By further mischance it happens that Lord Saimyōji[84] himself is absent upon pilgrimage. And yet not all is lost; for on the wall a tall spear still hangs, and armour with it; while in the stall a steed is tied. And if at any time there came from the City news of peril to our master—
Then, broken though it be I would gird this armour on,
And rusty though it be I would hold this tall spear,
And lean-ribbed though he be I would mount my horse and ride
Neck by neck with the swiftest,
To write my name on the roll.
And when the fight began
Though the foe were many, yet would I be the first
To cleave their ranks, to choose an adversary
To fight with him and die.
(He covers his face with his hands; his voice sinks again.)
But now, another fate, worn out with hunger
To die useless. Oh despair, despair!
PRIEST.
Take courage; you shall not end so. If I live, I will come to you again. Now I go.
TSUNEYO and WIFE.
We cannot let you go. At first we were ashamed that you should see the misery of our dwelling; but now we ask you to stay with us awhile.
PRIEST.
Were I to follow my desire, think you I would soon go forth into the snow?