CHAPTER II
KUMASAKA EBOSHI-ORI BENKEI ON THE BRIDGE
These three plays deal with the boyhood of the hero Yoshitsune, whose child-name was Ushiwaka.
_Eboshi-ori_ is a _genzai-mono_, that is to say a play which describes events actually in progress. In _Kumasaka_ these same events are rehearsed by the ghost of one who participated in them. There are two other well-known Yoshitsune plays, _Funa-Benkei_ and _Ataka_. In the former the phantoms of the dead Taira warriors attack the boat in which Yoshitsune and Benkei are riding; in the latter occurs the famous scene called the _Kwanjinchō_, in which Benkei pretends to read out from a scroll a long document which he is in reality improvising on the spot. (See Mr. Sansom’s translations of these two plays in the _Transactions of the Asiatic Society of Japan_, 1911.) The _Kwanjinchō_ was borrowed by the popular stage, and became one of the favourite “turns” of the great Danjūrō (1660-1703) and his successors.
KUMASAKA
By ZENCHIKU UJINOBU (1414-1499?)
PERSONS
_A PRIEST FROM THE CAPITAL._ _A PRIEST OF AKASAKA (really the ghost of the robber KUMASAKA NO CHOHAN)._ _CHORUS._
PRIEST.
These weary feet that found the World Too sad to walk in, whither Oh whither shall wandering lead them?
I am a priest from the Capital. I have never seen the East country, and now I am minded to go there on pilgrimage.
(_He describes the journey, walking slowly round the stage._)
Over the mountains, down the Ōmi road by a foam-flecked stream; And through the woods of Awazu. Over the long bridge of Seta Heavily my footfall clangs. In the bamboo-woods of Noji I await the dawn. There where the morning dew lies thick, over the Greenfield Plain, Green in name only--for the leaves are red with autumn-- In evening sunshine to the village of Akasaka I am come!
KUMASAKA.
(_It is convenient to call him this, but he is the ghost of Kumasaka, appearing in the guise of a priest._)
Hey, you priest, I have something to say to you!
PRIEST.
What is it you would say to me?
KUMASAKA.
To-day is some one’s birthday. I beg of you to pray for the salvation of his soul.
PRIEST.
I have left the World, and it is my business now to say such prayers; but of whom am I to think when I pray?
KUMASAKA.
There is no need to know his name. He is buried in that tomb over there, among the rushes to this side of the pine-tree. It is because he cannot get free[37] that he needs your prayers.
PRIEST.
No, no; it will not do. I cannot pray for him unless I know his name.
KUMASAKA.
Pray, none the less. For it is written, “All the creatures of the world shall be profited.
There shall be no distinction.”
PRIEST.
From dying and being born.
KUMASAKA.
Deliver him, oh deliver him!
CHORUS.
For he that taketh a prayer unto himself Even though his name be not named, if he receive it gladly, Is the owner of the prayer. Was not the promise made to the trees of the field, To the soil of the land? Though the heart that prays marks no name upon the prayer, Yet shall it be heard.
KUMASAKA.
Then come back to my cottage with me and pass the night there.
PRIEST.
I will come.
(_They go into the cottage, which is represented by a wicker framework at the front._)
Listen! I thought you were taking me to where there would be a chapel, so that I could begin my prayers. But here I can see no painted picture nor carven image that I could put up. There is nothing on the wall but a great pike,--no handstaff, but only an iron crowbar; and other weapons of war are nailed up. What is the reason of this?
KUMASAKA.
You must know that when I first took the vows of priesthood I went round from village to village here, to Tarui, Auhaka and Akasaka--there is no end to them, but I know all the roads,--through the tall grass at Aono and the thick woods of Koyasu, night or day, rain or fine. For I was a hill-bandit in those days, a thief of the night, tilting baggage from mules’ backs; even stripping servant-girls of their clothes, as they went from farm to farm, and leaving them sobbing.
Then it was that I used to take with me that pike there and waving it in their faces, “Stand and deliver!” I would cry.
But at last a time came when it was not so.[38] And after that time I was glad enough to find shelter even in such a place as this. I yielded my will and was content. For at last I had indeed resolved to leave the hateful World.
