[Soft music, stage darkens. Sakara creeps forward to C.
Sakara. They sleep—have I not heard enough? (Looks round at summer-house.) Have I not heard bitter truths? She thinks and speaks of the evil barbarian—it is she who persuades august Son of Heaven to set aside honorable customs of exalted land. They sit on foreign chairs. Oh, evil be to them! Can I steal her charms? A sudden call when soul journeys in land of Sleep, we know it means danger. Shall I call loudly here? O foolish Sakara, sentries have ears, though they cannot see in the dark! With clever craft I will steal her charm-bag. She is then at my mercy. (Laughs.) The mercy of Sakara! (Goes to summer-house and creeps back.) Dare I cut venerated rope of rice straw? Will all-powerful Shinto forgive? With excellent care I will creep under. (Creeps up steps.)
Princess. O fear-bringing—I dream—I dream! The terrible creeping Serpent.
[Sakara drops down.
Mimosa. It is nothing, O dear Princess. Seek honorable sleep again. The gods protect!
[Sakara creeps back L.
Sakara. Shall I hide among beautiful blossoms and wait for fear-giving hour of the Ox? Nay, honorable Moon rises yonder—away, Sakara, wait for the morning—no eyes must see thee now or then.
[EXIT L.
[Moonlight, Moonbeam Fairies appear. They sing and dance between each verse.