NOBUTOSHI.
And the straight path to knowledge ...
MAKINO (rushing forward sword in hand).
“With the triple stroke is carved.”[165]
Hold! (turning to NOBUTOSHI who has recoiled and drawn his sword.)
“To carve a way to knowledge by the triple stroke” ...
These are Zen words; he was but quoting a text.
This perturbation does little honour to your wits.
CHORUS.
Thus do men ever
Blurt out or blazen on the cheek
Red as rock-rose[166] the thing they would not speak.
Now by the Trinity, how foolish are men’s hearts!
SERVANT (aside).