Untitled - Mkmouse

TALCS OF THE
SAMURAI
Bushido, the Moral Principles
Stork
of the Japanese Knighthood
BY
"A
warrior burns incense into his helmet
PROFESSOR OF KNGLISH
TOKYO,
WitH 8
By
FX>.M
OLD
T^rAiOBJi
^-^J^HiT&S*
A
is
Tovo UNIVEK
JA:
EMMBCTATrVK
AUTH'
"TALES
IN
when he
TAIJt. OF
j
DAMAS," 4
C.
llustrations
Japanese Artist
THE KYO.BIN-KV*
,
TALES OF THE
SAMURAI
Stories illustrating Bushido, the
Moral
Principles
of the Japanese Knighthood
BY
ASATARO MIYAMORI
PROFESSOR OF ENGLISH IN TOYO UNIVERSITY,
TOKYO, JAPAN
AUTHOR OF
" REPRESENTATIVE TALES OF
JAPAN,"
"TALES FROM OLD JAPANESE DRAMAS," &
WitH 8 Coloured
By
A
Illustrations
Japanese Artist
THE KYO-BUN-KWAN
Ginza, Tokyo, Japan
1920
C.
si*
.Cs
PREFACE
The
following tales of the samurai, the knights of old
Japan, are based largely on real facts.
adapted from
s/a,
among
story-tellers,
They have been
by kodan-
traditional stories related
who
nightly
with romances and historical
delight
large audiences
stories, especially the
noble
There are also numerous Japa-
deeds of the samurai.
nese books and magazines devotd to stories of this description,
which are read with keen
of our countrymen, in particular
It is
true the samurai
with feudalism
;
class
interest
by
by young
has
all classes
people.
gone forever along
but fortunately or unfortunately the Japa-
nese at large are samurai in a sense.
During the
last half
century European civilization has revolutionized Japanese
society,
both for better and for
political
and
social, in
literature, the
teristics
;
yet
may
In
manners and customs,
Japanese have lost
it
worse.
many
safely be said that
institutions
in arts
and
of their characthe
sentiments
t
PREFACE
ii
and moral principles of the samurai
motives
measure
remain in
bedrock of
the
so
their subconsciousness,
to
speak.
in
some
their character, in
The Japanese of
to-day are intellectually almost cosmopolitans, but emotionally they are
still
samurai to no small degree.
Honest Kyusuke, the hero of the story of the same
title,
was not a samurai, but
The
hearty
thanks are
celebrated
kddanshi,
author's
in the choice of these tales,
of the
were those
volume.
Momokawa, a
him
principles
Let that justify the inclusion of the story
of a samurai.
in this
his
Kodan Kurabu
no's Revenge,
one of
due to Mr. Joyen
who
kindly helped
and also to the editor
for permission to translate Katsuhis stories.
A. Miyamori.
Tokio, December, 1920.
CONTENTS
PAT.E
I
Ungo-Zenji
The Royalty of
A
Boy Samurai
23
Katsuno's Revenge
35
A
83
Wedding
Present
The Heroism
of Torii Katsutaka
The Wrestling
of
A
Daimio
The Story of Kimura
Honest Kyusuke.
.
Shigenari
.
-
115
141
165
203
LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS
"
A
warrior burns incense into his
helmet when
die
"
on the
May
PAGE
field
Frontispiece
to
you
honour
of
place
determind to
is
"
ask
I
he
explain
to
given
the
a
garden geta?
"
I
.
.
18
caught these sparrows quite of
my own
She
,
filled
accord
"
32
Hachiya's
to
cup
the
brim
52
Terumasa took hold of the man's
collar
He
and twisted
raised his voice
word rang
clear
his face
so
and
upwards
that
.
.
.
.108
every
distinct
138
Gonshiro threw him by a supreme
effort
"Whose
down on
hat
is
to the
that?"
mats
152
,
216
UNGO-ZENJI
=
IT
was snowing
Already as
ZENJI
fast.
far
as
could
eye
covered with a vast silvery sheet.
and
all
field,
Caring
for
dale, tree
the
bitter
cold,
but loving the
Accordingly, accompanied by a few attend-
he wended his
the
and
Hill
Date Masamune determined to go out to enjoy
the scene.
in
the world was
alike clothed in virgin white.
nothing
beautiful,
ants,
see
castle
to a pavilion set
way
grounds
on a low
hill
whence an extensive view, em-
bracing the whole of his
fief
little
could be
of Osaki,
obtained.
In later
life
Masamune
distinguished himself
service rendered to the state,
eventually
by
signal
becoming one
of the greatest daimios in Japan, under lyeyasu, the
Shogun, but
at this time
Osaki was his sole
estate,
first
and
his income did not exceed 1 00,000 koku of rice a year.
"
with
What an
a
enchanting picture
snow landscape
"
?
he
!
What
can compare
exclaimed, as he stood
enraptured, gazing with delight from the balcony of the
UNGO-ZENJI
4
pavilion at the pure loveliness of
"It
is
When
the
the harvest
and
people,
"
land
snow
that
said
the scene before him.
a
foretells
abundant great
is
fruitful
year.
the rejoicing of
is
and prosperity reign over the
peace
!
While
his
lordship
thus
sandal-bearer
Makabe
Heishiro as he was called
his birthplace,
Makabe
in
luxury unknown
Having adjusted
more
to
do
to
the
Hitachi,
third
being a
waited
without.
estate
his master's footgear there
Heishiro observed that the snovvflakes
what thick on
his
brush them off with
valuable
charge.
his sleeve,
from
a surname
he should come out again.
till
the
Heishiro,
soliloquized,
fell
was nothing
But presently
and lay some-
He
hastened to
but more flakes
fell,
and
again the geta (clogs) were covered with icy particles.
"
" This will never
His
do," he said to himself.
lordship disdains to wear tabi (socks) even in the coldest
weather, deeming
it
a mark
of effeminacy
;
should
he
place his bare feet on these
assuredly
catch cold.
for him."
So
the
I
good
damp geta he will
must keep them warm and dry
fellow in the kindness of his simple heart
took up the heavy wooden clogs, and putting them
the
bosom of
patient waiting.
his
garment next
in
his skin, continued his
UNGO-ZENJI
5
"
" His
lordship comes
!
Heishiro had just time to put the geta straight on the
large stone step at the entrance before the double doors
open right and
slid
and Masamune appeared, young,
left
imperious.
He
slipped
warm
They
felt
such
freezing
weather
using them as a seat
of his august master
offender
passion
at
dared
you
You
have
grossly
sitting
The
!
the
Catching
in
been
insufferable insolence of the
insult
he caught the
my
geta by
me
insulted
him
eyes,
scoundrel
sitting
on them
behind
back
my
!
!
!
"
up one of the clogs which he had kicked
which caused him to
ing to the ground.
his
violent-
You
he struck the poor servitor a heavy blow
castle,
this ?
on the honourable footgear
supposed
defile
Villian, take that
the
was
There could be but one ex-
?
the nape of his neck, and shook
"
by
How
off,
How
could that be
exclaiming between his set teeth,
ly,
at
How
!
!
a
In
to the geta.
to his touch
That lazy lout of a sandal-bearer had
planation.
fellow
on
his feet
prostrate
reel
Then hurling
victim,
barefooted, for he
between
stunned and bleed-
the
companion geta
he strode proudly back to the
was
in
too
great
a rage
to
6
UNGO-ZENJI
wait until another pair of geta could be brought.
No
one stayed to look
what became of him.
fallen,
None cared
after Heishiro.
For some time he lay as he had
but presently the cold brought him back to con-
sciousness,
and he rose slowly t and
with
difficulty
to
his feet.
He
up the geta with which he had been
picked
and with
struck,
face gazed at
it
tears mingling with the blood
mournfully for a few moments.
as the thought of his master's
injustice
on
his
Then,
came over him,
he gnashed his teeth in impotent rage.
"
Haughty brute, that you are, Masamune," he muttered,
"
as lord
you
pay
for this
!
The bond between
and vassal has snapped for ever.
one
of the
now
I will
you
shall
I
most devoted of your humble
never rest
till
have had
I
for this cruel treatment
how
descending the
different
hill
on the
have been
servants, but
revenge
on
"
!
Then Heishiro again put
though with
my
us
the geta
into his
bosom,
an intention from before, and
side furthest
from the
castle,
limped painfully away.
From
that time forth the
man had but one
idea
to
UNCO-ZENJI
7
wreak condign vengeance on the arrogant noble who
had so abused
his kindness.
But Masamune was a daimio,
while Heishiro was only a
sible,
he
Assasination was impos-
serf.
Masamune being always
though a poor one,
even while
well guarded
slept, besides possessing considerable bodily strength
He must
himself.
He
means.
have recourse to other and subtler
thought
long
and
deeply.
There
were
only two persons of higher rank than the daimio
could
affect
the
his position at will
who
Emperor and
the
But how could a man of Heishiro's standing
Shogun.
gain the ear of either of these two illustrious personages
Masamune and
so as to slander
him
?
warlike
The very
age
idea
and
was absurd
promotion
achievement of a deed
influence
True,
!
speedily
of valor
;
them against
it
followed
not
lie
And
the
rise
to
But Heishiro was no soldier and
his
physical strength was small.
to himself that the
a
with a spear in his
hand and a good horse under him one might
almost any height.
was
With a
sigh he admitted
accomplishment of his purpose did
that way.
then a happy thought struck him.
He remem-
bered that any one, high or low, great or small, could
become a
priest
and that the prospects held out
in that
8
UNGO-ZENJI
profession were boundless.
which a man of the
body
not
might
There was no
and the weakest
lowliest parentage
A
aspire.
distinction to
learned
reputation for sanctity might
a
with
priest
get access to
Court
gain
the notice of the Emperor himself!
That was
it
!
Heishiro resolved to turn priest, and with this in view
made
haste to Kyoto, where he entered the
all
Temple
of Ungoji in Higashiyama as an acolyte.
But the career of an acolyte
none of the
is
Before he can be received into the priesthood
go
through
forms
all
of
asceticism,
he must
self-denial,
and
Furthermore, he has to serve his superiors as
penance.
command.
a drudge, doing the most menial tasks at their
Heishiro had a very hard time of
perseverance
Not so
easiest.
Heishiro.
succumbed
have
might
Not
for a
abandoning his self-imposed
as long as there
was
life
A man of ordinary
it.
in
moment
task.
him
and
given
did he
He was
up.
dream of
determined
to endure every hard-
ship and humiliation, so that eventually he might attain
his end.
when
his
flagged.
bear
no
Still
he was but human, and there were times
weary body almost gave way and
His
racked
more.
nerves
At such
seemed as
times
he
if
his spirit
they could
would look
in
a
UNGO-ZENJI
deep scar on
mirror at the reflection of the
and draw from
gi'ta,
mune
place of concealment the
"
its
Courage
Your work
not done yet."
!
strength
once more
Little
felt
by
length,
Heishiro
his
!
would
calmness
equal to labour
little
and
superiors,
is
and
his
brow,
odd garden
Remember Masa-
saying to himself,
Then
At
9
return
and
he
and endure.
rose
favour of his
the
in
showed marked progress.
learning
he thought he might get on
faster
if
he
went to another monastery, and the Temple of Enryakuji
on Mt. Hiei being the largest and most renowned
places of sacred teaching in Japan, he applied there
all
for admission
and was readily admitted.
Twenty years
Heishiro
took
all
observances of a
a
his
erudition and
life
satisfied.
position
for
was the name
that
on entering the priesthood, was known
and near for
he was not
Jdben,
later,
far
in
of
to
strict
application to
of the most austere piety.
He was
attract
the
Yet higher must he climb.
still
very
far
But
from being
notice
of the
To be
world-famous was
Emperor.
his aim.
So he made up
his
mind
to
go over to China, justly
UNGO-ZENJI
ro
the
of
fountain-head
knowledge and
regarded
as
wisdom.
All she could impart of the Buddhistic faith
As soon
he would acquire.
from
as
his native
Joben
sailed
among
a strange people.
all
an opportunity offered
shores and found himself
Here he remained
many famous
wisdom from many sources. At
During that time he
gathered
ten years.
temples and
visited
last
the fame
of the traveller reached the ear of the Chinese Emperor,
who was
pleased
him
Issan-Kasho-Daizenji.
his
left
Joben
grant
on
bestowed
graciously
that of
to
him an
audience,
and
a new sacerdotal name,
Thus
came about
it
country acknowledged,
indeed
to
that
be a
wise and holy man, but he came back to be regarded
as the foremost divine in Japan.
After his return Issan-Kasho-Daizenji stayed at Ungo-ji,
the
in
temple
noviciate.
Kyoto where he had
He had
heard
some years and was anxious
He was
of him.
object
that
of his
now
as
of
nothing
to learn
head
of
his
Masamune
for
what had become
unpleasantly surprised to hear that the
hatred
lord
had
also risen in the
of the
Castle
of
considered one of the most important
Not only
on
entered
world, and
Sendai
men
he
was
of the day.
did he hold a high office at Court, but as the
the
North-Eastern
daimios,
even the Shogun
UNGO-ZENJI
had
if
to treat
him with
Zenji
saw that he would have to
A
bide his time and act warily.
render
futile all his
But
after all
that the
ill
travail.
in
and
malady was of so
his
of the wisest physicians
skill
The
avail.
Household met
matter and
move now might
he did not have to wait very long.
serious a nature
perial
false
long years of
The Emperor was taken
proved of no
All this was annoying
respect.
The
nothing worse.
ii
highest officials of the Im-
solemn conclave to discuss the
was decided that earthly means being vain
it
the only hope lay in an appeal to Heaven.
Who
was the
priest
wisdom so profound
this
high mission
One name
With
summoned
that
all
of
stainless,
he might be entrusted with
"
lips
Palace
the
"
Issan-Kasho-Daizenji
the
therefore,
speed,
to
so
?
rose to
all
of character
hardest to the Heavenly
and
Powers
holy
man
!
was
ordered
to
for the
restoration to
pray
his
health of the Imperial patient.
For seven days and seven nights the
himself
Dragon.
from
mankind
the
in
Hall
For seven days and seven
and prayed
And
all
that
his prayers
the
precious
were heard.
life
At
Zenji isolated
of
the
Blue
nights he fasted,
might be spared.
the end of that time
12
UNGO-ZENJI
the
was
Emperor took a turn
his
recovery that
in
for
the better, and
a very short time
all
so rapid
cause of
anxiety about him was over.
His Majesty's gratitude knew no bounds.
The
Zenji
was honoured with many marks of the Imperial regard,
and as a consequence,
the ministers and courtiers
all
vied with each other in obsequiousness to the favourite
of the
He was
Emperor.
appointed
Head of
the
Ungoji Temple, and received yet another name, UngoDaizenji.
" The attainment of
my
desire
"
thought the priest exultantly.
plausible pretext for accusing
But more than
is
It
now
only remains to
Masamune
thirty years
within reach
find
of high treason."
vowed vengeance
on the daimio Date Masamune, and not without
his
vigils, his life
delving
into
holy
undergone
suspected
it.
scriptures,
of asceticism and meditation.
become Ungo-Daizenji, a great
had
a
radical
priest.
effect
his
long
Heishiro had
His character
change, though
he had not
His mind had been purified and was
incapable of harbouring so
a desire for revenge.
Now
a
had elapsed since Makabe
Heishiro, the lowly sandal-bearer, had
had been
"
!
mean and
that the
grasp he no longer cared to exercise
now
paltry a feeling as
power was
it.
in his
UNGO-ZENJI
"
To
or
hate,
to
to
try
13
injure a fellow-creature
is
below one who has entered the priesthood," he said to
"
himself.
The winds
move about
man's
spiritual eyes are
have
I
illusions.
over
for
nor
north
neither
my
before
been
?
a
I
a grudge against Lord Date
certain
and
with
the
sole
have raised
occasion,
my
myself to
what would
of
object
Lord Date had not
if
but
such things are
exists
eyes
But
present position.
me on
south
years,
a
opened, neither east nor west,
nursed
thirty
revenge
When
maze of the secular world.
the
who
of passion disturb only those
my
ill-treated
have
life
should, probably, have remained Heishiro, the
unkindness
my
all
sandal-bearer,
to
me
strike
lord
had
whether
I
deserved
was roused to anger and vowed
I
Because of
revenged.
my
my
the
a garden geta without
with
troubling himself to find out
chastisement.
But
days.
resolve
to
punish
such
to be
him
I
turned priest, studied hard, endured privations, and so,
at
priests
nobles
its
In
the
in
bow
one
Empire, before
with reverence.
true light
olden
become
have
length,
it
times
is
to
most
of the
whom
If
Lord Date
I
even princes and
look at the matter
that I
Sakya Muni, turning
earthly glory, climbed
Mt.
influential
in
owe
everything.
his
back upon
Dantoku and there served
UNGO-ZENJI
14
his noviciate
\vith
he performed
though he was,
Prince
Arara.
St.
who
menial offices for his master,
all
if
ever the disciple seemed negligent, would beat him with
a
How
'
cane.
'
that
neophyte,
thus
it
mortifying
thought the Royal
is,'
born to a throne, should be treated
I,
by one so
Muni was a man
me
beneath
far
of
indomitable
his
spirit.
more
humiliations he had to suffer the
apply himself to
in rank.'
early age of thirty he had learnt
world one of the greatest religions
It
may
truthfully
if
largely,
it
not wholly,
who
master
from
humble
be
me
self
that
said
to
has ever known.
Sakya's
garden geta
for
deny the
my
Masamune,
for
that laid the foundation of
Thus
the
success
was
relentless
Far be
my
and the holy Founder of Buddhism, but,
fact that the pavilion in
St.
my
Mt. Dantoku, and
Arara's cane.
should be gratitude, not revenge, that
heart
could
any comparison between
the grounds of Osaki Castle was
it
it
due to that stern and
institute
the
introducing to the
allowed no shirking of his work.
nevertheless, I cannot
this old
that, at
his teacher
all
impart, and himself began to teach,
The more
earnestly did he
studies, so
religious
But Sakya
good
it
my
was
his
I
Therefore^
have
in
my
unconsidered act
prosperity."
priest relinquished
his
long cherished
UNGO-ZENJI
vengeance, and a better feeling
idea of
He now
looked
upon
reverence,
offering
flowers
while
it,
life
15
and
the
blood-stained
of
its
place.
geta
with
and burning incense before
day and night he prayed
happiness
took
old
his
fervently for the long
master,
Lord
Date
great
honours
and
Masamune.
And Masamune
As
himself?
above
stated
he
became a leading man
But
at the
attained
in the
councils
Here, to employ his
restoration
Matsushima,
of
the
days at
leisure,
he
had
civil strife
fallen into
and then when
was done looked about
of deep
learning
gathering
them as follows
:
for
a priest
and acknowledged virtue who should
be worthy to be placed
At a
upon him-
former rich splendor,
building to
its
at
decay, being
it
self to restore the
all
about the
which during a
Masamune took
a complete ruin.
and
Castle of
his
set
life
well-known temple of Zuiganji,
in the vicinity of the castle,
long period of
in fact
country.
age of sixty-three he tired of public
retired to pass the evening of his
Sendai.
his
of
of
in
his
charge of
chief
it.
retainers he addressed
UNGOZENJI
16
"
As you know
in
Temple
Zuiganji
this
without a Superior.
man who
learned
a seat of
the
have
I
and decorated the
but
vicinity,
carry on
will
Kyoto
the greatest priest of
is
of
Priest
the Ungoji
favourite
at
it
Emperor,
Court,
Masamune
was
tendered his petition in
affection
assented, and
appointed
paid
thus
Head
for
it
the
retired
came about
first
said to the Zenji.
due form and as a
The Emperor who
statesman,
retained
readily
that Ungo-Zenji
was
of the Zuiganji Temple in the beautiful
of Matsushima.
the seventh day after
a
was a
was necessary that His Majesty should
personal favour to himself.
warm
in question
and enjoyed the confidence of the
approached before anything
On
in
to offer the vacant post to the
holy Ungo-Daizenji, but as the priest
district
Temple
reply.
So Masamune decided
formal
arrival.
the
a holy and
ancient traditions as
its
who
remains
undoubtedly the greatest priest of the day,"
is
came the unanimous
a
still
day?"
"Ungo-Zenji, High
be
it
I desire to entrust it to
Tell me,
piety.
rebuilt
Zenji
call at the
He was
his
installation,
Zuiganji to
Masamune
welcome the new
ushered into the private guest-room of
which was
at the
moment unoccupied.
On
UNGO-ZENJI
17
turning to the alcove his attention was at once arrested
sight of an old garden geta placed
by the
on a valuable
stand of elaborate and costly workmanship.
"
What
celebrated
said the astonished
it
Masamune
used that geta ?
" But
to himself.
surely
a breach of etiquette to decorate a
is
a lowly article
standing
when about
to
the
However,
!
room with such
receive a daimio of
has
priest
in allowing so strange
purpose
"
has
personage
doubtless
my
some
an infringement of good
manners."
At
that
and a
moment
venerable
the sliding doors opened noiselessly,
man
in full canonicals
holy brush of long white hair
in
his
and bearing a
hand,
came
in.
His immobile face was that of an ascetic but marred by
a disfiguring scar
on
his forehead
Ungo-Zenji, for he
it
between the eyes.
was, seated himself opposite his
guest and putting both hands, palm downwards, on the
bowed
mats
Masamune
When
several
times
in
respectful
greeting,
returning the courtesy with due ceremony.
the salutations were over,
Masamune could no
longer restrain his curiosity.
" Your
"
Reverence," he began,
my
you
have
to this insignificant
place
earnest
down
request
in
compliance with
condescended to come
to take charge of
our
1
8
UNGO-ZENJI
am
I
temple.
profoundly impressed by your goodness
how
and know not
and unskilled
in
thank you.
to
words.
be
to
you may deem
interview
place
so
inquisitive,
may
of honour given
At
smiled a
in
ask
I
you
at this
explain the
to
and the scar
with your
ill
"
as a
young man,
Then he withdrew
tears glistening in his
sunken
with
end of
:
rejoiced
I
am
see
to
your face again.
my
to
my
have patience, and
" In those
replied the Zenji.
days
known
humble an
as
How
!
of
the
will
I
I
Makabe
individual
can
I
remind
knowledge, we never
lord,
a sandal-bearer
likely so
me
To
long past youth."
What, your words are strange
My
the priest
to the lower
you of your youth, when,
"
met till this day ?
"
reputation
the impetuosity he
gaze upon your unchanged features reminds
days of
our
good breeding
to a garden geta,
Masamune
apartment and
How
man
"
little.
eyes, said
"
a want of
these words, poured out with
remembered
the
and though
it
on your brow that accords so
for saintliness ?
a plain
But, your Reverence, there are
two things which puzzle me,
first
am
I
explain all,"
was but a servant
Heishiro
would
it
is
not
retain a place in
inorioil 1o SD
1
8
UNCO-ZENJI
am
I
temple.
profoundly impressed by your goodness
how
and know not
and unskilled
thank you.
to
words.
in
be so
to
you may deem
interview
place
inquisitive,
may
of honour given
for
At
man
our
a want of good breeding
ask
I
at this
you
to a garden geta,
ill
explain the
to
and the scar
with your
reputation
"
o
the^'%b^5u^cf^urflip !ffe Muosit
U
1
remembered
smiled a
*! V *
he
n t0
Masamune
young man, the priest
Then he withdrew to the lower end of
Tk
in
little.
apartment and
the
a plain
and though
it
on your brow that accords so
saintliness ?
am
But, your Reverence, there are
two things which puzzle me,
first
I
as a
with
sunken
tears glistening in his
eyes, sale
"
How
rejoiced
I
am
see
to
your face again.
gaze upon your unchanged features reminds
days of
"
my
till
the
to
my
How
!
can
knowledge,
I
remind
we never
this da)
"My
lord,
have patience, and
replied the /c.ri.
a
of
long past youth."
What, your words are strange
you of your youth, when,
met
me
To
" In
those days
sandal -i,
likely so
humbL- an
s
I
Makabe
individual
will
I
explain all,"
was but a servant
Heishiro
would
retain a
it
is
not
place in
UNGO-ZENJI
was when you were
It
your memory.
residing at the
"
Castle of Osaki
He
19
Masamune, too amazed
but
paused,
to utter a
word, only looked intently at his former servant as
him
trying to recall having ever seen
So Ungo-Zenji went on with
told
all
had
that
more than
years
before.
and
story,
since
He
before.
how through
but told
himself,
him
befallen
thirty
his
if
that
in
detail
snowy day
not
did
spare
those years he had
all
been actuated by a feeling of revenge and revenge only,
and how the thought of some day seeing
the dust had been the spur to goad
all
difficulties,
"
At
service
that
'
favour.
own
concluded
he
loaded
is
astonishment
fled.
to
upon you
still
my
in
to conquer
time
found
I
that
but
so
for
vile
But to
my
a passion no
the desire for revenge had
a different
benefactor.
my command
reach
thought.
affair in
my
came under
so magnified a trifling
'
!
nature
as
I
priest,
with rewards and marks of
be a sandal-bearer
of knowledge at
within
I
me
began to view the
I
look
should
my
my
longer existed in
"
the
Emperor who
the
Now
him on
enemy
surmount every obstacle.
to
length,"
the notice of
his
but
for
But
light,
for
and
you
you the
I
stores
would never have come
you the
intercourse
I
have
20
UNGO-ZENJI
had with the
illustrious
would
been
have
hatred
and sage men of two countries
an
turned to gratitude,
is
my
a heartfelt desire for your long
pray daily that some day
wish for vengeance to
and prosperity.
life
small measure to requite the inestimable
to
Your
you.
treasure
an
scar on
my
lordship
and
old geta,
to
listened
wonder and the deepest
the
forcibly
When
drew him
emotion.
At
its
growing
conclusion he
by both hands
What you have
of countenance.
in
he
Reverence,"
"
I
my
I
arrogance
I
said
a
in
gently, but
should
renounce the
asking
that, indeed,
almost
the
incredible
empty
!
of
quite puts
me
can just recall the incident of
remember how angry
deemed a gross
triumph
amazes
You
full
voice
me
just told
not wonder at your desire for revenge,
not
with
narrative
the upper end of the apartment.
to
which '.you speak and
what
so
both were again seated he spoke.
Your
out
why
I
bear this ugly
is I
it
attention.
and taking the Zenji
rose
how
owe
benefits I
understands
brow."
Masamune
"
now
I
enabled in some
may be
I
my
Therefore,
impossibility.
me
that
some
felt at
I
insult.
but,
that
was yours
me
call
it,
that
and
do
you
for the
Such magnanimity
!
prove to
abstraction
I
is
religion is
I
humbly
UNGO-ZENJI
beg your pardon
to enrol
In
me
this
for
my
as one of
way,
and request you
offence,
past
your
21
disciples."
Masamune who was of a
frank
noble disposition repented of the fault committed
and
in his
youth, and the sandal-bearer achieved a greater victory
than he could have boasted of had he caused his
enemy
to die a shameful death.
A
hearty
friendship
sprang
generous minded men, and
years
later
affection
at
the
up
between
the
two
death parted them
many
they saw much of each other and
their
grew.
The
Castle,
while
priest
with
till
was always a welcome guest
earnest
piety,
Masamune
prosecuted his studies in sacred lore under the guidance
of Ungo-Zenji.
THE LOYALTY OF A
BOY SAMURAI
THE LOYALTY OF A BOY
SAMURAI
)M ATSUDAIRA
of the
Shogun
ablest of all the
sagacity, he
Nobutsuna was one of the ministers
next
lyemitsu,
to
A
Tokugawa Shoguns.
not a
lyeyasu, the
man
of great
little
to lyemitsu 's wise
lyemitsu was a young boy
named Takechiyo,
contributed
administration.
When
Nobutsuna
who was
called
at
time
that
Choshiro
served him as one of his attendants and playmates.
One morning when
along a
other
his
corridor
boys,
the
young nobleman was
accompanied by Choshiro and two
on the way
to the private apartments of
the
Shogun Hidetada,
caught by some fledgling sparrows
father,
about
and
Takechiyo,
chirping
then
gaily
on the
his
attention
was
that were hopping
tiles
of
the
roof.
but ten years of age, was seized with
a fancy to have them
;
and turning to
years older than himself, he
" Catch
those
passing
little
Choshiro,
commanded:
sparrows for me, Choshiro."
three
THE LOYALTY OF
26
" With
found
his
your lordship
pleasure,
catching
sparrows
Highness and the
on duty
the roof
the
to-night
when
little
wait
till
"I
be
by
be
I
Fortunately
I
will
climb out on to
no one to see me, and give you
Will
morning.
master
you
please to
small
company
"
?
And
must."
I
suppose
I
shall
to-night
the
in
my
then,
is
should
should be reprimanded
officials.
so
;
there
birds
I
but
;
the
passed on.
That night when
somehow or
was
quiet,
all
birds
had
seized
one of the
built
in
fours to the spot where the
their
their
little
care or for
moment
down
some other
the
left
and caught another.
reason, certain
things
!
Whether
him
to relax his
is
that at this
it
and with a heavy thud he
court-yard
voluntarily clutched
little
hand Choshiro again
of his purpose caused
his foot slipped
into
Poor
sparrows.
sleep they were not able to escape.
stretched out his right
attainment
parent
reached out one hand and
nest,
Transferring his captive to the
the
Choshiro managed
other to get out on to the roof, and crawl-
ing carefully on
Surprised
all
below.
the birds
more
As he
fell
he
fell
in-
firmly so that they
A BOY SAMURAI
With
were instantly squeezed to death.
in his hands,
he
27
the dead birds
But the roof was comparatively
fainted.
and he also had the good fortune to
low,
some bushes so
that he
was not
the
awoke the Shogun.
as
killed
fall
on
to
might have
been the case.
The sound of
fall
up and followed by
went out on to the
verandah
down.
the
shutter
looked
and
consort
his
By
He
some
started
attendants
and opening a
sliding
light of a lantern held
by one of the servants he perceived the boy lying on
the
ground
Choshiro had
just beneath.
consciousness and was trying to
he
felt all
the
recovered
though the pain
over his body rendered the operation one of
considerable
when
rise
now
His
difficulty.
of
light
the
consternation
lantern
was
great
revealed his person to
those on the verandah.
"
the
on
Choshird,
boy
my
is
that
at once.
"
"
you
It
called his lord, recognizing
?
is
strange that
roof at this time of night
and explain your conduct.
The boy,
still
holding
!
you should be
Come up
instantly
This must be inquired into."
the
Prostrating himself before the
dead sparrows, obeyed.
Shogun he waited
to speak.
"
What have you
in
your hands, Choshiro
"
?
for
him
THE LOYALTY OF
28
my lord."
"Sparrows? Do you
"Sparrows,
to catch sparrows
my
"Yes,
?
lord.
Takechiyo Sama and
this
Takechiyo
!
I
tell
Sama
was attracted by some
'What dear
said
he might play
that
when everyone was
When
the truth.
you
were passing along the corridor
and the desire then arose
him
for
will
on the roof and we stopped
sparrows
are
I
!
his attention
morning
'
A
then climb roofs at midnight
"
strange fancy
asleep I
in
watch them.
to
little
they
things
mind
my
with
little
to get
So
them,
them
to-night
climbed out on to the roof
of your apartments in disregard to the respect
should
I
have shown to your august person, and caught two
the
of
young sparrows.
Heaven followed
and
my
But how quickly the punishment
my
wickedness was
crime
My
consort.
lord," here
" Excuse
discovered.
broke
my
I fell
!
any chastisement your lordship
"
of
in
sees
down
I
fit
am
you
ready
see
for
to inflict."
Lady Eyo,
interference,
as
but
the Shogun's
I
think Take-
chiyo must have ordered Ch5shiro to catch these sparrows.
It
There
is
no doubt about
it."
should be explained that Lady
Takechiyo and Kunimatsu.
sharp-witted
and
active
Eyo had two
sons
Takechiyo, the elder, was
though
rather
rough
in
his
A BOY SAMURAI
manners
his
;
on the contrary, was quiet and
brother,
For
effeminate.
this
29
and probably some other unknown
reason the younger son was his mother's favourite, and
was her
it
desire
that he should be appointed heir to
She
the Shogunate in place of his elder brother.
fore
there-
no opportunity to disparage Takechiyo
lost
of his father, hoping thereby
estimation
in the
to attain her
object in due time.
"
What
a thoughtless
his
life
he
is
How
cruel to
but a child
'
proverb
command Cheshire
catching birds
by
says
A
there
on a roof
is
no excuse
is
when young cannot be expected
and
well
when more power
his feet,
is it
"
even when
it
is
only an
attend-
to govern wisely
invested in his hands.
is
turning to the
boy who
still
knelt at
;
?
heard with surprise the unkind words
Shogun and
did
Though
The
for him.
"
Choshiro had
What
endanger
!
Takechiyo ordered you to get the sparrows
not so
of the
to
so inconsiderate to his
ants
Now, Cheshire,"
agreed
!
at his insti-
at night
snake bites even when
One who
inch long.'
is
"This was undoubtedly done
the Shogun.
gation.
