Nakamitsu.—Who is it that asks to be admitted? Ah! 'tis his reverence, Weshiñ.
Weshiñ.—Alas, for poor Kauzhiyu!
Nakamitsu.—Yes; but prithee speak not of this before his lordship. [He goes to Mitsunaka's apartment.] How shall I venture to address my lord? His reverence, Weshiñ, hath arrived from Mount Hiyei.
Mitsunaka.—Call him hither.
Nakamitsu.—Your commands shall be obeyed. [He goes to the room where Weshiñ is waiting, and says:] Be pleased to pass this way.
[They enter Mitsunaka's apartment.
Mitsunaka.—What may it be that has brought your reverence here to-day?
Weshiñ.—'Tis this, and this only. I come desiring to speak to your lordship anent my lord Bijiyau.
Mitsunaka.—Respecting him I gave orders to Nakamitsu, which orders have been carried out.
Weshiñ.—Ah! my lord, 'tis that, 'tis that I would discourse of. Be not agitated, but graciously deign to give me thine attention while I speak. Thou didst indeed command that my lord Bijiyau's head should be struck off. But never might Nakamitsu prevail upon himself to lay hands on one to whom, as his lord, he knew himself bound in reverence through all the changing scenes of the Three Worlds.[168] Wherefore he slew his own son, Kauzhiyu, to save my lord Bijiyau's life. And now here I come bringing Bijiyau with me, and would humbly supplicate thee to forgive one who was so loved that a man hath given his own son in exchange for him.[169]