MORONAO. Lord Wakasanosuke, hear me while I explain it all. The violent language I used the other day at Tsurugaoka, how it [Illustration: Moronao on knees with Wakasanosuke standing in front] must have aroused your anger! And your anger was natural, and that is why I wish to apologise. What I said then from some misunderstanding I look upon as the greatest blunder of my life. See how a samurai bows to the floor and begs your pardon! I can do so now because you are a man of the world; but if it had been some excitable bungler, why, he would have cut me down on the spot. Oh, it gives me the shivers to think of it. Do you know, when I saw you turn away, I clasped my hands and bowed to you with gratitude for your magnanimity. Ha, ha, ha, when we age, we turn cowards. Think of my years and I am sure you are not a man to refuse when you see a samurai throw down his sword and beg your pardon with clasped hands. I entreat you again and again. Bannai, come and ask pardon with me. RECITATIVE. Wakasanosuke, who does not dream that his money was the cause of all this fawning, finds his energy gone and cannot now unsheathe his sword. With the weapon beside him that he was ready to draw, he hangs down his head in deep thought. From behind the low hedge, Honzo watches without once blinking. MORONAO. Ah, Bannai, why is Enya late? He is quite different to Lord Wakasanosuke. He is an unmannerly man. He does not yet show his face here. As such is the master, so there is not one among his councillors who gives careful attention to things. Come, Lord Wakasanosuke, let us go to His Highness. Now, rise; you have seen me apologise, and you surely are satisfied. WAKASANOSUKE. No, I do not feel well. Pray, go before me. MORONAO. What is the matter? A stomach-ache? Quick, Bannai, rub down his back. Shall I give you some medicine? WAKASANOSUKE. No, I am not so ill as that. MORONAO. Then, rest awhile. I will go and explain to His Highness. Show him into another room, Bannai. RECITATIVE. Both master and servant force their attentions upon him; and though he is annoyed, he submits and is taken into a room in the interior of the Palace. HONZO. Ah, now a heavy load is off my mind. RECITATIVE. Honzo bows to Heaven and earth in gratitude, and then retires into a neighbouring room. Soon after, Enya Hangwan comes to the long passage which leads to His Highness’s presence. Moronao sees him and calls out. MORONAO. Late, late. What think you? Did I not tell you to be here by the seventh hour to-day? HANGWAN. Yes, I am to blame for my lateness; but I think there is still time ere we appear before His Highness. RECITATIVE. He takes a letter-case out of his sleeve. Hangwan. A servant of mine has brought this to be handed to you; it is from my wife Kaoyo. RECITATIVE. He hands it to Moronao.