THE WHITE FOX
A Fairy Drama in Three Acts
Written for Music
by
Okakura-Kakuzo
Boston February, 1913
* * *
To the Presence,
Fenway Court.
Without whose suggestion
this foolish attempt
would never have been made
I dedicate the humble result
Okakura-Kakuzo
March 2nd 1913
* * *
THROUGH GOODLY DEEDS SEEK HIGHER INCARNATION IN BUDDHA'S MERCY TRUSTING
* * *
In Japanese folk-lore, the fox is credited with supernatural powers, and can assume human shape - especially that of a young maiden. From this idea has sprung many a romantic story. The present play is based on the well-known legend of the Fox of the Shinoda Forest. In the absence of a wife, the fox takes her form and lives happily with the husband until the return of the true partner forces the pretended wife to leave in sorrow.
CHARACTERS
The scene is laid in Central Japan in pre-Ashikaga times, toward the end of the fourteenth century.