HEIYEMON. I cannot imagine that these are Your Honour’s words. To me who received only three men’s rations and yourself with fifteen hundred _koku_, the life that keeps us in this world is the same, and there is no difference in our gratitude to our lord. But what we cannot disregard is the lineage. I know it is rude, it is impudent for a fellow of no worth like me to beg to be allowed to join gentlemen of rank who were qualified to act as our lord’s deputy. I should be like a monkey mimicking a man; but I will carry your sandals, your boxes, or anything, if only you will take me with you. I entreat you, sir; please, Your Honour, Your Honour. What, he appears to have fallen asleep. KITAHACHI. Come, Heiyemon, do not waste more words; for Yuranosuke is as good as dead. Master Yazama, Master Senzaki, we have now seen his true spirit, and let us act as we agreed. YAGORO. Yes, as a warning to our confederates. Are you ready? RECITATIVE. As they close in, Heiyemon stays their hands and approaches them. HEIYEMON. Pray, stop a moment, sirs. As I turn it over and over in my mind, it seems to me that the many difficulties he has encountered in his wish to avenge his lord’s death after he parted from him and his indignation at people’s slanders when anxiety besets him on all sides, these he has borne in silence, and he could not under these burdens have lived on till now if he had not kept drinking. Take your measures when he has become sober again. RECITATIVE. He stops them against their will and accompanies them within. Their shadows disappear behind the well-lighted sliding-screens. One _ri_ and a half westward from Yamashina runs Yuranosuke’s son Rikiya, all breathless; and peeping within, he sees his father lying asleep unconscious of all around him. If he calls him, he will be heard by others; and so coming close to his pillow, he gently strikes his sword-guard against the hilt. Suddenly Yuranosuke rises. YURANOSUKE. Oh, is it you, Rikiya? Did you sound the sword-guard because you have urgent business? Quietly, speak quietly. [Illustration: Kneeling Rikiya handing package to Yuranosuke] RIKIYA. An express messenger has just brought a secret letter from Lady Kaoyo. YURANOSUKE. Was there no verbal message, besides? RIKIYA. Our enemy Kono Moronao’s application for permission to return to his province has been granted and he will shortly start for home. The message added that the particulars would be found in the letter. YURANOSUKE. Very well. You will go home and send a palanquin for me in the night. Now, go. RECITATIVE. Without a moment’s hesitation, he runs back towards Yamashina. Anxious to see what the letter might say, Yuranosuke is about to open it, when Kudayu calls to him. KUDAYU. Master Oboshi, Master Yura, it is Ono Kudayu. I wish to see you.