Oh petty prowess of those days!
CHORUS.
For hand of priest unfit indeed Such deeds and weapons had I thought; Yet among gods Hath not the Lord Amida his sharp sword? Doth not the King of Love[39] Shoot arrows of salvation from his bow? Tamon with tilted lance Outbattled demons and hath swept away All perils from the world.
KUMASAKA.
Thoughts of love and pity May be sins fouler
CHORUS.
Than the Five Faults of Datta;[40] And the taking of life for faith Be holiness greater Than the six virtues of Bosatsu.[41] These things have I seen and heard. But for the rest, is it not Thought alone That either wanders in the trackless night Of Error or awakes to the wide day? “Master thy thoughts, or they will master thee,” An ancient proverb[42] says.
(_Speaking for Kumasaka._)
“But I must have done, or dawn will find me talking still. Go to your rest, Sir; and I too will doze awhile.” So he spoke, and seemed to go into the bedroom. But suddenly the cottage vanished: nothing was left but the tall grass. It was under the shadow of a pine-tree that he[43] had rested!
(_There is usually an interlude to occupy the time while Kumasaka is changing his costume. An inhabitant of Akasaka tells stories of Kumasaka’s exploits._)
PRIEST.
I have seen strange things. I cannot sleep, no, not even for a while as little as the space between the antlers of a young stag. Under this autumn-winded pine-tree lying, all night long I will perform a service of chanted prayer.[44]
KUMASAKA.
(_Reappearing with a scarf tied round his head and a long pike over his shoulder._)
The wind is rising in the south-east. The clouds of the north-west are shifting; it is a dark night. A wild wind is sweeping the woods under the hill.
CHORUS.
See how the branches are heaving.
KUMASAKA.
The moon does not rise till dawn to-night; and even when she rises she will be covered.
Send along the order for an assault!
(_Recollecting himself._)
The whole heart divided between bow-hand and rein-hand,--oh the sin of it! For ever seizing another’s treasure! Look, look on my misery, how my heart clings to the World!
PRIEST.
If you are Kumasaka himself, tell me the story of those days.
KUMASAKA.
There was a merchant, a trafficker in gold, called Kichiji of the Third Ward. Each year he brought together a great store, and loading it in bales carried it up-country. And thinking to waylay him I summoned divers trusty men....
PRIEST.
Tell me the names of those that were chosen by you and the countries they came from.
KUMASAKA.
There was Kakujō of Kawachi, and the brothers Surihari that had no rivals in fencing.
PRIEST.
Well, and from within the City itself among many there were--
KUMASAKA.
There was Emon of the Third Ward and Kozaru of Mibu.
PRIEST.
Skilful torch-throwers; in broken-attack
KUMASAKA.
Their like will never be seen.
PRIEST.
And from the North country, from Echizen
KUMASAKA.
There was Matsuwaka of Asau and Kurō of Mikuni.
PRIEST.
And from the country of Kaga, from Kumasaka
KUMASAKA.
There was this Chōhan, the first of them, a great hand at deeds of villainy; and with him seventy men of the band.
PRIEST.
On all the roads where Kichiji might be passing, up hill and down dale on every halting-place they spied, till at last
KUMASAKA.
Here at the Inn of Akasaka we found him,--a fine place, with many roads leading from it. We set watch upon the place. The merchants had sent for women. From nightfall they feasted. They roystered the hours away--
PRIEST.
And at last, very late at night, Kichiji and his brother, with no thought for safety, Fell into a sodden sleep.
KUMASAKA.
But there was with them a boy of sixteen.[45] He put his bright eye to a hole in the wall. He did not make the least noise.
PRIEST.
He did not sleep a wink.
KUMASAKA.
Ushiwaka! We did not know he was there.
PRIEST.
Then the robbers, whose luck was run out,
KUMASAKA.
Thinking that the hour of fortune was come,
PRIEST.
Waited impatiently.
CHORUS.
Oh how long it seemed till at last the order came.
KUMASAKA.
Dash in!
CHORUS.
