NIJO. [As he looks up, pitifully.] Into that kiss I tried to put all the love I've thought these many years.
OHANO. The love you've thought?
NIJO. [Despondently.] Yes, I've only thought it—thought it!
OHANO. But your heart——?
NIJO. [Rising.] My heart feels no more! Only my head thinks.
ZAMA. You love no more?
NIJO. Only with my head, it seems. I see things, know things, understand things; but I no longer feel anything. And my thirst for glory has done it all—killed my love of life and turned my very kiss to stone. Oh, glory, why do men give the essence of their lives to you—you who last no longer than the glow of gold above the place of sunset!
OHANO. [Superbly.] Because glory gives you the world—everything!
NIJO. It takes everything away—strips you—and leaves you nothing to believe. Oh, I could have become a common soldier here, marching shoulder to shoulder with the island men going out to war—but no—I must be a great warrior, a hero in position. Had I known then what I know now, how gladly would I have gone as one of the thousands who are known as—just soldiers. They are the ones who know the throb of life and love!
OHANO. You bring back such a message to me? You who have climbed and climbed to heights till I have believed you to be as constant in your quest as the light that shines upon the gazing globe?