The Flutter of the Goldleaf; and Other Plays Part 17

Then take her with you.

_Shun_

You know what this journey means.

_Ching_

Yes, you must go free. With such a weight you would be useless. I will take Wong Fe to her brothers.

_Shun_

I shall hold her forever!

_Ching_

You think joy can last so long? (_To_ MAKURO, _shrugging._) A boy yet!

_Shun_

In j.a.pan you have my young scholar, Onoto. All my knowledge I have given him. In his heart is my purpose, his eyes hold my vision.

_Makuro_

Onoto!

_Shun_

His years are younger, his flame will leap higher. I am only one who fails you. In every nation our numbers are growing. Do not fear for humanity. Our brothers are everywhere.

_Makuro_

You say Onoto?

_Shun_

He has the gift of the s.h.i.+ning word--the word that draws the heart as a full moon at sea draws the eye. I can turn my back on the world and rob it of nothing, for I have given it Onoto.

_Ching_

How long have you been chirping here like a cricket under a leaf, with no news from the roadside?

_Shun_

It is three weeks to-day since I brought Wong Fe to the door of my fathers.

_Ching_

Three weeks! On the very day of your joy Onoto was thrown into prison.

_Shun_

They would not dare!

_Makuro_

They did dare.

_Shun_

In prison--Onoto!

_Makuro_

No, he is not now in prison.

_Shun_

Free?

_Makuro_

The enmity of the powers was bitter. Everywhere he was sowing the seed of peace. In many a house the ancestral sword was broken at his bidding.

_Shun_

But he is free?

_Makuro_

Yesterday (_glances out at the stars_), at this hour, he was shot.

_Shun_ (_slowly comprehending_)

Then I have been twenty-four hours dead.

(_He steps uncertainly out to the little porch. They gaze at the floor, respecting his grief_. WONG FE _makes a motion to follow him._ CHING _stops her with a gesture, and she shrinks back._ YU TAI SHUN _re-enters._)

_Shun_

Your mercy, friends. (_Crosses left, to exit._)

_Ching_

You will go with us now?

_Shun_ (_turns and hurls the word_)

No!