And, hurling their firebrands, In they rushed, each jostling to be first, More of them and more, in a wild onslaught. Not even the God of Peril had dared to face them. But little Ushiwaka showed no fear. He drew his belt-sword and met them. The Lion Pounce, The Tiger Leap, The Bird Pounce ...[46] He parried them all. They thrust at him but could not prevail. Thirteen there were who attacked him; And now, done to death, on the same pillow head to head they lie. And others, wounded, have flung down their swords and slunk back weaponless, Stripped of all else but life. Then Kumasaka cried: “What demon or god can he be Under whose hand all these have fallen? For a man he cannot be! But even robbers need their lives! This is no work for me; I will withdraw.” And slinging his pike, slowly he turned to go.
KUMASAKA.
I was thinking.
CHORUS.
He was thinking as he went, “Though this stripling slash so bravely, Yet should Kumasaka employ his secret art,-- Then though the boy be ogre or hobgoblin, Waist-strangled he would be pressed to dust.” “I will avenge the fallen,” he cried, and, turning back, He levelled his pike and sheltered behind the wattled door, Waiting for the urchin to come. Ushiwaka saw him, and drawing his sword held it close to his side, Stood apart and watched. But Kumasaka too stood with his pike ready. Each was waiting for the other to spring. Then Kumasaka lost patience. He lunged with his left foot and with his pike Struck a blow that would have pierced an iron wall. But Ushiwaka parried it lightly and sprang to the left. Kumasaka was after him in a moment, and as he sprang nimbly over the pike,[47] Turned the point towards him. But as he drew back the pike, Ushiwaka crossed to the right. Then levelling the pike, Kumasaka struck a great blow. This time the boy parried it with a blow that disengaged them, And springing into the air leapt hither and thither with invisible speed. And while the robber sought him, The wonderful boy pranced behind and stuck his sword through a chink in his coat of mail. “Hey, what is that?” cried Kumasaka. “Has this urchin touched me?” And he was very angry. But soon Heaven’s fatal ordinance was sealed by despair: “This sword-play brings me no advantage,” he cried; “I will wrestle with him.” Then he threw away his pike, and spreading out his great hands, Down this corridor and into this corner he chased him, but when he would have grasped him, Like lightning, mist, moonlight on the water,-- The eye could see, but the hand could not touch.
KUMASAKA.
I was wounded again and again.
CHORUS.
He was wounded many times, till the fierce strength of his spirit weakened and weakened. Like dew upon the moss that grows.
KUMASAKA.
Round the foot of this pine-tree
CHORUS.
Are vanished the men of this old tale. “Oh, help me to be born to happiness.”
(KUMASAKA _entreats the_ PRIEST _with folded hands_.)
The cocks are crowing. A whiteness glimmers over the night. He has hidden under the shadow of the pine-trees of Akasaka;
(KUMASAKA _hides his face with his left sleeve_.)
Under the shadow of the pine-trees he has hidden himself away.
FOOTNOTES:
[37] I. e. he is “attached” to earth and cannot get away to the Western Paradise.
[38] I. e. the time of his encounter with Ushiwaka.
[39] Aizen.
[40] Devadatta, the wicked contemporary of Buddha.
[41] The six paths to Bodisattva-hood, i. e. Almsgiving, Observance of Rules, Forbearance, Meditation, Knowledge and Singleness of Heart.
[42] Actually from the Nirvana Sutra.
[43] The Priest.
[44] _Koye-butsuji_, “Voice-service.”
[45] Yoshitsune (Ushiwaka) had run away from the temple where he was being educated and joined the merchant’s caravan; see p. 70.
[46] Names of strokes in fencing.
[47] I have thought it better to print these “recitals” as verse, though in the original (as obviously in my translation) they are almost prose.
EBOSHI-ORI
By MIYAMASU (sixteenth century?)
PERSONS
_KICHIJI_ } _HIS BROTHER KICHIROKU_ } _Gold-merchants._ _USHIWAKA._ _HATMAKER._ _INNKEEPER._ _BRIGANDS._ _MESSENGER._ _HATMAKER’S WIFE._ _KUMASAKA._ _CHORUS._
KICHIJI.
We as travellers dressed-- Our weary feet upon the Eastern road For many days must speed.
I am Sanjō no Kichiji. I have now amassed a great store of treasure and with my brother Kichiroku am going to take it down to the East. Ho! Kichiroku, let us get together our bundles and start now.
