Ruiten. [Comes down.] The second night of Ito Soda's watching
She threatened him in low words
But he made as to stab her
And she melted before him
Laughing a little.
And he heard the rustle of her garments
As she regained this room
Though he saw not her passage hither.
Prince. Thicker with each word the horror about me.
[Turns away to R.] Doubts to beliefs—beliefs to actions—
Love unto hate. [Turns to them almost pleadingly.]
Tell me it is not O Toyo.
Buzen. I questioned her maid, Kashiku,
And found that O Toyo's couch
Was empty even at the time
Of the weird visit to thee.
Prince. [Overwhelmed.] So, it was O Toyo!
In the soul of a flower, a demon—
On the sweet lips, poison.
Buzen. There is only one course—
Ruiten. The one road—
Prince. And I take it!
Buzen. [Moves toward door L.] The samurai are gathered.
Prince. Summon Ito Soda. [Buzen exits L.]
Ruiten. Hard is the fate of man
Here on this dark earth.
Many the shapes and the shadows
Stalking abroad.
Yet ever the gentle Buddha
From the Lotus Fields watches
And guards every life that lives.