Pathway to Japanese Literature

Characters Court Lady Tamamushi Her younger sister Tamagoto Nasu no Yoroku Munekatsu

Traveling Monk Ugetsu Court Lady Kureha no Tsubone Court Lady Aya no Tsubone Coastal Innkeeper Oshio

Nasu Retainer Yatōji Other Nasu retainers. Beach children and others

I.

In the fifth month of Juei 4, at twilight in Dan-no-ura, Nagato Province. The area was a sandy expanse dotted with great shore-hugging pine trees. Across the sea ahead lay Mojigaseki visible in the distance. Waves crashed; waterfowl called. (After the Heike's downfall, court ladies fallen into ruin wandered this shore—a pitiful sight as they scraped out their days through menial toil.) Kureha no Tsubone and Aya no Tsubone—both senior court ladies in their early thirties who had passed the bloom of youth—were gathering seaweed into baskets along the shore.

“Well, Lady Aya.” “If we have gathered this much, there should be no shortage of provisions for tomorrow.” “It’s about time we head back.”

Lady Aya: “Having stood through this endless day, we’ve grown painfully exhausted.” Kureha: “Though it’s idle to speak of now—in those cloud-palace days of yore, we never dreamt we’d sustain life through such base handiwork as marks our present state. Whether to call it wretched or sorrowful—there are no words.” Lady Aya: “The still-youthful senior court ladies conceal tear-stained faces with makeup and peddle their charms to passersby to scrape by. But we who’ve passed our prime—with none to look back at us—must either live on in shame or starve.”

“Though we work like this, wanting to live even one more day… who knows how long this will continue…,” sighed Kureha no Tsubone while gazing at the sky. “Ah—even as we speak such words, dusk already falls upon us.” “Truly, the sky has darkened,” replied Lady Aya. “Lately when cold sea winds blow thus, rain inevitably follows. Shall we return before getting soaked?” “We must patch those torn eaves lest our thatched hut leaks.”

“A lonely dwelling without attendants brings endless vexations, does it not?”

(The two women trudged away, carrying their baskets.)

On the beach were three children—Kō, Otsu, and Hei. Otsu held a red crab bound with thread.) Child Otsu: “How’s this? Are there still Heike crabs?”

Child Kō: “Unfortunately, the evening tide’s at its peak.” “With the tide like this, even the crabs aren’t likely to come up!”

Child Hei: “Then let’s come catch them tomorrow morn when th’ tide’s out, shall we?”

(Mihyōe Munekiyo, over forty years old, now having entered the Buddhist priesthood under the name Ugetsu.) (In traveler’s garb, carrying neither bamboo hat nor staff.) Ugetsu: “Hark now, these Heike crabs... What manner of crab might this be?” Child Otsu: “Here ’tis.” “Pray behold.” (Shows the crab.) (Ugetsu stares intently.)

Ugetsu: “Why do they call this crab Heike?” Child Kō: “Ever since the Heike perished here at Dan-no-ura, these crabs—ones we’d never seen before—have been swarming in great numbers.” Child Otsu: “You can see a human face on its shell.” Child Hei: “Look here—it has an angry face like this.”

As he pointed it out, Ugetsu gazed intently and shuddered involuntarily. “Ah! So the shell truly bears a human face...” “And such a fearsome countenance of wrath...” “That after the Heike perished here, these uncanny crabs should appear...”

The three children chorused their agreement. Ugetsu observed how white symbolized Genji... red mirrored Heike's banner colors... The wrathful visages etched upon crimson shells... Could the noble spirits of Heike truly inhabit these crabs, doomed to wander eternally?

“That’s why they’re called Heike crabs.”

(Ugetsu gazed silently at the crab.) Ugetsu: “Hey now, children. Though you may be coast-bred, you mustn’t engage in needless slaughter. Release this crab into the sea. In exchange, I shall give you something good.” Child Otsu: “If you give us something good, we’ll release it right away.” Ugetsu: “Ah, such obedient children. Now, what would be a suitable exchange? Ah, this will do.” (Searching his waist, he took out a hemp bag containing dried rice.) “There! In exchange for this, you’d best release that crab quickly.”

(The child scooped out some dried rice from the bag to examine it.) Child Otsu: “What is this?” Ugetsu: “That is called dried rice; you soak it in water or hot water to eat.” Child Otsu: “Thank you very much.” (The child untied the thread from the crab and released it into the sea behind them.) Ugetsu: “You must not catch those crabs henceforth—for the Heike’s souls have taken possession of them. Who knows what dreadful curses may befall you?” The three children: “Aye.” “Aye.”

(The children departed.) (Ugetsu watched them leave.)

Night had fallen with none about—a fortunate circumstance for one who lived in concealment. To the noble spirits of your drowned clan—perhaps I shall offer memorial prayers from afar.