"
boy Takechiyo
they
it
is
his lady
mean by
about
the
his
words
only an inch long
"
?
adored
"
If
A
master.
snake bites
their
feelings
THE LOYALTY OF
30
were
towards the
boy
would
think
they
be disclosed
case
already
so
and do should the
?
Choshird
firmly
the blame even at the risk of his
all
"
Oh, no,
my
what
antagonistic
real facts of the
resolved
take
to
life.
"
lord," said he earnestly.
Takechiyo
I caught
Sama never gave me such a command, never
I meant one
these sparrows quite of my own accord.
!
for
Takechiyo Sama, and one for myself."
" Nonsense
at the
tell
me
Whatever you say
!
bottom of
it.
You
an untruth!
me
The Shogun
pointed
know Takechiyo
me
see,
what
shall
event
of a
some
When
"
will
still
"
Choshird,
persist in
is
which
in
dozo or
into the
bag was brought the Shogun
again,
said
you don't confess the
if
have you put into
It
in
or of an earthquake his valuables
fire
godown.
the
go home
to
I
Now,
do to
large, strong leather
would be incased before putting them
fire-proof
I
one of those bags."
to
bags, resembling a money-pouch in shape,
the
is
are a bold fellow to dare to
Let
Here, bring
you?
I
this
your falsehood
caught the sparrows
truth, I
bag and never allow you
nor give you any food.
no falsehood,
:
Do
you
"
?
my lord.
of my own
It is
wish.
the truth that
No
one but
A BOY SAMURAI
myself
is
responsible
the roof was the
that
you should
With
these
my
for
me
What
Heaven.
words,
It
fall
from
is
right
beg you to do so."
betraying no signs of
Choshird,
a stubborn boy
I
also.
fear, put himself into the bag.
"
"
My
misdeed.
punishment of
chastise
31
exclaimed the Shogun
!
in
anger.
Then with
the help of his consort he tightly fastened
up the bag with the boy
a
in
it,
and had
peg on the wall of the corridor.
child in this state all retired once
it
hung from
Leaving the poor
more
to their broken
rest.
Late
finished
the
her
of honour,
still
it
morning,
toilet,
came out
boy was found
the
to
it
to
still
Good morning, your
had
breakfast and
attended
by two maids
having
Lady Eyo,
hung and ordered
the
"
next
corridor where the
sparrows,
to
make
is
the
it
not so
boy
?
bag
opening
holding the dead sparrows.
ladyship," said Chdshiro, rub-
bing his eyes with his closed fists.
" You
were ordered by Takechiyo
"
On
be taken down.
said
Lady Eyo
confess the truth.
to
take
the
kindly, hoping
THE LOYALTY OF
32
"
my
No,
my own
was
It
lady.
Sama had nothing whatever
"
Come, boy,
But
you
truth,
Now
the
to
lady, as
truth
speak
will
you
say
all
be
shall
am
confess what I
you
have
will
and
released
convinced
have
is
the
food at once.
the truth."
tell
"My
if
you
and never have anything,
to remain a prisoner always,
to eat.
Takechiyo
do with the matter."
to
are so obstinate
you
if
idea.
but
;
at
you command me
am
I
allow
so hungry that
May
all.
me
do so
to
I
find it difficult
ask for some food
I
I will tell
first?
have even some musubt^
1
to
I
If
will
you wish."
"
Good boy, you shall have some musubi at once."
The lady, gave the order and soon the boy was
eagerly devouring the rice-cakes.
made a good
ones
meal.
" Thank
you, my lady
" Then confess the
am
"
am now
I
;
able to speak."
good boy, confess quickly
truth,
I
Three or four large
;
tired of waiting."
Forgive me,
my own
accord.
my
The lady
for
once
no order direct or indirect
That
forgot
rice pressed into balls
caught the sparrows of
I
;
I received
from Takechiyo Sama.
* Boiled
lady
is
the truth."
herself
and flew
into a
sometimes taken for a simple lunch.
i
l
bioo?e
nwo
-
THE LOYALTY OF
32
"
my
No,
my own
was
It
lady.
Sama had nothing whatever
"
Come, boy,
do with the
to
you are so
if
obstinate
to remain a prisoner always, and
But
;.
you
truth,
Now
tell
"My
the
to
speak
will
say
"
be released and
shall
niatr
v
have anything.
convinced
have
is
the
food at once.
the truth."
but
;
at
you command me
am
I
so hungry that
May
all.
arfo^gmV
I
I will tell
find
it
ask for some food
I
^ f^S"*^
11
you wish."
Good boy, you
do so
to
of
my
difficult
If
first?
wn aword;>
I
will
all
The
lady,
shall
have some tnusubi at once."
gave the order and
eagerly devouring the rice-cakes.
ones made a good meal.
" Thank
you, my kdy
" Then confess the
am
soon
boy was
the
Three or four large
am now
I
;
able to speak."
good boy, confess quickly
truth,
I
am
Talccchiyo
you
never
confess what I
you
lady, as
truth
you
if
idea.
;
tired of waiting."
lady
my own
accord.
I
The lady
for
caught the sparrows of
I
received no order direct
from Takechi;
* Boiled
;
That
once
forgot
rice pressed into balls
is
r
the truth."
herself
sometimes take
and flew into a
A BOY SAMURAI
Stamping her foot on the
passion.
into the
rushed
she
floor,
Shogun's room and gave him an exaggerated
of what had happened.
" The
young rascal," cried he,
account
Yoshimitsu sword
in his
He was
hand,
"
Tango Hasegawa, bring Chdshiro
Tango found
on
33
rising,
very angry.
and taking
will kill
I
his
him myself.
here."
the culprit sitting in the
his
hands
terribly
angry
bag
his lap.
"
"
His lordship
Chdshiro," he said,
He
endurance.
intends to
kill
you with his
Prepare yourself for instant death
"
"
I
am
my
own
past
hands.
"
!
father
is
my
old
friend,"
" If
you have any farewell
pitifully.
"
are
quite prepared, sir."
Your
I will
is
your stubbornness and insolence
with you
undertake to deliver
Thank you,
father.
sir
It is the
;
but
went on the man
message
for
him
it."
I
have no words to send to
duty of a samurai to
sacrifice his
my death my motive
for refusing to confess what my lord the Shogun
desires will become clear.
Tell my father only that I
met my doom fearlessly by my lord's own sword. My
one sorrow is that my mother is now
and this news
may lead to her death also. That is my only regret."
life
for the sake of loyalty.
After
ill
THE LOYALTY OF
34
"
What
a truly heroic resolve
"Your
to restrain his tears.
when
of you, boy,
I
"
cried Tango, unable
!
father
may
well be proud
him how you met death."
tell
Taking Cheshire by the hand Tango conducted him
stern
noble
hand on the
Shogun and
of the
into the presence
stood
up on
their entrance
The brave boy
approach nearer.
and
closed
calmly
eyes
and laying
his
them
to
kneeling
the stray locks from his neck, and with
awaited
The
lady.
sword motioned
of his
hilt
his
to
down pushed
clasped
hands
decapitation.
The
Shogun's manly compassion was not proof against
Throwing
pathetic sight.
"
nize
sword away,
Cheshire, you are forgiven
your supreme
unto death.!
succeeds
me
him
the
this
his
in
Tango,
as
pardoned
!
I
"
!
of
young
he
cried.
"
I
your young master
that
foretell
Shogun, no one
task
courageous
"
fidelity to
ruling
this
will
this
samurai.
recogfaithful
when Takechiyo
be able to
people
so
assist
well
Cheshire, you
as
are
ttATSUNO'S REVENGE
KATSUNO'S REVENGE
man and
A
a
woman were
by a shaded lamp
was
partly
flowers
hedged
gleamed
in
croaking
stillness
a quiet detached
room which
whose
snow-white
unohana
by
the
in
the
in
whispering to each other
Only
moonlight.
neighbouring
paddy-field
About
province of Owari.
he was a fierce-looking
bristling
broke
frogs
the
of the night.
The man was Sakuma Shichiroyemon,
of Oda Nobuyuki, the lord of the castle
in the
the
man
of Iwakura,
years
old,
with powerful muscles and
Haughty, quick-tempered and
gray whiskers.
very jealous
fifty-two
a councillor
he tyrannized over his subordinates and
was accordingly an object of hatred throughout the
clan.
a
The person with whom he was now
woman
close
upon
his
own age
talking
was
the supervisor of
Lord Oda's maids-of-honour, by name O-Tora-no-Kata.
Being a cross, cunning, and avaricious hag, she was
regarded by
" Birds of a
the
maids
with
terror
feather flock together."
and
detestation.
She had wormed
KATSUNO'S REVENGE
38
her
order
on
good graces of Shichiroyemon
the
into
way
make her
to
had
his part,
set
secure
position
her to spy on
" What's
that,
"
Madame Tora ?
"
face reddening with anger.
his
me
that our lord
me
Hachiya over
"I
How
How
!
been
in battle;
what use
And
warlike days?
what
"
The
ha
Ha,
" Here
I
!
"
!
ly.
"It
said
have good
Tell
is
me
Hachiya
Who
The
"
that
knows where
womanish
!
He
has never
such a bookworm
Prime
a
Councillor
in
these
stripling
is
Humph,
!
"
!
fire is
not strong enough."
fire?"
O-Tora with a disagreeable
fuel to
" Don't
try to annoy
"
is
Ha, ha, ha
not boil yet.
It will
that
smooth-faced
pale,
tell
"
yet this inexperienced
appointed
infatuation
"Eh!
"
be
to
hate
obscurity.
A
to
boy of
green
glibly he flatters our lord
sprig
going
in
from?
comes
Do you mean
the maids say so
all
do
I
born
peasant's son
asked Shichiroyemon,
Prime Councillor ?
as
of his
actions
inferiors.
going to set that
repeat what I hear;
"Pshaw!
he
is
whilst the latter,
;
the
and
lord, as well as of his colleagues
in
me
make you burn
like that," said
smile.
"
!
he impatient-
quickly."
the secret of secrets.
I can't
readily
w-e-1-1
KATSUNO'S REVENGE
sell
word
the
"
with an emphasis on
slowly,
'
sell.'
How
your
She spoke
it."
39
you are
grasping
So
secret with this."
Well,
!
then,
I
will
a packet of money out of his bosom and threw
The crone picked
on the mat.
buy
saying, Shichiroyemon took
ning smile playing about her
in silence,
up
it
it
down
a cun-
lips.
" Mr.
Sakuma, you must not be off your guard."
"
K
"Well,
"
"
"
What do you mean ?
What
Why ?
"
!
;
you must give her up."
Give up Katsuno
Tell
me
"
?
he exclaimed,
startled.
"
quick
!
Don't be surprised,
sir.
It
is
our lord's pleasure
to give her to Hachiya in marriage."
Katsuno was
with
whom
a
maid-of-honour
of
Oda Nobuyuki
A young damsel
she was a great favourite.
of nineteen springs, she was the incarnation
grace
and sweetness of
finement and dignity.
mon was madly
in
disposition,
with
though he had courted her
in
the
fair
every
Tora, she had shown no inclination
advances.
combined with
In spite of his years
love
of beauty,
to
re-
Shichiroye-
maiden
;
but
way through Orespond
to
his
KATSUNO'S REVENGE
40
"
Has Hachiya formed a
asked Shichiroyemon anxiously.
" Not that
you know they
blockheads
had the
inclination,
my
elude
"Is
it
" That
for
good
they are too stupid for
;
if
they
them
for
is
To-day our lady
it.
said to
me,
Hachiya to be alone any longer
and
beautiful
in
marriage to Hachiya before long in
excellent-minded maid,
'
faithful service
!
indeed so
that
it
?
not
It is
reward
her
for
me
is
her
will give
I
!
Katsuno
;
Yes, surely, our lady told
"
'
to
"
not even a devil could do
"
then our lord's order ?
eye
vigilant
a
" Is
Even
that.
would be impossible
it
"
?
both such honest
are
;
Katsuno
with
liaison
so."
brow
said Shichiroyemon, his
darkening, and his eyes glaring with the intensity of his
jealousy.
to give
What
!
to
and experience,
ability
against
never
shall
this
rest
revenge
He
spoke so
!
He
man
What an
in marriage.
till
my
I
years
have
mortal
I
!
taken
enemy
does not provoke
fiercely
Hachiya
my
me
!
woman was
insult
!
cannot stand
some
steps
I will
have
with impunity
and the look on his face
diabolical that the old
of
!
would be an additional wrong
my
Hachiya
my
put him over a
one of
mortification to
I
it
Katsuno to him
son of a
peasant's
would be infamous
It
it
" That
green
frightened.
"
!
was so
KATSUNO'S REVENGE
" Your
*
leads
Anger
about
is
anger
to
You must
loss.'
of course, in the
"Well,
think
know
more calmly
Katsuno out of the
or other
And
careful,
I will
;
will
I
"
?
place Hachiya must
first
we must manage
hands of our lord on some
and
assassinated,
"
but you
;
this matter."
" Have
you anything to propose
be
sir
natural,
quite
41
then
to
get
pretext
undertake that"
Madame Tora
other
the
settle
business
!
be
But,
"
!
Here a puff of cool wind
and blowing out the
swept through
the
room
lamp put an end
light of the
to
thefr conference for that time.
II.
It
the
was a
fine
castle
of Iwakura,
afternoon in
autumn
the
;
in the
gardens of
glowing maple leaves and
were
vari-coloured chrysanthemums
in
the
height
of
their beauty.
To-day being the anniversary of the death of Nobuyuki's father,
all
the
inmates
of the
visit
to the deceased's grave
to be given to all the samurai.
;
had been
religious services,
and
to-night a banquet
was
busy since the early morning with
a
castle
KATSUNO'S REVENGE
42
was now about four o'clock, and several maids-of-
It
honour who had
an interval of
"
What
like
were talking volubly.
rest
chatterboxes
by
'
Tora
;
'
and
so
(tiger)
At
this
But,
we
'
prattle
entering at this
put
one of
she seated herself,
Madame, women
they
are chatterboxes
'
?
visit
Nightingales
Sparrows
and
tigers
plum-
bamboo
visit
chattered like sparrows hoping
Madame
might be induced to come to us."
repartee
of laughter
peals
As
talk.
aren't
nature,
groves
"
smile.
blossoms
who
You
!
a saucy young thing, ventured to say with a
girls,
demure
maids
are,
the sneering remark that effectually
a stop to the gay
the
you
This from O-Tora
sparrows."
moment made
a private chamber to enjoy
retired to
the
rest
of
the
maids burst into
and even the cross-grained
duenna
could not refrain from a sour smile.
" Your mention of
sparrows reminds
(the
name of a
white-eye)''
bird has not uttered a note
The
all
girls started guiltily,
with
of his
other
military
gifts,
she.
for so
seems the
It
it
been fed
"
?
busy had they been
to attend to the bird,
who had
received
from the Shogun
services.
of Takane
"
Has
day.
day they had quite forgotten
a great pet with their lord
ther
all
said
me
it,
toge-
in recognition
Nobuyuki dearly loved
the
KATSUNO'S REVENGE
bird for the sake of
prized
it
on account of
O-Tora,
he
donor.
its
the
observing
which
to
song, in addition
its
43
of
consternation
the
maids,
revenged herself on them by saying spitefully
" You had better have
kept your idle chattering
:
you had
fulfilled all
your
till
you good-for-nothing
duties,
girls."
"
It
a shame to have forgotten
is
bird
little
"
said
!
all
about the poor
who was
Katsuno,
her com-
with
panions.
"
Poor
how hungry
thing,
once and give
ornamented
which
it
the cage
fell
to
after
it,
ground, with
the
late
the
across the blue sky
"
What
the
little
the
came
result
go
at
trees
the bird had already
and was now
rejoicing in its
have you
from the verandah.
;
done,
beauti-
off
and
that
the
prisoner with
With a cry of dismay the
but too
way through
will
bird off the branch on
she did so the hook
door came open and
twitter escaped.
I
up her arms took the
of the
cage
As
hung.
!
the garden, she went to an old
into
plum-tree, and stretching
fully
must be
some food."
it
down
Stepping
it
Inwardly glad of
girl
made
flying far
freedom.
"
Katsuno
a glad
ran
its
away
O-Tora,
?
cried
tin's
golden oppor-
KATSUNO'S REVENGE
44
scheme of getting Katsuno
tunity to carry out her dark
her delight
into disfavour, she yet cunningly concealed
under
have
ness
of fear and consternation.
cover
let
!
Takane
How
Katsuno,
fly
at
up
consequences staggered a
Her
ground.
verandah
What
young
the
fast
will
garment.
the
wailing to the
on
standing
the
this
time
come down
where the
to
and seized her by the neck of her
girl lay,
"
of
thought
fell
companions
she came to
to her aid, or attempted to console her.
"
continued the old
you do, Katsuno ?
who had by
unhappy
with
and
little
bird,
disappearing
exclamations of amazement, but none
uttered
came
of them
vixen,
!
and then overwhelmed
herself,
"
"
it
At O-Tora's words
stupefied.
You
!
Dear, dear, what careless-
away.
could you do
gazing
seemed half
" Alas
You know Takane
is
common
not a
bird,
but a treasured present from His Highness the Shogun-
Do you
realize
Can you atone
what you have done
for
What can you do
to me, for
considered
up,
"
girl,
it
is
I
your
fault
simply
by
to repair the injury
who
responsible
shall
be
prepare
it
escape
a few
?
tears?
you have done
I
blamed,
for this misfortune
what have you to say
Katsuno,
in letting
!
shall
be
Come, get
"
?
for death
"
!
A
loud and angry
KATSUNO'S REVENGE
voice caused them
Informed
to start.
all
45
of what had
occurred the hot-tempered Nobuyuki had rushed to the
and now
scene,
with a drawn
sword stood over the
prostrate girl in a passion of ungovernable rage.
At
"
moment another
this critical
My
Councillor,
"
pose.
lord, wait
voice was heard.
was the new Prime
It
!
Tsuda Hachiya, who thus ventured
Calm
the
forget
my
lord,
"
my
yourself,
Is it
day?
demise of your
lord, I
to inter-
Do you
beg you.
not the holy anniversary of the
revered
Can you
father?
sully this
solemn occasion with a bloody deed committed
heat of anger
to
my
the
Restrain yourself and leave this matter
?
discretion."
Nobuyuki's rage subsided as quickly as
and
in
his better reason prevailed.
his favourite
At
had
it
risen,
the remonstrace of
he sheathed his sword and
retired
to
the
verandah.
By
this
castle
for
incident
time most of the retainers had arrived at the
the
evening's
hastened
to
the
banquet,
scene.
among them and under cover
something
"
How
"
You
to
his
and
hearing
of the
Shichiroyemon
was
of the confusion whispered
accomplice,
then
about Katsuno's chastisement,
coming
my
fonvard
lord ?" he said.
act wisely in not inflicting death with
your own
KATSUNO'S REVENGE
46
honourable
but as an apology to His Highness
hands,
the Shogun, and as an example to the clan
it
sary
is
imperative that she
should
neces-
is
it
receive
condign
punishment."
"
" W-e-1-1
"
Hachiya,
do
as
"
the
hesitated
Nobuyuki
What
is
my
reign
lord.
of
?
to
turning
Shall
?
I
"
tells
History
that long, long ago, in
Emperor Takakura, one cold
the
some
morning,
then
your opinion, Hachiya
Shichiroyemon says
No,
;
thoughtless
gardeners
frosty
off a
cut
few
branches of a beautiful maple-tree of which the young
Emperor was very
their sake.
the
tree,
fond,
and burned them to warm
Fujiwara Nobunari, an
greatly
shocked at
this,
official in
charge of
bound the
offenders
hand and foot and reported the matter to the Emperor.
The benevolent monarch, however, was not enraged
all,
but said calmly,
'
In
"
A
:
woods we gathered maple-leaves*
'And burned them
I
Chinese poet sings
to
warm' sake.'
wonder how these humble gardeners have learned
have such a refined
the
at
Emperor
taste ?
acquitted the
What
a poetic idea
careless
"
!
gardeners.
* Lines
by Hakkyoi, a great poet of ancient China.
to
Thus
This
is
KATSUNO'S REVENGE
one reason
great
So
young
the
Emperor,
who through no
girl
revered as a
is
after the lapse of
hope and pray that
I
as
large-hearted
now
even
sovereign
centuries.
Emperor Takakura
the
why
47
my
many
who
lord
as
is
be lenient with a
will
own
of her
fault
so
has been
so unfortunate as to cause this accident."
"
"
You
the
You
are
pardon
the
reduces
it
by mistake
Your argument
principle
in
absurd,"
is
contemptuously.
"
You
is
a
woman and
it
"
the
replied
If
might you
the castle and
to
fire
speak as
government.
well
we
this
if
so,
younger
severity
were a
did Kings
why
Chieh of ancient China, and the Tairas and
Ashikagas
speedy
sets
Is that justice ?
!
Chow and
the
who
As
sex.
to ashes, just because she
'
such as
with a matter
distinction of
offender
'
good
Shichiroyemon.
scholar, and eloquent, but
tender and sympathetic with
always
in dealing
must make no
man
in
measure you suggest would be a bad prec-
slack
women, but
"
broke
!
are doubtless a great
edent.
was
"
Enough, Mr. Tsuda
ruin?
in
our
own country come
Recollect
that
to-day
is
the
to
such
sacred
anniversary of the demise of the father of our lord, and
therefore
have
it
might well have been our
lord's
purpose to
set the white-eye free, himself, for the peace of the
KATSUNO'S REVENGE
48
The
revered spirit.*
committed by
fault unintentionally
Katsuno has thus led to the humane act of
poor caged bird
at
have somewhere read
I
liberty.
setting a
these lines:
'
Though one
'
Who
In
good
knows the sadness of
'
its
inner heart
?
opinion Katsuno has committed no fault in the
my
true
loves the sweet songs of a caged bird,
of the
sense
word,
but on the contrary, done a
action."
With
the exception of Shichiroyemon and O-Tora,
all
present listened with admiration to the eloquent pleading
The
of Hachiya on behalf of Katsuno.
pair
persisted
the
castle,
their
in
but
almost
the
Nobuyuki
all this
expulsion
girl's
a
turned
and decided to
arguments,
Katsuno,
urging
black-hearted
deaf
from
ear
to
the matter
rest*
time on her knees in the garden,
now
worshipped her deliverer
let
the depth of her
in
gratitude.
III.
Tsuda Hachiya was now
the
son
educated
*On
of a
lad,
farmer,
in
his
but
thirty-one.
being
sixteenth
a
year
He was
born
handsome, well
he
had
been
the occasion of Buddhist funeral ceremonies, and at religious
ceremonies held on the anniversary of a death, it is a common custom
to set at freedom caged birds for the peace of the spirit of the
deceased.
KATSUNO'S REVENGE
appointed
to
the
post
of page
Nobuyuki who soon began
fondness.
The
hours
a
to
young
further
practice of fencing
to
of
study
rapidly
rose
in
of
him with great
devoted
his
leisure
and to the
literature,
and as he speedily evinced marked
;
ill-trained
intellectually
household
the
treat
samurai
administrative ability, such as
the
in
49
the
was rarely found among
samurai
until
service,
those days, he
of
while
now,
a
still
young man, he was both Prime Councillor and Steward,
and exercised great authority.
But notwithstanding the
rank and power that might well have turned the head
of one so young,
private,
and
he behaved modestly
served
his
lord
diligence, gaining thereby the
with
all
in
public and
faithfulness
and
admiration of the whole
clan for his character and virtues.
One evening Hachiya
lord at the latter's urgent
"
himself
before
his
summons.
Hachiya," began Nobuyuki, abruptly, with a pleasant
smile,
"I
think
" Excuse
me,
said
presented
it
is
my
high time for you to
lord, I
,
isn't
it?"
do not understand you
?
"
Hachiya with a puzzled look.
" That
important
" That
important
man more
affair
affair
of yours."
"
of mine ?
echoed the
puzzled than before.
young
KATSUNO'S REVENGE
50
"
ha
Ha,
Katsuno
how
!
affair
The
!
!
Hachiya did not speak.
that
you are to-day
dull-witted
"
Nobuyuki, who was
was not the
It
enthusiastic over
first
time
the question
of Hachiya's marriage, had offered to act as middleman
between him and Katsuno.
Far from objecting
to the
proposed bride, Hachiya's inclination pointed that way,
but his prudence, however, had hitherto prevailed, and
he remembered the saying
heads of older
;
should
men was
sure to
is
further give cause
still
Moreover,
ill-feeling?
ignorant of Shichiroyemon's
mad
no
resentment
desire
to
give
he marry Katsuno, the acknowledged
and
jealousy
to
calculated
already
beauty of the clan, would he not
for
moon
full
His appointment as Prime Councillor over the
wane.'
offence
'a
provoke
various pretexts, he had
his
month
was
he
and had
attachment,
after
;
not
therefore,
month evaded
on
his
lord's importunity.
"
Do you
'
again
say
until
next
month
"
'
?
said
Nobuyuki, half threateningly, as the young man remained
silent.
" Think
not to deceive
Hachiya
did
not
respectful attention
answer
;
me
in that
his
head
"
way
was
!
bent
in
KATSUNO'S REVENGE
"Answer me
you
"
dislike the girl
my
Oh, no,
" Is that
I
once!
at
all
incident her
grown
Tell me,
silent?
do
"
?
lord,
but
fear her refusal
I
"
!
Set your mind at rest on that score
!
Poor
have sounded her.
'
Still
51
'
sickness
quite thin
girl
;
Since the white-eye
!
has become worse and she has
"
!
Observant and sympathetic, Nobuyuki had found out
that
"
Katsuno was love-sick
Do
not tease me,
my
for
Hachiya.
lord
!
I
will tell
you of
my
real reasons for this hesitation."
And
with this preface
his reasons, at
Hachiya gave
each one of which the older
man gave
a
nod of
little
comprehension.
"
admire your prudence and forethought," he said
when Hachiya ceased speaking. " But remember you
I
can never do anything
As
feelings of others.
do
not
fear
him.
happiness, and
my
wish,
heart.
will
I
also,
But as
it
if
for that doting old Shichiroyemon,
I
have
never
to
is
you think so much of the
set
my
heart
do things by
give
Katsuno
postpone the marriage
till
the
halves.
the
so near the close
desire
of
New
on
the
your
It
is
of
her
year
we
Year, and then
KATSUNO'S REVENGE
52
I will listen to
we
will do,
So
voice
no more
what
is
Hachiya."
saying,
Nobuyuki summoned a maid and
gave an order.
Presently a bottle
a low
in
of sake and
Then
the
fusuma between
and the next room was gently
slid
open and there
some cups were brought
this
Yes, yes, that
denials.
a
appeared
grace
on
young woman
beautiful
uchikake or gown,
the
in.
who
knelt
with
It
was
threshold.
clad
a
in
movements
none
gay
full
of
than
other
Katsuno.
"
What
is
first
reverently
"
Ah,
sake.
your pleasure,
is
nearer
Sit
lord
?
"
Nobuyuki and then
to
Katsuno
it
my
to
I
?
me,
said she
bowing
to Hachiya.
want you to serve us with
Hachiya
come,
;
let
us have
some sake"
" Excuse
needed at
home
kind permission,
"
No, no
;
!
lord.
besides
;
I will
is
repeating his
is
I
am
With your
at once."
Though
Hachiya.
for
me
tells
late.
getting
your
cannot
Come, you
hesitated
Something
go home
waiting
him out a cup of sake
Katsuno
it
not just yet,
no loved one
Ha, ha
my
me,
return,
refuse.
it
I
is
late
imagine.
Katsuno,
pour
"
\
bashfully,
command, she took
but
on
Nobuyuki's
the bottle, and with a
KATSUNO'S REVENGE
52
I will listen to
we
will do,
So
no more
Nobuyuki summoned a maid and
Presently a bottle
gave an order.
a low
in
of sak
Then
the
fusuma between
and the next room was gently
slid
open and there
some cups were brought
this
what
is
Hachiya."
saying,
voice
Yes, yes, that
denials.
a
appeared
beautiful
in.
young woman
clad
a
in
ucMkake or gown, who knelt with movements
on
grace
threshold.
the
was
It
none
gay
full
of
than
other
Katsuno.
"
What
is
hc
revef
"
9jft
Ah,
sake.
some
your
pleasure,
BrtW
^'
Katsuno
is it
lo lbe
I
?
nearer
Sit
my
lord
WB
?
"
said she
bowing
then to Hachiya.
want you to serve us with
Hachiya
come,
;
let
us have
sc.
" Excuse
needed at
my
me,
home
No,
I
;
no loved one
Ha, ha
besides
;
kind permission,
"
no not
lord.
is
will
it
Something
is
getting late.
go home
just yet,
waiting
your
cannot
Come, you
"
him out a cup of sake
!
I
am
With your
at once."
Though
Hachiya.
for
me
tells
return,
refuse.
it
I
is
late
imagine.
Katsuno,
pour
!
Katsuno
repeating his
hesitated
bashfully,
command, she took
but
on
Nobuyuki's
the bottle, and with a
/_
KATSUNO'S REVENGE
hand that trembled
filled
53
cup
Hachiya's
to the brim.
Their eyes met and both blushed consciously.
" If
you have drunk, let Katsuno have the cup,"
said
"
"
Nobuyuki.
I
should return the cup to your lordship."
No,
have
I will
Give
after her.
it
it
to
Katsuno."
Hachiya had no choice but to do as he was
and accordingly offered the cup,
which he had
into
poured more sake, to the maid-of-honour,
with shyness, took and sipped
"
Give
Nobuyuki drank
a sly laugh
" I
am
who overcome
with difficulty.
me."
to
it
it
told,
off three cupfuls
and then said with
:
you have thus exchanged the
mightily glad
wine-cups of betrothal
!
Ha, ha
!
You
have
my
hearty
"
congratulations
The young
ment of
his
!
lovers prostrated themselves in acknowledgfavour, but even as they did so
clang, clang of the alarm-bell broke the
them
night and caused
"What
s/uy'i
can
it
falling
sky,
the
to start
up
stillness
of the
to listen.
be?" exclaimed Hachiya, opening
to look out.
lurid
all
the loud
No
need to ask that question
quickly
sparks proclaimed
rising
all
flames
the
;
and showers
too surely a house on
the
of
fire
!
KATSUNO'S REVENGE
54
"
A
my
fire,
beyond the
at
go
pine-trees
more than
not
cho
five
on the bank of the moat.
I
must
!
doubt as to
looking out
" Allow
And
!
"
once
"No
lord
also.
me
being a
its
" Is
leave
no
time
Nobuyuki
"
not in your direction
it
to
said
fire,"
your presence
?
I fear it is as
;
"
you say
!
" Then lose
I
!
will
the
give
necessary
instructions to the Fire-Commissioner myself."
With a hurried word of thanks and apology
lord and Katsuno, Hachiya
left
the apartment and
A
home
at
arisen
and whistled through the branches of the
pine-trees
the
;
top
of his
to his
speed.
ran
wind had
fierce
old
tall
louder and louder clanged the iron-throated
bell.
His fears were
all
too surely realised
home only to find it wrapped in
room where he had been wont
reduced to ashes and the
main
burning
fall
The
building.
trees
fire
in
flames
detached
was already
had caught on to the
the
garden
were
also
and as the wind shook the branches they
a shower
get
A
!
to study
of sparks.
A
the
fire
under,
let
number of samurai and
firemen were doing their utmost with
to
he reached his
:
squirts
but against the
and rakes
fierce
flames
KATSUNO'S REVENGE
fanned to fury
little
the strong wind their efforts were ot
Hachiya involuntarily heaved a deep sigh
avail.
but
of despair,
imperative
by
55
that
there
he
building and save,
was no time
should
if
venture
to delay.
into
the
It
was
burning
important documents and
possible,
some highly valued
ancestral treasures, as well as
gifts
he had received from his lord.
A.S
he
rushed through the front gate a dark form
sprang from the shade of a great pine-tree and plunged
a sword into his side.V Before Hachiya could draw his
own weapon
through
lifeless
the
the
assassin
and
heart,
him
gave
the
young
another
thrust
Councillor
fell
to the ground.
The charred body of
in the ashes
the hapless samurai
was found
of his ruined home.
IV.
On
hearing of Hachiya's death, Nobuyuki clenched
his teeth,
A
and Katsuno was beside herself with
dagger
an excellent blade by
found near the body.
thigh in delighted
weapon which
his
Seeing
recognition,
elder
it,
Nobuyuki slapped
for
brother
grief.
Masamune
it
was
his
was a well-known
Nobunaga, Lord of
Owari, had given to the elder brother of Shichiroycmon,
KATSUNO'S REVENGE
56
Gemba
Morimasa,
Except
Morimasa
Shichiroyemon
one
of
had
have
could
nobody
therefore,
;
councillors.
Nobunaga's
it
but
Nobuyuki who knew of the
terms between his two followers, had no doubt but that
had
councillor
favourite
his
jealous malignancy of the
fallen
a
man he had
victim
in the favour of their
in the affection
whom
his
Added
on
he had
man who had been
premises
the
mon
that he
arrested
of the
night
examination that
it
had
Evidence of
set
was
the
superseded both
master, and
girl
to
heart.
of the
to this,
a
on suspicion on Hachiya's
fire,
confessed after a strict
at the instigation of Shichiroye-
set fire to the house.
his guilt
being so strong, some
sheriffs
were despatched to Shichiroyemon's residence to arrest
him
and
but the wily scoundrel scenting danger had
;
it
found
was not
that
till
after
a rigorous
he had taken refuge
in
search that
it
fled,
was
the neighbouring
province of Mino in the castle of Inaba,
belonging to
Saito Dozo.
