Utsuho Monogatari Tale of The Cavern Hollow English Translation

The
Tale of the Cavern

(Utsuho Monogatari)
宇津保物語
浦城⼆郎訳
SHINOZAKI SHORIN
The Tale of the Cavern

(Utsuho Monogatari)
Translated with an Introduction
by
Ziro Uraki
SHINOZAKI SHORIN
1984 Tokyo
THE TALE OF THE CAVERN

(translated from宇津保物語)
English translation copyright ⓒ 1984 by Ziro Uraki
Printed in Tokyo, Japan.
All rights reserved
Fly leaf:
From the auther's introduction
About forty years ago, I began to study the Tale of the Cavern, and my intention
was to translate this novel into modern Japanese in order to have as many people
as possible know that this unique and wonderful novel ought to be regarded as
one of the monumental works in the literary history of Japan.
This time I have translated the Tale of the Cavern into English in order to inform
all those who take an interest in Japanese literature that this novel is the parent of
the Tale of Genji, which is now by no means unknown to the Europeans and
Americans who take an interest in Japanese affairs, and consequently the oldest
of the long novels not only in Japan but also in the world, and that it is quite
unique among novels in the sense that it deals with music as the principal theme.
P. I
INTRODUCTION
Since the ancient Japanese had no script of their own, they wrote down poetry
and history in two different ways; some wrote them in the Chinese language, and
others in the Japanese language, using the Chinese characters as phonetic signs.
About the year 900, in the Heian period of Japanese history, the aristocrats and
Buddhist priests invented the phonetic letters native to Japan, which are now
called "kana". The invention of this phonetic system made it possible to write
readily intelligible Japanese, and consequently allowed the composition of
Japanese language prose works.
The oldest of the Japanese language prose works is the Tale of the Bamboo
Cutter (Taketori Monogatari), which was probably written in the early tenth
century by a man of learning whose name is unknown. It is a fanciful love story
concerning a maiden named Kakuyahime, who, when still very young, was
discovered in a bamboo stalk by an old bamboo cutter.
Thereafter appeared a travelogue, the Tosa Diary (Tosa Nikki), which was
written in 935 by a famous poet, Ki no Tsurayuki.
In the late tenth century appeared the Tale of the Cavern (Utsuho Monogatari),
which is the oldest of the long novels in Japan, and also the parent of the Tale of
Genji (Genji Monogatari) written by Lady Murasaki in the early eleventh
century.
The prose works of the late tenth to early eleventh centuries also include the
court diaries such as the Gossamer Years*
*Translated by Edward G. Seidensticker.
P. II
INTRODUCTION
(Kagerō Nikki), the Izumi Shikibu Diary, the Murasaki Shikibu Diary and the
Pillow Book (Makura no Sōshi), all of them being written by women of the
upper class. The splendid flowering of feminine literary talent is one of the
characteristics of Heian literature.
The Tale of the Cavern is a very long novel, running to twenty chapters. The
author is probably a man, but his name is not known for certain, though some
people presume him to be Minamoto no Shitagō (911-983), one of the famous
scholars at that time. It is a novel of music and love, in other words, a beautiful
brocade woven with the warp of string music and the woof of the love affairs of
the Heian nobles.
The outline of the main theme of the novel is as follows: A youth named
Toshikage was sent to China, but the ship was driven by a tempest to Persia.
There he learned the secrets of the koto* from the sons of a heavenly lady. He
returned to Japan after twenty-three years, carrying a dozen fine kotos with him.
The secrets of the koto were later transmitted to his only daughter. After
Toshikage's death, she became poor, and lived alone. One night she received a
call from the son of the Prime Minister, and consequently she came to bear him a
son. Several years after she and her son, for various reasons, concealed
themselves in the cavern in the deep mountain, where she taught her son how to
play the koto. —The title of this novel was derived from this "cavern (Utsuho)".
— The son made rapid progress in playing the koto and his skill came at last to
surpass that of his mother. The mother and son were afterwards able to
* A sort of stringed musical instrument. It is believed that this instrument was
first made in the China of prehistoric times, and called kim or kin.
It had originally been five-stringed, but became seven-stringed in the early
twelfth century B.C. This was introduced into Japan in the early eighth century
at the latest, and called "kin no koto" or simply "koto".
P. III
INTRODUCTION
escape their sad plight in the cavern and lead a happy life in the capital by the
occult power of the koto. The son grew up into a young man of beauty and
talent, and was named Nakatada. He won the extraordinary favor of the Emperor
and was made Chamberlain. Nakatada was later married to the first daughter of
the Emperor, who bore him a daughter named Inumiya. Nakatada and his mother
wholeheartedly taught Inumiya to play the koto. Inumiya finally became an
expert of the highest rank. Thus, Toshikage's descendants led a very happy and
prosperous life by virtue of the koto. This is a fatalistic and somewhat fanciful
story concerning the mystery of the koto and adoration of music.
The subsidiary theme of this novel is composed of love stories, especially of

Atemiya, a young noble lady of beauty beyond compare. There were many
suitors to her including the Crown Prince, princes and courtiers, a noted priest
and a prominent scholar, but she finally became the Crown Prince's consort,
though secretly she was extremely fond of Nakatada who was married to a
daughter of the Emperor, and an earnest suitor of Atemiya.
There is a lot of evidence that Lady Murasaki read the Tale of the Cavern with
great pleasure and gained many hints for the writing of the Tale of Genji. It can
be said, therefore, that without the Tale of the Cavern, the Tale of Genji would
be something very different from its present form, and in this sense the former is
the parent of the latter.
The Tale of the Cavern was at first read widely by many courtiers and court
ladies, but its readers greatly decreased in number after the appearance of the
Tale of Genji. As the Tale of the Cavern was handwritten and circulated in a few
manuscripts, many scribal errors and omissions were found, and passages were
not clear in meaning. Moreover, leaves were lost as well as
P. IV
INTRODUCTION
iv
chapters and pages which had been left unnumbered getting out of order. As a
result, the Tale of the Cavern has long been considered very difficult to read. It
was not until the early nineteenth century that this novel was studied deeply by
the scholar, Hosoi Sadao. He put right the confused order of the chapters,
corrected scribal errors, and made many notes on unintelligible terms.
In present-day Japan there are many readers of the Japanese classics such as the
Tale of Genji, the Pillow Book, the Murasaki Shikibu Diary, the Tale of the
Bamboo Cutter, and so forth. Besides, all of these classics have been translated
into modern Japanese, so that few are ignorant of the contents of these works.
On the contrary, the Tale of the Cavern is read only by a small number of
scholars and students, and has never been translated into modern Japanese, so
that most Japanese today do not know even the name of this tale. Some know
only its name, being ignorant of its content, some consider it to be a simple love
story concerning a heroine Atemiya, and some have an erroneous idea that the
first chapter 'Toshikage' is the whole of this novel.
About forty years ago, I began to study the Tale of the Cavern, and my intention
was to translate this novel into modern Japanese in order to have as many people
as possible know that this unique and wonderful novel ought to be regarded as
one of the monumental works in the literary history of Japan. This translation
(Utsuho Monogatari, - Translated into modern Japanese.) was published by the
Gyōsei Co., Ltd. (Tokyo) in 1976, and by Kodansha Co., Ltd. (Tokyo) in 1978.
The Tale of Genji was translated into English by Arthur Waley in 1933, and by
Edward G. Seidensticker in 1978, so the name of this novel is now by no means
unknown to the Europeans and Americans who take an interest in Japanese
P. V
INTRODUCTION
affairs.
This time I have translated the Tale of the Cavern into English in order to inform
all those who take an interest in Japanese literature that this novel is the parent of
the Tale of Genji, and consequently the oldest of the long novels not only in
Japan but also in the world, and that it is quite unique among novels in the sense
that it deals with music as the principal theme.
Dr. Hiroshige Yoshida, Professor Emeritus of Hiroshima University, Prof.

Richard Hosking, Professor of Hiroshima Shūdō University, and Mr. Michael J.
Littlemore, former Lecturer in English at the University of Tokyo, read the
translation in its first draft, pointing out errors and omissions. I am very grateful
to them for their kind help. Also my hearty thanks go to Mr. Masayoshi
Shinozaki and Mr. Koichi Shimada of The Shinozaki Shorin Press Company.
Ziro Uraki
Contents

Introduction i
1. Toshikage 1
2. Tadakoso 44
3. Fujiwara no Kimi 64
4. The Saga Palace 95
5. Beneath the Plum Blossoms 119
6. Fukiage: Part One 127
7. The Festival Messenger 145
8. Fukiage: Part Two 168
9. The Feast of the Chrysanthemums 183
10. Princess Atemiya 211
11. Early Autumn 223
12. A Flock of Cranes 249
13. Opening of the Warehouse: Part One 256
14. Opening of the Warehouse: Part Two 283
15. Opening of the Warehouse: Part Three 310
16. Royal Abdication: Part One 333
17. Royal Abdication: Part Two 368
18. Royal Abdication: Part Three 392
19. In the Towers: Part One 433
20. In the Towers: Part Two 458
Principal Characters
(Alphabetical)
ATEMIYA, PRINCESS. Masayori's daughter by Princess Ōmiya. Wooed by

many gentlemen. Styled Lady Fujitsubo after becoming the Crown Prince's
consort.
CHIGOMIYA, PRINCESS. Masayori's eighth daughter by Princess Ōmiya.
CHIKAGE, TACHIBANA. Minister of the Right. Loses his only son, Tadakoso,
by a trick of the Lady of the First Avenue.
CHIKAZUMI, MINAMOTO. Masayori's eleventh son. A suitor to the Second

Princess of the Emperor Suzaku.
CROWN PRINCE. Son of the Emperor Suzaku. Married to Princess Atemiya.

Succeeds to the Throne in Chapter 18.
DANJŌ, PRINCE. Third Prince of the Emperor Suzaku by Lady Jijūden. One of
the suitors to Princess Atemiya.
FIRST PRINCESS. First daughter of the Emperor Suzaku by Lady Jijūden. Wife
of Nakatada and mother of Princess Inumiya.
FUJITSUBO, LADY. Formerly called Princess Atemiya, The Crown Prince's

consort.
GRAND COURT LADY. Daughter of Toshikage. Wife of Kanemasa and mother

of Nakatada.
HYŌBUKYŌ, PRINCE. Younger brother of the Emperor Suzaku and Princess

Ōmiya. One of the suitors to Princess Atemiya.
IMAMIYA, PRINCESS. Masayori's tenth daughter by Princess Ōmiya. Wife of

Suzushi.
INUMIYA, PRINCESS. Nakatada's daughter by the First Princess.

JIJŪDEN, LADY. Masayori's first daughter by Princess Ōmiya. Consort of the
Emperor Suzaku. Mother of five princes and three princesses.
KANEMASA, FUJIWARA. Called 'Little Lord' when young. General of the

Right. Father of Nakatada.
KANTSUKE, PRINCE. An old, perverse prince. One of the suitors to Princess

Atemiya.
LADY OF THE FIRST AVENUE. Widow of a former Minister of the Left. Her
blind love for Chikage ruins her.
MASAAKI, TAIRA. Major Councillor. One of the suitors to Princess Atemiya.
MASAYORI, MINAMOTO. General of the Left. Married to the first daughter of

the Emperor Saga and a daughter of the Prime Minister, the former being called
Princess Ōmiya and the latter Lady Ōidono.
MASUGE, SHIGENO. Viceroy of Kyūshū and Councillor. About sixty years

old. One of the suitors to Princess Atemiya.
MATSUKATA, KIYOHARA. Captain of the Guard. A good musician.
NAKANOKIMI. One of Kanemasa's mistresses. A daughter of Prince

Shikibukyō.
NAKATADA, FUJIWARA. Kanemasa's son by an only daughter of Toshikage.

Because of his handsome features and excellent talent for poetry and music,
wins the extraordinary favor of the Emperor Suzaku. One of the suitors to
Princess Atemiya. Married to the First Princess. Father of Princess Inumiya.
NAKAYORI, MINAMOTO. Major General of the Right. A talent for music and
dancing. One of the suitors to Princess Atemiya.
NAKAZUMI, MINAMOTO. Masayori's seventh son. Chamberlain. An intimate

friend of Nakatada. Pines for Princess Atemiya, his sister by the same mother,
worries himself into illness and to death.
NASHITSUBO, LADY. Kanemasa's daughter by the Third Princess. One of the

Crown Prince's concubines.
ŌIDONO, LADY. Wife of Masayori, bears him four sons and five daughters
daughters.
ŌMIYA, PRINCESS. Wife of Masayori, bears him eight sons and nine
daughters.
SAGA, EMPEROR. Styled the ex-Emperor Saga after abdication.
SAİSHŌ, LADY. Daughter of a Lieutenant General and concurrently Councillor.

One of Kanemasa's mistresses. Bears him a son named Kogimi.
SANEMASA, MINAMOTO. Eldest son of Sueakira. Chief of the Public

Welfare Bureau. Husband of Masayori's third daughter by Lady Ōidono.
SANETADA, MINAMOTO. Third son of Sueakira. Councillor. The most

earnest, persistent suitor to Princess Atemiya.
SANEYORI, MINAMOTO. Second son of Sueakira. Lieutenant General.

Husband of Masayori's fourth daughter by Lady Ōidono.
SUEAKIRA, MINAMOTO. Minister of the Left. Elder brother of Masayori. His

only daughter is one of the Crown Prince's consorts. Father of Sanemasa,
Saneyori and Sanetada.
SUEFUSA, FUJIWARA. A poor, but very diligent student. Recognized by

Masayori, and appointed Chief Clerk. One of the suitors to Princess Atemiya.
SUKEZUMI, MINAMOTO. Third son of Masayori, Lieutenant General and

Secretary General.
SUZAKU, EMPEROR. Son of the Emperor Saga. Succeeds to the Throne in

Chapter 1 and abdicates in Chapter 18.
SUZUSHI, MINAMOTO. Son of the Emperor Saga by a lesser court lady.

Brought up carefully by his grandfather Tanematsu. Very handsome and talented
in music and poetry. Married to Princess Imamiya.
TADAKOSO. An only son of Chikage. Tricked by his stepmother, enters the

Buddhist priesthood. One of the suitors to Princess Atemiya.
TADAMASA, FUJIWARA. Elder brother of Kanemasa and Empress. Minister
of the Right, and then Prime Minister. Husband of Masayori's sixth daughter by
Princess Ōmiya.
TADAZUMI, MINAMOTO. First son of Masayori by Princess Ōmiya. Grand

Moderator and Councillor.
TAKAMOTO, MIHARU. A very stingy minister. One of the suitors to Princess

Atemiya.
TANEMATSU, KANNABI. A man of immense wealth. Grandfather of Suzushi.
THIRD PRINCESS. Third daughter of the Emperor Saga. Wife of Kanemasa

and mother of Lady Nashitsubo.
TOSHIKAGE, KIYOHARA. Learns the secrets of the koto in Persia. Returns to

Japan after twenty-three years, carrying a dozen fine kotos. The secrets of the
koto are transmitted to his only daughter, and then to her only son Nakatada.
YUKIMASA, YOSHIMUNE. Guards Major. Expert in music and dancing. One

of the suitors to Princess Atemiya.
P. 1
Chapter 1
Toshikage
Long ago, in the reign of the Emperor Saga there was a prince named Kiyohara,
who served the Court as Master of Ceremonies and concurrently Grand
Moderator. His wife, a princess of the blood, bore him a son, who proved to be
clever by nature, and grew up into a boy superior of mien and disposition. When
he had an interview with an envoy of Korea, his son, now seven years old,
offered a Chinese poem that was received by the Korean with high praise. This
news took the Emperor by surprise. When the son was twelve, he went through
his initiation ceremonies and was named Toshikage.
One day the Emperor commanded the learned Nakatomi no Kadohito, who had
visited China three times for study, to hold a literary examination. All the
questions asked in the examination were so difficult that even the most advanced
and experienced scholars could not work out any answer. Toshikage, on the other
hand, gave excellent answers to all questions, and only he passed the
examination to the surprise of the world. The following year the learned
Nakatomi was again ordered to hold the senior examination at the royal library;
Toshikage could give excellent answers to all difficult problems. The Emperor
P. 2
wondered at his learning and appointed him immediately Marshal of the Board
of Ceremonies.
When Toshikage had become a beautiful and talented youth of sixteen years, he
was ordered to join the embassy to China. His parents, who used to be very
anxious even if he came home in the evening a little later than usual, wept
together all day long, thinking that they would be unable to see their only son
again, if he really went to China far beyond the sea.
2
The ships which the embassy had boarded unfortunately encountered a howling
tempest, and two of the ships were wrecked off the shore with many emissaries
and sailors being buried in a watery grave. The remaining one continued to drift
southward over a period of months until it was cast away on the coast of Persia*,
and Toshikage was the only one who could reach land safely.
Standing on the beach, Toshikage wept in anxiety and sorrow, and chanted a
prayer to Avalokitésvara** in whom he had had faith since his childhood. Then a
miracle happened: A white horse with a saddle suddenly appeared at the beach
where neither bird nor beast had been seen, and as soon as Toshikage got on its
back, it galloped as if flying in the air; the horse arrived at a clean and refreshing
margosa grove far distant from the beach, let Toshikage dismount safely, and
disappeared no one knew where.
In the shade of a margosa tree three men were playing the
*This does not indicate the present Persia (Iran). Ancient Japanese seem to have
called the present Malay Peninsula "Persia".
**A subordinate of Amitabha, one of the bodhisattvas. (Sans.)
P. 3
Chap.1 Toshikage
kotos together, sitting on tiger furs. When they saw Toshikage standing vacantly,
they asked, "Who are you?"
"I'm Kiyohara no Toshikage, the envoy of the Japanese Emperor," he answered,

and then talked about everything that had happened to him till that day.
"We are deeply sorry for you and ready to give you lodging."
The three men played the kotos all day long. So saying, they laid a tiger fur for
him under a tree. Toshikage who had been very fond of the koto since his
childhood was allowed to play the koto together with them, living on the dew of
flowers and red leaves. In the meantime Toshikage was able to acquire all their
koto tunes.
One day the following spring a loud sound was heard suggesting that someone
might be cutting a tree down with an axe very far to the west of the grove.
Toshikage said to himself in wonder, "What a marvelous sound! It seems to
come from far away. How can there be such a reverberative tree?"
The marvelous sound didn't stop for three years, and as time went by, it was
heard more and more in consonance with the sound of the koto played by
Toshikage.
"One can see neither hills nor mountains from here. How can the sound of
woodcutting be brought here?" he thought, "I should like to trace the sound to its
origin and make the kotos out of that reverberative wood."
Thus he bade farewell to the three men, and started to run in the direction of the
sound. He crossed many mountains and valleys. In the spring of the third year,
he arrived at the summit of a large mountain, from where he could look at
another mountain of astonishing height far away. Plucking up all his courage, he
approached that mountain and struggled along a steep path to the top. Then he
was very surprised to see that a man was cutting off a paulownia tree of such
tremendously large
P. 4
size that its root was fastened deep into the bottom of a unfathomable ravine, its
top reached the clouds in the sky, and its branches extended to the neighboring
country. The man was Asura*. His hair stood on end, his face burned like a
flame, his limbs were hard like hoes and ploughs, his eyes were glittering like
metallic bowls. It was a very frightening sight.
Toshikage, who had once given up all hope of life, approached Asura with fresh
courage.
"Who and what are you?" roared Asura in surprise.
"I'm Kiyohara no Toshikage, the envoy of the Japanese Emperor."
"I don't perform any wanton destruction of life until my deadly sins are expiated
by half, but it is permitted for me to make a prey of all animals which come quite
voluntarily into this mountain. Tell me what made you stray into this place,"
roared Asura, revolving his eyeballs like a wheel, and baring his sword-shaped
teeth.
"By order of our Emperor, I tried to go to China, leaving my dear old parents
behind, but I encountered a tempest and was carried to a strange country. I was
living in a margosa grove from where I came here, looking for the origin of the
marvelous sound."
"I am still captive owing to my past sins, and have no merciful heart at all, but I
will spare your life because I have heard your parents are waiting in Japan for
your return. I have forty children and a thousand kinsfolk. Go back soon to Japan
and hold a religious service for Asura by copying the Mahāprajnaparamita
Sutra**. If you give me your pledge to do so, I will teach you how to return to
your country."
* An opposer of the gods or devas. (Sans.)

** The Sutra of Great Wisdom. (Sans.)
P. 5
Chap. I Toshikage
Toshikage knelt down before Asura and said, "On my departure my old merciful
parents told me to return home before great grief should kill them, if I wanted to
be an obedient son. Since then several years have passed. I am already an
undutiful son. Now, if you permit it, I should like to receive a portion of the
paulownia cut down by you, because, as a work of atonement for my sin of
undutifulness, I want to make kotos out of that wood and have my poor old
parents enjoy listening to the tunes of the kotos."
This made Asura angry again. "Even if you should beg to barter the lives of your
descendants for a piece of this tree, I would give you a flat refusal. The story
goes far back in time. Once a celestial man had descended to earth and delved
the ground for three years to make a valley, the bottom of which was later
planted with a paulownia tree by a heavenly lady to the accompaniment of
music. This place is a play yard of heavenly ladies which becomes a flower
garden in spring and a forest of red leaves in autumn. It is very sinful of you to
visit this sacred place without permission. Only from my sincere desire to be
acquitted of my own deadly sins have I become a forest ranger to cultivate this
paulownia tree. I will never comply with your request, because it is not
permitted even for me to possess a small piece of the tree."
Then the sky suddenly became black and rain came pouring down with cracks of
thunder, a holy page appeared from the sky, riding a dragon. He handed a golden
plate to Asura, and ascended to heaven. On the plate were written the following
words: "GIVE THE LOWER PORTION OF THE TREE TO TOSHIKAGE."
Being frightened, Asura knelt down seven times in adoration before Toshikage.
"So then, you are a descendant of the celestial?" said Asura, "Both the upper and
middle portions of the tree are called
P. 6
wood of good luck'. If one should beat the empty ground with a piece of this
wood the precious treasures would gush out inexhaustibly like the sands of the
Ganges River. The lower portion is called 'wood of good sound', and is valued
forever as a musical treasure."
Saying so, Asura cut the tree into three portions, and a man descended from
heaven, and instantly made thirty kotos out of the lower portion of the tree, and a
heavenly lady descended with a maiden weaver to the accompaniment of music
to lacquer and string all the kotos, and then they returned to heaven.
Toshikage was extremely pleased, and was about to go westward to the margosa
grove to test the kotos, when a sudden whirlwind occurred and carried away all
the kotos into the grove. His test proved that twenty-eight kotos out of thirty
produced similar sounds while the remaining two produced marvelously
resonant sounds which made the hills collapse and the ground crack, and let
seven mountains make simultaneous great rumblings.
From that time on, Toshikage remained in the clean and refreshing margosa
grove and played his kotos all day long, but in the spring of the third year he
moved to a flower garden to the west of the grove, where the spring sunshine
was bright many kinds of flowers were in full bloom, and a spring haze veiled
the distant hills and forests. He took up his lodging in the shade of a large tree in
blossom, and every day played the two extraordinary kotos which produced very
resonant sounds thinking often of his parents in Japan so far beyond the sea.
About noon one fine day when Toshikage was, as usual, playing his kotos and
singing loudly, seven heavenly ladies suddenly appeared on a purple cloud to the
accompaniment of supernal music and descended to the flower garden. While
Toshikage knelt down in adoration before them, one of the
P. 7
Chap. I Toshikage
ladies said, "This is the place we heavenly women visit to enjoy the flowers in
spring and the red leaves in autumn. How and why have you come to this out-of-
the-way place? Ah! You are the one who received the 'wood of good sound' from
Asura, aren't you?"
"Yes, I am the Japanese who was given that marvelous wood I have been
spending my time at this splendid place, since I didn't know at all that this was
your playground.
"You may live here, bccause you are the one who will gain fame as a koto player
by the will of Heaven. As I once committed a minor sin, I was expelled from
heaven to earth, and lived for seven years at a place to the west of here and to the
east of the country of Buddha. In the meanwhile I have borne seven children, all
of whom have become koto players in the band of the Buddhist Paradise. You
had better go to them to learn the secrets of the koto, and thereafter return to
Japan. Now I will name the two extraordinary kotos. One shall be called South
Wind and the other Persia Wind."
At her suggestion Toshikage left the flower garden and went along westward. On
his way, there was a large river. A peacock appeared from the river to take
Toshikage over to the other side, and the kotos were carried over by a whirlwind.
When he went further to the west there was a valley. A dragon appeared from the
valley to take him over, and the whirlwind carried the kotos across. When he
went further westward, he found seven steep mountains soaring ahead of him. A
wizard came out of the mountains and helped him go over safely. Further west
there was a mountain where wild beasts such as tigers and wolves were living in
packs. An elephant appeared. It let him get on its back, and he went over safely.
Further west there were seven mountains, where the seven sons of the heavenly
lady were living separately, one in each mountain. In the first mountain a
P. 8
man of about thirty was playing the koto, sitting on a flower mat beneath a
margosa tree. Toshikage bowed politely to him and said, "I have come here at
the instance of a heavenly lady."
"Ah! Have you come from the lotus flower garden which my dear mother
occasionally visits? If so, I am as pleased, as though I had received a call from
the heavenly ladies," the son said.
Toshikage sat down by the master of the first mountain, and talked about
everything that had happened to him. Then the whirlwind brought all the kotos.
When Toshikage played one of the kotos, the master was greatly astonished at
his skillfulness.
After a time the master went with Toshikage into the second mountain, and said,
"I have an unexpected visitor who met our mother in the lotus flower garden. I
have brought him here, as we are still yearning for the breasts of our dear
mother."
The master of the second mountain was greatly touched, and went with
Toshikage and the master of the first mountain into the third mountain.
Toshikage was introduced in the same way as before to the master, who took him
and the two masters into the fourth mountain. The same thing occurred also in
the fourth, fifth and sixth mountains. Finally Toshikage and the six masters
arrived at the seventh mountain, where, to his surprise. the ground was
composed entirely of lapis lazuli, covered with beautiful flowers and scarlet-
tinged leaves, music of the Buddhist Paradise was heard coming on the wind,
and the Chinese phoenix and peacocks were playing in flocks on the flowers.
The seven bowed to the master of the seventh mountain, and then the master of
the first mountain said. "This is a Japanese who came from the lotus flower
garden. I have brought him here, as I heard he had met our dear mother in that
garden."
The master of the seventh mountain said to Toshikage. "We have been in deep
sorrow at the thought that we would never be
P. 9
Chap. 1 Toshikage
able to see our dear mother again. We heard that she would descend from heaven
to a flower garden to the east of here in spring and autumn. This is why we are
all yearning for the flower garden. Though human beings are originally not
permitted to come here, we will receive you cordially, because it is our desire to
hear from you how our dear mother is getting along in that flower garden."
In the seventh mountain Toshikage and the seven mountain masters played the
kotos for seven days and nights, and repeated the sacred name of Amitabha to
the accompaniment of the kotos. As the tones of the kotos reached the ear of
Lord Buddha, he said to Manjushiri*
"To the east of here and to the west of the human world is heard the sound of the
tree planted by a celestial lady. Go and see what has happened."
Riding on a lion, Manjushiri descended to the seventh mountain in a moment,
and asked. "Who and what are you all?"
The seven mountain masters did reverence to him, and one of them replied.
"We were born of a heavenly lady, but owing to our minor sins we have to live
separately in seven mountains. Recently we met a man who came from the
flower garden. We seven brothers are now hearing from him how our dear
mother is getting along in that garden."
Immediately after receiving Manjushiri's report, Lord Buddha descended with

him, by a palanquin of cloud, to the seventh mountain. At this time the
mountains and rivers greatly shook, the sky resounded, the color of the clouds
changed, and spring flowers and autumnal red leaves came unseasonably into
their full glory. The Lord Buddha transferred from the palanquin of
* The bodhisattva of wisdom and intellect.
P. 10
cloud to the back of a peacock, and said, "As you seven brothers had committed
sins of anger and resentment in your previous lives, you were obliged to live
separately on earth. However, that retribution has just ended, so you may return
to heaven. The Japanese here ought never to have been born as a human being,
because he had committed the grave sin of carnal passion in his former life*, but,
in virtue of his subsequent pious deeds, he could break the cycle of rebirth and
come in world as a human being. He will be able to stand in the favor Buddha
and live a happy life for a long time. Besides, by virtue of karma**, one of the
mountain masters will be reborn as his grandson, and will surely be fortunate,
though originally he ought not to be conceived in the human womb."
Then Toshikage offered Lord Buddha and Manjushiri one koto each as a proof of
gratitude. While Toshikage and the mountain masters were worshipping them,
Lord Buddha and Manjushiri rode on the cloud and returned to heaven. At that
time heaven and earth greatly shook again.
Toshikage wanted to return to Japan, and he presented the seven mountain

masters each with a koto. All the masters expressed regret at parting, which was
also really a wrench to Toshikage. The seven masters saw Toshikage off to the
* According to the doctorine of Buddhism, all living beings, animals as well as
men, are doomed to successive lives in an endless cycle of existence. The state
in which any being is reborn on a particular occasion depends on past deeds and
the intention behind them However, existence is inherently evil at all times and
under all circumstances. Therefore the great aim of the Buddhists is to break the
cycle of rebirth and set themselves free from suffering forever. It is possible for a
person to break the cycle of existence and cease to be reborn by eliminating
selfish desire.
** Destiny, fate, relation in Buddhism. (Sans.)
P. 11
Chap. 1 Toshikage
accompaniment of music.
"We wish to go as far as Japan with you," said the masters "but we are not
permitted to go beyond the border of the mountain, so, to our deep regret, we
must say good-bye here. To make up for it, we will name your ten kotos."
With this, they stabbed their own palms, mumbling an incantation, and with the
dripping blood wrote down a name on each koto as follows: Dragon-hall Wind,
Fine-string Wind, Homeholder Wind, Mountaineer Wind, Seta Wind, Flower-
garden Wind. Figure Wind, Town Wind, Pathos Wind and Maiden-weaver Wind,
and then they went back to their mountains.
There was a sudden whirlwind which lifted up all the kotos into the sky. When
Toshikage came back to the margosa grove where he had lived with the three
men for three years, he told them what had happened to him since then. The
whirlwind then brought all the kotos there. Toshikage presented each of the three
men with one of the unnamed kotos. Thereafter Toshikage went to the capitals of
Persia and China, and offered the emperors one koto each. He then returned
home after an interval of twenty-three years. Sad to say, however, his mother had
died five years before and his father three years before. Toshikage, now thirty-
nine years of age, went into mourning for his parents for three years.
3
The Emperor Saga was very pleased to hear that Toshikage had come back, and
summoned him to the Imperial Palace. When Toshikage talked in detail about
everything that had happened to him till that day, the Emperor was moved so
profoundly that he declared without delay the appointment of
P. 12
Toshikage to the post of Second Master of Ceremonies. Besides, the Emperor
appointed Toshikage tutor to the Crown Prince, and added. "I want to entrust you
with all matters pertaining to the education of the Crown Prince, and I hope you
will instruct him adequately in proportion to his ability."
After that, Toshikage was married to the daughter of a prince of fine character
who had become a commoner with the name Genji. Before long she bore him a
lovely daughter. When the child was four years old, Toshikage thought that she
was old enough to learn to play the koto, and began to give her the lessons. In
the lessons Toshikage used the Fine-string Wind, and his daughter Dragon-hall
Wind.
Some time later Toshikage was promoted to Master of Ceremonies and

concurrently Grand Moderator. He went to the Imperial Palace, and offered the
Seta Wind to the Emperor, the Mountaineer Wind to the Empress, the Flower-
garden Wind to the Crown Prince and the Town Wind to the Crown Prince's
consort, and then he presented the Figure Wind to Minamoto no Tadatsune, the
Minister of the Left, and the Maiden-weaver Wind to Tachibana no Chikage, the
Minister of the Right.
When the Emperor tried to play the kotos, they all produced such identically
imposing sounds that he was surprised.
"What are these kotos made of? And why do they produce an identical timbre?"
asked the Emperor. Toshikage's detailed explanation of the origin and history of
the kotos astonished him all the more.
"There seems to be something unfamiliar in the sound of the

Seta Wind," said the Emperor.
Upon this, Toshikage took the Seta Wind and began to play a most treasured
piece of music. The roofing tiles of the grand hall were broken into pieces and
scattered like flowers, and when he played some other esoteric music, large
flakes of snow
P. 13
Chap. I Toshikage
came down despite its being the middle of summer. The Emperor said in
surprise,
"I have once heard that when a Chinese emperor played a koto the tiles of the
roof were cracked, and the snow fell, but such an event has never occurred in our
country. Because of your excellence in scholarship, I gave you a post related to
learning and appointed you tutor to the Crown Prince, but now I should like you
to serve the Crown Prince as a teacher of the koto instead of learning. When you
have taught him all of your treasured pieces of music, you will be promoted to
Councillor."
"With due respect," Toshikage said in reply, "I returned home after an interval of
twenty-three years only to find that my parents had already died. I am now under
the burden of sorrow and have not enough vitality to serve the Crown Prince. I
thank you very much for your kindness in offering me the job, but I wish to be
excused from it." So saying, Toshikage retired from the Imperial presence, and
later resigned all his official posts. He shut himself up in his residence situated at
the eastern end of the Third Avenue and along the Kyōgoku Main Street*. He
gave his daughter private lessons in koto all day long. Being clever by nature,
she could learn one tune at a time, and several tunes in a day. It was not long
before she mastered all pieces of music which her father had acquired from the
mountain masters in Persia, and her skill in koto seemed sometimes higher than
that of her father. When she reached the age of about twelve her uncommon
beauty came to be much spoken of, and every day messengers of the Emperor
and the Crown Prince as well as of
* The principal east-west streets of the Heian capital were numbered from north
to south, with First Avenue at the northern limits of townand Ninth Avenue at the
southern end. There were nine principal north-south streets, the Suzaku Main
Street running in the middle of town and the Kyōgoku Main Street along the
eastern limit of town.
P. 14
the princes and high courtiers carried their love notes to her though Toshikage
shut the gate tight, and she never received them. Toshikage used to say to
himself, "The future of my daughter shall be entrusted to Heaven. If it be
Heaven's will become the Empress or the Imperial Consort, and, if not, she will
be a boor's wife. It is useless that we poor men dare to hold intercourse with the
nobles."
Thereafter Toshikage was promoted to Secretary of Home Affairs and

concurrently Councillor
In the Second Month* of the year, when the daughter was fifteen, her mother
died all of a sudden. In the meantime her father also became ill. Toshikage, who
saw that his end was near, called his daughter to his bedside, and whispered. "In
the north-west corner of our home, there is a hole three meters deep, enclosed
entirely with aloeswood. Two kotos, the South Wind and the Persia Wind, are
concealed in that hole, the former is in a brocaded sack and the latter in a
woollen one These two kotos should not be shown to any strangers. You must
strum on either of the two kotos if you should in future stand at the height of
fortune, or when you should fall into the depths of misery. And if you should
bear a child some day who would grow up into a boy superior of mien and
disposition, you may hand over these kotos to him."
Toshikage died soon after.
After Toshikage had died, the daughter became more and more needy, and all her
servants left the residence. She lived alone in the large residence, feeling very
lonely and fearful. As she was ashamed of her ruin, she always stayed indoors.
Accordingly the passers-by considered her house to be uninhabited, and broke
and carried away the doors and the like
* In ancient Japan the lunar calendar was used.
P. 15
Chap. I Toshikage
until only the main hall remained in the desolate premises. About that time she
took an old woman named Sagano into her service. Everything seemed to be sad
and pathetic to a girl who didn't know yet about rough dealings of the world. She
took a meal whenever the old female servant Sagano prepared it for her, and if
not given, she managed to live patiently without anything to eat. In the premises
there had once been many plants with a refined feature, but now weeds grew
thick in the summertime, because nobody took care of the garden.
Autumn came all too soon, and the leaves of the plants in her garden began to
change in color. She had a vague feeling of sadness, and muttered to herself.
"A lonely one knows only the passing of time,
Looking alone at the sky day and night."
4
On the twentieth of the Eighth Month" the Prime Minister Fujiwara visited the
Kamo Shrine to offer his fervent prayer, and many attendants marched in a grand
procession. Among them there were two young men. One was the Prime
Minister's eldest son aged about twenty, and the other was his fourth son aged
about fifteen. The eldest son was named Fujiwara no Tadamasa and he served as
Guards Major at Court. The fourth had still long boyish locks and was called by
his sobriquet "Little Lord". When the procession went forward along the
Kyōgoku Main Street, a lot of Japanese pampas grasses were
* In the lunar calendar, spring begins on the first of the First Month, and
summer, autumn and winter begin on the first of the Fourth, the Seventh and the
Tenth Months respectively. Therefore the Eighth Month is mid-autumn.
P. 16
swaying to the wind in the premises of the late Toshikage, as i they were
beckoning to someone. At the sight of this scene, "Little Lord" went into the
premises. Then he saw a girl walking silently in the garden. Her appearance
from the back was very beautiful. Though very much moved to pity, he followed
up the procession in a hurry in case he should fall out of the line.
On returning home from the Kamo Shrine, "Little Lord" wanted to see the girl
again, and dropped secretly out of the procession. He reached the premises and
looked around closely. In the large garden here and there were found plants and
streams with refined and graceful - features, but at first sight it seemed quite
desolate like a moor or thicket. The autumn flowers were blooming, and the
bright moon was mirrored in a lake. He walked in, forgetful of fearfulness. There
blew the autumn breeze mingled with the cool wind of the Kamo River, and
insects sang sorrowfully among the weeds.
"Little Lord" advanced further through the weeds and stood still for a while, but
not a soul was to be seen, and only Japanese pampas grasses were beckoning as
before. As the moon shone brightly in the sky, he had an unobstructed view. He
proceeded further, and found that a shutter of the east room of the main hall had
been raised. He was able to see inside. There was the girl playing the koto. When
he tried to go near to her, she entered the back room to hide herself. He stood by
the veranda, and asked her.
"Excuse me, but who are you and why are you living in a desolate place like
this?"
But there was no answer. As it was dark inside the hall, he could hardly see
anything around the back room which she had entered.
He then walked toward the back room, and found that it was a closet surrounded
with walls on all sides. He sat down there
P. 17
Chap. I Toshikage
and talked to her.
"Why do you live in a lonely place like this? What is your family name? Give
me a reply, at least a word, please."
Since he appeared still young and his manners seemed very agreeable, she began
to mutter in a faint voice, "We are of so little account that I need not tell you our
family name. Nobody has ever called at my desolate house. Your visit is quite
unexpected to me."
"This afternoon I caught a glimpse of your beautiful figure and simply could not
pass here without stopping. You seem to have no parents here. How forlorn you
must be! Who is your father?"
"As he is a man unknown to fame, it may be useless to tell you his name."
So saying, she began to play the koto stealthily. He just listened to the tune
attentively. The long autumn night wore away. At last the two came to pass a
night there, making a pledge of eternal love. It may have been because of a close
bond in a former life.
The next morning soon came. "Little Lord" was not permitted to stay there as
long as he liked, but it was unbearably sad for him to return home, leaving the
lovely girl just as she was.
"We are now inseparably connected with each other," said he, "It may be by
virtue of karma*. I want to meet you often, but to tell the truth, my parents never
take their eyes off me, and people in my residence must, therefore, be searching
about for me in an uproar, for I have been missing since last night. I have never
slept out alone. Such being the case, from this time forth I shall be unable to
come here so frequently as I wish, but I will
* See note**, page 10.
P. 18
endeavor to find every possible opportunity to call on you at midnight or

daybreak. Will you live here in future too? And, is there any other man who
would call on you? Please tell me,"
Her heart was torn with conflicting emotion. Though she was too shy to talk
about such things, she dared to answer.
"If I had my parents or such a caller, I would not live alone in this desolate
house. Anyhow, I shall die in obscurity sooner or later in this house."
Then she sobbed bitterly, strumming on the koto.
"I wish to stay with you," said "Little Lord", "but as I already mentioned, my
father will keep me under his care and take me with him even when going out
for a while. Yesterday I felt a bit unwell and begged my father to excuse me
from visiting the Kamo Shrine, but in vain. Though I will never forget you, it
will be difficult for me to meet you so often.
She whispered a verse in a faint voice.
"Sadly blows the autumn wind over the reeds.

More sad, if your visit should cease as the reeds
wither."
"Little Lord" was more and more touched with pity for the poor helpless girl,
and said:
"Though the leaves might change in color in autumn,

The path of reeds would be always in my bosom."
"Even if I should not call on you for a while," he said, "please believe that it is
not because of my neglect of you.
Leaving the above words, "Little Lord" went out of the room. But as his heart
was filled with her, he could not depart from the place, and wept bitterly for a
time, holding his unlined
P. 19
Chap. I Toshikage
sleeves to his face.
In the residence of the Prime Minister there was a great uproar. The Prime
Minister, quite out of his mind, said to his eldest son, Guards Major Tadamasa,
that he would be disinherited if he could not find "Little Lord", and roared at the
outrunners and attendants of the procession that they would put in prison or in
bonds.
When Guards Major Tadamasa and his uncle, the Lieutenant General, were
walking along the street leading to the Kamo Shrine, they found "Little Lord"
standing vacantly at the intersection of the Third Avenue and the Kyögoku Main
Street. Tadamasa ran up at once to him and said.
"Because you have been missing since last night, our parents have been in great
anxiety without taking any meals. Besides, all the attendants were severely
scolded, and I was nearly disinherited. Where have you been?"
"I lost my way, like a wild goose isolated out of the line," replied "Little Lord."
Tadamasa said, smiling, "There might have been a wild goose flying ahead of
you. Well then, you have been standing here overnight, haven't you?"
Thinking that all his family must be ill at ease, Tadamasa hurried back to inform
them that he had at last found "Little Lord." The Prime Minister felt relieved, but
did not forget to scold his dearest son.
"Why didn't you return home together with us all? When did you learn to walk
alone?"
His mother also rebuked him. "There are many robbers near the Kamo River, so
it is not safe for a boy like you to go out alone late at night. If anything should
happen, what would you do? You have done quite a thoughtless thing. From now
on, you must always stay beside us."
P. 20
From that day, "Little Lord's" thoughts were always on the girl. If only he could
see her, he thought day and night, but as he was closely watched by his parents,
it was quite unexpected for him to go out alone. Though he wanted to send off a
messenger to her, no one but he knew where she lived, and he himself did not
know exactly about her whereabouts.
Everything, the beautiful plants in the garden, the clouds sailing across the sky,
reminded him of the helpless pretty girl. As there was no one to whom he could
talk without reserve, he spent his time only in inconsolable sorrow.
As for the girl, she lived a lonely life, looking with tearful eyes at the leaves of
the plants changing in color and finally scattering on the ground. She thought
every day of her late parents, and also of "Little Lord" who had left her his
soothing words. One evening she saw terrible lightning flashes, and muttered,
"Even the lightning flashes can casually be seen.

Why is my beloved entirely out of sight?"
But, of course, there was no reply.
One evening when the wind blew violently and the insects sang very
sorrowfully, "Little Lord" thought of her wild premises which might be swept
over by the autumn tempest, and whispered.
"At the chirping of insects mingled with the whistling of the wind,
I think of her lodging among the reeds."
Winter came unnoticed. One day when a drizzling continually like the tears of
"Little Lord", a crane flew in the air
P. 21
Chap.I Toshikage
crying very sorrowfully. "Little Lord" became more and more disconsolate.
A little later the violent wind as well as heavy snows and frosts visited Kyōgoku
every day. The girl was worried about this and that all night long and muttered to
herself,
"The thawless ice is seen in my sleeves,

Whenever I think of a plighted lover."
Spring came before they knew it. The girl saw the laurel buds, the sprays of
which she and "Little Lord" had broken on that day as a proof of their vows of
love, and whispered a verse in tears
"The laurel, full of reminiscences, began to bud.

Would that he might come here again like these buds."
Now, a certain change had been occurring within her body in consequence of the
dreamlike, clandestine meeting that night. The days and the months passed, and
she came to be in the ninth month of pregnancy, but she was not conscious of it
in the least.
One day Sagano, the old female servant, brought her a poor meal, and said,
tilting her head.
"With your permission I will speak. Strange as it may sound, you are apparently
in a delicate condition. You have had a talk with some gentleman, haven't you?"
"I don't know such a thing, though I have talked with the weeds in our garden."
"You are carrying the joke too far, I am afraid. Please tell me. I have been aware
of it since long ago, but could not let my
P. 22
thoughts out into words till now. I don't request you to disclose the gentleman's
name. Please tell me the bare facts, because I must make necessary arrangements
for it.
Being told about the serious change within her own body for the first time, the
girl felt sad and shy, and finally burst into tears.
"I see enough," said Sagano. "Now I have heard about everything. Please don't
trouble yourself any more. I will take it upon myself. The baby to be born
shortly might be one to become a treasure. You have only to give birth to a baby,
whom I will foster by myself. If there were the divine protection of Buddha,
sweet milk would come out of the bones of an old woman, and her white hairs
would change into silver. Please stop crying, and pray to God and Buddha for
your safe delivery and my long life."
After thinking hard, Sagano secretly called on one of her daughters, who was
living in a rural district, to borrow from her the utensils and tools necessary for
the delivery. Immediately after coming back, she said unconcernedly to the girl,
"Excuse me, but do you have any valuable articles?"
"What's the matter?"
"Anything will do. I want to change any valuables into money to make
arrangements for your delivery."
The girl brought a fine saddle of the Chinese style and said "How is this?"
"This is surely valuable. Is there anything else?"
"Maybe nothing more."
Carrying the saddle, Sagano visited various people likely to buy it, and finally
was able to obtain a lot of money, with which she bought some clothes and
material.
Summer soon came. The weeds grew ever higher, and tbe house went into decay
more and more. The girl did nothing but
P. 23
Chap. 1 Toshikage
cry day and night, and only Sagano was worried about the delivery without
taking proper meals.
Labor pains began on the sixth of the Sixth Month. Sagano prayed earnestly to
God and Buddha with her hands pressed together. To their joyful surprise, the
girl had an easy delivery, and a most beautiful son was born. Sagano at once put
the baby into her own bosom and did not even show him to the girl. Since
Sagano fostered the baby very carefully by herself, the girl was doing well after
the childbirth and came soon to be able to leave her bed.
The new mother spent her days and nights in tears, while the baby grew well and
strong. She said to Sagano,
"If my father were still alive, he would have been sure to fondle this child very
much."
"You are quite right, my lady. If our lord were still living, the child would be
brought up, doubtless dressed finely with brocade."
"Whenever I think of the good old days, I am overwhelmed with grief. My father
and mother might not have dreamed of my present ruin. The spirit of my father
in heaven must be very disappointed at the sight of my poor condition. I ought to
have gone to heaven with him."
"Please don't say such an absurd thing. It won't do you a bit of good to keep
thinking about it all the time. You have a beautiful son, a jewel without
comparison. There is nothing to worry about. Now, I had an interesting dream in
the middle of last night. It was as follows: A small hawk came flying from
nowhere and dropped before you from its beak a nice needle, which was
threaded with a light blue twine about three meters long. At that time an eminent
ascetic, a very lean gentleman, appeared. He sewed nonchalantly half of the
front inner gore of your clothes with that needle, and then went away. After a
little
P. 24
while the small hawk came back in search of the needle, and when it saw that
you had the needle in your hand, it sat perched and motionless on your sleeves.
It was so strange a dream that I consulted a dream reader. He told me then that 'it
was a wonderful dream indicating that the lady would bear a high courtier a son,
who would in the future become a benefactor for her.' You are sure, therefore, to
become happy more and more. A dream of a needle, it is said, brings us a wise
and obedient child. When my daughter now living in the province of Tanba was
born, I had a dream, in which I sewed my clothes with a fine needle threaded
with a twine cut to length. It was through the daughter's help that I could live to
an advanced age. Last month I visited her to consult about your delivery. You are
still young, and quite different from an old woman of fifty or sixty years. There
is nothing to worry about."
"Quite so, I see. I shall be anxious no longer."
"You are sure to become happy in the future, because you are bound to receive
the filial piety of your son. The son is just a jewel beyond compare."
In the autumn of the year when the son was five, the faithful old woman Sagano
died. The young mother and her son consequently spent their days without
anything to eat or to do. The son was very sorry to see his mother suffering from
hunger. If only he could offer her something to eat, thought he, and he searched
about for food, but in vain. Early one morning when he walked along the
neighboring riverside, he saw a man fishing.
"What are you doing?" asked the son
"As my father has no appetite owing to illness, I am angling to offer him some
fish," answered the man.
P. 25
Chap. 1 Toshikage
Hearing this, the son wanted to fish too, and began to prepare for it. The man
wondered why so beautiful and refined a child had come alone to the river, and
asked,
"Why are you going to do such a thing as fishing, my boy?"
"I am only playing here."
"Then I will fish for you," said the man, and soon made a good catch. All the
fish were given to the son.
He hurried home with great joy, and immediately served the fish to his mother.
"Don't go fishing any more, please," said the mother, but her son went to the
river every day.
The passers-by stared wide-cyed at the beautiful child, and some of them took
him into their arms, asking, "Do you have father and mother? I wish you were
my son."
On these occasions he used to run away, parting with the words: "My mother is
waiting for me."
It became his daily duty to provide fish for his mother. Before long, however, the
cold winter came, so he was unable to fish in the river.
"This morning I went fishing to the river as usual, but I could get nothing
because the river was frozen over," said the son.
"There is nothing to worry about. I hope you will go fishing after the ice has
melted away. I have already eaten enough fish."
Nevertheless, the son wanted to get something to eat at all costs, and went to the
river early in the morning when people and carts were not yet seen on the roads,
only to find that the river was frozen hard like a mirror. At his wit's end he
uttered with sobs, "If I am really a dutiful son, the ice shall melt away and the
fish shall come out."
Then, strange to say, the ice of the river suddenly melted away and a big fish
jumped out.
The son was so pleased, ran back on the road covered with
P. 26
thick snow, making his hands and feet reddened like lobsters and said to his
mother with joy.
"I proved to be a really dutiful son."

