Ito. The police with ropes in pockets go from dwelling to dwelling asking for blind boys.
Sakara (scornfully). Afraid of the police? See, here is sacred charm; place also in girdle, O little Ito. (Child examines and bows.) Fear nothing, the gods protect. (Draws child beside her.) I see there are words in thy throat.
Ito. Honorable lady in the garden was beautiful as a flower. (Looks up.) Why did she not love excellent play-acting, and I the best play-actor among children in many honorable dwellings?
Sakara. Who said, O little Ito, venerated Lady did not like?
Ito. The police. I fear not till lanterns are lit, and night-devils and evil spirits walk. I called out in honorable sleep; the kind mother heard. (Places book under arm.) If police put a rope round me I will say it was play-acting of Sakara, the wise lady.
Sakara. Truly, the dog bites the hand that caresses it!
Ito. Honorable meaning I do not understand. Play-acting of doctor or funeral exalted lady would have liked.
Sakara. Fear not, O little Ito; all good comes to the friends of Sakara! Keep close mouth (child starts) lest.... Here hangs honorable sword, fear nothing, O little Ito (child draws nearer), the words on excellent blade, “There’s naught ’twixt heaven and earth a man need fear who carries this single blade!” Soon, O little Ito, manhood will come, strong, powerful manhood, and Sakara will fasten this sword herself to girdle of wise Ito.
Ito. August lady is most honorably kind to little Ito; those in prison may not wear worthy swords! Will excellent charm keep away night-devils?
Sakara. None can come. Have no fear, O Ito, and remember the words of Sakara—the mouth is the door of mischief. Keep close lips; excellent happiness will then come. Take honorable leave-taking, O wise Ito. I hear footsteps.