VILLAGER
How now, Kagekiyo, I’d speak with thee!
Thy daughter’s wish is there, and she would hear
Of thy heroic deeds at Yashima
So tell her the brave story. Let her hear.
KAGEKIYO
’Tis somewhat unbecoming, her request!
Yet as she came from far and for my sake,
I’ll tell the story, but when it is done
Pray send her home again immediately.
VILLAGER
That shall be done. Thy story finished, I
Will send her back at once.
KAGEKIYO
Well then. The time
Was drawing toward the end of the third month
Of the third year of Ju-ei,[42] and our clan
Were in their warships while upon the land
The hordes of Minamoto gathered near.
Two armies were opposed upon the coast
And each one wished a contest to decide.
Then Noritsune, Lord of Noto, spoke
To all his people—“In our last year’s fights
From Muroyama down in Harima
To Mizushima, Hiyodorigoe
And all, we never had one victory.
To Yoshitsune’s[43] tactics this was due.
“By some means or another we must slay
This Kuro, and suggestions we desire
Of some good plan;” he deigned to say to them.
Then Kagekiyo in his mind resolved
That Hangwan was no devil nor a god,
So if I throw away my life for his,
I thought, it will be easy, so that this
To Noritsune was my last farewell.
And as I landed the Gen warriors
Did dash towards me to destroy my life.
CHORUS