Recitative. As he looks around, he hears a voice from under the verandah.
Kudayu. Here, Master Bannai. I have slipped out of the palanquin, because the letter that Rikiya brought a while ago makes me uneasy. I will watch and let you know afterwards. Do you walk by the palanquin as if I were still in it.
Bannai. Very well.
Recitative. He nods and slowly walks by the palanquin as if there were some one in it. On the upper floor appears Okaru, Kanpei’s wife, to cool her flushed face. She is already used to her new life, and she cheers her spirits in the breeze that blows towards her.
Yuranosuke. I shall come back directly. I, a samurai, have forgotten to bring my precious sword. While I am away, hang straight the kakemono and put some charcoal in the brazier.
Okaru. Oh, take care, you must not tread on that samisen there and break it.
Yuranosuke. Dear me, Kudayu appears to have gone.
Recitative. A song is heard within.
“Some one calls out close to his ear:
‘O father mine and mother dear!’