I am a servant in the Palace of Rokuhara. I have been sent to fetch back young Ushiwaka, Lord Yoshitomo’s son, who has escaped from the Temple of Kurama. It is thought that he has taken service with the merchant Kichiji and has gone up-country with him; so they sent me to bring him back. Why, I believe that is he! But perhaps he is not alone. I cannot be sure. I had better go home and fetch help, for if I were one against many, how could I hope to take him?
USHIWAKA.
I think it is about me that this messenger is speaking. I must not let him know me. I will cut my hair and wear an eboshi[49], so that people may think I am an Eastern boy.
(He goes to the curtain which separates the green-room from the entrance-passage. This represents for the moment the front of the hatmaker’s shop.)
May I come in? (The curtain is raised.)
HATMAKER.
Who is it?
USHIWAKA.
I have come to order an eboshi.
HATMAKER.