ther. Eh; but
she has a beautiful face! And you--you are bloated, eyes wide distended,
one side of the face caved in, the hair of the head all fallen out.
That--and that--how describe the ugliness of your face! The affection of
Iemon has worn out. Ah! What is the name of that poisonous drug, begged
of Suian until secured? That, too, has been learned. Oh! Fearful,
fearful, fearful! This is to act as one without care. Life is not
something which lasts forever. Send from this house dismissal to Iemon,
the act of separation. This the finality! Surely the intrigue is proved.
Mere thought, easily exhausted, is to no purpose. Make up your mind;
express your feelings. At all events your reputation is preserved. Act
and decide as one indifferent. More and more have in mind the _susuki_
of Masuo. Deign to yield. Do this--just this--O'Iwa Dono!"

_O'Iwa_--"No! and always, No! Firm the stand taken. In no way is this
to be endured--to be endured. To hate a person is unreasonable; 'tis
unjust. But--the embracing arms, the closely clinging, this is to act
the lover."

With fingertips she thrust him off. Angry the tears; her voice trembled.

_O'Iwa_--"Ya! 'A woman, and the object of contempt; one treated by her
lord with rudeness beyond measure. The husband has become wearied.
Here's the proof. Are you a woman lacking sense?' One so unmeasurably
rude--out with you! One's whole frame vibrates with passion. At one's
very feet, the fact is made plain. Quick--away with you! Delay--and this
shall be the guerdon."

With violence she drew the dagger of Kosuke. Gombei, wicked as he was,
weakened forthwith.

_Gombei_--"Eh! Treated thus one's purpose is brought to naught. Listen
now to reason, self-willed as you are. A little while, and it will not
be the time for a snarling face. Very well: notice is given that soon
your spirit will be broken. The petition is lodged at the Daikwan's
office. There will be difficulty in gathering principal and interest.
Just wait." He said these words on leaving, ready to make a bolt of it.
With _zo[u]ri_ (sandal) on one foot and a wooden clog (_geta_) on the
other rapidly he ran away. Left alone O'Iwa rose in haste. To the
conflagration burning in her bosom, was added the fuel of a woman's
temperament. If it were true! How learn? Pondering over the details
filled her with anxiety.

_O'Iwa_--"Ah! Ah! Ill feeling seeks to destroy--already it turns to
wickedness. Gombei's face betrayed him. His talk was spec