(The characters announce or explain their acts, as these are mostly symbolical. Thus here the Shite, or Sh'te, announces his change of costume, and later the dance.)
CHORUS
The three years are over and past:
All that is but an old story.
SHITE
To dream under dream we return.
Three years.... And the meeting comes now!
This night has happened over and over,
And only now comes the tryst.
CHORUS
Look there to the cave
Beneath the stems of the Suzuki.
From under the shadows of the love-grass,
See, see how they come forth and appear
For an instant.... Illusion!
SHITE
There is at the root of hell
No distinction between princes and commons;
Wretched for me! 'tis the saying.
WAKI