"Why do you go about on a cold day like today? I wish you would go fishing on
a warmer day," said the mother in tears.
"In your favor, I would gladly use all my influence," said the son, turning a deaf
ear to his mother's admonition.
In the meantime the months passed, and the son reached the age of six. He
looked tall and mature for his age. It may be because he was the reincarnation*
of the mountain master whom Toshikage had met in the foreign country. He
came gradually to be talked about by the neighbors: "What a wonderful boy!
Who are his parents? He must be living nearby" And some of them began to
seek for his whereabouts. Hence he thought that if he was walking about only in
this neighborhood people would sooner or later find out his home, and so he
decided to find other fishing places, as the fish might be living in other rivers
too.
Thus he went further towards the north, and finally entered the mountain. There
he found a boy digging yams, and gathering sweet acorns, chestnuts and so on
under the big trees.
"What have you come here for?" asked the boy.
"I have come fishing. I want to get some fish for my mother," replied the son.
"There is no fish in the mountain. And it is a sin to kill living

creatures. I recommend you to gather these nuts."
With this, the boy gave the son all he had gathered, and went away to no one
knew where. The son was highly delighted and took them home to provide for
his mother
After that, the son went to the mountain every day, and, in
* See page 10.
P. 27
Chap. 1 Toshikage
obedience to the boy's advice, dug yams or arrowroots, and gathered various
kinds of nuts. One day it snowed so thick and fast that he could not find out
where nuts and roots existed, so he shouted:
"If I be an undutiful son, the snow shall continue to fall more and more,"
Then the heavy snowfall stopped all at once, and the sun began to shine brightly.
The boy in question appeared again dug yams and arrowroots for the son, and
went away to no one knew where.
In the meanwhile the son began to feel weary of going every day to the distant
mountain. One day he went into the deep mountain to see if there was any
dwelling suitable for his mother and himself. At last he caught sight of four
gigantic Japanese cedars of which the trunks were joined together at their lower
parts so as to form a large cavern. He wished his mother would dwell with him
in this cavern and live on the nuts and roots which he gathered, and began to
strip the bark from the trees and spread the moss all over the ground in order to
convert the cavern into a home for his mother and himself. The boy he had met
appeared again and started to scavenge around the cavern. He discovered water.
When the boy continued to dig the ground, it became a fine stream.
The son came running to his home with joy, and said to his mother.
"Well, dear mother! Please come with me to the place I will show you. If you
continue to live here, I suppose you are lonely and bored while I am out. Though
I don't dislike to keep an ox or a horse and work on the farm, I fear having
people think you to be the mother of a lowly boy. As I have no other better idea,
I think we had better retire into the mountain recesses far from town. I have
never forgotten you even while walking about in
P. 28
the mountain. I wanted to send you nuts and roots without a moment's delay, if
possible even by the aid of a bird of the air, but things did not always go well.
Now, please move to this new place. At that place, I shall be able to offer you
any food without effort, because I need not walk about any longer."
"I will go anywhere my son goes, since I have no one but you to depend upon."
They decided to leave their residence at Kyōgoku. The house had already fallen
to decay and nothing but kotos remained there.The mother took out two
extraordinary kotos, the South Wind and the Persia Wind, as well as two kotos in
everyday use, the Dragon-hall Wind and the Fine-string Wind, and let her son
carry them on his back. But one koto, the Homeholder Wind, was left concealed
in the residence. She bade farewell to her dear old house, and started toward the
mountain, muttering in tears
"A poor mother is going to the deep mountain,

Guided by her little son. What a pity!"
It was not long before the mother and her son arrived at the cavern. She was
afraid of falling along the steep mountain path but it was not so hard as she
expected.
The cavern was a cozy little place with a fine outlook. About one hundred
meters before the cavern there was a hill, like the artificial hill in her premises at
Kyōgoku, with pine trees, Japanese cedars, oaks, chestnut trees and various
kinds of flowering and fruit trees. Two meters before the cavern there was a
stream in which there lay a well-shaped rock with a small pine. As chestnuts,
sweet acorns and so on came floating down the stream, it was as convenient for
the mother as if she had had a new servant. Everything could be done just in
front of the
P. 29
Chap. 1 Toshikage
cavern, so that the mother and son had no trouble in their daily life.
One day the mother said to her son. "Now I will teach you all the koto tunes
which learned from my father."
From that day on, she gave him lessons in the koto every day. She used the Fine-
string Wind and he the Dragon-hall Wind. The wise and clever son soon made
good progress. The mother and son were playing the kotos all day long in the
deep mountain, whereupon various kinds of animals, even the bears and wolves,
came together to listen to the music. Sometimes a big female monkey came,
accompanied by many young monkeys, from a den beyond a peak, to be
raptured by the melody. Now and then these monkeys brought over many nuts,
which the mother and son received in great joy.
When the son reached his seventh year, he had learned thoroughly all the
treasured pieces of music which his grandfather Toshikage had learned from the
mountain masters.The mother and son played the kotos to their heart's content,
beside the flowers in spring, in the clean and cool shade of trees in summer, and
under the beautiful red leaves in autumn. She wished to pass her days, playing
the kotos in this way as long as she lived. Because the son was the reincarnation
of the mountain master, his skill in koto came to surpass that of his mother.
Time passed and the son reached the age of twelve. Though he lived in the
cavern, subsisting on nuts and roots, wearing clothes made of the bark, and
making friends with beasts, his features were so beautiful that he hardly seemed
meant for this world. The mother was also far more beautiful than she had been
when her father was still alive.
About that time hundreds of warriors of the eastern provinces were camped in
the northern mountain to take revenge on their enemies in the towns. The
mountain was overcrowded with
P. 30
fierce and daredevil warriors, who ate anything they could lay their hands on, so
that a birds and beasts fled and hid themselves. The mother and son had,
however, no other place to take refuge in. so they were obliged to remain in the
cavern, trembling with fear. Feeling sorry for the mother and son, the friendly
monkeys brought them cool water wrapped in a large leaf of the lotus, and
chestnuts and horse chestnuts kept in a big basket made of vines while the
warriors were fast asleep. Some of the warriors sleeping under the trees were
awoken by the rustling of the leaves, and, without knowing that it was caused by
the passing by of the monkeys, made an uproar with torches in their hands.
In the cavern the mother called to mind her father's last words that she must
strum on either of the two extraordinary kotos when she should in future fall into
the depths of misery. She thought she would never have a more terrible time than
this moment, so she took out the South Wind and began to strum. As soon as the
koto made an echo through the mountain, many big trees fell down and the hills
were demolished, so that the warriors raising an uproar were buried under trees
and earth. After a short time the mountain became quiet as before, but the
mother continued to play the South Wind until about the next noon.
7
On the very same day the Emperor Suzaku made an excursion to the northern
outskirts of the capital. Some years before the Emperor Saga had retired and the
Emperor Suzaku had succeeded him. Fujiwara no Kanemasa, the General of the
Right, who had once been called "Little Lord" was attending the royal excursion.
When the procession approached the northern
P. 31
Chap.I Toshikage
mountain, General Kanemasa suddenly checked his horse and said to his elder
brother Fujiwara no Tadamasa, the Minister of the Right, who had once served
the Court as Guards Major,
"A certain sound is coming into hearing from the depths of the northern
mountain. It resembles closely to the sound of the Seta Wind kept in the Imperial
Palace. Let us go there."
"Who plays such an instrument as a koto in the mountain recesses far from
town? It must be a long-nosed goblin's deed. Don't go!"
"The player might be a hermit. Then will go by myself."
"Your usual propensity for playing about has started again, hasn't it? Well, I will
go with you."
The brothers went on horseback into the mountain, taking only their grooms
with them. The survivors of the warriors of the eastern provinces wrongly
guessed that the officers of the Imperial Court had come to arrest them, and
dispersed in all directions, some of them falling headlong into the deep valley in
a flurry.
As the brothers advanced further, the sound became higher and higher, and
finally came to echo throughout the mountain. They went further, lost in the
exquisite tone, and found a wooded peak far away. When they reached that peak,
there were many beasts herding together.
"What an uncanny scene!" said Minister Tadamasa. "This is why I told you to
give up. Let us return!"
"This is why I am willing to go on."
With this, General Kanemasa flicked his horse with a whip and rode into the
herd of beasts. The horse galloped as if flying in the air. He was elegantly
dressed with a quiver on his back, so the beasts fled away at the sight of him.
Minister Tadamasa tried to follow him, because he remembered the uproar that
had occurred on that day when "Little Lord" did not come home
P. 32
from the Kamo Shrine, and thought that if he should remain alone at the foot of
the mountain after his brother had gone into the herd of beasts, the spirits of his
late parents would surely be disappointed. He was not likely, however, to catch
up with his brother, since he was a poor hand at horse-riding. He was, therefore,
obliged to remain at the foot of the mountain with the grooms.
General Kanemasa went across five peaks, and found many beasts herding
together there. When he went further, he was able to glimpse thè gigantic
Japanese cedars forming a large cavern, from where the tone of the koto seemed
to come. Around the cavern there stood many trees, and the ground was covered
with moss and sand.
General Kanemasa alighted from his horse, and stood under a tree. When he
coughed, the tone of the koto died out all of a sudden.
The son looked out through the blind of moss. Seeing a man of respectable
appearance standing there, he wondered if a celestial man had descended to earth
on hearing the tune of the koto. The son spoke to the man from within the
cavern.
"Pardon me, sir, but who are you? What do you want with us, who live in the
deep mountain, making friends with bears and wolves?"
General Kanemasa was surprised to know that it was someone's dwelling.
"I hear that somebody lives in the lonely mountain recesses. I have come to see
whether it is true or not."
The son came out and stood on the moss.
"We have lived here for a long time, but no one has called on us. Why did you
come here?"
The son's features were as beautiful as a shining gem, though he wore ragged
unlined clothes.
P. 33
Chap. 1 Toshikage
"When I was attending the royal excursion today, I heard the exquisite tone of
the koto coming from the mountain recesses. I have come here in pursuit of the
origin of the marvelous tone."
General Kanemasa took off his fur trousers, laid them on the moss, and let the
boy sit down on them. He also sat down beside the boy, and asked.
"Why is a boy like you living in the mountain recesses where no creatures but
bears and wolves nor any birds but eagles and copper pheasants live?"
"It was when I was six years old that we entered the mountain. Thereafter we
have never descended from here. It is not without reason that we came to lead a
secluded life in the mountain, but I cannot explain it now."
"You must. I want to hear the reason at any cost."
"I don't know for certain, but I have once heard from my mother that when she
was living alone, feeling lonely and helpless after her parents' death, a certain
man called casually on her, whom she received cordially, and consequently I was
born.
General Kanemasa thought back to that day at Kyōgoku.
"You don't appear to be a boy who has lived in the deep mountain from your
childhood."
"There is a reason for it: We had been leading a miserable and helpless life.
When five years old, I wanted to offer my mother something to eat, and searched
about for food, but in vain, as I was still very young. Then my mother said to me
that she wished to go into the mountain recesses far from town, because if she
should continue to live there, she would have no end of troubles. Besides,
whenever some of the neighbors peeped with curiosity into our residence, she
said that if they should call at her desolate house, the name of her late father
would be disgraced, and she herself would be very sorry. Such being the
P. 34
case, we determined to move to the mountain. After wandering about in the

mountain, I found this cavern. I wanted my mother to dwell in the cavern and
live on the nuts and roots which I gathered. When I wanted to tidy up around the
cavern, several monkeys, without being asked, brought over nuts, arrowroots and
so on, on which we have been living since then. Now we are very happy, as our
long-cherished desire has bcen realized."
"I suppose you have never seen your father."
"No, I haven't. To speak the truth, even my mother doesn't know anything
definite about my father. One day my mother told me that once when the Prime
Minister had visited the Kamo Shrine, she had received a call from a certain
man, who had since then never showed himself for some unknown reason. She
added then that though this was a vague and indefinite story, she dared to tell it
to me in case of her untimely death."
General Kanemasa felt pity for the boy, but said with assumed calmness.
"It is a touching story, indeed. Well, will you stay here from now on? Or will you
come back to town?"
"I hear that life is full of vexation. It may be by some fate that I am living among
the herd of beasts, though born as a human being. The sins committed in my
previous life can be easily imagined. I have nothing to hope but to serve Buddha
in this deep mountain to the end of my life."
The boy's talk caused great grief to his father Kanemasa.
"You are quite right, but such a way of life cannot last for a long time. Granting
that you would serve Buddha in the mountain, you had better come back to town
to study, and then enter the mountain. I met many beasts on my way here. This
place is surely unfit to live in. Well, come back to town with me! If you should
be bitten to death by beasts, you would be unable to enter the Buddhist
Paradise."
P. 35
Chap. 1 Toshikage
"Granted that I go to town, I shall be rather miserable if nobody cares about me."
"How could I, who have forced you to go to town, desert you?"
"I will then consult with my mother about it."
The boy entered the cavern, and informed his mother of the matter.
"That gentleman must have taken us for the persons of low estate," said the
mother, "It is what is naturally to be expected. He might have said so half in fun
at sight of our unusual life. But what do you think about it?"
"Eight years have passed since we settled in this mountain. I have become
accustomed to sorrow and bitterness. I want to stay here."
"It is true, indeed. As we have been so unfortunate, even if in town, we shall be

unable to lead a happy life."
The boy came out of the cavern and told General Kanemasa.
"My mother said she had no desire to live in town. I cannot go down the
mountain, leaving my mother behind."
At this time the sun was sinking over the western hills. "Well, I see. I ought not
to force you to consent. I shall be able to see you again, if fate so ordains. Today
I was attending the Emperor, so I cannot stay here long."
With this, General Kanemasa was about to go away. Then several monkeys
brought over acorns, chestnuts, persimmons, pears, yams and so on, placed on a
tray made of various sorts of leaves. Seeing this strange scene, General
Kanemasa felt more pity for the mother and son. The monkeys were surprised at
sight of a strange man, and ran away, throwing off the nuts and fruits.
General Kanemasa met his brother, Minister Tadamasa, and
the grooms at a place beyond the mountain, where they had
P. 36
come to in anxiety about the missing General.
"Could you find out the origin of the sound?" asked the Minister at once.
"The sound was heard sometimes in the valley, sometimes at the peak," replied
the General, "When I went up to the peak, it was heard at the bottom of the
valley, and when I went down to the bottom of the valley, it was heard high
above the cloud. And, to my great distress, many beasts were herding together
here and there, so that I could hardly find a path. I intended to go further to
search out the origin of the marvelous sound, but have come back on second
thoughts. Today, I am attending the Emperor."
"It was a long-nosed goblin's deed after all, wasn't it?"
Minister Tadamasa and General Kanemasa hurried back, but it was after the
Emperor had returned to the Imperial Palace that they reached the northern
outskirts of town.
8
From the day when he had visited their dwelling, General Kanemasa racked his
brains all day long as to how to receive the mother and son into town. He had a
grand residence along the First Avenue, where the Third Princess of the ex-
Emperor Saga as well as a number of daughters of the princes and high courtiers
were living as his wives and mistresses. He had another residence along the
Third Avenue, which had been built with scrupulous care for the use of his
daughter expected to attend upon the Crown Prince in future. He decided to
accommodate the mother and son in this residence.
About three days later, General Kanemasa as well as his two trusted retainers set
out on horseback from his residence in secret, without giving his people any hint
as to where they were
P. 37
Chap Toshikage
going The three men went along the steep mountain path, and safely reached the
cavern.
General Kanemasa stood alone under a tree, keeping his retainers waiting at
some distance from him. When he coughed, the son came out at once, and as
soon as he saw the General he hurried into the cavern to tell his mother that the
gentleman in question had come again.
"What sort of man might he be, who has come twice to this remote place?" said
the mother.
"As he has taken the trouble to come here, it may be impossible for us not to
meet him."
The son went out and began to say something, but General Kanemasa
interrupted by saying, "I want to see your mother."
The son entered the cavern to inform his mother of the
gentleman's words. She wondered if he was the man whom she had met that
time, and showed some hesitation, when the General entered the cavern
unannounced
"I am the one who had long ago called on you on the way home from the Kamo
Shrine. It is me and none other. As I had told you at that time, I always had to
stay beside my parents. They were very put out to hear that I had spent a night in
your house, and refused to allow me to go out alone after that. If only I could
have seen you, I thought day and night. I wanted to send off a messenger to you,
but I had to give up the idea because no one knew about your whereabouts.
Afterwards when my father died, I went to your residence only to find that it had
changed into a wilderness and not a soul was to be seen there. I failed to find any
trace of you, and have been living in deep grief since then. I never dreamed of
meeting you here."
The mother felt so shy that she concealed herself behind the blind of moss. After
a little while she said, "As it is a long time since then, I feel as if I were in a
dream.
P. 38
In consequence of our casual meeting, this son was born. Being afraid of
becoming the talk of the town, we wanted to move to a place far distant from
town, and we finally came to the mountain recesses."
"At the sight of your secluded life, my affection for you has become deeper.
Anyway, I have come here to accept you. A quiet residence is arranged for you
in town. Let us go there and have a long talk."
"It is very kind of you, but I am ashamed to go down the mountain. Now as for
this boy, please take him as your son. Since I have nothing else to look back on
with regret, I will remain in the mountain to enter the Buddhist priesthood."
"Well, this boy has reached the age of twelve, hasn't he? Though he looks tall
and clever, he will need his mother in order to go through the world. When in the
future he will keep company with courtiers, who but you would give him strong
support? There have been many instances in which good young fellows became
good-for-nothing because of being left motherless. Once there was a Minister of
the Right named Tachibana no Chikage. His only son, Tadakoso*, whose mother
died long ago, was tricked by his stepmother, and compelled finally to go out of
his home, his whereabouts being still now unknown. You entered the mountain
for the sake of this boy. Now I hope you will go to town so as not to make a
good-for-nothing of him."
Seeing that the mother was still hesitating, General Kanemasa proceeded to say.
"If I take this boy with me, he will surely come to the mountain frequently to see
his dear mother. It will become a source of rumor. Even for these few days my
feelings could not be calm."
* See Chapter 2
P. 39
Chap. Toshikage
Then the General said to his son,
"I advise you to prevail upon your mother. It was due to my obedience to my
father that I had given you many troubles for a long time. Now I request you to
counsel your mother, in obedience to your father."
The son, dutiful by nature, was thankful for his father's words, and appealed to
his mother.
"It was for my good that you entered this deep mountain. Now please come
down the mountain for my sake."
General Kanemasa said in tears,
"If you can't get on with me, you may live in another house. Anyhow, please
move to town only for the good of our son."
The mother could not decline his kind offer and had no words to say.
Then he had the mother and son change their clothes into new ones brought by
his retainers. Their possessions were four kotos which were carried back to
town. General Kanemasa and the son rode the retainers' horses and the mother
rode the General's horse held by the retainers.
It was at dawn that they arrived at the residence along the Third Avenue. The
General personally showed the mother and son into the house, where it was
pitch-dark. Nobody brought a light, because people had been left uninformed of
the matter. When the General raised one of the shutters, streaks of a feeble light
flowed into the room, which was found to be beautiful like a gem. The mother
looked very beautiful and elegant like a celestial nymph in spite of not being
richly dressed, and the son looked like a young lord of beauty beyond compare
in spite of wearing a simple hunting robe.
The mother was afraid that she might look worn out from a secluded life of
many years. Nevertheless, General Kanemasa stared at her. She felt very shy and
concealed herself in the dark
P. 40
back room.
The General said to his son. "You may sleep beside this curtain. You must be
very tired."
But the son walked silently toward the corner of the room and looked at the front
garden with curiosity.
Since General Kanemasa received his new wife into his residence at the Third
Avenue, he never spent a night in his residence at the First Avenue where his
wives and mistresses lived. The new wife, somewhat below thirty years, had
become more and more beautiful, perhaps because she had nothing to worry
about. The General swore to render her good service as long as he lived. The
General and his new wife lived in luxury being served by about twenty maids-in-
waiting as well as many undermaids and pages.
In the meanwhile the son grew up into a noble and handsome young man. His
skill on the koto surpassed that of his mother, but as for other stringed
instruments*, he had to learn anew. As his mother had little time, she gave him
elementary lessons in sõ no koto and wagon** only while her husband was
absent, but he could learn several tunes in a day, and made rapid progress in
them. He learned to play the flute and the shō-flute*** under a respectable
master, and it was not long before his skill surpassed that of the master. He was
diligent in the learning of classics, and read through two or three books in a day.
After three years there did not remain anything in the world that he
* The ancient Japanese used two kinds of kotos; One is the kin no koto or simply
koto, seven-stringed, and another is the sõ no koto, thirteen-stringed. After the
Heian period the kin no koto went out of use, and only the sō no koto is used in
modern Japan.
** A Japanese zither, six-stringed.
*** shō (or shō no fue), a kind of flute, composed of seventeen sticks of
bamboo.
P. 41
Chap. 1 Toshikage
had not yet learned. When he was sixteen, he went through his initiation
ceremonies and was named Fujiwara no Nakatada.
As Nakatada was the son of a high courtier, he was soon invested with the Fifth
Court Rank. When he was granted an audience for the first time, the Emperor
Suzaku asked General Kanemasa.
"Where have you searched out such a nice son?"
"The whereabouts of this son had been unknown for a long time, and I found
him just by chance. I had him stay at home until today to learn this and that,"
replied the General.
"Who is his mother?"
"She is the daughter of the late Toshikage, the Secretary of Home Affairs."
"Ah! Is that so?" shouted the Emperor in surprise. A pause, and he continued.
"Toshikage had refused a request of the ex-Emperor Saga to serve me as teacher

of the koto, so that he had brought himself to ruin, though he had been worthy of
such a position as Major Councillor. I was told that Toshikage had a very
beautiful daughter, who began learning to play the koto when four years old, and
finally became an expert superior to her teacher Toshikage. I often sent a
message to ask him to have his daughter serve in the Palace, but he did not
comply with my request. After his death, I sent a messenger again, who reported
to me that not a soul was to be seen in his desolate premises. Now, if his
daughter is Nakatada's mother, his koto secrets must have been transmitted to his
grandson Nakatada."
"It may be nothing much, but I suppose he can play one or or two tunes."
Then people knew for the first time that General Kanemasa's new wife was the
daughter of the late Toshikage.
Now, Nakatada won an extraordinary favor of the Emperor
P. 42
THE TALE OF THE CAVERIN
and the Crown Prince, and became very popular with the princes and high
courtiers because of his handsome features and excellent talent. When he was
eighteen years old, he was made Chamberlain
On the second Day of the Ox* in the Eleventh Month of this year, a full
rehearsal was held of the Five-Maiden-Dance at the Jōneiden**, where the
Empress as well as many consorts and concubines of the Emperor presented
themselves. At that time the dancers offered by General Kanemasa won great
popularity and occupied the attention of the Emperor. It was nearly dawn when
the Five-Maiden-Dance was over. Chamberlain Nakatada sang a song together
with Guards Captain Matsukata, Guards Captain Tokikage, Major General
Nakayori, and Guards Major Yukimasa. Nakatada's voice echoed very clearly
through the hall so that the Emperor called him near and said,
"This dawn, it seems to sound clearer than usual. I want to hear a piece of music
handed down from Toshikage."
Seeing that Nakatada was hanging back filled with awe, General Kanemasa said,
"As you are granted an august request, you must play some tune to the best of
your skill."
Thus Nakatada took the Seta Wind and began to play a special tune called
"koka"*** It sounded wonderfully clear on the early morning air. The Emperor
brushed away tears of deep
* The ancient Chinese represented the twelve signs of the zodiac by Rat, Ox,
Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Serpent, Horse, Sheep, Monkey, Cock, Dog, and Boar,
and expressed the hour, day and year with these animals. In this system of time,
a month had two or three days of the same animal. For instance, if the first day
of a certain month was the Day of the Ox, the thirteenth and the twenty-fifth also
must be the Day of the Ox. In this case the thirteenth was called the second Day
of the Ox.
** A hall used as the Empress' residence.
*** An old Chinese tune. It is supposed to be derived from a melody of the

Hun's flute.
P. 43
Chap. I Toshikage
emotion, and there were tears in the eyes of all the princes and high courtiers as
well.
The Emperor said reminiscently.
"I have only once listened to Toshikage playing the koto in the presence of the
ex-Emperor Saga. Then I thought such wonderful music would never be heard
again. Since then I have often listened to the kotos of so-called experts, but they
all proved to be inferior to Toshikage. Today I have known, however, that
Nakatada's skill in koto surpassed without doubt that of Toshikage. As I suppose
the ex-Emperor Saga is sure to remember Toshikage's koto, I will take Nakatada
to the Saga Palace some other day in order to have Nakatada's skill in koto
compared with that of Toshikage."
The Emperor continued.
"Well, I want to listen to the koto of Nakatada's mother. If she should come to
Court and, even for a short time, live in the chamber of the Court ladies, I would
be able to go there to listen to her unequalled koto."
From this day on, Chamberlain Nakatada's reputation became higher, and all the
princes and high courtiers who had young daughters desired to make them
Nakatada's wife at any cost, as if to vie with one another, but Nakatada never
took notice of such things and led a quiet life with his mother in the residence of
the Third Avenue.
P. 44
Chapter 2
Tadakoso
1
In the reign of the Emperor Saga there was a young courtier named Tachibana no
Chikage. He was wise and beautiful, and showed his ability in the Court service,
so that he was, by the Emperor's extraordinary favor, promoted to a higher post
two or three times a year, and finally, when thirty years old, to Minister of the
Right and concurrently General of the Left.
In the same year he was married to a young lady of fourteen years, the daughter
of a prince who had become a commoner with the name Genji, and had a happy
life. On the fifth of the Fifth Month of the third year of marriage his wife bore
him a son, who was as beautiful as a shining gem. Tadakoso, her son, was the
apple of her eye, and she fostered him with tender care.
When Tadakoso reached the age of five, his mother was suddenly taken seriously
ill, and fell into such a condition that it was feared she would die. Minister
Chikage visited the shrines and temples to pray for his wife's recovery, but in
vain. Her only wish in the last moments was concerned with her son, Tadakoso.
"I do not regret giving up my life in this world," she said. "but only Tadakoso's
affairs weigh heavily upon my mind. I had hoped to live long enough to see with
my own eyes that this son would have an official rank conferred on him after his
initiation, and become independent of his parents. I feel regret at ending my life,
leaving behind a young child who does not know good
P. 45
Chap. 2 Tadakoso
from bad. And I ask you for your consideration lest our son should, after my
death, suffer much from a hardhearted stepmother."
Minister Chikage tried hard to tend and console his wife, but finally he had to
part from her never to meet again. He longed even to go after her to heaven, but
was obliged to resign himself for the sake of his young son Tadakoso. In tears he
performed religious rites for the repose of her soul.
After that, Minister Chikage avoided women. Though he had many offers of
marriage from the princes and high courtiers who had young daughters, he
refused all of them so as to lead a continent life, looking forward to his son's
growing up, in accordance with his wife's last words.
About that time, Minamoto no Tadatsune, the Minister of the Left, lost his life.
His widow was called "Lady of the First Avenue*." She was very famous for her
immense wealth, and lived in luxury, being served by many maids-in-waiting
even after her husband's death. One day she happened to hear that Minister
Chikage was living continently after his wife's death, after which she came to
have fervent love for him. As for Chikage, however, it was hardly possible that
he would keep company with a widow of over fifty years, because he took no
notice even of beautiful young ladies. The Lady felt regret, and prayed to this
shrine and that temple that she might win his heart, but in vain.
Now that things have come to such a pass," she thought, "I will rather confess
my love directly to the Minister. I need not feel shy of it in the least, because I
am no longer a virgin. Has the world another bachelor to show like Minister
Chikage?"
Thus she sent Minister Chikage the following note attached to
* Her residence existed along the First Avenue
P. 46
an elegant reed.
"Your garden, it is said, is overgrown with mugworts.

But only here grow thick the reeds, it seems to me."
What do you think about joining the two together into the same field?"
After having read the Lady's letter, Chikage said to himself somewhat
regretfully. "Why does she say such a thing?"
He then attached the following verse to a long mugwort, and sent it to the Lady
"The mugwort will never leave here, whatever others say,
Now that the dew forming on it has vanished."
Also after this, the Lady often sent him love letters appealing not to bring her to
shame, so he came to think indiscreetly that it might be contrary to etiquette to
keep on taking no notice of a noble lady's confession of love, and that he might
be permitted to call on her once in a while. One day he visited her residence and
passed a night with her. They looked as if they were mother and son, because he
was somewhat above thirty, while she was over fifty.
His infrequent visits to her residence gave no comfort to his lonely mind, while
it made her crazy about him. Having known that his visit was not necessarily a
manifestation of his affection to her, she prayed fervently to the shrines and
temples lest her connection with him should be severed.
In order to treat him hospitably, she placed on the table or eight sorts of luxury
dishes which he left quite untouched,
P. 47
Chap. 2 Tadakoso
and hung on the clothes racks many clothes of twill and brocade which he never
attempted to put on. When she played various tunes with the sō no koto and the
biwa* in order to stimulate his interest as much as possible, he praised them only
with his lips, wishing in his heart to run away from there. At the sight of her
disgraceful conduct, the maids-in-waiting laughed, saying that she should be her
age. He always regretted calling on her, and his feeling to her cooled down in the
course of time, his connection with her being, however, not entirely severed.
Might it have been because her fervent prayer had been answered?
2
Tadakoso was granted the privilege of having access to the Imperial Court at the
age of ten. Minister Chikage held once a month a grand reading of the Lotus
Sutra in his wife's memory.
At the age of about thirteen, Tadakoso won the extraordinary favor of the
Emperor as well as the Imperial Consorts because of his handsome features, kind
and tender heart, and excellent talent in music.
At that time, in the Lady's residence there lived a lovely girl named Akogimi, a
niece of the late Minister of the Left. Tadakoso occasionally visited the residence
to meet the girl. The Lady was fascinated by Tadakoso's beauty, and began to
whisper softly "You are my only hope, because, unlike your father Minister
Chikage, you often come here. Don't neglect me, please, as I will give a strong
backing to you." This one-sided love could not be brought to fruition, of course,
so the Lady envied Akogimi very much.
*An oriental lute
P. 48
Even after that she still sent love letters often to Minister Chikage, but could not
get any response from him. For a fairly long time he did not call on her. She
wore herself out for love, and wrote a verse full of reproach.
"For a long time you have forgotten to come here.

You are not sorry for the desolation of my lodging?"
Minister Chikage was somewhat disgusted at reading this verse. It was

impossible for him, however, to leave it as it was, so he wrote back as follows:
"I have remained indoors without going to Court, owing to a slight illness. After
taking a rest for a while, I will see you again.
"It's regrettable for me to see your lodging desolated,

Because there is nobody but you whom I call on."
Though my body is here, my heart is always beside you. Please don't be so

depressed."
Afterwards Minister Chikage felt sympathy for her. On the way to her residence
he was feeling inclined to visit her now and then, but after he saw her, he
regretted having gone there and wanted to return home at once, though, being
afraid of what others might think, he exercised his patience. As for the Lady she
was very pleased to have received his visit after a long separation, and
entertained him cordially. He felt as if he was being attacked with a serious
illness while talking with her or hearing her complain of her loneliness. For a
time he bore the anguish, which grew so severe that he at last intended to return
home for recuperation. The Lady tried, however, to dissuade
P. 49
Chap. 2 Tadakoso
him from going back on some pretext or other, and one of her ids-in-waiting said
that he should not return home because she had dreamed a bad dream, so he
determined to remain there or three more days. On the fourth day when he was
about to go back, the Lady detained him eagerly, saying that she had had an
ominous dream. But Chikage left, shaking himself free from her, on the pretense
that he was summoned by the Emperor.
In the meantime the Iris Festival on the fifth of the Fifth Month had come. The
Lady made preparations for the feast, expecting that on that very day Minister
Chikage would surely come there. She waited and waited for the Minister, but
nobody but Tadakoso called on her. Thus she determined to entertain Tadakoso
in stead of the Minister, and placed many festival dishes before him. She put on
the chopstick rest a small iris with the following verse attached to it.
"I want you today to know that this iris has grown,
At the shore of the river of my tears."
At this, Tadakoso wondered if she was planning to have his father think ill of
him, and thought that, if so, his father was to be pitied.
"The waves are lapping the iris at the shore.

It makes me sad, however, to think of him."
If it be good for you, I would be very glad."
He replied in a roundabout way as above, fearing that if he should express his

thoughts frankly, his words would sound offensive. The Lady misconstrued his
verse, however, to be an expression of his humiliation to her, so that she resolved
to plan
P. 50
a wicked revenge on Tadakoso.
3
Now, Minister Chikage had a famous belt, which was called the stone belt
because of its jewels. It was his family heirloom On the twenty-first of the First
Month he presented himself, in full Court dress with this stone belt, at the
informal banquet held at the Jijūden Pavilion. Since then, the stone belt had been
left in the Lady's residence, so she purposely put it out ot sight in secret, and then
made a great fuss about the missing belt.
Minister Chikage said in great surprise, "On the Harvest Festival of some years
ago, the Emperor Saga saw me wearing the stone belt, and desired it so earnestly
as to say, 'If you should give it to me, I might abdicate the throne in favor of
you.' I must apologize to my ancestors for my having lost the family heirloom
handed down for several generations."
He was almost beside himself with grief.
In the meantime the Lady called a poor and cunning gambler to her residence,
and handed him the stone belt and ten rolls of silk, whispering secretly. "I beg
you to go to the secretariat in the Court, carrying this belt, and say, 'This is for
sale,' when Minister Chikage is at Court. If you are asked about the price, you
may say, 'Fifteen hundred kan'.* If questioned closely where you got it, you may
whisper to Minister Chikage alone, 'I was requested by Mr. Tadakoso, though I
don't know all the circumstances. I searched about for a buyer in vain, so I have
brought it here'."
The gambler was not willing to accept the articles, bending his
*A monetary unit of old Japan.
P. 51
Chap. 2 Tadakoso
head slightly to one side. The Lady took out fifty more rolls of silk, and said.
"Accept this as a small token of my gratitude. Later I will give you a sufficient
reward."
As she begged him more eagerly to carry out her design, he finally took the task
upon himself.
The following day the gambler went to the secretariat in the Court, and took out
the stone belt, saying, "This is for sale." A secretary noticed it quickly, and said
in great surprise.
"I have never seen such a splendid belt. This bears a striking resemblance to the
belt which Minister Chikage wore at the informal banquet, but I suppose it
cannot be."
A Guards Lieutenant standing by his side said, "This is surely the Minister's.
Many years ago when the Emperor wanted it, the Minister answered that this
was his heirloom, so, if no heir should be born to him, he would offer it to His
Majesty. I suppose it has passed now into Mr. Tadakoso's possession. Anyhow,
let us inform His Majesty of this matter."
The Emperor was very surprised at the sight of the belt, and said, "This appears
to be the stone belt of Minister Chikage. It is quite unaccountable that it is
offered for sale."
Minister Chikage was summoned into the presence of the Emperor, who said
smiling.
"The precious belt which you never consented to give me seems to have been
smuggled out of your house."
"This belt was stolen from the residence of the late Minister of the Left on the
twelfth of the Second Month. I have prayed to the shrines and temples, and made
a thorough search for it, but in vain."
Minister Chikage felt deeply ashamed, and withdrew, after receiving the belt,
from the Imperial presence.
The Minister called the gambler at once to the guardhouse at
P. 52
the eastern gate of the Palace, and pressed him hard with questions, when he
answered in the same way as he had been taught by the Lady. Minister Chikage
was greatly astonished. Though he thought it could not be, the fact that there was
no one but Tadakoso who could touch this belt made him waver in his
judgement.
He took back the gambler to his residence, and said, "I will not question you
closely any more. I think it is impossible for all the world that Tadakoso has
stolen it. I dislike the very thought of it, so I will not take you to task any longer.
You should not breathe a word about it to any one."
The Minister gave him thirty rolls of silk, and let him go back. Thereafter
Minister Chikage said nothing about this affair either to Tadakoso or to the Lady.
The Lady regretted that her design was settled, contrary to her expectation,
before it had become serious, so she intended to carry out a second wile. She
called to her residence Major General Sukemune, a nephew of her late husband,
who had been confined at home without going to Court because he had gambled
his Court dress away.
"When my husband was still alive," she said, "many of our relations called at our
residence, but nowadays I have neither received nor paid any visits. I am a
lonely woman, so I want someone to turn to. Especially I ask for your kind
help."
"Pardon me for my long silence. I have been busy at Court," replied Sukemune.
"I am very glad to have an opportunity to talk with you as previously, and have
forgotten my daily loneliness. Now, I am told that recently you have not been
going to Court."
"To tell the truth, the other day a thief broke into the gardhouse and took away
my Court dress which was kept there, so that I am obliged to stay at home
without answering the
P. 53
Chap. 2 Tadakoso
summons of the Court."
"What a pity! Why didn't you let me know? I am glad to be of some service to
you in such a case. So then, I will present a suit to you, though not of the finest
quality."
"Thank you very much, but I suppose you are not now quite so well off as when
the Minister was still alive."
"Now, I want to consult with you about something. Please don't speak about it to
anyone else."
"Certainly. Tell me whatever you want to, please."
"Well, now that I have grown older, I have had no mind to carry on with men.
Nevertheless, Minister Chikage made love to me, perhaps because of a
widower's loneliness, so that I was obliged to keep company with him.
Meanwhile Tadakoso also shamelessly made advances to me day and night. He
regretted that I took no notice of him, and said, 'You make light of me because
you love my father. Love is superior to parental affection. In order to have my
father exiled, I will tell His Majesty that the Minister of the Right has an
obsession to kill the Emperor. Then I shall be able to win your love without
having to be diffident to others.' I am now greatly worried about it. It is true that
I want to inform Minister Chikage of Tadakoso's scheme, but I cannot express
my thoughts in words, because I fear having the Minister take it to be a
stepmother's slander, which is a common thing to happen. Thus I beg you to tell
the Minister of Tadakoso's evil design."
"Oh! With pleasure. I wonder, however, why such a scandalous person is

influential at Court now. Everything is carried out just as Tadakoso tells the
Emperor to. The Emperor seems to think Tadakoso superior to anyone else, and
Tadakoso seems to think it natural that he has won the Emperor's favor.
Moreover, the Imperial Consorts and Concubines are also treating Tadakoso with
good graces, especially Lady Umetsubo.
P. 54
It is quite dreadful, however, that the Emperor is always attended upon by

Tadakoso, who has tried to entrap his own father."
At Sukemune's remark that Tadakoso was beloved by many the Lady's heart was
aflame with jealousy.
"I ask you to tell the Minister as follows," she said, "A few days ago, I happened
to overhear Tadakoso saying to the Emperor, 'I am very sorry to say so, because
it is concerned with my father, but I must confess secretly that Minister Chikage
is having an affair with the Empress, and has an obsession to kill Your Majesty. I
have remonstrated with him on his folly in vain.' -The Emperor said in a rage.-
'How disgraceful! What does he bear malice toward me for? He has been
promoted very often, and finally singled out for Minister. What is he
discontended with? If it is true, I must banish him to the islands of Izu!' -The
above conversation was, however overheard only by me, so nobody knows about
it. - Please tell the Minister exactly that."
"Certainly, that's quite easy. I will try to tell him discretely.
Then the Lady prescnted a suit of Court dress to Major General Sukemune, and a
suit of fine lady's clothes to his wife.
The next day Sukemune called at Chikage's residence, and said to the janitor. "I
have come here to inform the Minister of a matter of urgency."
Minister Chikage, in surprise, met him at once. He told Chikage in the same way
as he had been taught by the Lady and added "You surely know nothing about it,
I daresay. It gives me pain to tell on your son, but I could not keep silence
because it might lead to grave consequences."
Chikage was speechless with astonishment. It was inconceivable for Chikage

that Tadakoso should make an
P. 55
Chap. 2 Tadakoso
ungrounded accusation of his father, and yet it seemed to him hardly possible
that Sukemune should take the trouble to bring a false report.
Minister Chikage said feebly, "I love Tadakoso. His mother and I were so happy
a couple as to be an object of envy, perhaps because of a close bond in a former
life. One day she was suddenly taken seriously ill, and finally departed this life,
asking me to love Tadakoso devotedly in place of herself. Though I even longed
to go after her to heaven, I have survived my wife for many years against my
will. Tadakoso is my only son, and a jewel above all for me. I would like to
listen to whatever he says and have him do whatever he likes. Even if he should
try to have the warriors kill me, I would not reprove his conduct. I ought to have
died immediately after my wife's death. I hope now that I will die and meet her
in the other world as soon as possible. Anyway, thank you very much for your
trouble."
Major General Sukemune went home dejectedly without accomplishing his
purpose.
The following day he visited the Lady, and said, "I told the Minister just as you
had taught me. He said in a rage that he would call some warriors at once to kill
Tadakoso."
At hearing it, the Lady had a smile of satisfaction.
In the meantime Tadakoso returned home from Court after a long interval, and
said to his father,
"I have long been at Court without meeting you, so I have His Majesty very
earnestly to be allowed to come begged home."
It's been quite a time since we met, indeed. Make yourself
P. 56
comfortable."
"Thank you very much. Why haven't you been going to Court for so long? I can
serve the Court comfortably when you are there, too. On the contrary, when you
are absent, I feel very forlorn."
"Is that so? Are you so kind as to think of me like that?" Chikage said in tears, "I
have fostered you with tender care in accordance with my wife's last words, and
have been dying to see you even after a short separation. But to tell the truth
there is some talk that you are putting a slight upon me, so from now on things
might not go well as before."
The color drained from Tadakoso's face when he heard his father's undreamt-of
words.
"What you say is quite incomprehensible. Please tell me what has happened. I
cannot understand at all", said Tadakoso impatiently, but he could get no answer.
Tadakoso withdrew, being choked with tears, from his fathers presence. Lying in
bed in his private room, he turned the matter over in his mind. "Dear father has
always loved me most of all, and never scolded me under any circumstances. I
have not done wrong to him at all, of course. I wonder why he has said such a
thing."
The next day and the day after that Tadakoso was confined to his room and kept
on worrying himself. "I have no one but my dear father to turn to. Judging from
his look that day, it is impossible for me to keep on serving the Court any longer.
I will never see him again."
Finally Tadakoso decided in his own mind to hide himself from the world. Early
in the morning of the fifth day after retiring from Court, Tadakoso heard
someone chanting Buddhist sutras in front of his residence. The voices were
heard so solemnly that he rushed out of his room. He found then that
P. 57
Chap. 2 Tadakoso
an old mountain bonze with white hair was chanting a dhārani* together with
three disciples and five holy pages. Tadakoso involuntarily knelt down and
worshipped him. The vassals in the guardhouse were surprised at the sight of it,
and cried about throughout the large residence, so that many of the followers of
the Fifth and Sixth Court Ranks came out and knelt down behind Tadakoso.
"Pardon me, but which mountain do you live in?" asked Tadakoso.
The old bonze answered politely, as he regarded Tadakoso as a noble.
"I am a mountain bonze and have been leading a secluded life in Mount Kurama
for thirty years since my youth. From the Seventh Month we have been walking
about asking for alms and the pages became very fatigued, as we have not
touched food for three days."
"Please wait a moment." Saying so, Tadakoso entered the house to bring winter
clothes.
"I will give these clothes to the pages", said Tadakoso. While a disciple took the
clothes to the fair, Tadakoso talked to the mountain bonze.
"I have adored Buddhism since my childhood. I am now, for certain reasons,
confined to my father's residence without going to Court, and feel always
uneasy. I regard with envy the hermits who practice asceticism in the deep
mountain. I want to become a disciple of an eminent ascetic like you at any cost.
I beg you to grant my request."
"In order to become a mountain bonze one must forsake the world and rise above
self. I wonder if you can put up with such pain."
*A mystic Buddhist formula
P. 58
"Why do you say so? I am told that the ascetic hears all complaints of poor
souls. I beg you not to refuse my entreaty."
"I have said so, because I thought that you who have been living in comfort
would be unable to bear the life of a mountain bonze subsisting on herbs and
arrowroot, and wearing clothes made of bark and moss."
"I think a comfortable life will not last long. I don't mind hardship in this life for
the sake of comfort in the future."
"Then, do as you wish, please. It is very nice of you to say so."
"Please wait for a time around this residence."
Saying so, Tadakoso entered the house. It might be, he thought, a great wrench
to part from his father, but just then he was out together with his followers.
When he left his residence, Tadakoso had two things to regret. One was that he
could no longer play the koto called the Maiden-weaver Wind*, which he had
usually enjoyed very much, and another was that he could no longer see Lady
Umetsubo. He strummed on the koto, and attached the following verse to its
neck.
"Now I will play the koto to my heart's content.

Who would play this, however, after I leave here?"
Thereafter he wrote a letter, which was carried to Lady Umetsubo by his page.
"Owing to ill health, I have been out of Court service for a time. If my illness
should continue for long, I shall be unable to see you again.
* See page 12.
P. 59
Chap. 2 Tadakoso
"My heavy tears have grown into a deep and stagnant stream.
My affection is likewise deep though it looks stagnant."
Oh, my Lady! I deeply thank you for your extraordinary favor."
On the evening of that day Tadakoso went to Mount Kurama with the old
ascetic, and immediately entered the Buddhist priesthood.
5
About twenty days later, a page came to Minister Chikage's residence from
Court, and said, "I have come here as a messenger of the Head of the Imperial
Secretariat. Mr. Tadakoso has been absent from Court for a long time, and his
immediate attendance is requested."
Minister Chikage replied in great surprise. "The other day Tadakoso came home
suddenly from Court. He disappeared from here after a few days' stay, so I
simply thought that he had gone to Court. Anyhow, I will at once send out my
people in all directions to search for him."
A great uproar was made in the Minister's residence. Many people walked about
in parties from place to place in search for Tadakoso, but no trace of him was
found. The Minister offered a fervent prayer at every shrine and temple, but they
were mercilessly left unanswered. Minister Chikage did not answer the
summons of the Emperor, because he thought that it would be awful to meet the
Emperor, once Tadakoso's slander, though ungrounded, had reached his ear.
However, he was summoned so often that he
P. 60
finally went to Court full of trepidation. "I haven't seen you for a long time", said
the Emperor, "Well, what do you think about Tadakoso's disappearance? How
long has he been in your residence?"
"About twenty days have passed since we lost sight of him" answered the
Minister.
"That day", said the Emperor, "Tadakoso begged me very earnestly to allow him
to take leave, but I wouldn't hear of it because the Court was then in need of
pages. He said further that he should like to inquire after his father's health, so I
reluctantly granted him leave of absence. It was the last I saw him. I had many
people seek for Tadakoso, but in vain. I don't know where he is or what he is
doing now."
"Many of my people looked for him in parties, only to find no trace of him. I
suppose he is already dead. If he should be alive, it would hardly be possible that
he was nowhere to be seen."
"Why did Tadakoso feel inclined to abscond from home? He must have done so
under unavoidable circumstances. I can form no idea why he went away. Isn't
there a possibility that Tadakoso has had some bitter experiences? Or that he
suddenly brought himself to go into hiding on being severely scolded by his
father?"
At this, the Minister said, "I have never scolded him. To speak the truth,
however, someone told on Tadakoso to me the other day, though I could not
believe what he said, so I said to Tadakoso that I might, from now on, be unable
to look after him as before."
"Oh, that's it! I think Tadakoso was surely disillusioned at hearing those words
of yours. He had believed you only to be his dearest father, and had never seen
you looking displeased. Nevertheless, you said such a thing so suddenly, without
P. 61
Chap. 2 Tadakoso
explaining it in detail, that he undoubtedly felt that he would be left in trouble.

Well, what were you informed of against Tadakoso?"
"It was that Tadakoso had slandered me to Your Majesty."

"Is it possible that Tadakoso who had never talked about another person should
make an ungrounded accusation of his father? One who knows Tadakoso well
would not believe it to be true, though he should be told of such an absurd thing.
You must have been cheated by someone. I am sorry to say, but I have heard that
the wife of the late Minister of the Left is very evilminded. It may have been
designed by her, I dare say."
Minister Chikage did not know what to answer, and withdrew in tears from the
Imperial presence. The Minister reflected deeply in his room: Recently I have
encountered suspicious matters one after another. Could they all have been the
Lady's wiles? If I had acted in obedience to my wife's last words, I would not
have suffered sorrow like this.
Tears of remorse flowed down his cheeks. From this day he shut himself up in
his residence, and prayed to God and Buddha that he might see Tadakoso again.
The Lady regretted that Minister Chikage didn't show himself for a long time,
and had the soothsayers and shrine maidens perform incantations and prayers for
his visit but in vain.
One day the Lady took out the Minister's letters and read them over again,
thinking of the old days. She felt sad and more and more inconsolable, so that
she put all the letters into a box of aloeswood, and sent them back to the Minister
together with the following letter.
"Although these letters are my dear mementoes, I will send them back to you, as
I think I shall live in this world for only a day or two. Life is but an empty
dream, indeed."
P. 62
The Minister read the letter, and said to himself in anger.
"What a nerve she has got to send me such a reproachfu letter! I had a hard time
over Tadakoso's affairs. It is I, not she that should complain."
The Minister was, however, tenderhearted by nature, so he put all her letters into
two openwork boxes of silver, and sent them back to the Lady together with the
following letter.
"I have been confined indoors with mental affliction, so that could neither go to
Court nor call on you. As my life too might not be so long, and my cherished son
has disappeared, I wil send back all your letters to you."
Exactly seven years had passed since Minister Chikage began to visit the Lady's
residence. She had spent a vast sum of money for him during that time, so that
her colossal wealth had been brought to nothing. All her maids-in-waiting left
the residence one by one, and only an undermaid, who had been despised by the
Lady in her heyday because of her bad manners, stayed to serve faithfully the
penurious old Lady. In the large residence there remained nothing but a koto, the
Figure Wind, which had once been presented to the Minister of the Left by
Toshikage. The Lady sold it to Masayori, the General of the Left, for ten
thousand koku* of rice. Before long, however, the rice, too, was all consumed.
Thereafter Minister Chikage went to a hermitage, which was built at a mountain

hamlet remote from town. Some villages such as Sakamoto and Ono were only a
little way from there and Mount Hiei could be seen far away. It seemed to be a
very lonely place even to a person who had no cares, because the
* One koku is about five bushels.
P. 63
Chap. 2 Tadakoso
murmuring of the Otowa River and the roar of the cataracts could be heard
plaintively.
Minister Chikage thought that his life might not be so long, so he copied the
collection of Buddhist sutras, and had the Prabhūtaratna Pagoda built for the
repose of his late wife's soul, and then held a religious service for his future as
well as for Tadakoso's, praying to Buddha that if Tadakoso should still be alive,
he might get along well, and if he should already be dead, he might be in
favorable circumstances in the other world. The Minister wanted to offer the
temple whatever Tadakoso had used daily, and laid his hand on the Maiden-
weaver Wind. When he read Tadakoso's last verse attached to the koto's neck,
tears of sorrow ran down his cheeks like rain.
"Tadakoso used to amuse himself playing this koto", said the Minister to
himself, "This koto will always remind me of Tadakoso and will make me sad. I
will have a Buddhist image made of this koto and hold a memorial service for
Tadakoso."
So he tried hard to break up the koto, but in vain. He called many warriors and
wrestlers, but they could not break it up either. Even though they hammered it,
not even a small scratch could be made on it, just as a dewdrop falls on a plate of
metal. When they all were at a loss what to do, the sky suddenly became black,
rain came pouring down with crashes of thunder, and the koto was blown up into
the sky.
After that, Minister Chikage lived alone in the hermitage, devoting himself to the
Buddhist priesthood, and after a time he died.
P. 64
Chapter 3
Fujiwara no Kimi
1
In the reign of the Emperor Saga there was a young prince who was called
Fujiwara no Kimi* because his mother had come from the powerful Fujiwara
family. He was wise and handsome by nature, and, when fifteen years old, went
through his initiation ceremonies and became a commoner with the name
Minamoto no Masayori. He had a talent for poetry and music, and a profound
knowledge of the classics.
On the very day of his initiation ceremonies, Masayori got married to a daughter
of the then Prime Minister. Thereafter the Emperor Saga desired very eagerly to
marry his first daughter borne by the Empress to Masayori, so that he came to
have two wives, the former being called Lady Ōidono** and the latter Princess
Ōmiya*** .
The Empress, mother of Princess Ōmiya, had a very large residence of four
hectares in area at the corner of the Third Avenue and the Ōmiya Main Street.
The Emperor, who wanted to give this residence to Masayori, ordered the Master
of the Imperial Office of Works and the Grand Moderator to reconstruct all the
buildings there. His plan was to divide the premises into four quarters and to
build the mansions in each
* This means "A young prince of Fujiwara".
**Ōidono means Minister.
*** Ōmiya means the first princess.
P. 65
Chap. 3 Fujiwara no Kimi
quarter according to the private residential style*.
His two wives got on very well, and in the course of time Princess Ōmiya bore
eight sons and nine daughters, while Lady Ōidono four sons and five daughters.
Masayori was finally promoted to be General of the Left and concurrently Grand
Councillor, and raised to the Senior Grade had of the Third Court Rank. Many of
his sons grew up, and official ranks conferred on them.
The first daughter, borne by Princess Ōmiya, was Consort of the Emperor
Suzaku. She bore the Emperor four sons and three daughters, and was called
Lady Jijūden from the name of her apartment in the Imperial Palace.
General Masayori's residence was very large and divided into four quarters. The
buildings in the northeast quarter were especially splendid, all of them being
cypressbark-thatched. Masayori and Princess Ōmiya lived in the north wing in
this quarter. The west wing was assigned to Lady Jijūden as her home away from
the Palace, and the east wing to four princes** borne by Lady Jijūden. In the
main hall there lived the ninth, tenth, thirteenth and fourteenth daughters, borne
by Princess Ōmiya, and three princesses** borne by Lady Jijūden. The sons
borne by Princess Ōmiya used the galleries as their living rooms and the
shingleroofed houses as their anterooms. The fifth, sixth
* The private residence of the Heian aristocrats. (known in Japanese as

Shindenzukuri). The mansions are essentially composed of the main hall, and
north, east and west wings connected by galleries. At the southern part of the
premises there is a lake, in which an island (called the central island) lies. The
garden fills the spaces between the buildings. The garden and the island contain
small artificial hills, and are planted with trees and flowering shrubs.
** It was the custom that royal children should be brought up at the home of the
mother.
P. 66
and seventh daughters borne by Princess Ōmiya lived with their husbands in the
main hall, and west- and east wings respectively in the northwest quarter. The
eighth, borne by Princess Ōmiya, who was not yet married, lived with her
parents in the north wing in the northeast quarter.
Lady Ōidono lived with her sons and daughters in the southeast quarter. The
second, third and fourth daughters born to Lady Ōidono lived with their
husbands in the west, east and north wings respectively in the same quarter.
2
Among many daughters of General Masayori the ninth, Princess Atemiya, was
the most beautiful and noble-minded. When twelve years old, she went through
her ceremonial putting on of the pleated train*. Needless to say, she was a great
favorite with her parents.
Councillor Sanetada, the third son of Minamoto no Sueakira, the Minister of the
Left, fell in love with Princess Atemiya, and was at a loss how to confess his
love to her. Of course, he was not permitted to tell the princess directly nor to
appeal to her father Masayori. So he thought it might be a good idea to consult
about his love with the wife of his elder brother Sanemasa** because she was a
half sister of Princess Atemiya. But he feared, on the other hand, that it might be
impolite to the princess to do so. Meanwhile he happened to call to mind that a
daughter of a wet nurse of Princess Atemiya was now
* This was the initiation ceremony of girls in the Heian period. A pleated train is
a woman's formal outer garment.
** The third daughter of General Masayori, borne by Lady Ōidono, is the wife
of Sanemasa, Chief of the Public Welfare Bureau, who is the oldest son of
Minister Sueakira.
P. 67
serving her as a maid-in-waiting, by the name of Hyōe. Thus he planned to

approach Hyōe to be a go-between of his love, and was finally able to become
familiar with her.
One day Sanetada called on Hyōe at the residence of General Masayori, and told
her about his long-cherished love for Princess Atemiya. Then he took out the egg
of a wild goose from his bosom, and handed it to Hyōe with the following verse.
"A goose egg maintaining its life in a shell

Will not care to hatch* at all."
Hyōe presumed this puzzling verse to mean that he who has loved her from her
childhood would not care to return* from her house, and accepted his present,
smiling. She went back to the main hall, and showed the egg and his verse to
Princess Atemiya, saying, "Pray, look at the goose egg unlikely to hatch."
Fujiwara no Kanemasa, the General of the Right, had set his heart on Princess
Atemiya long before. One day he sent for Lieutenant General Sukezumi, the
third son of General Masayori, to beg him to act as intermediary
"I feel somewhat abashed to say this now", said Kanemasa, "but I would like to
let you know that I have been yearning for Princess Atemiya since her
childhood. I suppose you can sympathize with me in my bitter feelings, as you
have experienced a lot of love affairs, such as the young lady of-"
"Oh!" exclaimed Sukezumi, "At that time I was, to my shame, terribly gossiped
about. Since then I have had enough of what is called love, not only of mine but
also of others.
* The Japanese verse characteristically abounds in puns. In the above verse there
is a pun on kaeru, "hatch" and "return", namely the Japanese words for "hatch"
and "return" are homophonous.
P. 68
Anyhow, I will tell her about your warm heart."
Major Councillor Taira no Masaaki, who was a cousin of the Crown Prince, was
very wise and proficient in music. Moreover he was so sensual that there were
few princesses or noblewomen who had never been amorously approached by
him. He took a fancy to Princess Atemiya, of course, and one day confessed his
love to Guards Lieutenant Yorizumi, the tenth son of General Masayori, who had
been in close association with him for a long time, and asked him to hand the
following note to the princess.
"The lovely plover has only her wings on her mind,

Being unaware that a ripple is always beating on the riverside."
And I do think it's a pity."
When Yorizumi slipped the note into, Princess Atemiya's, hand, she said curtly.
"It is a nasty letter, isn't it?"
"Why do you say so? This is from Major Councilor Masaaki."

