(They mourn.)
CHORUS (“kuse” chant, irregular verse accompanied by dancing).
How sad to call to mind
When first it left the breeding-cage
So fair of form
And coloured white as snow.
We called it Hatsuyuki, “Year’s First Snow.”
And where our mistress walked
It followed like a shadow at her side.
But now alas! it is a bird of parting[186]
Though not in Love’s dark lane.
LADY.
There’s no help now. (She weeps bitterly.)
CHORUS.
Still there is one way left. Stop weeping, Lady,
And turn your heart to him who vowed to hear.
The Lord Amida, if a prayer be said—
Who knows but he can bring
Even a bird’s soul into Paradise
And set it on the Lotus Pedestal?[187]
LADY.
Evening Mist, are you not sad that Hatsuyuki has gone? ... But we must not cry any more. Let us call together the noble ladies of this place and for seven days sit with them praying behind barred doors. Go now and do my bidding.
(EVENING MIST fetches the NOBLE LADIES of the place).