O-Tora-no-Kata also disappeared about
rumour had
it
that
she
was now
this
in the
time,
and
mansion of
Gemba Morimasa.
It
was the seventh of January, and most people were
KATSUNO'S REVENGE
enjoying
the
New Year
the
season
no joy
brought
he
;
But to Nobuyuki,
brooded
still
he did not notice the entrance of Katsuno,
pale and emaciated she knelt before him.
till
"
Ah, Katsuno,
I
am
"
glad to see you," he said,
was thinking of Hachiya, and of your great
your future husband just
losing
the
of betrothal.
cups
"
heart
my
you,
too good to me
" It is natural
after a pause.
any one.
kill
"
I
after
for
feel
in
grief
you had exchanged
with
you
"
lord," she replied sadly.
all
my
You
are
"
!
"
on Nobuyuki,
you should
grieve," went
But mere
sorrowing does no good to
Far wiser would
be to devise some way to
it
the base assassin and avenge Hachiya with
You
are
right,
my
willing to
is
the
do so much
result
of
I think
lord,
Hades would be pleased
what
I
!
" Thank
is
over
Buried in thought as he leant on
Hachiya's tragic end.
his arm-rest,
festivities.
57
to
know
for
speed."
husband
in
your lordship
his honour.
your
Excellency, the Lord of Owari
that
my
all
negotiations
"
May
I
with
ask
His
?
Nobuyuki's brother, the Lord of Owari, being the
son-in-law of Saito Dozo,
Nobuyuki had requested
brother to arrange for the delivery
his
of Shichiroyemon,
KATSUNO'S REVENGE
58
but Dozd had ill-naturedly refused.
"This puts
difficulties
in
our way," concluded the
old lord disconsolately.
" I have a
favour to ask of your lordship
"
venture to speak ?
"By
all
"
Permit
"
To
Sait5
"
Yes,
I
means."
me
Inaba
Dozd
may
;
!
to
go
my
to Inaba,
You want
to
lord."
to the
go
castle of
that
"
?
my
I
lord.
wish to enter the castle
and avenge the death of Hachiya on
" Not to be
thought
of,
Katsuno
his
"
in disguise,
murderer
"
!
Nobuyuki could
!
not keep back a smile, though he saw the girl was in
"
deadly earnest.
young woman, and single handed
"
A
absurd
!
!
" Not
so,
my
lord,
me
believe
"
!
gleamed, and her breath came quick
thought
it
all out.
I
beseech you to
Nobuyuki argued with her
made
up,
and
Katsuno's eyes
and fast. " I have
nothing
in
could
let
vain.
shake
me go
"
!
Her mind was
her
resolution.
Therefore, he at length reluctantly gave her the desired
same time handing her the Masamune
which reference has been made before, and
permission, at the
dagger, to
saying
:
KATSUNO'S REVENGE
" This
stabbed
;
is
dagger with which our Hachiya was
the
thrust
59
it
up
to the hilt
in
the
throat
of his
"
murderer, and avenge his death
"I
will, or die in the attempt
"
you, farewell, fare
!
A
!
My
burst of tears choked her utterance
lord, I thank
;
she hastened
from the room.
"May
you have
all
success,"
said
Nobuyuki, as she
disappeared, and then he returned to his thoughts.
V.
In
the
false
guise
name,
of a merchant's wife, and assuming a
Katsuno journeyed to the castle-town of
and taking up her abode at the house of an
Inaba,
uncle
who was
town,
watched
a farmer living in a village close to the
for
an
opportunity
to
achieve
her
purpose.
One
ing
day, Yoshitatsu, the son of Saito Dozo, return-
from hunting,
stopped
to
rest at the
farm-house.
Katsuno waited upon him and served him with
Her beauty and grace of manner
of
attracted the attention
young nobleman. In reply
Katsuno's uncle told him that she had
the
tea.
to
his
inquiries
recently lost her
husband, a merchant, and that she was anxious to enter
KATSUNO'S REVENGE
60
the service of a daimio's lady.
Yoshitatsu
undertook
to engage her as maid-of-honour to his mother,
was immediately accepted with joy.
offer
an
of the
inmate
where
castle,
pleased her mistress so
much
her
that she
and
his
She was soon
faithful
service
speedily
became
a great favourite.
A
warm
spring day, with the delicate blossoms of the
cherry-trees
the
all
of their
Since
number of workmen had been
busily
sweetness
sweeping the courtyard
clean
land with their beauty, and
the
perfume.
faint
large
filling
sand
on hand.
over
it.
of the
Some
my
curiosity,
my
it
was.
lady,"
she
served her mistress with a cup
those
and
at
of
men making such
tea,
must be
great
she
as
said
"but
work
spreading
important function
Katsuno wondered what
"Excuse
are
castle,
dawn a
what
for
preparations
?
Is
"
anything going to take place ?
" Don't
you know ? To-morrow there will be matches
of
mounted archery."
" Mounted
archery,
my
lady
?
What
is
that
"
?
asked
Katsuno, feigning ignorance.
"All the samurai who are
skilled
in
archery
will
KATSUNO'S REVENGE
practise the art
" Are
61
on horseback."
"
many coming, my
lady
?
asked Katsuno, her
heart beating high with the hope that at last she might
meet her enemy.
"About
a
I
hundred,
competition, and of course,
part in the
to take
believe,
the samurai of our clan
all
with their families will be present to look on."
" Who are the archers ? "
"
Why
do you ask
?
"
Katsuno was embarrassed
tor a
moment, but quickly
regaining her presence of mind, she replied
" For no
reason,
special
my
lady
;
:
but
my
father,
though only a farmer, was very fond of archery, and
so,
from a
"Ah,
child, I
I see.
have been interested
Well,
they
brought
of the day's events this morning
see the
names of the archers
for
handed
Katsuno a sheet of
soft,
with
bold,
black
characters.
"
the
middle
of
the
Sakuma Shichiroyemon
it
is
you can
;
The lady
covered
thick paper
With an eagerness she
page
"
sport"
a programme
yourself."
strove to conceal, she ran her eyes
near
me
here
;
in the
At
down
found
she
last
the lines,
!
This
the
till
name
was
the
time for which she had waited and planned.
"All the archers seem
to
be good samurai.
What
KATSUNO'S REVENGE
62
a splendid sight they will present
to see the sport, even
"
my
My
How
I
should like
from a distance."
"There should be no
have
!
difficulty
about
You
that.
permission."
lady, I
am
She could say no
deeply grateful."
more, but such was the state of her feelings that
it
was
with difficulty she performed her usual duties that day,
nor could she sleep at
all
at night.
VI.
The
day the weather continued to be
following
The wide courtyard was duly
that could be desired.
The
prepared.
all
was enclosed
centre
for the
list
in the
shape of an oblong square, and temporary stands had
been erected
round
all
these were covered
it
to
accommodate the
spectators
with gay carpets and soft cushions
which gave colour to the scene.
A
dais in the very
centre of the gallery on the eastern side of the
at
a
convenient
distance
from the
target,
decorated with hangings of purple and white
fluttered
honour
for
From
began
in
gently
Lord
early
in
;
the
breeze.
lists
and
was richly
silk,
which
This was the place of
Saito and his family.
the morning,
to arrive at the castle,
samurai after samurai
and soon every stand was
KATSUNO'S REVENGE
The
crowded.
his
and
family
councillors,
castle
and
of
retinue
maids-of-honour,
presently
in great state seated himself in the place
him.
for
Katsuno,
powdered and painted
the
in
was among
this
usual
face
and the
fashion,
bosom
the
in
her
dressed,
gaily
Masamune dagger concealed
garments,
by
accompanied
by a numerous
attended
pages,
appeared, and
prepared
of the
lord
63
of
her
company, and avoiding the
attention of the others, eagerly awaited her opportunity.
"To-day, or never," she thought to
such
let
another
get
Hades
sets
a
I
!
"
opportunity
Dearest
!
will
Then
!
clasping
look
death
your
avenge
her
hands
of
I
pass,
Hachiya,
"Oh, Hachiman, God
prayer,
success
golden
"If
herself.
shall
never
me from
at
sun
the
before
she
I
murmured a
War, favour me with
"
!
When
those
about to take part
in the
competitions
were ready, the umpire, the herald, the signalman and
the registrar,
stations
;
a
all
large
betook themselves to their respective
drum being
then
loudly
beaten
to
announce that the tournament was about to begin.
One
after
underclothes),
(breeches),
another,
hitatare
came
forth
the
archers
(court
kosode
clad in
robes),
on horseback
and
into
the
(silk
mukabaki
lists
and
KATSUNO'S REVENGE
64
rode to and
coming
till
fro,
which to aim, they shot
The judge, or umpire,
to the appointed spot from
their
would
arrows at the mark.
then
a
after
careful
examination give his decision, the herald would loudly
proclaim the name of the archer and his achievement,
the
while
Then
it
the
to
make a
who
spectators,
blossoms
raised such shouts
might almost fancy the
in
fell
So archer
record.
after
Katsuno,
archer exhibited his
who had been
whose
in the air.
skill,
now
until
Sakuma Shichiroyemon.
impatiently awaiting her chance,
were
nerves
of applause
petals of the cherry-
showers from the vibration
was the turn of " No, 53,"
and
written
was the part of the signalman to announce the event
that one
it
would
registrar
strained
to
the
utmost,
in-
voluntarily grasped the dagger in her bosom.
Shichiroyemon
rode
had bowed low to
out
his lord,
slowly,
but as soon as he
put spurs to his horse and
dashed swiftly forward.
In
her
nervous
excitement Katsuno pushed forward
and straightening herself assumed the attitude necessary
to cut at her
doing she
enemy
touched
as he
came up
to the dais.
In so
her mistress's shoulder and shrank
back inadvertently, but the next
pressed forward and stood ready.
moment
she
again
KATSUNO'S REVENGE
65
Shichiroyemon galloped up with the speed of
the
ning,
gallery,
mane touched
horse's
but before
the
the
girl
of
railing
could act was
light-
far
the
out of
her reach.
With an exclamation of dismay she stood looking
after
"
him.
What
Lady
the
is
matter
with
"
?
of manners
displeased at the want
Saitd,
Katsuno
you,
in
said
her
favourite maid.
Recalled
enough
replied readily
"
Forgive
the
herself
to
my
girl
a
forced
laugh
but
:
rudeness,
my
lady
my
In
!
admiration
of the heroic sport I forgot myself."
"
You are indeed fond of archery "
"
Yes, my lady, there is nothing I like so well."
"
"
said her mistress
strange taste for a girl
"
But the excitement is too
looking curiously at her.
!
A
much
shot.
"
!
for
you
;
you are pale and your eyes are blood-
Have you a headache
No, your ladyship, but
" Are
you not well
" I am
quite well
pleasure that kept
"
What
me
?
I
"
did not sleep last night."
"
?
;
it
was the thought of to-day's
awake."
a passionate lover of archery
"
!
said the lady
KATSUNO'S REVENGE
66
laughing, and Katsuno flushed at her
The performance of
the
times
the
in
Every time he rode
her
of
the
lists
;
and
approached close
so
past
wondered
his
if
intense mortification
few
the
to
enough
it
for
nearly
was on the opposite side
on
occasions
which
he
where she waited, he dashed
was unable to do anything.
She
an agony of impatience and
suffered
and almost gave up
fear,
appear
her enemy had recognised her and was on
She
guard.
her
she
swiftly
to
Katsuno eagerly watched
forth
that his horse
always happened
archers
Shichiroyemon among them.
lists,
but to
chance,
the
tone.
numbers on the
various
programme required many of
several
mocking
in despair.
The programme had been duly gone through, and
there now remained only the final ceremony of nanori
or
"
declaring
of names."
desperately
midst
of
hazardous
for
ever.
into
his
;
the
should
On
she
the
it
fail
other
likely
kill
No,
it
be
this
she
him there
that
per-
would not bring
Should
reach.
and
lists
compeers?
opportunity was
And
her
within
would
She feared
formed? she wondered.
Shichiroyemon
How
would
rush
in
the
be
too
her chance would be gone
hand
if
she
let
slip
this
she would ever get another?
she must decide quickly.
KATSUNO'S REVENGE
Katsuno
While
Each archer
commenced.
dais,
bowed
reverentially to
in his turn
mind she braced
afternoon.
bright sunshine,
fallen
on
it
was now the middle of
The cherry-blossoms hung still in the
for the air had not movement enough
A
langour seemed to
and even the spectators showed signs
all
Only Katsuno was keenly on the
of fatigue.
At
"No. 53 !"
horse,
declared his
Quickly making up her
to stir even their delicate petals.
have
rode up to the
herself for action.
The day had advanced and
the
alert
!
the call Shichiroyemon leapt on his
moment
pausing a
swift glance at
had
ceremony
his liege lord,
and slowly withdrew.
name,
the
thus,
agonized
67
him
arrange the harness.
to
as he sat in the
blaze
full
of
sun showed Katsuno that he was splendidly arrayed
a white kosode, covered
perched
hand,
on plum-trees.
with a
the
in
design kf nightingales
With bow and arrows
in his
and mounted on a snow-white steed he made a
gallant show, his bronze
adding to
his
gnashed her
complexion and bushy whiskers
grim and warlike appearance.
suddenly tightened
before
Katsuno
teeth.
After riding three times round the
stop
A
the
the
dais.
reins
lists
Shichiroyemon
and caused
Then slowly
his horse to
riding
up to the
KATSUNO'S REVENGE
68
bowed
of the gallery he
foot
he proclaimed
name.
his
low, as in a
This
clear voice
about to withdraw, was Katsuno's opportunity.
off her
of Tsuda Hachiya
all
these
whom you
my
the sharpness of
with
foully
revenge
murdered
though he was,
"
avenged
!
the
the wife
Taste
!
!
words she thrust the dagger
into his side
So sudden was the
her strength.
to
am
I
"
such the force lent her by desperation,
saddle
Slipping
upper garment she was on the step before any
one could stop her.
"
Well met, Sakuma Shichiroyemon.
With
was
he
as
moment,
fell
Shichiroyemon
ground.
that,
attack,
and
strong
man
forward from his
With the cry
"
Hachiya
is
she gave him another thrust which proved
mortal.
A
to
white petal wafted
the
blood-stained
by
the breeze fluttered softly on
dagger,
and for a while
all
who
witnessed the scene were speechless with horror.
VII.
Saito
deed,
D5zo,
had
it
in
in
his
his
admiration of Katsuno's
mind
to
save
consequences of her rash action
;
the girl
heroic
from the
but as a samurai
did not accord with his honour to do so.
it
This for two
KATSUNO'S REVENGE
reasons
one
;
being
he had refused to deliver up
that
Shichiroyemon when asked
and
because
other
the
69
do so by Nobuyuki
to
was
it
a
disgrace
;
him
to
personally that a warrior under his protection should have
been killed by a woman.
Therefore, he gave orders for
the close confinement of the
should be
Now
directing that she
strictly
watched and guarded night and day.
she
had accomplished her long-cherished
that
and
desire,
culprit,
had
sent
word
that
to
to
effect
Lord
Nobuyuki, Katsuno no longer had anything to trouble
and awaited her sentence with a tranquil mind.
her,
One evening
she was arranging some wisteria flowers
which had been brought to her by one of the samurai,
appointed
to
keep guard over her, when without any
announcement Lady Saito came
"
How
tastefully jyou
Katsuno!" she
The
"
thank
Yes,
to meet
you
you,
have nothing
my
You
!
room.
arranged those flowers,
"Have you
recovered yourself ?"
girl smiled.
object, I
"
said.
have
into her
It
my
left
;
to wish
having
for,
attained
and
am
my
ready
fate."
are a pattern of
is
lady
womanhood
!
How
I
admire
unbearable that one so virtuous should be
subjected to the
ignominy of imprisonment
for so long.
KATSUNO'S REVENGE
;o
I
have repeatedly implored
my
lord
for
your
release,
have no hope of
release,
but as yet without avail."
"You are too good; but
and I am ready to die."
"
Your death would
intend to let
life
your
I
serve
be
no end, and
"
to-night, Katsuno,
"
lady
done
do
and should
his
to
that cannot be
you
terrible,
me, but
"But,
fears
on
that point.
that I
nothing
you had
What might he
not
not likely
my
life
in,
is
me.
in
your escape,
Do
not think of
"
fly
!
my
"
lady,
away ?
her
!
Why
mistress
you throw
will
Katsuno, as your mistress,
to escape this night
Seeing
It
had any hand
will not kill
Oh, how obstinate you are
gave
quite
!
but at the worst he
you
is
life
"
lord will suspect
your
my
am
I
!
lordship discover what
his
wrath would be
" Have no
"
;
Without Hachiya
prepared for death.
and
pretext,
shall escape."
you
my
Indeed, no,
to me,
have managed
I
your guard sent away on some
get
came
Listen," she
sacrificed.
nearer and whispered in Katsuno's ear,
to
do not
I
I
command
"
!
would take no
refusal the girl
and they proceeded to discuss plans.
KATSUNO'S REVENGE
"And when you
are
how
Katsuno,
safe,
71
will
you
"
life ?
spend your
"
Buddha
"
become a nun and spend
I shall
An
admirable resolve, but foolish
love
for
Ah,
forgive
I
that
see
Have you no
home ?
!
~ for
your family and
your parents ?
me, your parents and brothers are dead
mean
did not
praying to
life
dead husband's soul."
my
for the peace of
my
to cause
that
in
a
yourself up to
case
you
it
is
But do you not
pain.
impossible for
carry on the family name ?
"
But,
your ladyship,
to give
you
Who
of devotion?
life
?
then
could
"
became
I
the
wife
of
"
Hachiya
"
Yes, yes, but you were only betrothed
him
married
is
engagement
considered
really,
it
Your devotion
that
"
is
over
;
to
different,
an
woman would have
other
avenge
will
his
death.
Your
be handed down to posterity as a
admire
and emulate,
but
other duties remain."
What would you have me
A
would be
you had
been demonstrated by your heroic deed.
for all wives to
"You
"
No
nothing.
necessary
faithfulness has
model
case
the
If
!
must marry."
second marriage
"
!
do,
my
"
lady
?
now
KATSUNO'S REVENGE
72
"
No, a
first
married
never
you a
call
as
;
would approve of
Katsuno
that
up
Even Hachiya
over
thought
world
spirit
words.
these
It
was
true
which she had been brought
was her duty not
it
in the
it."
to the ideas in
according
you were
contract a marriage
wife* if you
man ?
yourself
who can blame you or
Hachiya, so
to
faithless
with another
me
told
you
to let her
family
name
die out.
"
You
will
I
are
not
I
have to say
Katsutaka,
province
seven,
bravery
is
yet
a
a near
;
retainer
he
is
relative
of Lord
distinguished
and above
all his
He
for
military
escape
for her
And now
of mine,
Tokugawa
a wife.
for
looking
I
But she sighed,
refuse to marry."
heart was with Hachiya.
" I was
sure you would be sensible.
what
" If
she said at length.
right,"
is
his
of
hear
Osuga
Mikawa
only twentyscholarship,
achievements.
He
has a great future before him, and, what counts with a
woman
before
all
things,
Will you marry him
the subject and he
Do
?
is
I
he
has
very good
looks
!
have already sounded him on
anxious you should
be his
wife.
not reject such a good offer."
Katsuno was
silent,
partly because of maiden modesty,
KATSUNO'S REVENGE
and partly because
Why
assure
I
desired
;
due consideration.
do not you answer
you
that
you would never
if
case,
What
?
marrying him
regret
But what
!
you have two or
is
he
is
most important
in
children
three
you can adopt one of them to succeed
house and carry on the family name."
"I
my
am
deeply grateful to you for
lady.
I
do as you advise
will
and you know what
I,
"
Then you agree ?
all
you
A
by him
your
father's
your kindness,
are wiser than
best."
That
But
be with Osuga.
time you went.
is
;
to
is
right,
it
is
getting
palanquin
is
are a
you
Katsuno, and deserve to be happy, as
girl,
will
is
your objection ?
is
every thing that can be
is
Osuga
so brave and learned
your
was too momentous a question
it
to be decided without
"
73
I
very
good
know you
late
and
ready with ten strong
footmen to convey you to the
home
sorry to part from you but
has to be, Farewell."
As
she
spoke,
it
it
of Dsuga.
I^ady Saito handed Katsuno a
I
am
letter
Osuga Katsutaka, and a packet of money
her travelling expenses. The girl accepted them
adressed to
for
with
many
thanks, and bidding
made her way
to
the
farewell to
her mistress
postern gate from whence she
KATSUNO'S REVENGE
74
from the
safely effected her escape
castle arriving at her
destination without adventure.
VIII.
Katsuno with the hearty
Katsutaka married
Osuga
of his
approval
lord,
Tokugawa
struck with admiration of the
who
lyeyasu,
greatly
girl's heroic deed, readily
promised to accord her his special protection.
On
hearing of
Morimasa,
Shichiroyemon's
this,
a well-known
himself the nickname of
teeth in wrath
and
mortification,
Gemba
who had won
warrior,
Gemba
brother
for
the Tiger, clenched his
and going to
Nobunaga, gave him a minute account of
all
His lord,
that
had
happened, requesting him to take immediately some steps
Katsuno from lyeyasu's hand.
to wrest
" If
this be
brother's
undone," he continued
left
spirit
will
never
outraged feelings allow
my
"
at
peace,
to rest.
nor
You must
will
my
my
see this,
lord."
Calm
"Who
case
me
be
"
fiercely,
!
yourself,
could
Morimasa.
help
Not only was
woman, but
she,
my
it,
my
my
You
speak wildly."
lord!
Just think of
brother murdered
mortal
the
by a mere
enemy, has been taken
under the protection of a powerful noble, so that
I
am
KATSUNO'S REVENGE
powerless to touch her
my
reputation
you
decline to
a
as
that
allow the matter to stand
warrior will be compromised.
At
If
go myself and negotiate
will
I
interfere,
with Lord Tokugawa.
"
do
If I
!
75
least
me
allow
will
you
to
!
"If you are so
do,"
said
sent
a
set
upon
Nobunaga, reluctantly
warrior
to
;
I
can
and he accordingly
request the delivery of
to
lyeyasu
what
I will see
it,
Katsuno.
messenger an interview,
lyeyasu readily granted the
but
after
bluntly
"
I
listening
had
he
to
say,
replied
:
am
but
sorry,
I
To speak
frankly,
Katsuno
cannot consent.
and such a woman as
heroine,
I
what
to
is
a
rarely found in Japan.
is
Shichiroyemon did not behave
well.
understand that because Katsuno would have nothing
to say to him,
affianced,
and because Hachiya,
was a favourite with
whom
to
his lord,
she was
Shichiroyemon,
out of a mean jealousy, unworthy of a samurai, caused
his
In
house to be
my
opinion,
set
in
on
the opinion of
he richly deserved his
die
as
he
tenuation
of
did.
his
and himself to be
fire
fate,
What
crime
can
?
and
his
it
all
assassinated.
right-minded men,
was
fitting
brother
His demand
is
he should
urge
in
ex-
preposterous
!
KATSUNO'S REVENGE
;6
Think
of
was
she
For the sake
Katsuno
!
merely
betrothed,
she
I
his
midst of a large
!
!
me by
protection, honouring
imagine
whom
It might well put a man
What courage
And this heroic woman comes to me for
concourse.
shame
to
avenged
boldly
death, stabbing a strong warrior in the
to
man
a
of
will
that lyeyasu
is
her up
give
her confidence
?
Never
not one to betray his
!
Tell
trust,
Do you
!
your lord
and that he
emphatically refuses to deliver up this brave
woman
to
her enemies."
There was nothing more to be
returned
to
his
lord
and
said.
gave the
The messenger
answer
he
had
Nobunaga admitted its reasonableness, and
not even the hot-tempered Morimasa could deny its
received.
But being of a stubborn and revengeful nature,
truth.
brooded
he
over his
grievance, and secretly schemed
or the attainment of his purpose.
One
was
fine
autumn day Katsuno, attended by a maid,
strolling in the
grounds
at the
back of her
residence.
Sweet and beautiful she looked, with the calm happiness
of a contented young wife.
To
the west of the garden
were to be seen the quarters of her husband's
and
the
twang
of
bowstrings
accompanied
retainers,
by
the
KATSUNO'S REVENGE
77
showed
that the samurai were strenuously
practising their archery.
A grove of maple-trees bounded
whistling arrows
the east, and their red leaves effectively contrasted with
the dark green
In front, to the
of their background.
south, the view led across paddy-fields to the
pines enclosing the
few
birds
little
precincts
some food
when
call,
the
there,
the garden Katsuno
in
the
to
little
carp
am
I
A
softly
that
gate
was idly
which came
at
her
gave entrance to
grounds suddenly opened, and an elderly
"
and
to the scene.
Standing by a pond
throwing
black
tall
the village shrine.
and
here
flitting
life
gave
twittering,
of
the
woman came
glad to see you, Miss Katsuno, nay,
in.
should
I
say Mrs. Dsuga," said the newcomer bowing politely.
"Madame O-Tora
"
!
quite taken
aback by
indeed
?
since
way
"
you
I
my
very glad
to
How
surprise,
"
visitation.
see you,
did
you
is
it
find
Is
it
long
your
"
mere
chance,"
though
propitiatory
lane I
unexpected
in
?
a
smiling as
in
am
this
had that pleasure.
here
By
I
exclaimed Katsuno,
replied
the
elder
overjoyed at the meeting,
tones.
"As
I
woman,
and speaking
was passing along
this
happened to glance through the hedge and to
great
astonishment
and joy recognised you
in the
KATSUNO'S REVENGE
78
What
garden.
a
home you have
happy
envy you your good fortune
Katsuno made no reply
asked curtly
" How do
come
manner.
to
you happen
tell
to
be
to-day, but
O-Tora
in
an agitated
a few words.
I
cannot stop
I will
come
have more time to spare and
Now
"
I
Have you
in these parts ?
said
I can't tell it in
you
honeyed speech, but
"
a long story,"
is
"
!
to her
:
to live here ?
" That
could
I
!
"
again soon
tell
you
all
when
about
I
it.
must say Good-bye."
Where
"Not
are
far
"
you staying ?
from here
but
come
I'll
again soon
"
Good-bye
And
her
!
she hurried away.
retreating
figure
with
Katsuno stood ga2ing
an
after
of mingled
expression
wonder and doubt, when suddenly from the grove of
maples an arrow
whizzed
and grazing her sash
past
rooms.
pierced the shoji of the samurai's
uproar
arose,
but
before
anything
another arrow whistled through the
Instantly an
could
still
air.
be
done
Quick
to
think and act, Katsuno flung herself on to the ground
but her maid, too
where she was.
much alarmed
to
move, stood upright
KATSUNO'S REVENGE
By
samurai had rushed forth
time the young
this
79
with loud shouts.
"The
villain
"
Katsuno.
is
Do
behind
hiding
not
let
With drawn swords
the
him escape, quick, quick
the
cried
maples,"
"
!
party dashed into the grove,
scattering the red leaves as they
pushed through.
IX.
While
was occurring,
this
Katsuno's
away from home having gone up
Two
ruffians
samurai,
and
were
though
it
was
on duty.
unfortunately
the
unacquainted with O-Tora's personality
being
evil intentions, did
also,
to the castle
but
caught,
husband
not think of trying to seize her
would have been quite easy as she ran
wildly hither and thither in her bewilderment and alarm.
Closely questioned, the
spies,
and had been
assassinate Katsuno,
lyeyasu,
in
decapitated,
one of the
castle
follows
"
hired
confessed that they were
Gemba Morimasa
by
to
O-Tora being decoy.
righteous
and
men
their
anger,
heads
gates
caused
them to
were exposed
with
a
notice
in front
be
of
which ran as
:
These
villains,
on
that at the instigation of
a
strict
examination, confessed
Sakuma Gemba Morimasa,
a
8o
our
to
guised
However,
Oda Nobunaga, they had come
of
retainer
high
it
with
castle-town
intent
be that they were
may
to
common
murder.
thieves
and only made up the above story to conceal
mean
and expose
thieves,
At
the
failure
terrible passion
with
following reply
"
an
If
rank
of his plans,
He
a
which
to
protest,
position
samurai
a
he
the
received
He would
Gemba Morimasa's
of
intended to take his revenge
really
come openly and
in
not intrust so important a task to
He
could
not so debase his
This was an act worthy of a peasant, a mere
!
tradesman, or a ronin.
were
into
:
low nameless assassins!
honour
flew
despatched a messenger to
on an enemy he would have
person.
Morimasa
nor could Nobunaga allow the matter
;
honourable
and
as
heads accordingly."
their
to pass without notice.
lyeyasu
their
we have judged them
Therefore,
purposes.
dis-
common
thieves
So
and
that notice to be written.
concluded that those
I
in
that supposition
men
caused
Can Lord Oda say anything
"
against
What
this
it ?
could
Nobunaga or
temperate reply?
would-be murderers
They
Morimasa urge
against
could not confess that the
were indeed
what they had
said,
KATSUNO'S REVENGE
and
not
the
thieves
that
affected
lyeyasu
Thus were they again
them.
believe
to
to
go
war
He
order to wipe out his disgrace.
in
lyeyasu
to
But Nobunaga
baffled.
was exceedingly enraged and determined
with
81
diligently set about his preparations.
It
was not
between
difficult to foretell
the
had no
following,
lords
rival
lyeyasu,
;
chance
Katsuno was
enemy.
in
the issue of a struggle
against
despair.
his
It
with
small
his
more powerful
was
all
through
her that this danger threatened Lord Tokugawa,
because
he had
refused
trouble had come.
to
give
She had
her
forfeited
up
that
her
it
was
all
this
by her
life
act of vengeance at the castle of Inaba, and but for the
mercy of Lady
Saitd she
would have died long
Though her husband loved her devotedly and
not unhappy,
were
to
still
commencing a
silver
disastrous war.
silent
moon
live,
she was
and
if
she
there would no longer be any object
die,
In the
she had no desire to
before.
Therefore she would
in
die.
watches of a winter's night when the
flooded
all
land
the
with quiet
beauty,
Katsuno rose from her bed and with a dagger put an
end to her
life,
in the
the age of twenty-two
Katsuno
left
flower
of her
womanhood,
at
!
behind
her
four long letters addressed
KATSUNCTS REVENGE
82
respectively
Saito,
to
lyeyasu, her husband,
and her former
lord,
reason for her rash act, and
for all their kindness.
Katsutaka,
Oda Nobuyuki,
Lady
giving the
repeatedly thanking
them
A WEDDING
PRESENT
A WEDDING PRESENT
44 1
ET
Let go,
go!
horseman
you!"
as he raised himself
furiously,
was the ninth day of April
The
Tensho (1584).
and
Japanese
had
intelligence
up
in
reached
his
had
eldest
the
just
been
camp
that
of Ogaki in the
Castle
son
year of
one of the
Hill,
history
Lord Ikeda Nobuteru of the
province of Mino and
in the twelth
Komaki
battle of
five greatest battles in
fought,
shouted a young
and angrily brandished a whip.
his stirrups
It
can't
had
both
fallen.
Wild with grief and rage, Terumasa, the only remaining son, had leapt upon his
horse
plunge headlong into the opposing
death when
of his
his faithful
bridle
and with
servant,
back the impetuous youth
rushing on his
But
ies.
all
his
all
and
was about
lines to
avenge
to
their
Dansuke, caught hold
might strove to keep
he was barely twenty
from
fate.
unavailing were his remonstrances and entreat-
Quite
mad
for the nonce,
Terumasa was determined
to carry out his intention, and he struck
Dansuke more
A WEDDING PRESENT
86
than one stinging blow with his whip
him
"
to let go.
Since
vain
me
for
deed
seek
to
detain
who
all
my
listen to reason,
to
and foes
friends
me
not
will
you
gain renown from
Let
order to force
in
hear
I
alike.
it
is
Go, then, and
you.
shall
lord,
of your
gallant
wish you good speed.
touch up your horse a
little
that he
may go
the faster."
With
man
these words the
blow on the crupper
;
struck the horse a sound
but cunning fellow that he was,
he also gave the bridle a backward twist before
ing
releas-
it.
Like one possessed the animal reared, and started off
not the
way
back
but straight
his rider wished to go,
in the opposite direction.
" The devil
He
tried
The horse
!
to
" cried Terumasa.
blessed
knew which way
pursue.
;
with
Presently,
Patting
ing soothing words
turn round
to
his
his
master
and that way he meant to
however,
all
but in vain.
;
more sense than
safety lay
Terumasa exerting
his flight.
up
pull
his
pace
strength
relaxed
managed
and
to arrest
him gently on the neck and speakTerumasa
at
turning him round, and was once
length
succeeded
more on the
in
point of
A WEDDING PRESENT
87
performing his rash act when once more he was stopped
by Dansuke, who running
up,
out of breath, a
quite
second time seized the bridle.
