# Act II explained — Plays

> Chapter companion for Plays by Zeami Motokiyo.

## What happens

The scene shifts to the Strand of Sumiyoshi in Settsu, where the God of Sumiyoshi appears, adorned with plum blossoms and pine, and is praised by the chorus. The god reflects on his long guardianship over the Sovran and calls for a sacred dance to be performed. The chorus celebrates the god's presence, the beauty of the spring season, and the divine blessings of long life and happiness. The god joins in a ritual dance, invoking the 'Joy of a Thousand Autumns' and the 'Joy of a Myriad Years,' while the Wedded Pine-trees symbolize enduring love and prosperity.

## Themes in this chapter

### Nature and Symbolism

The pine tree, plum blossoms, and the sea are rich symbols of longevity, renewal, and divine presence, central to the scene's imagery.

### Art and Performance

The sacred dance and music performed by the god and the chorus highlight the ritualistic and performative aspects of worship and celebration.

### Spirits and the Supernatural

The appearance of the God of Sumiyoshi as a divine being underscores the supernatural elements interwoven with the natural world.

## Character check-ins

### God of Sumiyoshi

Appears at the Strand of Sumiyoshi, adorned with plum blossoms and pine, and participates in a sacred dance, blessing the land and people.

### Sovran

Mentioned as having been under the god's grace for many ages, and whose journey to the City-Royal is anticipated.

### The Tsure

Implied as part of the chorus or attendants, though not explicitly named, but the scene involves the god and the chorus.

## Key lines

> Long ’tis since saw I the Princess Pine that groweth by Sumiyoshi nor knoweth, belike, the Sovran how many an age through my grace on him hath rested;

It has been a long time since I last saw the sacred pine at Sumiyoshi, and the Sovran may not realize how many ages I have watched over him.

_The god reflects on his long guardianship and the passage of time._

> God of Sumiyoshi at foot of the ancient Pine-tree I will recline me—

The God of Sumiyoshi says he will rest at the base of the ancient pine tree.

_The god positions himself at the symbolic center of the scene._

> with a thousand years’ green leafery his hands full filled be—

His hands are filled with the evergreen leaves of a thousand years.

_The pine's evergreen leaves symbolize longevity and divine blessing._

> and spray of plum-tree gathered my head adorning—

He adorns his head with a sprig of plum blossoms.

_Plum blossoms are a sign of spring and renewal._

> let arms extended all ill fend from the land, and arms fair-folded embrace all happiness, and make the folk glad with the “ Joy of a Thousand Autumns ,” long life give all men with the “ Joy of a Myriad Years ”

With outstretched arms, he wards off evil from the land, and with folded arms he embraces happiness, bringing joy and long life to all people.

_The god's gestures are ritual acts of protection and blessing._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/plays_2_se/chapters/act-ii
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/plays_2_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/plays_2_se/chapters