y child!
No sooner said, than out the scabbard flies
His trusty sword, and with fierce flashing eyes
Forward he darts; but rushing in between,
Good Nakamitsu checks the bloody scene--
Firm, though respectful, stays his master's arm,
And saves the lad from perilous alarm.

NAKAMITSU.--Good my lord, deign to be merciful this once!

MITSUNAKA.--Why stayed'st thou my hand? Haste thou now and slay
Bijiyau with this my sword.

NAKAMITSU.--Your commands shall be obeyed. [_He retires into another
apartment._] What is this horror unutterable? 'Tis no mere passing fit
of anger. What shall I do?--Ah! I have it! I have it! I will take upon
myself to contrive some plan for his escape. Kauzhiyu, Kauzhiyu, art
thou there?

KAUZHIYU.--Behold me at thy service.

NAKAMITSU.--Where is my lord Bijiyau?

KAUZHIYU.--All my prayers have been unavailing to make him leave this
spot.

NAKAMITSU.--But why will he not seek refuge somewhere? Here am I come
from my lord, his father, as a messenger of death! [_Bijiyau shows
himself._

BIJIYAU.--That I am alive here at this moment is thy doing. But
through the lattice I heard my father's words to thee just now.
Little imports it an' I die or live,
But 'tis for thee I cannot choose but grieve
If thou do vex thy lord: to avert his ire
Strike off my head, and show it to my sire!

NAKAMITSU.--My lord, deign to be calm! I will take upon myself to
contrive some plan for your escape.--What! say you a messenger hath
come? My heart sinks within me.--What! another messenger?

[_These are messengers from Mitsunaka to ask whether his orders be not
yet carried into execution_.

NAKAMITSU.--Alas! each joy, each grief we see unfurl'd
Rewards some action in a former world.

KAUZHIYU.--In ages past thou sinned;

BIJIYAU.--And to-day

CHORUS.--Comes retribution! think not then to say
'Tis others' fault, nor foolishly upbraid
The lot thyself for thine own self hast made.
Say not the world's askew! with idle prate
Of never-ending grief the hour grows late.
Strike off my head! with many a tear he cries,
And might, in sooth, draw tears from any eyes.[164]

NAKAMITSU.--Ah! young my lord, were I but of like age with thee, how
readily would I not redeem thy life at the cost of mine own! Alas!
that so easy a sacrifice should not be possible!

KAUZHIYU.--Father, I would make bold to speak a word unto thee.

NAKAMITSU.--Wh