RECITATIVE. He speaks with courtesy; and Konami suddenly lays her hands on the mat before her. They look at each other; each loves the other, but remains speechless. Their blushing faces are as one the plum-blossom and the other the cherry-flower. At last, Konami recollects herself. KONAMI. Ah, you are welcome. I am ordered to hear your message; and will you give it to me direct from your lips to mine? RECITATIVE. And she approaches him, but he turns aside. RIKIYA. Nay, that would be discourteous. In delivering and receiving messages, etiquette is always of the first importance. RECITATIVE. He shuffles backward and lays his hands before him on the mat. RIKIYA. This is the message my master Enya Hangwan presents to Lord Wakasanosuke: “As we are to attend at the Palace of the Governor-General Lord Tadayoshi before daybreak to-morrow, it is believed that the guests also will arrive early. Lord Moronao has therefore ordered that Hangwan and Wakasanosuke should present themselves at the Palace without fail at the seventh hour[3]. And to provide against all chance of a mistake arising, my master Hangwan has sent me with the message. You will please, then, report to this effect to my Lord Wakasanosuke.” RECITATIVE. His words flow so smoothly that Konami gazes at his face in fascination and gives no answer. WAKASANOSUKE. I have heard your message; and I am obliged to you. RECITATIVE. And with these words Wakasanosuke comes in. WAKASANOSUKE. Since we parted yesterday, I have not been able to see Lord Hangwan. Yes, I will present myself punctually at the seventh hour. I thank Lord Hangwan for his message; and please present to him my compliments. I am also obliged to you. RIKIYA. Then I will take my leave, my lord. I am grateful to you, lady, for receiving my message. RECITATIVE. He stands up quietly, and without once looking back, adjusts his dress, and goes away. Immediately Honzo comes in from another room. HONZO. Ha, are you here, my lord? I hear you must be present at the seventh hour to-morrow morning. It is close upon the ninth hour[4], and I beg you will take a rest. WAKASANOSUKE. Yes, yes. But Honzo, I have something to say to you in private. Send away Konami. HONZO. Ah, daughter, we will clap our hands when we want you. And so go in. RECITATIVE. He sends away his daughter. And wondering at his lord’s strange look, he comes close to him. HONZO. I have been wanting to ask you, my lord, for some time; now I beg you to tell me all. RECITATIVE. As he comes still closer, his lord also shuffles towards him. WAKASANOSUKE. Honzo, now let me hear your solemn oath that you will absolutely submit to what I am going to tell you. HONZO. Your words are indeed solemn, my lord. Well, I will submit; but.......... WAKASANOSUKE. Do you say that you cannot swear the samurai’s oath? HONZO. No, I do not say so; but I will first hear you. WAKASANOSUKE. And after hearing me, you will remonstrate, I suppose? HONZO. No, that.........