CHORUS.
When into the world you go, who knows but that Fate’s turn
May not at last bring you to lordship of lands,
Of Dewa or the country of Michi.
And on that day remember,
Oh deign to remember, him that now with words of good omen
Folds for you this eboshi.
On that day forget not the gift you owe!
But alas!
These things were, but shall not be again.
The time of the left-folded eboshi was long ago:
When the houses of Gen and Hei[51] were in their pride,
Like the plum-tree and cherry-tree among flowers,
Like Spring and Autumn among the four seasons.
Then, as snow that would outsparkle the moonlight,
Gen strove with Hei; and after the years of Hōgen,[52]
The house of Hei prevailed and the whole land was theirs
So is it now.
But retribution shall come; time shall bring
Its changes to the world and like the cherry-blossom
This eboshi that knows its season
Shall bloom again. Wait patiently for that time!
HATMAKER.
And while they prayed
CHORUS.
Lo! The cutting of the eboshi was done.
Then he decked it brightly with ribbons of three colours,
Tied the strings to it and finished it handsomely.
“Pray deign to wear it,” he cried, and set it on the boy’s head.
Then, stepping back to look,
“Oh admirable skill! Not even the captain of a mighty host
Need scorn to wear this hat!”
HATMAKER.
There is not an eboshi in the land that fits so well.
USHIWAKA.
You are right; please take this sword in payment for it.