TWO NOBLE LADIES (together).
A solemn Mass we sing
A dirge for the Dead;
At this hour of heart-cleansing
We beat on Buddha’s gong.
(They pray.)
NAMU AMIDA BUTSU
NAMU NYORAI
Praise to Amida Buddha,
Praise to Mida our Saviour!
(The prayers and gong-beating last for some time and form the central ballet of the play.)
CHORUS (the bird’s soul appears as a white speck in the sky).
Look! Look! A cloud in the clear mid-sky!
But it is not a cloud.
With pure white wings beating the air
The Snow-bird comes!
Flying towards our lady
Lovingly he hovers,
Dances before her.
THE BIRD’S SOUL.
Drawn by the merit of your prayers and songs
CHORUS.