"
Would you check me
Terumasa.
Let go,
let
again, scoundrel
?
"
go, I say, or you'll repent it!"
Raising his whip again and again he brought
each time with
dared
thwart him
to
Dansuke held on
daunted,
it
down
on the head and shoulders
telling force
man who
of the
shouted
like
but, nothing
;
grim death though the
blood was streaming from the cuts he received.
"
"
I entreat you to
My lord, my lord," he gasped.
Of what
be calm, and to consider for a few moments.
avail
is
this desperate action ?
"
"What, would you have me sit down quietly under
this double loss?
Would you have me show myself
an undutiful son as well as a disloyal vassal
vile
go, I say
No, no,
my
dear young master,
I will
not
let
Let
!
not think
I
do
I
!
you go thus
What
to certain death
do,
"
me
go
Do
the
miscreants to slay as they please and go unpunished ?
Never
"
Are
?
is
I will,
blindly in
my
lord,
let
you
your rage
one man among so many?
do not understand your
But,
not
when you
hardy, though brave, attempt to
feelings
I
perish in a fool-
avenge the
death
of
A WEDDING PRESENT
88
your honoured father and brother, who, bethink you,
What
on the family name?
will
be
will
become of the noble house of Ikeda?
follow
to
left
will
Hades
to
relatives
your
fashion,
carry
mend your devotion and say
right to follow
me
'
Will
!
whose care have you
its
concerns
'
left
Your
?
this
be pleased?
father
your
in
'
My
son,
If
you
precipitate
he com-
Will
you have done
'
he not rather inquire
In
the honour of our family and
filial
and
fraternal
affection
is
altogether admirable, but your desire for revenge should
not blind
you
to the higher
duty you owe to a
the handing
long
duty that awaits
only that
more
on of an untarnished name
give
way
season.
father,
your family
that
come when you
you
will
thank
to-day.
Oh,
not be angry, but
servant."
listen to
do not
execution
to a
unworthy of yourself to
It is
me
my
Think of the
as the sole
my
and his son are no more.
enrages
their
upon you
now
I
thoughts of vengeance
to this uncontrollable passion.
responsibility that rests
ative of
all
you should postpone
propitious
the
of illustrious ancestors,
line
urge that you should give up
you
represent-
honoured
lord,
The time
will surely
for the restraint
your
that so
dear young master, do
the words of your devoted
A WFDDING PRESENT
During
89
long speech Terumasa fumed and chafed,
this
and with kicks and blows sought to
But Dansuke would not
let
his grip
go
did he pour forth his supplication,
was delivered
in
release
himself.
and earnestly
though
it
perforce
rather jerky and intermittent fashion.
The bloody and tearstained countenance of poor Dansuke at
last
wrought on the
caused him to
desist.
he ungraciously gave
back to
his horse
thy
and allowed
in
his servant to lead
own camp.
for
him
Here much sympa-
in his
bereavement, but
was the unanimous opinion that Dansuke
right,
for
was only too
toll
time for revenge was not
the
and
Seeing no other course open to him,
their
was expressed
of Terumasa
feelings
certain to lose his
own
life
had
it
done
now when he
without taking
of that of his enemies.
Thus
did
the
faithful
Dansuke save the
life
of his
young master and preserve the noble family of Ikeda
from extinction.
Peace reigned,
between the
and
Hashiba
for a reconciliation
conflicting
Hideyoshi,
Ikedas had adhered.
factions of
to
the
had been
effected
Tokugawa lyeyasu
latter
of
whom
the
Hideyoshi was proclaimed Regent.
A WEDDING PRESENT
90
The
bitter
turn
your hand,
Hideyoshi, on his
own.
his
Thus "after
the rain the ground hardened,"
his
Terumasa,
revered
their
their
gnashing
of
death.
He
all.
it
in the
light.
sacrificed
brother-in-law
meaningless
daggers
passion
new
Not alone
!
his
by
father
at
but
hot
look at things in a
utterly
was smiling peace and
All
it.
had been
figurative sense only,
and
and was accepted.
marriage
adopted a son of lyeyasu's for
time before
whatever
By
most deadly
cooled
falling
taken his
"
At
reality.
began to
No
at
thought
of his
own
an
were doubtless
they
Hades
in
had been served
cause
time
brother
elder
had died
all
in
teeth
down,
in the
To what purpose had
his life?
To no purpose
each and
this
not
drawn,
his father, but his
strife.
so short a
which,
time and of Dansuke's devotion which
from
lye-
hand of Hide-
the
between the two families
goodwill
you
side,
as the old saying has
his
in
as
friends of to-day.
now sought
sister
younger
warm
the
to
yasu, long a widower,
yoshi's
had turned,
of yesterday
enemies
the
inconseqence
feelings
at
the
had saved him
another victim to the fate which had over-
relatives.
the
moment Dansuke
that the time
said, if I recollect aright,
would surely come when
I
should
thank
A WEDDING PRESENT
him
for
I little
though
I
had
my
restraining
That time has come, and sooner than even
to.
Dansuke
No
Yes, he was right,
rash act.
thought so then and only yielded because
Dansuke could have
that
91
I
He
foreseen.
must
see
what
sooner said than done.
I
a worthy fellow
is
can do for him."
Terumasa,
in
recognition
of signal
service
rendered
moted
humble
vassal to the rank of a samurai
his
Dansuke,
being
a
man of
the face of danger, pro-
in
parts,
once having
on the ladder speedily climbed to a high
now
Daizen, as he was
at last
the
rose
he reached the highest rank
his lord,
clan.
called,
becoming one of the chief
It is
gate
within the
memory
officials
with which
Ban Daizen,
of Komaki
Though
erstwhile
till
step
service
o*
of the Bizen
men
that
on
ones
identical
Lord Terumasa kicked the progenitor of the
at that time
the circumstances above related,
battle
Ban
of Ban's house hung a pair of rusty stirrups-
These stirrups are said to have been the
house,
by
the
of living
his feet
position.
step
in
and
;
all
plain
Dansuke,
at the ever
under
memorable
Hill.
was peaceful between the heads of the
belligerent
parties,
Terumasa
cherished
an
A WEDDING PRESENT
92
intense
towards Tokugawa
of hatred
feeling
lyeyasu,
and resolved never to exchange greetings with the man
whom
he deemed had indirectly been the cause of the
death of his father and elder brother.
It
the two should meet sometimes
that
the Regent, and lyeyasu was not so
the
notice
stiff
ill
make
the
will
in his
man would bow
what a
fine
courteously
"
day
very cold to-day
is
and deaf to
as
not to
mind.
Having
Whenever they came across each other
remark about the weather,
pleasant
Ikeda,
obtuse
however, lyeyasu did his best to
his side,
friends.
older
wind
on
inevitable
young man, and shrewd
attitude of the
enough to guess what was passing
no
was
at the palace of
all his
is
it
!
".
such as
"
or
!
and make a
" Lord
Lord Ikeda,
the
But Terumasa was blind
overtures and would pass on quick-
with no acknowledgment other than a savage stare.
ly,
And
thus eight years rolled on.
The Regent was
well aware of the
tween the two great nobles, and
gave
much thought
relations
to
a plan
it
estrangement be-
troubled him.
that
should
alter
He
the
between them.
"
It grieves me much," he said, one day to lyeyasu,
" to
see that you and Terumasa are not on good terms.
I
should be glad
if
you were
friends."
A WEDDING PRESENT
"Your
should
I
Highness,"
like
assure
The animosity
myself.
you.
still
know
I
my
I
side,
those years ago
all
Komaki he blames me
harbours thoughts of revenge.
what
is
not on
is
For what happened
at the battle of
"it
lyeyasu,
replied
93
and ever
from
it
his
"
manner, but what can
" If
will allow
me,
my
friend,
can do for you.
me
see,
you have many daughters
fair to look upon
what
you
who
are, as I
do you say
masa.
I
told,
one of them
all,
Terumasa
likely
his character
and
will act circumspectly,
mistaken,
all
will
fall
entrust the matter to
"
Entirely,
have
far,
my
out
my
if
as
I
the
;
you
he
will
?
?
If
but give
yourself on that score.
I
am
we
discretion
Your Highness
think
such a proposal
will listen to
!
So
what
to
objection
Your Highness, but how
have any knowledge of
will
will see
marriage to Teru-
in
Would you have any
a contemptuous refusal."
" Not
Do not concern
he
I
I
"
" None at
it
?
His wife died some time ago and he has one
alliance ?
Is
do
have been
to giving
son.
little
Let
I
and
not
desire.
very
Will
much
you
"
?
if
you succeed you
hearty thanks."
so good.
Hideyoshi's next step was to sum-
A WEDDING PRESENT
94
mon Terumasa
man
"
My
young
that
at the
:
the sad
of
battle
of
death
Komaki
Hill
rankling in yonr heart, and that in consequence
refuse to
be friends with Lord Tokugawa lyeyasu.
The occurrence was
war and
fortune of
an innocent man
tween
hear
I
friend,
and brother
father
still
you
and when the young
presence,
appeared, he spoke to him as follows
your
is
to his
is
to
indeed lamentable but
was the
keep up a grudge so long against
The
unreasonable.
Tokugawas and
the
it
the
it
Toyotomis,
Tokugawas and
private conflict between the
Peace has long been restored
in these
was be-
battle
was no
the Ikedas.
it
days
does not
become a warrior
to harbour revengeful feelings against
would-be
there
As
ask
friends
are
enough
a personal favour to me,
you
the past.
to
Or
love of the
be
if
my
to
for
no
lyeyasu
other
and to forget
native land,
throw
masa's stubborn heart.
petuosity,
off
and be friends."
gentle pleading of his loved chief touched
"Your
I
reason,
wish has no weight with you, for
Emperor and of your
this evil feeling
The
reconciled
if
real foes to fight.
Highness,"
without
He
he
giving
Teru-
could not say him nay.
said with his usual frank im-
himself time
to
think.
"
It
A WEDDING PRESENT
shall
be as you desire.
well to
"
moment
this
bid
I
fare-
ideas of revenge."
all
Your ready
you,
dear
Terumasa,
well
augurs
compliance
the great statesman,
said
sincerity,"
thank
From
95
and
much
am
I
for
your
"I
pleased.
sure
you
will
never regret your magnanimity."
Some more
but
subjects,
talk
passed between them on indifferent
Terumasa was about
as
to
Regent seemed struck with a sudden idea.
"
"
if I mistake not you are
Terumasa," he said,
a widower and your
of
him
"
Some
but I
"
it
;
am
to
son has no one to take care
little
Your Highness,
day,
in
still
time you married again."
I
may
think about
it,
no haste."
has just
It
good
is
the
retire
seal
come
your
marrying one of
into
head that
my
reconcilation
If
would be
Tokugawa by
That would proclaim
his daughters,
the fact to every one.
with
it
you permit me
I will
broach
the matter to him."
was going further
This
liked,
but seeing
secretly
no
help
Terumasa
than
for
it
altogether
he gave his
hoping the negotiations would
assent,
fail.
everything to your discretion, Your High*
"
I am ready to do all you wish,"
ness," he said.
"I
leave
A WEDDING PRESENT
g6
"Then
you know
farewell for the present, Terumasa.
later
on what success
I
I will let
have."
Congratulating himself on the result of his diplomacy
the
Regent
agreed
no time
lost
them
between
daughter should
in
that
;
was
the
second
and Terumasa
offering
Lady Toku,
be the bride
It
lyeyasu.
telling
no objection, preparations were speedily
set
on foot
for
the formal betrothal.
But before
was
this
celebrated,
Terumasa presented
himself before Hideyoshi and proffered a request.
"Since things have progressed so
mediation,
Your Highness,
it
is
far
by your kind
of course a matter on
which there can be no two opinions that
become Tokugawa's and Tokugawa's
mine.
family.
In a word
But
we
there
clearly understood.
one
is
killed
my
this
fellow.
is
retainers,
a
As
I
feel
said
become
become
that
well
as one
must be
known
that
man named Nagai
father at the battle of
impossible that I should ever
against
point
It
It is this.
one of Lord Tokugawa's
Naokatsu
little
retainers
retainers
are reconciled and
is
my
Komaki.
It
anything but enmity
before,
this
must be
clearly understood."
The Regent was nonplussed. It were unreasonable
to condemn Terumasa's sentiments on this matter, and
A WEDDING PRESENT
should
he do so he
felt
would be only too glad
of the
old
97
to seize
an excuse to back out
engagement and things would go back to
footing.
Therefore,
man
convinced that the young
saw nothing
he
for
their
but to
it
put a good face on the matter and to answer cordially.
" There
dear
no
be
need
Of course you
Terumasa.
to indulge whatever feeling
So
it
you
my
that,
are at perfect liberty
like."
of lyeyasu was betrothed to Teru-
the daughter
masa and
about
disagreement
was arranged that the wedding should take
place at the earliest possible date.
Towards the end of February of the next year
that lyeyasu should
became necessary
in
Yedo on some
Korea
was
authorities
business.
and
the
its
height
had
for
some months been
Regent's
lyeyasu 's
presence
Yedo
home
The war
with
highest
headquarters
in
to his
go
at
conclave at the
Hizen.
private
it
military
sitting in
at
grave
Nagoya
offered
the
in
first
favourable opportunity for celebrating the nuptials of his
daughter,
follow
his
and
it
was
intended
soon as possible.
settled
that
father-in-law
to
Terumasa
Yedo
should
Castle
as
A WEDDING PRESENT
98
lyeyasu's thoughts as he awaited his whilom foe were
not
as joyful
all
rows
what the bridegroom had
those
slain
near
so
Anxious
man who had
said about the
and
crossed
dear
to
and lyeyasu
him,
The
idea
mind that Terumasa might even demand
his
head
fur-
Hideyoshi had told him
what those words might portend.
dreaded
the
a wedding.
befitted
broad brow.
his
lined
as
of Naokatsu
a
as
wedding
from
gift
the
bride's father.
"
See that you
and honour,"
place
it
heavy
was
on
said
my
never
much
in this
he
that
poor
I trust
not
rely
to interest
shall
be
be anxious,
tion."
an
unconquerable
Be
name and
will
you
it
not
careful
may be
fail
me
important and delicate matter."
on our caution,
"
And
my
We
Lord Ikeda and
dangerous subjects.
Nagai
"It weighs
Naokatsu.
Nagai
one of those he addressed.
from
has
as to mention his
will forget.
"You may
power
utmost respect
he to the four chief retainers whose
mind
against
Lord Ikeda
his lordship the
to receive the expected guest.
animosity
so
pay
lord,"
will
do
answered
all in
to divert his thoughts
for
fear
of
accidents
warned to keep out of the way.
my
lord,
we
our
will take
Do
every precau-
A WEDDING PRESENT
"
That
well
is
Terumasa arrived
In due time
four
chief
count on your
I
;
retainers
received
courtesy and ushering him
him
conducted
fidelity."
at the castle.
him
with
seat
whence,
both
with
of
honour.
end
on
hands
bowed repeatedly the while
they
lyeyasu's
the
into the spacious
backwards to the other
retreated
ment,
the
to
99
greatest
guest-room
then
They
of
the
the
apart-
mats,
they
words
uttered
of
welcome.
"Lord
you on your
We
journey.
we
rejoice to see
you and congratulate
safe arrival after the
dangers of your long
Ikeda,
beg
to offer
you our humble
on the happy event that has brought you
pray that
all
felicitations
hither,
and
good fortune may ever attend you and
your bride."
"
am
I
glad
to
find
myself under
this roof
agreeable a mission," replied Terumasa genially.
is
no need
who
I
am.
for
It
me
to introduce myself for
had been
my
kindly mediation of His
friendly thoughts
you know
design never to
speaking terms with Lord Tokugawa, but
Highness the
come
to
through the
Regent,
have been banished and
on so
" There
to
all
seal
un-
our
A WEDDING PRESENT
ioo
alliance I
have come here
Since the two families are to
my
all
acquaintance."
"
My
much
so
us
thus
I
footing.
is
am
his daughter.
united
you are
Lord Tokugawa's.
all
We
out.
wiped
start
on a
afresh
delighted to
make your
very condescending of you to show
Permit
favour.
recommend
to
portunity
is
it
lord,
be
and mine are
retainers,
The old enmity
new and better
day to wed
this
us
to profit
ourselves
by
this
to
your
who
speak,
op-
good
graces."
"
"
May
I
"
enquire your names
?
Ah, we have been remiss
at
Naomasa,
"
And
I
"
Can
it
seeing
li
Sakai Saemon, your lordship."
be
!
you both
at
I
at
the
know your names well and I
a distance now and again
time of the battle of
Yes, you fought valiantly."
"
us.
Your
am
your service."
am
your camp
I,
!
lordship flatters
We
recall
before
Komaki
Hill.
do not deserve such
praise."
"
And who may you
"
My
formerly
" I
be,
my
name, your lordship,
Honda
know,
I
is
friend
"
?
Nakatsukasa Tadakatsu,
Heihachiro."
know
!
It
was a misty morning when
A WEDDING PRESENT
I
saw you
on the bank of the
fighting bravely
near Ryusenji Temple
in
101
river
Yes, yes, you, too,
Kasugai.
acquitted yourself splendidly."
"
My
lord, I
do not merit such commendation
;
I
am
but a plain soldier."
"
There
one more
is
"
Sakakibara Yasumasa,
"
Do
behold
I
Sakakibara?
I ask your
may
my
Sakakibara,
who by
of
Hosonigaki
Your
?
never
so
in
a
talkative
terrified in his life
retreat near
to
He
remembered by His Highness.
vividly
an evening when
renowned
the
on that occasion
temerity
"
?
himself gave chase
Lord Hideyoshi when he was forced
to
also
lord."
countenance
the
name
mood,
Ha, ha, ha
!
is
still
admits, of
he
that
was
You were
!
a bold man."
"
The
one of the
make peace
no choice
part
past and forgotten,
most
We
Highness.
"
is
past
faithful
pleasure.
is
god of war
I
am now
that of arms, fight
casts his dice
and
we have
in the matter."
The presence of
in
lord.
and obedient servants of His
whose trade
as the
my
the
My
battle
so
of
thoughts
many brave
Komaki Hill
are
carried
soldiers
who took
gives
me much
back
to the past
A WEDDING PRESENT
102
and
me
"
me
reminds
that
one question
As many
my
brave
will
sirs,
you answer
"
?
as
is
it
to put,
your pleasure
lord-
your
ship."
at
"I have heard of one Nagai Naokatsu who was
what has become of him ? "
the battle
also
;
This was a bolt from the blue
brave
men though they
The
!
four
veterans,
were, looked from one to the
how
other in consternation and dismay, quite at a loss
to
That which
reply.
against
had
seeing,
and
befallen in the
it
very
them
had warned
lord
their
hour.
first
must be confessed, enjoying,
Terumasa
their
dis-
comfiture, pressed for his answer.
."
What
has become of Nagai
?
Where
is
he
now ?
"
he repeated, impatiently.
Another
of
exchange
Not one of them
glances.
dared to take upon himself the onus of the answer.
"
Have you suddenly lost your hearing, sirs ? I ask
again,
It
"
What
was
plain that
Begging
Saemon,
insinuating
fulfil
has become of Nagai
your
behind
Terumasa was
lordship's
whom
themselves
his usual office
as
the
?
"
losing his temper.
pardon,"
faltered
were
others
Sakai
gradually
they pushed him forward
of spokesman,
"
I
believe he
is
to
in
A WEDDING PRESENT
good
"
health,
in
Still
and
still
our lord's service."
in
lord's service ?
your
removes a great weight
am
I
from
my
my
covered
so
You
miles.
many
glad of that
mind.
same Nagai, the murderer of
this
103
will
you send
for
your interview with Lord Tokugawa."
" That can
wait.
you
see
me by
oblige
My
after
it
father, that I have
bringing him before me without delay."
"
lord, I venture to suggest that
him
;
It is to
refuse,
it
I desire to see
remains
only
my
once without paying
for
this
me
If
Yedo
at
lordship.
I
to leave
to
respects
first.
Nagai
his
have spoken."
There was no doubting that Terumasa meant what he
There was nothing
said.
of what
master
and
cautions,
for
had happened
to
the
leave
but to apprise their
it
in
matter
Sakai Saemon bowed low as he said
"
My
oblige
"
lord,
deign
you with
all
with
No
me
Sakai
to
wait
spite
a
to
of their prehis
judgment.
:
few
minutes.
I
will
speed."
equivocation,
"
mind.
Beware
how you
play
!
withdrew,
disappeared.
his
Terumasa
ing was lost upon him.
three
friends
having
smiled grimly to himself.
already
Noth-
A WEDDING PRESENT
104
The
He
four retainers hastened
to
their lord's
chamber.
looked up as they entered and asked pleasantly
"
Well, he has arrived
:
"
?
"Yes, your lordship."
"Is
"
well?"
all
No, your lordship
"
He demands
to be at once confronted with Nagai."
I
he
You
Naokatsu
"
began lyeyasu, angrily;
checked himself,
say
and with arms folded and
his breast, considered the situation.
Lord Ikeda
that
"
once
at
?
"
not warn you
head sunk on
"
worst has happened."
"
do you mean
"Did
then
fear the
How What
!
"
we
;
insists
on seeing Nagai
he queried presently, looking up.
?
Yes, your lordship."
"
is
Then by all means, let him see Nagai. I^ord Ikeda
not a madman.
He has come here to marry my
daughter.
It
not
is
mind, that he will
likely,
upset
all
unless
he
is
out
of
his
our plans and imperil the
favour of the Regent just to satisfy an old grudge."
"Judging from
saying what he
"
"
Humph
his
may
or
words and manner there
may
is
no
not do, your lordship."
!
" Should he
put his hand on his sword when he finds
Nagai before
him,
we
shall
not be able to stop him
A WEDDING PRESENT
from
wreaking
head
Nagai's
refuse
his
a
for
"
wedding
should he demand
how
present,
can
we
"
?
" Will he
go so
"
Or
vengeance.
105
far as that ?
Nothing more
was
I
afraid
your lordship."
likely,
of
"
Let
this.
me
think what can be
done."
lyeyasu pondered awhile, a deep frown of perplexity
and trouble on
Then
his forehead.
as
if
a solution had
suddenly come to him his eyes sparkled, and he spoke
firmly.
"Take Nagai Naokatsu
Ikeda as he desires, and
wedding
gift
deny
if
him
into
presence of Lord
the
he demands his head as a
Those
resolutely.
are
my
orders."
" Your
lordship,
is
it
easy to obey, but
if
we
act
like that there will be an end to the proposed marriage,
and you
His Highness, the
will incur the displeasure of
"
Regent. Dare you run such a risk ?
" Do
not trouble yourselves about results, only do as
I tell
as
a
you.
If
wedding
Lord Ikeda asks
gift,
remind
him
Komaki was fought between
Toyotomis
it
was
no
for the
private
the
that
head of Nagai
the
battle
Tokugawas and
affair
of
the
ot
the
Ikedas.
A WEDDING PRESENT
>io6
Nagai served under
his chief
and
killed
General Ikeda
was one of the
Nobuteru by the fortune of war.
It
chances of battle and in a
Nagai did but do
If
his duty.
of his
relatives
not
principal,
under
to
my
wreak
Toku,
wills
and
his
that
be
for the death
directed against me, the
who was
Nagai
Therefore,
tell
only
him, he
is
fighting
welcome
vengeance upon
my
Let him cut her
in
strips
let
him understand
not
I shall
any animosity
but
interfere,
lyeyasu
never
will
daughter,
if
Lady
so he
his
sacrifice
loyal
on any consideration whatever."
"My
return
should
orders.
his bride.
retainer
We
your words impress us deeply.
lord,
and try to adjust the matter to the
will
satisfaction
"
all parties
told
!
Naokatsu was sent
Nagai
to
it
feels
against
all
explicitly
of
Terumasa
fair field.
him how things
be
on
his
guard,
nobleman's hand
Then
the
Terurrasa
stood,
for.
fuming
four
retainers
and further instructed him
ready
to
move towards
four
The
fly
should the young
his sword-hilt.
went back to the guest-room where
and
chafing
had
been waiting
all
this time.
And now
first.
it
was Sakakibara Yasumasa who spoke
A WEDDING PRESENT
"
My
we apologize
lord,
began.
" Have
"
"
Yes,
my
That
is
Yes,
my
The
where
you brought Nagai
interrupted him.
"
he
lord,
is
long
he
is
he
delay,"
"
Teruniasa
?
without."
Show him
well.
the
for
107
instantly into
my
presence."
lord."
sliding
were pushed aside and there,
screens
in
the ante-chamber, at a very respectful distance calculated
for
the
convenience
of making
his
escape
in case
of
need, sat Nagai, his bent head hiding his face.
"
"
Are you Nagai
"
"
"
?
Yes, your lordship."
Come
here, Nagai."
My lord, I am unworthy to
approach your honourable
lordship."
"
Away
"My
"
with excuses
Come
You
try
my
patience
intervening
to
space
his
to
beyond
the scene
Why
;
its
limit, sirrah
feet precipitately
men who were
"
!
and crossed
where Nagai crouched.
sweat burst out on the four
"
here, I say."
lord, I cannot venture so far."
Terumasa rose
the
!
The
witnesses of
they trembled for what would come.
do you not come when
"
I
call ?
thundered
A WEDDING PRESENT
io8
Terumasa, seizing the other's wrists and dragging him
over the
"
floor.
I'll
teach you to obey at once
"
!
Terumasa being a big man and possessed of great
Nagai was as a sparrow
strength,
hawk and
entirely at his
much
think,
the cushion where
arrival
"
do
and on which he again seated
Look
"
My
me, sirrah
at
lord,"
since his
sitting
himself.
commanded Terumasa.
!
the
said
a
he found himself landed by
Terumasa had been
"
talons of
Before he had time to
mercy.
less to struggle,
in the
frightened wretch,
"
I
cannot
that."
"
Look
killed
you
ninth
You were
me.
at
my
father
not such a craven when
Nobuteru
cold
in
day of the fourth month
blood, on the
year of
in the twelth
Tensho."
" All the
lordship."
"
You
more reason why
are a most obstinate
never do as
I
should quail now, your
fellow
!
Why
will
you
"
I tell
you
?
Teruirasa took hold of the man's collar and twisted
his face
for a
"
upwards.
Looking calmly and
moment or two he observed
Well, Nagai Naokatsu,
iton to look at you.
I
it
critically
at
it
complacently.
affords
me much
gratifica-
have been told that you have
jdi to blori jfooJ
\
aid bo..
A WEDDING PRESENT
io8
Teruniasa, seizing the other's wrists and dragging him
"
"
the floor.
I'll teach you to obey at once
!
umasa being a big man and possessed of great
Nagai was as a sparrow
strength,
hawk and
think,
entirely at his
much
the cushion where
arrival
"
and on which he again seated
Look
"
he found himself landed by
Terumasa had been
My
me, sirrah
at
sitting since his
himself.
commanded Terumasa.
!
the
said
lord,"
"
talons of a
Before he had time to
mercy.
less to struggle,
in the
frightened wretch,
"
cannot
I
and
.-Ttruraas* took hold ot the man's collar
do
that.
"
twisted his face upwards
Look
at
killed
you
ninth
You were
me.
my
father
not such a craven
Nobuteru
in
uay of the fourth month
when
cold blood, on the
year of
in the twelth
Tensho."
" All the
more reason why
I
should quail now, your
lordship."
"
You
never do
arc a most obstinate
"
as I tell you ?
fellow
!
Why
will
you
Teruirasa took hold of the man's collar and twisted
ipwards.
for a
"
;it
Looking calmly and
critically
at
it
or two he observed complacently.
Well, Nagai Naokatsu,
iton to look at
you.
I
it
affords
me much
gratifica-
have been told that you have
A WEDDING PRESENT
the
best
appearance
Lord Tokugawa.
undoubtedly a
My
It is
tage
death
handsome
very
So
well,
far,
coward
a
at
at
though
so
that
my
father
a
creditable
less reluctantly to
the
met
soldier.
the spirit
Nagai."
Naokatsu gave himself up
being
know
of
Without doubt he went the
world.
you are
right
man,
of
not appear to th? best advan-
hands
the
in the service
was
informant
a satisfaction to
at
men
the
all
moment you do
present
his
of
109
for lost.
times,
ordinary
whom
and speech of Terumasa
Though
the
he
far
stern
from
aspect
had so greatly,
though inadvertently, wronged, awed and intimidated him.
The
four retainers stood
moment should
last
thought Nagai 's
Still
keeping
Then
abruptly
"
time
"
be
it
doom was
his
grip
turning
and they
necessary,
too
sealed.
on the
Terumasa continued
garment,
fully.
prepared to interfere at the
to
collar of
to gaze at
the
other
his victim's
him thought-
men he asked
:
What
annual stipend does he receive at the present
"
?
One thousand koku
Kawagoe."
of
rice
from
his
fief
near
A WEDDING PRESENT
no
"
And how much
Komaki
of
"Two
?
did he get at the time of the battle
"
hundred koku, your lordship."
Terumasa flung the man from him and clapped both
hands on
Tears
knees.
his
of mortification
stood
in
his eyes.
" Can
my
credit
I
ears
of well-nigh ten years
like
be
!
hand
it
and that derived
Kawagoe
To think
!
of
At
the
was two hundred koku
his stipend
koku,
?
such
humiliating
!
;
time of the battle
now
has risen to only one thousand
from
an
an
my
Father,
fellow he
revered father perished
insignificant
I
fear
hole
out-of-the-way
Ah, what a worthless
that
after the lapse
creature
you
It
!
can
never
must
by
the
is
too
forgive
yourself for allowing such a disgraceful thing to happen.
You must
everlastingly
be bemoaning your untoward
fate in the land of the shades.
I,
Terumasa, your son,
sympathise with you from the bottom of
my
heart
"
!
His emotion was so genuine that tears trickled down
his
dark
cheeks
and
he seemed to forget that there
were witnesses of his unusual weakness.
however.
Recovering
his
composure,
eyes on the men before him.
"
" I told
he
Sirs,"
said,
Not
he
you a short time
for long,
turned
his
since, that
A WEDDING PRESENT
ill
coming to Yedo was to behold the
countenance of this man, the slayer of my father and
main object
my
brother.
have seen him and
I
But there
one
is
submit to
in
my
father-in-law.
same Nagai Naokatsu.
not
at last
a
restrain
livid.
"
was
it
was
It
My
who
lord,"
custom,
his
"
four chief retainers could
found his voice.
first
he
to
this
and the face of Nagai grew
shudder,
li
concerns
It
a wedding present
The
!
will kindly
you
according
If,
me
lordship intends giving
Here
not disappointed.
that I desire
request
future
am
stammered,
" what
you
say
is
we expected as much. But will you not
bygones be bygones? The Komaki affair happened
reasonable and
let
ten
nearly
this is
Moreover,
it
is
a day highly
too late to rake
blessed
by
the
it
up.
god of
families are to
be
Let not such an occasion be marred by a deed
joined.
of
ago and
day on which two noble
a
peace
years
and
blood.
I
your
words
and
revenge
reconsider
entreat
your
mercifully
lordship
to
let
to
Nagai
"
live
"
life
as
!
My
lord,
we
all
unite
of this unfortunate
all
man
threw themselves
mats before him.
in
"
!
humbly pleading
for the
chorused the other three,
down with heads touching
the
A WEDDING PRESENT
112
"
What
are
all
you
"
unceremoniously.
?
Nagai
what
use
Nothing
this
my
thoughts.
Tokugawa
life
of
This
is
that he
will
fellow created a daimio, as soon
as possible,
had
screen
say, ten thousand koku."
of,
on the
relief.
heard
and
aside
it
Highness,
depicted
amazement and
Terumasa's hands
ran
into
he
his
in
had
that
the
raised
room.
them
unworthy of so magnanimous a
can
I
say but that
will
I
do
all in
Clasping
to his head
:
son-in-law.
my
a
now
passed,
Terumasa, you have acquitted yourself nobly
am
five
who behind
lyeyasu,
all
of the
faces
while he gave vent to his feelings as follows
"
Terumasa,
the
Regent, to
Amazement was
pushed
said
the
with an annual income
sliding
"
?
wanted
I
from
His
with
influence
his
men
said
wish you to ask Lord
I
have
Who
further
is
about
talking
power
!
I
What
to further
your truly chivalrous request."
After the wedding Terumasa returned with his bride
to the
him.
city
He
proffered
approval.
of Nagoya,
told
his
the
where lyeyasu soon followed
whole
request.
story
Hideyoshi
to
the
Regent
and
slapped his knee in
A WEDDING PRESENT
"
Tcrutnasa
is
a
true
samurai,"
he
113
said.
"
Rest
assured his petition shall meet with immediate attention."
Accordingly, Nagai Naokatsu, a minor vassal, of one
thousand
kokit,
bound promoted
from a place near Kawagoe, was at a
to the
dignity of a daimio
worth ten
thousand koku yearly.
So you
see that Ikeda
Nobuteru did not
sword of a nameless samurai
!
fall
by
the
THE HEROISM OF TORII
ttATSUTAftA
THE HEROISM OF TORH KATSUTAKA
garrison besieged in the Castle of Nagashino,
little
in
the
of
province
Mikawa,
was
in
desperate
straits.
