Page:Anthology of Japanese Literature.pdf/313

Jirō: It feels as if our chins are sagging, doesn’t it?

Tarō: Eat up! Oh, it’s all gone!

Jirō: Yes, all gone.

Tarō: Well, you can be proud of yourself.

Jirō: I can be proud of myself? It was you who first looked at the busu and first ate it. I’ll tell the master as soon as he gets back.

Tarō: I was only joking. Now, tear up this kakemono.^[1]

Jirō: Very well.

(He goes to the Waki’s Pillar and makes motions of tearing a kakemono.)

Sarari. Sarari. Pattari.

Tarō: Bravo! First you looked at the busu, then you ate it, and now you’ve torn up the master’s kakemono. I’ll inform him of that as soon as he returns.

Jirō: I only did it because you told me. And I shall inform the master of that.

Tarō: I was joking again. Now smash this bowl.

Jirō: No, I’ve had enough.

Tarō: Then let’s smash it together.

Jirō: All right.

(They go to the Facing Pillar and make motions of picking up a large bowl and dashing it to the ground.)

Togehter: Garari chin.

Tarō: Ah—it’s in bits.

Jirō: Now what excuse will we make?

Tarō: When the master returns, the first thing to do is to burst into tears.

Jirō: Will tears do any good?

Tarō: They will indeed. He’ll be coming back soon. Come over here.

Jirō: Very well.

(They go to the back of the stage and sit there. The Master stands up and speaks at the First Pine.)

Master: I have completed my business now. I imagine that my servants must be waiting for my return. I shall hasten home. Ah, here I am already. Tarō kaja, Jirō kaja. I’ve returned!