(Ugetsu knelt on the beach, counting his prayer beads as he performed memorial rites toward the sea. Tamamushi—a twenty-year-old court lady with cropped hair—emerged wearing a hooded robe and stood peering from the shadow of a pine tree, just as Ugetsu concluded his memorial rites and made to rise.) Tamamushi: “Ah… if I may…”

(Ugetsu stopped and peered intently.)

“Who might you be?”

Tamamushi: “Ah, Lord Munekiyo...” “It is I.” “It is Tamamushi.”

(She approached and removed her hood.) No sooner had she done this than Ugetsu knelt once more upon the earth.) Ugetsu: "Truly Mihei Munekiyo - what an unexpected place for our meeting." Tamamushi: "What could possibly be strange about this? This sea swallowed the Heike whole. Where else would those bound by Heike blood go after leaving these shores? Yet here you stand - changed your robes and sworn yourself to Buddha now." Ugetsu: "After our clan fell,I followed my nephew Kagakiyo's urging and hid among Higo's mountain dwellings.To pray for our lost kin,I cast off warrior trappings - see me now,a wanderer chanting Amida's holy name."

Tamamushi: “How commendable of thee.” (With mocking laughter.) “And what has Kagakiyo done?” Ugetsu: “He had resolved upon a course of action—though I entreated him earnestly to desist—and stole away to Kamakura.”

Tamamushi: “Hmm... To Kamakura... He must have carried with him the Iejūdai Azamaru—that renowned family heirloom sword.”

“Most likely so.”

Tamamushi: “Truly Kagakiyo—a man of valor! May that Azamaru be drenched in Genji blood… Most like it shall.” Ugetsu: “Those very words I spoke.” Tamamushi nodded with dark satisfaction. “Gallant tidings these. Even were he not Kagakiyo, any warrior worth his salt must harbor such resolve.” She leaned closer. “Hark, Munekiyo—on the twenty-fourth of Third Month past, all our Heike kin sank beneath these waves. Though yesterday’s grief still burns, two moons have waned… Today marks their sacred death-day.” Her finger stabbed toward the shore. “Yonder… where pines brood dark ‘twixt Mojigaseki and Ōsato Beach… There our five hundred warships once fanned their wings like some great seabird, arrayed for battle.”

Ugetsu: Now on this beach where I stand, the Genji’s vast forces had gathered in blackened multitudes. Moreover upon the sea were warships numbering some three thousand—at least five or six times our own strength, I recall. They all rowed in at once. What could one say against such overwhelming numbers… (He sighs.) In but a single day’s battle… When I reflect upon it, all proved utterly futile. Tamamushi: Yet mark this—the Heike fought valiantly to the last! “Blades shattered, arrows spent, ships splintered—until men sank beneath the waves to perish! Not one soul surrendered cravenly, each cursing their foes with final breath!” (Raising resentful brows.) “Thou knowest not yet how ghost fires swarm the sea when storm winds lash towering waves—how countless voices wail through salt-sprayed nights!” “The Heike who perished here—though their bones rot a thousand fathoms deep—their souls cling to this world! For centuries shall they nurse undying wrath—nay, for millennia!”

Ugetsu: “Though they say clinging thoughts endure five hundred rebirths and a single thought spans immeasurable kalpas, the depth of sin lies in the delusions of asuras. Yet even so—while the obsessions of those departed from this world may find means through the Lotus Sutra’s power to attain Buddhahood and liberation—what proves difficult to save are the obsessions of those still living… To my nephew Kagakiyo as well, I counseled time and again that he should cast aside all worldly attachments and abandon schemes of vengeance, yet…” Tamamushi: “Did Kagakiyo consent?” “Ah—that must be so.” “Such half-baked sermonizing—even I would never consent to it.”

Ugetsu: “Then, your ladyship too…”

“I too am cursing the Genji.”

Ugetsu: “You’re cursing the Genji…” Tamamushi: “What cause is there for surprise? It is precisely because one has worldly desires and attachments that one lives in this world. Obsession is a person’s very life. If one could abandon all earthly desires and attachments, they might as well sleep beneath the cold earth.” Ugetsu: “With all due respect, that is the delusion of mortals…” Tamamushi: “Hmm—what manner of talk is this? Your heart and mine are of different natures!”

(A fine rain began to fall; Tamamushi gazed up at the sky.)

“As is May’s custom—has it begun to rain again?” “Now, Munekiyo—you’ve no pressing path ahead requiring haste.” “Stay this one night and depart once clear skies return.”

Ugetsu: And... your ladyship’s residence is… Tamamushi: Five or six chō along this beach… “Ah, that lone pine tree is the landmark.” Ugetsu: Then I shall first pay my respects at the late Emperor’s mausoleum and then come to visit you.

“Return ere the rain grows fierce.”

(Tamamushi took her leave and departed.) (Ugetsu watched her depart.)