"I hate that kind of man!" So saying, the princess was about to run off, when
Yorizumi thrust the note forcibly in her bosom.
After a time Councillor Sanetada called on Hyōe, and handed her the following
letter fastened to a twig of cherry blossoms,
and said, "Please deliver this to Princess Atemiya. I wish to get her reply, no
matter how short it may be."
"Even the wind is permitted to call on you.

I wish the cherry blossoms would tell you of my heart."
At least look at this, please."
P. 69
Hyōe replied. "If it should become known to our General of the Left that I have
acted as a go-between, how severely would I be scolded? I am very anxious
about it."
"There is nothing unusual written in this letter. Why is it bad to show her the
beautiful blossoms? Never mind such a thing, but deliver this quickly to the
princess!"
"Well then, I will take your present, but it will be difficult to get her answer, I
suppose."
Hyōe entered the room of Princess Atemiya, and wrote the following on a piece
of paper.
"I see dimly the blossoms swaying about in the wind,

Though I don't know to which branch the breeze is blowing."
Then she showed the paper to the princess, and said
"What do you think about this verse composed in reply to him?"
"Who is he? Who has given Hyōe such a letter?" The princess smiled sweetly.
Hyōe came out again, and said to Sanetada.

"When I handed your letter to the princess, smiling innocently she asked me,
'Who has given Hyōe such a letter?' In reply to this an attendant nearby
composed a verse like this."
"Then, it is made up by you, isn't it? Though it is not her own handwriting to my
regret, I am willing to receive it."
"Going between you and Princess Atemiya gives me much anxiety, because she
will not reply to any letter which is not completely sincere."
Sanetada said impatiently. "Only a letter, even a short one! That's enough for me.
I will never ask you again. I only desire that she will appreciate my feelings."
P. 70
THE TALE OF THE CAVERN Several days after, Councillor Sanetada brought
a silver censer with him, and handed it to Hyōe with the following note
"I am worried alone about an unrequited love.

Look at the smoke produced by my fire of passion!"
The smoke will soon become a cloud."
Immediately Hyōe showed the censer and his note to Princess Atemiya.
"What a splendid censer it is!" said the princess in surprise.
"I think you had better give him a reply once in a while."
"I don't know yet how to write a letter. I have just begun to learn how to write."
Hyōe came out again, and said to Sanetada.
"I showed it to the princess. She was smiling at the sight of it."
"I cannot make out what you say. Tell me more in greater detail."
So saying, Sanetada took out a splendid gold-lacquered case containing the

figured silk, and gave it to Hyōe.
"Thank you very much", she said, "I tried hard to tell her about your request, but
she would cleverly turn the conversation to other matters."
"General Masayori had made my elder brothers, Sanemasa and Saneyori,**
husbands of his daughters, and let them dwell in this residence, but he treats me
very indifferently. I don't know why."
* There is a pun on hitori, "censer" and "alone".
* The fourth daughter of Masayori, borne by Lady Ōidono, is the wife of

Saneyori, Lieutenant General, who is the second son of Minister Sueakira.
P. 71
Chap. 3 Fujiwara no Kimi "It may not be your fault", replied Hyōe, "Princess
Atemiya will stay here for a long time in this residence as she is. But there are
many beautiful young princesses behind her. How about waiting until they grow
up a little more?" One day Lieutenant General Sukezumi received a letter from
General Kanemasa.
"I have long been unable to call on you because of the successive Monoimi*.
Today I have visited the Kasuga Shrine. Now, I wonder if you have already told
Princess Atemiya what I asked you the other day. Every day I'm worrying about
it.
"With a hat on, I went toward Mount Mikasa,

And yet my sleeves got wet strangely more and more."
I went on and on, but never reached the destination."
Sukezumi visited the room of his sister Princess Atemiya, and said to her, "Here
is a letter from the General of the Right. I hope you'll read it."
"I need not read a letter addressed to you", said she, taking no notice of him.
Thus Sukezumi sent a reply to General Kanemasa.
"Pardon me for my long silence. I am grateful to you for your kind letter. I am at
a loss what to do about the affair in question because she would not listen to
me."
"I prayed to God your wishes might be realized.
*Confinement to one's house on unlucky days. It was a custom in ancient Japan.

P. 72
A sacred tree*, though, never changes in color."
After several days Councillor Sanetada sent a letter to Hyōe fastened to a fine
suhamadai** of a flock of plovers flying unde the lee of an island.
"The plovers are crying, Answer my letter! Answer my letter!

At the beach of a beautiful island."
Always in all sincerity, though full of worries."
When Hyōe showed it to the princess, she said, "What you show me always puts
me in trouble."
"Very often he has written to you", said Hyōe, "And I suggest that you should
not treat him like a stranger any more."
"Then, I will do it this way." Saying so, the princess hurriedly wrote the
following verse.
"The plover must not call at the shore where an unhatched egg lies,
Because his call will not be returned."
And she said to Hyōe, smiling sweetly, "Give this to him as a reply from you."
Hyōe came out in haste and said to Sanetada.
"When I said to the princess that I was given a letter like this she composed this
splendid verse at once, and suggested that
*The sacred tree, Cleyera japonica. A glossy-leafed tree related to the Camellia.
It's branches are used in the Shinto ritual.
**A stand decorated as a sandy beach, on which artificial miniature rocks, trees,
birds, flowers, etc. are placed as ornaments.
P. 73
Pg. 73
this might be sent as a reply from me. Thus, I have suddenly become an
excellent poetess."
Sanetada was moved to tears to find in her verse a pun on kaeru, "hatch" and
"return".
One day a letter of Major Councillor Masaaki reached Princess Atemiya.
"I dared to send a letter to you, but no answer was given. I cannot help feeling
uneasy, so I write to you once more.
"The lake in the deep mountain is full of water, And about to overflow
its rocky banks."
My affection for you is likewise deep. Don't neglect me, please."
There was no reply, however.
Prince Hyōbukyō, a younger brother of the Emperor Suzaku and Princess

Ōmiya, also set his heart on Princess Atemiya. Once in a while he wrote to her,
but never got any answer.
One day he sent her the following letter. "It may be, I think, of no effect after all
to speak out my thought, and yet I cannot desist. You have given me no reply
yet. I have never heard of such a coldhearted lady as you."
When the princess read this, she said smilingly, "Oh! How he threatens me!" and
gave him no answer.
Shortly after, a letter was sent again from Prince Hyōbukyō.
"You always treat me heartlessly. Do you know we are related? I will tell the
Emperor about this resentment of mine.
Pg. 74
"There lives no other insect in my lodge.

Why won't the butterfly come here? It's quite strange."
But in the end there was no reply.

A letter was sent to the princess from Councillor Sanetada.
"I thank you very much for your kindness in having granted me my wish the
other day.
"I'm willing to die for your sake, whatever others may say.
My life has been offered to you whom I'm pining for."
Oh, my princess! May I hope to have your reply, even though a short
one?"
Hyōe said to the princess. "I beg you to give him an answer for this once. I am
afraid that he will think that you have no fine sensibilities. Will you please
compose a verse in reply for my sake?"
"Obedience to your advice will very likely make me a bad girl", said the
princess, smiling, and she wrote the following at once on a sheet of paper.
"Though you say 'willing to die', the underground fountain knows well
That you live long like the moss growing on the rock."
Having received an autograph verse of the princess, Sanetada wept and wept for
joy.
Chamberlain Nakazumi, the seventh son of General Masayori, pined with love
for Princess Atemiya, his sister by the same mother,
Pg. 75
taking no notice of any other young ladies. Princess Atemiya, however,

considered it to be an illicit love, and talked with him for a short time only when
she took lessons in koto from him.
One rainy evening Nakazumi heard a grebe crying plaintively on the central
island, and was overcome with sorrow. He entered Princess Atemiya's room and
said,
"The heavy tears of a grebe poured into the lake,
So much as to submerge the waterweed growing there."
Don't you think so?"
Princess Atemiya answered nothing, however.
3
In those days there lived an old, somewhat perverse prince named Prince
Kantsuke. When he was told that a number of daughters of General Masayori
had got married to reputable princes and high courtiers, he believed that the
General would sooner or later beg him to marry one of his daughters, and he
divorced his present wife, fearing that she would be an obstacle to his second
marriage. He waited in vain for the General's proposal. The conceited prince
thought, "It cannot be", and expected to marry Princess Chigomiya, the eighth
daughter of the General. Soon after that, however, she became the wife of
Fujiwara no Kiyomasa*, the Chief of the Left Guard. The prince was surprised
at this news, and said, "General Masayori doesnt know my wish well enough
yet, I suppose. Next, my
* The second son of Tadamasa, the Minister of the Right.
Pg. 76
plan is to have Princess Atemiya. I will marry her at any cost." Very often he
sent letters to the General and the princess, but had no reply.
One day Prince Kantsuke called together many of the soothsayers, shrine
maidens, gamblers, rogues and so on living in the capital, and said to them.
"I had sought for a woman to become my wife not only in all provinces of our
country but also in China, Korea and India, but in vain. Well, General Masayori
had over a dozen daughters, one of them being the Consort of the Emperor, and
the others being the wives of the princes and high courtiers. Among the
unmarried daughters Princess Atemiya, the ninth, is the most beautiful, and no
one in the world can compare with her in beauty. I eagerly wish to make her my
wife, but both the General and the princess will not listen to me. At which
shrines or temples shall I pray for my success in love? Have you any good idea
to bend her to my will?"
Then Sōkei, one of the highest priests of the Sōji Temple on Mount Hiei, said to
Prince Kantsuke.
"In order to win the princess' heart you should contribute the allnight-lamps first
to the Hiei Monastery, and then to the Kannon* Temples in Nara and Hase**,
the temples of Ryūmon**, Sakamoto**, Tsubosaka**, and Tōdaiji**. Besides
that, you had better contribute the sacred lights to everything called the Buddhist
image, even though it is a clod of earth, and make offerings to everything called
God, even though it exists in India. If you contribute the sacred lights to seventy-
three thousand Buddhist images, and make offerings to one million
* Avalokitèsvara (Sans.)
** Hase, Ryūmon and Tsubosaka are in the province of Yamato. Sakamoto is at
the foot of Mount Hiei, and Tōdaiji is in Nara.
Pg. 77
Gods, you will receive divine protection without doubt. If you receive divine
protection, you will even be able to make a heavenly lady descend to earth in
order to become your wife. Furthermore, I must add that it is very important to
give alms to the hermits who are practicing asceticism in the mountains and the
temples."
"You have given me a sacred discourse", said the prince. "Now, how much oil
may I offer for the sacred lamps?"
"Assuming that daily one gō* of oil is to be offered to a temple, whether large or
small, it follows that fourteen hundred and seventy gō of oil is monthly
consecrated to the forty-nine temples on Mount Hiei alone. Though you might
think it to be a large amount, an offering to the temple is not fruitless. It will be
useful for your happiness in the next world."
Prince Kantsuke knelt down and worshipped the priest seven times, and said
with joy, "I will do as you say. If my earnest desire be granted, it would be
through your kind influence."
The prince gave the priest the total expenses for offerings to Gods and Buddhist
images, and bowed his head.
Subsequently a poor student of the university said to Prince Kantsuke.

"There are a large number of poor, solitary and unfortunate people in the world.
If you should relieve these unlucky people from distress, all your wishes should
be realized. I believe so, because it is in an old book written by an ancient sage."
"You are quite right. If I give them joy, my only desire will be answered without
fail", said Prince Kantsuke, who made up his mind to give his money, clothes
and rice to the poor, hungry or homeless people.
Lastly one of the rogues said to the prince.
* One gō is equivalent to 180 milliliters.
Pg. 78
"There are six hundred rogues, and about the same number of gamblers all over
the capital. If all these fellows should attack the residence of General Masayori
at a single stroke, your purpose would surely be accomplished."
Hearing it, one of the gamblers shouted.
"Don't be absurd! That large, square residence is surrounded by walls with a

stately gate on each side, and within the walls there are a great number of grand,
strongly built houses, in which many princes and high courtiers live with a
multitude of retainers and vassals. Though a crowd of the most daredevil
warriors attack the residence, they would not be able to get in. Well, my prince! I
have a better idea. It is as follows: First we will spread the rumor that a
dedication will be held for the erection of a tower at the Dōryūji Temple in the
East Mountain, and then rehearse the spectacle gaily in the busiest part of town.
As all members of the General's family are very fond of merrymaking, they will
surely go to the Dōryūji Temple to see it. At that time a group of our comrades
will fall upon them and take the princess away."
Prince Kantsuke said in great joy. "It's a good idea. It is the best way to make her
my own. Say that an exceptionally entertaining dedication service will be held at
the Dōryūji Temple."
The prince gave the gamblers and rogues a lot of money and rice for the cost of
the rehearsal of the show.
This plan, however, soon leaked out, and reached the General's ear.
"I am not so shallow-brained as to fall into such a trap," the General said, and
immediately sent for Major General Kazumasa.
"I hear that Prince Kantsuke will hold a great dedication at the Dōryūji Temple",
said the General to Kazumasa, "Send out
Pg. 79
retainers to find a spot where the best view can be obtained, because I want to
have my daughter see the spectacle me on that day."
Major General Kazumasa went to the Dōryūji Temple with the retainers and
sought a place with a good view, when Prince Kantsuke's men came round and
shouted.
"We won't give any parking space to the family of General Masayori who always
assumes a disrespectful attitude toward our Prince."
"A large space is not neccessary for only one carriage. Princess Atemiya wishes
very earnestly to see the spectacle", replied Kazumasa.
On hearing it, one of the men said, "Then, you may do as you please. The
proverb says, 'Requite a wrong with a kindness'. "
On the very day of the dedication General Masayori called one of the most
beautiful girls among the daughters of his retainers, and said to her. "I ask you to
become the wife of Prince Kantsuke, posing as Princess Atemiya. He is not a
commoner, but an honorable prince, so I think you are quite lucky. You must
take care not to let him perceive that you are posing as Princess Atemiya. For
that, you need first to consider yourself to be the genuine princess."
The false princess arrayed in fine clothes rode in a gilded carriage* together with
three attendants, two of them being daughters of footmen and one being a little
daughter of a woodcutter. Besides, several maids-in-waiting of the General
* The Heian aristocrats used a carriage drawn by a cow, which was called Gissha
(cow carriage). There were various cow carriages, such as the gilded carriage,
palm-frond carriage, brocaded carriage, woven-bamboo carriage, etc.
Pg. 80
were ordered to ride in two palm-frond carriages. These three carriages set out
for the Dōryūji Temple, accompanied by about thirty outrunners.
At the Dōryūji Temple the dedication service was being held very gaily. When
three splendid carriages appeared, the cowherds and the like gathering in the
yard of the temple suddenly began to beat drums, and a crowd of people began
to make a fuss. All at once a group of gamblers and rogues came and surrounded
the gilded carriage and carried it away. All the maids-in-waiting in the palm-
frond carriages cried out on purpose, making a great fuss about the unexpected
event.
Shortly after a shout of joy arose in the residence of Prince Kantsuke. The
cowherds beat drums with their hands, and the mowers blew flutes. The prince
said in great delight, "The treasured princess has come to my hands at last," and
he himself introduced the captured girl into the room which had been arranged
for Princess Atemiya, and held a splendid feast for seven days and nights.
The prince called Sōkei, a high priest of the Hiei Monastery, and said to him in
gratitude.
"Many thanks to you for your assistance. My long-cherished desire has been
realized. I have never been so highly delighted. For thanksgiving I will
contribute a Buddhist image to the temple, and make offerings to various Gods."
Then the prince went to the shore of the Kamo River with his new wife for
thanksgiving, and said to her,
"I am very glad to have been united with you by the miraculous virtue of the
Gods and Buddha.
"My prayer to God and Buddha has been answered.

How is it that your heart is so cold?"
Pg. 81
The false new wife replied, as if she were the genuine princess.
"I prayed to be excused from living in the unfamiliar lodge.

God's favor, however, was not granted after all."
4
Miharu no Takamoto, an Imperial son borne by a woman of low estate, entered
the government service in his youth, and was promoted to higher posts step by
step. He was so niggardly that he didn't even want to marry. When he stayed in a
province as the governor, he did not provide his servants properly with food and
clothes, and he himself ate nothing but three gō of rice a day. Nevertheless, he
collected taxes very strictly from the people, so that his warehouse was swelled
with treasures and commodities as time went by.
In the meantime he was promoted to be Councillor and concurrently Grand

Moderator, and not long afterward to be General of the Imperial Guards.
As General Takamoto did not give enough food and clothes to his servants, none
of them stayed long at his residence. The cow carriage* which he used to go to
Court in was a shabby wooden carriage with a broken bamboo blind, and a
crupper of straw rope and broken wheels. The cow was not cared for, and the
cowherd was a poorly dressed girl. Though the General of the Imperial Guards
ought to have been attended by guards officers and valets whenever he went out,
General Takamoto went to Court attended only by a boy who carried a wooden
sword, an old quiver of straw with arrows of reeds, and a bow
* See note*, page 79.
Pg. 82
made of a branch with a string of straw rope. Everybody who saw this queer
scene laughed mockingly at him, but he did not care at all.
Takamoto was, however, naturally a wise and enthusiastic governor, so that even
the fierce warriors obeyed him without exception. It was on this account that he
was able to maintain his status as a government official for such a long time. He
was finally promoted to Minister, when he determined for the first time to marry
a woman who would not eat too much, and took a rich merchant woman to wife
whose name was Tokumachi.
One day Tokumachi said to Minister Takamoto.
"People are laughing at you, because you go to Court in such a shabby carriage,
and have only a boy and a girl as attendants. It is shameful that there is no adult
servant in this residence."
The Minister acted upon his wife's advice, and got fifteen retainers. One day
while she was out, the retainers asked the Minister for additional extra food. The
Minister shouted in astonishment,
"For this reason I have employed no adult servants for a long time."
A short time later Tokumachi came back from town, and asked the Minister,
"Why are you lost in thought?"
"The retainers asked me for a side dish", replied he, "It is a great loss if we take
various expenses into account. Your advice has given me a lot of extra trouble."
Tokumachi began to laugh at his remark. "Don't worry about such a trifle!
Though I'm of low birth, I don't mind it a bit."
So saying, she took out a lot of dried fish and refreshments from the storeroom,
and gave them to the retainers. Seeing this, the Minister felt more dead than
alive.
Pg. 83
The Minister had a large residence of four hectares in area along the Seventh
Avenue, where there were many warehouses full of goods and treasures, a
tenement house, a guardhouse, a station of valets, a brewing house and so on, but
the house which he lived in was only five meters square.
When still young, Minister Takamoto had been taken seriously ill and fallen into
such a condition that it had been feared that he would die. But by virtue of his
mother's prayer to God and Buddha, his life had been saved. Though the mother
had stated repeatedly at her death about thanksgiving to God and Buddha, he
never intended to carry out his mother's will, even after he became rich.
Perhaps due to divine punishment, he was finally taken dangerously ill.

Minister Takamoto, lying on his sickbed, ate nothing but a mandarin a day, and
several days later he said, "I have eaten too many mandarins. If the seeds of the
fruits I have eaten were sown in the farm, many mandarin trees would grow and
a great amount of fruit would be obtained. From now on I will not take
anything."
He passed some days without taking any food, but when he became impatient of
hunger, he said to his wife. "I will eat a mandarin growing on someone else's
tree. Never pick our mandarins."
It was the middle of the Fifth Month, so not a mandarin was anywhere to be
found. Thus Tokumachi plucked one of their own mandarins in secret, and laid it
at the head of the Minister's bed.
At that time his little son, five years old, whom Tokumachi had borne him, said
to him,
"This is a mandarin which mother picked in our garden When I said I would tell
you what she had done, she gave me some millet wrapped in paper."
This shocking news made the Minister, who had languished
Pg. 84
under sickness, nearly insensible. His illness was fortunately not fatal after all,
and before long he got better.
But Tokumachi thought to herself, "I was married to a noble man called
Minister, whose stinginess is, however, more than I can bear. I ought to have
married a man suitable for me", and finally she left him.
When the retainers asked the Minister for various articles when Tokumachi was
present, he said to them.
"It is on account of my being in Court service that I must keep my retainers. I

intend to resign the post of Minister in the near future, and live the remainder of
my life cultivating the fields with one or two servants. All of you may leave this
residence today."
Thereafter Minister Takamoto went to the Imperial Palace and said to the
Emperor.
"It may be against Your Majesty's will, I think, for me to stay in office as
Minister for such a long time, regardless of my inability. I wish to be relieved of
my office, and given a province instead. From now on I am going to live by
tilling the fields with my servants."
The Emperor accepted Takamoto's resignation and gave him the province of
Mino.
A short time later, Takamoto, by chance, heard of Princess Atemiya, a paragon

of beauty, and began to desire earnestly to make her his wife. Fearing that
General Masayori's family would see his poor life-style, Takamoto bought in
haste a large residence along the Fourth Avenue, where he had splendid
mansions built at great cost, and provided with a lot of gorgeous furniture and
fittings. He employed many young ladies rank as his maids-in-waiting, and made
them all wear figured clothes. He himself was dressed in expensive figured
clothes, and took his meals with golden tableware on a pewter table.
Pg. 85
After all preparations were made, Takamoto invited Kunai, one of Princess
Atemiya's maids-in-waiting, to his residence, and asked for her help.
"As you see, I am a bachelor. I have long been fond of Princess Atemiya, though
I have hesitated until now to reveal my inmost thought. I desire earnestly to be
married to the princess. What do you think about this?"
"It is inconvenient for you to lead a single life, I suppose" replied Kunai, "In the
residence of General Masayori live several young princesses, and among them
Princess Atemiya is the most beautiful, and loved by almost all gentlemen. Her
parents, however, have decided nothing yet about her marriage. Well, at your
special request I will transmit your kind words to the princess."
Takamoto was very pleased, and gave her two big bags containing beautiful silk
and floss. He said to Kunai triumphantly.
"This is a product of the Mino province given me the other day. In my
storehouses there are plenty of products of various provinces."
5
In the reign of the Emperor Saga there was a clever and beautiful page boy,
about ten years old, whose childhood name was Hanazono. When his father went
to the province of Tsukushi, accompanied by Hanazono, as the inspector of an
incoming Chinese ship, one of the Chinese was greatly surprised to see that
Hanazono was not at all inferior to the Chinese children in intelligence, and took
the boy to his homeland. In China Hanazono studied very hard, and also learned
music very earnestly. After an interval of eight years he returned to Japan,
Pg. 86
taking passage in a trader.
The Emperor Saga was very pleased to see Hanazono who had grown up into a
youth of fine appearance, and withour delay appointed him Marshal of the Board
of Ceremonies and Secretary, and ordered him to serve the Court as a teacher of
music. Thereafter he was renamed Yoshimune no Yukimasa, appointed Gards
Major, and had the Fifth Court Rank conferred on him.
A short time later Yukimasa came to serve the Emperor Suzaku with the biwa*,
and the Crown Prince with the sō no koto, and finally became one of the most
renowned courtiers.
Yukimasa had no wife yet. To tell the truth, he was seting his heart on Princess
Atemiya in secret, so he refused all proposals of marriage made by the courtiers
of higher ranks who had young daughters, and, of course, never took notice of
any flirtatious young ladies.
Guards Major Akizumi, the fifth son of General Masayori, was on good terms
with Yukimasa, because they were serving at the same guard office. One day
General Masayori called Yukimasa to his residence and said,
"I am told that you have no fixed lodging yet. If it suits your convenience, you
may use one of the rooms of Akizumi as your regular lodging. Many young
people live in this residence. And I beg you to give music lessons to my baby, as
I hope he wil grow up into an expert in music."
Yukimasa was rejoiced very much and determined to live in one of Akizumi's
rooms. By the way, Yukizumi, the youngest son of General Masayori, now six
years old, was always called "my baby" by his parents, and accordingly styled
Prince "My Baby" by people.
* See note, page 47.
Pg. 87
The months passed, and spring came. In the front garden of General Masayori's
residence the cherries were coming into full blossom, and a feast was held to
celebrate the occasion. On that day Guards Major Yukimasa composed many
fine verses, and played the flute and sō no koto very skilfully. Then he longed
for a sight of Princess Atemiya, but in vain.
Several days later he said to Prince "My Baby", "I ask you a favor to help me,
but keep it a secret, please."
"Yes, certainly. I will not tell it to anybody", replied the prince.
"Please deliver this letter into Princess Atemiya's hands personally, and bring me
her reply without fail. If not, I won't give you lessons any more."
This was his letter.
"I'm a fisher who gathered seaweed here and there,

And can dive still now fearlessly into the raging waves."
I will confess fearlessly my love disproportionate to my status."
Prince "My Baby" took the letter to Princess Atemiya.
"Who sent this letter? " she asked.
"A man who gives me lessons."
"Oh! I am amazed." So saying, she denied to read the letter.
"Give me your answer! Please, in haste!"

"I will make no reply to such a man. You may say to him that his letter has
shocked me so much."
"But if you don't give me any answer, he will teach me no more." Prince "My
Baby" was ready to cry. Princess Imamiya*
* The tenth daughter of General Masayori.
Pg. 88
who was sitting by said, "It is quite unfair, I think, to make a little boy carry a
letter, and threaten him with the words, 'Without her answer more teaching.'"
6
Shigeno no Masuge, the Viceroy of Kyūshū and Councillor about sixty years of
age, came up to the capital in dejection, because he had lost his faithful wife on
his way to the capital. One day an old woman living in his neighborhood told
him that General Masayori had now several unmarried daughters, among whom
Princess Atemiya was the most beautiful. Hearing this, Masuge desired to make
the princess his wife at any cost, and said to the old woman.
"General Masayori is supposed to have little savings and stores because of his
luxurious life. I will give him freely all the tributes from my manors, and, if
necessary, even my whole fortune, and then request him to give his daughter to
me, and, if you act as go-between, will give you many rolls of silk."
"If you do so, you will surely achieve success. Besides, I have a good idea",
replied she.
"What is it?"
"I am acquainted with Nagato, the wet nurse of one of the General's sons. I want
to ask her for help."
"Thank you. I leave it to your better judgement."
The old woman went at once to the residence of General Masayori, and met
Nagato whom she hadn't seen for a long time.
"I haven't seen you for a long time. We had a long spell of rain, so mostly I have
stayed indoors."
"Owing to this continuous rain I also had difficulty in looking
Pg. 89
after the children. Have you been well since we last met?" said Nagato.
"Thank you. Just fine."
"Recently there is no fun, but only unrest in this residence, so I remain alone in
my own room every day," said Nagato somewhat lonesomely.
"If you have spare time, come to my home, please. Yesterday I gathered the
whole crop at my farm, which I am going to sow with wheat. Today I have come
here with a pot of barley flour, wishing to have a long talk with you. Help
yourself to the parched barley flour, though it's not so tasty. It is very pleasant to
talk with a congenial friend."
"You are quite right. In this residence there are many people, none of whom,
however, want to keep me company. Apart from me, the present wet nurses are
all young."
"Whom had you served?"
"Grand Moderator Tadazumi, the eldest son of General Masayori", replied

Nagato.
"It is natural that a wet nurse of the eldest son should be an old lady", said the
old woman, smiling.
After their long-continued conversation was over, the two women called on
Viceroy Masuge together. Masuge made them welcome and said to Nagato.
"I am a bachelor, though somewhat old, and living now an inconvenient life.
Well, I have a desire to marry Princess Atemiya. Please inform General
Masayori of my earnest wish."
"If I transmit your wish to our General", replied Nagato, "things will not go well.
You had better let me take your letter directly to the princess. My granddaughter
named Tateki is now serving Princess Atemiya as a maid-in-waiting. I will ask
her for help."
"Then I will do so", Masuge said, and called Nagamasa, his
Pg. 90
THE TALE OF THE CAVERN 90
second son, who served the Crown Prince as a guards officer.
"As I am afraid that I will grow weak from age", said Masuge to his son, "I have
determined to marry a young lady. I want to send a love letter to her. Now, please
compose a verse for I fear I shall be treated with contempt if there is no verse in
my letter."
Suppressing his laughter, Nagamasa jotted down as follows on a piece of paper.
"I beg your pardon, but I send a letter to you. First of a want to tell my life
history. My wife died of a sickness way to the capital, and I am leading a lonely
life without anyone to talk to.
"There lives an old man cheerlessly in the desolate lodging,

Which is overgrown with reeds full of dew."
Would you kindly hoe out the reeds for me?"
Masuge wrote after a model handwriting of his son on fine paper. He handed the
letter to Nagato and asked her to bring the princess' reply without fail. Then he
gave five kan* of money to Nagato, and two koku** of rice to the old woman.
Nagato went back to the residence of General Masayori, and called her
granddaughter Tateki at once.
"Where is Princess Atemiya now?"
"She is playing the koto with her brother Chamberlan Nakazumi", replied Tateki.
"Hand over this letter to the princess secretly when no one is
*See note*, page 50.

**See note*, page 62.
Pg. 91
sent by her side, and say to her, "'This is a letter from Lady Jijüden.'"
Soon thereafter Tateki slipped the letter to the princess as Nagato had ordered.
Princess Atemiya was amazed to find that it was in very bad, illegible
handwriting, and returned it to Tateki at once, saying, "This is not from Lady
Jijūden. I suppose this is a letter for Nagato."
In the meantime, Masuge was expecting a reply from the princess every
moment. At last he asked the old woman impatiently, "Has Nagato handed the
letter to the princess?"
"Nagato said that she had taken the task upon herself, so I am sure her reply will
soon be given. If you are in a hurry for it, I will go there to have her answer
given."
"That's a mercy", said Masuge with joy.
The old woman visited Nagato and said, "I have come here to receive an answer
from Princess Atemiya."
Nagato did not tell her at all that the princess had returned Masuge's letter to
Tateki without reading it well, but said with composure.
"Princess Atemiya never replies to any first letter. If he should continue to send
his letters, an answer might be given to him."
"Then, please inform the Viceroy of the whole affair by letter", asked the old
woman.
Nagato wrote immediately the following letter.
"I handed your letter to the princess at a suitable opportunity. Her reply will not
be given so soon, but you may make your mind quite easy about it, because I
will see to it that all goes well. Please believe that the princess will surely fall
into your hands."
The old woman brought the letter to Masuge. He opened it in
Pg. 92
haste, and was surprised to find that it was written in a hand quite different from
that of the princess. He, in great anger threw away the letter without reading it
well, and shouted to at old woman,
"Oh, that nurse! How dare she send me a letter like this under the pretense of the
princess's one? And why have you brought me such a letter? I will not be
imposed upon by you! Bring me back at once the rice I gave you the other day in
consideration of your acting as go-between. Both of you have told a lie and
defrauded me of money and rice. I will bring matter to court."
Then Masuge bound the woman's hands behind her back, and tied her to a big
tree in his garden.
The old woman said in a loud voice, "Please read the letter well. Nagato wrote it
in order to inform you of the whole circumstances."
Masuge just came to himself, picked up the letter and read it carefully.
"Forgive me! I did you wrong. I am to blame for it", he said, and set her free at
once. Then he let her sit down on a straw-mat spread on the veranda, and
presented her with two koku of rice and ten rolls of cloth.
After a while Masuge said to her, wiping off cold sweat from his face. "If it
should end in success, I would give you ten thousand rolls of brocade. Please
forgive me my fault."
Nevertheless, the old woman replied. "It is very nice of you to give me various
goods, but you, who have bound my hands and ordered me to return the article
you had once given, are a man of violent temper. I fear that a similar thing will
occur again in future."
This made Masuge very angry again.
"Oh! You poor old woman! Don't say such cheeky things.
Pg. 93
You shall be bound again. Without your help, my treasure can surely make
everything succeed."
At this, the old woman ran away in a flurry.
After some days Masuge called an old maid-in-waiting serving at the residence
of General Masayori, whose name was Tonomori, and asked her to act as go-
between. To his great joy Tonomori took the task upon herself. Masuge said to
her that if it should result in success, he would feel himself indebted to her
through life, and then gave her ten rolls of figured cloth twenty kan of money.
Several days later Masuge was surprised at the rumor that Princess Atemiya
might become a Consort of the Crown Prince, and went at once to the residence
of General Masayori and entered the room of Tonomori in secret.
"The Fifth Month, an evil month for marriage*, has passed" said he, "How did
the matter go which I asked the other day? It is bad to leave a thing half-done or
unfinished."
"I know what you mean", replied Tonomori, "But there is some difficulty."
"You mean that my wife will quarrel with Princess Atemiya. If so, don't trouble
yourself about that. My wife died on the way to the capital. She was a dear
daughter of the Governor of Bungo province. I remember he had begged me
eagerly to marry his daughter. I feel pity for her now. Well, I am told that
Princess Atemiya will become a Consort of the Crown Prince. I ask you whether
it is true or not. General Masayori, who had his daughter enter the Crown
Prince's household, ignoring my offer of marriage at his own discretion, is an
unpardonable man. Everything should be done after due consideration."
*The Fifth Month was believed to be a month of ill omen for marriage in old
Japan.
Pg. 94
"I suppose it is not true", said Tonomori, "His first daughter is now the Imperial
Consort. It is inconceivable that the introduction of his daughter at Court should
take place yet again."
"Then, bring the princess to my home with you in a few days."
"What a thing to say! Don't forget that she is the most famous princess in the
world. You request too much. Please wait for a while, and I will be able to do so
some day."
"It the princess should come to my home, I would let want for nothing. It is not
reasonable, I think, that Princess Atemiya remains unmarried for long, while all
her elder sisters already have husbands. If she should come to my home, I would
give her all the tributes from my manors, and provide her with a lot of beautiful
clothes and gorgeous accessories."
Just at that time Councillor Sanetada peeped into Tonomori's room, saying, "Is
Miss Hyōe here?"
Masuge said in surprise. "Oh! You are Councillor Sanetada. How is it that you
are here?"
"How is it that you are here? Tonomori is a widow. Well, are you a frequent
visitor to her room?" said Sanetada, smiling.
Masuge replied, waving his hand confusedly. "Don't worry about it! From now
on I will avoid coming here."
After Sanetada went out, Masuge said to Tonomori,
"Anyhow, I trust it to your good offices. I hope you will transmit my wishes to
her tomorrow. I will reward you generously."
Pg. 95
Chapter 4
The Saga Palace
1
Chapter 4 The Saga Palace
The Eighth Month came. The team of the Right had won in the wrestling meet,
and the victory banquet following the festival* was held at the residence of
Kanemasa, the General of the Right.
Very elaborate preparations were made for the banquet. A pavilion was newly
built in the front yard sprinkled with white sand. The south room of the main hall
was made ready to receive the principal guests. All the mats and cushions were
newly made, and very beautiful screens and curtains were set up here and there.
In the main hall, beautiful maids-in-waiting in Chinese robes and pleated
trains** were seated in a line, and pretty page girls in blue vests and magenta
cloaks were seated behind them.
Soon cups were filled with sake, and the party became noisier. At this time
various musical instruments were laid before the guests. All the kotos had been
tuned in advance. The concert of the kotos and flutes delighted all the persons
present very much for some time.
Not long after this, Chamberlain Nakatada showed himself at the banqueting hall
with many gifts in his hands. Masayori, the
* The festival was held in the Imperial Palace, as a rule, late in the Seventh
Month.
** Chinese robe (karaginu) and a pleated train (mo) are formal outer garments of
Heian ladies.
Pg. 96
General of the Left, called Nakatada near at once, and offered his cup several
times to him.
"I want to make you drunk", said Masayori, "I have a deep design in doing so. In
fact, I wish you would reveal your true character under the influence of drink.
Joking aside, please play the koto, only just one tune, to give us a pleasant
surprise. The banquet without your recital is just like a spring hill without a
warbler's singing, or an autumn lake without the bright moon to be mirrored."
General Masayori took the Dragon-hall Wind which General Kanemasa had
brought.
"Just one tune with this koto! The deep emotion aroused in me by your splendid
performance on the day of the Five-Maiden Dance* last year lives still in my
heart even now," he said.
"On that night", replied Nakatada, "I played only one tune unsteadily, trying to
retrace an old memory. Now, I am sorry I have forgotten all the tunes. If I played
the koto at this banquet, you would feel as if you heard frogs croaking in a field
overgrown with mugworts."
General Kanemasa advised his son Nakatada. "Don't say so, but play a tune, and
receive a fine prize for it."
General Masayori added, too. "I have a favorite daughter, and I can give her to
you in reward for your recital."
Then Nakatada suddenly took the Dragon-hall Wind, and began to play a tune
called "Myriad Years."** It sounded wonderfully clear in the evening air. Major
General Nakayori was very much impressed by Nakatada's skill on the koto, and
went down into the courtyard in a hurry to perform the dance
* See page 42.
** One of the tunes of the Court dance and music, supposed to have been
composed by the T'ang empress Tsê-tien wu-hou.
Pg. 97
Chap. 4 The Saga Palace
of "Myriad Years." Nakatada continued to play the tune, accompanied by

General Masayori's wagon and Guards Major Yukimasa's biwa as well as by the
singing of all courtiers of present.
When the concert was over, General Masayori said to Nakatada. "Well, next I
want to listen to your favorite tune. If you don't agree, I will not give you the
prize I have promised."
Then Nakatada began to play the tune of "koka"* İn good heart. The mellow and
soft melody impressed all those present very profoundly. His technique on the
koto proved to be far better than when he had played the year before in the
presence of the Emperor. It was natural that all the hearers should be moved to
tears, because he exhausted all his skill on the treasured tune of koka.
Subsequently General Masayori and General Kanemasa played together upon

the kotos, accompanied by the flutes of Major General Nakayori and Guards
Major Yukimasa, when Chamberlain Nakazumi, the seventh son of General
Masayori, descended the stairs into the courtyard and performed the Korean
dragon dance called Rakuson. General Masayori, as a Court page, had danced
the Rakuson astonishingly well at the banquet in celebration of the Emperor
Saga, and leaped suddenly into fame, but now Chamberlain Nakazumi proved to
be superior to his father in performing this dance.
It was late at night. When Nakatada was taking a meal at his own seat,
Chamberlain Nakazumi came over to him. Nakatada spoke to him in joy.
"How good of you to have come here! Though I have met you at Court now and
then, I have had no opportunity to talk with you leisurely."
* See note***, page 42
Pg. 98
"I have also been wanting to have a talk with you", repied toward you because
Nakazumi, "but I have kept my distance you always appeared very busy."
I have no guardian at Court except my father, so I feel forlorn at times. I wish

you would be my best friend from now on. Well, you seldom go to Court these
days. Why?"
"Because I have not been feeling well."
"I am afraid you are lovesick."

"I hear there is no medicine effective for that sickness."
"The Third Princess* living in the residence of the First Avenue told me the
other day that she hoped I would be an intimate friend of Chamberlain
Nakazumi because I had few blood relatives."
"The aunt told me, too. 'I am told that you have sworn to be brothers with Major
General Nakayori and Guards Major Yukimasa, and I hope now you would take
Chamberlain Nakatada into your circle."
"I am glad to hear it."
"Though I wish to talk with you a little longer, I must bid you farewell, since I
am now very drunk."
"I am very pleased to have realized my long-cherished desire."
"Well, good-bye until we meet again."
Very late on that night all guests started on their way home. General Kanemasa
who had accomplished his important task feeling relieved, said to his wife.
"Nakatada was very presentable tonight, wasn't he?"
"That is quite beyond me", she replied.
"Every one agreed that Nakatada's skill on the koto surpassed without doubt that
of the late Toshikage who was said to be an
*See page 36. The Third Princess is aunt to Nakazumi, and stepmother to
Nakatada.
Pg. 99
expert on the koto superior to the celestials. General Masayori said that he would
give Nakatada his dearest daughter."
"I think General Masayori is a gentleman worthy of respect. His sons are all very
nice."
"Yes, indeed. The General alone carried his drink well while others were nearly
all dead drunk."
General Masayori came back home and said to his wife Princess Ōmiya.
"Today's banquet was unusually magnificent. Now, thanks to Princess Atemiya I

could listen to splendid music."
"Oh, how I envy you! Do tell me about it", said Princess Ōmiya.
"In the banqueting hall, the gallants in question played, as usual, on various
instruments to the best of their skill, and delighted all the persons present. But
Chamberlain Nakatada was long in coming, and I had to wait very impatiently
for him. Toward evening he showed himself at length with many gifts in his
hands. I pressed sake upon him at once to make him heavily drunk, and then
begged him to play the koto, but in vain. General Kanemasa brought a very fine
koto and advised him to play a tune, but he would not obey his father. At that
time I said that if he should play a tune for me, I would give him my dearest
daughter in reward for his performance. Then he took the koto suddenly and
played the tunes of "Myriad Years" and "koka" in good earnest. His skill was
wonderful. General Kanemasa brushed away tears of delight. Chamberlain
Nakatada was a very handsome and enchanting lad, and no one was his equal in
music and dance. Anyhow, I wish to have you listen to his koto some other day."
"I am told, however, that the Chamberlain seldom performs upon the koto."
"Ordinary measures will not do, because even when the
Pg. 100
Emperor strongly requested him to play he never touched the koto. It would have
been in vain if I should have tonight in the ordinary way. As I am wily, however,
I was able to make him obey me."
"How would it be, if you should let Princess Atemiya request him to play?"
asked Princess Ōmiya.
The General replied, smiling.
"I'm sure he'll willingly play his finest tune. We shall have a good opportunity
some day."
Several days after the victory banquet Nakatada called on Nakazumi at the
residence of General Masayori on his way from Court.
"I am sorry that I was drunk the other day. I have come here to beg your pardon",
said Nakatada.
"I am glad to see you again", replied Nakazumi, "I suppose was heavily
intoxicated since I remember little of the matter of that day. Please come and see
me occasionally, for I am always solitary and bored. I go nowhere for pleasure."
"I have nowhere to go except the Court. Unlike me, you are supposed to have
many persons and houses to visit."
"No, I'm sorry I have none. The two chamberlains talked together intimately for
a time and made a promise to help each other from now on like brothers.
After that Nakatada often called on Nakazumi. Hearing of this fact, General
Masayori said one day to his young sons.
"I wish all of you would give Chamberlain Nakatada a hearty welcome
whenever he comes to this residence, because you might be able to take lessons
in music from him."
Pg. 101
Nakatada had taken a fancy to Princess Atemiya in secret. In course of time he

became gradually familiar with the members of her family, and came to talk with
her maids-in-waiting. One day he confided his secret love for the princess to
Soō, one of maids-in-waiting, but she would not act as an intermediary. Thus
Nakatada, some days later, handed Soō a verse attached to a branch of beautiful
hagi*, and said.
"Please show this to Princess Atemiya when an occasion presents itself."
This was his verse.
"The lower leaves of the hagi become tinged by dew.

My secret thought is disclosed by my tears."
But no reply came.
Chamberlain Nakazumi often endeavored to give up his illicit love for Princess
Atemiya, but always in vain. He tried sometimes to let her know how helpless
and disconsolate he was, but she used to assume an unconcerned air.
One day Nakazumi made up his mind to confide his trouble to his sister Princess
Chigomiya**. Though already married to Kiyomasa, the Chief of the Left
Guard, she was still young, so that she spent her daytime in playing "go" ** or
the koto with her sisters in the main hall, and at night slept beside her parents in
the north wing.
"I have something to consult with you", said Nakazumi.
"What can it be?" replied Princess Chigomiya, "Don't stand on the slightest
ceremony with your sister, please."
* Lespedeza japonica. A small and pretty shrub, which blooms in the autumn.
**See page 75.
*** A game of "go".
Pg. 102
"I have hesitated to speak, because it is a delicate subject. Please don't tell it to
others. In fact, I have long been suffering in silence. Since there was no one to
confide my secret in, I been eating my heart out. Today I want to consult with
about my trouble."
"What have you been worried about for so long? You should have consulted me
earlier."
"Truth to tell, I have pined with love for Princess Atemiya since several years
ago. I have been leading a lonely and uneasy life, and became very emaciated. I
beg you to tell her my inmost feelings, because it is not improbable that I will go
to my grave after one day or two."
Hearing this, Princess Chigomiya sympathized with her brother from the bottom
of her heart.
"Your love for her is certainly wrong, but it is said that love and reason do not go
together. Now that you have confessed everything to me I will surely keep the
matter secret from everybody. When occasion comes, I will tell her fully about
your wishes."
"Thank you. I trust it to your discretion."
Several days later Princess Chigomiya played the wagon, sō no koto and biwa
together with Princess Atemiya as usual in the main hall. After that she spoke to
Princess Atemiya.
"The other day Chamberlain Nakazumi told me a very moving story."
"Oh! I envy you! I wish I had heard it, too", answered Princess Atemiya.
"Well then, I will tell you about it. In truth, he said, 'Princess Atemiya is too
hardhearted. Please tell her not to treat me so coldly from now on.' I thought
then, of course, his love for you was wrong, but I felt pity for him, since he said
he was on the verge of death. When he talks to you in future, please say
Pg. 103
soothing to him, even though only one or two words. He has become so haggard
that I could hardly recognize him. What has he done to deserve these sufferings?
He must be the most unfortunate of men."
3
The Ninth Month came. The wind became increasingly cool, the leaves of the
plants in the garden changed in color, the autumn flowers bloomed among the
weeds, the insects sang sorrowfully, and the cinquefoil pines began to become
deep green.
One night Princesses Chigomiya, Atemiya and Imamiya* came near the veranda
from the inner room to play their kotos in concert, as if they had been seduced
by the beautiful moonlight. Younger gentlemen who heard the concert could not
sit still in their own rooms and with one accord came out to the veranda. Prince
Shikibukyō** said, "This is the sort of night when the kotos sound sweetest",
and blew a shō-flute to their kotos, and Tadamasa, the Minister of the Right, also
blew a hichiriki-flute***. The sweet tones of the kotos resounded through the
main hall blending nicely with the flutes. Unconscious of the passing of time,
they all amused themselves with kotos and flutes the whole night through.
Prince Danjō, the third royal prince borne by Lady Jijūden, had set his heart on
Princess Atemiya. He could do nothing with the fire of his passion at sight of the
princess, who looked particularly beautiful on this night. He could say nothing,
and

** A younger brother of the Emperor Suzaku and the husband of the fifth
daughter of General Masayori.
*** A Japanese flageolet.
Pg. 104
his heart leaped up with emotion. He looked out on the front garden, leaning
against the railing. A fair chrysanthemum was seen dimly in the dawning light,
moistened with dew. He it off, and fastened a note to it.
"If the chrysanthemum hadn't been increased in beauty with dew,

No one would be attracted so greatly by it."
Ah! Very lonesome."
He handed the chrysanthemum to Princess Atemiya, saying "This flower looks

fine at close range rather than at a distance"
It was still dusky, so that Princess Atemiya replied without reading his note well.
"It is very kind of you to give me a chrysanthemum.
I have seen, however, that the flower begins to fade."
Soon the rays of dawn appeared. Princess Chigomiya, comparing the above two
verses, recited as follows.
"He says to have been attracted by a dewy chrysanthemum.

Who would believe, however, that it is quite true?"
On hearing this, Prince Danjo muttered to himself. "Oh! I am too lonely."
One day Major Councillor Masaaki called on General Masayori.
"I have come here to make an apology for my long silence. Recently I have
seldom met you at Court. The Crown Prince
Pg. 105
Chap.4 The Saga Palace
missed you very much the other day when the festival of the blossoms took place
in his Palace."
"Who attended the festival?" asked the General.
"Minister Tadamasa, General Kanemasa, and Sanemasa, Chief of the Public

Welfare Bureau were there. Besides, princes, professors and scholars who had
been making their marks as poets were also present. Two parties were held, one
for the Chinese poem and one for the Japanese one, and both of them were very
successful."
"It was an assembly of eminent poets, wasn't it? I believe that many excellent
poems were made there."
"Well, on that day something happened."
"Is it related to my family?" asked General Masayori.
"It is not without reference to you."
"Whatever was it?"

Major Councillor Masaaki narrated in detail.
"When all those present were disappointed at your absence, I said

unintentionally, 'Might it be on account of illness that General Masayori is
absent today? Then Prince Kantsuke shouted to me on a sudden. 'What do you
say, Major Councillor Masaaki?' General Kanemasa, Prince Hyōbukyō and
others hearkened to the prince in surprise, and the Crown Prince appeared to be
astonished, too. Prince Kantsuke continued to say, 'Major Councillor Masaaki,
you should not say such a thing so tactlessly in the presence of the Crown
Prince. You have spoken ill of General Masayori even when his near relative like
me is present, so there is no knowing how severely you may slander him
somewhere else. I think you have a grudge against him, and call down curses on
him. If he should suffer a severe pain in his limbs, it would surely be due to your
curses. Even if you should curse him to death, you would not be promoted to
General directly because there are many courtiers
Pg. 106
of higher rank than Major Councillor. Do you know that the proverb says,-
Curses, like chickens, come home to roost -?'. Hearing this, the Crown Prince
asked Prince Kantsuke, 'How are you related to General Masayori?' Then he
answered, 'I am a near relative of the General. My wife is his ninth daughter. '
The Crown Prince marveled at what he meant, and asked again, 'Who and what
do you mean by the ninth daughter?' He replied 'Princess Atemiya borne by
Princess Ōmiya, she is famous for her rare beauty. Since it was very difficult for
me to get hold of her, I captured her the other day.' All those present see wonder,
'What is all this? If this be true, Mr. Sanemasa and Mr. Kiyomasa who are both
your sons-in-law must have asked about it with suspicion. It is unaccountable,
indeed.' Didn't Mr. Sanemasa tell you about this matter? What I have said to you
is only a part of the matter. Anyhow, it was too absurd to be taken seriously."
General Masayori laughed and said, without referring at all to the stratagem
which he himself had devised the other day.
"It is a very strange story. Princess Atemiya is still young, so I intend to keep her
at home a little longer. I can make nothing of it."
4
Chamberlain Nakazumi spent his days in tears of sorrow as before. One day
when he alone looked out vacantly on the garden, he happened to find that
among the Japanese pampas grasses there was a single one which had not grown
fully even in late autumn. He pulled that grass out, and sent it to Princess
Atemiya together with a note.
"How will the grass express what it thinks,
Pg. 107
Which has not even grown in late autumn?"
Oh! I am so lonesome! I hope you will sense my burning love for you."
Princess Atemiya fastened her reply to the very grass and sent it back.
"The grasses have been bred together on the same ground.

Why does the one lament so much?"
You and I have been bred together!"
When Chamberlain Nakazumi read the note, he sighed deeply, "That is why I am
very sad."
Guards Major Yukimasa went to the hot spring of Arima in Settsu province, and
visited various places of interest, but he was never relieved from his anxiety
about the princess in the capital. He sent a messenger boy with his letter to
Prince "My Baby."
"My sorrow became deeper, though I came to the beach of Nagasu*,

Where all kinds of thought, it is said, are washed away."
My prince! Please offer the verse to Princess Atemiya."
Prince "My Baby" took the letter to the princess. As she looked as if she were
about to say that reply from her was quite
* There is a pun on nagasu, "a beach called Nagasu" and "wash away".
Pg.108
108 THE TALE OF THE CAVERN
out of the question, he begged her earnestly, "Please give a reply to his letter, no
matter how short it may be, since he sent it to you from a long distance."
Princess Atemiya did not listen to him "Why have you brought me such a letter?
From now on you should decline his offer by saying, 'If I carry your letter, my
parents will give me a scolding.'"
Thus Prince "My Baby" wrote a letter to Yukimasa handed it to the messenger
boy.
"I handed your letter to her, but could not obtain her reply. I am afraid that you
will dislike me. I have experienced the troubles of life during your absence.
"As it's been quite a time since we met,

My sleeves have got dripping wet with tears."
I haven't seen you for a long time. Please come back as soon as possible."
Having received the prince's letter, Guards Major Yukimasa started immediately
on his way home.
One night when the moon shone brightly in the sky and a cool breeze blew
softly, Yukimasa looked out alone on the front garden, and wept over his
unrequited love until his white sleeves moistened with tears were dyed with the
red color of the lining. He tore off a part of his sleeves, and sent it with a letter to
Princess Atemiya.
"Look at the color of a part of my sleeves.

How could I shed red tears if I were in ordinary sorrow?"
Pg.109
Chap. 4 The Saga Palace 109
If only these tears could soften your heart!"
Princess Atemiya was moved to pity, and jotted down as follows on the margin
of his letter, and sent it back.
"How can I know that it was dyed with your bloody tears,
Unless you show me the whole, not a part, of your sleeves?"
The sleeves are hanging heavily on my mind."
One day Major Councillor Masaaki sent a letter to Princess Atemiya
"A cricket is troubled with dew every chilly autumn night.