KICHIROKU.
I am ready. Let us start at once.
USHIWAKA.
Hie, you travellers! If you are going up-country, please take me with you.
KICHIJI.
That is a small thing to ask. Certainly we would take you with us ..., but by the look of you, I fancy you must be an apprentice playing truant from your master. If that is so, I cannot take you.
USHIWAKA.
I have neither father nor mother, and my master has turned me adrift. Please let me go with you.
KICHIJI.
If that is so, I cannot any longer refuse to take you with me. (_Describing his own action._)
Then he offered the boy a broad-brimmed hat.
USHIWAKA.
And Ushiwaka eagerly grasped it. To-day, he said, begins our troublous journey’s toil.
CHORUS (_describing the journey and speaking for_ USHIWAKA).
Past the creek of Awata, to Matsusaka, To the shore of Shinomiya I travel. Down the road to the barrier of Ōsaka walking behind pack-ponies, How long shall I serve in sadness these hucksters of gold? Here where once the blind harper[48] lay sorrowing On a cottage-bed, far away from the City, Thinking perhaps some such thoughts as I do now. We have passed the plain of Awazu. Over the long bridge of Seta The hoofs of our ponies clank. We cross the hill of Moru, where the evening dew Lies thick on country paths and, caught in the slanting light, Gleams on the under-leaves till suddenly night Comes on us and in darkness we approach The Mirror Inn.
KICHIJI.
We have travelled so fast that we have already reached the Mirror Inn. Let us rest here for a little while.
MESSENGER.
I am a servant in the Palace of Rokuhara. I have been sent to fetch back young Ushiwaka, Lord Yoshitomo’s son, who has escaped from the Temple of Kurama. It is thought that he has taken service with the merchant Kichiji and has gone up-country with him; so they sent me to bring him back. Why, I believe that is he! But perhaps he is not alone. I cannot be sure. I had better go home and fetch help, for if I were one against many, how could I hope to take him?
USHIWAKA.
I think it is about me that this messenger is speaking. I must not let him know me. I will cut my hair and wear an _eboshi_[49], so that people may think I am an Eastern boy.
(_He goes to the curtain which separates the green-room from the entrance-passage. This represents for the moment the front of the hatmaker’s shop._)
May I come in? (_The curtain is raised._)
HATMAKER.
Who is it?
USHIWAKA.
I have come to order an _eboshi_.
HATMAKER.
An _eboshi_ at this time of night? I will make you one to-morrow, if you like.
USHIWAKA.
Please make it now. I am travelling in a hurry and cannot wait.
HATMAKER.
Very well then; I will make it now. What size do you take?
USHIWAKA.
Please give me an _eboshi_ of the third size, folded to the left.
HATMAKER.
I am afraid I cannot do that. They were worn folded to the left in the time of the Minamotos. But now that the Tairas rule the whole land it would not be possible to wear one folded so.
USHIWAKA.
In spite of that I beg of you to make me one. There is a good reason for my asking.
HATMAKER.
Well, as you are so young there cannot be much harm in your wearing it. I will make you one.
(_He begins to make the hat._)
There is a fine story about these left-folded _eboshi_ and the luck they bring. Shall I tell it you?
USHIWAKA.
Yes, pray tell me the story.
HATMAKER.
My grandfather lived at Karasu-maru in the Third Ward. It was the time when Hachimantarō Yoshi-iye, having routed[50] the brothers Sadatō and Munetō, Came home in triumph to the Capital. And when he was summoned to the Emperor’s Palace, he went first to my grandfather and ordered from him A left-folded _eboshi_ for the Audience. And when he was come before the Throne The Emperor welcomed him gladly And as a token of great favour made him lord Of the lands of Outer Mutsu. Even such an _eboshi_ it is that I am making now, A garment of good omen. Wear it and when into the world
CHORUS.
