ACT II

_A Bamboo Glade on the Mountain-side._

[_The Gaki comes in._

THE GAKI

This is the glade on the mountain side--the glade where Aoyagi and Riki think to find their happiness. Here must I feed or I shall die in this shape.--Hai!--They come.

[_Riki and Aoyagi enter._

RIKI

... and so like every other prince who is a real prince, he charged to the top of the hill before his men; and they, following him, fell upon the enemy and victory was theirs.

AOYAGI

And then--?

RIKI

And then the Princess laid her hand upon her heart.

AOYAGI

Is that all?

RIKI

Is that all? What more need there be?

AOYAGI

Did they not wed and have great happiness?

RIKI

You can answer that.

AOYAGI

I? I never heard the story before.

RIKI

One may always end a story--just right.

AOYAGI

Not a weeping willow tree?

RIKI

Even a weeping willow tree!

AOYAGI

How?

RIKI

I'll show you.--Stand right here.--So! I stand here.--Now look at me.

AOYAGI

I am looking.

RIKI

Place your hand upon your heart.

AOYAGI

Ay.

RIKI

Now I am the Prince. With sword in hand I come to you. From Kyushu to Koban I've fought my way to you;--through forest, marsh and mountain path I've striven for you. Now I am here.--Look at me.

AOYAGI

Ah!

[_With a cry of delight she rushes to his arms._

RIKI

And did they wed?

AOYAGI

Ah, love beyond love.

RIKI

And did they have great happiness?

AOYAGI

Ah!

[_She nestles close to him._