I lie alone every night, moistened with dew of tears."
I am sorry no one knows about my sorrow."
No reply was given to him, however.
About that time Councillor Sanetada always stayed in the residence of General
Masayori, so some courtiers had a suspicion that he had already gained Princess
Atemiya's heart. General Kanemasa was one of them, and one day wrote a letter
to the princess.
"There is some talk that we shall never succeed however hard we may try. The
pity of it, if it is true! Please enter into my feelings.
Pg.110
"Rumor says a traveler crossed often over the river,

Which was so narrow that a ferryman could easily get river across."
There was no answer, however.
Nakatada called on Chamberlain Nakazumi often after that.
"You have long been absent from Court. What's the matter? Today I was very
lonely at Court because of your absence, so I left the office earlier than usual",
said Nakatada with a concerned air.
"Because I do not feel well," replied Nakazumi.
"Why are you in low spirits? Are you lovesick?"
"No, I have no love, for I am a worthless being. I suppose you have many."
"If such is the case with you, where can I seek for a girl? None is so pitiful as a
solitary man. I have nowhere to go for pleasure except here.'"
"I cannot believe it. Your star is in the ascendant now. You can surely receive a
welcome everywhere."
Autumn drew to its close. One night when the wind howled at a distance and it
threatened to rain, Nakatada visited Chamberlain Nakazumi, and had a long talk
with him all night long. At daybreak Nakatada recited a verse.
"It's a pity a shower falls not on the red leaves,

But only on the sleeves of a solitary man."
His reciting voice rang clear throughout the residence. Hearing this verse,
Princess Atemiya thought in the recess of heart that Nakatada was not an
ordinary man.
Pg.111
5
Minamoto no Nakayori, the Major General of the Right, was the second son of
Minamoto no Sukenaka, the Minister of the Left. He was wise and handsome,
and had a talent for music and dancing since his boyhood. He won the
extraordinary favor of the Emperor Suzaku and the Crown Prince, and served the
Emperor with the flute. The ex-Emperor Saga had once desired to marry his
third daughter to Nakayori, who had, however, declined the august offer because
he had thought to himself, "If the time should come when heavenly ladies
descend to earth, I would marry. There is no woman worthy to be my wife in the
world."
Nakayori was very amorous, and led a dissolute life for several years. Somehow
or other, however, he came to wish eagerly to get married to a daughter of
Ariwara no Tadayasu, the former Master of the Imperial Household. The affinity
that binds two persons in marriage is very strange. Tadayasu was poor and in
adverse circumstances, but his daughter was so beautiful that she had often been
requested by the Crown Prince to go into Court service.
Tadayasu determined to accept Nakayori's proposal, as he thought, "Major

General Nakayori has fame for his fickleness in love, but it is not entirely
improbable that he and my daughter would live together happily throughout their
lives. I'll give my dear daughter to him, and observe whether their union is by
virtue of a bond in a former life or not. Even if they could not get on well with
each other in future, I am not nececessarily ashamed of it, because even the
Third Princess of the ex- Emperor Saga and daughters of the high courtiers were
deserted by him. There may be some reason for the fact that many nobles desire
to marry their daughters to him, though they
Pg.112
know well of his fickleness."
Now, Major General Nakayori loved his wife very fervently from the first night,
and every day came back home in haste as soon as the Court service was over.
He plighted his troth not only in this world but also in the world to come. Thus
his married life was very happy for several years.
The New Year came. The victory banquet following the New Year's archery
meet* was held at the residence of Masayori, the General of the Left, since the
team of the Left Imperial Guard had won in that meet. Princes and high courtiers
as well as Lieutenant- and Major Generals and almost all the guards officers of
the Left and Right Imperial Guards were gathered at Masayori's residence.
The magnificent banquet was followed by music and dancing. Major Generai
Nakayori showed his exquisite skill on the flute, and Guards Major Yukimasa
performed a wonderful dance. Many princesses, including Lady Jijūden, looked
at the scene from the eastern room of the main hall. After finishing his dance,
Nakayori sat down between two folding-screens standing at a room in the
southern front of the main hall, and peeped unintentionally through the bamboo
blind toward the eastern room. Then he found a paragon of beauty among many
princesses. She walked with a princess toward an old lady who seemed to be her
mother. Her appearance from the back was also very charming. Nakayori
thought, "She must be Princess Atemiya, noted for her beauty. She is so pretty,
though seen in a distant dim light. If seen at close range, how charming and
beautiful she may be! If I cherish affection for the princess, I shall soon die of
love, and if so, I will display all my
* The archery meet was held in the Imperial Palace, as a rule, on the eighteenth
of the First Month.
Pg.113
accomplishments for her this night." Thus he played, together with other
gallants, on various instruments to the best of his skill.
Deep in the night all the guests left for home with splendid gifts in their hands.
Nakayori came back to Tadayasu's house with an air of abstraction, and was
bedridden for several days. The princess' image always floated vividly before his
eyes.
His wife asked him, "You are not your usual self. What is the matter?"
"There is nothing in particular. Never mind", he replied. But she threw doubt on
his words, and went to her parents' room, feeling forlorn and helpless.
Darkness fell, but she wanted to sleep in her parents' room. Her mother asked
her, "Why don't you go back to your husband?"
"In fact, I am now under the burden of sorrow, because he appears to have a
secret love affair", she replied.
"What has happened to him?"
"I don't know for certain, because he says nothing to me, but he seemed to be
troubled day and night since he came home at dawn on the day of the victory
banquet. I suppose he has got a sweetheart and fallen out of love with me. I have
made up my mind not to see him again."
"Don't say such a thing, and go back to your husband. Major General Nakayori
who has been accustomed to seeing magnificent residences of the nobles is sure
to think our house to be a miserable hovel. If you had been an ordinary woman,
he should have never lived even for a little while in a humble house like this. He
had deserted a number of daughters of the rich and the noble, and got married to
our poor daughter, so we should be very thankful to him. And I must add that in
order to make
Pg.114
him your husband, your father had sold out an heirloom hard down from his
forefathers as well as a manor in Ōmi province which had long helped support
our family. It is just owing to your father's valuable service to him that he and
you have been happy together till now. You must think over this point, and
attend to your husband with devotion not to be disliked by him."
The mother admonished as above with her face bathed in tears, so her daughter
went back silently to Nakayori.
The next morning her father Tadayasu visited Nakayori's room, and said, "I am
told you have been in bed for a long time. How do you feel now?"
"When I was present at the victory banquet held at General Masayori's residence
the other day, I was heavily drunk. My illness might be due to excessive
drinking," replied Nakayori.
"It is bad to drink sake too much."
"That's right, indeed. I have a mind to resign my post in the Imperial Guard,
because one can hardly stand the service unless he is a heavy drinker."
After Tadayasu had gone out, Nakayori chanced to find that a piece of paper
crumpled into a ball was left in his room. On the paper a verse had been written
in his wife's hand.
"Though I have known your cold heart in this world,

I wish your troth in the afterworld would come true."
Nakayori said to himself. "I came to be smitten with Princess Atemiya's charms
by mere chance, and gave a lot of trouble to my wife whom I had once loved so
fervently." He felt pity for her, and recited.
Pg. 115
"We have once made a pledge of eternal love to each other.

I intend, of course, to share my fate with you forever."
Then he summoned his wife, and said. "I feel unwell and lie in bed till now, but I
am not negligent of you at all."
That night they slept in the same bed.
6
Masayori, the General of the Left, intended to call at the Saga Palace with his
wife Princess Ōmiya, and all his sons, sons-in-law and daughters to offer the
new herbs* to the ex-Emperor Saga on the Day of the Rat** that fell on the
twenty- seventh of the First Month. The previous day all the people in the
General's residence were very busy preparing for the visit.
General Masayori wanted eagerly to make Major General Nakayori a member of

his suite, and sent him a messenger to request his joining in the party, but
Nakayori begged to be excused on the ground of ill-health. General Masayori
said to himself, "What a pity! Without the attendance of Major General Nakayori
and Chamberlain Nakatada, any banquet in celebration is quite worthless." Thus
he wrote a letter to Nakayori as follows:
"I want to offer the new herbs to the ex-Emperor Saga tomorrow as a small
token of my gratitude. I am very sorry to
* In the old days a broth from seven kinds of new herbs was served on Emperor's
table on the Day of the Rat of the First Month. The new herbs were credited with
the virtue of purging the body of noxious vapors.
**See note*, page 42.
Pg.116
hear that you cannot join in our party owing to your illness. The present visit to
the Saga Palace is my long-cherished desire, so I ask you again to go to the
Palace together with us so far as circumstances permit."
After having read the letter, Nakayori went at once to General Masayori's
residence, and said.
"I was requested by Guards Officer Nagamasa to go to the Saga Palace

tomorrow in attendance on the Crown Prince, but I begged to be excused on
account of my illness. As I have received a kind letter from you, whom I always
consider myself indebted to, I have braced myself to come here."
The next morning the magnificent procession started out. There were two
hundred outriders and outrunners, all of them being of officers of the Fourth,
Fifth and Sixth Court Ranks.
7
Councillor Sanetada had a grand residence along the Third Avenue and by the
Hori River, where he lived in luxury with his wife, a daughter of a high courtier.
Sanetada loved her very fervently, and she bore him a daughter, and, after one
year, a son. His daughter was named Sodegimi and his son Masagogimi.
Sanetada loved Masagogimi very much, and never took his eyes off his son even
for a little while.
Nevertheless, once he was fascinated by Princess Atemiya, he disregarded his

dear wife and children entirely, and always stayed in the residence of General
Masayori, without coming back to his own home for a long time. His wife spent
her days in bitter tears, knowing that her husband was entirely different fell from
his former self.
The Second Month came. Sanetada's sumptuous residence fell
Pg.117
into ruin little by little, and the garden was overgrown with coarse grasses.
Everything seemed to be different from what it had been in the old days. His
wife and children waited and waited for his return, and thought if only they
could see even his shadow, but he never showed himself.
One day his children wept almost all day long because they could not go out to
play on account of the drizzling rain. The mother felt pity for them, and ordered
a servant to fetch a young warbler drenched with rain. She sent the warbler and
the following letter to Sanetada.
"The old nest of warblers starts to leak with spring rain.

I am deeply touched with pity for the poor drenched warbler.
Our house has become old and leaky, too. Masagogimi is our only son, though
the grains of "masago*" on the seashore are numberless. The poor son is always
crying for his father."
Seeing this letter, Sanetada thought, "How bitter they must feel against me!", and
he wrote back as follows:
"A warbler yearns after his dear old nest,

Though he is now captivated temporarily by a flower."
Please tell our son that I will return home when I am awake to the fact that there
is only one "masago" in the world."
On reading the letter, his wife shed bitter tears.

The years passed, and Sodegimi and Masagogimi reached the
* Masago means sand.

Pg.118
118 THE TALE OF THE CAVERN ages of fourteen and thirteen respectively.
Masagogimi himself up in a room every day, and said to himself, "My father
often played with me, and was very anxious whenever I absented myself from
home even for a short time. Nevertheless, he would never call on me now, even
if he should go past our residence. He does not regard me as his own son."
He pined every day for his father without taking food properly until he fell ill.
One day he said to his wet nurse in tears.
"It will not be long before I die of yearning for my father, though I intend to be
more devoted to my mother."
"Oh! Please don't say such a thing," answered the nurse, "lt is true that your
mother is unhappy now, and living for the sake of your bright future. And we
attendants have served only in expectation of you. Please forget your coldhearted
father, and take care not to hurt your health."
"Anyhow, my life will not be so long. I wish that after my death you would serve
my mother faithfully instead of me."
Not long after this, Masagogimi died. His mother confined herself in a chapel of
the Hiei Monastery to hold memorial services for the dead Masagogimi.
Councillor Sanetada visited a temple on Mount Hiei to pray for the realization of
his own wishes, not knowing about his son's death in the least. In the Hiei
Monastery a pathetic rumor was going around that an only son had lost his life
owing to the heartlessness of his own father. Sanetada happened to hear of the
affair, and learned about his dear son's death for the first time. He was astonished
and lamented very much, but could not mend the matter, of course. Sanetada
gave a lot of offerings to the priests, and intoned himself a sutra repose of his
son's soul.
Pg.119
Chapter 5
Beneath the Plum Blossoms*
1
On the twentieth of the Second Month General Masayori visited the Kasuga
Shrine**, to worship its tutelary deity of the Fuijwara clan, and to offer sacred
music. He was a Minamoto of course, but his mother had come from the
Fujiwara family. The procession started from the residence of General Masayori,
and went along the Ōmiya Main Street southward for Nara.
The prayer and sacred music at the Kasuga Shrine started at eight o'clock in the
morning and ended at four in the afternoon. After that General Masayori said to
his suite.
"I have visited many shrines and beauty spots in various provinces, but never
seen a place more interesting than the Kasuga Shrine. The plants here seem to
look particularly refined and beautiful."
Prince Hyōbukyō answered him. "Yes, that's right. I, too, have come to this
shrine about ten times. This year the flowers and buds here seem to have come
out earlier than usual, and look especially fine today."
Does it mean that the plants here have given a welcome to our party?" said the
General, laughing merrily.
Hyōbukyō broke off a branch of beautiful plum blossoms, and placed an effigy
of a man made of aloeswood
* Japanese plum blossoms are beautiful and fragrant.

** The Kasuga Shrine is in Nara.
Pg.120
beneath the branch as if he were getting wet with dew dropping from the plum
blossoms. He sent it with a letter to Princess Atemiya.
"A lonely man has dropped in beneath the plum blossoms,
And yet got wet with dew dripping from above."
I have been yearning for you since your childhood."
On reading the letter, Princess Atemiya ordered her maid-in-waiting to fetch a

branch of a plum tree which a bagworm attached, and she placed an effigy of a
man with a hat on beneath the branch. She sent t to the prince with a verse.
"A bagworm in Mount Mikasa* seems to express the falling of

blossoms
With the witty words 'get wet with dew'."
At that time General Masayori said, "I think it would be very interesting if we
held a poetry party at the front of this shrine." Upon this, General Masayori,
General Kanemasa, Major Councillor Masaaki, Chamberlain Nakatada, Major
General Nakayori, Guards Major Yukimasa, Councillor Sanetada as well as nine
sons and seven sons-in-law of General Masavori took pleasure in composing
verses on the themes assigned by Nakayori.
Not long after this, darkness fell, and the ladies began to play the kotos in
concert in the pavilion. Princess Atemiya took the Figure Wind which General
Masayori had bought from the
* Mount Mikasa lies on the east of the Kasuga Shrine.

Pg.121
Chap. 5 Beneath the Plum Blossoms 121
Lady of the First Avenue* long ago, and played repeatedly the tune of "koka".
Chamberlain Nakatada was astonished at her skill on the koto.
At this time, an itinerant monk ran up to the pavilion. The retainers and valets of
General Masayori checked him, shouting loudly, "Here, where are you going? A
bonze like you is not permitted to come here."
The monk stood still band declaimed
"God will not blame a mountain monk for his presumption,

Who has come to listen to the wonderful tone of the koto."
Nakatada was deeply impressed by the monk's refined taste, took off his own
vest to present to him, and recited:
"Take off your vests and present them to the man.

He has such a good grasp of the koto's tone."
Then Nakatada received the Figure Wind from Princess Atemiya, and began to
play the tune of "koka" likewise. Prince Hyōbukyō whispered in wonder.
"Chamberlain Nakatada seems to play the koto to the best of his skill for an
itinerant monk, though he had not easily complied with the Emperor's request on
a festival day."
General Masayori was moved so deeply by Nakatada's skill on the koto that he
draped over Nakatada's shoulders a robe of red damask with a red lining, a cloak
of grass green and lined trousers.
* See page 62.

Pg. 122
When General Masayori summoned the monk who had listening to Nakatada's
koto in ecstasy, he found that there was something familiar about his face.
Retracing his old memory for a while, he could finally recollect that the monk
was Tadakoso himself who had once served the Court as a page.
"I feel that I have seen you before. Do you remember me? asked the General.
"I am sorry I do not. Pardon me, sir, but who are you?"
"Many years ago I served the Emperor Saga a Seiryōden* as a page named
"Fujiwara no Kimi"**. Now, am I wrong in taking you for Mr. Tadakoso, a son
of the late Minister Chikage? And may I ask you why you became an itinerant
monk?"
"I became a mountain bonze many years ago. I have entertained a notion that
nobody would remember me, because I have been leading a secluded life for a
long time, making friends with birds and beasts. Well, pardon me, sir, but what is
your Court rank now?"
"I am a Grand Councillor now. When you vanished suddenly out of sight, you
were the talk of the whole Court, but nobody was aware that you had become a
mountain monk. Whatever made you leave your home? After you disappeared,
your father Minister Chiage was taken ill in the excess of his grief, and soon lost
his life. You ought to have left your home with your father's permission. You
cannot be absolved from such a sin of impiety."
"At that time it became really intolerable for me for various reasons to live in
this world, and I hid myself in Mount Kurama in secret. It was twenty years back
when it happened. Well, in
* The Imperial chamber.

** See note , page 64.
Pg. 123
Chap. 5 Beneath the Plum Blossoms 123
the Eighth Month last year I had intended to make a pilgrimage through various
provinces. This time I came to the Kasuga Shrine to chant the
Mahāprajnaparamita Sutra* all the night through, and I was going to start for
Kumano, when I heard the familiar tone of the koto, so that I ran up there
unconsciously."
"Now, I want to take you to some proper place and have a long talk with you
there."
"I am sorry I must say good-bye, because I am going to Kumano in a hurry

today. I am sure to call on you after I came back."
"I feel very loath to part from you now, as we have met each other after such a
long separation. If I tell the ex-Emperor Saga about today's event, how greatly
will he be surprised?"
"Please delay telling the ex-Emperor about me for a while! It is by no means a

minor sin that I entered the mountain without permission of the ex-Emperor. I
should apologize to him for the matter."
Then General Masayori presented Tadakoso with a robe of white damask lined
with red.
At this point a sudden blast of wind blew hard and raised up a curtain of the
pavilion. At the very moment Tadakoso saw a marvel of beauty shining like a
heavenly lady among many princesses. "What a beautiful young lady she is!"
said Tadakoso unconsciously with his eyes wide open in astonishment, when the
princess's image was printed distinctly on his mind. Since then he began to be
tortured by distracting ideas which he had never had before. He who had been
diligent in the practice of Buddhist austerities for a long time, subsisting on
herbs, nuts and arrowroot, was afraid that he might be visited with divine
punishment, and endeavored often to give up his love for the

Pg. 124
princess, but always in vain. He came back to Mount Kurama, cancelling his
pilgrimage to Kumano, and writhed day and night, thinking if only he could see
her again.
General Kanemasa had a grand villa on the Katsura River, where in spring
various flowers bloomed and a brook flowed meanderlingly through the garden
like a white string. A few days before General Kanemasa had gone there with his
wife to enjoy the mild days of spring.
He said to himself, "When I am living here, I forget all the worldly cares. This
year I will spend my spring and summer days at this villa."
One day he said to his wife, "Princess Atemiya is very proficient in everything,
though still young. If I should marry her and live in a residence with two wives,
you and her, people would be greatly surprised. And if they found that I loved
you ardently as before even after the famous princess had become my wife, they
would say in wonder, 'It may be because of the superiority of the present wife.
Man is, in general, attracted by the newer provided the two are equal.'"
"If Princess Atemiya should truly come here, how glad I would be! I really do
wish you would receive her in our home", replied his wife.
"But, if I should truly marry her, you would perhaps bear a grudge against me."
"However numerous your mistresses are, I am not sad in the least. As I was
discarded by you, when still young, and living alone in mountain recesses for a
long time, I will make nothing of such a thing unless you forget me."
Hearing this, General Kanemasa said in tears, "I am very

Pg. 125
Chap. 5 Beneath the Plum Blossoms l25
sorry that I committed such an inexcusable sin against you in old days. Things in
the world do not go as one pleases. In the past I could not meet you for a long
time, though yearning for you every moment. At the thought of it, I ought to
refrain from taking a fancy to Princess Atemiya now. I am living only with you
now, though formerly I was not satisfied with one woman. I hope you will fully
understand my heart."
Then General Kanemasa and his wife spent a spring day very happily playing
together on the biwa, sō no koto and wagon.
That evening the Emperor Suzaku summoned Tadamasa, the Minister of the
Right, and asked,
"How is it that recently General Kanemasa does not show himself at Court?"
"He is now enjoying the cherry blossoms at his villa on the Katsura River",
replied Minister Tadamasa.
"Which of his women is he accompanied by?"
"Only by Nakatada's mother."
"He seems to love her most fervently, doesn't he?"
"At present Nakatada's mother is his only wife. He appears to have entirely
forgotten all other women."
"It is a very interesting story. I have never heard that General Kanemasa was
satisfied with one woman. When he had set his heart on the Third Princess of the
ex-Emperor Saga, he surely possessed seventeen or eighteen women. How is it
that he is living only with Nakatada's mother, forgetting the Third Princess,
whom he had loved so passionately? Nakatada's mother has been famous for her
beauty and sagacity for a long time. I had often requested that she would serve at
Court, but she would not listen to me," said the Emperor, and he wrote a note as
follows:
"Is it true that a white cloud has long lived in the valley,
Pg. 126
Though it did not even approach the moon at all?"
The Emperor summoned Major General Nakayori, and ordered to take the note
to the Katsura villa of General Kanemasa and hand it over to the wife.
The Imperial messenger Nakayori went at once to the Katsura villa,

accompanied by Guards Major Yukimasa and others. General Kanemasa lowered
the blinds of his main hall, which had been raised, and came out to meet the
messenger.
The messenger Nakayori stood still at the veranda, and Guards Major Yukimasa
and others waited in the shade of a flowering tree. Nakayori offered the
Emperor's note attached to a branch of cherry blossoms to Kanemasa's wife. She
smiled sweetly after reading it. General Kanemasa repressed his desire to see the
note.
An impromptu banquet was presently held for the guests. Four pretty page girls
in robes of thick silk, vests of deep purple and lined trousers served at table. The
guests drank much sake, and got somewhat drunk.
Shortly thereafter the messenger Nakayori said to General Kanemasa, "I am

sorry I have stayed here too long. I will go back in haste, because His Majesty
must be waiting impatiently for my return."
Then Kanemasa's wife jotted down a verse in reply on a piece of paper.
"A white cloud is living happily in the valley,

Because the bright moon can be seen from there."
Major General Nakayori hurried alone to the capital with her verse in his hand.
The other guests played at the villa all night long, and returned home together
the next morning.
Pg. 127
Chapter 6
Fukiage: Part One
1
There once lived a man of immense wealth named Kannabi no Tanematsu in the
Muro district of the Ki province. He was a district headman very popular among
the people. He married the daughter of Grand Councillor Minamoto no Tsuneari
who had been widowed when young. Before long his wife bore him a lovely
daughter. She grew up into a wise and beautiful girl, and came to serve at Court
as a Palace servant. While she was in Court service, she won the Emperor Saga's
love, and bore him a son. Not long after this, however, she unfortunately died,
leaving her son behind. The son, whose name was Suzushi, was brought up
carefully by his grandfather Tanematsu.
Tanematsu said to himself, "My young lord Suzushi is entitled to be called a

royal prince, but is entirely forgotten by the world simply because he was borne
by my poor daughter. To make up for that, I will offer all my treasures to him
and have him lead a life not inferior to the Emperor's," and he bought a big tract
of land at the beach of Fukiage to build there a magnificent residence for
Suzushi.
The property had an area of about eight hectares, and was surrounded by a triple
fence, within which there stood ten large buildings and adjacent galleries
decorated finely with gold, silver, lapis lazuli, shells of the giant clam and agate.
In the front garden there was a profusion of flowers and plants with refined
features. It was said that this residence made one think of the
Pg. 128
Buddhist Paradise. In the residence there were thirty maids-in-waiting and a

hundred men-in-waiting, and no woman without a Chinese robe and her hair
hanging down behind and no man without full Court dress of traditional fashion
was permitted to show himself before Suzushi.
Suzushi took lessons in the flute, dancing, calligraphy, painting and verse-
making from the famous masters in the respective lines whom Tanematsu had
called in from the capital, and it was not long before his skill surpassed that of
the master in each line. He also learned to play the koto under an expert who had
been leading a secluded life in the mountain, without being admitted into Court,
and before long he was able to master all his koto tunes.
Suzushi, now twenty-one years old, was still single, and led a quiet and continent
life, though there were many people who desired to offer their beautiful
daughters to him.
One day Guards Captain Kiyohara no Matsukata said to Major General Nakayori
at the guardhouse.
"I have been staying for a time at some residence far from the capital."
"Some residence?" asked Nakayori.'
"There is a very rich man named Kannabi no Tanematsu in the province of Ki. I
have stayed at the residence of a young lord who is Tanematsu's grandson. The
young lord is a very handsome and bright man just like Chamberlain Nakatada.
Anyhow, I think the place is worth a visit."
"It is a very interesting story. It is beyond conception that there is a good match
for Chamberlain Nakatada. I wish I could
Pg. 129
Chap. 6 Fukiage: Part One 129
see him. Maybe Chamberlain Nakatada has no time to spare, but Guards Major
Yukimasa is sure to go there with me."
"It is good that you go there with the Chamberlain and the Guards Major. I will
act as your guide. The other day when I told the young lord that the best three of
the courtiers most proficient in music were Major General Nakayori,
Chamberlain Nakatada and Guards Major Yukimasa, he was very eager to see
you three. While staying at the beach of Fukiage, I forgot completely all daily
affairs in the city, though I am a man of no taste. If you, the best three, go there
together and spend your days in playing the koto and the flute, you would surely
be unable to return home for quite some time."
"I want to go there. But, we shall have no fun unless Chamberlain Nakatada goes
with us."
"Anyway, you had better invite the Chamberlain. I think nobody but the
Chamberlain can challenge the young lord in playing the koto."
"Chamberlain Nakatada may have no leisure hours, but on the contrary I am in

easy circumstances. Even if I want to go to China, I have no parents or women
who would detain me."
After a while Nakayori called on Yukimasa at the Imperial Guard Office.
"How are you getting along? I haven't seen you for a long time", said Yukimasa
with a concerned air.
"On the day when I visited the Kasuga Shrine I drank too much sake. In
consequence, perhaps, I feel somewhat unwell even now. Well, I have come here
to tell you an interesting story which I heard just today."
"What can it be? It must be about something unusual", said Yukimasa.
"Since I heard from Guards Captain Matsukata about the young lord of the
province of Ki, I have been very eager to call
Pg. 130
at his splendid residence. How about going there with me?" asked Nakayori.
"The young lord in question is probably a son of a Palace Servant named

Kannabi. He is said to be a very respectable man, and I have also been wanting
to see him. I am very pleased to go there with you. Now, when shall we start?"
"It is the twenty-ninth of the Second Month, according to my Calendar."
"I wish to ask Chamberlain Nakatada to go with us. How about this?" asked
Yukimasa.
"I haven't told him yet. I am afraid he has no time to spare."
"Now, let us go to the Katsura villa and ask Chamberlain Nakatada whether
circumstances admit his going on a journey or not."
Nakayori and Yukimasa called at once at the Katsura villa, and told Nakatada
about the journey to the province of Ki.
"That's good news", said Nakatada, "I want to go there with you, of course, but I
fear that my father will not permit me to go. I do wish you would ask him."
Thus Nakayori went to General Kanemasa's room, and said, "I am going to an
interesting place for sight-seeing the day after tomorrow. May I invite
Chamberlain Nakatada to go there with me?"
"Where are you going?" asked the General.
"To the beach of Fukiage in the province of Ki."
"Oh! It is the residence of Lord Suzushi, isn't it?"
"Yes, sir. On hearing about the beach of Fukiage from Guards Captain Matsukata
this morning, I became suddenly impatient to go there."
"Nakatada has long been wanting to go there, but I gave him no permission
because I felt uneasy about his traveling alone. I am free from anxiety if he goes
with you. Please take him with
Pg131
you.
"Thank you very much for your prompt permission", said Nakayori, smiling
gleefully.
Then Nakayori came back home and said to his wife.
"I want to go on a journey the day after tomorrow. You may be somewhat
lonesome while I am out."
"Where are you going?" asked his wife.
"Don't worry! It is only a trip accompanied by Chamberlain Nakatada and

Guards Major Yukimasa."
His wife at once visited her father Tadayasu to consult with him.
"I am told Major General Nakayori is going on a journey the day after tomorrow.
What shall I do for his attendants?"
"Never mind, my daughter! Leave everything to me!" answered Tadayasu, "But I

have no money with me now, so I will pawn the sword which I wore on the last
festival day."
"You must wear the sword next New Year's Day. I am afraid you cannot redeem
the pawn before that day."
"If there is a large rice crop in my manor this autumn, I would be able to recover
the sword very easily. I'll never bring shame on my family." '
Tadayasu carried the sword to pawn it for fifteen kan of money.
Tadayasu's wife then said to her daughter, "Put up a nice lunch for each of the
attendants lest you should be laughed at."
In the meantime Chamberlain Nakatada wanted to present the young lord of the
Fukiage beach with a koto, the Homeholder Wind*, which had been lying buried
in his old residence at Kyōgoku, and went there to dig it out of the ground in
secret together with a page, late at night.
* See page 28.

Pg. 132
On the day of departure Nakayori, Nakatada, Yukimasa and their attendants

assembled at the Katsura villa and presented themselves at the send-off party
held by General Kanemasa. All the attendants were good-looking and sweet-
voiced, furthermore skilled in music and dancing.
Some days later, they arrived safely at the beach of Fukiage. Guards Captain
Matsukata entered the residence and called out for admission. Lord Suzushi
came out soon, and said to Matsukata, "I am very glad to see you again. The
other day I was disappointed at your hasty return."
"I was sorry too. At that time I was not able to stay here for long, because I had
to arrange a program of equestrian archery in the Imperial Palace. Today I have
come here as an attendant of Major General Nakayori."
"I am very pleased to hear it. Please let him come in. I wish all members of the
party would rest themselves without reserve in my residence."
Then Lord Suzushi entered the main hall to change from his everyday clothes to
a ceremonial dress. After a while he came out and descended the southern stairs
into the courtyard to meet the guests. Nakayori, Nakatada and Yukimasa were
ushered into a south room of the main hall.
At first sight of Lord Suzushi, Nakayori and Yukimasa were surprised to find
that he was really a man of good appearance just like Chamberlain Nakatada.
Major General Nakayori first said to Lord Suzushi.
"Since we were told about you by Guards Captain Matsukata, we have been very
eager to call on you, and arrived just now. We are very glad to have the honor of
seeing you. Forgive my impertinence, but why are you staying only at the beach
of
Pg. 133
Chap. 6 Fukiage: Part One l33
Fukiage? The Crown Prince likes an expert in music, so if you go up to the

capital to serve the Court, how much he would be pleased!"
"I thank you very much for your kindness. As I am living only in a rural district,
sometimes I feel very lonesome, and sometimes inclined to serve the Court, but
on second thoughts, I think that if a countryman like me went to the city, he
would often be put to shame. It has come to my ear that someone told the
Emperor about my circumstances, and now you have advised me to enter the
Court service. I am much obliged to you."
"You have said that you are a countryman, but I believe that you are a man of
talent without parallel in the world, though living in the country. Some time ago
the Crown Prince said, 'I want to see the lord living at the Fukiage beach.
Though I even think of going there, it would not be permitted for me to do so. I
eagerly wish that he himself would come here."
Then Tanematsu brought in a lot of nice dishes before the guests. They drank
sake together, and had a long and lively talk.
On the third of the Third Month Tanematsu held a magnificent feast.
Soon cups were filled with sake, and Lord Suzushi often pressed the drinks on
the guests. At this time Chamberlain Nakatada presented the Homeholder Wind
to Lord Suzushi, saying, "In my family there had once been ten kotos of the
same kind as this, many of which were, however, offered to the Imperial family
and some high courtiers, and this is one of the few still remaining in my family."
Lord Suzushi received the koto in rapture, and played a tune with it at once.
When it was finished, Nakatada said to Lord Suzushi.
"I am much struck with admiration at your skill. I am told that long ago there
lived a certain expert in koto besides my
Pg. 134
grandfather Toshikage, and believe that your skill is sure to have been taught by
him."
Then Lord Suzushi asked Nakatada to pluck a few notes on this koto, but he
said, "I am sorry I cannot, because I haven't touched the koto for a long time",
and began to play a wagon. Thus Lord Suzushi played the koto, Yukimasa the
biwa, and Nakayori the flute, and all the attendants sang in chorus.
After the playing was over, Nakayori said to Lord Suzushi.
"No concert given in the Imperial presence at the Court festival could have been
finer. Your excellent accompaniment on the koto has set off the notes of our
instruments to advantage."
Yukimasa also said, "The other day when we went to the Kasuga Shrine as the
attendants of General Masayori, we had a very good time. But I think the concert
of today proved to be more interesting."
The mention of the Kasuga Shrine reminded Nakayori of Princess Atemiya. He

proceeded to say to Lord Suzushi, "Why are you leading a single life in the
splendid residence like this? What would life be without women? There are
many beautiful women in the city. As in the capital the women far outnumber the
men, a number of women gather around even a man of no account like me, and
make him conceited. Since it is better to have two plain women than to have a
beautiful one, any man in the city has two or three women."
"I am told that the princesses of General Masayori and a daughter of Tadayasu,
the former Master of the Imperial Household, are the most beautiful in the city."
"Setting aside a daughter of the former Master of the Imperial Household, the
sons and daughters of General Masayori are all nice, especially Chamberlain
Nakazumi, the seventh son, and Princess Atemiya, the ninth daughter, are very
beautiful and refined. There is no man in the world who does not love
Pg. 135
Princess Atemiya. The General seems to have his own plan, and it is of no use,
however persistently men may make advances to her, but they cannot give up
their love for her and continue to send their letters to her."
Then Nakatada spoke to Lord Suzushi,
"A strange event in the capital in these days is that an ex-Minister noted for his
stinginess began to squander his money freely after having set his heart on
Princess Atemiya. Another unusual event is that Princess Atemiya played the
koto at the front of the Kasuga Shrine the other day. She played the strains of
"koka", tuning to the songs of warblers and the soughing of the wind through
pine trees in the distance. At that time I was deeply moved by her skill. It is
likely that mountain monks and woodcutters as well as even birds and beasts
have listened to her koto with pleasure."
Nakayori said, thinking of the scene on that day, "I saw then Councillor Sanetada
listening, lost in admiration, to the princess' koto, and knew for the first time that
I had been spending my time idly without any fine sensibility."
At last Lord Suzushi muttered, "My heart throbs only at hearing your
conversation. What were your feelings when you listened to her wonderful
koto?"
4
As the flowering plants at the seashore came into full bloom, the guests and Lord
Suzushi went flower-viewing to "the Bower of the Forest," a high and beautiful
house built amid the forest of flowering trees. The splendid trays heaped with
nice food were placed before the guests, and the maids-in-waiting in full dress
served at table.
The guests could look out over the sea from within the
Pg. 136
bower. Various flowers were at their best, and some of them were scattered by a
blast of wind on a ship which happened to pass by the seashore.
At this point a pretty page girl appeared with an exquisite suhamadai* in her
hands. It was a mountain of the pastille** which was planted with a few gold
cherry trees with many silver blossoms and butterflies. This was a present of
Tanematsu's wife for the guests, and a verse written by her was attached to a
butterfly.
"If spring comes, cherry trees bloom without fail,

A tree here, however, has never received the favor of dew."
The guests took pleasure in playing on the kotos and flutes for a while, and then
commenced to compose Chinese poems. A professor who served Lord Suzushi
as a teacher of Chinese classics read their poems, and the guests chanted them in
concert to the accompaniment of the koto. Dawn was approaching when their
playing was entirely over.
On the twelfth of the Third Month the lustration of the first Day of the
Serpent*** was performed at "the Lodge of the Beach". The guests could look
out over the seashore from within the lodge. Several fishermen's huts were seen,
from whose eves dried seaweeds hung in profusion, and a number of women
whose heads were wrapped with cloths were pouring sea water

** Prepared by mixing together such ingredients as sandalwood, olibanum.
musk, camphor, cloves, etc., with a solution of gum or honey.
*** See note*, page 42.
Pg. 137
into the salt ovens. After the lustration was over, the guests saw with great
pleasure the fishermen drawing a large fishing net, and the fisherwomen diving
into sea water.
Though living luxuriously in the splendid residence, Lord Suzushi had never had
a great friend, so he wanted to spend his days together with these guests as long
as possible.
Just then he saw a flock of city birds* beginning flight from the beach, and
plovers crying incessantly, and he recited,
"If the city birds fly away in flocks to their nests,

A plover would cry ceaselessly, left alone at the beach."
Nakatada recited in reply, saying to Lord Suzushi, "How can I let you alone?"
"We all are the plovers too, and the playmates of you.
We wish to fly to the capital in flocks with you."
This was Nakayori's verse:
"Let us go home, placing the plover on our wings.

This must be the best present for His Majesty."
And Yukimasa's:
"What shall I answer, if the Emperor should ask me,

How I dealt with the plover at the beach?"
That night they played on the kotos and flutes, as usual, until dawn.
* A kind of plover, an oysterbird.

Pg. 138
On the twentieth of the Third Month the feast of the Wisteria flowers took place
in "the Palace of Wisteria", a large, beautiful cypressbark-thatched hall built by
the side of a large lake. Along the river flowing into the lake there stood about a
hundred cinquefoil pine trees, from whose branches, without exception, the
beautiful clusters of wisteria hung in rich profusion.
The guests and Lord Suzushi enjoyed the surrounding scenery as they walked to
the Palace of Wisteria.
The guests were then ushered into a room furnished with many folding screens
on which various styles of Wisteria flowers were wonderfully painted.
A lot of line dishes were served and cups filled with sake. Darkness began to
fall. Tanematsu placed eight Korean dogs of silver, one meter in height, before
the guests, which held aloeswood bundled with fine Chinese braids in their
mouths, and he set fire to this aloeswood to make them torchlights. People
played pleasantly as usual all through the night.
On the first of the Fourth Month the guests determined to return to the capital.
Lord Suzushi built a pavilion in front of the main hall and set up a stage to hold a
magnificent farewell party. This day the guests wore informal Court robes of
Chinese damask with flower pattern, vests of figured stiff silk and trousers of
blue gossamer, all of which were the gift of Tanematsu. The Governor of Ki
province dispatched many of his subordinates to the important places along the
roads leading to the capital to protect the guests from accidents, and he himself
came to the residence of the Fukiage beach to see the guests off.
At last the time to leave came. Lord Suzushi offered his cup
Pg. 139
to Nakayori, reciting,
"Summer* has come, though not invited.

Why will my sworn friends go away today?"
Nakayori took the cup as he replied,
"We shall yearn for you, though far apart,

Dressed in light summer clothes given by you."
Lord Suzushi then offered the parting cup to Nakatada and Yukimasa. This was
Nakatada's reply:
"I will come here to see you again,
Before my sleeves moistened with tears are dried up."
And Yukimasa's:
"I am very reluctant to part today.

Even my tears fall here, unwilling to go away."
At this time the presents already arranged by Tanematsu were brought in before
the guests. First, a silver horse laden with a silver hamper which contained a lot
of Chinese damask and gossamer. Second, a man of aloeswood carrying a box of
aloeswood on his shoulder, containing pastille, lignaloe, cloves, and musk.
Third, a horse of sappanwood laden with a chest of sappanwood containing
thirty rolls of fine silk. Fourth, a splendid suhamadai, which consisted of a sea of
molded silver and an island of pastille. On the island there stood a few trees of
* See note*, page 15. Summer begins on the first of the Fourth Month.
Pg. 140
aloeswood with many artificial flowers, and around the trees were playing deer
and birds made of silver and aloeswood. On the sea a big ship of gold was
floating in which a bag containing medicine and incense, a case of aloeswood
containing silver carp and silver crucian carp, and pots of gold, silver and lapis
lazuli containing various treasures, were tied together with a rope of hemp so
that they might look like offerings to God, and two effigies of seamen were
standing by them. Four kinds of presents above mentioned were given equally to
each guest.
Subsequently Lord Suzushi gave Nakatada four particolored horses, equipped

with gold-lacquered saddles, leopard's fur laid under the saddles and silver
stirrups, four piebald oxen tethered with ropes of white raw silk, four falcons
whose legs were fastened to the perch by bluish grey cords with tassels and
bells, and four cormorants put in fine cages. Lord Suzushi also gave Nakayori
and Yukimasa four blackish fawn horses apiece, equipped with the same saddles
and stirrups as above mentioned, four dark yellow oxen of powerful physique,
four falcons and four cormorants similar to those of Nakatada.
Tanematsu furthermore made the guests two sorts of presents apiece. The first
was two chests containing a lot of white silk, and two hampers containing daily
necessaries in their journey, all of which were put on the back of stout horses.
The second was two large ships loaded with two hundred koku of cleaned rice.
Wishing the guests a safe journey, Tanematsu's wife gave them four openwork
cases of silver apiece, one of them containing charcoal of dark incense*, one
containing alluvial gold, and the remaining two containing gold and silver
offerings to the God of Roads.
* A dark ball of incense which is a mixture of aloes, cloves and other perfume.
Pg. 141
Finally it was time to go. The horses with fine saddles and stirrups started one
after another, led by a groom, and escorted by two stablemen for each horse. The
horses carrying a heavy load started somewhat later.
Lord Suzushi and his people, and the Governor of Ki province and his
subordinates went as far as the barrier station at the border to see off the guests
and their attendants.
Thus Nakayori and his party started on their way home, after having had a good
time for about a month.
It was late at night on the fourth of the Fourth Month that they arrived at the
residence of Tadayasu, the former Master of the Imperial Household.
Tadayasu said to them, "How have you been getting along there? I am afraid that
the vegetable dishes here will not be acceptable to you who had taken dainties
such as shellfish, lobster, crab and so forth at the beach", as he placed two tables
of ebony covered with gossamer before Nakayori, Nakatada and Yukimasa, and
tables of oak before the attendants.
Nakayori presented a man of aloeswood carrying a box of aloeswood and a large

ox to Tadayasu, and an openwork case of silver and various fine works to
Tadayasu's wife. Nakatada and Yukimasa expressed their thanks to Tadayasu,
and sent him some gifts.
Nakatada returned to the Katsura villa, and presented a silver horse laden with a
silver hamper to his father Kanemasa, and an openwork case of silver and
various fine works to his mother.
The following day when General Masayori was listening to Princess Atemiya's
koto and talking with other princesses in the main hall, Guards Major Tsurazumi,
his fourth son, came there
Pg. 142
142 THE TALE OF THE CAVERN to inform him of Major General Nakayori's
visit.
The General let Nakayori take a seat at the veranda and said to him. "I have been
worried about you, because I haven't seen you recently neither at Court nor at
this residence."
"I am sorry," replied Nakayori, "We went to the province of Ki to meet a very
respectable man. For some reasons we stayed there too long, and came back just
last night."
"Oh dear! Who is he?"
"At the Fukiage beach there lives a young lord. As Guards Captain Matsukata
told me that the residence of the young lord was extremely magnificent, I visited
there."
"It is a very interesting story. I had once heard of a royal son borne by a Palace
servant named Kannabi. She was very beautiful, elegant and good-natured. I
didn't know what had become of the son since. What does he look like?"
"He is a man of beauty and talent just like Chamberlain Nakatada."
"But I believe he cannot match the Chamberlain in the koto."
"He is very good at playing the koto. I wished to compare the two koto-players'
skill, but the Chamberlain declined."
"Who went there with you?"
"Nakatada, Yukimasa, Chikamasa, Tokikage, Murakage, Yasuyori, Sadamatsu,

Kazunari, and several valets and footmen of the Left and Right Imperial
Guards."
"They all are adepts in music and dancing. Since such adepts gathered at the
palace of Fukiage, there must have been a lot of fun."
"Tanematsu is a man of immense wealth, which he intends to use for the good of
the young lord. I have brought here some of his gifts to me. Please take a look at
them."
With this, he took out a silver horse laden with a silver hamper.
Pg. 143
The General summoned all of his sons and sons-in-law to look at the splendid
work together. They were unsparing of their admiration for the elaborateness and
exquisiteness of the work. Nakayori then offered two horses and two falcons to
the General, and said. "These are a thousandth of his gifts to me. I went empty-
handed, and came back with unexpected wealth."
"I wish I had gone to the Fukiage beach together with you", said the General,
and laughed very merrily.
Nakayori then went to Court to offer a ship of gold to the Emperor.
In the meantime, Chamberlain Nakatada went to the Saga Palace to offer a man
of aloeswood carrying a box of aloeswood to the ex-Emperor, and sent a
messenger to the residence of General Masayori to offer two oxen and two
horses to General Masayori, a particolored horse to Chamberlain Nakazumi, and
a ship of gold with a verse to Princess Atemiya:
"A ship is drifting on the rough sea without knowing where to anchor.
Would that a calm inlet might be somewhere around here."
In addition, Nakatada presented Princess Atemiya with a robe chest rimmed with
gold and silver which contained a suit of splendid lady's clothes, and gave
another robe chest containing beautiful damask and silk to Soō, a maid-in-
waiting of Princess Atemiya.
When she saw the ship of gold, Princess Atemiya was greatly amazed together
with her sisters. A little while later she said, "I am very thankful for his kindness,
but it is too good for me. I do not deserve such a precious thing", and she sent it
back to Nakatada with a verse:
Pg. 144
"If the sea gets up, the ship can anchor anywhere it likes.
There may not be a calm inlet waiting for such a ship."
On reading the princess' verse, Nakatada felt sad, and jotted down a verse on a
piece of paper:
"So then, a stormy wind seems to have blown up,

Because the ship has been sent back by the heartless wind."
Nakatada sent the ship again, this time with the above verse to Princess Atemiya.
The messenger had been ordered to come back in haste without receiving a
reply. Princess Atemiya accepted the gift thinking it would be too impolite to
send it back again.
Pg. 145
Chapter 7
The Festival Messenger 1
The Kamo Festival, also known as the Hollyhock Festival, took place, as usual,
on the second Day of the Cock of the Fourth Month, and Lieutenant's General
Sukezumi, the third son of General Masayori, was made the Imperial messenger.
General Masayori's residence was crowded with a number of princes and
courtiers who attended the celebration.
General Masayori declaimed, as he held a hollyhock to be fastened to the

messenger Sukezumi's crown:
"It has grown up into a fine laurel before one is aware,

Though until recently it was thought to be only a seedling."
Sukezumi received the hollyhock in a reverential attitude, and replied:
"People will say the trunk of the laurel is tall and strong,
While its branch is, contrary to expectations, frail and weak."
At this time thirty valets led two excellent horses from the Katsura villa. They
were General Kanemasa's congratulatory gift for Lieutenant General Sukezumi.
Moreover, the valets offered Sukezumi a gold pot containing water from the
Katsura River,
Pg. 146
which was fastened to a golden branch.
The departure time of the Imperial messenger soon came, and a great number of
carriages were standing all along the First Avenue.
Princess Ōmiya and her daughters came to look at the ceremonial departure of
the Imperial messenger Sukezumi.
When Princess Atemiya came back home from the send-off of the messenger,
the Crown Prince's note reached her.
"I wonder if I can pluck a hollyhock this year,
Which is fastened to the crown on the Kamo Festival"
The Iris Festival was held in great splendor at General Masayori's residence on
the fifth of the Fifth Month.
In the General's premises there was a large equestrian ground, and two stables
stood to the east and west of it, in each of them being ten carefully bred horses.
The Lieutenant and Major Generals, Equerry and Viceequerry, valets and so on
of the Left Imperial Guard came together to the equestrian ground, and made a
rehearsal in the presence of General Masayori for the equestrian archery and
hockey to be held in the Imperial Palace on the following day.
Meanwhile Kanemasa, the General of the Right, went to the equestrian ground in
the Imperial Palace accompanied by the guards officers, Vice-equerry, stablemen
and valets of the Right Imperial Guard in order to make arrangements for the
equestrian archery of the following day, and, as soon as he was told that all
members of the Stable of the Left Imperial Guard were assembling at General
Masayori's residence, he decided to go there. As the members of the Right
Imperial Guard
Pg. 147
Chap. 7 The Festival Messenger 147
performed the Komagata* dance on their way in front of General Kanemasa's

carriage, the sound of their music came to reach General Masayori's residence.
"The Court music seems to reach my ear", muttered General Masayori, "That is
surely the sound of Sukezumi's shō-flute. I think many members of the Right
Imperial Guard have come along."
Then he left his residence, trailing the bottom of his formal robe, with a fine
sword at his side and a shō-flute in his hand, and went to the main street,
accompanied by many officers and stablemen of the Left Imperial Guard, to
meet the members of the Right.
It was quite a picturesque view that the Generals, officers and stablemen of the
Left and Right Imperial Guards marched, dancing and singing to the
accompaniment of music, through the main street beautifully lit up with the
sunset glow. When the parade arrived at General Masayori's residence, the
members of the Right ascended the west stairs one after another, while those of
the Left the east stairs, greeting each other, and the former sat in the main hall
facing south, while the latter sat there facing north. Before long splendid stands
were placed before them, and fine dishes and sake were brought in.
Soon thereafter, a horse race was arranged. At the northern half of the equestrian
ground a number of guards officers stood in line with torches in their hands, and
at the southern half many footmen in hunting robes lined up with torches in their
hands, so that it was as light as day all around. The Generals, guards officers and
stablemen as well as the princes and high courtiers parted left and right, and
cheered their own team. All
* One of the tunes of the dance and music usually performed at ceremonies
pertaining to the horse.
Pg. 148
the jockeys were excellent riders selected from among the guards officers of the
Left and Right Imperial Guards. Every time a race was finished there was
applause, and a functionary of the guards office riding on a decorated horse
announced loudly the winner's name toward the principal guests. Then the
winning team performed a victory dance. The Left and Right teams won four
races respectively until the ninth race, in which the Left defeated the Right by a
narrow margin. The tenth was the last, and the rider of the Left was Guards
Captain Chikamasa, while the one of the Right Guards Captain Matsukata. Since
both the captains were known to be the best riders of their day, and the horses
were equally the pride of the Left and Right Imperial Stables, all members of the
Left and Right cheered enthusiastically their own riders. Though the issue of the
competition seemed to be uncertain until they passed the principal guests, the
Right finally won.
When the horse race was over, the feast was reopened, and music and dancing
commenced. The feast lasted as usual to the next morning.
The Sixth Month came. In General Masayori's residence there was a large and
deep lake, where several fine boats were afloat to make a floating bridge. Near
the lake stood various trees, and on the central island there was a splendid
angling pavilion, where people used to enjoy the cool air on hot days.
On the twelfth of this month General Masayori said to himself at the angling
pavilion, "Today is a holiday of the Imperial Court, so everyone must be staying
at home. I should like to have a party to enjoy the cool air at this pavilion," and
he ordered his servants to provide refreshments. He then jotted
Pg. 149
down a verse on a fan:
"A cool breeze blows under the trees with luxuriant foliage,
Waiting for all of you to come here soon."
He made Chamberlain Nakazumi take the fan to his sons and sons-in-law to
invite them to the party. They all gathered there. He then invited his daughters
too. They came to the lakeside by carriage. The pages and undermaids hung
bamboo blinds and set up curtains in the main room of the pavilion.
The young gentlemen took pleasure in catching carp and crucian carp in the lake
by fishing nets or with cormorants. They enjoyed picking up water caltrops or
prickly water lilies, plucking fruits such as arbutus and myrica from the trees on
the hills of the central island, and picking up the walnuts dropped into the lake.
Thereafter the ladies took kotos, and the gentlemen flutes, biwa and kei* to play
in concert.
General Masayori then said to Chamberlain Nakazumi,
"It is very regrettable that those gallants are not present here. I am told you have
sworn to be brothers with Nakatada, Nakayori and Yukimasa. You ought to
invite them to this party."
Thus Nakazumi at once sent a messenger to them. Soon the three gallants came
together to the angling pavilion.
At this time a grebe cried plaintively. Nakatada recited a verse in a very low
voice to the accompaniment of the sō no koto.
"A grebe is crying alone very sorrowfully.
I see now there is a lonesome one besides me."
* A chevron-stone musical instrument.

Pg. 150
Then Princess Atemiya recited the following in a sweet voice.
"I wish a grebe would not cry so loudly,

Whose mind is floating* just like his body."
At this moment a messenger came from Court to announce that the Emperor had
issued an order summoning Chamberlain Nakatada to the Imperial Palace.
Nakatada went out of the pavilion in haste, saying to himself, "I have missed a
rare opportunity."
Not long after this, the party was over, and all members went back to their own
quarters.
General Masayori then asked his first son, Grand Moderator Tadazumi, "The day
of Sacred Music in Summer is drawing near. Is there any place suitable, a place
blessed with abundant clear water and cool shades of trees?"
"There is no nice place around the Kamo River," replied Tadazumi, "The
neighborhood of the Katsura River where General Kanemasa lives is lovely."
"I see. It may be the most suitable place. The Katsura villa which General
Kanemasa had built with great care must be magnificent; It is said that a person's
doing is a mirror of his character. He is tasteful, versatile and well versed in
government affairs. The other day when a ceremony was held in the Imperial
Palace, I saw the General and Chamberlain Nakatada coming into the room
together where many princes and high courtiers were assembled. I was then
struck with admiration at their stately attitude."
* Floating mind means inconstancy or fickleness.

Pg. 151
4
The day of Sacred Music in Summer came. Princess Ōmiya, Lady Jijūden and
Lady Ōidono as well as the ladies above twenty years of age wore Chinese robes
of blue lined with russet, and those below twenty wore purplish cloaks. The
maids-in-waiting and page girls wore robes of red lined with purple, and the
undermaids Chinese robes of dark red. The sacred maidens put on robes of blue
lined with purple. There were twenty women's carriages in the procession, and a
great number of outriders of the Fourth and Fifth Court Ranks. Among the
attendants there were Guards Captain Matsukata skilled in the Saibara* ballad,
Guards Captain Chikamasa adept in the flute, and Guards Captain Tokikage
adept in the hichiriki-flute, as well as many courtiers who could sing skillfully
the sacred songs and Saibara ballads.
When the party arrived at the Katsura River, the sacred maidens got out of the
first carriage, and proceeded dancing, followed by General Masayori and his
family. Then all members of the party lined up before the stand and performed
the lustration in due form.
At this time a fine ship loaded with food and drink was coming from the
opposite side of the Katsura River toward this side to the accompaniment of
Korean music performed by Chamberlain Nakatada. General Masayori rejoicing
to see it, went to the riverside together with the courtiers and his attendants, and
sang the following verse to a tune of a Saibara ballad called "My House".
"A long pole is needed for crossing a deep river by
* Saibara is a sort of folk song taken up by the Heian nobility.