Ugetsu had heard that women were deeply sinful by nature, but her being so obsessively fixated on cursing and ritually subduing the Genji—it was terrifying beyond words. Taking advantage of having been told to stay tonight—meeting with you once more so that the mists of delusion might clear—to offer counsel was this monk’s duty.

(Pondering) First, before that—I suppose I should pay my respects at the mausoleum.

(The sound of waves crashed loudly.)

Ugetsu: Oh, the day has darkened and the waves have grown high. The sky darkens, the rain falls… As for the wandering of demon fires—it must be on a night such as this. Namu Amida Butsu, Namu Amida Butsu.

(Facing the sea, he prayed once more.) (Two Nasu retainers stealthily appeared.)

Retainer A: “A suspicious traveling monk…”

Retainer B: “Hmm.” (The two men rushed forward to seize him.) Ugetsu: “What reason for this violence…? This humble one is by no means a suspicious figure.” Retainer A: “Hmm, he’s performing memorial rites facing the sea…” Retainer B: “He is indeed someone connected to the Heike.”

(As the two tried to forcibly take him away, Ugetsu resisted, refusing to go, and ultimately threw them both to the ground. The two men, seeing they were no match, fled. Ugetsu brushed the dust from his Buddhist robe and gave a bitter smile.)

Once I had entered the Buddhist priesthood, I should have abandoned my former warrior self—yet there I was, forgetting myself and resorting to violent conduct. In the very presence of this Buddhist robe, it was shameful. To attain enlightenment is indeed difficult.

(II)

The thatched hut on the inlet stood two-storied, its bamboo veranda decayed. The upper front bore wooden siding where an altar had been set with a sacred shimenawa rope hung above. A tattered reed screen draped across the central entranceway. The lower level too showed weathered wooden planks. At the garden's edge stood a log-framed gate and an oyster-shell studded fence. Beyond this barrier rose a great pine tree, while behind stretched Dan-no-ura's sea within clear view.

(Oshio, the coastal innkeeper, mutters to herself while lighting a lamp fashioned from a turban shell.)

Oshio: "Soon night will fall, yet what might the sisters be about..." "The capricious weather these days—it seems to have started raining again..." (A light rain fell. Tamamushi returned.) Tamamushi: "I have but now returned." Oshio: "Ah, you have come back?" "This ill-timed rain—you must be quite inconvenienced."

Tamamushi: “Showery spells are this season’s custom—’tis no rain of consequence.” (Removed her wet traveling cloak and ascended to the veranda.) “For your steadfast guardianship of this empty house—my gratitude endures.” “And has my sister not yet returned?” Oshio: “She remains absent from these quarters.” Tamamushi: “Of late she flutters like a caged sparrow—treating threshold as roadway in her endless comings and goings. What ill humors stir such restlessness?” (When Tamamushi’s brow creased with displeasure, Oshio gave a strained chuckle.)

“That too is her livelihood—one cannot very well object.”

“Livelihood, you say…”

Oshio: “Uh…” (She stammered.) Tamamushi: “What manner of livelihood is my sister engaged in?”

“Ah... My careless slip of the tongue was entirely my fault—I beg your forgiveness.” “Nay, there needs be no apology—you need only speak plainly.” (Tamamushi’s younger sister Tamagoto, seventeen or eighteen years old, emerged from the lower area wearing a hooded cloak and stood at the gate, eavesdropping on the conversation inside.) Tamamushi pondered briefly when Oshio offered no reply. “Lady Oshio—speak without reservation. After the Heike’s fall, our court ladies scattered like autumn leaves—wandering these shores while leading lives devoid of purpose. Among them, I hear there are those who endure shame by trading their charms with travelers on coastal roads and merchants from incoming vessels. Could my sister too be among those who...”

“Well…” “You there—will you not give me a proper response?”

(Pressed with insistent questioning, Oshio grew increasingly troubled.) Tamagoto opened the gate and rushed in.) Tamagoto: “Sister... I beg you to forgive me.” Tamamushi: “Hmm. So my suspicions were indeed correct—sneaking behind your sister’s back, you’ve taken up the ways of courtesans and shirabyōshi dancers, peddling your charms for coin.” Tamagoto: “I have long known of your rebuke, Sister, but given our changed circumstances—if we idly do nothing, what will become of us two sisters? When faced with starving to death, we would naturally despise shame and reputation—it is only for the sake of our daily sustenance that…”

“Oh, that too stands to reason—ladies raised in the capital, cast adrift upon these shores, had no other means to survive. Making use of your comely features, you traded kindness with those coming and going.” “Even bitter work serves your own sake.” “As coarse tongues say—‘When need presses, even a nose gets sliced’—this must be such a case.”

