Sakara. Hear, O little Ito, the wise woman sees excellencies! (Child bows.) At house of honorable mother, Sakara heard clever proverbs, saw play-acting. I love wise little boys, therefore would give happiness, O Ito! (Child bows.) This is the chrysanthemum garden of august Princess; here are beautiful blossoms for the flower-viewing. Say, little Ito, would you have worthy coins to spend? (Child bows three times.) Sit here, recite true proverbs. (Sits L. C., Ito C.)
Ito (quickly). Many words, little sense. For woman to rule is as for a hen to crow in the morning!
Sakara. Stay, Ito. Would you, O wise little man, have new playing cards? A toy that water will work? I saw excellent one of a man beating rice husks. Would have it for your own? (Ito shakes head, bowing.) Some shrill-voiced grasshoppers in bamboo cages?
Ito (bowing). August Lady is too kind to little Ito.
Sakara. What shall it be, then? Think in your mind. Act the doctor for me, O wise little Ito, then you shall say.
Ito (bowing). Allow most unworthy to feel honorable pulse of august patient. (Takes hand, bowing.) There is fever! Allow highly ignorant to gaze on venerated tongue. (Examines, kneeling.) Honorable medicine must be prepared, if august one will condescend to take.
Sakara. Truly, O wise little Ito, it is good play-acting. Would play new honorable game for me? Tell me what heart desires.
Ito. Thanks for honorable kindness. Books are my desire.
Sakara. Books? That is wise, O little Ito. Honorable books shall be procured. New play-acting done, money shall obtain them. Listen, O little Ito. There are thorns on every rose-tree. Even Sakara has heart-tormenting troubles; little wise Ito may help. Would have me for friend? (Ito bows.) In the morning I will wait for Ito at the gate yonder, but I shall not accompany wise, clever play-actor. A lady in scarlet kimono will walk here, and augustly speak, calling to Ito. So, after honorable courtesies, he will draw near, when she touches him, for this lady loves treasure-flowers. Ito will play-act thus: (Sakara stands C., clasps hands tragically.) O Amairu, mercy, mercy! I see not. I am blind—blind! (Staggers, clasps hands over eyes.) Is it difficult play-acting, O Ito? See, I touch now. When you have called play-acting words, run as if you followed swift-flying kite. Show me, O wise little Ito.
Ito (imitating carefully). O Amairu, mercy, mercy! I am blind—blind! (Moving R., then coming back.) Will honorable lady like new play-acting?