Okudaira Sadayoshi, Governor of the
a
at
Sadarnasa, was
eight
left in
was
castle
visions,
and
command
hundred
courage of despair
the
was away
on business of importance, and
distance
of but
castle,
ill
at
men.
his son,
with a small company
These
fought
the
with
but having been taken at unawares,
;
provided with ammunition and pro-
the
end
of a
starvation, or the alternative
fortnight
of surrender,
death,
from
stared
them
in the face.
It
was
at the close of April in the third year of
(1575).
feudal
Takeda Katsuyori, Lord of Kai, knowing
enemy, Sadayoshi, to be absent, deemed
opportunity to attack his stronghold
the
head
of
surrounded the
a
hill
Tensho
28,000,
suddenly
castle.
Stationing
;
it
his
a good
and, therefore, at
swooped
down
and
his head-quarters
on
on
all
opposite the main entrance, he invested
it
THE HEROISM OF
u8
sides,
day and
walls,
so
that,
night
if
the
continuing
it
possible,
fall
might
into
his
before either Sadayoshi's liege lord, Tokugavva
or the
latter's
powerful
Oda Nobunaga,
ally,
on the
assaults
hands
lyeyasu,
could
come
to the rescue.
some three hundred of the
the end of two weeks
By
wounded
defenders had been killed, or so seriously
be incapable of rendering further aid
to
though they had been of
two days more.
men and
his
all
My
food remained for barely
men," he
said,
"
:
I
cannot speak too
I
Our ammunition
but two
for
more.
days
will
may
send
an
envoy
to
seppuku.
It
rather
than
would
it
be
may
be
in
surrender
for
would do no good
your
the
me
for
Takeda requesting
you thus
to
send
we have
help
enemy watch every
depart unmolested, while
all
To
But the
must be given
castle
has almost run out and
impossible, so closely does the
I
highly of
thank you.
odds against us are too great and the
food
summoned
with calm courage and determination
your bravery and devotion, and
up.
and sparing
In this sore strait Sadamasa
addressed them as follows
"
it,
;
as
I
myself
will
is
outlet.
that
you
commit
hearts to fight to the end
castle,
but of what avail
to sacrifice
nor to anyone
your
lives.
It
else.
It is
my
KATSUTAKA
TORII
wish
you should
that
him and
hereafter fight again for
we
castle that
unavoidable
now
are
forced
circumstances
my
to join
live
all
119
it
may be
recover the
unforeseen and
by wholly
to
There
yield.
and
father
is
nothing
me
to
Sadamasa ceased speaking, but before the sound of
his
be
to
else
Save yourselves and allow
done.
commit seppuku"
grave tones had died away,
rear took
"
my
seppuku,
lord
of such a desperate measure
will
my way
steal
summon
"Is
Katsutaka
the
through
who
is
it
could a
feet,
get
rat,
much
less
a
enemy's
is
reach
us
starvation?
It is
have come
to
known
"
to you.
Not
so,
man who
my
time
in
to
I
quite impracticable.
lines
you over
unobserved,
supposing such a miracle accomplished,
army
and
lines
brave fellow,
giant like
through the enemy's
how
our
avert
six
and
could an
dying
from
not without deep consideration that
the
conclusion
Your
lord,"
has fully
project
that
is
his
I
I
have just made
impossible."
Katsutaka
made up
I
too late."
My
?
speaks
appreciate your desire, but the idea
How
too soon to talk
It is
!
With your permission
!
reinforcements before
it
voice from the
ringing
his words.
up
Commit
a
spoke quietly
like
a
mind and knows what
THE HEROISM OF
120
he
and
"
about.
is
am
I
I
strong.
and hurrying
Tokugawa
As you know,
I
am
a
good swimmer,
cross the river in the dark
will
utmost speed to His Excellency Lord
at
him our need and request the
before
lay
instant despatch of troops to disperse the
have thought the matter over
can do
I
;
I
besiegers.
it."
"Bravely conceived and bravely spoken, Katsutaka
Well,
You
but
can
before.
He
diseases
desperate
my
Go,
and we
fail
for
call
it
recovering his voice, he went on
your escape, as you hope,
should
minute.
know
How
"
Easily,
of
it
it
is in
or
residence
so.
"
:
is
lord.
will
I
climb
to
and having delivered
And how
reinforcements
can
?
"
my
you
we
"
!
the summit of
rise
a distance of only twenty-three
I shall arrive at his castle
delay."
"
to
effect
the last
to
fact
then
;
that
necessary
"
!
by way of a
Okazaki where Lord Tokugawa
thence to
is
speak
Should you
can you inform us of the
my
From
difficult to
we may hold out
that
Mt. Funatsuki and cause smoke
signal.
luck attend you
may
made
paused, for emotion
remedies.
desperate
be no worse off than
shall
and
friend,
!
message
tell
us
by noon
to-morro\v,
shall return
of
the
miles
without
coming
of
KATSUTAKA
TORII
"At
midnight,
the
day
after
to-morrow,
back on the mountain, and again
One column
by smoke.
121
I
will
I shall
to
signal
be
you
of smoke will mean that His
Excellency Lord Tokugawa's troops are coming alone
two
mean
will
Lord Oda
that
and three
;
army has been
army of
of troops
"
by any
easier,
confident that
Heaven
I
aid
do you propose
" With
"
possibility inform us of the
my
Have no
you go.
way
shot
;
allied
number
fears,
my
is
will tell
two
shots,
my
lord.
you
20,000
I
;
am
shall succeed."
your heroic
to start
spirit,
Katsutaka
I
When
?
no time to be
friend.
!
"
your permission, as soon as
There
Stay,
One
lord.
0,000 troops are on their
lord.
an
by both Lords Oda,
?
three shots 30,000.
"
His Excellency's
"
Nothing
1
joined
will signify that
those of
by
three divisions."
" Can
you
that
are accompanied
they
;
lost.
will give
it
is
Farewell
dark,
"
my
!
you something before
See here."
Katsutaka approached
nearer
and
his
master
gave
into his hands a case of costly incense and a valuable
sword.
"This
incense
is
a
family
treasure,
having
been
THE HEROISM OF
122
handed down from our ancestor, Prince Tomohira, the
Emperor Murakami
seventh son of the
is
these articles as
sword
this
Take
by Sadamune.
a noted blade
another heirloom
and
;
some small recognition of your bravery
and loyalty."
With deep reverence the
soldier received the precious
gifts.
" Your
I
too good to his humble servant.
is
lordship
accept your generosity with profound gratitude."
"
I must pledge you in
Stay yet again, Katsutaka
!
a parting cup."
Two
were
cups
brought
and
a
of
bottle
sake.
Katsutaka then executed a war-dance singing a martial
strain
the
while.
preparations
leaving
Then he departed
necessary
for
his
to
make
the few
undertaking,
perilous
those assembled, both officers and men,
all
full
of admiration for his heroism.
Clad
in
wrapped
stillness
in
the
lightest
attire
and with a small packet
waterproof oil-paper
his
in
hand,
in
the
of night, Katsutaka stole out of a postern gate
and crept to the bank of the River Iwashiro which
flowed at no great distance past the castle.
season
swollen
having
already
and the
swift
set
in,
current
the
in
stream
its
The
rainy
was much
windings dashed
KATSUTAKA
TORII
himself
the
among
bank
either
against
furiously
Katsutaka hid
turn.
in
on the edge and
reeds growing
tall
123
The
cast a searching eye in every direction.
night
of a
out
breaking
almost
as
heavy bank of clouds, made the
as
bright
the adventurer saw that a
which
to
over
extended
sentinels
were
day
and to
;
web of
stream,
and
his
dismay
large and small ropes
innumerable
fastened
the
moon,
full
a
that
close
happened to
would
rattle
rattle
the
touch
the
ropes
the
of
line
When
was on guard on the opposite shore.
anything
was
clappers
clappers
loudly "gara-gara, gara-gara," and at each
sentinels
were on
the alert with torches to
discover the cause of the noise.
At
taken
this
unexpected
How
aback.
could he swim across the river
the face of such vigilant
dismay he saw waving
an
umajiritshi
or
Katsutaka was greatly
difficulty
"
precautions
lazily in the
"
horse-badge
bearing a coat of arms that he
Katsutaka.
side
it
is
certainly
"
To add
to his
gentle night breeze
and
a
flag,
knew belonged
Nobufusa who was esteemed the
generals of the opposing army.
" I
am
under an
?
in
to
both
Baba
ablest of all the veteran
unlucky
With Baba Nobufusa
well-nigh impossible for
me
in
star,"
groaned
charge of
to cross the
this
river
THE HEROISM OF
124
and
my
doing
But
a landing.
effect
best,
and
it
may
I
not give up without
will
be
yet find a
I shall
way
to
elude their vigilance."
He
river
it
up a reed and was about
tore
when
the
it
struck him that
make a
in the vicinity
search.
strict
and then threw
in
entangled
the root had earth on
That
and order
would
He, therefore, washed the
enterprise.
into the
it
Nobufusa would conclude that some
sagacious
one was hiding
if
to hurl
into the
it
stream.
be
fatal
mud
to
his
off the reed
it
Immediately
ropes and
network of
the
his soldiers to
set
all
got
the
clappers clattering loudly, "gara-gara, gara-gara."
On
water and
the instant two sentinels leapt into the
drew the reed to
land.
It
was taken
examined the root by the
carefully
"There
is
the general.
nothing
"It
is
suspicious
to
Nobufusa who
light of a torch.
about
this
reed," said
of no consequence."
Katsutaka, peering intently from his hiding place on
the other side,
"
It
is
felt
hopeless
his heart sink.
to
think
of crossing,"
he
said
to
himself.
After a few moments of despondency he once more
uprooted
cast
it
a
into
reed
the
and washing off the
river.
Again the
mud
clappers
as before
were
set
KATSUTAKA
TORII
125
and again some of the men plunged into the
a-going
water to seek the cause.
"Another
it
my
reed,
lord," said the
man who handed
to the general.
"The
he
flood,"
nothing
my
reeds
washed
being
remarked
but
;
are
bank by the
off the
examining the reed.
after
do not relax your
nevertheless
"It
is
vigilance,
men."
Katsutaka
been
and
now
washed
now one
and
ashore,
threw
now
thing,
the
at
it
So he went
another reed.
after that
branch that had
dead
picked up a
on,
ropes,
throwing
another, keeping the clappers rat-
tling so unintermittingly that in time Nobufusa's soldiers
ceased to take notice of the sound and no longer dashed
into
the
ever,
river
at
every
Katsutaka
could
fresh
venture
not
river himself, for watchful eyes never
the dark waters.
do
?
Katsutaka
Time was
was well-nigh
and confess he had
Just
failed at the
unthinkable even
portable
then
was being
he
passing.
heard
relieved.
in
enter
to
left
how-
Still,
repetition.
the
off scanning
What
despair.
could
To
he
return
very outset was insup-
!
the
roll of
Nobufusa's
Oinosuke's took their place.
a
men
drum
the guard
retired
and Atobe
THE HEROISM OF
126
Oinosuke was noted for
Katsutaka's spirits rose.
he
subtlety,
Nobufusa
began
were
was
taka
clouds
the
the
into
much on
very
but the
river,
feeling
indeed
fresh
the alert and examined
Poor Katsu-
set the clappers rattling.
when
hopeless
the
heavy
had been coming up unobserved, obscured
that
moon and
the
Once more Katsutaka
strategy.
things
that
everything
in
patient
throwing
sentinels
compared with
knew, but could not be
in
his
was a low rumble
there
Then
distance.
storm
was upon them.
heavy
rush
The
made a pandemonium
had
Katsutaka
noise
and shouted
down
and
of the
fear
his
for joy,
roll
was
terrific.
The
in sheets, the
rattle
of thunder
of the erstwhile peaceful night.
no
now
thought that
the
swiftness the
appalling
of the rain that came
wind and
roar of the
with
of thunder
course
knowing
was
elements
clear.
;
he
only
He danced
that he could
be neither
seen nor heard through the tumult and pitchy darkness.
But no time was to be
as rapidly as
his
tying
into
the
lost.
turbid
waters
to
the
watchers
and
it.
pass over
Stripping himself bare
oil-paper package round
of the ropes that crossed
faintly
The storm might
had come.
it
his
and
neck he slipped
with his dagger cut some
The noisy
clappers sounded
on the opposite bank, but as
KATSUTAKA
TORII
some men were about
127
to investigate their general stopped
them.
"
It
is
arc
clappers
my
unnecessary,
moved by
opposite would be so
such a storm
in
it
None
river.
mad
would mean
"
said.
coming down
fish
from the upper reaches of the
rison
he
men,"
the
The
flood
of the gar-
as to attempt to cross
There-
instant death.
be reassured."
fore
"You
"
men.
speak
truly,
my
can only be
It
fish
lord,"
as
one of the
assented
your honour says."
Tossed and whirled about by the current, Katsutaka
to
struggled
the
opposite
bank
a mile from where he had started.
well
also
guarded,
but
hoped
a point about half
at
He
that
found
under
the darkness and noise he might get through.
he was making
way when suddenly
his
on the wet ground and he
"
Who
goes there
"
?
fell
this part
cover
of
Stealthily
his foot slipped
with a slight thud.
rang out the quick challenge
in
his ear.
Startled,
Katsutaka scrambled to his
hand on the
"
"
One of
Is
on!"
that
hilt
and
laid his
of his dagger.
"
the patrol,
all ?
feet
I
sir,
pity
he answered readily.
you
out- in
the storm.
Pass
THE HEROISM OF
128
"
Thank you,
"
Good-night.
Do
sir."
The enemy
not relax your care.
take advantage of the storm."
may
"I
will take care, sir.'*
Thus
presence of mind saved the situation when
his
seemed
all
Good-night,
Captain.
lost,
time
the
first
and most
difficult
part
of
was accomplished.
his enterprise
By
and the
Katsutaka had ascended to the summit
of the mountain from whence he intended to signal, the
had almost ceased and the rumble of thunder was
rain
As he
barely audible in the growing distance.
to
take
the
breath
landscape
brought
small
his
in
blaze,
at the castle
moon shone
the
in
silvery
paused
out again and bathed
With
loveliness.
material
package he managed to make a
little
it
trusting
would be seen by the watchers
who would be anxious
escape.
Then once more
hastened
down
resuming
know
to
his
of his
journey
he
the declivity and with no further adven-
ture arrived at the
town of Okazaki about
10 o'clock
the following morning.
As he drew
horseback
near
attended
the
castle
he met an
by a few men on
foot.
officer
To
on
his
TORII
he
great
joy
daira
Sadayoshi.
KATSUTAKA
his
recognized
own
129
way and bow-
himself in the
Placing
Lord Oku-
chief,
ing with due reverence,
"
I
have
am
Torii
Katsutaka,
my
lord," he said,
" and
I
come on an urgent errand from your honourable
son at present beleaguered in the Castle of Nagashino."
"
Beleaguered
My
!
you by such strange
son beleaguered
tidings
?
Follow
What mean
!
me
I will
;
return
to the castle instantly."
and followed closely by
his horse
Turning
and Katsutaka,
Sadayoshi
cantered
quickly
way he had come and dismounting
demanded
detailed
of
the
account of
messenger
how
in the
more
a
matters stood.
his retinue
back the
courtyard
He was
nant beyond measure at what he heard.
"
unwelcome
This
is
wholly
"
he exclaimed.
beyond
all
while
I
go
Now
to
I
tell
indig-
news,"
brave fellow, your daiing deed
I
praise.
Lord Tokugawa, on
short time.
unexpected and
My
and
explicit
is
came here two days ago with
my way home
must proceed
intending to stay a
instantly.
His Excellency
;
it
may
Wait here
be he
will
wish to question you himself."
In
a
very short time an attendant
summoned Katsu-
taka to the presence of the famous statesman.
THE HEROISM OF
130
"Torii
he
said
Katsutaka,"
exactly
how
matters
You have my
Nagashino.
stand
the
at
permission to
Castle
of
me
to
speak
a
me
Let
brave man, and have done a wonderful thing.
know
are
"you
kindly,
directly."
Expressing
Katsutaka,
his
sense
in the simple
of
words of a
a detailed account of the
state
without the castle when he had
"
honour
the
shown
plain soldier,
of affairs
left
him,
gave
and
within
it.
reinforcements be not instantly despatched, Your
"
the garrison will starve to
Excellency," he concluded,
If
I entreat, Your Excellency, let no time be lost.'*
" Reinforcements shall
be sent with all possible speed,"
death.
said lyeyasu.
now
By
a happy chance both Lords
in this province with
the
days.
But
late.
their
troops,
Oda
are
and they can
besieged castle in two, or at the most, three
reach
too
"
for
You
you we should have known nothing
are
a
hero
indeed.
Now go
tilj
and get
food and rest before you start on your return journey."
The
afternoon of the same day, lyeyasu, at the head
of 20,000
men proceeded
to
the
castle of
Ushikubo,
where he was joined by the two Lords Oda with
their
KATSUTAKA
TORII
Arrangements were
combined forces of 50,000 men.
on foot for an early
set
131
start the next morning.
lyeyasu then spoke to Katsutaka again
" As
you see, our allied armies will be able to reach
:
in
Nagashino
that
the
two days
be
will
relief
So
at the latest.
You must be
in time.
Remain here a few days
fatigued.
assured
rest
till
you
greatly
are fully
rested."
"
Your Excellency
considerate, but I cannot
too
is
take advantage of your kindness.
and
that
tell
must return
I
the garrison of the success of
help
is
me
Allow
coming.
my
to
set
at
once
mission
and
out without
delay."
"
for
By your own showing
you
you
it
to re-enter the castle
came
out.
Do
not
would be quite impossible
in
manner
the
be rash, but stay
which
in
here as
I
advise you."
"
A
thousand pardons, Your Excellency," said Katsu-
taka, respectfully, but
I
undertook
end.
to
It
is
this
"
firmly.
errand
;
I
will
At
the risk of
carry
an honour more than
my
it
my
life
through to the
poor
life
is
worth
have been granted speech with Your Excellency and
favoured with words of commendation from your august
lips.
Life can offer
me no
higher grace.
Even should
THE HEROISM OF
132
be captured by the enemy and put to an ignominious
I
death
is
I
should have
starving
them new
;
to
life.
know
nothing
that help
me
Permit
I will
You
say no more.
The
garrison
on the way
will give
regret.
is
Your Excellency."
to go,
" If
you are so set upon
"
to
replied
it,''
Lord Tokugawa,
from
me
Excellency.
If
shall take a letter
Sadamasa."
to
" That
the
letter
Your
would be dangerous,
found
were
given of your
on
person notice would be
my
approach and
the
enemy would
take
steps accordingly."
"
Right," said lyeyasu with a smile.
as well as brave,
my
Katsutaka
Then Katsutaka bade
"
You
are wise
"
!
farewell to
Lord Tokugawa and
Lord Okudaira Sadayoshi, and shouldering
his
gun
set
out once more on his perilous journey.
Anxiously did the diminishing and weakened garrison
the
tell
them help was coming.
besieged
castle
that Katsutaka, contrary
in
eluding
the
sentinels
he would have the same
for the signal that should
wait
at
Cheered by the knowledge
to expectation,
they
had succeeded
now had some hope
good fortune
in
his
that
further
KATSUTAKA
TORII
and strained
promised
second
their
the
in
eyes
columns of dark smoke rose
in the
the
;
still
and soon three
air plainly seen
sky that was lighted up by a great round
against
the
moon.
Help was coming
How many
But would
!
troops were on their
way ?
it
be
sufficient ?
Hark
and then another and yet another
report,
of
they descried a
a bonfire on Mt. Funatsuki
light as of
shots
At midnight
boundless joy,
their
to
whence the
direction
would appear.
signal
day,
to the high tower
watchmen went up
turn
In
quest.
133
!
a sharp
till
seven
gave the glad assurance of the approach of 70,
The
ooo men.
getting
hunger and
to their speedy
men took
starving
heart again, and for-
wounds looked forward with joy
relief.
But the sound of the shots reached other ears as well
as those for
which
the
'guard at
detatchment
it
was intended.
The company on
foot of the mountain heard
went
Masatoyo himself
up
to
led the
investigate.
little
band.
it
too,
General
and a
Naito
With no thought
of danger Katsutaka, triumphant, was gaily running
down
when he found himself surrounded by the very men
he wished to avoid.
"
Halt
!
Who
are
you
?
"
demanded the
"Katsutaka's ready wit did not desert him.
general.
THE HEROISM OF
134
"
find
Hearing
out what they
where but can
have been with
I
shots,
We
meant.
no
find
report our failure."
" Come
nearer and
have
one.
comrades to
searched
every-
am coming down
I
me
let
my
see
Who
face.
your
to
is
"
?
your captain
"
I
command
"
"My
"
name
Anayama."
"
name
At
than done.
said
soldiers
hold him
;
and freeing himself from
cover
of
some
bushes
to
escape.
But he was seen and
Dealing
heavy blows right and
at
and
four
it
More
hill.
impos-
their grasp
soldiers
coming up, however, so he turned back, hoping
under
fight,
command
defence that they found
he ran down towards the foot of the
were
the
sprang forward to obey, but Katsutaka
made such a vigorous
sible to
"
is
this fellow prisoner.''
easily
five
under the
riflemen
!
my
Men, take
More
or
of Captain
Your name
company of
the
to
belong
slip
past
caught as
left
and thus
in
a trap.
he made a good
but the odds were too overwhelming and
last
forced
handed
inscription
to
in
to yield.
the
red
he was
His gun was taken from him
general
lacquer,
who found
" One
of
thereon
3,000
an
guns
KATSUTAKA
TORII
135
belonging to the Castle of Okazaki."
The
man
for
truth
He
upon him.
flashed
had captured had been
they
Late
reinforcements.
Okazaki to ask
to
it
though
guessed that the
was he must be
taken before the Commander-in-chief, General Katsuyori,
at once.
pitiable sight
Katsutaka presented a
and travel-worn
Bloodstained
when, roused from his slumbers, the general
Yet
surveyed him by the imperfect light of a lantern.
there
was something
called
forth
a
rather
than
compassion
in
the
bearing of the
of admiration
feeling
for
for
his
man
that
courage
condition and circum-
his
stances.
" Your name
"
?
said the general.
Having no motive now
concealment Katsutaka
for
spoke out boldly.
"Torii
Katsutaka,
retainer
of
Lord Okudaira Sada-
masa, Governor of the Castle of Nagashino."
"
fired
You have
these
been to Okazaki, for reinforcements, and
shots
from the top of Mt. Funatsuki by a
prearranged plan. Is it not so ?
" It is
so, Your Excellency."
" It was a hazardous errand.
how you managed
to creep
"
You must
through our
tell
lines.
me
later
I
know
THE HEROISM OF
136
how
appreciate and reward bravery, and would like
to
number you among
to
over
us
to
koku* of
I
was
with
it
refuse
you
you
come
will
die."
with
pleased
many
that
thinking
of
expressions
this
by doing
Katsutaka
the offer
he
He
gratitude.
might
his
put
guard and be able to escape, or
off their
captors
you
be
to
Pretending
accepted
If
If
give you a yearly stipend of 1,000
will
rice.
men.
my
some way render a
those
to
service
in
shut up in the
castle.
"
he
You do me
"
said.
all
too
am
I
much
honour, Your Excellency,"
but a humble private but
will
I
use
diligence to serve you faithfully."
" I am
glad you are troubled by no foolish scruples
as to desertion," said the general,
somewhat surprised
"There
posal
is
who
nevertheless
was
at the ready acceptance of his proI
something
desire
to
you
do
at
once to prove your sincerity."
In
a
low
voice General Katsuyori gave an order to
an aide-de-camp,
who
retired
and
after a little
time came
back with a written paper which he handed to
It
purported to
A
koku
is
be a
letter
from Sadayoshi
about four bushels; in feudal days
the samurai in
rice.
it
his chief.
to his son,
was customary to pay
KATSUTAKA
TORII
137
informing him that, on account of a sudden outbreak of
Lord Tokugawa was unable
insurrection,
troops to the
the
of the Castle of Nagashino and that
relief
was nothing
there
terms
best
imitation of
by an
who had once
the
my
Now,
letter
man,
it
was
it
up on
a
skilful
had been written
served under him and
who
his style.
Katsutaka
to
forgery
pride, Katsuyori said
"
The
available.
was well acquainted with
Showing
done but to give
be
to
Sadayoshi's hand, for
officer
to despatch
with
no
little
:
you must
write another letter to
the intelligence contained in this one, and both
confirm
letters shall
do you
be at once
hesitate ?
shot
over the walls.
What
!
"
Seeing no course open to him but to obey, Katsutaka
did
as
required.
The two
an arrow and shot
to
missives were then fastened
into
the
castle
by a
skilled
archer.
The
consternation and disappointment of the expectant
garrison
the
more
preceded
caji
be better imagined
bitter
it.
was
Strong
than described.
news from the hope that had
this
men
wept.
But Okudaira Jiyemon, chief Councillor, having
ly
examined the
letters,
All
burst out laughing.
close-
THE HEROISM OF
ij8
"
It
hardly an occasion for mirth, Jiyemon," said
is
much
displeased at this untimely merriment.
"
I inquire the nature of the joke ?
Sadamasa,
"
May
"
ha
Ha, ha,
Katsuyori
not
Be so good
we could be taken
gives
them away.
word
for
it,
Never
Katsutaka's
at
in this
but in
uses,
pardon, but
lordship's
as to look
kind manufactured
the
our lord always
is
beg your
a dull fellow to imagine
is
in so easily.
is
I
!
my
paper
it
province such as
theirs.
fear,
this
That one
fact
Take
my
lord
signals told
!
the truth.
This
but a plot to deceive us into surrendering before help
comes."
was now plain to
It
genuine
and
their
all
rose.
again
spirits
the
that
letters
were not
up
Going
to
the high tower Sadamasa called so that the sentinels on
the other side could hear him.
" Soldiers
of Kai,
say in answer to the
an
officer to
approach
letters sent
come near enough
I
!
me
have something to
but now.
to hear
my
Request
words."
Nothing doubting but that Sadamasa wished to
terms
of surrender,
tended
by
"
Accept
Katsuyori
himself
came
make
forth, at-
his suite.
my
began Sadamasa
best
thanks
"
politely.
It
for
your
arrow-letters,"
was good of you
to pass
blow yisva
JnriJ
JoniJzib
oa soiov ?id biifii
baa
THE HEROISM OF
138
"
It
hardly an occasion for mirth, Jiyemon," said
is
much
displeased at this untimely merriment.
"
I inquire the nature of the joke ?
Sadamasa,
"
May
"
Ha, ha, ha
Katsuyori
not
Be so good as
gives
them away.
word
for
It
1fes
dWfciS*
and
clear
it
was now
genuine
Never
we could be taken
and
plain
their
the high tower
at
in this
in
my
^
paper
it
That one
fact
Take
my
lord
signals told
11
this
province such as
theirs.
fear,
Katsutaka's
it,
but*fe pte&
comes.
but
uses,
pardon, but
lordship's
to look
kind manufactured
the
our lord always
is
beg your
a dull fellow to imagine
is
in so easily.
is
I
!
!
the truth.
This
^WtoRtering before help
*ftt
distinct
to
all
letters
were not
up
to
called so that the sentinels
on
rose.
again
spirits
Sadamasa
the
that
Going
the other side could hear him.
"
in
say
an
Soldiers
of Kai,
answer to the
officer to
approach
letters sent
come near enough
I
!
me
have something to
but now.
to hear
my
Request
words."
Nothing doubting but that Sadamasa wished to make
terms of surrender,
tended
"
by
Accept
Katsuyori
himself
came
forth, at-
his suite.
my
began Sadamasa
best
thanks
"
politely.
It
for
your
arrow-letters,"
was good of you
to pass
Ife
KATSUTAKA
TORII
on
my
communication and
father's
Then suddenly changing
you."
he thundered,
think,"
deceive us or induce
my
ancestors
Ha, ha, ha
"
"
Ha,
am much
I
his
tone,
obliged to
" Do
you
that such a clumsy trick could
me
Fools
?
139
up the stronghold of
to give
The laugh
!
on
is
our
side
!
"
!
ha
ha,
"
!
men
roared the
behined him greatly
men
enjoying the discomfiture of the
below.
Katsuyori was furious.
"
"Go, Katsutaka," he shouted.
the
ing
moat and
them
tell
Guarded by two men,
at
the
liberty,
Katsutaka
moat,
and raising
rang clear and
"
Listen,
I
tell
you
Lords Oda,
assured
fail.
for
!
he had not yet been
forward
voice
his
com-
"
stepped
lord,
so
set
to the edge of
that
and comrades," he
every word
with
an
The
said.
"
What
Lord Tokugawa and the two
the truth.
allied
hastening to your rescue.
without
edge of
distinct,
my
is
to the
that no reinforcements are
must surrender
that they
Go
army
They
of
will
arrow-letters are
70,000
men
are
be here to-morrow
utterly
false.
Rest
"
!
So wholly unexpected was
one thought of stopping
it
till
this
the
bold speech that no
mischief was
done.
THE HEROISM OF
140
As
the
a mighty cheer went up from the besieged, however,
and
Katsutaka
mercilessly.
fied
soldiers
infuriated
him
Then
just
had given
in
his
mad
fury
the
kicked
and
seized
army
cuffed
command they
main gate of the
him
cruci-
castle
he
to save.
Early the next morning
the Kai
investing
at Katsuyori's
opposite
life
of the
army being
the allied forces
utterly routed, the siege
came and
was
raised.
THE WRESTLING OF
A DAIMIO
THE WRESTLING OF A DAIMIO
In
month of the
the second
1587),
(A.D.
fifteenth
Toyotomi Hideyoshi,
year of Tensho
who had brought
the greater part of Japan under his sway, crossed over
to the Island of
Shimazu Yoshihisa,
to subjugate
governing
of the
eight
The
island.
Kyushiu with a large army,
following
nine
.an
independent daimio
that
provinces
month Gamd
order
in
Ujisato, a
form the
renowned
general in Hideyoshi's army, advanced to the Castle of
Ganshaku
successive days.
such a stubborn
ever, offered
was made
pression
would
fortress
of Buzen,
province
three
for
fiercely
the
in
fall
some
time.
fiery
disposition,
;
and
lost
man
a
being
all
garrison,
patience,
it
how-
little
im-
that
the
besiegers
for
that
unlikely
hands of the
into the
Ujisato,
The
resistance
seemed
it
and attacked
of impetuous
and rated
his
and
men
soundly.
" Cowards
long
all
he shouted.
"
How
is
turned
"
!
women ?
I
will
take
the
you are so
it
taking such an insignificant place
in
handed
"
!
?
Have you
castle
single-
THE WRESTLING
144
He
dashed to the
forward
very teeth of a volley of arrows and
the
in
bullets that
front, spurring his steed recklessly
was directed
But as he neared the
at him.
ramparts a shot struck his horse in the abdomen causing
it,
with a scream of agony, to rear
legs
and throw
its
rider
up on
its
hind
off the saddle.
At
itself
backwards
the instant, the gate of the castle was flung
a number
of
men
compassed by the
The
rushed out.
foe
thought
his
warrior en-
fallen
end had come, when
a giant clad in black armour and mounted on
like leaves before the
a
With
rescue.
he cut and hewed right and
strokes
enemy
dashed to the
horse
chestnut
and
open,
left,
great
mighty
scattering the
Some
wind of autumn.
fell
dead beneath the hoofs of his horse, others took to their
and regained the
heels
Gonshiro
fugitives,
his
raise
did
but
not
chief.
himself
trouble
leaping
Nishimura
shelter of the walls.
from
Ujisato
his
was
hastened
charger
but
the
follow
to
to
wounded,
slightly
and with Gonshiro's help was able to mount the
latter's
horse.
"A
thousand
gathering
this time
you
up the
thanks,
reins.
my
gallant
" But
have been a dead man.
have saved
my
life
this
for
I
fellow,"
you
I
said,
should by
never forget
shall
day, and
he
it
will
be
my
OF A DAIMIO
great pleasure after the
some
in
war
to
my
express
gratitude
tangible form."
The example of Gonshiro's
new
put
145
spirit
into
heroic
men,
Ujisato's
deed seemed to
and with greater
determination and bravery they stormed the castle.
a result
in
obliged to surrender,
and before many days had elapsed
Kyushiu had submitted to Hideyoshi's
all
When
on
all
As
the course of a few hours the garrison was
rule.
was restored Hideyoshi bestowed rewards
quiet
the daimios
who had fought
for him,
and Ujisato
was promoted to the Governorship of Matsuzaka Castle
in the
province of Ise with an annual income of 300,000
kokit of rice.