Tamagoto: “Sister, I beg you to understand...” Oshio: “Please, do not scold her.” (Though Oshio spoke with a placating look, Tamamushi paid no heed.) Tamamushi: “You there, Sister. You fashion such plausible excuses—even having fallen to these depths, do you still cling to life?” Tamagoto: “From this woman’s lingering heart—I cannot help but cling.” Tamamushi: “You would endure life’s shame—parading it like cheap silk?”

“If I were to die, I would have died in this third month, on the day the Heike perished.”

“Truly, that is so,” Oshio said. “Since the Heike’s fall, many court ladies sank into the sea—or so they say. To have survived through that… You must have been blessed with most excellent fortune.” She paused meaningfully. “Speaking of fortune… Lady Tamagoto.” Her voice lowered conspiratorially. “If I were to mention that person’s name, I doubt Lady Elder Sister’s temper would improve.” “No!” Tamagoto’s protest came too quickly. She faltered, “That… That is…”

Oshio: “Well, there’s no need to conceal it.” (Addressing Tamamushi.) “As they say—people fall seven times but rise eight times. After hardship comes fortune.” “Now do listen.” “Among the many guests, Lady Tamagoto has become deeply acquainted with a most distinguished samurai lord…” “In time, she may even rise to become a nobleman’s wife.” “When that day comes, your ladyship too could forget these present struggles and attain a comfortable station.”

“And that samurai you speak of…”

Oshio: “Yes, well…”

Tamagoto: "Ah, wait—" (Stopping her from speaking.) Oshio: Nasu no Yoroku... that lord...

Tamamushi: “Nasu no Yoroku...” (Ponders.) She had heard that even now—to investigate Heike remnants—the Nasu faction remained here and maintained an encampment. Even this “Yoroku” must belong to their ranks. Oshio: “They say he’s none other than your commander’s own honorable younger brother.” “Well now... Lady Tamagoto...”

(Tamagoto did not answer, bowing her head as though terrified.) Tamamushi’s expression grew increasingly severe.) Tamamushi: “What? The commander’s younger brother… Yoichi’s younger brother, you say…” (Suddenly rising, she seized her sister’s collar and hair.) “Of all people… the Genji… and not just any—intimate with the Nasu clan… You wretched creature…” “You cannot remain here another moment.” “Out with you—get out!” Tamagoto: “Yes…”

“Your fury runs deep...” “Now, now—do wait a moment.” “This surpasses your jurisdiction.”

“Tamagoto, never again shall I meet you!”

(Tamamushi pushed her away and tried to rise.) (Tamagoto clung to her sister’s sleeve.) Tamagoto: “Then… you would sever our sisterly bond…” Tamamushi: “Not merely sisterhood—I have severed all human ties.” “You wretched beast…” “Your very sight is defilement.”

(Brushing her sleeve, she retreated into the inner chambers.) Tamagoto collapsed in tears. (Oshio stared in disbelief.) Oshio: “Oh dear, oh dear—this has turned into an outrageous mess, hasn’t it?” “Thinking it might help make amends, I carelessly mentioned Lord Nasu’s name—only to stoke her fury all the more.” “Now I know the mouth is the gateway to calamity—but regretting it now is too late.” “Lady Tamagoto, please reconsider.”

Tamagoto: “No, no—there’s no need for you to apologize.” Sooner or later, she would have found out… What I would say then—this or that—having thought up various explanations in advance, yet when the moment came, not a word would leave my lips. Having been disowned by my only sister—what in the world have I done? As Tamagoto broke into sobs, Oshio comforted her. Oshio: “Even if Her Ladyship was so enraged at first—you being sisters by blood—it stands to reason your hearts will reconcile in time.” “That said, given her fierce countenance, an apology won’t be achieved immediately—not even now.” “In any case, please come to my inn for tonight at least.” “Come now, sitting here crying won’t solve anything.” “Now, now, please rise.”

(Taking her hand while soothing her, Tamagoto stood up dejectedly.)

Tamagoto: “Even so... I should apologize once more...” Oshio: “Hmm—if you bring it up now, it would only provoke her further.” “Now, leave it to me.”

(Leading Tamagoto by the hand, Oshio exited through the gate and had taken but two or three steps when from ahead, Nasu no Yatōji—a retainer of the Nasu clan—appeared swinging a torch to light their way. The two parties met.)

“Oh! Could that be Lady Tamagoto?” “You are of the honorable Nasu retainers…” Yatōji had come to fetch Lady Tamagoto. (Tamagoto, who had been wilted until now, suddenly became animated upon hearing of the Nasu’s invitation.) “Oh, Lord Yatōji…” “Thank you for coming to fetch me.” “Lord Yoroku has also been waiting impatiently.” “Let’s get moving.”

“I shall accompany you at once.” “You’ve arrived at just the right moment. Then will you be going to the honorable encampment?” “Lady Oshio, I shall take my leave ahead of you.” “Now then, come along.”

