Recitative. As he comes in front of him and looks at him with over-curious eyes, Yoichibei shrinks with fear; but he conceals it with an old man’s tact.
Yoichibei. Now this is a kindness I should not have expected of one so young. Being an old man, I do not care to travel alone; but wherever we go, there is nothing so precious as money. As I could not pay last year’s tax, I went to ask for help to my relations; but not a single cash could I get from them, and as I could not stay long where I could obtain no assistance, I am going home alone, heavy at heart.
Recitative. Before he has done speaking, the other cries out.
Sadakuro. Hold your tongue. I did not come to hear that you have not paid your tax. Look here, old man. Listen carefully to what I am going to say. It is this. I saw long ago that you have in your bosom a purse of striped cloth with forty or fifty ryo in it, if it is gold; and I have followed you. Lend it to me. See, I entreat you with clasped hands. I dare say, you got the money to rescue your child from some foolish trouble. Now that I have set my eyes upon it, why,
there is no getting away. So make up your mind to it. Please, lend it to me, do.
Recitative. He puts his hand into Yoichibei’s bosom and pulls out a purse of striped cloth.
Yoichibei. Oh, please, sir, that......
Sadakuro. What of that? When you have so much money.........
Recitative. As he snatches it, Yoichibei clings to his hand.