_This illustration from a Japanese coloured woodcut is not so good as could be desired, but was the only one available. It shows the Mother on the left, and reveals the simple, open way in which the actor wears the woman's mask. The little rectangular instrument at her feet is that used for striking the gong of prayer (+see p. 92+). The small figure to the right is the ghost of the little son who died, and whom she has set out to seek. Notice his entirely unnatural wig of hair. In the square insets above him are representations of the "Birds of the City Royal" (+see p. 83+) spoken of so much in the text, and the words "I adore the Eternal Buddha" in Chinese ideographs._ ]
In this _No_ there is much greater expression of tender, human sentiment than is common in the pieces. It contains also several charming descriptions of Nature, sometimes with a deeper meaning beneath them. For example--
If one but waits The wind vibrates The branches of the pine trees till they speak.
Throughout the piece also there are very many allusions to and plays upon classical verses, particularly in relation to the "Bird of the City Royal" and Narihira's poems (see p. 83).
The predominating thought in the piece, however, is the Buddhistic conception of the transitoriness of human life, and of the frail nature even of the bond that unites a loving mother and her child.
Fleeting as are the gleaming drops of dew, Desolate as the moor of Makuzu In autumn, is this world of lost delight.
A TRANSLATION OF THE JAPANESE _NO, SUMIDA GAWA_
The Mother _Shite_ The Ferryman _Waki_ A Traveller. Spirit of the Child. The Chorus.
The banks of the Sumida River in the province of Musashi, toward evening.
I am he who plies the ferry in the province of Musashi, Over Sumida, the river, known to many far and wide. And to-day my boat must hurry with its many loads of people, For our village holds a festival of universal prayer. On this day both priest and layman with no thought of their distinction Will remember this great matter and assemble one and all.
The goal of my long journey is the East, The goal of my long journey is the East, Far Azuma,[50] and like its distance stretch My days of travel, long in weary thought.