(Yatōji took the lead, and Tamagoto accompanied him as they hurried off.) Oshio, left behind, watched them depart.) Oshio: “Lady Tamagoto can be so opportunistic...” “When she heard of Nasu’s summons, her tearful face turned to a smile in an instant—off she rushed.” Given that conduct, no wonder she earned her sister’s disownment.

“Ah—the bell tolls.” “Now comes what they call the hour when evil spirits roam.” “Well then—let us return quickly.”

(Oshio mutters to herself as she departs.)

The sound of rain fell desolate as Tamamushi emerged from the inner chambers clad in her unchanged white underrobe, scarlet hakama trousers, and short outer robe, holding a sandalwood fan. The sound of a distant temple bell resounded. Tamamushi counted the bell tolls on her fingers and soliloquized.

“The bell that tolls now marks the Hour of the Rooster…” “It is the time when the Heike nobles make their appearance.”

(Emerging onto the veranda, she surveyed the surroundings.) From the shadow of the fence, an enormous Heike crab crawled forth. Tamamushi: “Oh, Lord Shin-Chūnagon...” “You have kept punctuality again tonight.” “This way... This way...” (Waving her cypress fan to beckon, the crab crawled beneath the veranda.) “What delayed my noble lords?” “This tardiness exceeds your customary hour.”

(From the shadow of the upper trees as well, Heike crabs appeared.) Tamamushi: “Oh, Lord Noto! This night finds you preceded by Lord Tomomori!” (She laughed derisively.)

(From both left and right, two or three—then four or five—crabs emerged in succession.) Tamamushi: “Oh, Lord Norimori, Lord Yukimori... Lord Arimori, Lord Tsunemori, Lord Narimori... How gracious of you all to gather here tonight.” (Tamamushi sat on the veranda. The crabs swarmed about her feet.) “Though they call these nights brief, dawn remains endlessly distant. What tales shall we share to pass the hours?” (She nodded to the crustaceans.) “Every night’s telling circles back to the Heike’s grudge. This hatred shall not be spent though we recount it for one year—five years—ten!” (Her eyes followed the scuttling forms.) “Yes, yes. So long as the Genji prosper, our wrath endures.” “Ah! This reminds me—when I met Munekiyo by the shore earlier, he spoke of Kagekiyo disguising himself to infiltrate Kamakura. That fool means to stain our ancestral Azamaru blade with Genji blood!” She chuckled darkly. “A bold scheme indeed! Yet even should he fail...” (Her fan snapped shut.) “...the Genji’s doom is writ through our curses. First Yoshitsune falls. Then Noriyori... then Yoritomo himself...” “Ah, but wait! Yoritomo spawns a whelp called Yoriie—another wretch unworthy of breath. Him too I shall curse.” “His brother... his get... his bloodline through four generations—none bearing Genji taint shall escape eradication.”

“With relentless haunting through the second, third, fourth generations and beyond—any who bear even a drop of Genji blood, be they man or woman—I shall eradicate them all!”

(Her voice grew increasingly hoarse, her side locks fluttering, her complexion ghastly, as Ugetsu emerged stealthily from the shadows of the trees below and held his breath to observe the scene within.) Unaware of this, Tamamushi pointed further toward the altar.)

Tamamushi: “Behold!” “From Tang to Tenjiku to Japan—every last one of Ashura’s demonic spawn—I’ve sealed them all here! Night after night I curse our foes!” “Soon this marvel shall…” (A sudden gust blew through, extinguishing the lamp’s flame.) (From the darkness came Tamamushi’s voice.) Tamamushi: “Ah! The Genji’s fortune too flickers like a lamp before the wind!” “In an instant—thus shall it vanish!” “Hohoho.”

(From the opposite direction appeared Nasu no Yoroku Munekatsu, twenty years old, wearing an eboshi hat and hitatare robe with a straw raincoat over them, holding a torch; from behind, Tamagoto also wore a straw raincoat and followed along.) Seeing this torchlight, Tamamushi stood up and retreated into the inner chambers, while Ugetsu too concealed himself among the tree shadows. The Heike crabs too all vanished.

Yoroku and his companions came to the gate and peered inside. Yoroku: “Hmm, how strange! The house’s interior is true darkness.”

“Sister, where have you gone to?” “At any rate, please do come through.”

“Hmm.”

(The two entered inside and, illuminating their surroundings, surveyed the area.)

Yoroku: “Ah, the lamp stands yonder.” “Kindle its flame.”

Tamagoto: “Understood.”

(The two removed their raincoats; Tamagoto stepped onto the veranda and transferred the torch’s flame to the lamp.) Yoroku extinguished the torch, likewise stepped onto the veranda, and the two took their seats. Yoroku: “I wonder where Sister-in-law has gone.” Tamagoto: “Well... Perhaps she went to buy provisions nearby? Though perhaps she’s in the inner rooms…”

(Rising, she peered into the inner rooms.) The inner rooms too were shrouded in darkness, impossible to see clearly.

