y . S t r i k e me, k i c k me, i f i t p l e a s e s you.
Agemak i : I t ’ s admirable o f you t o be so p a t i e n t .
Ikyu: You must know a l i t t l e o f f i l i a l duty to take c a r e o f the paper co a t g i v e n by your m o t h e r .
W e l l , ---. ( Takes out a c e n s e r - s t a n d . )
We l l , Sukeroku, you, your mother and your b r o t h e r a r e j u s t l i k e t h i s c e n s e r - s t a n d . You can support any w e i g h t i f you s t i c k and u n i t e t o g e t h e r .
Bu t , i f e v e r you t h r e e g e t s e p a r a t e d , you w i l l , j u s t l i k e t h i s stand, ---.
(He unsheathes h i s s word and c u t s t h e c e n s e r -
stand in two w h i l e Su k e r oku s t a r e s a t the weapon.) Sukeroku: Why, t h a t i s s u r e l y Tom o k i r i maru .
( Ikyu, s u r p r i s e d , sheathes h i s sword, and then a f t e r a pause g oe s i n t o the house.
Agemaki: Why, Sukeroku, the paper c o a t has been t o r n . -
-b e en torn of f , though I have -be e n suppressing my A g e m a k i : anger h i t h e r t o . D o n ' t b e s o i m p a t i e n t .
Sukeroku: Now, Agemaki, the sword Ikyu wears is ---. Agemaki: Tomokirimaru?
Sukero ku : Hu s h ! (Wh i s p e r s in h e r e a r . ) Agemaki: So y ou w i l l ?
Sukeroku: Wa i t f o r him to c o me ba ck.
Agemaki: You’ d b e t t e r make has te t o get r e a d y , I s h o u l d t h i n k .
S
ukeroku: A l l r i g h t (Goes o u t . Agemak i f o l l ow s h im w i t h h e r e y e s . The c u r t a i n f al l s w i th the sound o f
wo o d e n - c l a p p e r s . ) 31 -S u k e
