Nakamitsu.—Thou'st spoken truly, Nakamitsu cries,
And the long sword from out his scabbard flies,
What time he strides behind his boy.
Bijiyau.—But no!
The youthful lord on such stupendous woe
May never gaze unmov'd; with bitter wail
The father's sleeve he clasps. Nought may 't avail,
He weeping cries, e'en should the deed be done,
For I will slay myself if falls thy son.
Kauzhiyu.—But 'tis the rule—a rule of good renown—
That for his lord a warrior must lay down
His lesser life.
Bijiyau.— But e'en if lesser, yet
He, too, is human; neither shouldst forget
What shame will e'er be mine if I survive.
Nakamitsu.—Alas! alas! and 'tis for death they strive!
Kauzhiyu.—Me deign to hear.
Bijiyau.—No! mine the truer word!
Nakamitsu.—Ah! this my child!
Kauzhiyu.—And there behold thy lord!
Nakamitsu.—Betwixt the two see Nakamitsu stand:—