Recitative. He throws him the letter, and Ryochiku takes it hastily and puts it in his bosom.
Ryochiku. Yes, you have guessed right. I heard that ronin came here in secret, and I questioned Sono, but she says she knows nothing. It made me very uneasy to leave my daughter with a son-in-law who, for aught I know, may do something dreadful. Happily I have had a proposal of marriage from a great family, and we have agreed that she should marry as soon as we get your letter of divorce. And so you are entrapped, and that is excellent.
Gihei. Oh, even without my giving the letter of divorce, if she has the heart to desert a husband by whom she has a child and marry elsewhere, I have no longing for such a woman. Let her do as she pleases.
Ryochiku. To do as I please is the parent’s right. I shall marry her this evening.
Gihei. Now, don’t go on chattering, but leave this house at once.
Recitative. He takes him by the shoulder and kicks him out of the door and shuts it upon him. Ryochiku gets up.
Ryochiku. Here, Gihei. You may seize me and throw me out; but I have received money for preparation from the family she is going to marry into. As you have kicked me when I am flush, you have apparently cured my rheumatism.
Recitative. He is glib of tongue, and rubbing his legs and hips, he goes home murmuring.
It is past the hour of the boar[2] when all are asleep in the neighbouring houses, which are invisible in the gloom of the clouded moon. Several policemen make for Gihei’s house; they carry truncheons, cords, and dark lanterns. Hiding the light, they proceed warily; they summon a servant who appears to be their spy and whisper to him. He nods, and hurriedly raps at the door.
Gihei. Who is it? Who is it?