ACT I.
CHUSHINGURA
忠臣藏
ACT I.
RECITATIVE.
Though there may be delicate food, we cannot relish it unless we taste it, and so, when peace has been restored, the loyalty and valour of gallant warriors remain unrevealed, like the stars which are hidden from view by day, but appear at night scattered through the heavens. And here is an instance in point.
Now peace reigns over the land. It is the latter part of the second month of the first year of the Era Ryaku-o.[1] The Lord Shogun Ashikaga Takauji[2] has overthrown Nitta Yoshisada[3] and has built a palace in Kyoto. His virtuous rule has spread in all directions and the whole nation bows before his might as