Pg. 152
boat.
Long patience may be necessary for attaining an object."
General Kanemasa sang, standing at the deck, the verse in reply to a tune of a
Saibara ballad called "The Sea of lse".
"My pole does not reach the bottom of the river.

My heart is not shallow, but as deep as this river."
Thus the members of the Right Imperial Guard joined the party of the Left, and
it was not long before the banquet was at its height. General Masayori then
invited Prince Hyōbukyō, who had come to the river to perform the lustration, to
come to the banquet.
Darkness began to fall. The water gushing out from among the rocks far ahead
was falling in cascades. The ladies looked at this scene with curiosity from the
stand, where the bamboo blinds were raised and the curtains set up in order to
enable them to have a fine view. The maids-in-waiting and page girls played
kotos and sang on the rocks.
Councillor Sanetada summoned Hyōe who had been sitting on the rock, and
asked her to hand over his letter to Princess Atemiya. The princess didn't try to
make a reply. Thus Sanetada sent her a verse again.
"Till realization of my wishes I will send you so many letters

That even eight million Gods cannot read through."
But no answer was given to him after all.

Prince Hyōbukyō sat on the rock together with his elder sister
Pg. 153
princess Ōmiya, and had a talk after a long interval.
"I have long wanted to tell you about my wishes. It is said that God grants us all
our wishes tonight, so I want you also to listen to me. I have been yearning for
Princess Atemiya for a long time, but she has taken no notice of me at all. Please
tell her not to treat me so unkindly."
"I am afraid that on the day of lustration God is too busy to hear what you want
to say", replied Princess Ōmiya with a smile, "Joking apart, I will surely convey
your words to her."
"It is very regrettable that she always neglects me. I cannot bear it any longer."
"If only I had a daughter suited to be your wife, I sometimes wish. Please wait a
little longer. Her younger sisters will grow up by and by."
"My life will have come to an end by that time", said Prince Hyōbukyō
dispiritedly.
5
One day Kunai, a maid-in-waiting of Princess Atemiya, was summoned by

Miharu no Takamoto*, a very mean ex-Minister.
"Is there any change in General Masayori's residence?" asked Takamoto.
"There is nothing unusual except that a lustration was performed the other day",
replied Kunai.
"Where did it take place, and who were present there?"
"It was performed on the Katsura River. Those present were the General's family,
Prince Hyōbukyō, General Kanemasa, Councillor Sanetada and many other
courtiers."
"It must have been magnificent. If I had been informed of the
* See page 81.
Pg. 154
lustration, I would have gone there. General Masayori is, however, given to
pleasure with a number of gallants. It not only costs him lots of money but also
invites the criticism of the world. His sons-in-Iaw are all lechers or fools, though
able to play the koto and flute, compose verse and write in the cursive script.
None of them works hard."
Kunai said with a smile,
"I am sorry I cannot agree with you. All his sons-in-Iaw are very happy, and his
residence is full of inexhaustible treasures."
"All those are what ambitious men offered the General to win his favor. The
treasures ought to be stored in the warehouse without being spent recklessly. The
articles of bribe kept in his residence will be squandered sooner or later for the
benefit of his large family. But it is not yet too late. The first thing he must do is
to make a trustworthy man his son-in-law. Talking of a trustworthy man, I am
the first to be mentioned. I am afraid, however, that the General intends, as
before, to make some good-for-nothing fellow his son-in-law. I ask you to tell
the General and his wife that I have spoken to you as follows: It is the greatest
happiness for a young woman to become a principal wife of a man who became
rich in consequence of thrift and diligence in his youth. The frivolous courtiers
have little understanding of the current of the times, and, if their fathers die, they
usually go to ruin at once leading unhappy lives for ever. Anyhow, I want to
make Princess Atemiya my wife at any rate."
"The other day when I asked Princess Ōmiya what she thought about marriage
between you and one of her daughters, she answered that it seemed to be a good
match, but, to her regret, there was at present no daughter suited to be your wife,
and that the Crown Prince had made a proposal of marriage to Princess Atemiya,
though the matter was left unsettled."
Pg. 155
On hearing this, Takamoto said impatiently.
"I think Princess Atemiya is an unlucky lady. I wonder if she knows well what
the Crown Prince is like. I am told His Highness shows favor to Nakatada, a son
of General Kanemasa, and indulges in pleasure with him day and night.
Nakatada is a worthless and lecherous fellow who is interested only in dressing
himself up. It is true that the Crown Prince, originally very serious-minded, was
seduced by Nakatada. Well, whatever is the good of personal beauty or brilliant
talent? Pretty features and talent alone do not make a rich and happy person.
Even if Princess Atemiya should become a Consort of the Crown Prince or the
Emperor, she would not always be happy. If she has a stroke of luck she would
become my wife after all, however much General Masayori may maneuver
behind the scenes. I beg you to tell the General what I have said today."
Takamoto then brought from the back room two cases, ill-shaped and old-
fashioned, one containing silk, and another figured cloth. After that, he jotted
down the following note on rough, stiff paper.
"It is a long time since I gave my heart to you. As Kunai will tell you in detail, I
write here only about one important thing. I have no wife now, and am pining
only for you every day. Now, I offer you a present, which I hope you will
distribute among your undermaids."
Kunai was given some money and went back to General Masayori's residence.
Shigeno no Masuge*, the Viceroy of Kyūshū and Councillor, summoned

Tonomori, an old maid-in-waiting in General
* See page 88.

Pg. 156
Masayori's residence, and said to her, "I want to get married to Princess Atemiya
on the twenty-first of the Sixth Month. When is it convenient for the princess to
come here?"
"I don't know about that for certain. You had better send her a letter to ask her
convenience, and then fix the wedding day with her consent", replied Tonomori.
"There is no necessity for me to do so, I think. I have a lot of money and no

wife, and hold high office and rank. There can be no possibility for me to be
disliked by her."
"You are right. But you had better write to her as frequently as possible." Then
Masuge summoned his son, who served the Court as a secretary, and said to him,
"I want to write to a young lady whom I am going to marry. I beg you to
compose a verse for me which will please her."
The secretary replied, smiling, "I have made many love verses for my own sake,
but no one said much for them."
"Then, who is a good poet?"
"Major General Kazumasa and Guards officer Nagamasa are proficient."
"Nagamasa' s verse was once a failure. This time I will beg Kazumasa."
Masuge called Kazumasa, his first son, at once, who composed a verse very
easily for him. Masuge then jotted down on fine paper, as follows:
"I believe you have often heard about me from the go-between. I haven't written
to you for a long time, because I have been very busy cleaning my house to
receive you here. I wish you would also prepare so as to be able to come here
soon. I am waiting impatiently for the days when I can talk intimately with you.
Though versemaking is what young people like to do,
Pg. 157
and it does not become me, yet I append a verse here, because I hear a letter is
embellished with it.
"My tears ran down to become a waterfall,

And all my hair turned white since I yearned for you."
Tonomori was given silk and figured cloth, and went home with Masuge's letter
in her hand.
About that time, in the west quarters of the Kangakuin University there was a
student named Fujiwara no Suefusa who was devoted to study despite his great
poverty. As he ate only a cup of boiled rice once a day, the students and staff of
the university chaffed him, shouting "Suefusa, short of food, long of study".
Simply because of poverty, he was despised even by menservants and
kitchenmaids.
Suefusa had lost his parents and brothers when still young, and had been reduced
to poverty. All his servants had forsaken him, of course. When seven years old,
he entered the university. He was very handsome and clearheaded, and studied
very hard every day and night with high aspirations, but owing to poverty he was
not permitted to take the junior and senior literary examinations, so that he had
to lead a trying, poor student life for a long time, being outstripped in succession
by younger students of little learning.
One day a student said to Suefusa banteringly,
"What a man you are! I dare say even General Masayori cannot make a fine man
like you his son-in-law. You are not only good-looking but brainy. I envy you."
At hearing this, a number of students burst into laughter.

Pg. 158
158 THE. TALE OF THE CAVERN
Suefusa said to himself, shedding tears of indignation, "Oh, my ancient Sage!
Please help me to wipe away this disgrace, and accomplish my purpose by virtue
of your learning."
In the meantime, a graduate of the Kangakuin University named Tadatō was

newly made Governor of Tango province, and requested Suefusa to attend the
congratulatory feast. Suefusa answered with great joy,
"I felt very honored to have been permitted to join your party. Though twenty
odd years have passed since I entered the university, I have never been invited to
a banquet like this."
On hearing this, Governor Tadatō sent Suefusa a verse attached to one of his
used dress uniforms with vest of russet.
"If you change from your clothes to this thin summer garment,
Your disgrace will surely become thin from now on."
Suefusa replied as follows in tears of gratitude.
"I have worn clothes of disgrace many-fold.

But today I can enjoy the cool air, wearing your thin garment. "
The Emperor's poetry banquet was scheduled to be held at the Jijūden Pavilion
on the day of the Weaver Festival*, and eighty persons, princes and courtiers of
a literary leaning as well
* In the Chinese legend the Star Vega is personified as a maiden-weaver, and the
Altair as a bull-driver. The weaver dwells on one side of the Milky Way in the
heavens, and the bull-driver on the other side. The weaver meets her beloved
bull-driver once every year on the evening of the seventh day of the Seventh
Month. The legend gave rise to the popular festival, which takes place on this
day, both in China and Japan.
Pg. 159
as professors and scholars of the university, were expected to attend, but the
banquet was suddenly called off. The scholars and students who had been
looking forward to the poetry banquet decided to have a party of poemmaking at
General Masayori's residence not far from the university, and began to march in
procession toward there.
Before this day Suefusa used to gaze enviously after the professors, scholars and
students going out to attend the poetry banquet, but this time he could endure no
longer, and begged the students to take him with them. They were surprised to
see Suefusa's figure. He put on a shabby old dress uniform directly over stiff,
unlined clothes, without wearing outer and inner trousers, and a shabby hat and
worn-out straw sandals. His face was thin and pale. 'They answered with a laugh,
"The General's residence is as magnificent as the Imperial Palace, and every day
men of virtue or of influence gather there in large numbers. Ordinary men are
not given free access to the residence, how much less are you. Your poor
appearance is an eternal disgrace to the Kangakuin University. Don't go there."
Suefusa further begged them desperately, nevertheless they not only refused him
his request, but also tried to push him down.
At this moment Governor Tadatō came round and asked them, "What is the
matter with you, everybody?"
One of the students who had been making a noise replied, "Suefusa has insisted
upon going to the General's residence with us. We are persuading him to give it
up."
The Governor said to him reprovingly,
"Why shouldn't Suefusa go to the General's residence? Is he not a student of the

Kangakuin University, too? Truly, he wears old clothes, but it is rather becoming
the student. One who is diligent in his study, wearing a shabby hat and wornout
dress is
Pg. 160
a student in the true sense of the term. Those who shelter themselves under their
parents' influence and make use of their families' power, giving bribes, and
living in a showy way are by no means true students. Now, let us start,
everybody."
Governor Tadatō then said to Suefusa encouragingly,

"I will go there with you. You are surely a true student."
In the meanwhile, General Masayori, who also held the post of the President of
the Kangakuin University, was pleased to hear that the scholars and students
were coming toward his residence, and ordered the stewards to make
arrangements for the reception at the angling pavilion on the central island, and
further to invite the princes, high courtiers and higher staff of the Imperial guard
and university who had a genius for poetry.
Not long after this, a poetry party was held at the angling pavilion, and lots of
food and drink were brought in. General Masayori assigned the subject and
many of the guests composed their own Chinese poems. A Marshal of the Board
of Ceremonies read out the poems one by one, and all those present chanted
them in concert.
The reader who was surprised to see Suefusa's superb poem concealed it secretly
without reading it out, because he feared that if it were heard by the princes and
high courtiers Suefusa would win sudden fame.
After all the poems were announced by the reader, those present chanted some of
the most excellent in concert to the accompaniment of kotos. As the night wore
on, the note of the kotos and the chanting voice echoed very clear. Above all, the
voice of Suefusa who chanted his own poem sounded sweet and clear just like
the tinkling of a Korean bell. Then General Masayori said, "There seems to be
someone reciting a poem which has not been announced. Who is he?"
When the professors and scholars sitting by his side tried to

Pg. 161
Chap. 7 The Festival Messenger I61
put him off by referring to other things, he shouted loudly,
"Someone was reciting a different poem at the rear of the students. Who is he?"
Suefusa answered, filled with awe. "Fujiwara no Suefusa, a student of the

Kangakuin University."
General Masayori said in a loud voice so as to be audible at the rear, "An

interesting student! Come and sit by my side."
Suefusa came out, pushing his way through the crowd, to the front. His
appearance was so strange that all those present burst into laughter. General
Masayori asked Suefusa,
"Who is your father? And who is your teacher?"
"I am the oldest son of the late Councillor Fujiwara no Narikage, who had once
been the Grand Moderator and a Japanese envoy to China. My father Narikage
was killed by warriors, and all of my brothers and relatives died at the same
time. I entered the Kangakuin University when seven years old. Intending to
devote myself to learning, I studied very hard from dawn till dusk. I read books
at night in summer by the light of the firefly, and in winter by the reflection from
the snow. In this way I studied for twenty odd years in the university, but the
professors who were coldhearted and greedy, did not take care of me at all, while
they treated considerately the students who did wrong or gave themselves to
hunting, fishing and military arts, and even those who had only a poor
knowledge owing to a short period of university education, if they were bribed
by these students. Thus I have been outraced by my juniors." So said Suefusa in
bitter tears.
General Masayori said to the professors. "He has made such a statement. Is it
really true?"
One of the professors replied.
"Suefusa is not allowed to enter the government service, because he is a fidget,

though a good scholar. If he be made a
Pg. 162
government official, at good deal of trouble, both official and private, would
probably take place."
General Masayori said to other persons sitting around
"I ask you whether what the professor has said is really true or not."
No one would open his mouth, however. At this time Governor Tadatō came out
and said to the General,
"Suefusa is at present the only one who is self-possessed and intelligent among
the students of the Kangakuin University. It is incredible that he should commit a
crime or a fault. The professors look after even an ignorant and illiterate student,
if he is the son of a rich man, while they are very cold toward a poor, talented
student. Suefusa worked hard patiently for a long time under adversity like this.
He is quite an admirable student."
General Masayori said with a serious look,
"The Kangakuin University was originally established by the Fujiwara family for
the purpose of educating their sons. Suefusa is a student of this university. It is
natural that he should grieve to have been prevented from entering the
government service for a long time. I never like to keep company with such
people as consider poverty to be a sort of fault. A professor has said that Suefusa
is not self-possessed, but everyone who is oppressed with sorrow is fidgety
without exception. If the sorrow were gone, he would regain his self-possession
spontaneously."
The professors hung down their heads, filled with awe.
Then General Masayori himself recited the poem composed by Suefusa to the
accompaniment of the koto. It sounded wonderfully clear on the night air.
After that, the General, feeling pity for Suefusa who was shabbily dressed, said
to Fujiwara no Motonori, an official of the Public Welfare Bureau, who
happened to come there,
"This student is a man of fine character who has gained

Pg. 163
honor just now. I ask you to change your clothes, and lend them to him."
"Yes, certainly!" Motonori answered, and took Suefusa into another room to let
him change his clothes, trim his sidelocks and shave his face.
Motonori then said to Suefusa with joy,
"You have come into luck at last. I too know well that the pursuit of studies is
very hard work. I wish to keep company with you from now on. Please come
and see me now and then."
Suefusa wearing the new clothes looked so beautiful and imposing that he was
more than a match for the students who had laughed at him.
After that, all those present played the koto and flute as usual, and enjoyed
themselves throughout the night. At dawn General Masayori presented a suit of
lady's clothes and a pair of lined trousers to professors and courtiers above the
Fourth Court Rank, and a robe of white stiff cloth and a pair of lined trousers to
other people. Suefusa was given a lot of splendid gifts.
One bright moonlit night Princess Atemiya and Princess Imamiya played the sō
no koto and biwa near the veranda. Nakatada stole into the garden and stood in
the shade of a tree. He quietly approached the veranda, invisible from the seat of
the princess, and whispered to a maid-in-waiting Soō.
"Why could I not receive her reply the other day?"
"Because she was playing "go"* with Chamberlain Nakazumi at that time."
* A game of "go"
Pg. 164
"The tune of the sō no koto is particularly fine tonight. I know well that the
player on the sō no koto is Princess Atemiya. Who is playing the biwa?"
"It is Princess Imamiya." "As Princess Atemiya is so skillful now, how will she
be in the future? Well, I cannot bring myself to give up my love for her. My
patience is exhausted. I suppose one is likely to commit some faults in these
circumstances."
"Let's say no more about it." With this, Soō was about to go away. Nakatada
caught her by the sleeve and said. "Wait a moment. I want to have a talk with her
only for a little while."
"What a thing to say! It is very difficult even to be given a reply, how much
more is talking with her."
"I cannot make it out. Even Lady Jijūden has spoken to me now and then."
"Anyhow, it is hardly possible that she would permit you to do such a thing."
Then Nakatada broke off a gentian with white flowers, and sent it with a letter to
Princess Atemiya.
"How long a poor man has been living,

By floating a raft down a shallow* river!"
I have long been yearning for you. I would like to say only one word directly to
you. I don't request the favor of a reply. I feel satisfied enough if you would hear
directly what I say."
At the sight of this letter, Princess Atemiya asked Soō,
* It means a shallow heart of Princess Atemiya.

Pg. 165
"Where is he?"
"At the veranda of the eastern room."
"Then, he has listened to my sō no koto, has he not? Oh dear! I am embarrassed.

I will give no reply to him."
With this, Princess Atemiya went into the inner room.
Being informed of this by Soō, Nakatada told her in tears,
"I had wished to live for a long time in order to be devoted to my parents, but I
have grown tired of living since I cherished affection for the princess. I have
turned into an undutiful son. I wished to have a talk with her, because I thought
that if I could do so, the fire of my passion for her might go down. I beg you to
arrange for me to talk with her some other day."
At dawn Nakatada sent Princess Atemiya a verse attached to a silver carp with
dark incense in its mouth.
"A carp* was sailing about in the stream of tears,
All night long, pining away with an unrequited love*"
Princess Atemiya kept silence for a while after having read his verse. Thus Soō
said to her,
"Will you please give him a reply? He passed the whole night in tears, though he
is usually very calm."
"Then, I will reply to his note, but, if any trouble should take place in future, I
will blame you for it", said the princess with a smile.
A short time thereafter, she sent Nakatada a verse fastened to a man of

aloeswood standing in the silver river with a torch of aloeswood in his hand:
"A man standing in the shallow river must have
* The Japanese words for "carp" and "love" are homophonous.

Pg. 166
mistaken
The torchlight reflected in the water for his fire of passion."
The Blue Warrior Festival came. As it was a custom that people never slept on
that night, the sons and daughters of General Masayori took pleasure in playing
marbles till late at night. Chamberlain Nakazumi drew near an inkstone laid in
front of Princess Atemiya, jotted down a verse on a sheet of paper as if for fun,
and then went away in silence.
"Though usually sleepless due to grief, I'll try to sleep tonight,

Because I might be able to meet you in a dream."
Princess Atemiya said nothing, pretending not to see it.
Councillor Sanetada who had been worn to a shadow from lovesickness sent a
letter to Princess Atemiya:
"Fearing to have you think me inexcusably self-conceited, I once made up my

mind to send you letters no more, but my resolution didn't last long after all.
"My tears, ran down and became a river.
Where did those many letters go which I sent you before?"
I am worn out, and it is not improbable that I might go to my grave in a day or

two. I live now barely entertaining an empty hope that there might be any
possibility. Oh, my princess! I am waiting for your kind answer."
Pg. 167
Chap. 7 The Festival Messenger
On reading this, Princess Atemiya said, "This is quite a pitiful letter", but she
would not send him a reply.
Hyōe said to the princess appealingly,
"I beg you to give him an answer for this once. Everyone feels pity for him who
has become emaciated. Please grant me my request for mercy's sake."
"It is too cruel of you to blame me for his growing thin and weak", said the
princess. "It may be rather good for a man like him to give him no reply."
"Why do you say such harsh words? You had better show your sympathy for him
a little more."
"I have given him a reply whenever I should do so."
Princess Atemiya did not write to him after all.
Pg. 168
Chapter 8
Fukiage: Part Two
1
Late in the Eighth Month the Feast of the Autumn Flowers took place in the
Saga. Palace, and many princes and high courtiers took pleasure in poetry and
music. On this occasion the ex-Emperor Saga asked Major General Nakayori,
"When is the best time to see the wild flowers?"
"The flowers in the fields are at their best towards the twentieth of this month,
and those in the hills towards the tenth of the next month."
"Where is most attractive?" asked the ex-Emperor.
"As for the fields, Sagano and Kasugano, and as for the hills Ogurayama and
Arashiyama are quite worthy of a visit," answered Nakayori,
"The flowers and leaves seem to look especially fine this autumn. I feel like
trying falconry in some beautiful field."
"Yes, indeed. The leaves have been tinged with red. This autumn the dew and
rain also seem to be more tasteful than usual. The other day, General Masayori
made a falconing expedition as far as Ōharano, accompanied by many
attendants. It was a place of scenic beauty."
"It must have been amusing. It always gives pleasure to us to wander through
hills and fields. Where is the most suitable for falconry?"
"My experience shows that the province of Ki is the best in the world."
Pg. 169
Chap. 8 Fukiage: Part Two 169
"I see. So I suppose. But that province lies too far away. Though I feel inclined
to go there, it will be against all precedents."
At this time Tadamasa, the Minister of the Right, said to the ex-Emperor, "It is
nothing to worry about. I hear the Chinese emperor goes on a hunting expedition
into the country far away from the capital for ten or twenty days."
The ex-Emperor was very pleased to hear this, and decided that he would set out
for the province of Ki on the first of the Ninth Month, and hold the Festival of
Chrysanthemums at the Fukiage beach. All the royal princes as well as many
nobles and literati were ordered to attend him on the journey. The ex-Emperor
who had been told of Suefusa commanded him to accompany them in particular.
General Masayori provided the clothing, the horse and saddle, and so on for
Suefusa.
The ex-Emperor Saga and his suite arrived safely at the border of the province of
Ki, and then received a hearty welcome everywhere along the beautifully
decorated road leading to the Fukiage beach. This was through the good offices
of Tanematsu.
It was at about four in the afternoon on the fifth of the Ninth Month that the
party reached the Fukiage beach. The ex-Emperor entered the residence of Lord
Suzushi through the west gate, and stared in wonder at the magnificent buildings
decorated finely with gold, silver, lapis lazuli, shells of the giant clam and agate.
Not long after this, a welcome party was held. Before the ex-Emperor, royal
princes and high courtiers were placed trays on stands of aloeswood and red
sandalwood which contained all
Pg. 170
sorts of delicacies. Lord Suzushi was permitted to show himself in the presence
of the ex-Emperor, who was very pleased to find that his son, Suzushi, was
behind nobody among many courtiers in features. The ex-Emperor himself took
a biwa, and gave a wagon to Nakatada, a sō no koto to Nakayori, and a koto to
Suzushi to play in concert. Suzushi played the koto very skilfully. When the
concert was over, the ex-Emperor ordered Suzushi to play a sō no koto. He
played it so skilfully that the ex-Emperor was much moved, and exclaimed.
"It has grown up into a pine grandly shading the earth,

Though I had been told that it was still a seedling."
On the ninth, the Festival of Chrysanthemuns took place. The Chrysanthemum

garden was enclosed with a fence made of aloeswood and red sandalwood, and
the earth and sand of the garden were dark incense and gold respectively. The
chrysanthemums of silver were planted along the rail fence, and many gems of
Prussian blue and bluish-green were placed on the fading flowers so as to look
like dewdrops.
Early that morning Suzushi presented the ex-Emperor with a beautiful

Chrysanthemum flower, to which a verse was attached:
"Getting wet with morning dew, I broke off a Chrysanthemum in full

bloom.
If it is stuck in your hair, you will be sure to live long."
The ex-Emperor was deeply impressed with this, and recited in reply:
"I am delighted to see even in a casual way,

That the dewdrops in the Chrysanthemum garden are
Pg. 171
shining like jewels."
A banquet was held after that. The ex-Emperor took his seat in the main hall, and
royal princes and high courtiers sat down beside him. The university scholars
and literati took their seats in the pavilion of brocade set up in the front yard, but
Nakayori, Yukimasa, Suzushi and Nakatada were especially permitted to take
their seats in the main hall by Imperial order.
When the banquet was at its height, the composing of Chinese poems
commenced. As was the custom, the ex-Emperor assigned the subject, and many
of the courtiers and scholars composed their own poems. A professor read out
the poems one by one, and all those present chanted them in concert. At this time
Suefusa's voice sounded particularly clear, so that the ex-Emperor ordered him
to chant his own poem alone. Besides, the ex-Emperor was very surprised to
hear the excellent poems of Nakayori, Yukimasa, Suzushi and Nakatada, and
said to them,
"These four poems are not at all inferior to those of the professors who often
went to China for study. It is a matter of course that Nakatada does not know his
grandfather Toshikage by sight, because he died thirty odd years ago.
Toshikage's secrets of the koto might have been transmitted to his grandson
Nakatada through his daughter, but he can't have taught his daughter how to
compose Chinese poems. Nakayori, Yukimasa and Suzushi are similarly adept
not only in music but also in poetry. I am deeply impressed by all of you."
Darkness began to fall. In front of the ex-Emperor lanterns and standard lamps
made of gold were placed, and torches of aloeswood were kindled. In the front
yard twelve pavilions of Korean brocade were set up, in which twelve stages
were made with aloesfood and golden strings. A large number of musicians lined
up on the stages, and played kotos and biwas as well as
Pg. 172
flutes and shō-flutes. Then a multitude of dancers appeared on the stages, and
danced very finely to the music. All those present enjoyed themselves very
much, being unconscious of the passing of time.
At dawn the faint voice of a monk chanting sutras came from somewhere to the
main hall. Hearing it, the ex-Emperor said, "A solemn voice of sutra-chanting
reaches my ear. Go and bring the monk here."
The courtiers and secretaries searched for the origin of the voice, and finally
found out a monk chanting sutras in a shrine close by. It was Tadakoso. He was
offering a fervent prayer to the shrines and temples in various provinces in order
to get a glimpse of Princess Atemiya once again. When one of the secretaries
told the monk about the ex-Emperor's summons, he would not obey him, being
struck with awe. The courtiers and secretaries, however, took him by force as far
as below the stairs of the main hall. The ex-Emperor at once granted an audience
to the monk. He did not look like an ordinary mountain bonze, though in clothes
made of bark and moss. Thus the ex-Emperor asked him, "In what mountain are
you practicing asceticism?"
Nevertheless, he made no reply for fear that the ex-Emperor should recollect
him, though he thought probably nobody would remember him because of his
peculiar guise. Then the ex-Emperor ordered the monk to recite some sutras, and
made Nakayori and Yukimasa play the kotos to the sutrachanting. It made all
those present feel the pathos of nature, and moved them to tears.
General Masayori and Nakatada had already met Tadakoso at the Kasuga Shrine,
so that they knew that the monk was Tadakoso. The ex-Emperor thought there
was surely something familiar about the monk's face, and, after having retraced
his old memory for a while, he recollected that the monk was Tadakoso
Pg. 173
himself. The ex-Emperor said to General Masayori, "You can recognize him, I
suppose."
But the General could not answer in the excess of his grief. Thus the ex-Emperor
summoned Tadamasa, the Minister of the Right, and said,
"I think that the monk was once in Court service. Am I mistaken? Go and ask
him if I am right in my judgement."
Minister Tadamasa descended the stairs and conveyed the sublime words to the
monk, when he was deeply touched by the ex-Emperor's great favor and wept
bitterly. The sight moved the ex-Emperor and all those present to tears.
General Masayori said to the ex-Emperor,
"Immediately after I saw the monk, I wanted to say to Your Majesty that he was
Tadakoso, but I could not, because I had met him by chance at the Kasuga Shrine
the other day, and had been requested by him not to inform Your Majesty for the
time being, and furthermore because I felt sad today at the sight of him filled
with awe."
The ex-Emperor who took pity on Tadakoso ordered him to come nearer, and
said,
"Not a day passed without my thinking of you since then. Whatever made you
leave your father, and enter the mountain?"
Tadakoso answered in bitter tears,
"This is why I left my home. When I was allowed to return home from Court, I
was very surprised to find that my father's attitude toward me was not what it
used to be. My father loved me most of all, and told me often that even if I
should try to kill him, he would not reprove my conduct. Though I didn't know
what made him change his mind, I thought it was my inexcusable fault to have
hurt my father's feelings, and finally I decided to hide myself from the world.
Since then I have been
Pg. 174
leading a secluded life in the deep mountain, subsisting on nuts, leaves and roots,
wearing clothes made of bark and moss, and making friends with beasts such as
bears and wolves."
"What is done cannot be undone. I hope you will serve the Court as a bishop. I
regret I couldn't find you when you were living in the mountain", the ex-
Emperor said with emotion, and recited:
"A cloud settled in the deep valley has come out.

Why weren't the mount and valley searched all this while?"
Tadakoso recited in reply:
"The cloud having entered the mount looked only at the sky,
And could not find out a valley to settle in."
The sun was already high. The ex-Emperor returned to the capital, taking
Suzushi with him. Tanematsu presented the royal princes and high courtiers with
splendid chests of robes and excellent horses.
Not long after the ex-Emperor Saga returned to the capital from the povince of
Ki, the Emperor decided to hold the Festival of Red Leaves at the Shinsen-en*.
General Kanemasa said to his wife,
"The ex-Emperor will attend the Festival of Red Leaves to be
* Shinsen-en (Sacred Fountain Garden).

Pg. 175
Chap. 8 Fukiage: Part Two I75
held at the Shinsen-en, accompanied by Lord Suzushi. On that occasion
Nakatada will surely be made to play the koto. If he plays the koto, I want to
have him play such splendid strains as will astonish all those present. Is it
permitted for him to play one of the extraordinary kotos at that time?"
"It pains me to show those kotos to others which my father had told me not to
play before any others", answered his wife.
"If Nakatada plays the famous, extraordinary koto in the presence of the
Emperor, the spirit of your father Toshikage will probably be pleased. I should
like to have Nakatada do what was never done and will never be done."
She finally gave way to her husband's eagerness, and consented to his attending
the festival carrying the South Wind.
In the meanwhile, the ex-Emperor said to the Emperor,
"I went to the province of Ki the other day, and found that my son, Suzushi, had
grown up into a fine youth. It was impossible for me to leave him alone in the
country, so I brought him back with me."
Hearing this, the Emperor at once granted Suzushi the privilege of access to the
Imperial Court.
The day of the festival came. When all the seats were taken, the composing of
Chinese poems commenced as usual. The princes, high courtiers and literati
composed poems on the subject assigned by the Emperor, and put their own
poems into a case placed before the Emperor. Suefusa was sent off alone in a
boat on the lake to deliberate on a difficult subject that was given to him. After a
short time Suefusa composed an excellent poem. The Emperor wondered at his
learning, and conferred on him at once the title of Bachelor of Arts.
Then several high courtiers began to play on the kotos and biwas, and flutes and
shō-flutes. Seeing this, the ex-Emperor told the Emperor,
Pg. 176
"It is unreasonable that Nakatada and Suzushi are doing nothing, while the high
courtiers are performing vigorously like that. Won't you order the two of them to
play the kotos?"
Thus the Emperor summoned Nakatada and Suzushi at once, and handed the
Seta Wind* to Nakatada and the Flower-garden Wind* to Suzushi, saying, "Play
a tune with these kotos at the request of the ex-Emperor Saga."
Nakatada answered, "Though everyone has a new tune to play on this occasion, I
have none left, because I have already played all my tunes in the Imperial
presence", and he never tried to touch the koto.
"If you have none left, the tunes you have formerly played will do.
Accomplishments, in general, are valuable when shown in the presence of a
large company. If you don't play the koto on an occasion like this, your special
accomplishments are of no avail. Surely you agree? Begin playing!"
Nevertheless, Nakatada would not try to play. Then the Emperor added,
"Even the Emperor seems to have no authority over Nakatada. As you know,
there were once two Court officials in China who went for the elixir of life as far
as the Isle of Eternal Youth** in obedience to the Imperial command, though
they considered it to be a fruitless effort. Anyhow, begin to play the koto!"
Unable to disobey the Emperor's order, Nakatada took the koto unwillingly, and
said to Suzushi in a low voice, "After you."
"Then Suzushi is the first performer", said the Emperor.
* See page 12.

** An isle spoken of in Chinese literature. It was said to be in the Eastern Ocean,
and people of extraordinary long lives were supposed to dwell there.
Pg. 177
Suzushi began to play the tune of "koka" quietly. Thereupon Nakatada also
began to play the same tune in concert. As the night wore on, the note of the
kotos echoed very clearly. There was no difference in skill between Suzushi and
Nakatada. All those present were enraptured.
A little while later General Kanemasa laid the South Wind before the Emperor,
and said,
"This is a koto which Nakatada has never played. I am going to have him play
this."
Then the Emperor handed a very fine koto-not at all inferior to the South Wind-
to Suzushi, and ordered him to compete with Nakatada in playing the koto. It
was the koto which Suzushi had received from his koto teacher, Iyayuki, many
years ago, and had presented to the ex-Emperor the other day.
Nakatada and Suzushi began to play the treasured pieces of music transmitted
from the seven mountain masters and Iyayuki respectively to the best of their
skill. The sounds of the two kotos echoed sometimes above the clouds, and
sometimes under the ground. Moreover, the wind and the clouds flowed, the
moon and the stars moved about, hail like pebbles fell, the thunder rolled, and
large flakes of snow began to fall.
The Emperor was moved so profoundly that he conferred the Senior Grade of
the Fourth Court Rank upon Nakatada and Suzushi, and appointed them
Lieutenant General of the Left Imperial Guard. Suzushi, who was a royal son,
was to have this rank conferred without his splendid musical performance.
Hence, on behalf of him, his grandfather Tanematsu was invested with the Fifth
Court Rank and appointed Governor of Ki province.
Then the Emperor said to General Masayori,
"I want to give some prizes to Suzushi and Nakatada, but
Pg. 178
there seems to be nothing proper in the world. I think, however, you only can
give them something good."
"If even Your Majesty has nothing proper to give them, how much less have I",
answered General Masayori.
"You have a number of beautiful daughters, haven't you? How about giving your
favorite daughters to them in reward for their fine concert? There can be no
better prize", said the Emperor, laughing merrily.
"I have no daughters worthy to be given to them as the prizes for their splendid
musical performance."
"Princess Atemiya is just the best prize. Suzushi shall have Princess Atemiya.
And my first daughter* is there in your residence. Nakatada shall have the First
Princess."
Suzushi and Nakatada descended the long stairs together into the courtyard for
ceremonial thanksgiving.
Subsequently the ex-Emperor summoned Suzushi, and said,
"I am very surprised to see that your skill on the koto is not inferior to that of
Nakatada. Iyayuki was an expert on the koto just like Toshikage, and left the
capital about thirty years ago. You are twenty odd years old, and yet your
technique on the koto is quite similar to that of Iyayuki. Tell me how it came
about." '
Suzushi answered reverentially,
"When I was five years old, I paid a visit to Kumano, where I met a mountain
bonze named Iyayuki. At that time he told me that he had been leading a
secluded life in the mountain, seeking for his successor for fear that his secrets
of the koto should cease to exist. Thereafter he came to my residence and gave
me private lessons on the koto very earnestly. One day six years ago he said to
me that his long-cherished desire had been fully
* Borne by Lady Jijūden. See page 65.

Pg. 179
realized, so he intended to enter the mountain to give his body to the beasts and
expose his skeleton to the wind and rain in the valley. With these words, he
returned to the mountain where he had lived before."
At hearing Suzushi's pitiful talk, the ex-Emperor wiped away his tears in secret.
And so the Festival of Red Leaves at the Shinsen-en ended.
Not long after this, Lieutenant General Suzushi had a magnificent residence built
at the Third Avenue, and provided with pieces of furniture of gold, silver and
lapis lazuli. He was very diligent in the Court service, and soon became one of
the most renowned courtiers.
One day Tanematsu's wife came up to the capital, and was very pleased to see
her husband wearing uniform dress of scarlet* and holding a white wooden
mace. She recited a verse bowing to him:
"Dew and rain** seemed to avoid you all this while.

To my wonder, however, your uniform dress has changed in color."
Tanematsu replied in joy:
"Thanks to a pine tree whose top reached the clouds,

Even its hidden root could change in color."
Tanematsu went back as the Governor of Ki province, and
* Uniform dress was different in color according to the different ranks. First
Rank: deep purple, Second and Third Ranks: light purple, Fourth Rank: deep
scarlet, Fifth Rank: light scarlet, Sixth Rank: deep green, Seventh Rank: light
green.
** Dew and rain tinge the autumnal leaves with scarlet.
Pg. 180
spent his remaining years in comfort.
After a little while the ex-Emperor Saga set up a chapel in his palace to make
Tadakoso offer a prayer. Besides, the Emperor appointed Tadakoso "Ācārya"* of
the Shingon** Temple in the Imperial Palace by the request of the ex-Emperor.
Ācārya Tadakoso was spiritually enlightened, so that he came to have many

disciples and believers. It was not long before he became renowned in the
Imperial Palace as of old.
One day Ācārya Tadakoso went to Court by carriage in answer to the Emperor's
summons, accompanied by many disciples. When he retired from the Palace, he
met an old woman beggar outside the gate. Her hair was as white as snow, her
face black like Indian ink, and her legs thin and long like those of a crane. She
appealed to Ācārya, praying with her hands pressed together, "Have mercy upon
me!".
Ācārya Tadakoso felt pity for her, and gave her something to eat.
"Who are you, and what were you? When and how did you come down in the
world?" asked Tadakoso.
"I was once a wife of a respectable high courtier. After my husband died, I
became intimate with a gentleman who had a very nice son. The boy was the
dearest only child in his family, and a favorite page of the Emperor in the Palace.
I was, however, on bad terms with him, and intended to snare him at any cost. I
concealed an invaluable belt of his father in secret, and
* Ācārya (Sans.) A master in esoteric Buddhism.

** Temple of the Shingon sect of Buddhism. The Shingon sect is one of the
esoteric sects of Buddhism.
Pg. 181
then made his father believe that it was stolen by him, and moreover I made
someone inform his father of the false fact that he made an ungrounded
accusation against his own father. The boy was finally obliged to leave his home.
It may be the fruit of my own deeds that my colossal wealth was brought to
nothing, and I am now living in a hell on earth", said the old woman.
At hearing this, Tadakoso thought to himself.
"Oh! That old beggar woman is the Lady of the First Avenue! I have now found
out the truth of affairs which I have been worrying about for a long time. This
may be by the grace of Buddha."
After a long silence Tadakoso said to the old woman,
"I will take care of you as long as you live, and if you should die, I shall consign
your body to the grave and relieve you from suffering hell."
Tadakoso gave her food and clothes, and set up a hut for her to live in.
About that time Prince "My Baby" in General Masayori's residence was
molested by some evil spirit*, and fell into a serious condition. He was given
various treatments, but in vain. Then General Masayori asked Ācārya Tadakoso
to offer a prayer for his son's recovery. Prince "My Baby" was restored to health.
One day Tadakoso said to Prince "My Baby",
"I want to send a letter to the princess who played the koto at the Kasuga Shrine
this spring. I hope you will hand her this note, and request a reply from her."
This was his note:
* In old Japan there was a superstition that the spirits of the dead or the living
have the power of inflicting injury on mankind.
Pg. 182
"I led a secluded life in the cave of the mountain

Always looking at the phantom of your beautiful figure in the sky. "
I am pining for you as before."
Prince "My Baby" told Tadakoso with a perplexed air, "It will be useless,
becxause she never reads such notes".
But Tadakoso begged him persistently, saying, "I have cured you of a disease.
Please listen to me this time."
Thus Prince "My Baby" went to Princess Atemiya's room, and handed her the
note.
"Oh, I am amazed! Why do you bring me such a thing?" she said, and tore the
note to pieces at once.
Pg. 183
Chapter 9
The Feast of the Chrysanthemums
1
On the first of the Eleventh Month the Feast of the Chrysanthemums Left
Blooming was held in the Palace of the Crown Prince. After the feast was over,
the Crown Prince made conversation with the princes and high courtiers.
"Who among you here has a beautiful daughter?"asked the Crown Prince.
"No such man is here," answered Sueakira, the Minister of the Left.
"General Masayori had a number of beautiful daughters, many of whom have

got married to reputable princes and high courtiers, and a few unmarried
daughters still remain," replied Major Councillor Masaaki.
"I know well that the ninth daughter of the General is very beautiful, but to my
regret I am not treated as one of her suitors," said the Crown Prince.
"If your Imperial Highness asks General Masayori, he would be sure to offer her
at once," said Minister Sueakira.
"I have never requested the General, as it seems hard to ask him to his face. I
wrote to her now and then, but she has given no definite reply."
On hearing the Crown Prince's words, Councillor Sanetada,
Prince Hyōbukyō and Major Councillor Masaaki were stunned in despair,

thinking to themselves that if the Crown Prince should make a proposal, General
Masayori would surely give
Pg. 184
ready consent. After some time General Masayori went to Court in answer to the
Crown Prince's summons.
"I missed you very much the other day when the Feast of the Chrysanthemums
Left Blooming took place in this Palace. I hear you were ill in bed on the first of
the Tenth Month when the change* to winter clothes was made. How have you
been lately?" said the Crown Prince.
"Your gracious words quite overpower me. About that time I could not walk, and
I have just recently got well again," answered the General.
"I feel sorry for you. On the day of the feast I assigned stanzas of four couplets
to a number of literati, some of whom composed very excellent ones. If only I
could hear your comment on those poems, I thought then."
The Crown Prince showed the General those excellent stanzas, explaining in
detail how the feast had been. After a while the Crown Prince spoke in a
somewhat grave manner,
"Now, I have long wanted to talk to you about something, but I have had no
adequate opportunity."
"What ever can it be? I will hear respectfully what you say."
"I feel embarrassed. To tell the truth, I want to become one of your sons-in-law."
"You do me a great honor. Though my daughters were all plain-looking, it was

impossible for me to leave them single for a long time, so that I married them
one after another to suitable gentlemen. And I am sorry to say that there is no
daughter
* It was an old custom that a seasonal change of clothing was practiced on the
first of the Fourth Month, the fifth of the Fifth Month, the fifteenth of the Eighth
Month, the ninth of the Ninth Month and the first of the Tenth Month.
Pg. 185
Chap. 9 The Feast of the Chrysanthemums 135
suited to be offered to Your Imperial Highness."
"Oh! No. There is really a beautiful daughter in your family, whom I want to
marry. I have already confessed my love to her, and I think it is unlikely that she
will not come to me."
"With all respect to your opinion, I beg to say that the other day when the
Festival of Red Leaves was held at the Shinsen-en, the Emperor issued an order
to give the First Princess to Nakatada and Princess Atemiya to Suzushi. I cannot
disobey an Imperial order."
"You need not worry about that, because I intend to inform the Emperor of the
details."
"Your words are more than I deserve. As she is still young now, I will offer her
to you later on."
"I am delighted to hear it. To tell the truth, though I want to write to her more
often, I abstain from doing so lest she should be annoyed at my persistency."
"I will surely obey Your Imperial Highness," said General Masayori with awe,
and retired from the presence of the Crown Prince.
General Masayori returned home, and consulted at once with his wife Princess
Ōmiya,
"I have long been considering about Princess Atemiya's personal affairs. The
Crown Prince told me today that he wanted to marry her at any cost. What do
you think about his proposal? Has she received letters from him often?"
"Yes, the Crown Prince's messages have come to her many times. I take his
proposal as a great honor, but what do you think about the fact that he has many
concubines? And as you know, there are many gentlemen who have made
advances to Princess Atemiya. We must take it into consideration."
"I think so, too. Prince Hyōbukyō and General Kanemasa are most respectable
among her many suitors."
Pg. 186
"Now that Lady Jijūden* lives in the Imperial Palace, it may be a question to
have Princess Atemiya enter the Crown Prince's household. I feel inclined to
take the liberty of declining the Crown Prince's august offer."
"It is impossible for me, however, to decline without reason the proposal of the
Crown Prince who is expected to accede to the throne in the near future. It is
said there are many concubines in the Crown Prince's Palace, but you need not
worry about it, because only a few of the concubines receive favors from the
Crown Prince, and only one can become the mother of the Emperor in future.
Whether or not a lady becomes the Crown Prince's favorite and further the future
Emperor's mother depends on her own karma. Though there may be various
viewpoints, I have a mind to offer Princess Atemiya to the Crown Prince."
"I little know about Princess Atemiya's karma, but I don't think that she is
inferior to those concubines."
Several days after, a messenger came from the Imperial Palace. Lady Jijūden
was retiring to General Masayori's residence, so her brothers and sisters went to
Court in twenty separate carriages to meet her. Her departure was late at night,
and it was at dawn that she arrived at the General's residence. She entered the
west wing directly, and went to bed at once.
Early the next morning Princess Ōmiya went to the main hall, and let Hyōe, a
maid-in-waiting, ask Lady Jijūden whether she might go to the west wing or wait
for the Lady in the main hall. The Lady replied that she had been lying in bed
owing to
* Lady Jijūden is Atemiya's elder sister.
Pg. 187
indisposition, but she would soon go to the main hall. A little later, Lady Jijūden
came to a room where her mother and sisters had been waiting. They were very
pleased to see each other after a long separation.
"I have been anxious, as your stay in the Imperial Palace was too long," said
Princess Ōmiya.
"In spite of my repeated request, His Majesty would not permit me to retire. I
have been indisposed for some days past. and under the pretext of ill health I
have obtained permission at long last."
"That you are indisposed! May I suppose that you are in a certain condition?"
"I am embarrassed."
Princess Ōmiya and Lady Jijūden kept on talking, taking a meal at the same
table.
"Princess Atemiya has now become of marriageable age. I think you had better
arrange her marriage soon if there is a good match for her," said Lady Jijūden.
"It is very hard for us to choose her husband, because she has too many suitors.
General Masayori told me the other day that the Crown Prince had made a
proposal to him. I take the Crown Prince's proposal as a great honor, but as it is
said there are many concubines in the Crown Prince's Palace, I feel pity on
Princess Atemiya who would have to undergo various troubles in keeping
company with those ladies."
"I think it is an auspicious matter. Does she still often receive the Crown Prince's
letters? If so, you had better accept his proposal soon. It is true he has many
beautiful ladies, but I am told that only two of them, the Fourth Princess of the
ex-Emperor Saga and Lady Nashitsubo, a daughter of General Kanemasa, are his
favorites, and it is unlikely that his favors last long."
Pg. 188
"I hear a young lady has recently entered the Crown Prince's household."
"He wanted to have a younger and more beautiful lady, I suppose. You had better
offer Princess Atemiya to him as soon as possible, because he has no child yet."
"General Masayori is of the same opinion as you."
"There is nothing to worry about, even though the Crown Prince should have
one or two favorites after Princess Atemiya's entry into Court. His Majesty has
many consorts and concubines now, but only one or two of them are allowed to
attend upon him in his bedchamber."
"I wonder if things will go well with Princess Atemiya in the Palace. I hope she
will be as lucky as you." Princess Ōmiya and Lady Jijūden talked almost all day
long.
3
The Sacred Music in Winter was held on the thirteenth of the Twelfth Month.
After darkness had fallen, General Masayori and Princess Ōmiya rode in two
separate gilded carriages, and a number of maids-in-waiting in five separate
accessory carriages. There were eighty outriders of the Fourth, Fifth and Sixth
Court Ranks. The lustration was performed in due form at the shore of the Kamo
River, and it was late at night that all members returned to the residence.
On that night, the lake and the hill before the main hall looked finer than usual in
the light of many torches. The princes and high courtiers took their seats in the
south room of the main hall, and Nakayori, Yukimasa and Nakatada sat at the
veranda. A great number of musicians took their places in the pavilions set up in
the front yard. Then four sacred maidens danced, and the musicians played flutes
and sang Saibara ballads
Pg. 189
Chap. 9 The Feast of the Chrysanthemums
and sacred songs.
On that night Prince Hyōbukyō called on his elder sister princess Ōmiya at the
east wing. She said with a smile,
"I had a long talk with you at the shore of the Katsura River on the day of Sacred
Music in Summer. Today is also the day of Sacred Music. It seems that you
cannot call on me without the grace of God."
"I came now and then to this residence to call on Prince Shikibukyō, but had no
opportunity of meeting you. Tonight I have been waiting for a chance to see you,
thinking that you would surely come out to hear the songs of Matsukata,
Tokikage and others."
"I have also heard that you came here at times, but I couldn't have the pleasure of
seeing you on various accounts. Well, do you sometimes go to the Saga Palace? I
have heard that the ex-Empress became sick some time ago. How is she getting
on? I haven't visited the Saga Palace for a long time, as I had many things to do."
"When I called on the ex-Empress the other day, I found there was nothing
unusual about her. I was told that she had a feverish cold. At that time she told
me that she hadn't met you and General Masayori for ages."
"I will call on her some day together with young members of my family. They
also desire earnestly to visit the Saga Palace."
"Some time ago when the Feast of the Snow was held in the Palace, the Crown
Prince mentioned by the way that he was feeling uneasy because General
Masayori has made no definite reply to his proposal. When I asked him what his
words meant, he replied simply that he wanted to know if the General had told
her of his heart. Whatever is meant by these words?"
Princess Ōmiya answered, pretending to know nothing,
"I am sorry I don't know what they mean. Might it be that

Pg. 190
the General has forgotten what the Crown Prince had ordered him?"
"I suppose the Crown Prince's words are related to the princess he loves. It
seems to me that General Masayori has already decided things with regard to
Princess Atemiya's marriage. Nothing can be done now, but how sad that my
longcherished desire has faded away like a dream! As I am your brother, I
expected that you would consider me as her husband first of all."
"Her younger sisters will grow up by and by. If you wait for a time, I will surely
consider your feelings."
"I have grown tired of living since I heard the Crown Prince's words on that
occasion. I cannot help pitying myself who have yearned for Princess Atemiya
in vain for a long time."
Prince Hyōbukyō cried bitterly, feeling his heart torn to pieces. Princess Ōmiya
found herself at a loss for words of consolation.
A little while later she said, "I have something more to say, but I will reserve it
for another occasion," and she went away.
As the night wore on, the whole banqueting hall resounded with the noise of
music and singing. Then General Masayori called Lieutenant General Nakatada,
and said, "I beg you to play the koto, even for a short time," pushing a splendid
koto toward him. The princesses who had been looking at the scene from behind
the bamboo blinds thought to themselves that Lieutenant General Nakatada was
quite exceptional among the many young courtiers. Soon after, Nakatada played
a shō-flute, Yukimasa a flute, Nakayori a hichiriki-flute, General Masayori a
wagon, General Kanemasa a biwa, and Prince Hyōbukyō a sō no koto. It was a
splendid concert, and all those present enjoyed themselves, taking no notice of
the time.
It was at dawn that all guests started on their way home. Only
Pg. 191
Chap. 9 The Feast of the Chrysanthemums
Nakatada did not go home, but called at Chamberlain Nakazumi's room.
"Last night Prince Hyōbukyō pressed drinks on me, so I got heavily drunk," said
Nakatada, "It is said that what one says under the influence of drink is innocent
and not blamed by God, so I will tell you what I have wanted to say, emboldened
by sake. The Imperial order issued on the day of the Festival at the Shinsen-en
was quite inconceivable and unexpected to me, and since then I have been
feeling more dead than alive."
"You were given the First Princess of the Emperor Suzaku. Why do you say such
a thing?"
"Even the most precious thing is valueless for the man who has no mind to
possess it. I envy Lieutenant General Suzushi his good luck."
"Are you a bull whose horn was broken in light?"
"A bull would be better, but I am a poor poodle."
"You should not ask too much. The First Princess is the Emperor's dearest
daughter and General Masayori's beloved granddaughter. You were given this
precious princess as your wife. You who have had such a stroke of luck should
not say such a thing."
"Though you say so, I cannot change my mind so suddenly and easily, because I
have long been yearning for Princess Atemiya from the bottom of my heart."
At this time a note of the koto came faintly into hearing.
"Who is playing the koto at this time of morning?" asked Nakatada.