When into the world you go, who knows but that Fate’s turn May not at last bring you to lordship of lands, Of Dewa or the country of Michi. And on that day remember, Oh deign to remember, him that now with words of good omen Folds for you this _eboshi_. On that day forget not the gift you owe! But alas! These things were, but shall not be again. The time of the left-folded _eboshi_ was long ago: When the houses of Gen and Hei[51] were in their pride, Like the plum-tree and cherry-tree among flowers, Like Spring and Autumn among the four seasons. Then, as snow that would outsparkle the moonlight, Gen strove with Hei; and after the years of Hōgen,[52] The house of Hei prevailed and the whole land was theirs So is it now. But retribution shall come; time shall bring Its changes to the world and like the cherry-blossom This _eboshi_ that knows its season Shall bloom again. Wait patiently for that time!
HATMAKER.
And while they prayed
CHORUS.
Lo! The cutting of the _eboshi_ was done. Then he decked it brightly with ribbons of three colours, Tied the strings to it and finished it handsomely. “Pray deign to wear it,” he cried, and set it on the boy’s head. Then, stepping back to look, “Oh admirable skill! Not even the captain of a mighty host Need scorn to wear this hat!”
HATMAKER.
There is not an _eboshi_ in the land that fits so well.
USHIWAKA.
You are right; please take this sword in payment for it.
HATMAKER.
No, no! I could not take it in return for such a trifle.
USHIWAKA.
I beg you to accept it.
HATMAKER.
Well, I cannot any longer refuse. How glad my wife will be! (_Calling._) Are you there?
WIFE.
What is it? (_They go aside._)
HATMAKER.
This young lad asked me to make him an _eboshi_, and when it was made he gave me this sword as a present. Is it not a noble payment? Here, look at it. (_The wife takes the sword and when she has examined it bursts into tears._) Why, I thought you would treasure it like a gift from Heaven. And here you are shedding tears over it! What is the matter?
WIFE.
Oh! I am ashamed. When I try to speak, tears come first and choke the words. I am going to tell you something I have never told you before. I am the sister of Kamada Masakiyo who fell at the Battle of Utsumi in the country of Noma. At the time when Tokiwa bore Ushiwaka, her third son, the lord her husband sent her this weapon as a charm-sword, and I was the messenger whom he charged to carry it. Oh were he in the world again;[53] then would our eyes no longer behold such misery. Oh sorrow, sorrow!
HATMAKER.
You say that you are the sister of Kamada Masakiyo?
WIFE.
I am.
HATMAKER.
How strange, how strange! I have lived with you all these years and months, and never knew till now. But are you sure that you recognize this weapon?
WIFE.
Yes; this was the sword they called Konnentō.
HATMAKER.
Ah! I have heard that name. Then this must be the young Lord Ushiwaka from Kurama Temple. Come with me. We must go after him and give him back the sword at once. Why, he is still there! (_To_ USHIWAKA.) Sir, this woman tells me she knows the sword; I beg of you to take it back.
USHIWAKA.
Oh! strange adventure; to meet so far from home With humble folk that show me kindness!
HATMAKER and WIFE.
My Lord, forgive us! We did not know you; but now we see in you Lord Ushiwaka, the nursling of Kurama Temple.
USHIWAKA.
I am no other. (_To the_ WIFE.) And you, perhaps, are some kinswoman of Masakiyo?[54]
WIFE.
You have guessed wisely, sir; I am the Kamada’s sister.
USHIWAKA.
Lady Akoya?
WIFE.
I am.
USHIWAKA.
Truly I have reason to know.... And _I_
CHORUS.
Am Ushiwaka fallen on profitless days. Of whom no longer you may speak As master, but as one sunk in strange servitude. Dawn is in the east; the pale moon fades from the sky, as he sets forth from the Mirror Inn.
HATMAKER and WIFE.
Oh! it breaks my heart to see him! A boy of noble name walking barefoot with merchants, and nothing on his journey but cloth of Shikama to clothe him. Oh! piteous sight!
USHIWAKA.
Change rules the world for ever, and Man but for a little while. What are fine clothes to me, what life itself while foemen flaunt?
HATMAKER.
As a journey-present to speed you on the Eastern road ...
CHORUS.
So he spoke and pressed the sword into the young lord’s hands. And the boy could not any longer refuse, but taking it said, “If ever I come into the World[55] again, I will not forget.” And so saying he turned and went on his way in company with the merchants his masters. On they went till at last, weary with travel, they came to the Inn of Akasaka in the country of Mino.
