I must tell him of this.
Listen, old Gardener! The worshipful lady has heard of your love and sends you this message: “Go and beat the drum that hangs on the tree by the pond, and if the sound is heard in the Palace, you shall see my face again.” Go quickly now and beat the drum!
GARDENER.
With trembling I receive her words. I will go and beat the drum.
COURTIER.
Look, here is the drum she spoke of. Make haste and beat it!
(He leaves the GARDENER standing by the tree and seats himself at the foot of the “Waki’s pillar.”)
GARDENER.
They talk of the moon-tree, the laurel that grows in the Garden of the Moon.... But for me there is but one true tree, this laurel by the lake. Oh, may the drum that hangs on its branches give forth a mighty note, a music to bind up my bursting heart.