"Surely Princess Atemiya."
"Ah! That note cuts me to the quick. I even wish myself dead. Oh! My grief is
too much to bear."
Pg. 192
Princess Ōmiya consulted with General Masayori about the celebration of the
ex-Empress's sixtieth birthday.
"0n the day of Sacred Music in Winter, Prince Hyōbukyō told me that the ex-
Empress wanted to see us and our sons and daughters. It is quite natural for her
to say so, because we haven't called on her for a long time. As she will reach the
age of sixty next year, I should like to go to the Saga Palace together with our
sons and daughters to offer our congratulations on her sixtieth birthday."
"It is very nice. You had better go there on the first Day of the Rat of the next
First Month," said the General.
"I will do as you say. I have already arranged for Chinese chests, folding screens
and so on as congratulatory gifts."
"You need not worry about presents on that occasion, because they can be
provided easily, but it will be necessary to make arrangements for the festival
dishes and the clerical robes."
"I beg you to take particular care of the trays to be offered to the ex-Empress,
and the boy dancers on that occasion."
"To tell the truth, I have also been considering about the celebration of the ex-
Empress's birthday. I have already asked Lady Ōidono to prepare the trays, and
Sanemasa, Chief of the Public Welfare Bureau, to arrange the boy dancers."
General Masayori summoned all his sons and sons-in-law.
"As the ex-Empress will reach the age of sixty next year, I want to offer her the
new herbs* in celebration of her sixtieth birthday on the first Day of the Rat of
the next First Month," said the General, "It is by the ex-Empress's favor that a
man of little account like myself could marry Princess Ōmiya. Out of

Pg. 193
gratitude for her favors I want to do what I can for her."
Then General Masayori asked Sanemasa, "What about the boy dancers?"
"There are several candidates for the boy dancers, such as your two sons, the
sons of Minister Tadamasa and Grand Moderator Tadazumi and my son. As for a
rehearsal of dancing, I have kept fourteen dancing masters in attendance. I will
arrange anything besides this, if necessary," answered Sanemasa.
"I entrust you only with the boy dancers, and I ask Minister Tadamasa to arrange
the banquet on that occasion, and Kiyomasa, Chief of the Left Guard, to prepare
the congratulatory gifts to the ex-Empress. I would like to amuse the ex-Empress
with the dancing of boys and koto playing from the girls. The sons of Tadazumi,
Morozumi* and Sukezumi may be good dancers, and I want to let my sons,
Prince "My Baby" and Chikazumi*, join them."
The celebration of the ex-Empress's sixtieth birthday was to be held on the Day
of the Rat that fell on the twenty-seventh of the First Month. The previous day
all members of General Masayori's family went to the Saga Palace.
When the party arrived at the Saga Palace, Princess Ōmiya presented her
compliments to the ex-Empress first of all.
"I must apologize to you for my having not visited you for a long time. On
hearing of your sickness some time ago, I ought to have called on you to inquire
after your condition. At that
* Morozumi and Chikazumi are the second and eleventh sons of General
Masayori respectively.
Pg. 194
time, however, Lady Jijūden retired to our residence owing to indisposition, so I
missed an opportunity to visit you."
Darkness soon fell, and many splendid congratulatory gifts to the ex-Empress
were displayed in a large hall.
On the morning of the next day, the twenty-seventh, a pavilion was set up in the
front yard, and many musicians and dancers lined up on the stage in the pavilion.
They were dressed in robes with side slits and vests of white lined with green.
The boy dancers wore blue cloaks, an outer dress of white lined with dark red
and outer trousers of figured cloth.
A little while later, the ex-Emperor Saga and the ex-Empress showed themselves
at the banqueting hall. Before them was a large brazier, of which the outer case
was made of aloeswood and the inner of silver.
At this time the Crown Prince appeared suddenly at the banqueting hall. It
surprised and delighted the ex-Emperor and ex-Empress very much. Thereupon
the music commenced and Prince "My Baby" began to dance the Rakuson*. At
the sight of his fine dancing all those present including the princes and high
courtiers were so deeply impressed that they said unanimously, "Such a splendid
dance wasn't seen even at the festivals at Fukiage and the Shinsen-en." After
that, Chikazumi danced the Ryōō** very finely.
Subsequently Princess Ōmiya and all her daughters played kotos in concert.
Then the ex-Empress ordered a Court lady to shift the curtain which concealed
Princess Atemiya from her, and said, "Come near, Princess Atemiya! Here is
your seat." When Princess Atemiya advanced forward, chaperoned by her elder
sisters, the ex-Empress said to herself, "I see, she is quite
* See page 97.

** A Chinese dance of General Ryōō.
Pg. 195
as beautiful as she is reputed to be. It is natural that General Masayori treats her
with care."
The ex-Empress took a sō no koto, tuned it herself, and said to Princess

Atemiya, "There is no sō no koto better than this in this Palace. I would like you
to play a tune."
"I am sorry I cannot play so finely", answered Princess Atemiya, filled with awe.
"That is not what I hear. Only one tune, please."
Thus Princess Atemiya received the sō no koto and began to play. When the
splendid note of the sō no koto reached the ex-Emperor's ear, he was very
surprised and asked the Crown Prince beside him, "Who ever is playing the sō
no koto.", because Princess Atemiya was concealed from him by the curtain. The
Crown Prince said to General Masayori,
"It is such a wonderful performance that even Nakatada would be satisfied."
Lieutenant General Nakatada was struck with wonder, and thought to himself,
"Her technique in sō no koto offers a curious resemblance to that of mine,
though I have taught her nothing. I wonder when she acquired my secrets of the
sō no koto?"
General Masayori shed tears of joy, and all those present thought that there could
be no person but Princess Atemiya who was able to play the sō no koto so
skilfully as this.
The ex-Empress said to Princess Atemiya, "Wonderful! I have never heard a

finer piece of music," and gave her a prize for her splendid musical performance.
Thereafter the Crown Prince presented his compliments to the ex-Empress, "I
intended to call on you at the beginning of the New Year, but hearing of the
celebration of your sixtieth birthday, I have come here today."
"I have passed time idly, and today I am very surprised to see
Pg. 196
that Princess Atemiya has grown up so as to be able to play such splendid music.
How quickly time flies! I am very glad to see you. Whenever I see you, I feel as
if I have taken on a new life."
The Crown Prince then came to Princess Ōmiya and told her,
"It is a long time since I saw you last in the presence of the Empress."
"I am very glad to see you after a long interval," answered Princess Ōmiya.
"I have often sent letters to Princess Atemiya, and I felt more uneasy when I
wrote to her than when I did not. I want to take this opportunity to have a long
talk with you."
"I know well what you want to say."
"I have told everyone whom I've met about Princess Atemiya. I want to hear
your opinion now."
"I thank you very much for your kindness, but, to my regret, I have no daughter
worthy to be offered to the Crown Prince."
"Do you mean to let me down? You seem not to understand me, so I will say
plainly. Please give me Princess Atemiya."
"You have a number of beautiful concubines. She hardly deserves to be a Palace

servant."
The Crown Prince laughed, and continued to say,
"It's nothing to worry about. Princess Atemiya is a lotus flower. Anyhow, please
make up your mind soon."
"It is difficult for me to reply to you at once. I wish to talk with you once again
this evening."
"Then, I will see you again this evening." So saying, the Crown Prince went
away.
Thereafter Princess Ōmiya had a conversation with the ex-Empress.
"The Crown Prince eagerly wishes to marry Princess Atemiya, but I intend to
decline his proposal, because your daughter, the
pg. 197
Fourth Princess, is among his concubines."
"Why do you say so? You ought to offer Princess Atemiya to me Crown Prince
of your own accord. After her bridal entry into Court, I will act as a guardian for
her. The Crown Prince said the other day that General Masayori had given no
definite answer yet to his request made a long time ago, and begged me to urge
you to make a reply in haste."
"But she is still young, and-"
"No! I don't think so. There is no such beautiful lady as Princess Atemiya in the
Crown Prince's Palace now. I am told only Lady Nashitsubo, a daughter of
General Kanemasa, is allowed to attend upon the Crown Prince in his
bedchamber, while all other ladies are in unfortunate circumstances without
being summoned by him. Anyhow, I advise you to offer Princess Atemiya to the
Crown Prince as soon as possible, as he is waiting impatiently for her."
In the evening the Crown Prince returned to his Palace, and not long after this,
General Masayori and his party went back, too. Lieutenant General Nakatada
and Chamberlain Nakazumi went home on horseback side by side. Nakatada
said to Nakazumi with a look of deep emotion,
"Prince "My Baby"'s dance and Princess Atemiya's sō no koto at today's banquet
were quite splendid beyond compare. Especially the princess's recital was too
fine for words. I felt as if my ears would fly toward her sō no koto."
Suefusa had the Fifth Court Rank conferred on him and was allowed to enter the
Imperial Palace on the seventh of the First Month. He was then appointed Chief
Clerk and tutor to the Crown Prince, and invited to the Emperor's family dinner
late in
Pg. 198
the First Month. His daily work was to compose Imperial edict: and
proclamations, and record the events in the Imperial Palace, He won the
confidence of the Emperor. Though many nobles desired to make him the
husband of their daughters, he never took notice of them, but used to say as
follows,
"When I was in straitened circumstances, I was treated with disdain, and if I had
been surrounded by flames or drowning in the sea, nobody would have saved me
from death. Some time ago when I attended, enduring shame, the poetry banquet
at General Masayori's residence, I was recognized by the General, and came to
rise in the world. It was by the will of Heaven as well as by virtue of learning. I
was granted the privilege of having access to the Imperial Court. This is by grace
of Buddha, indeed."
Suefusa fell in love with Princess Atemiya, and his love for her increased day by
day.
About that time General Masayori decided to resign from the post of Master of
the Crown Prince's Household, and asked Suefusa to compose a letter of
resignation. The General, in full dress, received Suefusa at the south hall of his
residence, and entertained him with sake and dishes. Suefusa remainedfor a little
time at the residence after his work had been finished, because he felt as if his
body were burnt by the fire of his passion for Princess Atemiya. Then he thought
to himself, "I once tried to attend the poetry banquet, screwing up my courage,
so that I came to be recognized by General Masayori.
Now I will try courageously to confess my love to Princess Atemiya," and he

wrote a letter as follows:
"If my love should remain quietly only within my heart,

A flame like this would not issue out of my body."
Pg. 199
Chap. 9 The Feast of the Chrysanthemums I99
Nowhere can I find a shelter from the fire of passion."
He handed the letter to Prince "My Baby", saying, "This is an ordinary letter. I
beg you to hand it to her and request a reply from her."
"She never reads such letters, but I will slip it to her when occasion comes. And
you haven't given me a lesson in Chinese classics for a long time. My father says
that no one but you will do."
"I beg your pardon. I have been very busy. If you would kindly deliver this letter,
I will teach you soon."
"Every teacher says such a thing, so that I can learn nothing at all."
A short time later Prince "My Baby" handed the letter to Princess Atemiya, who
at once tore it to pieces and threw it away.
Ācārya Tadakoso prayed earnestly to Buddha for the realization of his own wish,
and wrote a verse in Indian ink made from water offered to the Buddhist image.
He sent the verse to Princess Atemiya, but no reply was given to him.
When a rumor that General Masayori and his wife Princess Ōmiya seemed to
have accepted the Crown Prince's proposal spread abroad, people who had fallen
in love with Princess Atemiya were thrown into confusion. Above all,
Councillor Sanetada cried and cried, without leaving the veranda of the General's
residence even for a moment, and wrote a letter to Princess Atemiya in bitter
tears:
"My tears are exhausted, and I'm at a loss for words,
Pg. 200
Only gazing vacantly out of the window all day long."
I have been pining for you for a long time. If only I could hear directly your
words at least once, I thought, but it was in vain. Oh, my princess! Even though
you go up above the clouds, please give me an opportunity to send you my
words from below."
No reply was given to him, however.

Prince Hyōbukyō wrote to Princess Atemiya:
"It seems to me that nothing can be done now, but I dare express my feeling.
"It's become impossible for me to write or go near to you.

I'm laboring ceaselessly under delusions."
How sad! What shall I do?"

But there was no reply. On a rainy day Prince Danjō, the third royal prince,
looked at the red plum blossoms in the front garden, and wrote to Princess
Atemiya:
"Bloody tears of sorrow streamed down my cheeks ceaselessly,

And dyed my sleeves just like the red plum blossoms.
Even the sky is sending rain of tears."
But no answer was given.
Pg. 201
General Kanemasa left the capital to offer a fervent prayer for the realization of
his wish to the temples and shrines in various provinces.
He went to Hase*, and confined himself in a chapel of the Hase Temple to chant
sutras for seven days and nights. He made an oath then: "If my wish be fulfilled,
I will have a chapel of gold built, and have a Buddhist image of gold made. I
will dedicate sacred lights once a month as long as I live."
Subsequently General Kanemasa visited the temples at Ryūmon*, Hiso, Takuma,

Tsubosaka* and Kinbusen in turn to offer fervent prayers and make the same
oath. The way to the Kinbusen Temple was a very steep mountain pass, and his
legs became swollen due to the long and hard walk, but he put up with the pain
in order to attain his earnest wish. At that time he was caught in a shower, and on
the point of being struck by lightning. Thinking that he might die there, he sent a
verse to Princess Atemiya.
"It is said if one prays fervently, shedding bloody tears,

Almighty God would act as a go-between and grant him his wish."
In the meantime, Princess Atemiya said nothing for a while after having read this
verse of General Kanemasa. Thus her brother, Lieutenant General Sukezumi told
her.
"It is very pitiless of you to send back the messenger who has come from such a
long distance without giving him a reply. I beg you to give him an answer for
this once."
Nevertheless Princess Atemiya would not listen to her brother, saying,
* See note** page 76.

Pg. 202
"I have replied to his notes at times. There is no need, I think, to reply to every
letter I receive."
General Kanemasa visited many temples and shrines without receiving any
divine favors, and returned home in deep disappointment. One day he invited
Lieutenant General Sukezumi to his residence, and had a long talk with him.
After that, General Kanemasa wrote a letter, and handed it to Sukezumi.
Sukezumi came home, and said to Princess Atemiya.
"General Kanemasa is dying to get a letter from you. Please give him an answer,
even though only a short one. You had better not have him think you to be too
coldhearted."
She didn't reply, however.
Lieutenant General Nakatada started for the Hakusan Shrine in Kaga province
very far from the capital to offer a prayer for the realization of his wish, because
he had already visited all the temples and shrines in the neighboring provinces.
The going was full of hardships. While on the journey, he wrote to Princess
Atemiya:
"I came to the northern province to ask for divine favors.

But I have wandered from the trail in the mountain."
No reply was given to him, though.
Councillor Sanetada offered a fervent prayer to almost all shrines and temples,
but could not receive any divine favors.
Being at a loss, Sanetada called on Hyōe, and said to her, "Recently I cannot get
a reply from her at all. Why?"
Pg. 203
"The princess never gives a reply to anyone now. It may be because her entry
into Court has been decided."
"Oh! If she really enters the Palace, I will be sure to die. I should like to say just
a word to her before her entry, at least in an informal way."
As Sanetada begged her very earnestly in tears, Hyōe took pity on him, and said
soothingly,
"Though it seems very difficult, I will try to hand her your message, if occasion
offers."
Sanetada at once wrote to Princess Atemiya with great joy:
"I hope you would pardon me for my impoliteness to write to you who are
expected to enter the Palace in the near future. I am spending my days in sorrow
and bitterness. I even wish myself dead at times, but if I die as I am, I shall not
be able to rest in peace. Oh, my princess! If I were able to talk with you, even
though in a dream, I could feel resigned."
Furthermore, Sanetada gave Hyōe the following verse attached to a gold-

lacquered case containing figured silk, summer robes and vests of figured white:
"My body is unusually warm, not due to thick clothing,

But because my fire of passion hasn't burnt itself out yet."
Hyōe went to the main hall, and handed Sanetada's letter to Princess Atemiya.
Glancing at it, she said nothing. Hyōe told her appealingly. .
"I beg you to give him an answer for this once. I fear he will die of love for you."
However, Princess Atemiya would not listen to Hyōe.

Pg. 204
Sanetada was overwhelmed with grief. Some days after he called Hyōe again,
and handed her a note addressed to Princess Atemiya:
"Tears of sorrow run down to become a waterfall,
While a fire of passion is blazing ceaselessly in my bosom."
I am at a loss for words now."
Hyōe said to Princess Atemiya, as she handed Sanetada's note to her,
"Will you please give him a reply, no matter how short it may be? I can never
bear to see him grieve heavily."
Then Princess Atemiya, after thinking a bit, jotth down a verse on the margin of
Sanetada's note.
"How can I judge a man only by his tears?

I hear even a flirt is able to shed tears."
Sanetada was greatly delighted to receive her reply, and at once jotted down a
verse on a sheet of fine paper.
"Only a man who has long grieved sheds tears.

Who ever but me has wept his heart out?"
When Sanetada tried to hand it to Hyōe; she said to him, waving her hand.
"This time I was able to get her reply with a lot of effort, but I am sorry to say
that from now on I will be quite powerless, because the General, Princess Ōmiya
and her sisters are in constant attendance upon her, and her brothers are keeping
Pg. 205
watch at the veranda day and night, so that even a flying bird cannot go up to
her."
On hearing this, Sanetada suddenly became deadly pale and fell down in a
swoon. After a while he fortunately recovered from unconsciousness, and put
one thousand Ryo* of gold into a silver case, and sent it to Hyōe with the
following verse.
"As I shall be sure to die before long anyhow,

I give you gold which is believed to prolong human life."
Hyōe sent back the silver case with the following verse.
"Gold is quite useless for my calling back a lady

Who is ready to go up above the clouds."
Councillor Sanetada who confined himself to his room for a time, shedding
bitter tears, went to the Monastery on Mount Hiei, and summoned forty-nine
Ācāryas noted for their occult power and many assistant priests to have them
hold a religious service at forty-nine altars, and presented them with aims and
fine clerical robes. He himself was confined in the main chapel of the Monastery
for seven days and nights to chant sutras and pray to Buddha for the realization
of his wish.
Sanetada's wife wanted to leave her desolate residence at the Third Avenue and
go to a mountain hamlet remote from town, because philanderers persistently
made advances to her. Not long after that, she came to live with her daughter
Sodegimi in a
* A monetary unit of old Japan.

Pg. 206
suitable residence at the foot of Mount Shigayama, attended by a nurse, a page

girl and an undermaid. Every morning and evening she chanted sutras before the
Buddhist image, and comforted herself by playing the koto at times.
Autumn advanced day after day. The wind became cold, and the roar of the
cataracts in the neighborhood was heard eerily. The leaves of the trees and herbs
in her residence took on an autumn tint and various autumn flowers fell
fluttering in the wind. One evening when she was playing the sō no koto, being
accompanied by Sodegimi's koto, a plaintive cry of a deer came from a long
distance.
In the meantime, Councillor Sanetada met by chance, on his way back from the
Hiei Monastery, Lieutenant General Nakatada at the crossroads in the mountain
village. He was on his way home after finishing the prayer at the Shigayama
Temple.
Sanetada asked Nakatada, "Where have you come from?"
Nakatada answered in verse.
"I wandered from temple to temple in the mountains,

Praying that I might be disillusioned, but in vain."
Sanetada whispered a verse, too.
"Though I also walked about in the autumn-tinted mountain,

There was no temple that showed me its magical effect."
Then Sanetada found a maple with beautiful scarlet leaves in the hedge of a
residence near by. When the two walked into the residence, a lot of Japanese
Pg. 207
pampas grasses were swaying in the wind at the hedge as if to beckon to

someone. Sanetada was in deep sorrow then, since he was disappointed in love
for Princess Atemiya, and further unaware of the whereabouts of his wife and
daughter. Thus he sang the following verse to a tune of a Saibara ballad called
"My wife's lodging".
"Japanese pampas grasses are beckoning at the hedge.

It seems to me as if my wife is waving her sleeves."
At hearing Sanetada's song, Sodegimi exclaimed within the house. "Oh! That
sounds like Father's voice."
Mother answered, "No! Father's voice is like a goblin's. It is surely some other's
voice", though she herself thought that it must be her husband's.
Sodegimi said again, "But it has a curious resemblance to Father's voice."
Mother felt pity on her daughter, and whispered in tears,
"I came here so as to forget the sad old days.

My sleeves, however, get wet with tears just as before."
Sodegimi replied.
"He is enjoying an autumn evening at the hedge,
Without knowing that we are weeping our sad fate indoors"
Then Sanetada and Nakatada pushed the inner gate open and went within.
Sanetada's wife lowered the blind at once, and hid herself in the back room for
fear of being discovered. Sanetada thought it strange that he was challenged by
nobody, and
Pg. 208
Whispered a verse as he approached the veranda.
"I dropped into a house in a mountain hamlet at dusk.

None of the dwellers took notice of me, though."
Sanetada's wife ordered her daughter and servants not to say a word from within.
Sanetada asked in a somewhat loud voice, "Why do you give me no answer? Are
all of you dumb or deal?
"Echoes always respond to any call among the mountains.

Why would you not reply to a way-worn traveler?"
How is it that you are living in a mountain village like this?"
Sodegimi whispered in her mother's ear, "My father whom I have been yearning
for day and night has come here after a long separation. I should like to answer
him, at least in verse", and she jotted down a verse on a sheet of fine paper.
"I am also a traveler who walked through the mountain

To this secluded spot, being disgusted with the world."
Sodegimi then pushed out the verse under the blind and two round strawmats
softly toward the veranda. Furthermore she pushed out four openwork cases
containing various nuts, fruits and mushrooms, as well as two bowls of steamed
rice.
Just then a line of wild geese flew away crying sorrowfully in the sky.
Sanetada's wife wrote a verse on a cup of unglazed earthenware, and pushed it

out toward the veranda.
"A traveler who happened to drop in here will go away
Pg. 209
Chap. 9 The Feast of the Chrysanthemum
Like wild geese*, after taking a transient* lodging in this house."
On reading the verse, Sanetada replied.
"A traveler who dropped in here like a dropping maple leaf,

And the wild geese, too, will never forget this autumn village."
Sanetada's wife recited in a faint voice.
"Neither a maple leaf, which dropped into this lodging,

Nor the crying wild geese bring comfort to me."
She did not tell Sanetada, however, who she was, so that he never became aware
that it was the temporary abode of his wife and daughter.
After a pause, Sanetada said to Nakatada. "How tasteful the dwellers of this
house are!"
"You are quite right. I think they are of good lineage", answered Nakatada.
"Won't you get to know them so that you may come here now and then when the
leaves take on autumn colors?"
"Oh, no!" said Sanetada, "If I take a fancy to a woman here, I would be reduced
to the common run of philanderers. Now that my dearest son has died, and the
whereabouts of my wife and daughter are unknown, I have no such intention."
At that time a plaintive cry of a deer was heard. Thus
* There is a pun. The Japanese words for "wild goose" and "transient" are
homophonous.
Pg. 210
Sanetada whispered.
"The cry of a deer stirs my pity, and reminds me
Of my dear wife whom I had been devoted to."
Nakatada replied, smiling. "It is a thoughtful deer that reminds you of your wife.
A deer crying among the red leaves must have the same feeling
As your wife has who awaits you in tears."
The two talked with each other all night long, and bade farewell to the dwellers
of the house at dawn, but no answer was given to them. Sanetada started for the
capital with Nakatada, saying to himself, "I feel loath to leave here."
After arrival at the capital, Sanetada wrote a letter to Princess Atemiya in Indian
ink made from water offered to the forty-nine altars at the Hiei Monastery.
"My words and even my life are exhausted now.

Only tears never cease to well up in my eyes."
I wish to receive your reply before I start on a journey to the other world."
When Princess Atemiya went to the bathroom, Hyōe followed her stealthily, and
handed her Sanetada's letter, saying that he had fallen down in agony of despair
the other day. The princess took pity on Sanetada, and felt inclined to make a
short reply, but she gave up doing so after all for fear that she should be talked
about.
Pg. 211
Chapter 10
Princess Atemiya
1
Princess Atemiya was to enter the Crown Prince's household on the fifth of the
Tenth Month. The princess, now fifteen years of age, was mature enough, and
her hair was like black silk and longer than her height.
Chamberlain Nakazumi complained of his bitter grief to Princess Atemiya by

letter almost every day since her entry into Court was decided, but nothing could
be done, of course. He could take neither food nor water. Princess Ōmiya felt
pity on him, and told him in tears,
"Why do you grieve so deeply? I have intended to ask you to act as a guardian
for Princess Atemiya after her entry into Court, as you are treated with great
favor by the Crown Prince. Nevertheless, you have fallen into such a bad
condition that-."
Nakazumi replied sobbingly in a very faint voice, "I am worn out, and shall be
sure to die soon."
Princess Ōmiya came to General Masayori, and informed him of Nakazumi's

serious condition, "He appears dangerously ill. I fear what will become of him."
"What a pity!" said the General, "I regret very much that he has fallen into such
a bad condition. Public excitement seems to run high about the entry into Court
of Princess Atemiya. I am told that Councillor Sanetada is also seriously ill."
The day of Princess Atemiya's entry into Court came. Both Nakatada and
Suzushi had been grieved about her entry into
Pg. 212
212 THE TALE OF THE CAVERN Court, but they finally resigned themselves
to their misfortune, and came to General Masayori's residence to present their
congratulatory gifts to the princess. Nakatada's gifts were a gold lacquered case
containing an assortment of bodkins and combs, and a large silver case
containing Chinese pastille, lignaloe powdered like ashes, dark incense shaped
like charcoal, a pair of tongs of silver and a charcoal scuttle of silver. A verse
was
attached to the gold-lacquered case:
"I have long been pining for you day and night.
It's all over with me now. What shall I live for?"
Suzushi's congratulatory gifts were four aloeswood cases containing fine

garments for summer and winter. A verse was attached to one of the cases:
"My sleeves were often dyed red with bloody tears.

They have become deep red today owing to my grief."
Councillor Sanetada who had been ill in bed sent Hyōe a verse attached to a suit
of very fine clothes:
"The fire of my passion was made low sometimes by shedding tears.

Now that tears are exhausted, what will become of the fire?"
Major General Nakayori who had been in the depths of despair came to think, "It
was my mistake that I gave my heart to a noble princess whom I ought not to
have loved, regardless of my being a man of little account. I have never absented
myself from the meetings held at General Masayori's residence.
Pg. 213
Chap. 10 Princess Atemiya 213
It is impossible for me not to congratulate the General upon the princess' entry
into Court today."
The time of her departure was scheduled for the early evening. Then a maid-in-
waiting hurried to Princess Ōmiya and said,
"Chamberlain Nakazumi has taken a sudden turn for the worse now."
Princess Ōmiya went to Nakazumi's sickroom in the north wing in haste, and
asked him,
"How are you, my dear son? As Princess Atemiya's departure is imminent, I am

sorry I cannot attend on you for long."
"I am done for. I wish to have a chance of meeting Princess Atemiya before I
die", murmured Nakazumi.
Thus Princess Ōmiya came to Princess Atemiya, and asked her in tears,
"Chamberlain Nakazumi is seriously ill. I am sorry to trouble you just before

your departure, but please meet him even for a short time."
Princess Atemiya hurried to the north wing in obedience to her mother. Only
Hyōe and Soō followed her.
At the sight of Princess Atemiya Chamberlain Nakazumi could speak nothing

for a while. After a pause, he said in a very faint voioe, breathing with difficulty,
"The time has come. I'm sorry I cannot see you off. This may be the last time I
meet you."
"I am sorry to part from you. I wish you would preserve your consciousness and
recover your health as soon as possible," answered the princess.
"My days are numbered. Everything seems too sad for me."
"Don't grieve so deeply, please."
So saying, Princess Atemiya was about to go away, when Nakazumi folded a

sheet of paper into a small ball, on which he
Pg. 214
had previously written a verse, and threw it into her bosom:
"I wept and wept, rolling about in bed.

And my bloody tears ran down to become a stream."
She pushed the folded paper into the inner part of her bosom lest she should drop
it, and went off. Nakazumi was watching her and then fainted.
Notwithstanding his anxiety about the serious condition of Chamberlain

Nakazumi, General Masayori ordered his family and attendants to start for Court
on time, because he thought that if the entry into Court of Princess Atemiya
should be postponed owing to Nakazumi's illness, there would be no knowing
what might happen.
When darkness began to fall, Chamberlain Nakazumi took a sudden change for
the worse again. Princess Atemiya felt pity on him, and wrote a note in haste:
"Though I part from you now, our association will never cease,
Just as the stream of my tears will run ceaselessly forever."
Don't be plunged in grief any longer. It weighs upon my mind."
When the princess ordered Hyōe to take the note to Nakazumi, she answered,
"Our General, Princess Ōmiya and all his brothers and sisters are gathering
around his bedside now. I am afraid he is already dead."
"Anyhow, hurry up! Quick! Quick!" shouted the princess.

Pg. 215
Hyōe walked to Nakazumi's sickroom and she tried to see how things were
within the room, when a dialogue between General Masayori and Princess
Ōmiya reached her ear.
"A fortuneteller told me that Nakazumi's illness was due to the evil work of a
woman's spirit."
"Then, I will call Ācārya Tadakoso at once."
Not long after this, Ācārya Tadakoso came and began to perform an exorcism in
another room. Thus General Masayori, Princess Ōmiya and all the brothers and
sisters went out of the sickroom. Hyōe who had been waiting for a chance stole
up at once to Chamberlain Nakazumi, put the princess' note into his hand, and
scratched the skin of his forearm with her nail as if to write ATEMIYA. Then
Nakazumi, who had been all but dead began to breathe faintly, and a little later
was able to swallow a little water.
General Masayori said in joy, "This is by virtue of Ācārya Tadakoso's exorcism",

and thought to himself, "If Nakazumi should die tonight, Princess Atemiya
would have to return home from the Palace tomorrow to mourn his death.
Nevertheless, I will have the princess start for Court. There is nothing for it but
to do it this way."
The procession started immediately. There were a large number of outriders,

sixty of them being of the Fourth and Fifth Ranks, and far more of the Sixth
Rank.
The Crown Prince's affection for Princess Atemiya was quite great. Almost
every day he went to the Fujitsubo*, her apartment in the Palace. In the Crown
Prince's Palace, there
* Fujitsubo means the Chamber of Wisteria.
Pg. 216
lived several concubines besides Princess Atemiya; the Fourth Princess of the
ex-Emperor Saga, twenty years old; a daughter of Sueakira, the Minister of the
Left, thirty; a daughter of General Kanemasa, styled Lady Nashitsubo*,
eighteen; a daughter of Major Councillor Masaaki, sixteen, and it was said that
the Fourth Princess and Lady Nashitsubo were in the Crown Prince's favor,
while the daughter of Minister Sueakira was old, plain-looking and ill-natured.
No child was borne by any concubine yet.
Since the introduction of Princess Atemiya at Court the Crown Prince appeared
to have forgotten the other ladies, and on the night when another lady was,
though rarely, to attend upon him in his bedchamber, he used to visit Princess
Atemiya in the Fujitsubo till late at night, and retire reluctantly to his own
chamber. The next day when Princess Atemiya visited his chamber, he was
rejoiced to see her, and recited a verse:
"I feel as if I meet you after a long interval,

And hope that spring mist will bar your way back."
Princess Atemiya was styled Lady Fujitsubo from the name of the apartment
which was assigned to her, and after some time she became pregnant.
3
On the day of Princess Atemiya's entry into Court, Major General Nakayori
entered the Buddhist priesthood, and went to a hermitage in a mountain hamlet
called Mizunoo. He subsisted
* Nashitsubo means the Chamber of Pears. Lady Nashitsubo was borne by the
Third Princess of the ex-Emperor Saga.
Pg. 217
on various nuts, fruits and herbs, and chanted sutras all day long.
Councillor Sanetada had become an absent-minded invalid. His father, Minister

Sueakira, sent him to a village called Ono at the east foot of Mount Hiei, and
offered a fervent prayer to this shrine and that temple for his recovery. Sanetada
fortunately escaped death, but was a mere ghost of his former self.
Chamberlain Nakazumi who was restored miraculously to life by Hyōe's tact had
spent his days in extreme mental agony since then, and grew weaker and weaker.
One day Nakazumi sent a letter to Lady Fujitsubo.
"You went away though I told you not to go.

I ought not to have said such a fruitless thing."
Anyhow, it pains me that I cannot see you again."
Lady Fujitsubo was sad, and murmured to herself. "How is it that I am loved
desperately like this by a brother of the same mother?" She sent the following
reply at once.
"Dewdrops in the same field are to vanish in the same way.

It is sad that one of them alone is hurrying away."
I am distressed to hear that you are always deep in grief." After reading her reply
in bitter tears, Chamberlain Nakazumi crumpled the letter into a small ball,
swallowed it with a cup of warm water, and breathed his last. There was an
uproar in the
Pg. 218
General's residence.
On hearing of her brother's death, Lady Fujitsubo wept bitterly. "I ought to have
treated him more kindly, and have given him a reply more often. He must have
thought me to be too coldhearted."
The Crown Prince said to Lady Fujitsubo, who begged to retire at once from the
Palace,
"Don't grieve so deeply over Nakazumi's death, as you have many brothers
besides him. Return to your parents' residence today."
Shigeno no Masuge, the Viceroy of Kyūshū, had a new house built and provided
with fine furniture and fixtures in order to get married to Princess Atemiya. One
auspicious day he started for General Masayori's residence to receive his new
wife, accompanied by his sons and retainers. On the way he heard that Princess
Atemiya had already entered the Crown Prince's household, and was beside
himself with disappointment and rage.
"I had proposed to Princess Atemiya long ago," shouted Masuge, "I had a new
house built and waited for her. Nobody is permitted to commit such an offense as
to snatch away the princess from me, even if he is the Emperor or the Crown
Prince. Though I am a man of little account, I cannot allow anyone to take my
prospective wife away from me. How can it be?"
Masuge came home at once, composed a petition, changed his clothes, and then
rushed out of his house. His appearance was very queer; he had a crown on
back-to-front, and wore a pair of outer trousers backward, putting both his legs
into one of them. He put on summer uniform dress over a winter vest, and had a
quiver on his back, though he was not a guards officer. He held a rice scoop in
his hands instead of a wooden mace,
Pg. 219
and wore one shoe and one straw sandal.
He ran to Court, and offered a petition in bitter tears to the Emperor at the
Southern Palace". Many absurd things were written in the petition. As a
punishment, Masuge and Kazumasa were demoted to be Supernumerary
Governor of Izu province and Supernumerary Vice-governor of Nagato province
respectively, and some other sons were also relegated to local branch offices. On
hearing of the entry into Court of Princess Atemiya, the ex-Minister Miharu no
Takamoto wept bitterly without taking food or drink.
"I had saved very earnestly," murmured he to himself, "having scarcely anything
to eat or wear. I did so, because I believed 'Money governs the world.' I resigned
the post of Minister, and desired only to receive Princess Atemiya as my wife."
Takamoto then set fire to his own residences at the Seventh and Fourth Avenues,
and entered the deep mountain to lead a secluded life.
Some time later Lady Fujitsubo went into confinement to General Masayori's
residence, because she was nearing her time. On the day following her
confinement the Crown Prince sent her a letter:
"I feel very lonesome, as you have gone to your family in a hurry.
"An autumn flower has gone away, leaving a dewdrop
* The Audience Hall in the Imperial Palace.

Pg. 220
behind, Who is stricken with grief, when darkness falls."
Lady Fujitsubo sent a reply,
"A dewdrop living among various beautiful flowers in the garden

Will not remember a lower branch bf the autumn hagi*."
Then she gave the messenger a robe of lilac damask lined with blue.
In the residence of General Masayori all arrangements for the delivery were
made. Only ladies-in-waiting and page girls dressed in white robes served Lady
Fujitsubo. Princess Ōmiya moved to the delivery room.
On the first of the Tenth Month Lady Fujitsubo had an easy delivery, and a
beautiful baby boy was born. The Crown Prince sent her a messenger at once to
congratulate her on the birth of his first prince and inquire after her health.
The Empress, mother of the Crown Prince, offered congratulations to the
Emperor:
"The Crown Prince has had no son up till now, though he has reached the age of
twenty, and several years have passed since he received a number of concubines.
It is a happy event that Lady Fujitsubo, whom he loves more than any of the
others, has borne him a baby boy."
There were celebrations on the third, fifth and seventh nights after the childbirth.
On the third night the Empress sent the following letter to Princess Ōmiya:

Pg. 221
"It is a great pleasure and what I have wished for a long time that Lady Fujitsubo
is the first who has borne the Crown Prince a baby boy among many concubines.
I beg you to send me a portion of Lady Fujitsubo's rice, which I want to
distribute to the ladies who regard her with envy so that they may be favored by
similar good luck."
Princess Ōmiya immediately filled up a large gold jar with boiled rice, and
offered it with the following letter to the Empress:
"I thank you very much for your kind letter. I esteem it an honor that the first
prince has been borne by Lady Fujitsubo. I will offer you a portion of Lady
Fujitsubo's rice."
The Empress put the rice into four small pots of lapis lazuli, and distributed them
among four ladies with the following note:
"Please take a bit of this rice so that you may become as fortunate as Lady
Fujitsubo."
The Fourth Princess, Lady Nashitsubo and the daughter of Major Councillor
Masaaki tasted the rice, gave something to the messenger, and sent courteous
letters of thanks to the Empress, while the daughter of Minister Sueakira threw
out the pot, and abused Lady Fujitsubo in foul language at the top of her voice,
"How can I eat the leftovers of my cousin*? She insists that the baby is the
Crown Prince's son, though she is with child by many men. The Empress
believes what she says, and treats her
* Lady Fujitsubo is her cousin, because General Masayori is a younger brother

of Minister Sueakira.
Pg. 222
with consideration."
On the fifth night the ex-Empress, and all the princes and high courtiers sent fine
gifts such as robes, diapers, prizes for the "go" matches, and so on.
On the seventh night fine and unusual presents and a letter came from the Crown
Prince. On this night all the princes, and high and low courtiers came together to
the residence of General Masayori to attend the banquet held in celebration of
the birth of the Crown Prince's first son. All those present played merrily all
night long, and returned home at dawn.
Two months passed after that, and Lady Fujitsubo went back to Court in
response to the Crown Prince's frequent summons.
In the Third Month of the next year Lady Fujitsubo became pregnant again, and
retired to General Masayori's residence. After a lapse of time a second son was
born. A few months thereafter Lady Fujitsubo returned to the Crown Prince's
Palace, and increasingly enjoyed great prosperity.
Pg. 223
Chapter 11
Early Autumn
1
One day in the Sixth Month General Kanemasa said to Lieutenant General
Nakatada, "Let us call at the residence of General Masayori, where we shall be
able to have a lot of fun."
The residence of General Masayori was not so far from that of General
Kanemasa. Kanemasa and Nakatada changed to fine informal robes, and made
their way to General Masayori's residence, riding in the same carriage.
General Masayori received the two guests warmly, and boxes of food, sake and
silver cups, dried fish, confectionery and steamed cakes were soon brought in.
General Masayori began to talk with General Kanemasa about the wrestling
festival to be held in the Imperial Palace on the twenty-sixth of the Seventh
Month.
"Have all the wrestlers of the team of the Right come up to the capital? The
members of the team of the Left have not yet completed their number," said
General Masayori.
"It seems that this year the wrestlers are not as many as in other years, but there
are several wrestlers who look robust. We might be able to see some exciting
matches," answered General Kanemasa.
"In the team of the Left there are several hopeful wrestlers. They are all earger
for the wrestling meet to begin. Naminori, a famous wrestler of Shimotsuke
province has come."
"I am waiting impatiently for Yukitsune, the strongest wrestler

Pg. 224
of Iyo province."
"His Majesty said to me at the Jijūden Pavilion the other day. 'I hope I can see
exciting matches in the forthcoming wrestling festival.' I hope His Majesty will
take pleasure in looking at the fine matches on that occasion."
After a pause Nakatada told General Masayori,
"Lady Fujitsubo played the biwa to my sō no koto accompaniment in her

apartment the other day. I have never had such a good time. Her biwa made me
forget all of the world. Her skill on the biwa is not inferior to that of Guards
Major Yukimasa. I was then beside myself, and played all the tunes which I had
kept in reserve for the next festival."
General Massayori said to Nakatada, smiling contentedly, "She has never taken
special lessons on the biwa. I wonder when and how she has become so skillful
in it? Well, on that day I caught a glimpse of a piece of soft, delicate paper,
obviously a letter, peeping out from your chest. From whom is the letter."
"That's a trifle, only a letter from home," replied Nakatada.
"Don't tell such a lie! It seemed to be a letter written by some lady."
"It is a letter which someone in my family scribbled on a piece of paper,"

repeated Nakatada.
A little time later General Masayori saw his stablemen foddering the horses in
the front yard, and thought of presenting General Kanemasa with two of his
excellent horses. At that time an osprey took wing from the lake with a crucian
carp, about ten centimeters long, in its mouth, and alighted on a cinquefoil pine
on the central island. General Masayori said to his sons and sons-in-law who
were then practicing archery in the front yard,
"I will give ten horses in my west stable to the man who shoots down that
osprey."
Pg. 225
Chap. 11 Early Autumn 225
General Kanemasa stood up, shouting. "Gentlemen! Try to shoot. I will have a
try, too."
Then General Masayori said to his sons and sons-in-law.

"Wait a moment! If many people draw bows, the bird will fly away, sensing the
danger. I want to have a shooting contest with General Kanemasa. I will bet a
bay and a black horse, both about one hundred and fifty centimeters in height."
"Oh, fine! I will bet two falcons", replied General Kanemasa.
General Masayori fixed an arrow to the bow. As he had a secret intention to

present General Kanemasa with his excellent horses, he shot an arrow, missing
purposely, so as not to let the osprey fly off. Subsequently General Kanemasa
drew the bow to its full extent, composed himself, and shot an arrow. The osprey
fell into the lake together with the crucian carp in its mouth. There broke out a
storm of applause. Then two stablemen came there leading two excellent horses,
which General Masayori received and gave to General Kanemasa as a gift.
It was late at night when General Kanemasa and Nakatada returned home. In the
residence of General Kanemasa, the stablemen accepted the horses from those of
General Masayori. General Kanemasa gave a feast to these stablemen, and
Nakatada pressed drinks on them. They sang together a Saibara ballad called
"The Horse" all night long. At dawn General Kanemasa presented a suit of
ladies' clothes, a robe of white stiff cloth and a pair of lined trousers to each of
these stablemen, and sent his falconers carrying two fine falcons to General
Masayori's residence. The General refused to accept the gift, saying, "I will
receive these falcons when I shoot down another osprey some day."
General Kanemasa sent the falcons again with the note, "I beg you to accept
these, as you shot intentionally missing your aim."
General Masayori thought that it might be impolite to decline

Pg. 226
General Kanemasa's offer, and had his falconers accept the falcons, dancing to
Korean music. He gave a feast to the falconers of General Kanemasa, let
Lieutenant General Sukezumi press drinks on them, and presented a suit of
ladies' clothes and a robe of white stiff cloth apiece to them.
On the first of the Seventh Month the Emperor came to the apartment of Lady
Jijūden, and had a long talk with her.
"I sent a messenger for you yesterday, but you didn't come to me. You have
seldom answered my summons these days. Do you have any grudge against
me?" said the Emperor.
"I am sorry I have been indisposed. Might it be because of the hot weather?"
"If you come to my chamber, you are sure to feel much better. Well, I want to
talk to you. I think the most stouthearted woman cannot help being fascinated by
Nakatada's beautiful and graceful figure. Do you agree? I wonder if Princess
Atemiya could be indifferent to him."
"It is likely that Princess Atemiya was attracted by Nakatada, because I am told
she replied to his letters without showing the least sign of reluctance. Nakatada
also seems to have understood her heart."
"How interesting it might be if we could read the letters exchanged between

Princess Atemiya and Nakatada! I should like to see them. About two years ago,
when the Festival of Red Leaves was held at the Shinsen-en, I told General
Masayori to give Princess Atemiya to Suzushi and the First Princess to Nakatada
as the prizes for their splendid musical performance. I wonder how Suzushi
thinks about this now. He must have taken the saying 'The Emperor never tells a
lie' in its literal sense, and
Pg. 227
is probably feeling sorrow at his hard fate. Thus I have recently told General
Masayori to give Suzushi Princess Imamiya in place of Princess Atemiya. Now,
what do you think about giving our First Princess to Nakatada? Has the world
another man to show like Nakatada? When we see him, we always feel cheerful,
and forget worldly cares. Though Suzushi has also many points of excellence,
Nakatada is particularly fine."
"Nakatada is still low in Rank, so I hope that her marriage will be postponed
until he rises to a higher position."
"It is not good that the First Princess, who is mature enough, is made to live
single for a long time when there is really a very fine person for her to marry like
Nakatada. That Nakatada is low in Rank means that he is still young, and it is of
no consequence. As he is a man of that caliber, he is sure to rise to a higher
position with advancing years. He will become without doubt your favorite son-
in-law."
One day in the middle of the Seventh Month Princess Ōmiya consulted with
General Masayori about the affairs of their daughters.
"How is Lady Fujitsubo getting along these days?" asked Princess Ōmiya.
"The other day I listened to her biwa accompanied by Nakatada's sō no koto in

her apartment. The concert could not have been finer. On that day, I caught sight
of a letter. It seemed to be a reply from Lady Fujitsubo."
"I have on occasion read Nakadada's letters addressed to Princess Atemiya. He is

thought to be a man of fine sensibility. His letters do not represent his love
straightforwardly, and yet give the reader an inkling that he cherishes a deep
affection in his heart. His notes, even hurried ones, are always written in
moderate and careful words."
"It is highly probable that Nakatada writes to Lady Fujitsubo

Pg. 228
now and then. The Crown Prince is supposed to know well that Nakatada gave,
and still now gives his heart to Lady Fujitsubo, and permits her to reply to
Nakatada. The Crown Prince seems to think it natural that they should be
attracted by each other, because they are both of rare personal beauty."
"Well, I wish to make Nakatada our son-in-law. How about the idea of marrying
Princess Imamiya to him?"
"I wish also to do so, but the Emperor said to me the other day. -'I want to give
my First Princess to Nakatada. Suzushi is a' man of fine character, but he is less
suited for the husband of my daughter than Nakatada, because he is related to the
Imperial family by blood. I hope you would give Princess Imamiya to Suzushi.'-
"
"Suzushi is an honorable gentleman just like Nakatada, I think."
"There is nothing to choose between Suzushi and Nakatada in respect to personal

appearance. It can be said, however, that Suzushi is superior in wealth, but
somewhat inferior in natural virtue and ability to Nakatada. If I give Princess
Imamiya to Suzushi, people, especially General Kanemasa and Prince
Hyōbukyō, may think that I marry off my daughter to Suzushi for his fortune. I
like Suzushi not because he is rich, but because he is of fine character. Who in
the world is finer than Nakatada or Suzushi? It is my desire to make either of the
two my son-in-law."
"It may be said that the First Princess is a member of our family."
"Whenever I see Nakatada and Suzushi, I think if only I had five or six eyes. To
tell the truth, I had also wanted to marry Princess Imamiya to Nakatada, because
it is my principle to receive a promising young man as a son-in-law and look
after him in my home. Things are somewhat different with Suzushi,
Pg. 229
because he is a member of the Minamoto clan, just as I am."
"We cannot disobey an Imperial order. Let's decide to marry off Princess
Imamiya to Suzushi."
"That's right. Well, what do you think about the next sisters, Princesses
Sodemiya and Kesumiya?" asked the General.
"I want to offer the two daughters to Prince Hyōbukyō and General Kanemasa,
but how would it be with the General, because he has a very nice wife whom he
is devoted to? I think Princess Sodemiya is a match for General Kanemasa, and
Princess Kesumiya is for Prince Hyōbukyō."
"I think so, too. Princess Sodemiya suits General Kanemasa's fancy in
appearance and character. Princess Kesumiya is of steady character, and matches
Prince Hyōbukyō well."
"The two daughters are both fairly charming, though slightly inferior to Princess
Imamiya. Princess Atemiya is second to none after all. She is quite a lady of
matchless beauty and wisdom."
The wrestling festival came. The Generals of the Left and Right, all princes and
courtiers took their seats in the Jijūden Pavilion, and a large number of
musicians and dancers as well as wrestlers of the Left and Right teams sat down
in the awnings set up in front of the Jijūden Pavilion. All the wrestlers put on
hunting robes and trousers over their loincloths, and had artificial flowers stuck
in their hair.
Not long after that, the Emperor showed himself at the Pavilion, and the
wrestling commenced. The musicians began to play music in a lively way. The
Left and Right teams won six matches respectively, and the thirteenth match was
the final. The last wrestler of the Left was Naminori of Shimotsuke province,
Pg. 230
and the one of the Right was Yukitsune of Iyo province. Naminori had
participated twice in the wrestling matches in the Imperial Palace. The first time
he won the match, and the second time he returned to his native province
without playing a match because there was no good opponent.
Somehow, however, Naminori and Yukitsune were very late in appearing in the
wrestling ring. The Emperor, princes and high courtiers were irritated at their
delay. It was past four o'clock in the afternoon when the two wrestlers showed
themselves in the ring. All those present thought to themselves that it would be a
close match, and watched the wrestling bout with breathless interest.
The long-awaited match ended in Naminori's victory. Forty dancers of the Left
began at once to perform a victory dance. Masayori, the General of the left, gave
a cup to Naminori.
Dusk soon fell, and the banquet commenced. Cups were filled with sake, and the
party became noisier. Then the Emperor said to the Crown Prince and the
Generals of the Left and Right,
"I am pleased to have seen some exciting matches. It may be owing to the help
of the Generals of the Left and Right that the wrestling meet was a great success.
If I am allowed to hope for more, I wish that we could have such a festivity as
will prove a topic of conversation for generations to come, just like the Festival
of the Chrysanthemums held at Fukiage."
"Speaking of a festivity, there is nothing better than a performance on the koto

by Nakatada and Suzushi," answered the Crown Prince.
"The only trouble is that the two Lieutenant Generals will not listen to me.
Nevertheless, I will make them play the koto, as this is a special occasion," the
Emperor said, and Suzushi was called to the Imperial presence.
"I am told that the Festival of the Chrysanthemums held at

Pg. 231
Fukiage was vastly amusing. I request you to play the koto to make this festival
as interesting as that held at Fukiage."
"I have determined for certain reasons not to play the koto at all, so that I have
forgotten all the tunes," answered Suzushi.
"Don't say such a thing. I also intend to request Nakatada to play."
"As I have completely forgotten-."
"Even if you think you have completely forgotten the tunes, you will be able to
call them to mind while you are putting your hand on the koto. I hear that the
expert, as a rule, does not play so frequently, but plays to his heart's content as
occasion requires."
The Emperor took a koto, put it in the tuning of koka*, and said to Suzushi,
"Here is a koto. I request you to play one of the treasured tunes from your
teacher Iyayuki."
Suzushi answered, "I have forgotten all tunes, but if I be allowed to play together
with Lieutenant General Nakatada, I might recall some of them," and he never
tried to touch the koto.
"If you play, Nakatada will do so, too. I will summon Nakatada."
Then the Emperor shouted in a loud voice, "Come here, Lieutenant General
Nakatada!"
Nakatada who was then playing the flute at the victory party of the Left Imperial
Guard ran off, throwing his flute away, as soon as he heard the Emperor's
summons. "If discovered, I am undone," Nakatada thought, and searched about
for a hiding place, until he entered the Fujitsubo. Hyōe came out, and asked
Nakatada with a smile.
"How is it that you are in hiding here?"
* See note***, page 42.

Pg. 232
"Someone is pursuing me now. I am at a loss, as I cannot run away from the

Palace, and there is no place but here to hide myself in."
"If I give refuge to a man who has done evil, I will be punished."
"I haven't done evil at all. Allow me to stay here for a while."
Nakatada took his seat between the bamboo blind and the curtain, and said to
Lady Fujitsubo through the curtain.
"I missed you at the Jijūden Pavilion today. It is a sin, I think, not to go to the
Pavilion on such a festive occasion." Lady Fujitsubo answered through the
mouth of Hyōe.
"It may be a sin also to overlook your concealing yourself in this apartment."
"Today's festival was more amusing than usual. I felt greatly disappointed at
your absence, because I had expected that you would surely make an
appearance."
Hyōe answered in place of the Lady, "Our lady goes nowhere, as she is
indisposed these days. Well, which team has won the wrestling match, the Left
or the Right?"
"Why do you ask me such a question? As you know, I am Lieutenant General of

the Left. It is self-evident."
"I supposed that the Right team would win the match just because you belong to
the Left. Now, do you play a tune for our Lady."
"Yes, I will do so willingly, if she will allow me to talk with her. But it is tedious
for me to receive her answer through your mouth, though an interpreter might be
necessary in a conversation with a Korean."
"I hear you are a skilled top* spinner, though."
A while later, Nakatada took a sō no koto and thrummed
* There is a pun. The words for "top" and "Korea" are homophonous.
Pg. 233
faintly as he sang. When the performance of the sō no koto Was over, Nakatada
recited a verse:
"Would that the wind of the autumn evening might dry

The dewy grass-pillow of a traveler sleeping in the open."
Lady Fujitsubo replied at once:
"The dew that moistens the pillow of a gallant

Will be increased in amount by the autumn wind."
In the meantime, many courtiers searched in vain for Nakatada. The Emperor
said to General Kanemasa, "I want to see Nakatada at any cost, but he is
nowhere to be seen. Do you know of any likely place?"
General Kanemasa said with a feeling of awe.
"It is very strange that Nakatada has suddenly disappeared. I suppose he has fled
for fear that he should, like Lieutenant General Suzushi, be ordered to play the
koto. He must be hiding himself somewhere. If the koto is put away, and Suzushi
leaves here pretending to return home, he will be sure to show himself soon."
Suzushi left the banqueting hall, and told Imperial Secretary Yorizumi, the tenth
son of General Masayori,
"I am going to my home. If the Emperor should call me, please tell him that I
have returned home owing to sudden indisposition."
Suzushi then went to the Fujitsubo, as he thought Nakatada must be hiding

himself there.
Suzushi said to Nakatada, "The Emperor is eagerly searching for you."

