I opened my arms here--like this.--She stepped into them as though she had been there always--and now she has gone.--In one short moment I lived my mother-life.

O-SODE-SAN

It was magic! Come, Obaa-San, we'll make some prayers to burn.

O-KATSU-SAN

Some evil ghost.

OBAA-SAN

No! No! Some kindly spirit from the sky-dome came to me.--I have had one moment of happiness complete.--I dreamed and I have known. Now I shall dream again--a greater dream--a greater dream.

[_The old women go into the house._

THE GAKI

What! I can not feed! My Lady of the Weeping Willow Tree is gone! Obaa-San has built a circle of happiness about her head. Hai! I shall die in this shape.--I must feed.--Perhaps she tries to trick me.--I shall listen.--Why does she not weep?--Why do they not wail?

[_He starts for the house. As he nears it, the voice of Obaa-San is heard crooning the little lullaby_:

See, baby, see The ears of the wolf are long; Sleep, baby, sleep, Your father is brave and strong.

THE GAKI (_defeated, seems beside himself. Suddenly he looks out and sees the mountain-peak_) I'll find them in the bamboo glade. Perhaps I can make unhappiness there. Riki and Aoyagi!

_The Curtains Close._

ACT II

_A Bamboo Glade on the Mountain-side._

[_The Gaki comes in._

THE GAKI

This is the glade on the mountain side--the glade where Aoyagi and Riki think to find their happiness. Here must I feed or I shall die in this shape.--Hai!--They come.

[_Riki and Aoyagi enter._

RIKI

... and so like every other prince who is a real prince, he charged to the top of the hill before his men; and they, following him, fell upon the enemy and victory was theirs.

AOYAGI

And then--?

RIKI

And then the Princess laid her hand upon her heart.

AOYAGI

Is that all?

RIKI

Is that all? What more need there be?

AOYAGI

Did they not wed and have great happiness?

RIKI

You can answer that.

AOYAGI

I? I never heard the story before.

RIKI

One may always end a story--just right.

AOYAGI

Not a weeping willow tree?

RIKI

Even a weeping willow tree!

AOYAGI

How?

RIKI

I'll show you.--Stand right here.--So! I stand here.--Now look at me.

AOYAGI