“Sister… Honored Sister…” Tamamushi: “Who art thou to speak thus?” “Here I abide.”

(Tamamushi removed her small outer robe and emerged from the inner rooms wearing a white undergarment and scarlet hakama trousers.)

Tamagoto: “Oh, Sister... Have you come here as well?” Tamamushi: “You dare call me ‘sister’ again? I have already severed ties with you.” (Saying this, she composed herself and sat back down.)

Yoroku edged forward on one knee and offered a respectful bow. Yoroku: “Honored Elder Sister—for this unworthy one has at last grasped your noble intent. “I am Nasu no Yoroku Munekatsu of Shimotsuke Province—younger brother to Nasu no Yoichi Munetaka—blood of that same lineage.” Tamamushi: “To what end does that Lord Yoroku condescend to visit this wretched place?”

“I have come to request your younger sister’s hand,” said Yoroku. “You must already know the circumstances well enough. After the Heike’s downfall, those connected to them lost all refuge—their princesses and ladies-in-waiting, noblewomen of highest station, were reduced to destitution. Bearing shame in helplessness, adrift like reeds upon troubled waters, they even sank into the ranks of courtesans.” He lowered his voice, the torchlight flickering across his earnest face. “Moved by pity for such wretchedness—and through love’s unforeseen beginnings—I formed a bond of no small depth with Lady Tamagoto.”

“Hmm, so you claim to want my sister for that?” “Having severed ties with this sister of mine, I’ve no business meddling in such affairs.” “Then take her away as you will!”

(Tamagoto also stepped forward.)

Tamagoto: "Now then—regarding this matter—I humbly make my entreaty." "For all my transgressions in evading your notice until now—if I might prostrate myself in apology…" Tamamushi: "Do you presume to demand I revoke your disownment?"

“Lord Yoroku will withdraw from here tonight and return abruptly to his home province of Nasu,” said Tamagoto. “He has generously offered to take me with him.” She bowed deeply. “Thus I beg forgiveness for my disownment—and that you too would join us in Kanto…” Tamamushi’s eyes narrowed. “You… wish *me* to go to Kanto?” Her voice sharpened like a blade being drawn. “To Nasu—together?”

“Would I rise alone and abandon you?”

“If you would deign to accompany us,” continued Yoroku with a formal bow, “to this one you would remain kin by obligation—never would I show you neglect.” His voice carried the measured cadence of a warrior making formal petition. “Tamagoto’s heartfelt wish—by all means let her disownment be pardoned—is that she might return with us to our home province and live out her days in peace.” He gestured broadly as if mapping their future. “Nasu lies deep in grassy fields—a humble village—yet stands near Shirakawa Barrier from ancient verse. Within Nasuno Plain rests Sesshoseki’s historic stones.” The samurai’s tone softened with pride. “At Futarasan Shrine spring brings cherry blooms; Shiobara’s hot springs blaze with autumn maples. No season lacks its splendor—you would want for nothing in any regard.”

“Your gracious kindness is most deeply appreciated,” said Tamamushi. “Now then, Tamagoto.” “First, there is a matter I must inquire of you.” “Should I persist in refusal to the very end—what would you do?” Tamagoto hesitated: “Well…” “Even were you to abandon me,” pressed Tamamushi, “you would still go with Lord Yoroku—would you not?” (Tamagoto kept silent.) (Tamamushi gave a slow nod.)

Tamamushi: “The lack of response would be as I surmised.” “Very well, very well.” “It would be futile now to tear apart two people who care for each other so deeply.” “I shall permit you to become man and wife!” Tamagoto: “Eh.” “Then... you will pardon my disownment...” Tamamushi: “Your elder sister shall act as matchmaker and have you exchange cups.”

“I humbly thank you.” “Now, now—wait but a moment.”

(Tamamushi rose and once more retreated into the inner chambers.) (Yoroku and Tamagoto exchange glances.) Tamagoto: All along the path returning here, I fretted over what might transpire—but your mood improved far more swiftly than I had imagined, Elder Sister. There could be no greater joy than this. Yoroku: Had you insisted, this one—as a samurai—would have severed the sisterly bond myself and taken you back. Yet Lady Tamamushi’s heart relented swiftly, and I too am satisfied. “Though I believe the wedding ceremony should follow later, in this current situation, would it not be improper to go against your elder sister’s words?” “Regardless, let us share cups here.”

“Please do so.”

Yoroku: “Since it’s your wish, I shall grant anything.” Tamagoto: “Oh… We sisters—with no one else to rely on in this world—I beg you not to abandon us to the very end.” Yoroku: “Bandō warriors are not only skilled with bow and arrow, but even in compassion, their pride runs deep. The vows once sworn shall not change until the end of time!”