All in their turns, and according to their degrees, Ujisato
rewarded
those
shiro
who
any of
life
gifts
;
who had
given
Gon-
leadership.
considered he had done a greater deed than
the. others, seeing that
special favour.
he had saved
At
first
his master's
own, naturally expected to receive
But greatly to
chagrin no acknowledgment was made.
the reason
distinguished
others had their stipends raised.
his
at the risk of his
some
vassals
Some were
under
themselves
handsome
of his
his
surprise
What
and
could be
?
he
felt
no
little
resentment and brooded over
THE WRESTLING
146
But
this neglect.
for
little
he
gain,
though he
after
felt
still
a time, being a
the
let
fade
affair
man who
from
when he happened
sore
cared
mind
his
to think
of it
Meanwhile the summer had come and gone, and now
the
1
The
5th of September was here.
year on which the atmosphere in Japan
moon
lucent and the
The
cups
the
aid
number of
from
muse.
fickle
"
gave a
Ujisato
poetic turn
sake
scene, the while they sip
to
most
is
the
trans-
sit
up
into the
composing verses on the beauty of the
hours
small
all
shines with the greatest brilliancy.
when men of a
night
night of
On
delicate
porcelain
this night therefore
moon-viewing party," inviting a large
his retainers to a
banquet
in
the
main
hall
of his castle.
The witching
old
pile
liquid
tall
the
the
;
gold
grasses.
calm
different
tiny
the
The
ripples
moon wrapt
on the moat
sliding screens
among
and impressed the
sturdy
warriors
inured
and the
din of battle.
was that charmed by the
began to compose verses
the
had been removed and
of bloodshed
the
the stern
glistened like
crickets shrilled musically
beauty without softened
of
hearts
;
light of the full
loveliness
to
so
scenes
Now
it
around them many
in adoration of the scene,
and
OF A DAIMIO
were among the
Ujisato's
of which
sake
their heads,
they
and
by
spoke
"
Nor was
difficulty.
above a
little
fierce
boasting
my
friends,"
up
the
talk turned
face of danger
the host,
Lord
cups and
lost
to
!
break
heart.
Ujisato himself,
it
was thus he
The mere mention
attacked
yet
could
and he
portunity the
the
makes
it
days
make no headway.
You
castle
final effort I
alone, in the face of the
I
the
missiles.
under him.
A
bullet
rode
enemy
struck
Seizing the op-
enemy poured out and surrounded me
nine or ten deep
here
fell
of
at
three
the
rouse you to a
the gate alone
horse
Do you remember
of Ganshaku
Castle
We
To
"
he began.
amid a perfect hailstorm of
my
The
elevated.
went to
some of
that
the
of the
assault
blood boil
without a
men
sparingly,
himself in
in his
beginning of this year?
my
a time the
:
IJsten,
the
little
after
war and one and another recounted deeds of
prowess performed
and
not
not surprising
would-be poets became a
to tales of
But
best.
partook,
is
it
147
I
determined to
narrator
sell
my
life
dear
"
paused to wipe his face from
which the perspiration was streaming from the energy
with
which he spoke.
forward his face eager
Gonshiro's heart leapt, he bent
now,
at last his lord
was about
THE WRESTLING
148
reward
to
before
"
To
his patient waiting
and acknowledge
men.
all
my
sell
"
ing eyes.
life
So
dear," repeated Ujisato with gleam-
fought as
I
put to
Some
horse and
rode into the castle before the
close the gates against me.
you were
on
my
cut down, others
I
succeeded in remounting
finally I
flight,
had never done before
I
with the courage of despair.
I
his service
by
inspired
all
you
heels,
my
Seeing
my
spirit,
my
enemy could
intrepid
action
and following closely
did your best and the fortress was
taken."
Thus did
Ujisato
omit
overlook his gallant
deed.
more than the
" Gonshiro
all
This
faithful retainer
begs
mention of Gonshiro and
permission
base
ingratitude
could bear
to
was
!
speak a word, your
lordship," he said brusquely.
"
"
now
By
all
means," assented Ujisato.
Forgive
is
"
What
is it ?
me, your lordship, but what you said just
hardly correct."
You
"What!
"
"
imply
Yes, your lordship.
into
the
fell
from
castle unaided.
your
enemy's men
I
horse
I
spoke an untruth!"
You
talk as if
That
and
is
were
you had ridden
not true.
When you
surrounded
hastened to your rescue and
it
by
the
was
my
OF A DAIMIO
horse on which
ly help
I
assisted
you were enabled
you
149
to mount.
By my
to ride into the castle.
timeIt
is
but bare justice that you should amend your statement
and
acknowledge
you were saved from
that
certain
death by Gonshiro, your lordship."
This bold
Many
guests.
the
speech
of those
of the
truth
caused no
rough
present
stir
little
amongst the
could bear witness to
soldier's words.
They waited
with bated breath for what would follow.
Ujisato
was moved
to
make a
frank avowal.
It
had
long been in his mind to requite Gonshiro's great service
by a suitable reward, and it was his intention to appoint
him governor of the castle of Tage which was a small
fortress attached to the large castle of
he himself resided.
site
strong
and stood
such a situation that
if
it
Matsuzaka where
But Tage Castle occupied a naturally
were taken by
in relation to
if
the greater castle in
a rebellion broke out
in
importance,
the
loyalty
therefore,
that
hands of an absolutely
the cautious
of
Ujisato
Gonshiro
it,
or
an enemy, the safety of Matsu-
zaka would be immediately threatened.
first
in
wished
and to
to
it
It
should
was of the
be
placed
trustworthy man, and
be quite
test
him
to
sure
of the
the
utmost
THE WRESTLING
150
him
before putting
and
"
I
How
"
Gonshiro
thundered the daimio, keeping
!
have no recollection of being saved
my
Strange,
A
lord
have been dead by now.
have done and
after the
want no reward
nor
that
way
for
"It
"
"
!
Liar
my
I
is
it
service.
did
war
a
is
lie
!
You
the truth
You
are
drunk
;
I
should
never forget what you
unbearable
you a reward.'
your
you should
that
an undoubted
is
life
did save
fact,
my
Ganshaku."
life."
"
you
!
you do not know what you
I repeat,
!
the winds.
Ingrate and liar!
A
"
lie
!
are
"
you did not save my life
Gonshird's blood was up.
He threw discretion
"
my
and thus opened the
castle of
did not save
I
!
you
a plain soldier with neither
It
save
for
will give
I
our troops to take the
It is
saying.
!
at the time were,
But
!
shall
I
am
I
but
child
thus ignore
lord,
longer.
by you or by
Your words
!
thousand thanks, Gonshiro
wife
little
else."
"
I
play a
to
dare you say such a thing of your lord
any one
'
importance
responsibility.
Silence,
up the part he had decided
"
much
a position of so
in
I
did save your
"
life!
to
OF A DAIMIO
frowned darkly and seemed about to have
Ujisato
the
151
daring
offender
parently changing
as he
punished
deserved, but ap-
he laughed good-humouredly
his mind,
and,
" Ixx>k
here,
he
Gonshiro,"
you saved me;
I
deny
At
it.
"
said,
settle the
question once for
you
bout,
wrestling
admit that you saved
will
On
can be
If
me
as
you
all
am
I
aver,
own
opinion.
us
have a
let
beaten
I
will
and prostrating
for
what
have
I
I
said.
be as great an humiliation as removing one's
helmet on
will
I.
humbly beg your pardon
That
foe.
and
his
that
you with both hands on the ground
myself before
will
insist
this rate there
no end of the matter for each holds to
But to
you
the
of battle and surrendering to the
field
should
the other hand,
be branded as a
liar
Will you wrestle with
you be thrown you
and ordered to commit seppuku.
me on
those conditions
One whispered
The
guests were amazed.
What a proposal "
"
"
?
"
to another.
"
!
Monstrously unfair
"
One
contestant
!
risks
his
life,
"
apology
!
"
What
"
Gonshiro
are the chances
is
"
?
the better man."
the
other
a
mere
THE WRESTLING
152
"
There
I
skill.
I disagree
his lordship will win."
wager
" Gonshiro
our lord has the greater
with you
never
will
are too unequal
such conditions
accept
they
"
!
While these whispers were going round Gonshiro' with
head bent took an
up, stern defiance in his eye.
"
" I take
lord," he said,
My
accept
your
Good
Your
A
At
!
my
cause
will wrestle
Prepare
am
space was cleared
Then
clothing.
!
I
am
a
Strong
with you."
!
ready."
in the centre of the hall whilst
the two champions divested themselves of
equally
I
"
once.
lordship, I
I
looked
up your challenge
conditions unfair though they be.
of
in the truth
"
he
and as such shrink from no danger.
samurai
"
Then
instant's thought.
all
unnecessary
the struggle began, and being well-nigh
matched
for
some
time
advantage over his opponent.
At
neither
last,
gained
any
however, with a
loud shout Gonshiro managed to twist his body, and by
a
movement
dexterous
shoulders,
to
raised
his
adversary
throw him by a supreme
effort
to the mats at a distance of eight or nine
swooned,
all
rushed
feet.
on
his
down on
Ujisato
and great was the consternation with which
to
his
assistance.
Restoratives
were
ad-
THE WRESTLING
152
"
There
disagree with
I
our lord has the greater
you
I wager his lordship will win."
" Gonshiro will never
accept such conditions
skill.
they
"
are too unequal
!
While these whispers were going round Gonshiro' with
head bent took an
up, stern defiance in his eye.
"
" I take
lord," he said,
My
accept
your conditions
of
nsTnro
hi
my
m
Jhrew
"
Your
A
unfair
fc
cause
I
I
am
a
Strong
with you."
am
ready."
in the centre of the hall whilst
the two champions divested themselves of
all
unnecessary
the struggle began, and being well-nigh
matched
equally
be.
though they
I
!
effoown
space was cleared
clothing.
looked
up your challenge
will wrestle
. s
lordship, I
Then
he
such shrink from no danger.
samurai and as
in. the. truth
Then
instant's thought.
for
some
time
advantage over his opponent.
At
neither
last,
gained
any
however, with a
loud shout Gonshiro managed to twist his body, and by
a
shoulders,
to the
to
mats
swooned,
all
movement
dexterous
rushed
raised
his
adversary
throw him by a supreme
at a distance
effort
of eight or nine
feet.
on
his
down on
Ujisato
and great was the consternation with which
to
his
assistance.
Restoratives
were
ad-
OF A DAIMIO
ministered and to the relief of the
soon
The
returned.
leaning on the
The
private apartments.
company consciousness
was
combatant
defeated
arm of an
153
able,
attendant, to retire to his
own
banquet, of course, was aban-
doned, most of the guests returning home.
Gonshiro
left
the castle in great dejection and exasperation.
"
What a fool my lord has shown himself," were his
" I
could never have conceived
thoughts.
will
remain
no longer.'
in his service
A
place alone that the sun shines.'
can
find
and seek
a
billet
It is
man
Heigh
anywhere.
it
of
ho
with some other daimio
service
can respect more than
Having made up
can
I
mind
his
Lord
my
it
I
not on this
my
I
prowess
will
go
some one
I
Ujisato."
did not take Gonshiro
At midnight he
long to get ready.
!
of him.
stole secretly
away
intending never to return.
The next morning
all
the samurai
ance at the castle to enquire after
lord
quite
all
that
but Gonshiro.
is,
recovered
made
the
their appear-
health
of their
The daimio who had
himself noticed his absence and calling
Gamo Gonzaemon,
one of
his karo,
or chief councillors,
he asked what had become of him.
"
I
beg to inform, your lordship," replied the karo,
" I
have just heard a report that he has not been seen
THE WRESTLING
154
morning and
this
in
it
is
of the
consequence
surmised that he has run away
unfortunate
occurrence
of
last
evening."
"
that
If
is
sorry.
I did
and
my
if
words have
and when he
him
Tell
reward
zaemon
So
I
for
;
exclaimed Ujisato,
but dissimulate
much
be
shall
true,"
lost
me
I
am
indeed
test his fidelity,
a good
retainer
I
Order a search to be made
grieved.
is
order to
in
"
found bring him instantly before me.
did but jest and that he shall have a liberal
Go
the service he did me.
he cannot have gone
at once,
Gon-
far.''
the missing samurai was sought for in every likely
and unlikely place, but without success.
seen or heard of
An
emaciated,
him
for
scabbards,
long day.
shabbily dressed ronin* carrying two
swords with worn and
and
many a
Nothing was
having
ragged
on
hilt-strings
his
dusty
feet
and
rusty
well-worn
straw sandals, walked up, with the swagger peculiar to
his caste, to the front
door of Gonzaemon's residence.
"Insolent fellow!" cried the attendant whose business
it
was
*
A
to answer the door.
samurai
who had renounced
" This
his clan
is
not the place
for
and become a wanderer.
OF A DAIMIO
If
you.
you would ask alms go
"I am no beggar
"
I
stranger proudly.
to
am
to the back."
for alms," replied the
crave
one Nishimura Gonshiro,
Lord
three years ago in the service of
come
his
to speak a
honour of
my
vainly
usher
mon
"
left
To
the
he was admitted into the
guest,
After a cordial greeting Genzae-
have you been getting along since you
us so suddenly, Gonshiro
your
badly,
"
?
honour.
They say
servant never serves two masters,' but
will
You
see, I
became a ronin.
more honourable
another.
I
of the
disgust
:
And how
different.
Kindly inform
with disdain on the dirty and travel-
guest chamber.
" But
But
I
my
'
a
faithful
case has been
lord and of
my own
forsook
my
Hoping
to enter the service of a
chief I travelled
from one province to
was always unfortunate.
Those
would have chosen to serve would have none
a deserter from another clan
accepted
After
me were
long
have
delighted to hear of the return of the
sought absentee.
who looked
asked
till
visit."
worn appearance of the
inner
I
Ujisato.
word with your master.
Gonzaemon was
long
155
and
;
those
who would have
not good enough to suit
bitter
experiences
I
whom
of me
my
taste.
have come to the
THE WRESTLING
156
conclusion that there
ance
my
as
former
come back
to see
in the past
and
do not expect
grateful
if
overlook
will
satisfied if
You have done
regretted his foolish jest
Of
I
get
you
return.
Wait here and
to
me
will let
wait
come back," answered
our
say,
lord
and has caused
He
refresh
be
shall
Will you be so kind
has
strict
be made to discover your whereabouts and
to
course, I
"
right to
"Sooth
kindly.
he
have
I
bad conduct
former pay.
my
as a humble attendant.
me ?
my
re-enter his ranks.
to receive
as to intercede for
karo,
he
allegi-
So
Lord Gamo.
master,
me
let
no daimio so worthy of
and more than
upon him
"
is
will rejoice to
yourself while
I
greatly
search to
if
hear
the
possible
my
news.
go and
tell
him."
Gonzaemon
told Gonshiro that his lordship
come back and
" Excuse
the
hard,
desired to see
my
mentioning
" but
stained.
May
apparel
"
ship?
"
before
On
He
did not keep his visitor waiting long.
was pleased that he had
him
at once.
such a thing,"
continued
your garments are worn and
I
not accomodate
travel-
you with a change of
you present yourself before
no account," returned the samurai.
his
"
lord-
You
are
OF A DAIMIO
but
kind,
very
my
condition will give
I
go as
to
lord
some
My
am.
I
and
castle
waited
Lord Game's
"
so
presence.
"
Gonshiro
Ah,
!
to
glad
mightily
see
I
running away.
my
words
different in aspect
an ante-room
in
he
you
again.
went up to the
summoned
"
genially.
You were
me
Gonshiro humbly.
express
serve
my
you
I
take your
will
hope you
as faithfully as before."
"
I
have no words
sense of your clemency.
to the uttermost of
my
I
ness this reconciliation
daimio
ordered
a
of the
occas'on,
and
all
Ujisato
between
feast
to
presently,
became very merry.
began,
as
chief
be
It
will
Gonshird,
when
and
wrestled
henceforth
to
prepared
over
the
in
wit-
The
vassal.
honour
good
cheer,
was not long before
on a former occasion, to
I
which to
delighted
boastfully of his exploits and his prowess
"
lordship,"
in
ability."
The good-natured Gonzaemon was
they
am
too hasty
Your kind words overwhelm me, your
said
I
to
was but teasing you and you took
in bitter earnest.
old place and serve
"
"
!
till
out
called
shabby
idea of the hardships
have undergone as a ronin"
" As
you please, my independent fellow
The two men
in
me
allow
157
talk rather
on the
field.
with you that time,
we
THE WRESTLING
158
remember,
all
he
cated,"
was beaten because
I
" Since
said.
improved and
before.
On
greatly
reduced
your former
much
has
health
many
hardships have
you and you are a mere shadow of
Should we try a bout now, you would
self.
all."
might have been thought that learning wisdom
It
from
bitter
sense
Gonshiro
experience
would have had the
agree with his lord's words, and to have said
to
That
is
very
fluke that I
your
true,
won
chance now."
before
But
;
was but by a
It
lordship.
should have not the slightest
I
he was, he forgot
foolish fellow that
on
everything but the supposed aspersion
and
"
he
intoxi-
heavier and stronger than
the other hand, your
have no chance at
"
my
then
am much
I
was half
I
which he could not allow
skill
am
I
said
and
bluntly,
my
muscles were hardened
in
me, but
men
very thin as your lordship truly
" but
strength
to pass unchallenged.
strength
is
observes,"
unabated.
It is
that a samurai should be stronger than his chief.
fitting
My
his
friendly
I
contests
in
many
a
they are like wires.
could not be thrown though
of your
weight
of battle
field
should set upon
five
me
Excuse
nay ten
at the
same
time."
"
What, braggart
!
You
still
boast of your strength
!
OF A DAIMIO
Well,
with
if
159
you are so sure of yourself you
me
wrestle
shall
again."
" With
pleasure, your lordship
"
said the undaunted
!
samurai.
" Get
ready
" I
am
With
"
!
ready, your lordship."
these
words the two men rose and prepared
Gonzaemon wondered
for the struggle.
For years
tion.
cost
him a
Ujisato had regretted the act that had
faithful
retainer.
For years Gonshiro had
wandered a ronin, homeless,
Chief and
well,
going
this
happy
vassal
and often without food.
had become reconciled and
when, for the sake of a
state
at their infatua-
little
all
was
paltry pride,
of things was again endangered and a
permanent estrangement might be the
to remonstrate but neither
would
result.
listen.
do was to advise Gonshiro, by dumb
himself to be beaten
;
All
He
strove
he could
signs, to allow
and Gonshiro coming too
late to
a better understanding of his rash conduct answered
" I will."
the same manner,
Satisfied that
offered
in his
he had averted a catastrophe,
to act as umpire, standing
hand.
in
the karo
up with an open
fan
After the preliminary moves the combatants
grappled, and a hard tussel
it
was.
Gonshiro honestly
THE WRESTLING
160
intended to
"
master have the
But," thought he,
ning.
my
too easily
cannot
let his
lord
will
would make out."
" If
thought,
I
if
satisfaction
let
of win-
myself be thrown
something
suspect
him think me
let
"
besides
;
I
quite such a weakling as he
to
Warming
the
he
fight
again
allow myself to be beaten, having strength
I
to win, I should be a contemptible creature selling himfor
self
disgraces
man
cannot
costs
of
his
A
place
much
a samurai so
and
as to
good name
pretend
above
is
Hereupon he braced
all
his feet
my
my
lives
best at
all
lord again."
and bent
body, and
his
with a loud shout shouldered his opponent,
and threw
three mats off just as he had done before.
The umpire never doubting
his
A
'
material rewards.
must do
I
defeat.
and come what may, throw
him down
Nothing
pay.
be a flatterer.
but one generation, but a good name
lives for
forever.'
I
sake
the
counsel
and that
forward, exclaiming
my
He had no
time
was again the
had followed
was he who was thrown, ran
:
" Well
done,
his mistake.
it
that Gonshiro
lord
to
What was
I
!
never saw a better throw
"
!
say more before he found out
his
dismay to
victor and that
it
was
Gonshiro
find that
his lord
who had
thus a second time suffered a humiliating defeat.
It
was
OF A DAIMIO
too exasperating
Now
The same
!
that his excitement
161
story over again.
had cooled down somewhat,
Gonshird was covered with shame and
at
mortification
what he had done.
rose without assistance and stamping his foot
Ujisato
as
though
" Fool
Gonshird
rage stalked off to an inner apartment.
"
that I am, I have done it again
cried
in
!
in despair.
my own
of
determination,
hand and forgetting
able
and
act
offence
I
" In
spite of
my
a second time.
to
beg you
do
I will
me
the
vanity got
committed
all else I
in spite
your advice,
this
upper
unpardon-
disembowel myself
the honour to witness the
"
!
So saying
he had
into his
unhappy man took up the short sword
the
"
ran
forward just
in
time
to
arrest
arm.
Hold, hold
too impetuous.
true
it
body, when the sliding door was hastily pushed
open and Ujisato
his
and was on the point of plunging
aside
laid
samurai
Gonshiro," he cried.
!
I
do not blame you
spirit
the
same
spirit
"
You
are always
for this
that
in
it
is
spite
the
of
want, of hunger and rags, disdains to flatter for the sake
of gain.
My
might have
brave fellow,
been
that
the
I
honour you
for this
hardships of the
last
!
It
three
1
THE WRESTLING
62
years had changed your character
have
and
been
to
willing
so I feigned
more
a boastful spirit that once
and thus
to fight
You
the test nobly.
a
You
_cost.
samurai
I
me
appoint
you
be
I
to the
!
the
In
You have
of
of
recognition
As
you a
Castle of
further stipened
of
1,000
I
three
have
At
ago
years
is
your
this
you
at
all
your
stood
such
that
shall
Ganshaku
Tage with a
me
do otherwise
koku
sustained at
yet
a
signal
a reward for throwing
acknowledgment of the defeat
Here
and
might challenge you
full.
pattern
you Governor of the
favour
drunkenness
to-day in the face of every temptation to
give
my
at the storming of the Castle of
stipend of 10,000 koku.
I
for
disdained to flatter even
indeed
are
should
service to
test
your honour
sell
wordly prosperity
you might now
that
;
and
in
your hands
another 1,000-
writ of appointment."
unexpected
magnanimity on the part of
lord even Gonshird, hardened warrior
his
though he was,
could not restrain his tears.
In
the
Lord
Ujisato
years
Gamo,
following,
faithfully
Gonshir5 served
and
with
devotion.
his chief,
When
was poisoned through the wiles of an adversary
OF A DAIMIO
his loyal vassal killed
his dearly loved
himself in
master to Hades.
order
163
to
accompany
THE STORY OF RIMURA
SHIGENARI
THE STORY OF KIMURA SHIGENARI
i.
IN
Keicho
of
the eighteenth year
tomi Hideyoshi had been
his
son,
1613) Toyo-
(A.D.
dead fourteen years and
now two and twenty should have
Hideyori,
been ruling over Japan as Regent
But
in his stead.
his
adherents had sustained a crushing defeat at the hands
of the
troops
of
his
and the
battle of Sekigahara,
from him.
to
lyeyasu,
A
and
was
he
ship of state.
On
with
and
the
Castle
in
of Osaka,
enormous
had turned
in
his
in
still
the
favour of
steered the
Hideyori 's star had
He was now
merely the Lord of
comparatively
of
title
"
by
were
the
his father,
still,
small
provinces,
Minister of the
stronghold,
built
cost, there
he
reality
by
Shogun
hand
Kawachi,
honorary
Nevertheless,
appointed
the other
fast declining.
Settsu
tide of fortune
few years later he abdicated
son Hidetada, though
been
lyeyasu, at the
All the daimios had given in their allegiance
Emperor.
his
Tokugawa
rival,
it
is
"
Right."
"
impregnable
Hideyoshi, at an
said,
some 100,000
THE STORY OF
168
men, among
whom
were
many
such as Katagiri Katsumoto,
brave and loyal officers
Sanada Yukimura, Suzu-
kida Hayato and Kimura Shigenari, the
last
whom
of
is
the hero of this story.
A
few powerful daimios, remembering with gratitude
the great favours they had received from
secret
for
adhered to the cause of his son and watched
still
an opportunity to strike for the restoration of the
Toyotomis'
power
accustomed
keen
and
insight,
was the
of
state
families,
and
again at
any moment.
Shigenari
Hideyori
as
it
was
now
felt
affairs
that
twenty
the
perceived
settle
with
his
situation
and
lyeyasu,
prestige.
determined by one stroke to
This
Hideyoshi, in
matters once for
all.
between the two great
hostilities
years
of
might break out
age
had
served
page and attendant since
his
childhood.
and loyalty, above
his
prowess
His intelligence
arms and knowledge of
tactics
all,
in
had just led Hideyori's
Prime Councillor, Katagiri Katsumoto, to promote him
over the
heads
of
the army, with the
some older men
title
to a high rank in
of Nagato-no-Kami, or I^ord of
Nagato province, and an annual allowance of 7,000 koku
KIMURA SHIGENARI
of
Mano
rice.
one
Yorikane,
generals, admiring
of
169
veteran
Hideyori's
courage and sterling character,
his
gave tangible proof of his admiration by bestowing
Aoyagi, on him
and accomplished daughter,
beautiful
his
for a wife.
With
all his
manly
was
Shigenari
attributes
exceptionally
and physical strength,
a
of
handsome,
and possessed of a gentle graceful manner.
build,
was
first
glance
the
beholder,
reason
inclined
it
those
opportunity
to
his
not
his
of
the
strength
regard
and
his
his
ability.
who
warriors
witness
to
behind
his merits.
back
his
He
is
as
skill
had
a
Among
called
For
this
not
had
were
soldier
sudden promotion with wonder
"Shigenari
effeminate
show cowardice and
At
beauty and refinement that struck
and some suspicion, one or two even going so
say
slender
fly
is
and gentle
from
the
far as to
above
esteemed
;
in
war he
sounds of
will
strife."
the backbiters was a cliabozu or "tea-priest"*
Yamazoe
drunkard.
Ryokwan,
Possessing
a
undoubted
notorious
skill
and great muscular strength, he was apt
bully
and
in
military arts
to
be boastful
;
and the idea seized him to pick a quarrel with Shigenari
*
A
samurai of lower rank whose business it was to serve his lord
and who was often master of the tea ceremonies. He had his
head shaven like a priest hence the name " tea-priest."
with
tea,
THE STORY OF
I/O
provoke a contest between them and
and thereby to
humiliate the courtly hero.
With
this
a screen
behind
the
chamber,
sword
over
in his
"
Kimura
way
suddenly
thrust
The
surprised
warrior
sheathed
his
leapt lightly
Dono,
you
as he
it
out of ambush.
too
go
"
fast
he
!
shouted
Shigenari turned back.
Excuse
" Your
my
rudeness," he said courteously.
apology
too
is
late
came
It
!
after
only
demand."
my
"
Forgive
my
such haste that
"
own
You
speak
fault,
double
and your
like
a fool
soul,
inferior
If
you are
in
is
speak
it.
I
late
rank,
his
may
am
yet I also
You
soul.
insult is
it
am
;
why
is
your
my
a samurai
!
have trodden on
inexcusable
should
!
a tea-priest
challenge you to a duel
wildly
in
"
tread on
It is true that I
and such an
malice you did
"
You
!
was
I
Excuse me
and do you think you
samurai's sword
my
Yamazoe,
rudeness,
did not consider.
I
sword with impunity?
A
to the audience
tea-priest
way.
himself
hurriedly
passed
Shigenari
Ryokwan sprang
angrily.
"
;
hid
but the skirt of his fiakama touched
it,
did so.
and as
matted corridor on his
the
along
Ryokwan one day
object
I
Out of
!
"
!
bear
malice
KIMURA SHIGENARI
"
towards you, or wish to insult you
" Then
tread on
did
why
"I have already explained
my
to present myself to
"
will
"
"
Then allow me
?
my
you
because
;
"
sword
?
am
I
in haste
lord."
do
to
171
you what
to
I
choose and
I
accept your apology."
By
I
means
all
take
will
do to me as you wish."
;
that
Shigenari's cheek with
Shigenari smiled.
" Thank
for
you
went on
his
"
!
all
and
he
blow
a
struck
at
the force of his bafe hand.
your chastisement
"
!
he
said,
and
way.
Ryokwan now
arrogantly about the castle,
strutted
giving every one he met a highly-coloured account of
what had
and
occurred,
livered samurai."
calling
in
terms, in consequence of which
real
knowledge
the
believed
tale
pusillanimity.
not
let it
Not
so
his
of
and
the
him
at
still
white-
knew
more exaggerated
many samurai who had
young
laughed
Shigenari
disturb
" a
Those who were jealous of Shigenari's
promotion repeated the story
no
Shigenari
to
all
officer's
character
scorn his supposed
about
this,
but did
all.
father-in-law,
Yorikane.
Being
fiery-
tempered and extremely punctilious concerning points
THE STORY OF
1/2
of honour, he no sooner heard of the incident than he
hurried
to
and
residence
Shigenari's
demanded
to
see him.
"Welcome,
composedly.
"
Sit down
me
call
Pray
No,
?
I
'father.'
must divorce
" This
'is
my
sit
I
the
said
father-in-law,"
"
man
young
down."
cannot
sit
down, and never again
come
have
to
tell
that
you
you
daughter at once."
sudden
very
What
!
reason can you give
"
for
your strange request ?
" Fool that
I
livered samurai
"
Ha
"
was to give
You
feign
why men
call
your cheek be struck
or
two ago and he
from
recollect
"
Well,
!
you a coward.
let
passed
your
Listen
"
!
It
!
is
said
you
you
that low tea-priest a
by
mind
me
then, I will tell
lives to tell
still
soon
so
the tale
Ah,
?
I
day
Has it
!
see
you
"
it
!
Surely, I
remember
that
with his hand, but what of
"
!
use such a term of
ignorance
a white-
to
daughter
"
such as you
Do you
!
my
What
of
it ?
What
of
Ryokwan
struck
my
cheek
"
it
!
it ?
Can a samurai
a deadly insult like that and suffer
it
receive
to pass unnoticed
!
KIMURA SHIGENARI
Coward
the
"
How
!
instance
first
Ryokan put
came you
touched
it
sword
his
my
he meant to
in
my way
lord
the
;
a
pick
argue with
a
listen.
him
had been
"
before.
There
lord.
respective standing
Ryokwan
"
You
have
"
How ?
matter.
it
I
waste
as he wished.
in-
account than he
in close
and
attendance on
comparison as to your
him on the
killed
totally inexplicable
father,
!
when you say
should
I
him."
There
Where
I
case.
"
is
is
can
be
no
two
opinions
your sense of honour?
no more words on you.
at once.
any
Yorikane, more
you should have
are mistaken,
killed
evident
is
a mere tea-priest,
is
can be no
Your conduct
spot.
It
in
me
Shigenari's
you are a samurai of high rank
our
insisted
Deeming
strike
!
that he heard
man
bully, to end the matter as
That is the whole afiair."
" Indolent coward " exclaimed
now
in
my hakama
of
the
me
quarrel with
speedily as possible, I let
censed
hem
and by design.
it
apologised, but he refused to
of time to
it
was hurry-
as I
as I passed over but
had trodden on
that I
permit him to do
to
"
?
ing to the presence of
just
173
am ashamed
Let
my
on
I will
the
waste
daughter return home
to be called
your
father-in-law."
THE STORY OF
174
"
Calm
Do you
moment.
and
father,
yourself,
imagine
insolent behaviour because I
"
What
"Then
is
not
else
can
own
his
was
afraid of
Ryokwan's
"
him
?
?
between
relations
hostilities
a
samurai's
our
Judging
and the
clan
"
break out at any time
may
life
brow clouded and he sighed deeply
Yes, war may break out at any moment now, and on
here
"
overlooked
belongs to his liege lord.
it
from the strained
Tokugawas
I
Recollect, father, that a
listen.
but
for
"
think
I
me
hear
Shigenari's
;
the result hangs the future destiny of our lord and his
clan.
my
It is
strength and
part
ability to requite
many and
of the
one of
us,
And
the cause.
If I
had
I
not one
killed
Though
a samurai
;
his
rank
is
in
human
form,
is
I
have received
my
blood dear
bounden duty of every
Our
lives
have never
can be spared except for
out of resentment
what good would
inferior
and as a samurai
been passed over unnoticed.
sell
Ryokwan
for a purely personal insult
done?
shall
alike.
my
be but the thousandth
it
favours
this is the
high and low
been more precious
if
great
from our gracious master.
for his cause.
utmost of
intention to fight to the
to mine,
his death could
Besides,
but an insect in
he
it
have
is
still
not have
Ryokwan, though
my
estimation.
It
KIMURA SHIGENARI
would be derogatory
in
for a samurai to unsheathe his
anger against a mere insect!
"
"
Enough, enough
"
kane.
haste misjudged
my
you
;
sword
"
Therefore
interposed the impulsive Yori-
!
understand
I
175
you are
right
and
I
my
in
Forgive me, and forget
entirely.
thoughtless words."
Shigenari smiled, well pleased at the reconciliation.
"
We
"
man.
are
am
I
samurai.
"
You
father
"
filth
To
tell
a
me,"
Ryokwan
compare him
added
he
an insect
;
would
any such
fly
a
as
is
"
answered Shigenari.
a
consider he
insect
do you
?
an
but a
feelings,
fly
he
or
feels
and
is
it
low.
insect.
impolite
man one
A
is
fly
anger
on
alights
makes no
it
good and bad, high
Ryokwan
chuckle.
"
fly,"
call
a
with
what
to
or on an Emperor's crown
between
you are a true
proud of the connection
But,
call
and son again," went on the older
distinction
But
no
one
on
Looking
and
disgust
;
unreasonable to have
beneath
them.
