PERSONS
- COURTIER.
- WITCH.
- PRINCESS ROKUJŌ.
- THE SAINT OF YOKAWA.
- MESSENGER.
- CHORUS.
(A folded cloak laid in front of the stage symbolizes the sick-bed of Aoi.)
COURTIER.
I am a courtier in the service of the Emperor Shujaku. You must know that the Prime Minister’s daughter, Princess Aoi, has fallen sick. We have sent for abbots and high-priests of the Greater School and of the Secret School, but they could not cure her.
And now, here at my side, stands the witch of Teruhi,[127] a famous diviner with the bow-string. My lord has been told that by twanging her bow-string she can make visible an evil spirit and tell if it be the spirit of a living man or a dead. So he bade me send for her and let her pluck her string. (Turning to the WITCH, who has been waiting motionless.) Come, sorceress, we are ready!
WITCH (comes forward beating a little drum and reciting a mystic formula).
Ten shōjō; chi shōjō.
Naige shōjō; rokon shōjō.
Pure above; pure below.
Pure without; pure within.
Pure in eyes, ears, heart and tongue.
(She plucks her bow-string, reciting the spell.)
You whom I call
Hold loose the reins
On your grey colt’s neck
As you gallop to me
Over the long sands!