Tamagoto: Oh!

(She took Yoroku’s hand and pressed it down; from the inner chambers, Tamamushi emerged carrying a ceremonial tray and earthenware.) Tamamushi: “In days of yore, there would have been countless ceremonies—yet here we are in this wretched dwelling of a thatched hut on a cove devoid of blossoms or maple hues.” “A mere token of the three-times-three exchange of cups.” (When the ceremonial tray was placed between them, the two formally adjusted their posture and bowed once.) Tamamushi then took down the sacred sake-filled jar from the altar, reverently held it aloft, and for a time muttered something under her breath.

Tamamushi: “In a household inhabited solely by women, we have no store of ordinary sake—but fortunately, here we possess sacred sake.” “This shall prove fitting for such an auspicious moment.” “The sake cup shall pass from the women—” Tamagoto: “Yes…”

(Tamagoto first took the earthenware cup, and Tamamushi stood to pour the sake.) Next, Yoroku also drank. (The exchange of cups proceeded in the customary manner.) Tamamushi: “Ah, now the auspicious ceremony has been concluded.” Tamamushi: “From now on, to enliven the atmosphere, I shall perform a dance.”

(Tamamushi took up her hinoki fan and rose, beginning to dance quietly.)

The world lies tranquil; the waves of the Western Sea grow calm. Along the shore, princess pines intertwine their verdant branches, while offshore, gulls frolic—their shadows gleaming white. As far as the eye could see, mountains and sea stretched into the distance—a vista as though painted.

(From this point, the dance gradually grew more rapid.)

How strange—the sky darkened all at once, the tide roared up in fury, and a thousand demonic fiends and rakshasas emerged from the sea's depths. (Tamamushi stamped her feet fiercely, pressing relentlessly closer to the pair.) (Yoroku and Tamagoto, their bodies stricken by the poisoned sake, were suddenly seized by violent convulsions of flesh and spirit.) The chant: "From their mouths blow fiery breath; in their hands swing black-metal spears! Drive them—drive them all—to cast every last grudge-laden enemy into hell's boiling pools and sword-peaked mountains!" A truly fearsome spectacle it was!

(Tamamushi, while dancing, raised her hinoki fan and struck Yoroku again and again.) Tamagoto crawled closer in an attempt to support him, but Tamamushi struck her down all the same. Yoroku drew his tachi, staggering as he tried to strike, but his body betrayed him—he collapsed repeatedly until finally tumbling over the veranda’s edge. Tamagoto tried to save him and likewise tumbled into the garden. Tamamushi finished her dance and gazed down at them with evident satisfaction.

“Yoroku, Tamagoto—does it pain you?” Yoroku: “Now... as if having drunk that sake... our bodies and spirits were suddenly thrown into turmoil... That both of us together could not endure this agony...” Tamagoto: “The wedding cup shared by husband and wife... was poisoned sake meant to shorten our lives.” Tamamushi: “I concealed it even from my own sister—lest word leak out and hinder my designs. Though we dwelt under the same roof, Tamagoto remained ignorant.” “To repay the grudge of the Heike who sank beneath the western waves, I built a sacred altar to secretly curse the Genji clan—offering sacred sake to enshrine legions of demonic fiends and rakshasas.” “The sake you two drank was precisely that.”

“So… that sacred sake was poisoned…”

Tamamushi: “I split the shells of Heike crabs, soaked their flesh in sake, and offered it as a sacrifice to the gods.” Tamagoto: “Ah…” Tamamushi: “The man being Genji-affiliated from the start; the woman—a wretch who abandoned her flesh-and-blood sister to align with the enemy—they made perfect subjects to test my curse’s efficacy. When I first offered the sacred sake, I secretly resolved: ‘If my curse succeeds, let this wine turn to poison and steal both their lives before my eyes.’ And indeed—the sake became poison.” “Ha ha ha ha ha!”

Yoroku: “To test your curse’s power against the Genji… you poisoned our sake…” (Drawn by a woman’s affection—this carelessness shall haunt me till death…) (Yet this wretch who dares defy the Genji…) “You… won’t escape…” (He tried levering himself up with his sword but collapsed again.) Tamamushi: “Enough—I’ll waste no more breath.” “Hear now what you must know.” “At Yashima’s battle long past, our Heike lords—ever lovers of refinement—ordered a fan target raised upon their ship. Among countless court ladies, I alone was chosen to stand at the prow, hinoki fan aloft, taunting our foes to strike.” “Then came a Genji rider—armor gleaming leek-green, black steed bearing gold-edged saddle—charging through the surf.”

