Gijo...
KURETAKE: In a hopeless world, wherein lies a woman’s happiness?
Flowers of many kinds blossom fruit ripens —how sad.
Urged on by Kuretake, the dancers dance.
Wanting to play I was born wanting to frolic I was born when I listen to
the voices of children playing I am reminded of my own spring will it not
scatter the blossoming flower reaching to take it come let’s play.
Kuretake’s daughter, Murasaki, enters the garden as they dance. She
frolics with (the young) Kabu.
Kosasa sees them and gestures to Murasaki to come in. Kabu looks into
the house.
KURETAKE: (Turning to face Kabu, speaking firmly.) Slanderers of the
Heike Clan are not permitted to enter this house. We have no use for spies.
KABU: It’s dangerous with all the commotion in town, so I escorted
Murasaki home.
KURETAKE: What commotion? . . .
Murasaki takes Kabu’s hand, invites him to enter the house.
KABU: Heike warriors attacked the parade of the Emperor’s Chancellor
as it was making its way to the palace. Their violence was extreme...
The dancers are surprised. Kabu continues, speaking as though what he
is saying is perfectly ordinary.
Of course, earlier—Lord Shigemori’s son met the Chancellor’s carriage
on his way home from his flute lessons, and when he didn’t greet him he
was whipped. It was terrible. But today, with this revenge—I’m sure the
nobles realize only too well what the Chancellor did.
Murasaki dances innocently by herself.
