Totmai (sinking back on cushions). Truly, O Yuki, I had forgotten. O Haru, deign with honorable kindness to tell excellent tale? (Haru shakes head.) I would like one with a great, powerful and noble Prince who sends away trouble with swift sword! There, O Yuki, rapid one flew past again. Excellent message of its honorable flight I have never known to fail! (Sits upright.) Then, O most wise Yuki, in honorable cup of tea there was a tea leaf that stood upright. O Haru, come! (Haru sits before Totmai, who arranges pins.)
Yuki. I had foolishly forgotten. Here come the Princess and O Mimosa San. Smile gaily, O Totmai and O Haru. Exalted lady is sad enough. (All bow.)
ENTER Princess R., Mimosa following.
Princess. O poor maidens, has terrible evil come to you yet? You would come with me, foolish yet excellently loving hearts. Your honorable hands, brightly seeing eyes, excellent hearing, is all well? (Comes C. and looks eagerly from one to another.)
Totmai (coming down R. C. with flowers in her hand). O most august Princess.
Princess. Totmai, you forget. I will not be called Princess any longer. I am Kiku, the chrysanthemum, a fading flower!
Totmai. O beloved lady, in sweet, health-giving country air all will be excellently well. We can dance, sing, honorably eat.
Princess. Who can tell when the terrible curse falls?
Totmai (bowing). All-powerful gods are good. From one excellently sweet as thou art no evil comes, O most worthily loved.
Princess. My august uncle would know, O Mimosa, how long I tarry here with you for refreshment of sweet-smelling air full of the scent of fragrant flowers. Do you think the fair chrysanthemums at the Palace will fade without our loving care? O trouble-bringing—I forgot—they wither at my touch!