The Wind In the Pines 4

4. Murasame Starts to Relate the Story ("Noh" is an ancient Japanese style of drama, broadly similar to Elizabethan tragedy. "The Wind in the Pines" is my version of a well-known Noh play.) MATSUKAZE & MURASAME (chanting in harmony) When fruit is ripe, touching it will burst it. You quoted his poem, and the stab of pain was like when the news of his death first hit. We had hoped never to think of it again. You did not know. It is not your fault that our sleeves are wet once more, with salt. BUDDHIST PRIEST But why keep on, with attachment to this man, when you are no longer part of this world of things? Meditate on the Great Plan, enjoy the benefits that progress brings! MATSUKAZE & MURASAME (chanting in harmony) We can learn nothing, and nothing forget. Love is strong, and our sleeves are wet. Pine wind, autumn rain, nothing wounds like loving in vain. MURASAME We were brine girls, nothing more, toiling on the Suma shore. Yukihira came alone, exiled from the Kyoto throne. His arms were strong, his skin was fair, the scent of resin in his long, black hair. MATSUKAZE & MURASAME (chanting in harmony) Pine wind, and autumn rain, man is bear, and woman, crane. MURASAME Man's love is aloof, a thing apart. A woman is nothing, if not heart. He loved us, yes - but after his fashion. Love, for men, is physical passion. When the time comes, men can sever the cord - but women love for ever.