Yoroku: Ah... That was my brother... Nasu no Yoichi Munetaka... Tamamushi: Ah... I only learned afterward that he was Nasu no Yoichi. "In any event—as one watched to see how this renowned warrior would shoot—he took a whistling arrow, nocked it taut against the bowstring, and let fly with a swift release." True to his legend, his aim never wavered—the arrow sliced clean through the fan’s pivot point, sending it spiraling skyward before winds whipped it down into the sea. (In a voice quivering with bitterness.) This became our omen of defeat—our allies sank into despair... while our enemies swelled with triumph. "I too could no longer endure my shame—I had resolved to plunge into the depths alongside that fan... Yet I reconsidered... and have lingered on in disgrace until this very day." "That wretch who names himself Yoichi’s brother—since he stumbled unwittingly into my grasp... How could I ever permit him to leave here alive?"

Yoroku: “So... this stems from the grudge over the fan target...” Tamamushi: “You are the last remnant of our enemies.” “That brother of yours, Yoichi—sooner or later, I’ll send him to hell alongside you!” (Tamamushi laughed with evident satisfaction.) Yoroku gritted his teeth in frustration, but the pain only intensified, leaving him to gasp in agony. Tamagoto crawled closer.) Tamagoto: “Lord Yoroku…” “If I had not lured you here… such a thing would never have come to pass…” Yoroku: “Ah, there remains no alternative—she declares she will live to curse the Genji… I shall die and curse her in turn.” “Tamamushi…” “You too shall know this ere long!”

Tamamushi: “There exists no soul free from rancor.” “Should I nurse hatred toward another, they shall harbor it toward me in kind.” “Thus does the scale balance evenly.” “Loathe me if you must—cling to your spite through seven lives!” Yoroku: “You…!”

(As he tried to rise and staggered, Tamagoto clung to support him.)

Yoroku: It ends here… Tamagoto…

Tamagoto: “Lord Yoroku…”

(Yoroku re-gripped his sword, stabbed Tamagoto in the chest, thrust the same blade into his own abdomen, twisted it, and collapsed.)

From beneath the lower trees, Ugetsu once again peered out and knelt outside the fence, clasping his hands in prayer. Tamamushi caught sight of this.

“Who goes there?” (Quietly.) “This humble one.”

Tamamushi: “Hmm, Munekiyo. No need for ceremony—come closer.” Ugetsu: “Nay, I shall not approach. This humble one serves the Buddha. Between the Buddhist path and the demonic path lies a chasm of ten thousand leagues—I cannot draw near your presence.” Tamamushi: “Do you find me so dreadful?” Ugetsu: “Dreadful I do not deem you—but you, whose wrath and attachments have hardened into permanence, who tread the demonic path while yet breathing—we of shallow practice lack the power to grant you salvation. Though it grieves me sorely, I must now bid farewell.”

Having coldly uttered his words, Ugetsu purified himself with prayer beads, tilted his sedge hat, and walked silently away. Once more, the rain poured down violently. Tamamushi rose and gazed upon the two corpses.

Tamamushi: “The mark of the curse has manifested—here I have laid out two sacrifices.” “The Genji’s fortune will not last long—one generation... two generations...” (Counting on her fingers.) “No later than the third generation’s end…” “I will surely eradicate them and see it through!” (With a terrifying smile.) “Be that as it may—as for my sister, whatever her fate, Yoroku is of the Nasu clan.” “Since I have slain him thus, the enemy shall not suffer me to remain undisturbed.” Soon enough, the archer’s target would become clear… A place to hide myself…

(The sound of waves grew loud as a Heike crab crawled out and climbed onto the veranda.)

“Oh... Crab...” “Will you guide me?” “And then… where…?” “Are we bound for the sea?” “Very well, very well.” (The crab vanishes. The sound of the waves grows ever louder.)

Tamamushi—Ah—the crab had vanished without notice…

(Looking around.) “Oh, Lord Shin-Chūnagon...” “Lord Noto no Kami...” “Have you appeared again?” “Now, let us go together... I too shall proceed to the sea.” “Ah, yes!” “Beneath the waves lies a capital as well.” “I have fulfilled my duty; henceforth, I shall serve at the palace.” “Come, I shall accompany you.” (As if conversing with unseen figures, Tamamushi stepped into the garden while muttering to herself, and just as she began wandering toward the front, Nasu retainer Yatōji reappeared from the opposite direction bearing a torch.)

Yatōji: “Young lord…” “I’ve come to receive you…” (While saying this, he tried to open the gate and collided with Tamamushi upon meeting.) Tamamushi said nothing and snatched the torch away. As Yatōji, startled, tried to steady her, Tamamushi wordlessly shoved him aside, brandishing the torch in one hand while dragging her long scarlet hakama behind her, stumbling away with unsteady steps. Yatōji watched in dismay as she departed. (Sound of waves, sound of rain.) —CURTAIN—

(Written in September 1911 / First performed in April 1912 at Naniwa-za)