Page:Anthology of Japanese Literature.pdf/309

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Busu

Persons

  • Master
  • Tarō Kaja
  • Jirō Kaja
(The Master, Tarō kaja, and Jirō kaja enter the stage along the Bridge. Tarō kaja and Jirō kaja seat themselves by the Name-Saying Seat. The Master as he introduces himself goes to the Waki’s Pillar.)

Master: I am a gentleman of this vicinity. I plan to go away to the mountains for a few days, and now I shall summon my servants to give them instructions about what to do during my absence.

Tarō kaja, where are you?

Tarō: Here, Master.

(He gets up and goes toward the Master, then bows.)

Master: Call Jirō kaja too.

Tarō: Yes, Master. Jirō kaja, the master wants you.

Jirō: I obey.

(He also comes forward and bows.)

Together: We are before you, Master.

Master: I have called you because I am going to the mountains for a few days, and I want you both to take good care of the house while I am away.

Tarō: Your orders will be obeyed, Master, but you have always taken one of us with you on your journeys, and today too

Together: One of us would like to accompany you.

Master: No, that is out of the question. Today I have something important to leave in your care, and both of you must guard it. Wait here.

Together: Very good. Master.

(The Master goes to the Flute Pillar where he picks up a round lacquered cask about two feet high. He deposits it in the center of the stage, and returns to his former position.)

Master: This is what is known as busu, a deadly poison. If even a

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