Why need it be a dream? It is to clear the karma of my waking life that I am come here in visible form before you.
PRIEST.
Is it not written that one prayer will wipe away ten thousand sins? Ceaselessly I have performed the ritual of the Holy Name that clears all sin away. After such prayers, what evil can be left? Though you should be sunk in sin as deep ...
ATSUMORI.
As the sea by a rocky shore,
Yet should I be salved by prayer.
PRIEST.
And that my prayers should save you ...
ATSUMORI.
This too must spring
From kindness of a former life.[13]
PRIEST.