Onozō—"I'm not at all afraid."
Kikugorō—"An obstinate rascal, this."
While speaking—pokari, he gave Onozō a whack on the head. As it was he went through the performance. Coming to the green room, at once he called Onozō.
Kikugorō—"Fool and low fellow."
Onozō—"Why is it then you would strike a fool and low fellow with a stick?"
Kikugorō—"You are just like a fool. A little while ago when told to be afraid of me, you would not say you were afraid."
Onozō—"Patron, that is to be unreasonable. I attend you. Every day I see you."
Kikugorō—"I know you are not afraid. But you are the very one who acts as my attendant. In public you are to look at me as one frightened beyond measure. If this be not widely published, will not the theatre be deserted? An actor who is good only at acting, he is not to be called a clever man. He must draw people. Fool and low fellow!"
Onozō—"Naruhodo! Since you say it—I'm afraid."
Kikugorō—"Your answer now is to the purpose."