ka's apartment._ How shall I dare to address my lord? I
have slain my lord Bijiyau according to your commands.

MITSUNAKA.--So thou hast killed the fellow? I trow his last moments
were those of a coward. Is it not true?

NAKAMITSU.--Not so, my lord. As I stood there aghast, holding in my
hand the sword your lordship gave me, your son called out, "Why doth
Nakamitsu thus delay?" and those were the last words he was pleased to
utter.

MITSUNAKA.--As thou well knowest, Bijiyau was mine only child. Go and
call thy son Kauzhiyu, and I will adopt him as mine heir.

NAKAMITSU.--Kauzhiyu, my lord, in despair at being separated from
young my lord, hath cut off his locks,[167] and vanished none knows
whither.
I, too, thy gracious license would obtain.
Hence to depart, and in some holy fane
To join the priesthood.

MITSUNAKA.--Harsh was my decree,
Yet can I think what thy heart's grief must be
That as its own my recreant child receiv'd,
And now of both its children is bereav'd.
But 'tis a rule of universal sway
That a retainer ever must obey.

CHORUS.--Thus would my lord, with many a suasion fond,
Have rais'd poor Nakamitsu from despond.
Nor eke himself, with heart all stony hard,
Might, as a father, ev'ry pang discard:--
Behold him now, oh! lamentable sight!
O'er his own son perform the fun'ral rite.

PART II

Scene I.--Mitsunaka's Palace

_Some time is supposed to have elapsed, and Weshin, abbot of the
monastery on Mount Hiyei, comes down from that retreat to Mitsunaka's
palace in the capital, bringing with him Bijiyau, who had been
persuaded by Nakamitsu to take refuge with the holy man._

WESHIN.--I am the priest Weshin, and am hastening on my way to my lord
Mitsunaka's palace, whither certain motives guide me. [_They arrive at
the gate and he cries out_:] I would fain crave admittance.

NAKAMITSU.--Who is it that asks to be admitted? Ah! 'tis his
reverence, Weshin.

WESHIN.--Alas, for poor Kauzhiyu!

Nakamitsu.--Yes; but prithee speak not of this before his lordship.
[_He goes to Mitsunaka's apartment._] How shall I venture to address
my lord? His reverence, Weshin, hath arrived from Mount Hiyei.

MITSUNAKA.--Call him hither.

Nakamitsu.--Your commands shall be obeyed. [_He goes to the room where
Weshin is waiting, and says_:] Be pleased to pass this way.

[_They enter Mitsunaka's apartment._

MITSUNAKA.--What may it be that has brought