Therefore
I
take no notice of anything he can do or say."
"
you are
you
I
!
say, the
behoves
all
What
a noble-minded
man
admire your wisdom and forbearance.
As
Well argued, Shigenari
war cloud
is
!
fast
loyal samurai to be
darkening over us and
on
their
it
guard and not
THE STORY OF
176
waste
their
Again
ask
I
conduct.
you
on
energies
your
petty
for
pardon
Though younger
older
are
than
I
in
quarrels of their own.
in
your
misconstruing
dear
years,
Shigenari,
judgment and forethought.
Though old I am still as rash and impetuous as a boy."
More than satisfied with the explanation he had
received,
Yorikane returned home, and thenceforth did
his best to clear
cowardice.
real
in
motive
what
He
spoke
in his
light
son-in-law
his
in
glowing terms
behaviour to the
he regarded him.
quick to change
;
from the imputation of
of Shigenari's
tea-priest,
and told
Public opinion
is
ever
and those who had scoffed were soon
loud in praise of Shigenari's self-repression and loyalty.
Ryokwan, on the other hand, was
universally
"
at and nicknamed the
Fly-priest."
As
laughed
a natural con-
sequence, instead of repenting of his misdeed, Ryokwan's
envy and hatred of
ever on the watch
his superior increased,
for a
There was a large bath-room
used in
common by
all.
It
the
Ryokwan happened
bath-room,
spite.
in the castle
was usual
on night duty to bathe several
evening
and he was
chance to vent his
at the
for
same
which was
the samurai
time.
One
to see Shigenari going into
and thinking the time
to
satisfy
grudge had come, he followed him unobserved.
his
The
KIMURA SHIGENARI
room was misty with
the dense
hot water, and four or
five
vapour
the tea-priest approached, and mustering
struck, his head a
in the
to be Shigenari
all his
strength,
The naked man sprang
heavy blow.
water, and seizing
out of the
from the
rising
samurai were already
Taking one of them
large square bath.
177
Ryokwan by
the collar
threw him on the floor where he returned the blow he
had received with compound
"
interest.
teach you to strike a defenceless
"
he roared. " Do you know
provocation
I will
!
Suzukida Hayato
who
seeing
it
astonishment
man
Prepare for instant death
!
without
who
am ?
I
"
Then
!
was he was belabouring, he exclaimed
in
:
"
Why, it's Rydkwan, the contemptible Fly-priest
What is your object in striking my head as you did ?
!
You
will
find
though you are only a
that
cannot insult Suzukida with impunity
fly
you
"
!
Frightened almost out of his wits at the mention of
the
name Suzukida,
muscular strength,
a mistake.
life,
I
should never
was intended
blow
I
renowned
far
and wide
Ry5kwan stammered
humbly beg your pardon, Suzukida Sama
for his
" I
that of a hero
for
"
implore you
!
think
Kimura
out:
it
was
of striking you,
the
Spare
my
Shigenari.
;
THE STORY OF
178
But
speech only incensed Suzukida
this
"What?"
benefactor
With
man who
conduct
my
for
him?
to
Kimura.
friend
Kyokwan's
been that some one
your
Die
caught
will deal
I
Miscreant,
"
a
!
his iron
raised
hand before
the
and
fist
come had
hour had
last
strike
you
generously pardoned your
these words Suzukida
assuredly
Mad
"Would
cried.
the
?
outrageous
blow
he
further.
still
not
it
it
fell.
with rage Suzukida struggled to free himself but
he was held as
vice.
Twisting round he
his surprise that his captor
was none other than
in vain
saw to
in a
Shigenari himself.
" Excuse
doubt
it
my
is
as
Suzukida
rudeness,
the
coward says
me, a circumstance for which
It
natural
is
you
strike
spot.
He
is
fist
you
my enemy may
;
his chastisement to
me ?
am
I
I
Without
he mistook you
extremely
an
resent such
you should
him with your
Dono.
will
insult,
sorry.
but
if
him on the
kill
request
for
you
to leave
"
" Of
course," replied Suzukida with a laugh and nod
"
of assent as Shigenari released him.
deal with
grows
him as you think
more
arrogant
best.
and
I
It
am
behaves
is
for
you
to
told the fellow
with
increasing
KIMURA SHIGENARI
rudeness to our comrades every day.
179
I trust
will
you
see that he has cause to repent."
As
Suzukida had
soon as
left
the room, Shigenari
Ryokwan to get up, and very kindly
him to his own chamber where he attended
helped
bruises with great
recovered
somewhat,
remonstrant
"
How
of your
When
solicitude.
the
Shigenari
foolish
should
use
should
exert
it
his
is
of you,
and
in
to
Ryokwan,
be so proud
behave
to
consequence
yourself
waste
fights.
It
was fortunate
You have
skill
I
life
spared
time of need.
and
the
in
imminent the
why
day
;
use
is
it
you
that
you
quarrels
and
it
was
been some one
paid for
of arms
now
;
of every samurai
I
else
with your
it
superior muscular
that
that
regrettable
causeless
in
for
had
undoubtedly have
the instant.
It
your powers
insulted the other
You
the benefit of His
for
solely
so
A samurai
for his lord's service only.
gifts
Lord Hideyori.
should
little
had
him, gently
arrogantly to your comrades and superiors.
would
his
:
strength
Highness
to
tea-priest
to
said
assisted
is
you
you
on
life
power and no
that
war
precious
;
is
that
so
is
live
to serve in
But you did not understand
my motive
How un-
you
sought occasion
to
you might
insult
me
again.
i
THE STORY OF
So
discriminating
If
!
had not interceded
I
now you would have
of Suzukida Dono.
dishonour
mistakes
pardon
your
refuse.
Will
If
you repent your
Suzukida Dono
and
rudeness,
I
all
your energies
best for our lord and his cause,
this
am
to overlook
he
sure
will
past
and
not
you not amend your conduct and from
henceforth direct
To
just
not a purposeless death like that
Is
ask
will
I
you
died a useless death at the hands
samurai?
a
for
for
to
doing your very
Ryokwan ?
"
long speech delivered with a winning earnest-
ness
that
with
bent
stole
down
pierced
him
head and
to the heart,
averted
A
eyes.
rough cheeks
his
;
Ry5kwan
listened
few hot tears
he brushed them away
with his sleeve before he answered in a broken voice.
"
Every word you have uttered has cut me
heart,
Kimura Sama," he
whelms me.
now
and
I
see
I
how
am
was not
in the
might commit seppuku
my
as
life
would be
in
we
me
it
is
kindness over-
to
acted.
way you
in
it
is
atonement
!
Oh, that
But
the duty of us
our lord's cause
die
in
my
earnest desire that
I
perceive your noble
to take
opposition to your kind instruction
you have pointed out
till
Your
to the
ashamed of myself, and
deeply
blind I
unselfish motives
said.
"
If
you
all
you can
will
take
:
to live
forgive
me
for
KIMURA SHIGENARI
your own
you
retainer.
not deny
will
gladly
at the success of his remontrancc,
do
to
agreed
as
exchanged vows as master and
asked.
Ryokwan
Lord Hideyori, they
Having obtained permission from
brawling,
entreat
I
am,
request."
Touched and pleased
Shigenari
I
Unworthy though
my
181
retainer
;
and thus the
overbearing drunkard of a tea-priest became
a changed man, and
with
of a strong
the strength
all
nature devoted himself to the service of the master he
adored.
II.
The year
following
events
the
strained relations between the rivals, the
the
narrated,
just
Toyotomis and
Tokugawas snapped, and as had been foreseen war was
declared.
The Ex-Shogun lyeyasu and the reigning
Shogun Hidetada with an army of 200,000 men
lay
siege to the Castle of
did
not
venture
troops,
on
as
Osaka, though
very
close
quarters.
yet they
The
besieged
though outnumbered by the enemy, were well
commanded by numerous
themselves
with
engagements
lyeyasu's
stratagems,
courage
which
men,
veteran generals and defended
and
took
ensnared
suffered
severe
skill.
several
without
place
with
In
artfully
defeat.
the
small
castle,
constructed
Above
all
they
1
THE STORY OF
82
sustained signal reverses at the hands of Shigenari
manoeuvered
and
adroitly
with
bravely
fought
who
his
company.
The
little
held
garrison
months and
several
lasted
siege
enemy at bay. With each
The shrewd lyeyasu, seeing
the
success their spirits rose.
the impossibility of taking the stronghold
hopeless of starving
it
deemed
out,
about
own
their
the
through
Most of
would be the best
present
almost
dictated
trust to the
situation
Hideyori's
favourable
and
Yodogimi who had great
persuaded to that
favourites
necessitated
by
effect
such
the
to
by her
proposal
of the
the
acceptance
;
but
Madame
mother
licentious
all
act
fatal
the
of their
triumph
influence over her
the
he
Hideyori.
considering
a
beautiful
the siege, threw
on
seemed,
it
peace
the
who were weary
authority
Furthermore,
to
opposed
infamous
as
and Shigenari,
Staff,
most cunningly,
Sanada Yukimura, Chief
his generals, including
emphatically
maternal
Therefore,
mediation
Emperor's
General
the
downfall.
nay,
proposed,
less
and
and arrogance of the opposing faction to bring
pride
side,
it
force
by
some way, and
policy to patch up peace in
of
the brave
still
son, being
and thoughtconfinement
weight of her
of the
coming from
the
terms.
highest
KIMURA SHIGENARI
quarter could hardly be slighted
183
therefore the defenders
;
were almost without option compelled to agree to the
which
humiliating terms proposed,
should
outer moat of
the
destroy
were
cede
should
to
show
while lyeyasu, in
him the provinces
to
Hideyori
castle
'his
the sincerity of his peaceful intentions
return,
tliat
of
Kii and
Yamato.
A
day was appointed
treaty
;
and Shigenari was nominated
had
lyeyasu
guarded
and
;
before
all
entrance
the
to
daimios
defeats
were
who
only
vengeance
his
camp
much
felt
too
on
his
to
strictly
glad
the
possible.
at their frequent
chagrin
have
to
the
witness
most trusted generals
envoys as much as
to humiliate the expected
officers
for vice-envoy.
assembled
ceremony, he secretly instructed
These
for
envoy
a view to displaying his authority
with
the
signing of the
special
Shumenosuke
the occasion, with Kori
.wreck
formal
for the
enemy by
opportunity to
affronting
their
representatives.
Shigenari
escorted
their
by
and Shumenosuke arrived on horseback,
a
little
band of some eighty men.
appearance before the
sentinels
one
camp
of
after the other called
Todo Takatora,
out
:
On
the
1
THE STORY OF
84
"
Halt, sirs
As
!
His Highness's camp
is
so near
you
must dismount."
Shumenosuke hurriedly pulled up and was about
get off his horse
gesture,
We
men
in front.
He
:
are
No
Right.
code of etiquette
dismount before his equal
We
stopped him with a
haughtily at the
Kimura Shigenari and Kori Shumenosuke,
Lord Toyotomi, Minister of
representatives ot
the
the
'but his superior
and looked
cried loudly
"
;
to
in
requires anyone to
You
rank.
are
insolent
!
proceed."
Then Shigenari rode calmly forward followed by
his
suite.
When
the
envoys came to
sentinels likewise
Giving
the
demanded
same
reply
General
li's
camp
his
that they should dismount.
as
before,
Shigenari,
dis-
regarding their attempts to stop him, put spurs to his
horse and rode on.
At
camp of Lord Echigo more strenuous efforts
were made to force the strangers to proceed on foot.
In
the
great
wrath
Shigenari
protested
against
such
un-
warranted discourtesy.
"
"
What mean you by such conduct ?
Judging
from
our
reception
I
"
conclude
he
it
cried.
is
the
KIMURA SHIGENARI
lyeyasu to disregard the Imperial mandate
intention of
make
to
We
185
Well, then,
peace.
will return at
is
it
once to the
useless to
castle
we have
lord the shameful treatment
further.
go
and report to our
received
"
!
So saying he turned his horse and was about to go
back, when Lord Echigo's men seeing, they had gone
too far, apologised profusely and begged him to pass
on
to
At
his mission.
fulfil
length
envoys came to the entrance of the
the
building where they were to meet the great Ex-Shogun.
Here they dismounted and carrying
about
to
enter
crying :
" Your
when two
ushers
weapons must be
left
swords
their
them,
intercepted
without
were
"
!
In no wise discomposed Shigenari said sternly
"
It is a rule with a samurai never to leave
:
sword behind when he goes
his
an enemy's camp, on
into
any pretext whatever."
This being an indisputable
no
but led
more,
spacious
apartment
ceremony.
A
their places
on two
ci
imposed
and
large
fact,
them armed
the ushers could say
as
they
were
which had been prepared
to the
for the
number of daimios already occupied
sides of the
dignified,
room.
Shigenari
With a manner
strode
into
the
1
THE STORY OF
86
in
assembly
cast
no wit daunted by the many
and took
upon him,
directed
the
in
centre,
dais prepared for
the
at a short
facing
looks
which he was
to
seat
hostile
distance the
when he should make
lyeyasu
his
appearance.
Shumenosuke
chief,
and took
Two
closely followed the deportment of his
his seat beside him.
of the Ceremonies informed them that
Masters
"
His Highness would be there presently.
And," they
added,
"as
august
presence you will kindly take them to the ante
is
it
disrespectful
chamber and leave them
"
"
Disrespectful
reverberated
a
carry swords
in
his
theie."
thundered
!
through
such
address
to
the
word.
in
Shigenari
'
hall.
Recollect
tones that
To whom do you
that we are
the
honourable representatives of the 'Minister of the Right
The
insolence
And
you
he
on your
is
disrespect
and
side
if
have to answer for
will
glared
so
fiercely
!
you repeat your
"
it
!
on the two
officials that
they withdrew in consternation.
In
a
short
made
attendants,
solemnity
rently,
time
took
and
lyeyasu,
his
his
accompanied
appearance
seat.
awed by
his
and
with
All the daimios
majestic
by
many
impressive
bowed
reve-
demeanor and the
KIMURA SHIGENARI
example of
Shumenosuke
others,
slightest
in
the same.
did
Shigenari deigned to give the great
187
But
but the
statesman
acknowledgment and calmly looked him
straight
the face.
"
I
am
mildly.
mission.
Thank
Your
Pardon
me,
" but
to-day I
on
Hitachi-no-suke
your
am
coming
am much
I
Shigenari," said
you,
for
you
father
mate friends and
"
see
to
glad
"
this
and
lyeyasu
important
were
I
inti-
indebted to him."
Highness,"
replied
Shigenari,
the messenger of the Minister of the
Right and private matters are out of place."
The
tactful lyeyasu,
not the slightest trace
though put
"
by an
wrong, showed
Producing a
of embarrassment.
document from a receptacle
Shigenari
in the
in his
hand, he passed
it
to
attendant and said quietly:
Kindly see that
this is correct, Shigenari."
Shigenari carefully read over the paper which ran as
follows
:
" In
compliance with an Imperial Edict,
Hideyori agree to
make
that Hideyori
up the outer moat of
fill
peace,
a token of his peaceful intentions.
concerned
who
first
on the
lyeyasu and
sole
condition
his castle as
Either of the parties
appeals to arms henceforth, shall
1
THE STORY OF
88
be guilty of disobeying the Imperial Mandate and
shall
be treated accordingly.
"
Keicho
As he
I2th month, 2/th day.'
19,
read Shigenari's face grew darker and darker,
came
and when he
and exclaimed indignantly
"
If
Are
terms
your
Prepare
!
attack
hand
in
old
the
both hands
resume
the Imperial com-
seemed as
it
statesman.
in
deprecation
Calm
yourself, I
me
The
crafty
from the
lyeyasu, alarmed, raised
and
bade
By
the
here
is
statesman
mistake
young man
case he held and handed
all
to
terms.
Old
have shown you
document
to Shigenari.
it
this
was an
two
back the other
in
his
side
documents
his
It
artifice,
Should the envoys accept the
the advantage was on
keep
I
another
produced
lyeyasu had caused to be prepared
different
"
hastily.
the right one."
hardly necessary to explain that
was
up and
present started
All
pray you," he said
forgetful.
wrong paper
which
he were about to
if
his seat.
age makes
is
?
!
sought to intercept the thrust.
the
Your Highness
of peace,
"
Sword
"
his feet
:
you have already disobeyed
so
mand
these
end he started to
the
to
first
in
in
intention
which were stated the
KIMURA SHIGENARI
real
astute
He now examined
him.
for
which read thus
new document
the
:
"
"Article
Shigenari had been too
of the treaty.
conditions
189
VOWS OF PAECE
In compliance with an Imperial
I.
vow
lyeyasu and Hideyori
Command,
make peace and
to
to enter into friendly relations.
" Article
Hideyori shall destroy the outer moat of
II.
his
and
Castle,
him the
to
provinces of Kii
cede
in return
shall
lyeyasu
and Yamato by
January next.
" Article
III.
Vows
Immediately on the signing of the
army and
of Peace, lyeyasu shall disband his
depart for Yamato.
"
Article IV.
Either
of the
parties
who
above vows and resorts to arms
guilty of disobedience
mand and
shall
the
to
violates the
shall
be found
Com-
Imperial
be punished by the gods.
" Keicho
19,
I2th month, 2/th day."
Shigenari read the paper carefully several times.
correct,
Your
your signature and
seal."
"This
is
lyeyasu
complied.
Highness.
The envoy
Be pleased
receiving
it
to put
back pu
THE STORY OF
190
a
into
it
made
bag
of rich brocade.
Then bowing
courteously, he said gravely though not without a touch
of sarcasm
"
I
beg
:
Then turning to
them also saying:
"
I
Your Highness."
to congratulate
the assembled daimios he
bowed
to
thank you for your attendance."
their
Receiving
made an
salutations
in
return,
he once more
obeisance to lyeyasu.
"Allow me
my
to take
leave,
Your Highness.
Fare-
Your Highness and your Excellencies."
With graceful courtesy he bowed once more and
well,
his
subordinate
the
left
All
audience-chamber.
with
were
constrained to admire his noble bearing and courage.
III.
Hideyori
moat which had
of Peace," and the outer
the
greatest
castle
was
lyeyasu
ing
element
filled
who had
his
part
provinces
in
Hence
the
in
his part of the "
observed
faithfully
in
up and
the
Vows
constituted
"
"
impregnability
of his
levelled with the ground.
But
never had the least intention of
fulfill-
of the
spite
of
spring
held
treaty
all
the
of the
back
the
stipulated
demands of Hideyori.
following year hostilities
KIMURA SHIGENARI
191
were resumed, and a great army commanded by lyeyasu
once more invested the Castle of Osaka.
The
weeks
made a stubborn
garrison
but
;
the
fortress
resistance
some
for
was now shorn of
its
main
and most unfortunately the discord between
protection,
Madame Yodogimi's
favourite
and the other
generals
assumed formidable dimensions.
In consequence,
the defenders were severely defeated in
more than one
officers
engagement, and their numbers were so greatly reduced
that
was impossible
it
for
them
to hold the castle
much
longer.
One
met Shigenari
Staff,
"
night Sanada Yukimura, the Chief of the General
It
not
is
"
gloomily.
of the
must
effect the
in the
of Lord
to
able
must go with our
of us
easily to get
with
the
have
fallen
idea
;
away
that
therefore
who resemble
the
and
we must
some
but
of our
in
to
clan.
order the
enemy must be deluded
Hideyori
us in
chief,
Shimazu.
do something
our losses and restore the power
more
us
escape of our lord out
province
Through him we may be
Some
he said
out,"
and convey him to a place of security
he can take refuge
retrieve
hold
to
us
for
possible
We
castle
in secret.
his bravest warriors
leave
degree.
substitutes
hehind
Their bodies will
THE STORY OF
192
be found, and
not try
if
the
we had
do you
;
find
necessary for these
but we must
all
we owe
which
must give way.
"
It
allegiance -all
Do you
And
my
substiis
it
to sacrifice their lives for ours,
act for the future
"
reflection.
have found
must regret that
I
good of the clan
I heartily
"
my
plan
approve
ot
?
after
Shigenari,
replied
to
considerations
personal
not approve of
an excellent idea,"
is
some
men
are dead and
most certainly would do
I
fled.
yours.
we
will think
to pursue us as they
they thought
tute
enemy
But
it.
if
every experienced general leaves the castle even though
substitutes are
the
truth.
left,
I at
lyeyasu and his
by another man
must remain.
rate
staff
only a short time ago
my
clad in
features
my
I
you and the other
life
they will
last.
I
leave
of the
clan
Therefore,
will stay alone
My
"
A
I
am
with
death and your
are equally necessary for the sake of our lord.
do not seek to dissuade me.
So
resolved."
noble resolve, my friend," said Yukimura
" Would that I could remain with
admiration.
with
you
I
generals.
the garrison and fight to the
;
and cannot be deceived
armour.
the escort of our lord and the restoration
to
was seen by
any
have forgotten
not
the shrewd lyeyasu will soon suspect
!
truly
I
am
reluctant to leave
you alone and we
shall
KIMURA SHIGENARI
your help, but
miss
be
far
thing
well-known
from
it
the
to
when they
find
me
that
must be
favourite of
you are a
your dead body on the
field
Your death
they
in this
be the means of restoring the power of the
will
tomis.
could
"
I
comrade
Then
that
line
the rest of
is
with
you
a few
After
men
find it in
my men
steal
way
Toyo-
envy you, good
and divert
I will
charge the
his attention while
out from the rear."
words of
to
retiring
his
"To-morrow our
will
effectually
such
armour
bring
To-morrow
settled.
affectionate farewell, the
room
spoke to his young wife
On
will
two
parted knowing they would never meet again.
On
that
my
heart to
it
When
;
!
enemy's
"
It
this
attendance on his person
in close
never suspect he has escaped.
"
do
are determined to
to dissuade you.
enemy
our lord and always
so
you
if
193
my
to
a
for a brief rest, Shigenari
in his
are going to
troops
of the
dispose
notable
usual cheerful manner.
occasion
lord graciously
"
gave
I
make a
sally
he
said.
enemy,"
wish
me
last
to
wear the
year
pray
;
me
his
wife
brought
it
he took the helmet
;
and
THE STORY OF
194
some very precious
burning
helmet so
the
held
Aoyagi,
solemn motive for
"
You
ment
is
:
this action, felt
Does not a
"
will
some
is
Why
take his
always
to-morrow.
fall
in
I
am
on the
long and
before
life
die
I
to-morrow's
the
am
I
?
have often
battle.
know
Do
the
why
think
I
heard that a
castle
to give
is
deter-
will
I
will
not
fall
up your
not seek to deceive
of a samurai.
daughter
?
hand
his
when he
you mean
sure
in
life
special reason
I
field.
do you ask
"
warrior burns incense into his helmet
mined to
he had some
that
"
to the field of battle
"Yes, but there
you
it.
her heart sink.
said Shigenari.
?
soldier
when he goes
into
my husband?"
not so,
it
Ranjatai,
to die fighting in to-morrow's engage-
intend
" Die
fighting
manner
his
called
smoke ascended
the
that
from
divining
incense
let
me.
you
die alone."
"
My
brave wife
my
!
Forgive
resolve.
I
my
hesitation in disclos-
forebore to take
ing
to
my
confidence fearing just this thing."
He
you
you
into
then gave his wife an account of his conversation
with Sanada Yukimura and of their decision.
"
Though
cluded.
"
I
Do
give
up
my
life
for
my
lord," he con-
not be so rash as to die with me.
It is
KIMURA SHIGENARI
wish
my
you should
that
and pray
live
Live for his
perity of our lord.
195
sake.
for the pros-
It
my
is
last
request."
"
Your wish
I
obey you.
is
my
know you
will die
leave undying fame behind
a glorious death and
you
!
As
ment.
and
which
tiny cups in
That ceremony over,
they drank to their long farewell.
herself
I will
"
Then Aoyagi brought sake and two
Aoyagi excused
"
law," answered his wife.
to
retired
own
her
apart-
she did not return, Shigenari, wondering at
her long absence, went to seek her
and to
;
horror
his
and amazement found that she had committed suicide
with a short sword that lay
A
lifeless
Husband,"
it
"
ran,
forgive
meant to obey you,
China,
but
my
dying before you.
cannot do
I
though a brave warrior overcome with grief
same weakness.
you
to
ing
you
those
will
better die
wait
men,
Not
but
for a
still
I
moment do
think that
have no further hope
now
for
at
going to
In our country Kiso Yoshinaka showed
his last battle.
the
Kd-u of
so.
parting with wife, hesitated shamefully before
to
body.
written paper explained her rash act.
"
I
the
beside
before
you
in
you
fight
Hades.
in this
your
Do
I
I,
compare
who
world,
los-
had
last fight
and go
best
against
your
THE STORY OF
196
the foe
We
!
then farewell
till
The morning
first
day of the
advanced
attack.
command
of
from the enemy's camp and
Shigenari
them
met
hundred cavalry, and a
month
fifth
in
the
(1615).
under the
force
large
World-
of the next day broke clear and cloud-
twentieth year of Keicho
A
in the Spirit
Aoyagi."
!
was the
It
less.
meet again
shall
fierce struggle
rushed to the
head
of
seven
took place.
With
the
at
Naotaka
li
the strength of desperation Shigenari's company, though
so inferior in numbers, beat back the foe.
But as one
was beaten, another and yet another dashed
regiment
forward
to
take
its
and
place,
it
was impossible that
the castle party could win in the end.
"
must cut our way into the main regiment,"
We
said
Shigenari
faithful
retainer
priest"
the
Then
little
a
Ryokwan
short
once
may
in Chief, the
space
to
his
as the
"
Tea-
breating
known
"If we can only manage
Commander
and we
the
during
enemy
to kill
will
li
Naotaka,
be disheartened
have some chance."
inspired
by
the
example of
their leader, the
band hurled themselves on the foe
;
and unable
KIMURA SHIGENARI
such fury,
to stand against
panies
back
fell
in
197
and
fourth
the
and
disorder,
com-
fifth
seemed that a
it
general rout would be the result.
li
alone stood his ground.
baton he roared
"
Cowards
Back, back, and the day
His
words took
maintained
rallied,
ours
is
instant
their
such
before
"
fly
a
handful
die
?
!
His
effect.
position
and
troops
flying
fought
bravely.
Seeing this, Shigenari smiled grimly to himself.
" Now is
my time to break through the lines,
and then
or
sai/tai
in stentorian tones:
Do you
!
Brandishing his
kill
I
i
"
!
Putting spurs to his horse he darted forward swift as
a flash
of lightning,
armour gleaming
his
helmet
brilliant
in the snn.
followed
Ryokwan
with his heavy iron rod, and the
and shining
of the
rest
band strove to keep up, cutting and hewing
through
again
ranks.
the
men
li's
So
violent
At
wavered.
Jurozaemon, a samurai
halbert
but
;
through
his
his horse.
Shigenari 's
soldiers
their
way
onset that
for
his
huge
strength,
at Shigenari with a great
spear
point
pierced
clean
fell
dead from
were panic-stricken
and none
breastplate of
li's
their
devoted
this critical juncture Seki
noted
suddenly appeared and struck
was
close
mail and he
I
THE STORY OF
98
ventured to oppose Shigenari
rush and
attacked
match
before
li
who
continued his onward
he
had time to escape.
must have
Being
no
had
not been for one Fujita Noto-no-Kami
it
his
to
for
his
assailant,
Furious at
rescue.
li
moment
in that
li
managed
who came
check Shigenari turned
this
throw him from the saddle with a
to
fallen
single thrust,
to escape.
Looking back, Shigenari could see but few of
men
wounded, and
he
that
had
all
nearly
;
faint
fallen
his
elevated ground.
the
melee.
Severely
Unnoticed
he
alighted
His approach was observed by
a low fellow belonging to
behind
the
horse and retired to a small grove on
from
some
spent
in
his
with loss of blood, Shigenari realised
do no more.
could
and
li's
Such was
trees.
camp who was
the
hiding
estimation in which
Shigenari was held that even in his weakness he inspired
The skulking coward did not dare to
him openly, but as the wounded hero lay gasp-
awe and
attack
ing
dread.
on the ground
aimed a blow
rustle
of
his
at his head.
approach
wretch made
off.
"Fellow,"
he
and take
my
stole
softly
Shigenari heard
and
turned,
Shigenari called
said,
head."
up behind him and
the
slight
whereupon
the
him back.
"whoever you
are,
come here
KIMURA SHIGENARI
But the man fearing some
"
Coward,"
cried
nothing
to
conjure
you not
it
to
fear
trick hesitated to obey.
Cut
from me.
to
I
"
warrior,"
dying
my
off
remove the helmet
I
your master, lyeyasu.
head as
my
the
199
am
you have
but
head,
till
you present
cut
impatient
off
bid you."
As he spoke
lifted
Shigenari
the lower plates of his
helmet and stretched out his neck for the blow.
a trance the
I
craven
from the body.
crept
As
in
up and severed the head
Then gaining courage he
raised the
dripping trophy high in the air and shouted at the top
of his voice
"
I,
:
Ando Chozaburo,
single-handed, have taken the
head
of Nagato-no-Kami Shigenari, the most renowned
"
warrior in the Osaka Army
!
The boast reached
blood
who was
still
the ears of a
man covered
in the thick of the fray.
with
It
was
Ryokwan.
"
My
killed
Lord, Nagato-no-Kami, was not the
by such a weaking
as his failing strength
as
Ando," he
would permit.
reason for allowing his head to be cut
that,
my
enemies."
man
to be
cried, as loudly
"
He
off.
had
some
Remember
THE STORY OF
200
With
he
that
stabbed
himself in
abdomen and
his
expired.
After
the
head of Shigenari, enclosed
the
battle
helmet, was taken to lyeyasu for inspection.
its
desire
hero, and
lyeyrsu had the helmet removed for
As
tion.
floated
The
this
that
day
to get the
verifica-
was done the sweet odour of incense
through the
old
all
had
It
head of the
been the
of
in
air.
statesman surveyed the noble features with
something of reverent admiration.
"Never was a more
than Nagato-no-Kami
I
had many
like
him
"
!
loyal
or
he said slowly.
castle
iest
the
on
8th,
the
all
sides,
struggles in the
of
the
Would
that
!
castle
once
besiegers
proved a
failure.
more attacked
the
and there ensued one of the bloodhistory
complete overthrow
destruction
"
"
The attempted escape from the
On May
courageous samurai
castle
of
of Japan.
It
resulted
in
Hideyori's faction and the
by
fire.
The
unlortunate
KIMURA SHIGENARI
nobleman,
his
mother and
perished in the flames.
all
the
maids
201
of
honour
HONEST HYUSUttE
HONEST KYUSUKE
had
mura
in
from
generation
the province of Kodzuke, whose family
to
generation
Among
honest.
he was very young, unlike other servants,
very hard and performed
observed
Gonzaemon,
him
as
all
under
eye of
the
look
and took a keen
master.
upon him as a
to his
room and
:
I
am
faithfully,
but
Kyusuke,
work
if
his
when no
interst in him.
One day he summoned Kyusuke
"
Though
he worked
his duties as well
began to
therefore,
great acquisition
said
to
on the recommendation of a peasant of
the same village as being exceedingly
one
large
them
Kyusuke who had been added
named
household
the
a
enjoyed
fortune, employed a number of servants.
was one
Tama-
the head-man of the village of
rjONZAEMON,
you would
I
leave
the evening and
go
fellow-servants.
If
to
pleased
to
think
off
I
see
that
working at an
bed
you always
should be more pleased
at the
you continue
earlier
same time
to
hour
as
in
your
be so much more
HONEST KYUSUKE
206
than
industrious
there
they
be complaints among
will
them."
"
My
"though
say that
do not
I
I
answered
master,"
good
to
like
the
before
regret to
I
disobey you,
can never get to sleep
man,
young
o'clock
nine
at night."
"
You
you can oblige me by remaining
hour
"
for getting
My
up
in the
good master,"
the
life
for
case,
of
me
bed
"
so
often,
again,
but mine
be frank with you
to
I
I
am
is
a
cannot for
stay abed after seven in the morning."
according to our old
that
counting time, nine at night was midnight, and
of
seven in the morning answered to 4 o'clock.
therefore, never slept
and
least
until the usual
Kyusuke
replied
Now, you must know,
way
in
but at
morning."
very sorry to displease you
hopeless
"
Gonzaemon,
said
me,"
surprise
more than four hours every
master on learning this
his
Kyusuke,
was surprised
night,
beyond
measure.
"What
seldom
lovers
notable
my
a
one
wonder you are!" he exclaimed.
finds
of work
!
exception
suggestion
in service
gentlemen
How
in
amiss
gratified
you.
;
it
I
I
trust
am
"It
is
such passionate
to find such a
you
was necessary
will
in
not take
order that
HONEST KYUSUKE
your fellow-servants should not
humbly beg your
kind
your
disobey
suffer in
consequence of
work."
zeal for
your
"I
207
forgiveness
the
said
orders,"
venturing to
for
man
young
respectfully.
" Don't
beg
my
" for
forgiveness," said his master,
me
by- so doing you put
After
waited
servant
resumed
"
Kyusuke,
You know
for
me
employ
rest,
I
profit.