Pg. 234
"That means trouble."
"The Emperor has ordered General Kanemasa to search you out. If your father
comes here to watch you, you will be unable to resist him. I was ordered to play
the koto, but I didn't have to, thanks to you."
At that time boxes of lighter aloes filled with splendid dishes were laid before
Nakatada and Suzushi through the good offices of Lady Fujitsubo.
Suzushi proceeded. "There is a matter for regret, however."
"What is it?"
"It is that I could not listen to your koto tonight. Your performance of the koto
would have been ten times as entertaining as the wrestling of Naminori."
"If only you were here, I thought, when I was playing the flute at the party of the
Left Imperial Guard."
Then Lady Fujitsubo said to the two. "Would you kindly play in concert for
me?"
Thus Nakatada took a sō no koto, and Suzushi a biwa, and they played in
concert.
Meantime General Kanemasa looked about for Nakatada, accompanied by a

page, all over the Palace, even in the pavilions where the Empress and the
Imperial Consorts lived, and finally came near the Fujitsubo, when he heard the
faint tones of the sō no koto and biwa in concert. General Kanemasa who had a
good ear for music knew instantly who the players were.
"Come out at once! The Emperor is calling you", shouted General Kanemasa.
"Please explain that I have retired from the Palace. I am so indisposed that I
cannot attend upon the Emperor," answered Nakatada.
"It is impossible for me to say such an absurd thing to the

Pg. 235
Emperor, because he knows well that your carriage and retainers still remain
within the Palace, and an Imperial messenger was sent to our residence to fetch
you. You are indeed obstinate. Who in the world has ever disobeyed an Imperial
order? It is a great sin not to answer the Emperor's summons while staying in the
Palace. How unlike you to do such a thing! Come, let's go!"
"Please pardon me for this once. I beg you!"
"You will suffer if you don't answer the summons tonight. The Emperor is in a
very bad mood. It's no concern of mine, if you should lose the Emperor's favor."
General Kanemasa forced Nakatada to walk ahead of himself toward the Jijūden
Pavilion. Nakatada looked as if he were exuding a bright radiance. On seeing
him, the Emperor was restored to good humor. Prince Danjō descended the stairs
into the courtyard dancing to meet Nakatada. Prince Hyōbukyō and many
courtiers also welcomed him.
The Emperor at once said to Nakatada, "I have been waiting for you quite a
while. Where have you been all this time?"
General Kanemasa answered instead of Nakatada,
"Pressed by General Masayori to take several more cups in the party of the Left
Imperial Guard, Nakatada got heavily drunk, and was lying hidden among the
mugworts and creepers. Hearing the tone of the flute, I went there and found
him."
"He was piping a reed, wasn't he?" said the Emperor.
After a pause the Emperor told Nakatada.
"I want to have a game of "go" with you. This is a three-game match. It is not
good to bet anything precious. Let us make a promise that the loser should do as
the winner says."
Though proficient in everything, the Emperor was particularly skillful at a game
of "go", so he planned to have Nakatada comply with his request by winning the
match. Knowing nothing of the Emperor's plan, Nakatada had no intention to
Pg. 236
win at any cost, only recollecting the pleasant talk with Lady Fujitsubo he had
had a little while before. The first game was the Emperor's, while the second was
Nakatada's, and the final game ended in the Emperor's victory by only one cross
owing to one error of Nakatada.
The Emperor was very pleased to have defeated Nakatada and said to him,
"Now, carry out your promise."
"What shall I do?" asked Nakatada.
"You have only to comply with my request. My request is, however, out of the
ordinary, of course."
Nakatada thought to himself, "Oh, damn it! I ought to have been more careful in
the final match. Well, whatever can the request be?", and then said to the
Emperor,
"I will do at once anything I can for you, and if it is an impossible proposition, I
will explain why I cannot."
"There can be nothing in the world that you cannot do. Well, do you comply
with any request, if it is possible for you?"
"I will answer yes or no after I hear your request."
Thereupon the Emperor took a koto, which he had handed to Suzushi a while
before, put it in the tuning of koka, and said to Nakatada,
"I request you to play the koto. Play some of your favorite strains on the koto."
"I will do anything but play the koto. If it be your order, I would not even mind
dying. If you should order me to go for the elixir of life as far as the Isle of
Eternal Youth*, or go for the udumbara** as far as the Country of the Demon, I
would

** The udumbara was believed to bloom only once in three thousand years, and
have the effect of saving a dying invalid from death.
Pg. 237
be willing to go there. Please excuse me only from playing the koto." The
Emperor said with a smile,
"It is a very difficult task to go as far as the Isle of Eternal Youth or the Country
of the Demon. I think it is far easier for you to play the koto than do this difficult
task. Your performance of the koto is not less valuable for me than the elixir of
life or the udumbara."
Nakatada replied, however, with a Chinese poem that he could not comply with
the Emperor's request. The Emperor thought to himself, "If he will not play the
koto, what else shall I order him to do?" Now, the Emperor had longed for a
sight of Nakatada's mother for a long time. When still Crown Prince, he had
sometimes sent letters to Toshikage's daughter. Upon this, he wanted to see her
on this occasion, and said to Nakatada,
"If you strongly insist that you do not play the koto, bring any substitute who can
play the koto after the same style as yours."
"Guards Captain Matsukata is the only one who plays after the same style."
"I have often listened to Matsukata's koto. Is there anyone who can play more
finely?"
"There is nobody else."
"I will give you some time to think it over."
"I can recall nobody. "
"Isn't there any woman?"
Nakatada thought that difficulties had arisen, because the Emperor's words were
rather strange.
"There are only a few women among my relatives on both the paternal and
maternal sides", answered Nakatada, "and none of them can play the koto."
Pg. 238
"There is a woman who had taught you to play the treasured pieces of music
transmitted from Toshikage. Bring her with you tonight."
"It was long ago that she gave me lessons in koto. She must have forgotten all
the tunes now, because she hasn't touched the koto for a long time."
"She is ever in my mind. I ask you to arrange so that she may come to the
Imperial Palace."
"She is sure to have completely forgotten how to play the koto. How can I bring
her with me to the Palace?"
"Nothing else will do, I say," the Emperor ordered.
Nakatada retired silently from the Imperial presence, thinking that there was
nothing for it but to have his mother come to the Palace.
General Kanemasa called Nakatada to stop.
"You had better play the koto, as the Emperor requests you so eagerly. Where are
you going so hurriedly? You look a sight!"
"I only obey the Emperor," answered Nakatada.
"If so, I have nothing to say."
Nakatada went to the Yōmei Gate*, got into the splendid carriage of General
Kanemasa, and returned home, accompanied by all the outrunners of the
General.
When Nakatada stood before the veranda of his residence, his mother was drying
her newly-washed hair. "Which team won the wrestling match?" she asked.
"The team of the Left won", he replied.
* The first east gate of the Imperial Palace.

Pg. 239
"I am sorry."
"Please don't say such a thing. You should be pleased at the victory of the Left
team which I belong to."
"You are right, but I regret it, because I prepared for the victory banquet of the
Right team," said she with a smile.
"Well, in the Imperial Palace many famous masters of music and dancing are
playing very merrily now. I should like to have you see their splendid
performance, so I have come home to take you with me to the Palace."
"But I am not permitted to enter the Palace."
"I will arrange that point. Their splendid performance of music will surely make
you think of the Buddhist Paradise. I hope you will come to Court. Please get
ready quickly."
"But what will people in the Palace think of me?"
"Don't worry, mother! Hurry up, please."
"If you say so, I really want to go there."
"Please leave everything to me. I hope you will wear fine clothes, and powder
your face."
"It might be possible for me to find out fine clothes, yet quite impossible to
change my face."
She fixed up her hair, and then put on a white formal outer garment with a
flower pattern, a pleated train of Chinese damask, a vest of red damask with a
red lining, a red cloak and a Chinese robe of red lined with purple.
Nakatada told the steward to arrange a palm-frond carriage for his mother, and
three accessory carriages for six maids-in-waiting, four page girls and two
undermaids. He also ordered the stablemen to saddle a fine horse and wait in
readiness for his departure.
She looked beautiful beyond description, lit up with a great number of

torchlights set up at the veranda and in the front yard. Her newly-washed hair
fanned out over the bottom of her
Pg. 240
trousers with perhaps sixty centimeters to spare. Nakatada wondered if she were
a celestial lady, forgetting that she was his own mother. He also regretted that he
could not have his father look at this beautiful figure of his mother.
Nakatada helped his mother into the palm-frond carriage, holding a curtain in his
hand to conceal her. He then rode a particolored horse, which had been presented
by Suzushi, and advanced forward nestling close to the shaft of his mother's
carriage.
Nakatada stopped the procession before the north gate of the Imperial Palace,
and said to his mother and the attendants to wait there for a while. He himself
entered the Palace, and hurried to the Jijūden Pavilion.
The Emperor asked Nakatada impatiently, "How about what I ordered you?"
"She is waiting in a carriage," answered Nakatada.
"You have finally fulfilled your promise," said the Emperor, laughing merrily.
Nakatada retired from the Imperial presence, and called on his half sister lady
Nashitsubo. At that time the Lady was away in the Crown Prince's chamber, but
her mother, the Third Princess of the ex-Emperor Saga, was at home. She had
once been General Kanemasa's principal wife, but became estranged from him
after he came to live together with Nakatada's mother, so that she stayed in the
Nashitsubo to look after her daughter, Lady Nashitsubo.
Nakatada said to the Third Princess, "I beg your pardon to call on you suddenly,
but may I trouble you to lend me your curtain?"
"I am always at your service. You may take any curtains you like, though they
are not so fine. Please come here now and then, as Lady Nashitsubo is leading a
lonely life."
Pg. 241
"Yes, certainly. I will call on her sometimes, because she is my only sister. Well,
I must be going now, as I have many things to do."
Nakatada borrowed two curtains, and hurried to his mother who was waiting
before the gate of the Palace.
"I am sorry to have kept you waiting. Now, please alight."
"I don't know what is happening," said his mother.
"You will soon understand. Please rely upon my discretion."
"It is a very strange visit to the Palace," she murmured.
While four page girls with the curtains in their hands surrounded the palm-frond
carriage, Nakatada took his mother's long pleated train, and helped her put on
General Kanemasa's Court sabots. Then he took her to the Jijūden Pavilion,
having the maids-in-waiting conceal her with the curtains.
In the meanwhile, the Emperor had his seat prepared in the south room of the
Jijūden Pavilion, and had the screens and curtains set up to the west of it. He
then ordered the high courtiers to retire from the room for a while. All standard
lamps in the Pavilion and all torchlights in the garden were put out, so that it was
as dark as pitch all around.
The Emperor said to Nakatada's mother, "I will show you in. Come here!", and
conducted her to her seat previously prepared.
The Emperor came near the curtain, and said to her, "My sudden summons must
have surprised you greatly, but I am very glad to meet you tonight, because it has
been my wish for a long time."
"I have come here without knowing all the circumstances, though I thought
Nakatada's manner was quite unusual tonight."
"I should like to receive a visit from you now and then. If only I could have a
talk with you sometimes, especially in the autumn evenings."
Pg. 242
The Emperor went on talking, recalling memories of his early days. "Long ago
when Toshikage was still alive, I often begged him to let me listen to your koto,
but in vain. I once sent a messenger to ask him to have you serve in the Palace,
but he did not comply with my request. After Toshikage's death, you went away,
so that my true feelings have not been conveyed to you after all."
"I was living in a secluded spot for about ten years."
"I am very pleased to meet you tonight. I had thought it impossible to see you."
"Well, what shall I do tonight? I am feeling very uneasy."
"Then, you have come here without being informed of anything, have you? I
have spent much time in indulging in my reminiscence. Now I will explain the
reason why I have summoned you tonight. The truth is that I wish you to play as
a substitute for Nakatada."
"I can do nothing as a substitute for him"
"Don't say so, but obey me."
"What am I to do? Nakatada said to me that he would take me to the Palace with
him to hear the splendid performance of music of the famous masters. I have
only obeyed his orders tonight as I used to."
"As Nakatada seems to have said nothing about the affair, I will tell the real
facts. I ordered Nakatada to play the koto tonight, but he would not listen to me.
When I pressed him hard, he answered he would bring a substitute who could
play the koto after the same style as his. You are the very substitute."
Then the Emperor took a koto, put it in the tuning of koka, and said to her,
"Don't temper this tuning. The tuning of koka makes one feel the pathos of
nature more than any others."
Pg. 243
"I have forgotten all the tunes."
"Don't say such a thing! You were very famous for your skill on the koto."
"In the old days I played the koto, but the tunings, especially the tuning of koka,
I have forgotten completely, as a very long time has passed since I touched the
koto last."
"I am told that one does not forget through life the art which one acquired when
young. Nakatada is thought to have recommended you as a substitute for himself
because he knew well that you could play the koto finely. If you refuse my
request, I will not permit you to retire from the Palace. Now, begin to play!"
Hereupon she took the koto, and commenced to play a short piece faintly. She
had not touched the koto at all since she had come out of the cavern in the
mountain recess. Nevertheless, as she continued to play, she recollected various
events in her old days, and consequently began to feel a stirring emotion well out
within her whole body, until she played the koto quite in an inspiration. The
princes and courtiers who were listening to the koto in ecstasy in the adjacent
room said to each other,
"Who ever is playing? We cannot call to mind the name of such a fine koto
player, because Lieutenant General Nakatada is sitting here, and Lady Fujitsubo
absented herself from this festival. Very strange, indeed!"
At this time Nakatada feared that someone, and particularly General Kanemasa
himself, would think of his mother, so he muttered, pretending not to know,
"It is quite a splendid tune. Who ever is playing?"
At hearing this, all those present wondered more and more. She went on playing
in the tuning of koka. The Emperor took out many a sheet music for the koto,
and let her play them.
Pg. 244
Among them there was a tune called "Lament of a Horse." He then said to her,
"The Han emperor Yüan-ti had once been saved from defeat by the help of a
general of the Huns. Then the emperor offered one of his concubines, whose
name was Wang Chao-chün, to the general in reward for his services. When she
was taken away by the general toward the Huns, she was terribly grieved to hear
an exotic melody of the Huns' flute. The horse she got on wailed, too. It was not
a cry, but the lament of a horse. The tune "Lament of a Horse" took its rise from
this sorrowful scene. Well, you who could play this difficult tune very finely
deserve to be called an expert of the highest rank. Your skill on the koto is just
like that of Toshikage. Nakatada's koto removes all worries out of my head, and
your koto lets me feel the pathos of nature, and reminds me of the old days."
Then the Emperor took the koto, tempered the tuning, and handed it to her. She
began to play a strain called "the Wilderness of the Huns", when, in the
adjoining room, Yukimasa, Suzushi and Nakatada sang poems to the tune of the
koto. The koto player was an expert of the past, and the singers the adepts of the
present. All those present were moved to tears.
Then the Emperor said to her,
"It is natural that this strain sounds very plaintive. This originates in Wang Chao-
chün's bitter grief at crossing the border to the Huns. How must she have felt
when she left her home country, being taken by a foreign general? Once she
crossed the border, she was never given leave to return to her homeland by the
barrier keepers. Well, there is a barrier keeper also between you and me, so my
heart is now filled with grief just like the heroine of "the Wilderness of the
Huns."
"There can be no barrier keeper who refuses the Imperial order."

Pg. 245
"There is surely the very man in the Right Imperial Guard." She played the strain
"the Wilderness of the Hun" once more in earnest. The Emperor said to her,
"Well, what shall I give you as the reward for your splendid musical
performance? When Nakatada played the koto very finely on the Festival of Red
Leaves at the Shinsen-en, I gave him my First Princess. What am I to give you
tonight?"
After meditating for a while, the Emperor entered the next room where higher
courtiers were in waiting, and jotted down on a sheet of fine paper that he
appointed her Grand Court Lady. He then handed the paper to Sueakira, the
Minister of the Left, saying, "Put your signature to this document."
Looking at the paper, Minister Sueakira thought to himself, "Now, who and what
is she? I can make nothing of it", but he signed his name, since there could be no
objection against the Imperial order.
After a time the Emperor said to the newly-appointed Grand Court Lady. "I wish
you would play a tune at every festival from now on, and, if possible, sometimes
in the spring and autumn evenings. If you should play a tune at every festival for
a thousand years, your tunes would not be exhausted. But life is short, and, to
my regret, I cannot hear all your tunes. I wish we could live for ten thousand
years:
"Who would listen forever to the sound of the wind

Coming through an old pine of a thousand years?"
She recited a verse in reply:
"Living longer than the pine, you would cool yourself

In the wind blowing with a ceaseless sough."
Pg. 246
The Emperor proceeded to say quietly,
"Life is but a span. Even if I be born a weed or a tree in the next world, I would
like to hear your koto. If I be born a weed, I would regard the song of insects
among the weeds as a tune of your koto. If I be born a tree, I would regard the
song of birds sitting on its branch as a tune of your koto."
The Emperor wanted to have a sight of the Grand Court Lady, but at this time it
was impossible for him to light up a standard lamp.
"What shall I do?" thought he to himself, when three or four fireflies came flying
into the room. Then he hit on the idea that he would throw a light on her face by
the use of fireflies. He stood up at once and caught them, but their light was too
feeble to be used as a light source. Then he shouted, "Is there any page? Go and
catch some fireflies!"
As it was very late at night, there was no page waiting. Hence Nakatada searched
for fireflies around the pond and the grassy places, and caught a large number of
them, which he brought to the Pavilion, and offered the Emperor silently in the
dark. The Emperor received the fireflies in a sleeve of his robe, stole near the
Grand Court Lady, and stretched out his sleeve before her face. Then the light of
fireflies shone through his sleeve of gossamer, and her beautiful face emerged
from the dark.
"Fancy your doing that", shouted the Grand Court Lady in surprise, but there
was a sweet smile playing about her lips.
The Emperor said to her, "My long-cherished desire has been realized. Nothing
gives me so much pleasure."
A little while, all standard lamps in the Pavilion were lit, and before the Emperor
and the Grand Court Lady were placed forty trays of lighter aloes on which
confectionery and dried fish were arranged. General Kanemasa soon learnt that
the newly-appointed
Pg. 247
Grand Court Lady was his wife. He was somewhat discontented for a while, but
came to feel satisfied by and by, as he knew that his wife was no less beautiful
than any lady in the harem. Furthermore, when he heard the Empress and the
Imperial Consorts whispering with each other, "The General of the Right who
has such a beautiful wife must consider any other woman but her to be plain", he
thought to himself, "My wife is surely beautiful and wise, and bore me an
excellent son. She is by no means an ordinary woman. I feel honored that she
was appointed Grand Court Lady. I suppose the Emperor has not been able to
forget her."
The Emperor told Sueakira, the Minister of the Left,
"I want to present something to the Grand Court Lady. You may order the
officials of the Imperial Treasury and the Stewards' office to take out some
modish and tasteful goods."
Then the Emperor said to the Grand Court Lady.
"Is there anyone among your attendants who can serve the Court as a lady-in-
waiting? If there is such a person, you may make her a lady-in-waiting attached
to you in order to have her look after you while you stay at Court, as there is a
vacancy among the ladies-in-waiting of the Seiryōden*. I leave you in full
charge of the ladies at Court. Oh! If this had been an event in the old days, you
would have become the Empress, and a royal prince like Nakatada would have
been born. I will consider you to be the Empress in my heart as long as I live.
My affection for you remains the same in its depth as when I was young. But,
however deeply I may love you, I am not permitted to call at your residence.
Hence I beg you to come here. I wish you to come here on the fifteenth of the
Eighth Month. A carriage will be sent to meet you on that night."
* The Imperial chamber.

Pg. 248
"The lady whom a carriage was sent to meet on the fifteenth night of the Eighth
Month was Kakuyahime*, wasn't she?", replied the Grand Court Lady with a
sweet smile.
The day soon broke, and it was time for the Grand Court Lady to retire from
Court. The present to the Grand Court Lady chosen by Minister Sueakira was ten
gold-lacquered Chinese chests containing a lot of figured cloths, damasks and
incense of the highest quality, and ten gold-lacquered chests containing five
hundred rolls of fine silk and five hundred sheets of snow-white floss silk.
The Empress presented the Grand Court Lady with five gold-lacquered chests of
robes containing plenty of fine spring, summer, autumn, and winter dresses.
Lady Jijūden also presented her with an openwork case of silver containing fine
summer and winter clothing as well as an openwork case of silver containing an
assortment of bodkins and combs.
* The moon princess. She is the heroine of "The Tale of the Bamboo Cutter." See
introduction, page i.
Pg. 249
Chapter 12
A Flock of Cranes
1
On the last day of the Seventh Month General Masayori said to his wife,
Princess Ōmiya, as soon as he came back from Court.
"The Emperor spoke to me at the apartment of Lady Jijūden today about the
marriages of Suzushi and Nakatada."
"As Princess Imamiya is mature enough now, we will offer her to Suzushi at an
early date. In truth, I wanted to marry her to Nakatada, and have her child take
lessons in the koto if she bears him a child," answered Princess Ōmiya.
"The Emperor seems to have the same desire as yours. Nakatada is quite a lucky
man, as the Emperor loves the First Princess best among his many sons and
daughters. Well, I want to offer Princess Sodemiya to General Kanemasa, and
Princess Kesumiya to Prince Hyōbukyō. Moreover, I intend to give my eleventh
and twelfth daughters, borne by Lady Ōidono, to Councillor Sanetada and Major
Councillor Masaaki respectively."
"I wish to offer Councillor Sanetada my own daughter, as he had given his heart
to Princess Atemiya since her childhood."
"Then I will determine to offer my eleventh daughter to Prince Hyōbukyō, and

Princess Kesumiya to Councillor Sanetada."
On the thirteenth of the Eighth Month Lieutenant General Nakatada was married
to the First Princess, and Lieutenant General Suzushi to Princess Imamiya in
obedience to an
Pg. 250
Imperial order.
On the fifteenth night of the Eighth Month General Masayori went to Court
together with Nakatada and Suzushi in response to a summons from the
Emperor, accompanied by his sons and sons-in-law, and expressed his heartfelt
gratitude to the Emperor. After a while Nakatada's mother, the newly-appointed
Grand Court Lady, appeared holding the Fine-string Wind in her hands, and
offered it to the Emperor. It was the koto by which the Grand Court Lady had
given private lessons in the koto to Nakatada, and Toshikage had given them to
his daughter. Then General Kanemasa received the koto from the Emperor, and
handed it to Nakatada.
Subsequently Tadatōshi, the Chief of the Left Guard, received a koto called
"Three Thousand Years" from the Emperor, and handed it to Suzushi. It was a
very fine koto which had been brought from China long ago by lyayuki,
Suzushi's teacher of the koto, and was offered to the Emperor by Tanematsu,
Governor of Ki province.
The Emperor immediately ordered the two Lieutenant Generals to play the
kotos. After hesitating for a while, both begen to play. The sounds of the two
kotos echoed wonderfully clear on the night air. The Emperor brushed away
tears of deep emotion, and recited a verse;
"I hope that the flock of cranes

Will do well from now on."
Then the Emperor pronounced that Minister of the Left Sueakira was to be
promoted to Prime Minister, Minister of the Right Tadamasa to Minister of the
Left, General of the Left Masayori to Minister of the Right, Suzushi and
Nakatada to Major Councillor, and Guards Major Yukimasa to Lieutenant
Pg. 251
Chap. 12 A Flock of Cranes 251
General and Councillor. Not long after this, Major Councillor Nakatada lived
with his wife, the First Princess, in the main hall in the northeast quarter of
Minister Masayori's residence. Major Councillor Suzushi lived luxuriously with
his wife, Princess Imamiya, in the large buildings which had been a part of his
magnificent buildings at Fukiage and had recently been transferred into the
southwest quarter of Minister Masayori's residence.
Minister Masayori and Princess Ōmiya were determined to give Princess

Sodemiya to General Kanemasa, Princess Kesumiya to Councillor Sanetada, the
eleventh daughter to Prince Hyōbukyō and the twelfth daughter to Major
Councillor Masaaki.
First of all, Princess Ōmiya sent her son, Sukezumi, to General Kanemasa
bearing her letter.
"I am very sorry to say, but I wish to offer one of our daughters, Princess
Sodemiya, to you. What do you think about this?"
General Kanemasa said to Sukezumi. "I have been yearning for Princess
Atemiya since her childhood. I don't care to have her think me to be such a
frivolous man as to divert my affection from her to another woman. I will keep
on yearning for her as long as I live."
Subsequently Princess Ōmiya sent her son, Tsurazumi*, with a letter to

Councillor Sanetada.
* Tsurazumi is the fourth son of Masayori, borne by Princess Ōmiya.

Pg. 252
"Please pardon me for my long silence. I must apologize to you for my having
been unable to meet your wishes after all, though I was well aware of your long-
cherished affection for Princess Atemiya. I am very sorry to say, but I dare to do
so at Minister Masayori's earnest request. We wish to offer our daughter,
Princess Kesumiya, to you. What do you think about this?"
On reading this letter, Councillor Sanetada said nothing for a while, only
shedding bitter tears. When Tsurazumi told him all the circumstances, he wrote
to Princess Ōmiya in tears.
"I thank you very much for your kind letter, but I am sorry I have to decline your
offer, because I do not want to live any longer."
Tsurazumi returned home, and handed Sanetada's letter over to Princess Ōmiya.
She read his letter through, and handed it to Minister Masayori in silence. The
Minister sighed deeply, as he read it, and said to Princess Ōmiya.
"Councillor Sanetada was a promising man. He is to be pitied, indeed. His father,

Prime Minister Sueakira, is sure to feel sorry that he was ruined by his
unrequited love for Princess Atemiya. Well, I will determine to give Princess
Kesumiya to Grand Moderator Suefusa instead of to Councillor Sanetada, and
Princess Sodemiya to Lieutenant General Yukimasa instead of to General
Kanemasa. Suefusa and Yukimasa are both full of promise."
Subsequently Minister Masayori sent his son, Akizumi*, to Prince Hyōbukyō to

propose a marriage of his eleventh
* Akizumi is the fifth son of Masayori, borne by Lady Ōidono.

Pg. 253
daughter to him. The prince replied by letter.
"For certain reasons I have been wanting to become a mountain monk, but your
kind offer has made me give it up. I will accept your eleventh daughter with
thanks."
Then Minister Masayori sent his son, Kanezumi*, to Major Councillor Masaaki
to propose a marriage of his twelfth daughter to him. Masaaki replied by letter.
"Since the day of Princess Atemiya's entry into Court I was overwhelmed with
grief, but I will accept your kind offer with pleasure."
Thus it happened that on the twenty-eighth of the Eighth Month Minister

Masayori offered his eleventh daughter to Prince Hyōbukyō, his twelfth daughter
to Major Councillor Masaaki, Princess Sodemiya to Lieutenant General
Yukimasa, and Princess Kesumiya to Grand Moderator Suefusa, and on the third
night after the marriage he sent many splendid presents to his four new sons-in-
law. All these four married couples lived happily in the residence of Minister
Masayori.
Grand Moderator Suefusa was made a Marshal of the Board of Ceremonies and
Professor of Literature, and furthermore appointed Major General of the Right
because his father had been killed by warriors. He was now forty years old, and
reputed to be the highest ranking scholar of that age.
* Kanezumi is the sixth son of Masayori, borne by Lady Ōidono.
Pg. 254
One day when Suefusa was giving lessons to about thirty students at the
university, there came four young gentlemen to bid him farewell. They had
recently passed the senior examination, and were expected to leave for their
posts as local government officials.
"When are you going to start?" asked Suefusa.
"Maybe at an early date", one of them answered.
"You had better set out as soon as possible."
"But we cannot start so soon, as the Emperor has ordered us not to leave the
capital until after the lecture on Grand History* is finished."
At that time Tadatō came. He was the very man who had taken the extremely
poor student Suefusa with him to the poemmaking party held at Masayori's
residence a few years before, and was now a Functionary of the University, far
lower in position than Suefusa.
Suefusa said to Tadatō. "You haven't come here for a long time, so I have been
worrying about how you are getting along these days."
"I regret that I have remained at the same post for a long time, while newly-
appointed officials start willingly for their posts one after another," answered
Tadatō.
"It is a pity! As I heard that a vacancy recently occurred in the Imperial

Secretariat, I told Minister Masayori in detail about the relation between you and
me, and recommended you as an Imperial secretary. Then the minister said to me
that he would immediately beg the Emperor for your promotion. I intend to ask
the minister once more, but I'm sure that you will get a new post before long."
"I am afraid that a man of shallow learning like me is not
* A history of old China, Shihchi.

Pg. 255
equal to that post."
"There is nothing to worry about. I cannot forget what you did for me a few
years ago."
Tadatō said, shedding tears of gratitude,
"It is very kind of you to say so. I have old parents, a wife and children, and they
are always grieving at their misfortune."
"You have good reason to say so. I know well that it is vexing for an able man to
have to remain in obscurity for a long time."
Not long after, Tadatō was appointed Imperial secretary on the recommendation
of Minister Masayori. Suefusa immediately presented him with the special
uniform of the Imperial secretary, and offered his congratulations.
Pg. 256
Chapter 13
Opening of the Warehouse: Part One
1
One day in the Eleventh Month Major Councillor Nakatada happened to

recollect his childhood days in the old residence at Kyōgoku*, and thought to
himself that the residence where his ancestors had lived for generations should
be rebuilt for the sake of his mother.
Nakatada went to the old residence, accompanied by several of his trusted

retainers, and found that the premises were quite desolate. There remained only
the half-decayed main hall, of which the veranda and shutters were all gone.
When Nakatada went round here and there on horseback, he found a large
warehouse at the northwest corner. He at once had his retainers examine whether
the warehouse belonged to the residence or not. After a careful survey, they
answered that it in fact did. Nakatada approached the warehouse, and was
surprised to find that a large number of corpses and skeletons was scattered
about. The door of the warehouse was locked, and sealed with a metallic plate on
which the name Toshikage was engraved.
Nakatada then thought to himself, "This warehouse must be a library, because

my forefathers were eminent scholars. I will open the door." At that time a
white-haired old man and his old wife, both
* The residence was situated at the eastern end of the Third Avenue and along
the Kyōgoku Main Street. See page 13.
Pg. 257
Chap. 13 Opening of the Warehouse: Part One 257
about ninety years of age, came crawling on all fours from the shore of the Kama
River, and shouted to Nakatada and his retainers,
"You, gentlemen! Please leave this place quickly!"
"Why do you say so?" asked one of the retainers.

"Anyhow, please go away from here quickly. This warehouse has killed many
people. Look at these corpses and skeletons! When you leave here, I will relate
the whole circumstances to you", answered the old man.
Nakatada listened to the old man's talk at a distance from the warehouse.
"Long ago there was a fine residence here. While their only son was studying in
China, his parents died. When the son returned home, he had his residence
repaired, and lived there with his wife. Soon after, a lovely daughter was born.
Some time later a very sweet melody came to be heard from the residence from
dawn till dusk. Everybody felt refreshed, sick people forgot their sickness, and
the aged felt younger, when this melody reached their ears. Thus every day many
people gathered around the residence to hear the wonderful music. When the
daughter became adolescent, the messengers of the Crown Prince and many
young nobles lined up every day before the gate of the residence, though it was
always shut tight. Not long after this, her mother died, and then her father died,
too. The unfortunate daughter went away, but nobody knew where. Then the
tramps and beggars entered the residence and broke the buildings, so that the
premises were entirely destroyed within a few years. Nothing peculiar occurred
while they broke the buildings or carried away the furniture and fixtures, but,
strange to say, when they approached the warehouse to steal the goods in stock,
they fell down dead immediately without exception. A little while ago I saw a
noble man approaching this terrible
Pg. 258
warehouse, so I came here in haste to inform him of the danger." Nakatada gave
a polite salute to the old man and said,
"Thank you very much. it is very kind of you to inform me."
Nakatada took off his vest to give it to the old man, and said
"It is a terrible story. Sit down beside the main hall and wait for a man who will
come here to open the warehouse. Have someone take away these scattered
corpses too."
With this, Nakatada returned home, accompanied by his retainers. The old man
was perplexed for a while to have been given such a splendid vest of red damask
with a red lining. A few days later a pilgrim bought it without inquiring of him
about the price. He gave the money to his grandsons, and had them clean around
the warehouse.
Several days after, Nakatada's stewards came to the residence at Kyōgoku

together with monks and soothsayers, and set up awnings in front of the
warehouse. Major Councillor Nakatada arrived, accompanied by many outridets,
and had the soothsayers recite prayers and the monks chant sutras. He had them
try to open the door of the warehouse, but all in vain. Nakatada passed the night
in the carriage, and on the following day he ordered many people to try to open
the door, but all attempts were unsuccessful, and, what was worse, many persons
hurt their hands and legs.
On the third day Nakatada in full dress made a reverential bow toward the door
of the warehouse, and said,
"On the metallic plate of the door is engrayed the name Toshikage. I am his only
grandson. Oh, my forefathers' spirits! Open the door, please." He then had his
retainers try to open the door, but in vain.
They insisted that the door would not be opened unless the lock was destroyed.
Pg. 259
Nakatada said, "It ought to be opened. I will try myself", and touched the lock,
and, strange to say, it was easily unlocked. Nakatada thought to himself, "This
proves that my forefathers' spirits have been waiting for me."
When Nakatada opened the door, there was another door, which was also looked
and sealed with a plate. On the plate the word Library was written, and this door
was also easily unlocked. Nakatada entered the warehouse, and found that there
were many desks, on which a large number of books covered with beautiful
brocades and bound with Chinese braids were piled up, and that there were ten
Chinese chests of aloeswood behind these desks.
He then discovered a catalogue laid on a desk at the entrance, in which a lot of

valuable Chinese and Japanese books, especially those pertaining to medicine,
prediction, physiognomy and obstetrics, as well as various kinds of treasure had
been listed. He took up the catalogue, locked the inner and outer doors, and
returned home, accompanied by many outriders.
Some time later, Nakatada called on his mother, and told her in detail about the
event in the residence at Kyōgoku. At the sight of the catalogue, she said to
Nakatada.
"Oh, dear! These are all rare and precious. If I had been informed of these
treasures kept in the warehouse when young, I would not have had to suffer such
troubles."
"It seems to me that Toshikage was a deep thinker. If you had possessed these
treasures then, how would you have disposed of them? They would not have
remained there till today, I suppose", answered Nakatada.
After a time Nakatada presented his mother and his wife with some rare incense
taken out of the Chinese chest in the warehouse. He also took out various books
successively from the warehouse, and read them eagerly day and night.
Pg. 260
Not long after this, Nakatada summoned many master carpenters from various
provinces, and ordered them to rebuild the main hall, wings and galleries in the
residence at Kyōgoku. They employed two or three hundred laborers, and
finished rebuilding it within a year.
Many people began to build their houses in the neighborhood, so that in a while
this region became a busy quarter just as before.
Incidentally the old man and his wife were summoned by the stewards of the
residence and given plenty of cloth, robes and other fine goods.
It was in early spring of the next year that the First Princess became pregnant.
Nakatada prayed to God and Buddha that a beautiful baby girl might come into
the world. He took out a book of obstetrics from the warehouse and studied
dietetics. He himself cooked for the First Princess.
One day in the Eighth Month Lady Jijūden said to the Emperor in her apartment,
"I wish to retire to my parents' home at an early date, as the First Princess is
nearing her time."
"When is the expected date of her confinement?"
"I am told it is towards the middle of the Tenth Month."
"Then, you may retire soon and look after her carefully."
"There is nothing to worry about, as I hear Major Councillor Nakatada is

attending upon her all day long"
"I haven't seen her for a long time. What has recently become of her."
"Her hair became so long."
"I hope the First Princess will be as fortunate in her

Pg. 261
confinement as you."
Lady Jijūden had no sooner arrived at Masayori's residence than she went to the
main hall, and said to the First Princess,
"You have become a little thin. His Majesty has been worried about you very
much."
The First Princess, dressed in a red cloak of Chinese damask, looked as beautiful
as the cherry blossoms moistened with morning dew, and her hair was like black
silk.
In the residence of Minister Masayori all preparations for the delivery were
made, and fervent prayers for an easy delivery had been offered to the shrines
and temples for two months.
On the twentieth of the Tenth Month the First Princess began to have labor pains.
Nakatada's mother, the Grand Court Lady, hurried to the First Princess to tend
her together with Lady Jijūden. Soon after, General Kanemasa also came in haste
to the residence.
At about four o'clock next morning cries of a baby echoed throughout the main
hall. Nakatada asked the Grand Court Lady at once, raising up the curtain, "Is it
a boy or a girl?" The Grand Court Lady replied,
"A princess! Her loveliness is clearly seen even in the dim room."
Beaming with joy, Nakatada performed the dance of "Myriad Years",* and the
brothers of the First Princess played Korean flutes to Nakatada's dance.
The Grand Court Lady wiped the baby clean, and lifted it in her arms. Nakatada
knelt down, and said to her, "Please let me hold the baby."
Then he put the upper half of his body within the curtain, and as soon as he
received the baby from her he put it into his

Pg. 262
bosom. A little while later Nakatada said to the Grand Court Lady,
"Mother, please give me the Dragon-hall Wind. I want to make it an amulet of

this baby."
"You speak as if the baby might play the koto right now."
"I am told that even the celestials would listen to the tone of the Dragon-hall
Wind, so I want to lay the koto beside my baby as its amulet."
The Grand Court Lady then told General Kanemasa, who had been waiting in
the adjoining room, to send someone to his residence for the Dragon-hall Wind.
Soon after the Dragon-hall Wind was brought in. Nakatada, with his baby in his
bosom, took out the koto from the sack of Chinese brocade, and played a tune
splendidly.
Minister Masayori's sons and sons-in-law, who heard the tune of the koto, said to
each other, "Goodness! Listen! There must have been a happy event," and came
together to the main hall in a hurry, one of them without putting on his shoes,
and another without putting on half his robe. They lined up before the veranda of
the east room like a row of garden plants. Major Councillor Suzushi rushed
towards the main hall, wearing his crown askew, carrying his robe and trousers
in his hands, and without tying his belt. People burst into laughter at the sight of
his queer figure.
Nakatada went on playing his favorite tunes, then the wind blew violently, and
the sky began to look threatening. Thus Nakatada said to the Grand Court Lady,
"I intended to play an old strain once more, but have given it up, because the
wind and the clouds began to move. Now, I beg you to play a tune on this koto to
give the fierce God a pleasant surprise."
The Grand Court Lady appeared to hesitate, so Nakatada

Pg. 263
added, "Please! No occasion is more auspicious for me than today!"
The Grand Court Lady then played the koto softly. It was such a sweet melody
as would give comfort and delight to any of the hearers, and a flash of hope to
anyone who was in deep sorrow. While listening to the Grand Court Lady's koto,
the First Princess came to feel refreshed little by little, until she sat up in her bed.
"You must lie down in your bed,"said Nakatada to the First Princess, but she
would not obey him, saying, "I have no pain in the least now."
Nakatada put the Dragon-hall Wind into the sack, and laid it together with a
tutelary sword at the head of the First Princess' bed.
Morning dawned. All the shutters were raised. Then Minister Masayori's sons
and sons-in-law lined up at the veranda and offered their congratulations to
Nakatada, but he was standing vacantly, with his baby in his bosom, forgetting to
return the compliments.
At that time the Emperor sent by Lieutenant General Sukezumi a message to

Major Councillor Nakatada:
"I am very glad to hear that a lovely baby princess has been born. It is the
custom with me to promote you on a happy occasion like this, but I am putting it
off, because there is no vacancy now."
The Emperor also sent a message to the Grand Court Lady.

"I have long neglected writing to you. I was very happy when I met you two
years ago. Your splendid performance of music on that night lives even now in
my heart. I ordered you then to
Pg. 264
come to Court, but you have never come here, for what reason I don't know. I
regret I am not permitted to call freely at your residence. Well, I have been
worried about the First Princess, but now my mind is quite at rest because she is
well taken care of by you."
It was time to bathe the baby. The Major Court Lady in a cloak of white figured
silk bathed the baby in a bathtub, and then the Grand Court Lady in a cloak and a
pleated train of figured white received the baby.
The Major Court Lady was the daughter of a prince who had become a
commoner with the name of Genji, and had once served the ex-Empress as a
Court lady. She was now sixty odd years old, and a midwife of fine experience
who had assisted many noble ladies in childbirth.
The Major Court Lady said to Nakatada,
"I have looked after many babies since my youth, few of whom, however, were
as big and lovely as this baby."
The baby was named Princess Inumiya. There were celebrations on the third and
fifth nights after the birth. On those nights all the princes and high courtiers sent
fine congratulatory gifts, and they played on kotos and flutes until dawn.
On the sixth day Lady Jijūden had the maids-in-waiting hang a bag of silk
containing fme incenses on the bamboo blinds, and place large censers here and
there in the eastern front of the main hall, so that a delicate fragrance drifted
through the air inside and outside.
On the seventh day Lady Jijūden said to the First Princess,
"You may take a bath this evening. I will let down your hair."
Pg. 265
The First Princess in a red cloak over a white robe crept on her knees toward the
end of her bed, and sat facing east. Her tufty and long hair-about two meters and
a half long-was divided into two parts, and combed separately by lady Jijūden
and the Grand Court Lady.
At this time Lady Fujitsubo sent fine congratulatory gifts and a letter to the First
Princess by an official of the Crown Prince's household. The letter was
enveloped in light green paper and fastened to a branch of the cinquefoil pine.
As the First Princess smiled sweetly on reading this letter, Nakatada asked her.
"What is written there? Let me see it!"
"It is written that this letter should not be shown to others," said she, as she put it
into her bosom.
"Don't treat me like a stranger," said Nakatada, and put his hand into her bosom
and took the letter out.
The letter ran as follows:
"I am very glad to hear of your happy event. On an occasion like this I ought to
offer my congratulations in person, but I am sorry I am not allowed to do as I
please. I sometimes think how nice it would be if only I were living together
with you in my father's residence as before.
"Very sad that we must go our respective ways,

Though we had once been living together very happily.
How I envy you! If an occasion like this will arise in the future, please arrange to
enable me to call on you freely."
Reading through the letter, Nakatada said to the First Princess. "I haven't seen a
letter of hers for such a long time.
Pg. 266
Meanwhile she has made startling progress in handwriting, I will reply to her as
a substitute for you, because it would be impossible for you to write with your
trembling hand."
He then jotted down on delicate, red paper as follows:
"The First Princess is so weak in sight even now that she cannot write herself,
and wishes to have me offer her verse to you:
"I wish you would kindly watch over my baby,

Who saw the light of day at your birthplace."
He then wrote on the reverse side of the paper as follows: "I am very sorry I am
not allowed to write to you so often.
"A pine tree of a thousand years would not be able

To forget his dear, and yet sad memories of old days."
He enveloped the letter in delicate, light green paper and attached it to the
beautiful branch of a maple.
The First Princess said to Nakatada, "Let me see it, please."
He handed over the letter to her, saying with a smile, "How eager you must be to
see it!", but she did not open the envelope.
That evening Princess Ōmiya bathed the baby in a bathtub, and the First Princess
took a bath for the first time after her delivery.
At this time Major Councillor Suzushi presented the First Princess with twelve
silver trays on stands, various figured silk, and white figured cloths. Suzushi also
presented Lady Jijūden with nine aloeswood trays on stands, six gold-lacquered
chests of aloeswood containing ten suits of ladies' clothes, ten white
Pg. 267
cloaks and ten suits of trousers, and five large cases of red sandalwood filled
with prizes for the "go" matches.
On that day Minister Masayori had already sent by Guards Major Tsurazumi the
following message to the princes and high courtiers:
"The seventh night celebration of the baby's birth is held tonight, and I am
looking forward to your attendance. I will show you my favorite dance then."
Thus many princes and courtiers came together to Minister Masayori's residence
as soon as it became dark. When the banquet was at its height, all those present
were drunk and good-humored.
Before long Minister Masayori stood up and began to perform a dance called
"Rindai*, and the Palace musicians played kotos and flutes, and beat drums to
his dance.
Minister Masayori who had finished his dance said, "Now an old man bent with
age has performed a poor dance. Young gentlemen! Show me your favorite
dance in turn", so Major Councillor Suzushi began to dance. Subsequently
Sanemasa, the Chief of the Public Welfare Bureau, performed "the dance of a
tortoise". It was such a funny dance that all those present burst into laughter.
Then General Kanemasa performed "the dance of birds", when several dancers
dressed as peacocks appeared from the awning of the Right, and those dressed as
cranes appeared from the awning of the Left. They danced together to the
accompaniment of splendid music performed by the Palace musicians.
At the first gray of dawn Lieutenant General Yukimasa
* One of the pieces of Court dance and music.

Pg. 268
descended the stairs into the courtyard and performed the dance called "Ryōō*".
His wonderful dance struck all those present with admiration, and Major
Councillor Suzushi at once draped a suit of ladies' clothes over his shoulders.
Then Major Councillor Nakatada gave gifts to all the guests and their attendants.
Many guests got heavily drunk. Minister Masayori was drunk, and went back to
the north wing accompanied by his sons. Nakatada himself was also drunk, and
walked toward the curtain of the First Princess, singing merrily a Saibara ballad,
so Lady Jijūden retired to her own room, holding the baby princess in her arms.
4
The next morning Lady Jijūden sent the following letter to Lady Fujitsubo:
"I thank you very much for your fine congratulatory gifts. I wonder how you can
arrange so many splendid presents by yourself. It is my desire that the First
Princess would soon have a second confinement just as you."
A reply came soon from Lady Fujitsubo:
"I am very sorry I was not allowed to attend the banquet given in honor of little
Princess Inumiya last night. I am told that there were various kinds of
entertainments on that occasion."
It was written very skillfully on delicate white paper. Prince
* A Chinese dance of General Ryōō.

Pg. 269
Danjō snatched the letter from Lady Jijūden's hand, read it avidly, and then said
to her.
"Mother! People say that you and Lady Fujitsubo are most skillful in
handwriting. This is really an elegant hand! I am sorry I cannot see her letters
except on an occasion like this. If this letter were not addressed to you, I would
be burning with jealousy."
"It is hardly possible that Lady Fujitsubo would send a letter like this to a person
other than me."
"Her entry into the Crown Prince's household was very painful to me. I intend to
remain unmarried for ever, because there will never be any such woman who can
give comfort to me. I would rather be a monk."
Prince Danjō went away with Lady Fujitsubo's letter in his hand. Lady Jijūden
muttered to herself.
"Lady Fujitsubo's letter fell into Nakatada's hands yesterday, and it fell into
Prince Danjō's hands today. What marvellous letters!"
The celebration on the ninth night was sponsored by Major Councillor Nakatada.
The veranda and the rooms in the eastern front of the main hall were made ready
to receive the guests. First of all the Grand Court Lady, and then Lady Jijūden
and the First Princess took their seats. Minister Masayori and General Kanemasa
sat in line, and Minister Masayori's sons were all present. Nakatada was very
busy giving directions to the stewards and ladies-in-waiting. Before the First
Princess were placed six trays on stands of white lapis lazuli, which were all of
openwork. Six trays of aloeswood were placed before Lady Jijūden and the
Grand Court Lady, and six trays of lighter aloes before the royal princes borne
by Lady Jijūden.
That evening the Empress sent congratulatory gifts covered with splendid
Chinese damask, and a letter to Major Councillor
Pg. 270
Nakatada. Lady Nashitusbo also sent many splendid gifts and a letter to
Nakatada. The letter was on delicate white paper and was attached to an artificial
branch of the aster. It ran as follows:
"I must apologize to you for my long silence. You have made no call on me, and
that has weighed heavy on my mind. Yesterday I heard of a happy event in your
family, and could comprehend the reason why you had long been absent from
Court. I sincerely offer my congratulations."
Nakatada wrote in reply to Lady Nashitsubo:
"I thank you very much for your kind letter and splendid gifts. I have been very
remiss about calling on you for a long time. From whom did you hear of the
birth of my first daughter yesterday?"
Nakatada then put the wagon, sō koto and biwa within the bamboo blinds, after
plucking a few notes to see that they were in tune, and said, "The wagon to Lady
Jijūden, and the biwa to the First Princess."
Lady Jijūden muttered, "Oh, dear! What a nuisance!", but, as the Grand Court
Lady began to play the sō no koto, Lady Jijūden and the First Princess also
played the wagon and the biwa respectively to the sō no koto. It pleased
Nakatada that the First Princess was good at playing the biwa beyond his
expectation. Then Nakatada played the flute, Prince Danjō the shō-flute, and
Supernumerary Major Councillor Tadazumi the hichiriki-flute to the sō no koto
of the Grand Court Lady.
When the concert was over, General Kanemasa shouted.
"Nakatada and others are rapt in playing, and forget to give

Pg.271
me a cup, so that I cannot get drunk. I wish to get sake from behind the bamboo
blinds. What is the matter with the First Princess? She is nowhere to be seen."
The First Princess replied through a lady-in-waiting named Saishō, "I have
become a little tired."
General Kanemasa said further, "This place is not China. I wish to talk with her
without an interpreter."
Then another lady-in-waiting came from behind the bamboo blinds and offered
him a cup, saying. "This is from the First Princess."
About noon of the next day the Grand Court Lady bade a hearty goodbye to
Lady Jijūden and the First Princess.
Lady Jijūden said wistfully, "Please come here at an early date. I am always
looking forward to a visit from you."
General Kanemasa and the Grand Court Lady returned to their residence,
accompanied by Nakatada and many guards officers of the Fourth and Fifth
Court Ranks. General Kanemasa's residence was not far from that of Minister
Masayori so that when the head of the procession arrived at the former, the rear
stood still before the gate of the latter.
Not long after that, Minister Masayori sent a hundred rolls of fine silk to the
Grand Court Lady, and two excellent horses and falcons to General Kanemasa.
Princess Ōmiya also sent five gold-lacquered chests containing various kinds of
garments, Chinese damasks and rare incense, and the following letter to the
Grand Court Lady:
"I am sorry I had no opportunity to talk with you leisurely during your stay here.
First of all, I thank you very much for
Pg. 272
your kind help. When I listened to your splendid tune on the koto, I felt as if I
had taken on a new life, and I were close to the Isle of Eternal Youth. Well, I
hope you will give these goods to the caretakers during your absence."
The First Princess sent the following letter written by Lady Jijūden, and many
fine presents to the Grand Court Lady.
"I beg your pardon in offering you a letter written by proxy. I always felt secure
while you were staying beside me, and now I miss you very much. I cannot
forget your splendid tune on the koto which relieved me from such torment."
When the Grand Court Lady read through the letter,
Nakatada said to her, "I have never seen a letter from Lady Jijūden. Please let me
see it." On seeing the letter, Nakatada muttered in open-eyed wonder,
"What an elegant hand!" General Kanemasa said to Nakatada. "Lady Jijūden has
been famous for her skill in handwriting* since long ago."
Major Councillor Nakatada spent the whole day taking care of his baby beside
the First Princess, without going to Court.
The Major Court Lady said to Nakatada, "I have served many noble babies in
their baths since long ago. This baby, Princess Inumiya, looks quite like Lady
* Handwriting is considered no less an art than painting in Japan and China.

