add to the gloom and dampness of the
place.

Here the sun
Ne'er visits with his parting rays at eve,
But all is gloom and silence save the cry
Of some belated bird that wakes the night.

Having brought their prisoner safely into this den, the robbers
proceed to eat and drink, dispensing with chopsticks, so wolfish is
their hunger. Meantime they roughly jeer at their captive, who sits
helpless before them, tears streaming down her pale cheeks. Having
satisfied their first imperious craving for food and drink, the
brigands proceed to taunt their prisoner, until the captain, producing
a koto or harp, bids her with savage threats make music, as they like
to be merry.

"Sit you down,
And let us hear your skill; for I do swear
That, if you hesitate, then with this sword
I'll cut you into bits and give your flesh
To yonder noisy crows. Mark well my words."

So proficient is our little maiden on this instrument, that her
slender fingers draw from the cords such wonderful sounds that all
living creatures are spellbound. Even the robbers remain quiet while
it lasts, and are so entranced that they fail to hear the steps of a
stranger, stealing near the hut armed with sword and spear. Seeing
White Aster in the brigands' power, this stranger bursts open the door
and pounces upon the robbers, several of whom he slays after a
desperate conflict. One of their number, however, manages to escape,
and it is only when the fight is over that White Aster--who has
covered her face with her hands--discovers that her rescuer is the
kind-hearted recluse. He now informs her that, deeming it unsafe for
her to thread the wilderness alone, he had soon followed her,
intending to tell her he is her long-lost brother! Then he explains
how, after being banished from home, he entered the service of a
learned man, with whom he began to study, and that, perceiving at last
the wickedness of his ways, he made up his mind to reform. But,
although he immediately hastened home to beg his parents' forgiveness,
he arrived there only to find his native town in ruins. Unable to
secure any information in regard to his kin, he then became a recluse,
and it was only because shame and emotion prevented his speaking
that he had not immediately told White Aster who he was.

Much then my spirit fought against itself,
Wishing to tell my name and welcome you,
My long-lost sister: but false shame forbade
And kept my