HONZO. I take the liberty to address Lord Moronao. My master Wakasanosuke counts it a knightly honour beyond his desert that he should be appointed to a great office by the Shogun Takauji. We are anxious as Wakasanosuke, being still young, knows nothing of etiquette; but since Lord Moronao has condescended to instruct and guide him in all things, he has been able to discharge his duties without mishap. This is due to no merit on the part of my master, but is entirely owing to Lord Moronao’s kindness; and it has given unspeakable joy to my master, his wife, and the whole house. If, therefore, my lord will, as a slight token of our gratitude, deign to accept a few presents from our house, we shall feel most highly honoured. Pray, present the list to my lord. RECITATIVE. As he hands the list, Bannai takes it shyly and opens it with a perplexed look. BANNAI. (reads). “List of presents. Thirty rolls of cloth and thirty pieces of gold, from the wife of Wakasanosuke; twenty pieces of gold, from Kakogawa Honzo; ten pieces of gold, from the samurai of the house.” RECITATIVE. When Bannai has read out the list, Moronao remains open-mouthed and entranced. The two exchange glances and stare blankly around them; they look as foolish and awkward as disappointed merrymakers when the summer festivals have been postponed. Suddenly, Moronao speaks out. MORONAO. This is really most kind of you. What had we better do, Bannai? BANNAI. Well, if we were to decline the presents, we should be acting against their wishes, and above all, it would be a great breach of manners. MORONAO. Ah, though I teach etiquette, I do not know what to do in a case like this. Oh, what was I going to say? Well, Master Honzo, there is nothing really to teach. Besides, Lord Wakasanosuke is so clever that I, his teacher, am left far behind. Hi, Bannai, put away the presents. It is impolite of me, but on the road I cannot even offer you a cup of tea. RECITATIVE. Seeing this sudden change of front, Honzo feels that his plan has succeeded; but still he keeps his hands on the ground. HONZO. It is now the seventh hour, and I will take my leave. To-day, the most important ceremony takes place in the Palace; and I humbly entreat my lord to honour my master with his guidance. RECITATIVE. As he rises, Moronao holds him by the sleeve. MORONAO. Do not go. Would you not like to see the nobles sitting around in the hall to-day? HONZO. But it would be most disrespectful to His Highness for one of my low rank to....... MORONAO. No matter, no matter. When I go with you, no one shall say a word against you. Besides, Lord Wakasanosuke may also have something or other for you to do. Come, come. HONZO. I will follow you, for it would be rude to decline. Nay, after you, my lord.