Gonzaemon
have another suggestion to
I
offer
you are your own master while
that
I
do not wish you
to
in those hours, so if
you do not wish
to
your fellow-servants are
work
orders,
the
:
Well,
you.
further
for
silently
moments while
few
a
for
considering
an awkward position."
in
asleep.
that time in
will see that
making sandals
you
for
your own
are provided with plenty of
straw."
"
My
good master, you are very kind, but
right that a servant should use
is
not
in
work
for his
own
fear
it
his time
profit."
Thus Kyusuke once more
of his master.
any of
I
baffled the kind intentions
Gonzaemon was struck with
his faithful-
ness.
" If
you
persist in refusing all
my
proposals
I
shall
HONEST KYUSUKE
208
be
a loss what to do with
at
pleased to do as
I
request
Kyusuke could not
time for his
and
own
but
small
dealer in
regular
once."
to
use his spare
Henceforth the early morning
profit.
were devoted to
making warafi or straw
kitchen-ware
village,
income,
servant's diligence
every
thereby
making a
sen
which
of
out
the
further
in
money
amount by good
for
supplies.
his
charge
continually pressed
Gonzaemon,
so
as
to
increase the
that
some luck attached
to anything connected with the honest servant,
only
too
glad
likewise
In this he found no difficulty
interest.
had the idea
people
who
success of his plan, determined to lend
the
at
Soon the
industry by always asking for
"
in preference to any other.
ivaraji
Kyusuke
pleased
he
became known, and the country
This naturally pleased the dealer
Kyusuke
of
his
people encouraged
the "
for
task
which he sold to a
sandals,
the
the
intrusted to his kind master for safe keeping.
young
So be
his master's kindness so
refuse
evening hours
late
"
said.
this
you only
and he consented
offered,
delicately
he
you,"
itself
and were
be accommodated with loans out of
to
his savings.
Thus
away and Kyusuke was still
household of Gonzaemon. One day
eight years passed
a servant in
the
HONEST KYUSUKE
young man
the latter called the
addressed him as follows
"My
dear
as
elapsed
since
my
other
as
mitted
my
these
at a
moderate
the
I
years
rate,
capital
My
lend
Not
it
at
investment
and
it
is
all
out, or
A
hundred
'
really say
it
;
for
I
your
astonishing
now amounts
all this
should
deposits.
to
Behold
interest
Your
!
now
reach
Now, what do you
Kyusuke, quite taken aback
said
"
It is for
ryo /
how
find
you must be joking
you
Kyusuke.
one hundred ryo
"
'
?
it
in
to decide."
"
gasped
"
!
Will you continue to
would you prefer to dispose of
?
not
I
money?"
as I say.
is
to.
compound
such wealth,
some other way
"
earned.
have been lending out your money
good master,"
at the idea of
"
you
sum of one hundred ryo!
propose to do with
"
your wages
apart a certain amount
that
all
into
you have regularly com-
expenses
with interest and
savings
squandered
setting
profitable
All
have
years
proved but a poor banker, had
some
much your
never
;
care
have
certainly
sought
do
personal
to
Eight
says.
an
like
flies
was so fortunate as to take you
I
servants
small
for
indeed
time
proverb
You have
service.
apartment and
into his
:
Kyusuke,
the
arrow,
209
"
Did you
HONEST KYUSUKE
210
"
"
"
A
hundred ryo
unbelievable
It is
Your own
"
Gonzaemon.
with
!
''
replied his master smiling.
"
said Kyusuke.
!
is
industry
Now
me what you
tell
for
responsible
said
it,"
are going to do
it."
Kyusuke pondered long and
spoke.
" Kind
unpardonable
liberty,
money and
you would not think
if
master,
At
deeply.
much
should
I
pay a short
visit
to
it
taking an
take
to
like
my
length he
the
native place next
spring."
"
By
all
means
"
"
Gonzaemon.
said
Do you know
of a good investment in your native place
"
you
will
understand better
history.
you with
my
Ogita-mura
if I
Excuse the
affairs.
Kyuzaemon by name,
I
am
living
near Nanao,
in
tell
you a
liberty
parents
much
grief,
my
father
Before long
my
married a
of
my
the second son of a peasant,
in
the
village
of Shimo-
the province of Noto.
suddenly
never been heard of since.
little
take in troubling
I
elder brother, after leading a dissipated
and
" But
No," answered Kyusuke, readily enough now.
family
his
"
?
left
My mother
life
My
and causing
home and
has
died soon after*
widow with one daughter.
step-mother took
it
into
her
head
to
HONEST KYUSUKK
adopt a
son
marry her daughter and succeed
to
Me
father as head of the family.
vinced
I
me
treated
quently
211
she hated, and conse-
so unkindly, that
home and go
should leave
all
I
away.
At
since I
was so lucky as to become your servant
had
I
first
had nothing to complain
for
you
all
and
paused,
"
use of your
my
father
Kyusuke
filled
his
while
low,
tears
emotion he resumed
ryo
I
thank
gift
and
t
owe
you
to
entirely
?
That
with
this
of
money
it
I
a proper
shall return to
money buy him some
should
my
done
and established
no danger of extinction,
be
in
to
return
service
done
this
to
as
for
you and beg
my
I
Hav-
to
some small way of
me."
family so that
shall
offer
make
you
requiting
all
it
all
my
rice-
remain
still
step-sister
single I shall try to find her a suitable husband.
ing
have
I
your goodness
may make
I
eyes.
:
sum
the largest
for so I consider
In addition,
fields.
have
I
bowed
ever set eyes on,
I
but
Here
One hundred
how can
it,
your kindness to me."
his
Conquering
time of
cannot sufficiently thank
I
of.
hard
a
rather
that
parties
So one dayi
secretly came
right away.
a letter of apology behind me,
leaving
was soon con-
I
would be for the happiness of
it
my
will
haste
lifelong
you have
HONEST KYUSUKE
212
Gonzaemon was
"
greatly touched.
he said, " you are a noble fellow
Kyusuke,''
dutiful son as well as a faith'ful servant.
laudable
'
intention.
'
To your
home
old
return
in
says an old proverb, so Kyusuke, return in
splendour
splendour indeed
vide the clothes
I
!
you
will
make
it
my
and
shall wear,
the conversation ended and
business
to
pro-
I will also see that
you have suitable presents to take to
Thus
A
!
admire your
I
all
your
relations."
retired
Kyusuke
to
pursue his usual avocations.
Early
the
following
the necessary garments for
all
in order to
make
and presents
he pressed
for
for
a
Now,
this large
on
the
to
his visit
each member of his family.
on
and
his
five
wear
home,
Further,
journey,
ryo as
a
ten
sum
way
ryo
parting
for
gift.
travelling
Producing
:
dear Kyusuke, you had better not carry
my
exchange."
word, pre-
Kyusuke
good impression on
Kyusuke's own hundred ryo he said
"
his
upon Kyusuke's acceptance a short sword
protection
expenses,
of his servant's
spite
Gonzaemon, as good as
remonstrances,
pared
in
year,
;
in
I
cash for
advise
fear
you
you might get robbed
to
send
it
by
bill
of
HONEST KYUSUKE
"
is
of
good master,"
Indeed, no,
quite unnecessary
my
who would
;
" That
Kyusuke.
suspect that a fellow
had any money about him and attempt to
sort
me ?
rob
replied
213
be
will
It
bosom of
safe in the
quite
my
dress."
" But
you might lose
"
Gonzaemon.
it
You had
in
some other way,"
better
do
as
be too much on one's guard while
I
persisted
one cannot
say,
travelling."
Kyusuke laughed.
"
Do
"
As you
one thing
Kyusuke
please,
;
the
;
but at
least
"
said.
I
"
I
evening.
bear
will
certainly
follow
thousand
thanks
can never forget
With
Above
all
journey
mind
in
your
for
parted
what
it
a
travelling
affairs."
you
said
say,
and
Kyusuke.
most
"
your favours, kind master.
owe
sides
and the young man
But
A
I
to you."
words on both
homewards.
me
to
make
make a
never
advice,"
all
I
all
affectionate
master
listen
morning, and to put up early
companion, and do not speak of your
his
he
account,"
while on your journey always
rule to start late in the
in
my
be careful."
will
in
not be uneasy on
once
upon
dutiful son, too eager to set his eyes
Kyusuke and
set
the
out on his
road
the
once more on the
HONEST KYUSUKE
214
village of his forefathers,
from the
was,
it
earliest
that
indiscreet
hour of the day
when he was
Oiwake
in
his
in the darkness,
way
was
the
"
What
have
shall
been
too
the
in
and
So
night
neighbourhood of
I
do
"
?
I
five
of an extensive
habitation.
"
he asked himself.
Had
rash.
middle
human
trace of
long march of
after a
followed
advice I should not be in this plight.
I
late at
province of Shinano he one night lost
or six ri found himself in the
moor without a
till
to travel
enough
my
It is
fear I
I
master's
only what
deserve."
Plodding on Kyusuke was overjoyed after a time to
observe
a
glimmer of
in
light
the
heart at this sign of a dwelling of
weary steps toward
his
it,
distance.
some
Taking
kind, he bent
and by and by came
to a
tumble-down cottage which appeared to be the only
habitation for miles around.
Kyusuke went up
to the
door and called for admittance.
" Be
good enough to show favour to a stranger
am
very
have
me
lost
in
and
sorry
my
tell
to
disturb
you
way and cannot
me how
at this late
find the road.
!
I
hour, but
Please let
to get to the nearest inn."
The door opened and a woman appeared.
She was
about thirty and poorly dressed and her coiffure was of
HONEST KYUSUKE
a mean
style,
215
but there was something
her person
in
seemed to contradict the idea that her birth was as
that
low as her surroundings.
"
Come
am
"
in," she said.
of one of Shinano's
But you must not
stay.
I
you, for you stand in the middle
indeed sorry for
Whichever way you
many moors.
you come
to
Kyusuke being very tired requested the woman
give him a night's lodging, but she shook her head.
to
you must walk about
turn
five ri
before
another house."
"
Why
"
You
did
have told you
I
;
I lost
You
I
will
A
robber
"
alarmed.
"
my way
and
not want to stay when
learned
me
!
Kyusuke
Excuse me,
you
that this
I
thinking of his treasure was
must go on
How
can
I
sit
at once."
"
?
down
in
what
the residence of a highway-gentleman?
to say Good-night
Kyusuke was
stopped him.
light.
shelter for
a highwayman."
"
no means.
is
saw a
I
I tell
Will you not rest a few moments
"By
me
"
ask no more."
the house of a robber
"
?
cannot be so inhuman as to refuse
a few hours,
"
is
you come here
for
;
I
am much
going
at
I
have
Allow
obliged to you."
once but
the
woman
HONEST KYUSUKE
216
"
Good
I
traveller,
must
in
encompassed by danger
I
for
the
husband.
He
and
night
advice.
hide
will
Kyusuke deemed
you
the large
off
woman
the
it
are
After
all,
to remain
from
my
inspired con-
prudent to abide
bamboo
from both sun and
as a protection
is
you
not be back for some time yet."
will
Taking
to pursue
you
I
The manner and speech of
fidence, so
that
you
every direction.
think the safest course for
here
tell
by her
hat that he wore
he sat down on
rain,
the boarded floor of the kitchen glad to rest his weary
limbs at
supper
for
in haste, as
woman
The woman
last.
he
he feared the
with
ate
return
of
You would be
in great
The
do not mind a
little
discomfort.
husband goes
my
husband
in this
shed and
danger should
So keep yourself hidden
my
master.
:
discover you.
and
though
relish,
the
then led him to a wood-shed at the back of the
cottage and said
"
which
him,
hurriedly prepared a simple
As
out, I will let
soon as
it
is
day
you out and you
can continue your journey in safety."
Kyusuke thanked
ensconced himself
himself as
her
among
warmly,
and had not long
the piles of firewood,
making
comfortable as he could under the circurn-
'
ei
'firf
HONEST KYUSUKE
216
"
Good
I
traveller,
must
in
encompassed t/ danger
I
every direction.
think the safest course for
for
the
husband.
He
here
and
night
that
you
tell
I
you
will
to pursue
hide
you
advice.
Kyusuke deemed
the large
off
Taking
are
After
all,
to remain
from
my
not be back for some time yet."
will
The manner and speech of the woman
fidence, so
is
you
it
inspired con-
prudent to abide by her
bamboo
hat that he wore
as a protecti<Wh<&PHit b^pfb^tm and rain, he sat
down on
the boarded floor of the kitchen glad to rest his weary
limbs at
supper
for
in haste, as
woman
The woman
last.
he
he feared the
ate
return
with
of
You would be
in great
The
do not mind a
little
discomfort.
husband goes
my
husband
in this
shed and
danger should
So keep yourself hidden
my
master.
:
discover you.
and
though
relish,
the
then led him to a wood-shed at the back of the
cottage and said
"
which
him,
hurriedly prepared a simple
As
out, I will let
soon as
it
is
day
you out and you
can continue your journey in safety."
Kyusuke thanked her warmly, and had not long
ensconced himself
among
the piles of firewood,
himself as comfortable as he
making
could under the circura-
*
HONEST KYUSUKE
stances,
when he heard a sound
217
that caused his heart to
leap into his mouth.
"
"
"
have returned."
O-Nami,
I
Oh,
you
is
How
it
cold
at last
is
it
?
"
welcomed the
Confound those
!
blow down from Mt. Asama
"
"
Yes
Whose
hat
is
it ?
is
that
"
?
What hat?"
"Hat?
"
Come, no equivocations
the floor, and
don't
the house
There
!
you know whose
it
is
is.
a strange hat on
Out with
it
!
I
have acquired of
underhand
this
like
way you
You are concealing someone
hiding things from me.
"
!
"
what
;
winds that
killing
"
O-Nami
!
wife.
in
"
!
Indeed,
no
!
Why
should
I
want to conceal any-
one."
"
Then how
want
me
bamboo
did this
to believe that the
the only building to check
"
Come, woman, speak up
hat get here
wind blew
its
it
in,
Do you
?
as ours
course for miles around
!
There was the sound of quick movement, and a cry
"Mercy, mercy
"
"
Come, speak up or you
are a dead
woman
"
!
is
?
HONEST KYUSUKE
2i8
his
in
Kyusuke,
the
in
hiding
could
wood-shed,
imagine the scene.
"This
such a fool as
woman
life
place
door.
To
peeped
his
this sight
The woman
The
of her
threats
out of his hiding
found the
he
Kyusuke
Sir, sir, all the
"Who
the
through
cautiously
horror
mingled with the
a
crack
her long hair with one
forgetting his
money
is
I
in the
man was dragging
he repeatedly struck her with the
hand, while
!
be
cost the
may
It
!
stole
Kyusuke
round the room by
wife
you
hat
woman and
poor
husband.
and
"
my
I
!
of the
enraged
At
forget
noise in the cottage increased,
shrieks
his
to
could
"
her
The
"How
terrible!" he thought.
is
own
have about
not to blame,
other.
fears burst in.
me
I
will give
spare her
"
!
spoke?"
infuriated
man checked
his
wrath for a moment
|
to stare in astonishment at the unexpected apparition.
Taking
produced
the
his
money
and the
"
advantage
little
of
the
lull,
Kyusuke
quickly
hundred ryo along with what remained of
his
master
had given him
for the
journey
gift.
Here, good
sir,
take
all
I
have no more
and do
HONEST KYUSUKK
219
not punish your wife for a kind action.
I
am
only
to
blame."
The
he
whom
took no further notice of his wife
ruffian
sobbing on the'floor, but turned to take up with
left
hands the
greedy
rich
store
offered
by
the traveller.
Not content with money, however, he coolly demanded
the clothes he was wearing and possessed himself of
all
the
dagger
into
the bargain.
Poor Kyusuke
!
had gone
earnings of eight hard-working years
all
the
to
fill
the pockets of a villainous gentleman of the road.
" In
either
give
pity,
me back my
back or forward
"
Kyusuke.
myself from
nothing
of
in
this
naked
And my
dagger
gentlemen
such as you
which
be
to
I
clothes,
I
robbed
cannot go
state,"
need
it
now
!
defend
to
though
"
pleaded
he
I
have
added
ruefully.
"
Take
these," said the robber, throwing
garment and a
girdle,
both
much
him a wadded
the worse for wear.
"Thank you very much, but now my dagger
" That
I shall find
" But
without
on the way
"
What
it
I
"
useful myself."
shall
be at the mercy of any dog
"
a troublesome
fellow
you are
!
But no one
HONEST KYUSUKE
220
shall
say
Here, take
With
former
adding
"
this,
without
you
left
and begone
means of defence.
the
"
!
words the robber produced from a cup-
these
an
board
I
sword
old
luckless
doubtless
and handed
wayfarer
to
it
some
from
acquired
Kyusuke,
:
After
come
to a
north
and
house
go
broad road, follow
this
this
leaving
due time you
in
on
straight
always turning to the
Now
reach Oiwake.
will
you
till
go!"
"Again
my
Kyusuke bowing low;
best thanks," said
then turning to the poor woman he said softly
" I am
very sorry to have brought all this
:
trouble
upon you, forgive me."
"
did
No, no,
it
"
A
it
truce
Then,
to
change
my
mind about
mistress,
I
him, for
the rain which had
But the
to
way
;
be
you go."
letting
you," and
the torch held out
fates
no sooner had he
begun
robber
the
cried
farewell to
Kyusuke accepted
him and hastened away.
against
"
!
a torch to light your
is
and
master
with these words
still
blame but, indeed,
to
nonsense
this
" Here
off before I
to
who was
I
for the best."
impatiently.
"
was
seemed
set
come down
forth
in
to be
than
torrents
HONEST KYUSUKE
put out his light so that he was
But
this
misfortune
in
in
complete darkness.
saved
reality
221
his
life,
for the
robber had given Kyusuke a light for no other purpose
than that
it
would serve
own
his
as soon as
to shoot the traveller
which was
evil intent,
back was turned.
his
True, he might have despatched him before he
would have
cottage, but in that case his wife
and been troublesome
;
besides he hardly
Kyusuke and murder him
upon
ungrudgingly given up
just
interfered
liked to
turn
when he had
so
Wicked man though
he had.
all
the
left
he was he could not bring himself to such a dastardly
action
as
However, as soon as Kyusuke closed
that.
the door the robber,
weapon
in
hand,
softly
again and crept out, intending to take aim
that
Kyusuke
carried.
On
Kyusuke
arriving at
"
dog
!
to continue his
.
the light
had extinguished
he re-entered
way
his
unmolested.
Oiwake Kyusuke drew a long breath
and congratulated himself on
how narrow he
rain
heavy
the light; so muttering "lucky
leaving
it
But, alas for him, and fortunately
for his intended victim, the
home
by
opened
did not
his
realise.
narrow escape, though
There he gave up
his
cherished idea of visiting his old home, and determined
to
retrace
way
as
his steps to his master's
he had
now no money
house, begging his
to
pay
for even the
HONEST KYUSUKE
222
Gonzaemon
fare.
poorest
though, having heard the
he could not
"
Did
for the
resist
not warn you
I
as
money
But
happened.
it
details
saying
to despair.
way
work
?
you had drawn a
If
is
to
tried
disuse that
it
eye was
his
would never have
your
Rest for
to
loss of
life
a
as well.
not give
the
hilt
was frayed and coming
draw the blade but
stuck
it
to
off.
was so rusty with
fast in the sheath.
Bending over
it
caught by the decorative stud which he
brass.
for a dealer in old wares,
belonged
to
sword he had got from the robber.
requested his opinion as to
it
Do
the master happened
Thinking the weapon
might be of more value than appeared
of
your property,
few days and then set to
Kyusuke
was convinced was not of
sent
You
too late to talk of that now.
lost
up the old
The thread round
He
draft
again."
While speaking
take
of Kyusuke's adventure,
advised you this
I
kindly,
:
were lucky to escape with the
you might have
him very
received
one
its
at first sight,
Kichibei
merits,
of his friends
he
by name, and
pretending that
who wished
it
to dispose
to the best advantage.
The
dealer, with the skill acquired
by long
practice,
HONEST KYUSUKE
soon
withdrew the blade from
closely examining
"
The sword
rusty that
but
itself
for
is
after
:
The
one.
anything
and
sheath,
blade
certain
about
of solid
undoubtedly
is
so
it,
gold.
stud are of Goto's engraving, and the
being
am
I
its
time, said
valuable
cannot say
I
The pommel and
ryo.
a
is
some
for
ornamentation
the
guard
it
223
by Nobuie
worth
is
hundred and thirty ryo
give one
willing to
at least thirty-five
for the decorative parts alone."
These
words
Gonzaemon.
that he
He
sent
would consult
what he had
At
this
dumb
as
the
surpassed
quite
the
dealer
expectations
away on
of
the pretext
and then told Kyusuke
his friend,
said.
undreamt-of good luck Kyusuke was struck
he
well
might
be.
Gonzaemon,
however,
encouraged by Kichibei's opinion thought that a Yedo
expert might value the sword even more highly and be
more
able, as well as willing, to
A
rate.
could
blade
hardly
in
fail
so
to
elaborate
was
held, he decided. to
at a higher
and rich a mounting
prove a good one
something of the estimation
it
purchase
;
and knowing
which much workmanship
in
go up
to
Yedo
himself and do
the best he could for his faithful but simple servant.
In
Yedo he submitted
the
weapon
to the examination
HONEST KYUSUKE
224
of Honami,
the
who pronounced
sort,
connoisseur
ablest
blade
the
in
be the undoubted
to
work of Bizen Nagamitsu, one of the
of Masamune, although the
on
it
name of
matters of this
ten clever disciples
maker was not
the
Further, in proof of his belief he offered to
it.
for eight
hundred
an
ryo,
offer
buy
Gonzaemon was more
than glad to accept.
The
him to the
business that took
he hastened home with
concluded,
city so satisfactorily
all
speed and gave
Kyusuke an account of the
the astonished
transaction.
Laying the money before him he concluded with these
words
"
:
My
dear Kyusuke, see
honest always
!
Your
how advantageous
it
is
misfortune has proved a blessing
Heaven approving of your upright conduct
in disguise.
How
has been pleased to grant you this great favour.
grateful
we should be
but
despatch,
As soon
"
tion
But
sum
go home again with
my
take
I
far
advice and do not
Kyusuke recovered from
be
it
from
in
and spoke as follows
me
which
to
he
his surprise
good master, you overwhelm me with
have no words
all
in cash."
respectfully to his master,
My
!
as
Now
!
time
this
carry such a large
bowed
to be
to express
appropriate
my
all
:
obligafeelings.
this
large
HONEST KYUSUKE
sum.
hesitate to displease you,
I
do
ryo
consider
I
is
but only one hundred
for
mine,
225
I
the
left
robber's
house poorer by just that amount, and that sum
home by money order
send
was
shall
I
his
you
As
advise.
and
carry
it
all
The sword
to the robber.
that
good
me
to
fellow,"
shame
necessarily risk
my
!
at this dis-
conduct on the part of his servant.
interested
puts
"
would never do
Gonzaemon was struck with admiration
My
to
can not make myself rich at the expense
I
of a poor highwayman,
"
for the
you deduct the expenses of your journey
rest, after
Yedo,
as
shall
I
!
your
But
life
is
you
act so rashly
as
to
your honesty
not
will
you
purely
my
.affair
un-
As
such a purpose.
for
and you
But consider before
from your mind.
dismiss
it
surely
for
journey to Yedo, that
will
"
he said warmly,
put yourself again into
the
power of a desperate man."
But Kyusuke was obstinate as well as honest.
" Far
be
tt
from
me
to
go
wishes," he said, respectfully,
I
beg you
to cause
will
good
to let
you any
surely
turn.
not
me
have
my
"
in
opposition to your
but in
this
own way.
uneasiness, but villian
am
though he
harm a man who comes
There can be no danger."
thing only
I
to
loath
is
do him
he
a
HONEST KYUSUKE
226
knowing from
Gonzaemon,
that
experience
further
persuasions would be of no avail, reluctantly permitted
do as he proposed.
to
servant
his
hundred ryo to
which he put
time no
highwayman
which
in
in
a
little
bosom and once more
in his
package,
at
;
last,
however,
came
he
Kyusuke bowed, and
mistress.
hands on a
her
what
for
I
traveller, I
have come again
are
robbed
a
though / am
Please make all
I shall
!
second
sorry
be
time.
my
"
pay
man and
Indeed
my
I
still
polite
:
Nevertheless you
more grieved
Fortunately
husband
haste to retrace
Kyusuke's kind heart was
the sick
in
do not know how to apologise
you the other day.
did to
the
by
The woman was much
occasion.
surprised, but -controlling her emotion she said
good
door
the favours he received at her
for
former
of the
to the
response to his call was again opened
terms thanked
My
on
off
set
difficulty in finding the cottage
little
kind-hearted
"
up
Contrary to his former experience, he had
his travels.
this
order, he tied
by money
hundred ryo remaining
seven
the
father
his
After sending one
your
moved
is
for
sick
if
you
you,
in
bed.
steps."
with compassion for
his wife.
sympathise with you both.
respects to
him and
Allow me
inquire after his health."
to
HONEST KYUSUKE
"
No, no,
may be
sir
He
!
is
now but
suffering
his avarice
Should he again
excited at the sight of you.
demand
227
you have with you, you may again be
all
inconvenienced."
"
Be
on that score
quite easy
;
I
am
here to bring
him some money."
"
"
will
What do you mean? "
You are naturally surprised.
know.
I
must
see
me
in
him come
let
into the house.
way to an inner room where the
Making
was lying groaning, Kyusuke, saluting him in
his
manner, inquired
"
My
friend,
" This
are
you
?
treated
short time ago," explained the
woman,
traveller
husband did not recognize the
so
"Which one?"
asked the robbor, sourly.
do not know how
must
tell
a
visitor.
"
I
unkindly
seeing that her
to requite
you showed me the other day.
you what brings me here again."
the kindness
I
the usual
"
you
Sir, it is I.
man
sick
:
how
the
is
and you
your husband."
woman
Reluctantly the
Let
Thereupon Kyusuke proceeded
to inform
you
for
But now
the robber
of what had happened about the sword, and laying the
packet of
money by
the bed concluded as follows
:
HONEST KYUSUKE
228
"
From
the price paid for the sword I have deducted
one hundred ryo as
my
All
the
money
order.
and
is
it
taken the liberty to keep
my
for
take
Noto province, and then back
to
Kodzuke
Tamamura,
if
obliged
for
the
you
will kindly allow
remainder
you
Ah, how glad
all.
province,
am
I
my home
to
so
I
me
a
little
much
be
shall
more.
As
to appropriate
it
be relieved of the charge
to
money which has been a source
of this
in
master's house in
my
welcome
are
have
I
expenses.
travelling
me
have not quite enough to
I
me
have brought with
I
rest
my home by
to
package except a small sum
that
in
it
due, sending
of constant
anxiety ever since I set out on this journey."
The
sick
man appeared
be
to
much
impressed by the
After a pause he said
simple recital of Kyusuke's tale.
"
You say your home is in Noto from what part of
"
the province do you come ?
:
;
' '
I
was born
Kyusuke and
is
Ogita-mura near Nanao.
in
I
am
son
the
of a
name
My
peasant
called
Kyuzaemon."
"Was
How
"
"
the
your elder brother
do you know that
You may
face
to
well
tell
called
wonder.
you
I
Kyutaro?"
"
?
am
Kyusuke,
Kyutaro,
I
have hardly
fallen
as
you
HONEST KYUSUKK
229
see to the depths of degradation and misery."
"
"
elder brother, Kyutaro
My
"
!
With shame
I
say
yes."
it,
The two brothers embraced with
surprised
" Are
me,
I
beyond measure
did not guess
it,"
Kyusuke hastened
"
I
beg you
not knowing
trouble
my
you indeed
I
at the pathetic sight.
husband's brother
and she burst
not
will
who you
all
cry
into tears.
forgive
;
my
rudeness
were, and forgive also the
his misdeeds,
within reach,
abdomen.
last
now took
and planted
it
His wife and brother,
rash act, caught his hands.
"
Stop, what madness is this
My
Forgive
in
great
have occasioned you.''
thought of
"
?
to console her.
Kyutaro, whose conscience was at
lying
O-Nami was
tears.
"
!
smitten at the
a hunting knife
the
in
of his
side
too late to stop the
cried
Kuysuke.
husband, oh what have you done
"
!
exclaimed
the wife.
Kyutaro was almost beyond speaking.
voice he said painfully
"
Brother, wife, how
a
In
faint
:
suke,
when
I
recall
how
with remorse and shame.
can
I
vile I
continue to live
have been
When you
I
am
?
Kyu-
stricken
were here
last
I
HONEST KYUSUKE
230
dreaming you
were
my
O-Nami's remonstrances were of no
avail,
only
out
the
would have
brother
;
killed you,
providence saved you
your good fortune
gift
to
charcoal
leave this house proves a precious
to
you take
it
;
have
the trouble to
the disease from which I
am now
suffering
What you have
just told
filled
up
like the blessing of a
my
to
and join
die
my
that
for
dead
my
disturbs
the thought of O-Nami.
am
gone
Thus
is
determined
offer
me
moment,
It
at this last
unable
my
her
There
is
only
is
it
was her misfortune that she
to
I
Look
be kind to her, Kyusuke,
awakened conscience,
to
am
bad conduct.
pure and tender.
Kyutaro,
I
mother,
married such a wretched husband as
heart
of
holy priest to en-
path to the other world.
humble apologies
thing
my
measure
I
lighten
her
Instead of
the
!
serve
will
one
turned to
gave you to encourage
I
the punishment of Heaven.
me
all
come and give
Your
me. Kyusuke, how scrupulous you are
is honest and spotless as the snow
mine black
by
wickedness
is
the sword
have
!
nature
as
;
evil designs
putting
and brings you a large sum of money.
profitting
it
by miraculously
My
torch you carried.
you the sooner
little
bear
succeeded
in
I
have
after
been,
her
but
when
I
entreat you."
the
stings
of
an
disengaging himself
HONEST KYUSUKE
from
arms of
the
manly
wife
his
and brother and died a
death.
Kyusuke and O-Nami mingled
ifeless
but
body,
the
by
conquer
their
manner
departed
grief
evil
started for
far
to
fire
reaching
in the
it
O-
and the hair of the deceased.
Before
the
leaving
cottage
no one might ever use
that
home Kyusuke
for
it
all
ryo sent in advance had already
now added
also
told his old father, his
them so many years
since he left
to
it
all
the
produced the
that
before.
come
of the
mother,
now
sought
his
O-Nami
in
a
him
befallen
The hundred
to hand,
dead
and
he
his person.
Old
man.
the sad fate of his undutiful
but at the same time rejoiced
admirable
had
money he had on
hair
Kyuzaemon lamented over
so
to
strove
home, taking the money he
step-mother and her daughter,
son,
So they
purposes again.
On
He
was not to be
spirit
and buried the dead robber
Nami accompanied him.
set
tears over the
possible under the circumstances.
Kyusuke then
had brought so
they
their
lamentations.
their
recalled
best
231
in the possession
younger son as Kyusuke.
The
of
step-
repenting of her selfishness of former days,
forgiveness.
One and
her great misery.
It is
all
took
wonderful
pity
on
how one
HONEST KYUSUKE
232
man's goodness works upon the hearts of those about
him.
was the
It
should
succeed
name
but
;
couple
demise.
As
the
for
concern
being
she
cash
to
carry
soul
remaining
dead
her
ot
he
to build a hermitage
life
his
he
religious
sins.
order
in
This
to
the
is
After
to
his master's
recounting
his
as
home
moved
branch
families.
set the
of
sufficient
Kodzuke
and
adventures
all
to re-engage
he
him
Gonzaemon was both
actions
of
village
head-man
young man up
as one of
the good-natured
proposed to
in
The praiseworthy
and pleased.
so
before.
out
accept
had brought home a small sum
on the same terms
that
her
for
had done, Kyusuke begged Gonzaemon
Kyusuke
become
husband, her sole
undisturbed.
Kyusuke was happy
him back
province.
surprised
to
to
days
new
after his
settled his family affairs to the satisfaction of
concerned,
the
man
Nanao nunnery.
origin of the
all
her
might pass her
Having
of the old
heirs
the
that
prayer for the blotting out of his
was decided
that
husband,
arranged that his
and
O-Nami, she was determined
devote
services
It
get
be the
for
nun and
declined, and
a
Kyusuke
and carry on the family
father
his
he firmly
should
a
to
should
step-sister
desire of his relations that
Kyusuke's modesty
was by
no
HONEST KYUSUKE
means eager
was
I
to
accept
233
such an honour, but seeing
it
really the wish of his patron he at length yielded.
need
all his
not
tell
you how
duties that he
master's judgment.
As
to this day.
robber
brother
Daimio of
Awa
(a foundling
treasured
family.
it
might prove
His
for the
it
family
highly.
no
discredit
thrives
in
to
his
Tama-mura
sword which he got from
his
was purchased by Lord Matsudaira,
province.
blade)
industriously he attended to
in
He named
reference
It is still
to
it
its
"Sute-maru
history,
"
and
a valued heirloom in the
r
B-1--J3
ft
IE
-f-
-
Ep
m
45-
"
Jp
fif
it
*
w
+
Pp
m
y