Mimosa. Am I, then, a wolf in sheep’s clothing, that you receive honorable greeting and poor unworthy presents with little excellent courtesy? I will leave offerings at exalted feet, and take away the burden of letting venerated eyes rest upon Mimosa! (Aside.) O Shinto, grant wisdom; to show eagerness is loss!
Sakara. Nay, O Mimosa San, rest on humble floor; they shall lay honorable tea before you. What can the ignorance of Sakara do? Forgive seeming discourtesy. (Bows.) I twanged my bow on the box here, talking to spirits of the most exalted dead (Mimosa shrinks) as to the evil coming to beautiful, beloved Japan.
Mimosa. Will there be trembling of the catfish? Will honorable dwellings fall?
Sakara (scornfully). Earthquake? or swift-moving fire? The humble servants of the great ones. That is nothing.
Mimosa (rising). My excellent brother travels to the Shrine of Ise—could he bring thee charms? and let honorable prayers avert evil days?
Sakara (rising). O Mimosa San, there is no escape from the nets of Heaven.
Mimosa (tremblingly moves toward R.). Honorable leave-taking! Will most gracious favor chrysanthemum-viewing at the Palace with exalted presence?
Sakara. My feet turn not again to the Palace; the absent get farther off every day!... Honorable minds (scornfully) will soon forget Sakara, who will sit (seats herself C., draws bow along box) and commune with the spirits who protect Japan—exalted, powerful gods!
Mimosa (advancing). I came with honorable presents in my hand——