KICHIJI (_the merchant_).
We have come so fast that here we are at the Inn of Akasaka.
(_To his_ BROTHER.)
Listen, Kichiroku, you had better take lodging for us here.
KICHIROKU.
I obey. (_Goes towards the hashigakari or actors’ entrance-passage._) May I come in?
INNKEEPER.
Who are you? Ah! it is Master Kichiroku. I am glad to see you back again so soon.
(_To_ KICHIJI.)
Be on your guard, gentleman. For a desperate gang has got wind of your coming and has sworn to set upon you to-night.
KICHIJI.
What are we to do?
KICHIROKU.
I cannot tell.
USHIWAKA (_comes forward_).
What are you speaking of?
KICHIJI.
We have heard that robbers may be coming to-night. We were wondering what we should do....
USHIWAKA.
Let them come in what force they will; yet if one stout soldier go to meet them, they will not stand their ground, though they be fifty mounted men.
KICHIJI.
These are trusty words that you have spoken to us. One and all we look to you....
USHIWAKA.
Then arm yourselves and wait. I will go out to meet them.
CHORUS.
And while he spoke, evening passed to darkness. “Now is the time,” he cried, “to show the world those arts of war that for many months and years upon the Mountain of Kurama I have rehearsed.”
Then he opened the double-doors and waited there for the slow in-coming of the white waves.[56]
BRIGANDS.
Loud the noise of assault. The lashing of white waves against the rocks, even such is the din of our battle-cry.
KUMASAKA.
Ho, my man! Who is there?
BRIGAND.
I stand before you.
KUMASAKA.
How fared those skirmishers I sent to make a sudden breach? Blew wind briskly within?
BRIGAND.
Briskly indeed; for some are slain and many grievously wounded.
KUMASAKA.
How can that be? I thought that none were within but the merchants, Kichiji and his brother. Who else is there?
BRIGAND.
By the light of a rocket[57] I saw a lad of twelve or thirteen years slashing about him with a short-sword; and he was nimble as a butterfly or bird.
KUMASAKA.
And the brothers Surihari?
BRIGAND.
Stood foster-fathers[57] to the fire-throwers and were the first to enter.
But soon there meets them this child I tell of and with a blow at each whisks off their heads from their necks.
KUMASAKA.
Ei! Ei! Those two, and the horsemen that were near a hundred strong,--all smitten! The fellow has bewitched them!
BRIGAND.
When Takase saw this, thinking perhaps no good would come of this night-attack, he took some seventy horsemen and galloped away with them.
KUMASAKA.
Ha! It is not the first time that lout has played me false.
How fared the torch-diviners?[57]
BRIGAND.
The first torch was slashed in pieces; the second was trampled on till it went out; the third they caught and threw back at us, but it too went out. There are none left.
KUMASAKA.
Then is all lost. For of these torch-diviners they sing that the first torch is the soul of an army, the second torch is the wheel of Fate, and the third torch--Life itself. All three are out, and there is no hope left for this night’s brigandage.
BRIGAND.
It is as you say. Though we were gods, we could not redeem our plight. Deign to give the word of retreat.
KUMASAKA.
Why, even brigands must be spared from slaughter. Come, withdraw my men.
BRIGAND.
I obey.
KUMASAKA.
Stay! Shall Kumasaka Chōhan be worsted in to-night’s affray? Never! Where could he then hide his shame? Come, robbers, to the attack!
CHORUS.
So with mighty voice he called them to him, and they, raising their war-cry, leapt to the assault.
(_Speaking for_ USHIWAKA.)
“Hoho! What a to-do! Himself has come, undaunted by the fate of those he sent before him. Now, Hachiman,[58] look down upon me, for no other help is here.” So he prayed, and stood waiting at the gap.
(_Speaking for_ KUMASAKA.)
“Sixty-three years has Kumasaka lived, and to-day shall make his last night-assault.”[59] So he spoke and kicking off his iron-shoes in a twinkling he levelled his great battle-sword that measured five foot three, and as he leapt forward like a great bird pouncing on his prey, no god or demon had dared encounter him.
(_Speaking for_ USHIWAKA.)
