RECITATIVE. It is already the sixth hour[6]; and across the streaks of cloud in the whitening east, the crows are flying from out their nests. The lovers hurry on their way; but their hearts are held back by their anxiety for their lord’s fate. Such, alas, is the way of the world. [Illustration: Cloth and fan on ground] [1] The No-performance is a dramatic posture-dance accompanied by song and music. [2] The ceremonial court hat. [3] A kind of divided skirts, worn by men. [4] A drum with a slender body, beaten by hand. [5] One of the ten precepts in verse, by Jakunen, a noted priest and poet (died in 1137). [6] About six o'clock. ACT IV. ACT IV. RECITATIVE. Enya Hangwan being confined in his house, the town-mansion at Ogigayatsu has its gates closed with large bamboo poles, and none but the members of the household is allowed to go in or out; strictly is the house guarded. Even in such a plight, gay are the waiting-women as they amuse themselves in the inner rooms. Lady Kaoyo sits with Oboshi Rikiya at her side. To enliven her lord’s spirits, she has laid before her a basket of cherry-blossoms, double and treble flowered, from the hills of Kamakura; but far more beautiful than the flowers is the lady who is arranging them. Along the passage of the Willow Chamber comes Hara Goemon, a chief of troops, followed by Ono Kudayu. GOEMON. Ah, Master Chikara, you have come early. CHIKARA. No; until my father arrives from the country, I attend here day and night. GOEMON. That is very dutiful of you. RECITATIVE. Goemon lays both his hands on the mat. [Illustration: Kaoyo kneeling, arranging cherry blossoms] GOEMON. How does my lord feel, this morning? KAOYO. Thank you for coming, both of you. I feared much lest my lord should sink into low spirits and fall ill; but he looks cheerful and gazes from morning till evening at the flowers in the garden. And so, for his diversion, I have had these famous cherry-blossoms brought and am arranging them as you see. GOEMON. Yes, it is as you say, my lady. Your idea is that as the flowers open, they presage that the gates will be opened and our lord released from confinement. I thought, too, of bringing something of the sort; only I am a poor hand in devising emblems. But I have forgotten to speak of an important matter. I hear that the Shogun’s envoys will be here to-day, and I have no doubt they will come to release our lord from confinement. Do you not think so, Master Kudayu?