[O-Umè stops motionless.
Sanko!...
O-Umè (after a pause). He waits then there?
A Voice (without). Ama! (nearer) Ama!...
[Sanko enters from the garden, dishevelled and breathless, but controlled. As he does so O-Umè drops the shrine and the image falls out.
Sanko. O-Umè! O-Umè!
[Ama goes quickly out.
O-Umè (again motionless). Honourable friend!
[With polished anger.
You dwell in my garden?
And is my house
Even as your house?
Sanko. Be pleased to pardon!...
O-Umè. And you conspire here
With Ama against me?
Sanko. O-Umè knows
The samurai's honour.
O-Umè. O-Umè thought so,
But does no longer!
Sanko. Ah the plum-blossom!
Then it too
Has thorns and poison?
O-Umè. Yes, for the hand of Sanko!
Knowing the deed
From whence he comes.
Knowing that ...
[Breaks off, tensely.
Where is the priest's house?
Sanko (angrily). Cast in the river!
O-Umè. Ai, for I see
The blood on your hand
From the torn rafters!
Red, red blood
Of a deed of fury.
So I tell you,
Samurai rude,
Not for one life,
Even for one,
Will I be yours.
Please ... to leave me.