Pacific Overtures

RECITER In the middle of the world we float, In the middle of the sea. The realities remain remote In the middle of the sea. Kings are burning somewhere, Wheels are turning somewhere, Trains are being run, Wars are being won, Things are being done Somewhere ou...

KAYAMA (picking up a derby) It's called a bowler hat. I have no wife. The swallow flying through the sky Is not as swift as I Am, flying through my life. You pour the milk before the tea. The Dutch ambassador is no fool. I must remember that. I wear a bowler...

(First day) MOTHER It's the Day of the Rat, my Lord. There are four days remaining, And I see you're entertaining, But we should have a chat, my Lord. To begin, if I may, my Lord, I've no wish to remind you But you'll notice just behind you There are ships in...

FISHERMAN I was standing on the beach Near the cliffs At Oshama. I was spreading out the nets For the morning sun. It was early in July And the day was getting hot, And I stopped to wipe my eyes, And by accident I turned And looked out to sea ... A...

COMPANY Streams are flowing … See what's coming Next! Winds are blowing … See what's coming, See what's going Next! Roads are turning, Journey with them. A little learning Next! Waters churning, Lightning flashes, Kings are burning, Sift the ashes Next! To...

AMERICAN ADMIRAL (enters bearing documents and a plaque) Please hello, America back, Commodore Perry send hello. Also comes memorial plaque President Fillmore wish bestow. Emperor read our letter? If no, Commodore Perry very sad. Emperor like our letter? If s...

KAYAMA Rain glistening On the silver birch, Like my lady's tears. Your turn. MANJIRO Rain gathering, Winding into streams, Like the roads to Boston. Your turn. KAYAMA Haze hovering, Like the whisper of the silk, As my lady kneels. Your turn. MANJIRO Haze gl...

SAILOR III Pretty lady in the pretty garden, can't you stay? Pretty lady, we got leave and we got paid today. Pretty lady with a flower, Give a lonely sailor 'alf an hour. Pretty lady, can you understand a word I say? Don't go away. SAILOR I Pretty lady, you'...

OLD MAN Pardon me, I was there. RECITER You were where? OLD MAN At the treaty house. RECITER At the treaty house? OLD MAN There was a tree … RECITER Which was where? OLD MAN Very near. RECITER Over here? OLD MAN Maybe over there, But there were trees t...

FIRST OBSERVER The eye sees, the thought flies. The eye tells, the thought denies. SECOND OBSERVER I will prepare for your returning. (Is there no other way?) FIRST OBSERVER The word falls, the heart cries. The heart knows the world's disguise. SEC...

MADAM I own a small commercial venture With a modest clientele In Kanagawa. GIRLS I think I see one over there behind the trees! MADAM Sh! (to the audience) It's been my family's for centur- Ies and doing very well — For Kanagawa. GIRLS I hear they're cover...