Endeavoured as you honourably have
To hasten on the way, already now
This is Miyasaki, as it is called,
To Hiuga you have honourably come.
This is the place to honourably ask
Your honourable father’s whereabouts.
KAGEKIYO
[Evident to the audience, but supposed to be hidden from the other actors.]
The pine trees that have seen long months and years
Entwine themselves to form the arching bowers.
Yet I, debarred from the clear light of day
Discern no sign that time is passing by.
Here idly in a dark and lowly hut
I sleep the time away. The seasons change
But not for heat nor cold my clothes are planned
And to a skeleton my frame has waned.
CHORUS
If one has got to leave the world, then black,
Black should his sleeves be dyed. Then surely black
His sleeves should all be dyed, and yet my sleeves—
Oh, more inglorious! So utterly
Worn out and waned my state that I myself
Feel much averse unto my wretched self.
So who could be benevolent enough
To visit such a state of misery?
No one inquiring of my misery
Will ever come.
No one inquiring of my misery
Will ever come.
HITOMARU
Incredible that one should dwell within
That wretched hut, it does not seem to be
Fit for a habitation. Strangely though
I heard a voice proceeding from its wall.
A beggar’s dwelling it must be. I fear,
And from the lowly dwelling keep away.
KAGEKIYO
That autumn now has come I cannot see,
And yet I feel it for the wind has brought
Tidings from somewhere, tho’ I know not whence.