...

RENSHO :

Then it is well: to guide and comfort him,

then it is well: to guide and comfort him,

I shall do holy rites, and through the night

call aloud the Name for Atsumori,

praying that he reach enlightenment,

praying that he reach enlightenment.

To issei music, Atsumori enters, in the costume of a warrior. He stops in the shite spot .

ATSUMORI :

Across to Awaji the plovers fly,

while the Suma barrier guard sleeps on;

yet one, I see, keeps night-long vigil here.

O keeper of the pass, tell me your name.

Behold, Rensho: I am Atsumori.

RENSHO :

Strange! As I chant aloud the Name,

beating out the rhythm on this gong,

and wakeful as ever in broad day,

I see Atsumori come before me.

The sight can only be a dream.

ATSUMORI :

Why need you take it for a dream?

For I have come so far to be with you

in order to clear karma that is real.

RENSHO :

I do not understand you: for the Name

has power to clear away all trace of sin.

Call once upon the name of Amida

and your countless sins will be no more:

so the sutra promises. As for me,

I have always called the Name for you.

How could sinful karma afflict you still?

ATSUMORI :

Deep as the sea it runs. O lift me up,

RENSHO :

that I too may come to buddhahood!

ATSUMORI :

Let each assure the other's life to come,

RENSHO :

for we, once enemies,

ATSUMORI :

are now become,

RENSHO :

in very truth,

ATSUMORI :

fast friends in the Law.

Zeami, Atsumori. Trans. Royall Tyler.