Mimosa. He smells at beautiful flowers.
Princess (coming down C., the others behind her). Little treasure-flower! I will give blossom or two—bring him hither, O Totmai. O Haru, he will like gay colors. Here, O little man, shall I give excellent flowers? (Ito bows three times.) Come, take them, giving worthy name. (Ito advances, bowing; as the Princess touches him he starts and cries: “O Amairu, mercy! mercy! I am blind! blind!” Repeats twice, then rushes L. All remain motionless with fear.)
Princess (flinging up arms and turning and staggering up stage). The curse—the awful curse has fallen! My touch brings evil—oh, horrible evil to a little child! Nay, none shall come near me, I command. Let me die alone.
[EXIT R.
Yuki. O Totmai and O Haru, run speedily to the Palace; bid them question the sentries, we will then to the shrines to pray. O Mimosa, weep not so bitterly.
[EXEUNT Totmai and Haru R.
Mimosa. Trouble has crossed the threshold—the gods permit the evil spells of Sakara. She, the wise woman, is jealous; she belongs to the Imperial house, and thinks exalted thoughts of the noble Society for the Preservation of Ancient Excellencies. There was anger in her heart when she heard of the festival for the Englishman. Listen, O Yuki! Let us take presents in our hands and with humble courtesies visit Sakara.
Yuki. Visit her! As well walk into the fire with a bundle of bamboos. All will soon be well. The Englishman will sail away, and we——
Mimosa. O Yuki, we shall see the Princess lying dead, with her kimono’s sleeve flung across her face, like the helpless broken wing of a fallen bird.
Yuki. Nay, O Mimosa, if you visit Sakara she will say, before argument, proof; but if she hates the august Princess you may as well try to bale the ocean with your hand as change her. Leave all honorably alone, lest worse come. Poke a canebrake and a snake will slip forth. Come, come to the Palace.