“Ha, bandit! Be not so confident! These slinking night-assaults displease me”; and leaving him no leisure, the boy dashed in to the attack.
Then, Kumasaka, deeply versed in use of the battle-sword, lunged with his left foot and in succession he executed The Ten-Side Cut, The Eight-Side Sweep, The Body Wheel, The Hanyū Turn, The Wind Roll, The Blade Drop, The Gnashing Lion, The Maple-Leaf Double, The Flower Double.
Now fire dances at the sword-points; Now the sword-backs clash.
At last even the great battle-sword has spent its art. Parried by the little belt-sword of Zōshi,[60] it has become no more than a guard-sword.
(_Speaking for_ KUMASAKA.)
“This sword-play brings me no advantage; I will close with him and try my strength!”
Then he threw down his battle-sword and spreading out his great hands rushed wildly forward. But Ushiwaka dodged him, and as he passed mowed round at his legs.
The robber fell with a crash, and as he struggled to rise The belt-sword of Ushiwaka smote him clean through the waist. And Kumasaka that had been one man Lay cloven in twain.
FOOTNOTES:
[48] Semimaru.
[49] A tall, nodding hat.
[50] 1064 A.D.
[51] I. e. Minamoto and Taira.
[52] 1156-1159 A.D.
[53] Yoshi-iye.
[54] Ushiwaka had not heard this conversation between the hatmaker and his wife, which takes place as an “aside.”
[55] I. e. into power.
[56] I. e. robbers. A band of brigands who troubled China in 184 A. D. were known the White Waves, and the phrase was later applied to robbers in general.
[57] Torches were thrown among the enemy to discover their number and defences.
[58] God of War and clan-god of the Minamotos.
[59] He feels that he is too old for the work.
[60] I. e. Ushiwaka.
BENKEI ON THE BRIDGE
(HASHI-BENKEI)
By HIYOSHI SA-AMI YASUKIYO
(_Date unknown, probably first half of the fifteenth century._)
PERSONS
_BENKEI._ _USHIWAKA._ _FOLLOWER._ _CHORUS._
BENKEI.
I am one who lives near the Western Pagoda. My name is Musashi-bō Benkei. In fulfillment of a certain vow I have been going lately by night at the hour of the Ox[61] to worship at the Gojō Temple. To-night is the last time; I ought soon to be starting.
Hie! Is any one there?
FOLLOWER.
Here I am.
BENKEI.
I sent for you to tell you that I shall be going to the Gojō Temple to-night.
FOLLOWER.
I tremble and listen. But there is a matter that I must bring to your notice. I hear that yesterday there was a boy of twelve or thirteen guarding the Gojō Bridge. They say he was slashing round with his short sword as nimble as a bird or butterfly. I beg that you will not make your pilgrimage to-night. Do not court this peril.
BENKEI.
That’s a strange thing to ask! Why, were he demon or hobgoblin, he could not stand alone against many. We will surround him and you shall soon see him on his knees.
FOLLOWER.
They have tried surrounding him, but he always escapes as though by magic, and none is able to lay hands on him.
BENKEI.
When he seems within their grasp
FOLLOWER.
From before their eyes
BENKEI.
Suddenly he vanishes.
CHORUS.
This strange hobgoblin, elfish apparition, Into great peril may bring The reverend limbs of my master. In all this City none can withstand the prowess Of this unparalleled monster.
BENKEI.
If this is as you say, I will not go to-night; and yet ... No. It is not to be thought of that such a one as Benkei should be affrighted by a tale. To-night when it is dark I will go to the bridge and humble this arrogant elf.
CHORUS.
And while he spoke, Evening already to the western sky had come; Soon the night-wind had shattered and dispersed The shapes of sunset. Cheerless night Came swiftly, but with step too slow For him who waits.
(_A Comic interlude played by a bow-master is sometimes used here to fill in the time while_ BENKEI _is arming himself_.)
USHIWAKA.
I am Ushiwaka. I must do as my mother told me; “Go up to the Temple[62] at daybreak,” she said. But it is still night. I will go to Gojō Bridge and wait there till suddenly
Moonlight mingles with the rising waves; No twilight closes The autumn day, but swiftly The winds of night bring darkness.
