Cold wind from the woods
Blows sleep away and the dreams of recollection.
(While the CHORUS sings these words an ATTENDANT brings on to the stage the three dwarf trees.)
TSUNEYO.
How cold it is! And as the night passes, each hour the frost grows keener. If I had but fuel to light a fire with, that you might sit by it and warm yourself! Ah! I have thought of something. I have some dwarf trees. I will cut them down and make a fire of them.
PRIEST.
Have you indeed dwarf trees?
TSUNEYO.
Yes, when I was in the World I had a fine show of them; but when my trouble came I had no more heart for tree-fancying, and gave them away. But three of them, I kept,—plum, cherry and pine. Look, there they are, covered with snow. They are precious to me; yet for this night’s entertainment I will gladly set light to them.
PRIEST.
No, no, that must not be. I thank you for your kindness, but it is likely that one day you will go back to the World again and need them for your pleasure. Indeed it is not to be thought of.