Eguchi (江口) is a Noh play of the third category, written by Zeami,[1] around a fragment (the courtesan's sermon) by Kan'ami.
He reproached her with an impromptu poem, complaining that "you are stingy/even with the night I ask of you,/a place in your soon-left inn"[6] Her devastating reply hinged on a Buddhist interpretation of the words "a moment's refuge": "It's because I heard/you're no longer bound to life/as a householder/that I'm loath to let you get attached/to this inn of brief, bought stays".
[8] The travelling monk thoughtfully recites Saigyō's poem to himself, and is overheard by a passing woman, who asks him to follow it with the courtesan's reply.
A villager then tells them the story of Shōkū, who longed to worship the living Fugen, and was directed in a dream to seek the Lady of Eguchi.
In conclusion, they remind the monk that "all things are a moment's refuge"; the Lady reveals her identity as Fugen, and ascends into the clouds.