CHORUS (_speaking for_ USHIWAKA).
Oh! beauty of the waves! High beats my heart, High as their scattered pearls! Waves white as dewy calabash[63] at dawn, By Gojō Bridge. Silently the night passes, No sound but my own feet upon the wooden planks Clanking and clanking; still I wait And still in vain.
BENKEI.
The night grows late. Eastward the bells of the Three Pagodas toll. By the moonlight that gleams through leaves of these thick cedar-trees I gird my armour on; I fasten the black thongs of my coat of mail. I adjust its armoured skirts. By the middle I grasp firmly My great halberd that I have loved so long. I lay it across my shoulder; with leisurely step stride forward. Be he demon or hobgoblin, how shall he stand against me? Such trust have I in my own prowess. Oh, how I long For a foeman worthy of my hand!
USHIWAKA.
The river-wind blows keen; The night is almost spent, But none has crossed the Bridge. I am disconsolate and will lie down to rest.
BENKEI.
Then Benkei, all unknowing, Came towards the Bridge where white waves lapped. Heavily his feet clanked on the boards of the Bridge.
USHIWAKA.
And even before he saw him Ushiwaka gave a whoop of joy. “Some one has come,” he cried, and hitching his cloak over his shoulder Took his stand at the bridge-side.
BENKEI.
Benkei discerned him and would have spoken.... But when he looked, lo! it was a woman’s form! Then, because he had left the World,[64] with troubled mind he hurried on.
USHIWAKA.
Then Ushiwaka said, “I will make game of him,” and as Benkei passed Kicked at the button of his halberd so that it jerked into the air.
BENKEI (_cries out in surprise_).
Ah! fool, I will teach you a lesson!
CHORUS.
Then Benkei while he retrieved his halberd Cried out in anger, “You shall soon feel the strength of my arm,” and fell fiercely upon him. But the boy, not a jot alarmed, Stood his ground and with one hand pulled aside his cloak, While with the other he quietly drew his sword from the scabbard And parried the thrust of the halberd that threatened him. Again and again he parried the halberd’s point. And so they fought, now closing, now breaking. What shall Benkei do? For when he thinks that he has conquered, With his little sword the boy thrusts the blow aside. Again and again Benkei strikes. Again and again his blows are parried, Till at last even he, mighty Benkei, Can do battle no longer. Disheartened he steps back the space of a few bridge-beams. “Monstrous,” he cries, “that this stripling ... No, it cannot be. He shall not outwit my skill.” And holding out his halberd at full length before him He rushed forward and dealt a mighty blow. But Ushiwaka turned and dived swiftly to the left. Benkei recovered his halberd and slashed at the boy’s skirts; But _he_, unfaltering, instantly leapt from the ground. And when he thrust at the boy’s body, Then Ushiwaka squirmed with head upon the ground. Thus a thousand, thousand bouts they fought, Till the halberd fell from Benkei’s weary hands. He would have wrestled, but the boy’s sword flashed before him, And he could get no hold. Then at his wits’ end, “Oh, marvellous youth!” Benkei cried, and stood dumbfounded.
CHORUS.
Who are you that, so young and frail, possess such daring? Tell us your name and state.
USHIWAKA.
Why should I conceal it from you? I am Minamoto Ushiwaka.
CHORUS.
Yoshitomo’s son?
USHIWAKA.
I am. And your name ...?
CHORUS (_speaking for_ BENKEI).
“I am called Musashi Benkei of the Western Pagoda. And now that we have told our names, I surrender myself and beg for mercy; For you are yet a child, and I a priest. Such are your rank and lineage, such your prowess That I will gladly serve you. Too hastily you took me for an enemy; but now begins A three lives’ bond; henceforward[65] As slave I serve you.” So, while the one made vows of homage, the other girded up his cloak. Then Benkei laid his halberd across his shoulder And together they went on their way To the palace of Kujō.[66]
FOOTNOTES:
[61] 1-3 A.M.
[62] The Kurama Temple.
[63] Flowers of the _yūgao_ or calabash. There is a reference to Lady Yugao (see p. 142), who lived at Gojō.
[64] Because he was a priest.
[65] I. e. three incarnations.
[66] Ushiwaka’s home.