Pg.273
Fujitsubo as a child."
"It is said that whether a baby girl will grow up into a beauty or not depends
upon the way of bathing. If you would kindly bathe Princess Inumiya so as to
make her grow up beautifully, I will give you a fine reward."
The Major Court Lady continued,
"When Lady Fujitsubo was born, Minister Masayori said, 'This baby is the most
beautiful among my many daughters.' She became more beautiful and graceful
as she grew up, and is now as charming as a flower in its glory. The Crown
Prince is handsome, of course, but when he stands by Lady Fujitsubo, he looks
like an evergreen tree beside a blossoming cherry. I went to the Crown Prince's
Palace the other day, when Lady Fujitsubo appeared to be somewhat indisposed.
I thought then she was probably in a certain condition."
"Whose hair is longer, Lady Fujitsubo's or the First Princess's?" Nakatada asked
the Major Court Lady.
"They would be almost equal in length."
Then the First Princess cut in, "My hair is not to be compared with hers. When I
was living with her, we very often compared the length of our hair. Her hair was
extraordinarily long and beautiful."
"I think the First Princess is equal to Lady Fujitsubo in personal beauty too," said
the Major Court Lady, "It is true, however, that Lady Fujitsubo looks better
beside the Crown Prince, while the First Princess is less attractive beside Major
Councillor Nakatada. Talking of the most beautiful ladies at the present day, I
think the Grand Court Lady is the first, Lady Fujitsubo is the second, and the
First Princess is the third. As for the gentlemen, Major Councillor Nakatada is
the most handsome, of course. Well, I must be going now, as I am afraid I will
talk too much."
Pg. 274
After the Major Court Lady retired to her home, Nakatada said to the First
Princess. "The Major Court Lady is fairly talkative, isn't she? She has said that
my mother is the first beauty of the day, but she is surely wrong in her
judgment."
"Lady Fujitsubo was far lovelier than I from her childhood, and became more
beautiful as time went on, while I lost my looks with the passing of time."
"The Emperor's affection for you is extraordinarily great. He showed me a favor,
too, and gave me his beloved daughter, so we should not forget his kindness
forever. And talking of the most handsome gentlemen of the present day, I think
Prince Danjō is the first. He is spare of speech, and is still single."
"The boy prince borne by Lady Fujitsubo, who is living in the east wing of this
residence, will surely grow up into a fine character. I fancy he will become the
Emperor in the future."
The fiftieth day celebration of Princess Inumiya's birth was held in great
splendor, and was sponsored by Lady Jijūden. Before Princess Inumiya were
placed twelve silver trays on stands, which contained pounded rice cake, dried
fish and confectionery. Before Princess Ōmiya, Lady Jijūden and the First
Princess were placed twelve trays of lighter aloes each.
All was ready, but Princess Inumiya was very late in appearing. It was because
Major Councillor Nakatada would not part with her. He handed her to her wet
nurse very reluctantly. Lady Jijūden received the little princess from the nurse,
and showed her to Princess Ōmiya, who said with joy,
"It's been quite a time since I saw her last. A lovely baby girl like this is rarely to
be met with."
Pg. 275
Before Princess Inumiya was laid an exquisite suhamadai, on which there were
two cranes standing under a tall pine tree. One was holding a spoon in its mouth
and the other a pair of chopsticks. At the root of the pine tree there was a golden
spoon, to which a verse in the Emperor's own hand was fastened.
"The baby will eat the pounded rice cake, and cry chiyo*, chiyo.
Would that she might live a long life like the pine tree."
All the ladies and gentlemen had pleasant conversation with each other. Princess
Ōmiya said to Prince Danjō.
"Come to the north wing occasionally to talk to me, please. I am fond of you
most among my many grandsons. Why are you so cold and distant to me."
"I abstain from calling on you, because I am an insignificant man", replied
Prince Danjō.
"There are many princes and high courtiers who wish to offer their daughters to
you."
"There can be no such whimsical woman who would come to a man of so little
account as myself."
"Why do you say so?"
Then Lady Jijūden interrupted Princess Ōmiya. "Prince Danjō was yearning for
Princess Atemiya, and he embarrasses me by saying that he wants to become a
monk. It is because he cannot forget her even now."
"I didn't know about it, though Prince Hyōbukyō embarrassed
* There is a pun on chiyo, "Cry of the baby" and "a thousand years." The verse
means, "I hope the baby would eat the pounded rice cake, and live for a thousand
years like the pine tree."
Pg. 276
me often too, by complaining of his hopeless love for Princess Atemiya," said
Princess Ōmiya.
Prince Danjō said to Princess Ōmiya, "There were many suitors besides, whom
you failed to hear about. Over there is a gentleman too who devoted his affection
to her," and he looked toward Major Councillor Nakatada who was sitting close
by.
"Lady Fujitsubo seems not to be as happy as we expected. I am distressed to

hear that she often suffers hardships. I should have offered her to a man who was
in better circumstances," muttered Princess Ōmiya regretfully.
"I never dreamed of such a thing," said Prince Danjō, "But please don't worry so
much. Lady Fujitsubo has not entered the Crown Prince's household in vain,
because he never diverts his affection from her to other ladies. The other day I
met the Crown Prince and Lady Fujitsubo in her apartment. He was in a
wonderful mood. It is natural for him to be content, because he was able to make
Princess Atemiya his concubine. Lady Fujitsubo now knows much of the world,
and she spoke to me in a friendly way. If only she had treated me like that before
her entry into Court, I thought. She has recently become more beautiful than
ever, and I believe that Lady Fujitsubo whom the Crown Prince loves more than
any of other ladies is the happiest person in the world."
"That might be so, but I hear she is always in a pensive mood these days. It is
said she is not as comfortable as when she was living in our residence", said
Princess Ōmiya.
"I very much regret that I could not once receive a reply from Princess Atemiya.
I do intend to offer my true heart to her even now, just as before."
"Last autumn Lady Fujitsubo was staying here for a while. Then the Crown
Prince urged her frequently to return to Court, so she went back very reluctantly.
However, she will come here
Pg. 277
on the last day of this month."
Then Lady Jijūden said to Princess Ōmiya,
"By the way, when is the expected date of Princess Imamiya's confinement?"
"I am told it is quite soon. She has become a fine lady. She must be in some pain
now. To tell the truth, I once wanted to marry her to Prince Danjō, but she was
given to Major Councillor Suzushi after all by an unexpected Imperial order."
Prince Danjō then said, smiling bitterly, "It is said-'Life is full of vexation'-."
In such a manner, their conversation lasted till dark.
Nakatada went back to his home, and said to the First Princess.
"What has Princess Ōmiya said about Princess Inumiya? I didn't like to show my
dear baby to many people."
"Princess Ōmiya said that she hadn't seen Princess Inumiya for a long time, and
that a lovely baby girl like her was rarely to be met with."
"The Major Court Lady also said such a thing about Princess Inumiya the other
day. Oh, I felt pity on Prince Danjō when I heard him talking about Lady
Fujitsubo. If I were not married to you, I would be as desolate as he. I am so
thankful to you, because no one but you would have been able to heal my
severely wounded heart. I was so desolate for a while after Princess Atemiya's
entry into Court, but I have come to forget my loneliness since the night of our
marriage. Now that Princess Inumiya has been born, only the memory that I had
been yearning for her remains in my mind. Councillor Sanetada was pining for
Princess Atemiya, discarding his wife and children, but now that things have
come to such a pass, it's finished with him. He will come to understand the world
by degrees, and comfort himself only with letters sent infrequently from Lady
Pg. 278
Fujitsubo. I hear Lady Fujitsubo will come here at an early date, is it true?"
"As I had been living together with her for such a long time, I felt very lonely,
and could only cry after she had gone to Court."
In the north wing Minister Masayori said to Princess Ōmiya,
"How was Princess Inumiya?"
"She will surely be a rare beauty when she grows up. Though the First Princess
was also beautiful since her childhood, Princess Inumiya is superior in beauty to
her without a doubt."
"I am told Nakatada's affection for Princess Inumiya quite passes bounds. I
wonder how he intends to bring her up. I should like to live for a long time so as
to see Princess Inumiya in the future."
On the tenth of the Twelfth Month it was pronounced that General of the Right
Kanemasa was to be promoted to the General of the Left, and Major Councillor
Nakatada was to be appointed General of the Right. Shortly after this the
Emperor sent two Chinese chests to the First Princess as a congratulatory gift for
Nakatada's promotion, one of them containing Chinese damasks and figured
cloths produced in Yamato province, and another containing silk. Princess
Imamiya, Major Councillor Suzushi's wife, presented the First Princess with a
large goldlacquered chest containing red Chinese robes, Chinese pleated trains,
robes of figured cloths, five suits of ladies' clothes and double-lined trousers.
Minister Masayori also presented her with damasks with a flower pattern and
various splendid clothes.
Nakatada, dressed in a vest of white lined with dark red and outer trousers of
damask heavily scented with rare incense,
Pg. 279
informed the First Princess and Lady Jijūden, and then Minister Masayori and
Princess Ōmiya of his promotion. He then performed the Dance of Homage.
Subsequently Nakatada set out for the residence of General Kanemasa,

accompanied by eight guards officers of the Fourth Rank, fourteen of the Fifth
Rank and thirty of the Sixth Rank. People standing along the road looked at the
new General Nakatada, shouting unanimously, "What a beautiful and imposing
General!"
After informing his parents of his promotion, Nakatada went to Court. While he
was walking toward the Seiryōden*, many courtiers looked at his splendid figure
with admiration. In front of the apartments of the Imperial Consorts and
Concubines, several ladies-in-waiting whispered to each other.
"It is a long time since I have seen General Nakatada. He has become more and
more beautiful and stately. I think no one can be happier than Lady Jijūden,
because the Emperor loves her more than any of the other ladies, and her first
daughter is married to General Nakatada who stands unrivaled in the world. Her
sons are all handsome and in high repute. If she has anything to complain of, it
would be that her daughter is not the Empress and her son is not the Crown
Prince."
"I think Lady Fujitsubo is far happier than Lady Jijūden. I hear that the Emperor
summons some ladies other than Lady Jijūden at times, while the Crown Prince
loves only Lady Fujitsubo. He has completely forgotten all other ladies for a
long time. Besides, Lady Fujitsubo's first son is to become the Crown Prince in
the future. There is none who is happier than Lady Fujitsubo."
Nakatada offered his heartfelt gratitude to the Emperor

* The Imperial Chamber.
Pg. 280
through an Imperial secretary. The Emperor answered, "Come here soon."
When Nakatada showed himself into the Imperial presence, performing the
Dance of Homage, the Emperor gazed at him for a while without a single word,
thinking to himself, "Nakatada looks more handsome than before. I wonder what
he thinks about the First Princess."
After a pause, the Emperor said to Nakatada,
"Why haven't you come to Court for a long time? I missed you very much at the
last festival. Come here frequently without reserve, as you are my son-in-law."
Nakatada replied in awe, "To tell the truth, I recently discovered the manuscripts
of my forefathers in an old warehouse. It was a lucky stroke for me that they
came to my hands without being dispersed and lost. Among them there were
records of the Kiyohara family, which were so interesting to read that I forgot all
worldly affairs. I was remiss in coming to Court."
"That's a very interesting story. It is very good for the public that you study
earnestly in that way. There are few excellent scholars nowadays. Next year the
envoy of Korea is to come to our country, and I feel forlorn and helpless that
there is none but Grand Moderator Suefusa who can hold an interview with the
envoy. It was a good thing that the manuscripts of Toshikage, who had been an
excellent scholar, were discovered."
"Toshikage had written a précis of the books he had read through very skillfully.
Moreover, very valuable things were discovered."
"What were they?" asked the Emperor.
"They were diaries and collections of poems written by Toshikage and his father.
I felt very sad as I read these old documents."
Pg. 281
"Why haven't you told me about this till today? The diaries and poems which
Toshikage and his father had composed, as they sighed away their days, must be
excellent. I should like to read them as soon as possible."
"To speak the truth, in the introduction of the diary of Toshikage's father there
were the following words: 'No one is permitted to read this until Toshikage
returns home. During that period, my spirit will protect this manuscript.' In the
diary of Toshikage there were also written the following words: 'I have no son,
but only a daughter. If a boy is born after two or three generations, he may take
possession of this manuscript, because this is too difficult for a woman to read.
During that period, my spirit will protect this.' I have refrained from informing
you of these manuscripts at my forefathers' last wishes."
"Toshikage might have known beforehand that you would come into the world
after two or three generations. He was a very wise man."
"The warehouse which the manuscripts were kept in stood on its own in deserted
premises, and anyone who approached the warehouse soon died without
exception."
"If you read the manuscripts to me, the spirits of your forefathers will not bring
evil upon us. You will surely be busy today in entertaining the guards officers of
the Imperial guard. Some day when you are free, bring those diaries and
collections of poems and read them to me."
General Nakatada retired from the Imperial presence, and then went to the
apartment of Lady Nashitsubo, and had a long talk with her. When Nakatada
dropped into the Imperial guard office, many guards officers were waiting for
him. They followed the new General Nakatada to go as far as the residence of
Minister Masayori.
Pg. 282
In the residence of Minister Masayori all preparations for the congratulatory

banquet were already complete, and a large pavilion was set up in front of the
main hall. Many guards officers including all Lieutenant- and Major Generals
had a wonderful time all the night through.
Pg. 283
Chapter 14
Opening of the Warehouse: Part Two
1
A few days after, General Nakatada went to Court, accompanied by his retainers
who carried a bookcase of aloeswood and a small Chinese chest of lighter aloes.
In the bookcase there were two boxes, one of them containing Toshikage's
collection of Chinese poems written in the square style, and another containing
that of Toshikage's father written in the cursive style.
The Emperor ordered Nakatada to read Toshikage's poems, so Nakatada read his
Chinese poems, once using a Chinese pronunciation, and once translating them
into Japanese. Nakatada's reading made a great impression on the Emperor, as
his voice was very sweet and beautiful. The Emperor wept, and laughed
whenever he felt sad, and amused. Many princes and high courtiers hoped to
listen to Nakatada's reading in the adjacent room, but the Emperor didn't permit
them even to come near the Seiryōden.
Darkness soon fell. The Emperor said to Nakatada,
"Now, let us take a rest for a few hours. The night is long. I want to hear your
reading until late this evening."
Nakatada then retired to the courtiers' antechamber, and wrote to a lady-in-

waiting named Nakatsukasa, who served the First Princess devotedly.
'"I ask you to read the following letter to the First Princess. -I cannot return
home tonight, as the Emperor told me to
Pg. 284
continue my reading far into the night. I am very anxious about you, and suggest
you to go to the west wing to sleep together With Lady Jijūden, taking Princess
Inumiya with you, of course. Please send me my uniform for night duty. Tonight
as you are not beside me, I will sleep alone talking to my clothes.—"
Not long after this, Nakatada received a letter and his clothes from Nakatsukasa.
A wadded robe of red, a vest of figured white, a sable jacket wadded and lined
with figured cloth, a vest of red damask with a red lining, a pair of double-lined
night trousers, an informal robe and trousers, a pair of inner trousers of red
damask with a red lining, and a lacquered tub for washing hair were put into
three gold-lacquered chests.
Nakatsukasa's reply ran as follows:
"I read your letter to the First Princess. She said that she would treat Princess
Inumiya as you said."
On reading this, Nakatada muttered to himself, "What a curt reply! This is just
like an official document."
Nakatada then changed into the clothes for night duty. The Emperor ordered his
old wet nurse, Yugei, to serve General Nakatada with a meal, and told the Fifth
Prince* who was then attending upon him to bring sake from the sake cellar,
saying: "Sake is indispensable for the chanting of Chinese poems, and no officer
can serve in the Imperial guards without sake."
The Emperor poured sake personally for Nakatada, who drank one cup after
another without reserve. After the supper was over, Nakatada sat at the reading
desk to commence his
* The fifth son of the ex-Emperor Saga borne by the ex-Empress.

Pg. 285
Chap. 14 Opening of the Warehouse: Part Two 285
reading. Though he had drunk a lot, he showed no signs of drunkenness, and

looked more handsome, lit up with lamplights. The Emperor thought to himself,
"Nakatada looks more handsome from close up. I wonder if he really loves the
First Princess?"
As the night wore on, Nakatada's sweet poem-chanting echoed loud and clear.
The Emperor played the koto now and then to Nakatada's chanting.
After a while the Emperor said to Nakatada, "If Toshikage had not refused a
request of the ex-Emperor Saga to serve me as teacher of the koto, he would not
have come to ruin himself. He had been worthy of such a position as the
Minister."
"I suppose he had been an imprudent and unceremonious man."
"In that respect you have a great resemblance to him", the Emperor said and
laughed merrily.
"If only I could play the koto as skillfully as Toshikage."
"Oh, no! I think your skill in koto surpasses without doubt that of Toshikage, and
all those who had listened to the kotos of both Toshikage and you are with me on
that."
Then the night watchman was heard announcing the time to be three o'clock, so
the Emperor said to Nakatada, "It seems late at night. I hope the next reading
will start early tomorrow morning", and went away to his chamber.
Nakatada decided to go to sleep in the courtiers' antechamber. He tossed and

turned in bed, and Lieutenant General Saneyori came round and said to him,
"You formerly slept like a top in the night duty room. How is it that you are
awake as if tonight were the Blue Warrior Festival*?"
* See page 166.

Pg. 286
Early the next morning General Nakatada wrote to the First Princess.
"Why didn't you write to me yourself last night? I felt forlorn.
"I slept alone at Court where it was so cold

That my sleeves moistened with tears were frozen."
If I had to stay at Court one more night, it would be more than I can bear, and if
the next letter is not of your own hand, I will be bitter against you for your lack
of feeling."
Nakatada fastened the letter to a branch of beautiful plum blossoms, and said to
a minor official, "My retainers are waiting in the guardhouse. Tell them to take
the letter to my home."
Suddenly a page appeared before Nakatada, and snatched the letter from his
hand, saying, "I will go on the errand."
He was Miyahata, the son of Lieutenant General Sukezumi, and he was about
eight years old.
"Why do you go on the errand?" asked Nakatada.
"I want to become a messenger to the First Princess."
"Why?"
"I like the First Princess, because my father is fond of her."
The Emperor saw the scene through an opening left by a door which was ajar,
and he thought to himself: "Seeing that Nakatada has written a letter early in the
morning, he is sure to attend to the First Princess with devotion."
After a while Nakatada showed himself in the Imperial presence and resumed
reading where he had left off. Then Miyahata came along holding a letter on blue
paper attached to
Pg. 287
a black bamboo, and said to Nakatada without thinking of the occasion, "This is
a letter from the First Princess."
Then the Emperor ordered Miyahata to bring the letter to him, and opened the
envelope.
"You are bitter against me for my having sent you a letter written for me last
night, but, to tell the truth, I did so for fear that the letter would be read by
another person. Well, I suppose you are very delighted, as your favorite lady is
there in the Palace.
"You are burning with passion, though faint in appearance.
How is it possible that your sleeves are frozen?"
I send you your robes. These are of excellent quality, though those sent yesterday
were not so fine."
The Emperor thought to himself, "The hand is good, and has many points of
likeness to that of Lady Jijūden. The contents of the letter are also composed
fairly well", and handed the letter to Nakatada, who, after having read it, put it
into his bosom unconcernedly.
The Emperor then sent a message to the Crown Prince, "General Nakatada has
opened his series of readings on the old, rare documents at the Seiryōden. Will
you attend the reading, too?"
At this point the Fifth Prince who was attending upon the Emperor said with a
smile.
"I think the Crown Prince will not come here, because he is shut up in a room all
day long, and has seldom been at his desk
Pg. 288
for about a month."
"Where is he shut up?"
"He is always in the apartment of Lady Fujitsubo."
"How is the Fourth Princess getting along?"
"Since the beginning of this year the Crown Prince has never met the Fourth
Princess and other ladies. Only Lady Nashitsubo is summoned by him, and
seems to be pregnant now."
"I wonder what the Fourth Princess' feeling is."
"I think the ex-Emperor Saga is surely grieving at the circumstances of the
Fourth Princess, because he cared much for her. Somehow most of the ex-
Emperor's daughters are unfortunate."
"I am told that the Third Princess is also in a piteous plight. I wonder what
General Kanemasa thinks about her. Generally speaking, the spinsters are
happier than the married among the royal princesses."
At this time the messenger came back, and made a report to the Emperor. "The
Crown Prince is to come here soon."
At about noon the Crown Prince, dressed in fine clothes, appeared at the
Seiryōden, and took a seat in front of the Emperor. Nakatada then retired for a
short time from the Imperial presence to change into formal dress.
Not long after this, Nakatada began to give his reading in the same way as the
day before. The Emperor and the Crown Prince listened quietly to what
Nakatada read and chanted. The reading lasted till dark.
Hereupon Nakatada begged the Emperor to give him leave to return home that
evening to come to Court early the next morning, but the Emperor would not
grant him his wishes. Nakatada retired dejectedly to the courtiers' antechamber,
and wrote to the First Princess.
Pg. 289
"This morning I read your letter with pleasure. I am very sorry to say that I must
stay at Court one more night, because His Majesty does not give me permission
to go home. Well, you wrote in your letter 'as your favorite lady is there in the
Palace', but that is only an affair of the past.
"I see that one's sleeves are dyed red with tears,
When one sleeps at night apart from one's beloved."
Last night I missed you very much. Tonight I will find myself more lonely and
forlorn. I send back the clothes I wore yesterday. How about Princess Inumiya?
Are you treating her as I told you?"
Nakatada waited and waited for her reply to come, but in vain. As the Emperor
frequently urged him to come, Nakatada took supper in haste, and showed
himself in the Imperial presence. The Emperor then said to the Crown Prince,
"The lesson at night is especially interesting. You may attend the reading tonight,
too."
It was snowing outside. The standard lamps were placed on both sides of the
reading desk, and before the Emperor, the Crown Prince and the Fifth Prince
were laid the koto, the sō no koto and the biwa respectively. Nakatada read
Toshikage's poems one after another.
When the Emperor entered the back room owing to his own affairs, the Crown
Prince took up Nakatada's writing brush, and jotted down the following:
"As His Majesty ordered me to attend the night lecture, I must pass the night at
the Seiryōden.
Pg. 290
"How lonely I am to pass alone the snowy night,

Thinking that human life is as short-lived as the snow!"
I want to live happily together with you to the end of my life."
The Crown Prince handed the letter to Miyahata, saying, "Take this to Lady
Fujitsubo in a hurry."
When Nakatada continued the lecture, Miyahata came back, and stood quietly
behind the Crown Prince. He then handed Lady Fujitsubo's reply stealthily to the
Crown Prince. The letter ran as follows:
"White snow vanished before it knew the troubles of the world.

Why is human life full of grief and misery?"
I wish we could live without knowing the bitterness of life like white snow."
On reading the letter, the Crown Prince felt pity on Lady Fujitsubo. He had tears
in his eyes. Glancing at the Crown Prince, Nakatada read the poems wrongly at a
few points. The Emperor wondered what had happened to Nakatada who had
never misread even a word, and smiled at him. Nakatada himself smiled, too, to
see the Emperor smiling. Then the Emperor burst into laughter. Nakatada read
over again the points he had misread. Nakatada's voice was particularly sweet,
especially when he chanted the poems loudly, it echoed through the Palace like
the tinkling of a bell. The Emperor played the koto often to Nakatada's
recitation.
After a while the Emperor ordered Nakatada to read the
Pg. 291
poetical works of Toshikage's father. In this collection there were found many
excellent works. The Emperor chanted them often, and played the koto to
Nakatada's recitation. He then said to Nakatada, filled with deep emotion,
"He seems to have been superior in literary ability to Toshikage. And the hand in
the cursive style is splendid. The wonder is that all members of this family are
skilful in handwriting."
At about dawn the Emperor said to the Crown Prince,
"Attend the reading one day more, and you will surely gain something good for
yourself."
The Emperor ordered the Court ladies to make up a bed for the Crown Prince
beside the reading desk, and then entered his bedchamber. The Fifth Prince went
to sleep in the courtiers' antechamber, and Nakatada in the night duty room.
When Nakatada woke up the next morning, it was snowing heavily. He wrote to
the First Princess:
"How did you spend the night? I am sorry I could not receive your reply. You
may set your mind at rest, as there can be no fear that your letter is read by
others.
"How had I spent my time before I became acquainted with you,

Whom I am pining for like this even after a separation of just two
nights?"
I am dying to see Princess Inumiya.

Pg. 292
Nakatada then thought to himself, "I will attend upon the Emperor after having
received the First Princess' reply lest it should be read by him as it was
yesterday", and he remained for a while at the courtiers' antechamber.
Then Major Councillor Suzushi, Grand Moderator Suefusa, Lieutenant General

Yukimasa and Supernumerary Major Councillor Tadazumi came along.
"We came here shivering with cold", said Suzushi to Nakatada, "to listen to your
lecture in the Imperial presence. Please read the poems a little louder so as to
reach our ears."
"The Emperor ordered me not to read loud, and I lost my voice, as I continued
reading too long."
"Last night your chanting echoed clearly high up in the air, though your reading
voice was so low that we could not catch even a line of the poem. Your koto
made me run without putting on my robe and trousers, and created quite a story
in the Palace."
Nakatada replied with a smile, "To tell the truth, I don't like to read the
documents to anyone but the Emperor for a certain reason. I wish to conceal
them forever in the stone chest."
Suefusa then cut in. "Would you rather seal it up in the wall like the Book of
Filial Duty*?"
Yukimasa interrupted Suefusa. "It is not permissible in this glorious reign to

conceal the valued book, but I know well the reason why the old, rare documents
which General Nakatada has been reading in the Imperial presence should be so
treasured. It is a matter of course."
At that time Lady Fujitsubo sent food and drink to Nakatada
* This book was originally discovered in the wall of Confucius's house in the era
of the Former Han.
Pg. 293
and the other courtiers. They took the dishes and sake at once, and had a pleasant
chat. Then Miyahata came along, holding a letter written on beautiful paper and
fastened to a branch covered with snow. He carried it about delightfully, saying,
"This is the First Princess' letter."
"The reason why I gave no reply to you yesterday is that I feared His Majesty
would read my letter.
"I have begun to know what I was,

And I feel what I am is not myself."
I have come to understand the way of the world by degrees. Princess Inumiya is
always in the bosom of Lady Jijūden."
After that, Nakatada went to bed in the courtiers' antechamber, pretending to get
drunk. Though the Emperor summoned Nakatada frequently, he would not get
out of bed, saying; "I got heavily drunk, as I was pressed by Major Councillor
Suzushi to take several more cups."
After eleven o'clock Nakatada, dressed in a vest of white lined with green and
outer trousers of bluish grey damask, heavily scented with musk and pastil,
showed himself in the Imperial presence, and read the poems of Toshikage's
father in succession.
The reading lasted till dusk. Then the Emperor said to Nakatada, "Today the
reading began under a high sun, so I wish you to continue till late at night."
Many standard lamps were arranged, and the Emperor and the Crown Prince
kept on listening to his lecture.
At about ten o'clock in the evening the Emperor ordered

Pg. 294
Nakatada to open the small Chinese chest of lighter aloes. There were found four
large notebooks with a thickness of ten centimeters, each of them being written
in hiragana*, manyōgana*, katakana*, and ashide* respectively.
The Emperor had Nakatada read the writings in hiragana at the beginning. It was
a diary full of verses in a woman's handwriting. The Emperor, the Crown Prince
and the Fifth Prince listened to Nakatada's reading, losing all sense of time.
As it was the Empress's turn to attend upon the Emperor that night, she presented
herself at the upper chamber of the Imperial Consort accompanied by many
Court ladies, and took a seat just behind the bamboo blind to listen to Nakatada's
reading. Nakatada lowered his reading voice, as the Emperor made a sign with
his eyes to do so. Then the Empress shouted,
"It is improper not to let me hear it, whatever may be the case with Court ladies.
I want General Nakatada to read it louder."
The Emperor gave an answer, "The writings should not be read by anyone but
Nakatada's blood relatives, so I have ordered him to read in a low voice."
The Empress thought, "What spiteful words!", but as Nakatada began to read
somewhat louder, she could just barely catch his reading voice. In this diary
amusing and sad passages were found here and there. When Nakatada read the
sad parts, the Emperor and the Crown Prince shed tears.
After a while the Emperor said to Nakatada, "The writer of this diary is
Toshikage's mother. She was a
* The ancient Japanese used four kinds of kana (the syllabic letters native to
Japan. See Introduction.) i.e. hiragana (the cursive style of kana), manyōgana
(the cursive Chinese characters used as phonetic signs), katakana (the square
style of kana) and ashide (the running style of kana), though only hiragana and
katakana are used in modern Japan.
Pg. 295
sister of the ex-Emperor Saga, and a famous poetess and calligrapher. It stands to
reason that we have been deeply impressed. I want you to read this diary also to
the First Princess."
Then the Emperor ordered Nakatada to read the writings in manyōgana. It was
Toshikage's diary covering many years. There were detailed descriptions of the
affairs at the time when Toshikage had gone to Tsukushi and then started for
China as a member of the embassy to China, the events having happened to him
when he had learned the secrets of the koto in the foreign countries, suffering
many troubles, and the circumstances, in which he had returned home and
married a woman, and brought up his only daughter with tender care. Besides, in
the diary were inserted many verses composed at each period of his life.
The Emperor asked Nakatada. "I think this notebook should be read by the
Grand Court Lady. Have you already shown her this diary?"
"No, not yet. I intend also to have her read it."
Nakatada's reading lasted until dawn rose. Then the Emperor said to Nakatada.
"This diary is too voluminous for you to read through within a few days. You
must be very tired. I wish you to read the remaining part to me after the Buddhist
service* at the year's end is over."
The Emperor then gave a splendid stone belt to Nakatada, and said, "Put on this
belt on the occasion of the New Year's ceremony and such." Nakatada accepted
the fine present with many thanks, and
* The Buddhist service was held, as a rule, on the nineteenth of the Twelfth
Month.
Pg. 296
performed the Dance of Homage.
The Emperor said to Nakatada further.
"Lady Jijūden seems to have no mind to come to Court within this year. She has
stayed there longer than she did at the time of her own childbirth. I wish you
would tell her to come to Court soon."
Nakatada then put the documents of his ancestors into the bookcase and the
small Chinese chest, which he locked and scaled up strictly, and tucked away in
the closet of the Seiryōden.
After retiring from the Imperial presence, Nakatada called at Lady Nashitsubo's
apartment.
"Well, I am sure you have something to tell me," said Nakatada.
"What can it be? There is nothing I haven't told you."
"I've heard you are in a certain condition. Why didn't you inform me of it when I
visited you the other day? Anyhow, it is a great pleasure to me, and also to our
father. As I am told that since the entry into Court of Lady Fujitsubo all other
ladies are sighing away their days, I am delightful the more. Now, from when
does it date?"
"It may be from late in the Seventh Month."
"Then, you are probably seven months pregnant."
"From whom have you heard about me?" asked Lady Nashitubo.
"I happened to hear the Fifth Prince telling the Emperor about you."
Nakatada then started for his home, leaving a message for Lady Nashitsubo: "I
will see you again in a few days."
Pg. 297
General Nakatada had no sooner arrived at the residence than he went to the
First Princess' room, but he could not find her there. When he asked
Nakatsukasa, one of her ladies-in-waiting, where the First Princess was, she
answered, "The Princess is in the west wing having her hair washed."
Nakatada said with a sad expression on his face.
"She ought to know that I come home today. Why does she need to have her hair
washed on the very day of my return home? While drying her hair, a man could
die! Well, how is Princess Inumiya?"
"She is in the west wing, too, with the First Princess."
"Tell her nurse, Taifu, to come here at once."
Taifu showed herself, holding Princess Inumiya in her arms. When Nakatada
received her from Taifu, the chubby princess smiled sweetly as if she had
recognized her father's face.
The First Princess had her hair washed from morning till night in the room of
Lady Jijūden. The maids-in-waiting stood on both sides of the princess and
washed her hair repeatedly with warm water. It took many hours, because her
hair was abundant and long. The hair was washed finally with clear, fresh water
and dried on the cushion laid on a tall cabinet. The bamboo blinds were raised to
make the room airy.
Nakatada said to the First Princess through Taifu that he wanted her to come
back to her own room in the main hall. Lady Jijūden told her to obey Nakatada,
but she replied, "I will go there after my hair has dried."
Then a nurse named Ukon said to the First Princess,
"You are quite right. If you come back to your room and go to bed at once, your
newly-washed hair will be rumpled. General Nakatada slept together with you
even on the very night
Pg. 298
of your childbirth, so it is not likely that he would have regard for your hair."
The First Princess rebuked Ukon at once, "Don't say such a vulgar thing!"
At that time, General Nakatada and Minister Masayori came into the room
through a side door. As the bamboo blinds had been raised, everything in the
room was fully exposed to view. The First Princess had a folding screen set up in
haste so as to conceal herself. Then Nakatada said to the First Princess, "Why do
you hide yourself there? Come back quickly to our room, please."
Subsequently Nakatada said to Lady Jijūden.
"This morning His Majesty told me that you were very late in coming back to
Court."
"I cannot spend a day without seeing Princess Inumiya," answered Lady Jijūden,
"At the time of my own childbirth I used to go to Court in a hurry before I had
enough time to look after my baby, so I had no idea of the loveliness of a baby. I
love Princess Inumiya the more, as I have taken care of her from the day of her
birth. It is quite impossible for me to go to Court leaving her behind, and, what is
more, in this residence I need not make a show of myself or care much about
those around me. There is nothing like leading a comfortable life."
After a pause, Lady Jijūden continued.
"When I look at the lovely face of Princess Inumiya, I always think that even the
rank of the Empress is indifferent to me, and I believe that there is, and will be,
no one happier than the First Princess in the whole world, though she herself
seems not to think so."
Then Nakatada said with a smile.
"The First Princess would not care about me, even if I were bitten by a dog. She
appears to be dissatisfied with me. By the
Pg. 299
way, when my reading was over, His Majesty deigned to give me a very precious
thing."
"What is it.", asked Minister Masayori.
"It is a belt."
"Please let me see it."
Nakatada then had the Imperial gift brought. The belt was put in a bag and kept
in a case of mother-of-pearl work.
At the sight of the belt, Minister Masayori expressed his surprise.
"Oh, an unequalled, rare treasure! This belt was originally Lord Fujiwara no
Tadahira's*, and there were various stories surrounding this belt. This belt was
what made Tadakoso enter the Buddhist priesthood. After Tadakoso had
disappeared, his father, Minister Chikage, offered the belt to the ex-Emperor
Saga. It was afterward handed over to the present Emperor, who held it more
valuable than anything else."
"My reading was not worthy to be rewarded with such a precious gift, because I
only read my forefathers' documents in the Imperial presence."
"It is evident that His Majesty was so moved by your reading. that he gave you
his treasured belt. It is quite a surprise."
Hereupon plenty of food and drink were brought in under Lady Jijūden's
direction. Nakatada ate and drank with gusto together with Minister Masayori, as
he had not taken lunch yet.
At this time there came a report that Suzushi's wife was on the verge of delivery.
Minister Masayori at once went out of the room to make a call of inquiry on
Princess Imamiya. Not long after this, a message that a girl baby had safely been
born was brought there.
Lady Jijūden said to the First Princess, "Your hair must have
* A Prime Minister in the Heian period. (880 - 949)

Pg. 300
dried off. You had better move to the main hall soon," and she entered the back
room.
Nakatada then pushed the folding screen open, and went inside. The First
Princess' long and lustrous hair was still somewhat wet. There was a small
dining table beside her, on which some boiled rice and confectionery were laid.
Nakatada took her with him to their own room in the main hall, and went within
the curtain at once. Lying in bed, he told her various events that had occurred to
him during his stay at Court. Nakatada did not appear from behind the curtain till
the next noon. Then a letter came to Nakatada from his mother, the Grand Court
Lady.
"How have you been all this time? I am expecting you at every moment. If you
would come here today, I would be most pleased."
On reading the letter, Nakatada muttered to himself, "Though somewhat tired

even now, I must go there at once, as I made an appointment with her."
General Nakatada arrived at his parents' residence, and talked with Kanemasa.
"I gave a reading in the Imperial presence for four successive days. After the
sessions I was given this very fine belt."
Seeing the Imperial gift, Kanemasa said in surprise,
"This is the belt we have heard so much of, isn't it? It is a splendid gift, indeed."
"I have heard that the belt had once been the late Minister
Pg. 301
Chikage's. Thus, I beg you to use the belt as your own, as I intend to have a new
jewel belt made of precious stones brought by my grandfather Toshikage from
China."
"Oh, what a thing to say! This is a gracious Imperial gift. You ought to wear it on
such occasions as festivals."
"Then, I will offer you the other belt to be newly made of precious stones
brought by Toshikage. Besides, he brought many valuable articles from China
such as fine horn and the like. It is very strange that these treasures had been
kept safely in the warehouse for such a long time."
"You had better keep such a matter to yourself."
"By the bye, there is very welcome news. Do you know about it?"
"What is it."
"It relates to Lady Nashitsubo."
"I know nothing about her, as I haven't seen her for many years."
"I called on Lady Nashitsubo on the day when I retired from the Imperial
presence. She seemed to be pregnant."
Kanemasa said in surprise, "From when does it date? And does the Crown
Prince know about it? Surely she hasn't committed an indiscretion?"
"Don't say such an improper thing, please. How is it possible that the Crown
Prince doesn't know about it? It is said that Lady Nashitsubo has sometimes been
summoned by the Crown Prince. I hear she has been in a delicate condition since
late in the Seventh Month."
"I am very glad to hear it. As it is said that no ladies but Lady Fujitsubo can meet
the Crown Prince at all, I have never dreamed of Lady Nashitsubo's pregnancy."
"The Crown Prince attended my readings for two days at the suggestion of the
Emperor. He seemed to have recently become
Pg. 302
more commanding."
"I am told that Lady Fujitsubo has become more and more beautiful. She is
already a mother of two lovely sons. She must be very happy. I had formerly
wooed her many times regardless of my being a man of insignificance, but I
regret now that I had given her trouble."
"I hear too that Lady Fujitsubo is pregnant with her third child, and the day of
her childbirth is a little later than that of Lady Nashitsubo."
"The Crown Prince had many people grieve on account of Lady Fujitsubo. I
wonder what the ex-Empress in the Saga Palace thinks about the circumstances
of the Fourth Princess."
"The Emperor seemed to be worried about that matter. Moreover he talked about
the Third Princess of the ex-Emperor Saga. His words sounded too hard to me.
Well, I beg you to call on her now and then. This is what I should like to press
on' your consideration, because the ex-Emperor's life might not be so long. I
earnestly hope you would receive the Third Princess into the wing of this
residence which is assigned to me."
"How can I do such a thing! This is your mother's residence. I had formerly
given her trouble for a long time, so I hoped she would lead an easy life in this
residence."
"My mother would feel sad, if you gave the whole residence to the Third
Princess. It is a good thing, however, that the princess should live in a wing of
this residence, and you call on her now and then. She lives now a lonely life, and
is probably bitter against us for our want of feeling. I hope my father and mother
will listen to me."
So saying, Nakatada shed tears like rain.

Nakatada's mother was moved to tears, and said to Kanemasa.
"I have led a happy life in this residence for a long time, and I
Pg. 303
know well your affection for me has been very deep. I am agreeable to
Nakatada's proposal."
"Then, I will say nothing aboaut it. I hope both of you would manage it as you
like."
Nakatada said to Kanemasa, "Please write a letter to the Third Princess. I will
take it to her and explain in detail."
"I have nothing to write to her. Please tell her what you like."
"That's too bad. How can I tell her without a letter from you?"
Kanemasa was revolving in his mind what to write for a while, but at length
finished writing a letter, and showed it to Nakatada, asking, "Will this be any
help to you?"
"It was very rude of me not to have written to you for a long time. How are you
getting along these days? I have become quite lazy, and may have fallen into my
dotage. Well, I'm sorry to trouble you, but I wish you to move to my squalid
residence. If you accept my proposal, I will go there to meet you at your
convenience.
"A long time passed without my knowing it,

Since I came to live apart from you."
My messenger Nakatada will give you further information."
On reading it, Nakatada answered, "This is very good." He then folded the letter
carefully, and went home, leaving word to Kanemasa, "I will call on the Third
Princess tomorrow without fail."
Pg. 304
6
General Kanemasa had a grand residence, two hectares in area, along the First
Avenue. The Third Princess was living in the main hall and the east wing, while
several women formerly loved by Kanemasa were living in other wings. The
residence had originally been built for the use of his daughter, Lady Nashitsubo,
so her mother, the Third Princess, was now the head of the residence. The other
women were all the daughters of princes or high courtiers, and one of them bore
him a son. All these women were, however, discarded by Kanemasa after
Nakatada's mother was received as his new wife. Having no parents to depend
on and no home to return to, they were obliged to lead a poor and lonely life in
this residence. There had formerly been many servants, who left the residence,
however, one after another, until only a small number of persons remained there.
General Nakatada entered this residence through the south gate and walked
composedly toward the main hall, accompanied by the Vice-governor of Tango
province carrying a letter from General Kanemasa.
Then a number of maids-in-waiting came out of doors, and said to each other,
"The henchmen of the woman-thief who had our Third Princess suffer a
misfortune have come here carrying a final version of the memorial petition,
mistaking this residence for a temple."
Thus some of them cursed and swore at Nakatada, while others prayed to him
with folded hands, looking upon him as a savior. Kanemasa's former mistresses
also came out to look at Nakatada and said to each other,
"It is natural that the lady whose son is such a respectable

Pg. 305
gentleman should win General Kanemasa's heart. Our misfortune may be a kind
of predestination."
Some of them wept, while some looked admiringly at General Nakatada,

forgetting their own ill luck.
Below the stairs of the main hall there were ten maids-in-waiting and four page
girls. When a maid-in-waiting informed the Third Princess of General
Nakatada's visit, she answered, "It is hardly possible that he comes here on
business. I wonder if he has lost his way."
Nakatada said to one of the maids-in-waiting, "I came here as a messenger of my

father. I have something to tell the Third Princess."
Not long after this, a page girl came out, and showed Nakatada into the southern
room.
Nakatada said to the Third Princess,
"1 have been very remiss in calling upon you owing to pressure of work. Today
my father Kanemasa ordered me to visit you as his messenger, bringing his letter
with me. I will explain about the matter in detail myself, as nobody but I would
be able to win your confidence."
On reading Kanemasa's letter, the Third Princess said to Nakatada.
"Oh! I wonder if he really wrote this from his heart."
"How can a man write such a thing from his faithless heart? My father earnestly
hopes that you would move to his residence at any cost. Only my mother is
living there as a housekeeper."
"I am shy of seeing that lady. But, how is it that General Kanemasa abruptly
suggested my removal to his residence."
"My mother has long been feeling sympathy for you. General Kanemasa has
done so on the advice of my mother."
"Though I think it somewhat improper that I move to the residence where your
mother, the most honorable lady, is living,
Pg. 306
I will follow your kind advice. If the messenger were not you, I would not read
even a line of General Kanemasa's letter."
Her sobbing lasted for a while.

"I thank you very much," said Nakatada, "I have not come here in vain. We will
come here to meet you on the twenty-fifth of this month. Now I beg you to give
a reply to my father."
"My reply will be unnecessary, if you tell him what I said to you."
"Oh, no! Please write a letter to him, no matter how short it may be, as a proof
that I have really called on you."
The stewards of the princess' called the attendants of General Nakatada into the
dining room and served them with food and drink. A cook named Ukon whom
General Kanemasa had formerly kept in his service prepared a dish for General
Nakatada, exerting his utmost skill.
Nakatada said to Ukon, giving him a cup, "My father remembers you well even
now, and tells me that you were a good man."
The Third Princess came out as far as the curtain to press a drink on Nakatada,
and expressed repeatedly her heartfelt gratitude.
Nakatada said to her, "I cannot return home without your reply. I must wait here
until you hand your reply to me." The Third Princess began to write, muttering
to herself, "Oh! What a bother!"
"I have received your letter. Though I do not believe that you really wrote this
from your heart, I have decided to obey your very attractive messenger.
"How long I have been bitter against you

For your heartlessness, getting my sleeves wet with
Pg. 307
tears!"
The Third Princess fastened the note to a branch of a withered maple, and
handed it to Nakatada.
When General Nakatada went out of the main hall, a woman threw him an
orange from the southern hall. Nakatada picked it up, and walked further. Then a
woman threw him a mandarin, and another woman a big chestnut from the east
wing. Nakatada picked them up, too.
General Nakatada went to his parents' residence directly, and handed the Third
Princess's note to his father.
"Isn't the residence desolate?" asked Kanemasa, "And, how is she getting
along?"
"There was apparently nothing peculiar as far as the eye could reach. I could see
many stewards and servants working in the warehouses. The princess' own room
was finely decorated, and she was served by many maids-in-waiting and page
girls."
"The princess is very rich, possesses fine furniture and treasures, and is said to
have large manors in various provinces, because her mother was famous for her
immense wealth and she was her only daughter."
"When I came out of the main hall and walked along toward the gate, some
women threw me such things from here and there."
So saying, Nakatada showed the orange, mandarin and chestnut to Kanemasa.
Kanemasa took the chestnut first, and found that within its peel there was dark
red paper scrumpled into a ball, on which . the following verse was written:
"I'm bitter against you who pass the house,

Which you had formerly called at very often."
Pg. 308
When Kanemasa examined the mandarin, it was found that within its peel there
was yellowish paper scrumpled into a ball, on which a verse was written:
"Unable to forget the good old days, I cannot

Leave from the house where I have lived for a long time."
It was also found that within the peel of the orange there was reddish paper
scrumpled into a ball, on which a verse was written:
"After having united me and you, my father died in peace.
How is it that you have entirely forgotten me?"
General Kanemasa shed tears like rain, and was buried in thought for a while. He
then began to speak in a quiet voice.
"The woman who threw an orange is Nakanokimi, daughter of the late Prince
Shikibukyō. Just before he died, he called me and said that he wanted to marry
his dear daughter to me, and begged me to love her, though he knew well of my
fickleness. She was then thirteen years old. Not long after this, the prince died,
and I didn't look after her. I wonder what she is thinking about me now. The
woman who threw a chestnut is a sister of Major General Nakayori. She was of
good character, and skillful in playing musical instruments. The woman who
threw a mandarin is a half sister of the late Minister Chikage. She had once been
a concubine of the ex-Emperor Saga called Lady Umetsubo. She was so old that
she looked like my mother. Furthermore, in the west wing there lived the
daughter of a Lieutenant General and concurrently Councillor, who had once
Pg. 309
been an Imperial Concubine called Lady Saishō. She was very good at playing
the biwa, and bore me a son. How big has the boy grown now? Well, I will send
a return verse only to Nakanokimi."
"Please send replies to all," said Nakatada, "Otherwise they will think that I
neglected to show you what they had thrown me."
Kanemasa had three big oranges brought from the storehouse, and he himself
hollowed out the oranges. He took out all their segments and filled them up with
gold dust instead.
Kanemasa then composed the following three verses for Nakanokimi, Nakayori's
sister and Chikage's half sister respectively.
"I always feel sorry for you and your deceased father,
As I couldn't carry out my promise in the least."
"I used to wander about with no definite object in view,

And accordingly was apt to neglect to call on you."
"Not a day passed without my taking pity on you,
Who stays deep in grief in the lodge I had often visited."
He jotted down these verses on delicate. yellowish paper, in which be wrapped

up the oranges filled with gold dust, and attached three name tags to them.
Nakatada ordered a page who had visited the Third Princess as one of his
attendants to take these oranges to the respective ladies.
Pg. 310
Chapter 15
Opening of the Warehouse: Part Three
1
The celebration on the seventh night after the birth of Major Councillor
Suzushi's daughter was sponsored by Tanematsu, the Governor of Ki province.
General Nakatada, Major Councillor Masaaki, Grand Councillor Tadatōshi,
Sanemasa, the Chief of the Public Welfare Bureau, and many other courtiers
were present there, though Minister Masayori absented himself owing to illness.
The banquet was magnificent as usual, and all the guests played the kotos and
flutes, or composed Chinese poems and verses, taking no notice of time.
Suzushi said to Nakatada.
"It is said that no one can foretell his destiny. I never dreamed of holding the
celebration of the birth of a child whom Princess Imamiya bore me. When
Princess Atemiya's entry into the Crown Prince's household was determined, I
was driven to despair, and thought I would rather die or enter the Buddhist
priesthood, though such an idea faded away as time went by. Some time
afterward the Emperor ordered me to marry Princess Imamiya instead of
Princess Atemiya. Then I felt very bitter, and thought to myself half desperately,
-'If I must marry her, I will do so, but if she is an insignificant woman, I will part
from her after one night, but if she is a nice woman, I will live together with her
for a few nights'-. When I was united with Princess Imamiya, I found, to my
surprise, that she was fairly nice, so I stayed with her for two days. The
following night
Pg. 311
Chap. 15 Opening of the Warehouse: Part Three 311
when I was summoned by the Emperor, I remained at Court until late at night,
making up my mind not to return to Princess Imamiya. In course of time,
however, I began to feel pity on her, and came back to her after all. Since then I
have settled down in this residence. If I were a sensible man born in the capital,
my life would be something very different from the present."
While all those attending the celebration were playing the kotos and flutes very
merrily, Suzushi and Nakatada had a long and lively talk.
"How is it that you don't play the koto for me on this happy occasion, but engage
me only in idle talk?" asked Nakatada.
"It is because I have no friend but you whom I can talk frankly without reserve
to. Tonight I should like to tell you freely what I have in mind. It is nothing to
listen to my koto."
"Don't say so, but play the koto to the best of your ability, please."
"I cannot play the koto so skillfully as you."
"You know, there is nothing dearer than one's own child. I put my baby into my
bosom as soon as she was born. Well, you and I are already fathers, though we
are apt to think ourselves children even now. I often think of my old days. I
cannot forget even now that we played very merrily at Fukiage. Major General
Nakayori should have been the Head of the Imperial Secretariat by now, if he
hadn't entered the Buddhist priesthood. I haven't called on him for a long time.
Have you met him recently?"
"I visited him now and then. Some days ago I called at his hermitage in Mizunoo
with wadded clothes and rice-flour dumplings in my hand."
"Let us go to Mizunoo with Lieutenant General Yukimasa to compose the poems

there next spring when the blossoms are at
Pg. 312
their best. I miss him very much, especially when we play the kotos and flutes at
Court. Well, generally speaking, man loses his skill in arts as he advances in age.
From now on I intend to play the koto for the Emperor and my parents as often
as possible, though it has been my rule not to play it in the presence of others."
"That's quite a good thing. I beg you to play it for me too. Whenever I am
listening to your koto, I find my life worth living."
"I hope you will play, too."

After the talk was over, Suzushi began to play "go" with Nakatada. Then
Nakatada said, "I will take all your fortune away from you tonight by betting
money on the game of go."
Nakatada won all the games, as he previously said, and won a bag filled up with
gold coins. Nakatada played "go" also with many other guests, and won one
more bag filled up with gold coins.
Later Nakatada said to Suzushi, "By the way, will you lend me some of your
carriages tomorrow?"
"What do you use them for?"
"We want to receive the Third Princess into my father's residence at the Third
Avenue."
"It is a joyous story! Is the plan made by your father himself or suggested by
you?"
"My father made it, though I don't know his real intention."
"I am very sorry to say that my carriages are to be used tomorrow for Lady
Fujitsubo's retirement to her parents' residence."
"It will be very difficult for Lady Fujitsubo to retire from Court. It will probably
be at least dawn of the day after tomorrow before the Crown Prince permits her
to leave. As the removal of the Third Princess will be finished by the evening, it
Pg. 313
will not interfere with your services to Lady Fujitsubo."

"If so, I will lend my carriages to you with pleasure."
The next day General Nakatada went to his father's residence, dressed in a fine
robe heavily scented with rare incense. The south pavilion was swept clean, and
made ready to receive the Third Princess. Beside the gilded- and brocaded
carriages borrowed from Major Councillor Suzushi twenty valets were waiting
in uniform dress and thirty retainers in formal dress respectively. The outriders
consisted of ten guards officers of the Fourth, twenty of the Fifth and thirty of
the Sixth Court Ranks.
Kanemasa and Nakatada visited the residence of the First Avenue secretly in the
daytime, accompanied by only two outrunners. Nakatada went directly to the
Third Princess' room, while Kanemasa to the north wing where Nakanokimi
lived.
On peeping into a room through a window, Kanemasa saw Nakanokimi in a robe

of sooty white and a torn vest of red damask with a red lining. She was taking
coarse food beside an old brazier. On the dining tray there was a bowl of rice and
a dish of vegetables, ginger and salty turnip.
At this pitiful scene, Kanemasa shed tears and could say nothing for a while. He
then jotted down the following verse on a sheet of paper, laid it on a tray, and
went away by stealth.
Bitter tears streamed ceaselessly down my cheeks,

And words failed me when I saw your poor life."
After a short time a granddaughter of her wet nurse discovered the paper laid on
a tray, and handed it to Nakanokimi.
Pg. 314
On reading Kanemasa's verse, Nakanokimi said in tears, "I am embarrassed that

General Kanemasa has seen my miserable life. Properly speaking, he is to blame
for it. How long I have been leading such a sad and lonely life!"
After thinking hard for a while, she jotted down the following reply on delicate
paper.
"I am looking alone at the clouds in the sky,

Feeling bitter against the man who never shows himself again."
There was no maid-in-waiting, however, who would run after Kanemasa and
hand her verse to him, so Nakanokimi crumpled it up in her hand, and looked
out of the window, leaning against the pillar, when she could catch sight of
Kanemasa's retreating figure.
When Kanemasa entered the Third Princess' room, there were twenty maids-in-
waiting, and four pages in blue cloaks and robes of thick silk. Things in the room
were just as they had been in the old days. The Third Princess, dressed in a robe
of figured silk and a vest of red damask with a red lining, was sitting in front of
the bamboo blind.
Kanemasa said to the Third Princess, "As I have recently become a poor-spirited
and shiftless man, I have been shy of calling on you. I always stayed beside a
woman suitable to my state. But it seems to me that I have but a few years left
before me, so I wish you to come to my residence, though it is as squalid as a
fisherman's hut."
"I have been taking the world as it is," said the Third Princess, "but I feel pity on
the Fourth Princess who is sighing away her days. She hasn't visited the Saga
Palace for a long time for fear that she should be a disgrace to the ex-Emperor
Pg. 315
and ex-Empress. I hear the ex-Emperor regrets that she never calls on him."
"I am anxious about you. Concerning the Fourth Princess's affair, Nakatada will
surely look after it somehow."
Kanemasa and the Third Princess had a long talk about various matters.
Meantime Nakatada called at the first east wing where Nakayori's sister lived.
"I have come here, as there is something I want to tell you," said Nakatada.
Nakayori's sister set up a curtain near the bamboo blind, and provided Nakatada
with a cushion and a brazier.
"Please come a little nearer", said Nakatada, "I ought to have called on you the
other day. To speak the truth, however, I did not know at all that you were living
here."
"As my brother talked about you very frequently, I have learnt all about you."
"From now on I will look after you, little as I can, in place of my father and your
brother. After your brother entered the Buddhist priesthood, what has become of
his wife by the way?"
"She is now staying with her father Tadayasu. When I visited her the other day,
she wept bitterly, thinking of her husband in those days when he had returned
from Fukiage, and I was also moved to tears in sympathy. She always hopes to
take the Buddhist orders, but her parents will not allow her to."
"She has her own children, hasn't she? Where are they now?"
"She has a daughter of ten or so, and two sons who are younger by one or two
years. The daughter lives with her mother, while the sons were summoned by
their father to the mountain to take lessons in music. I am told that the older son
is proficient in everything while the younger is not quite so, to their father's
regret."
Pg. 316
"Major General Nakayori had excellent musical instruments. Did he take them to
the mountain?"
"I hear that he got someone to take them as far as the mountain in order to
instruct his sons in music."
"I wonder how he is getting along with his sons in the secluded mountain. You
know, I came here today with my father to receive the Third Princess into my
father's residence. I will also receive you into my residence which will soon be
enlarged. Please wait patiently for a while."
So saying, Nakatada went back to the private room of the Third Princess, where
Kanemasa was taking a nice meal prepared by Ukon.
Darkness began to fall, and the valets, retainers and outriders who had been in
waiting in General Kanemasa's residence came along with the carriages. The
stewards of the Third Princess' household placed large braziers and large sake
barrels here and there, and served them with food, such as rice cakes and dried
fish, and hot drinks.
Before long the Third Princess and many maids-in-waiting, pages and
undermaids got into the carriages, and were about to start.
Nakanokimi was seeing them off, saying to herself: "What will become of us, if
the Third Princess has gone away? And I am very sorry that I cannot hand the
return verse to General Kanemasa."
Kanemasa came to Nakanokimi after the Third Princess' carriage had started,
and said, "I came here today to meet the Third Princess. I will come here to meet
you some other day."
So saying, Kanemasa got into the carriage in a hurry. When Nakanokimi threw
the crumpled paper on which her verse was written, one of the attendants picked
it up and handed over to Kanemasa in the carriage.
Pg. 317
Nakatada rode an excellent horse, and acted as an outrider. Many carriages stood
all along the road to look at the procession. Some people stuck their heads out of
the carriages, and some raised the bamboo blinds of the carriages and pushed
themselves forward to catch sight of General Nakatada riding on horseback.
The procession soon arrived at the residence of General Kanemasa, and the
Third Princess's carriage drove right up to the southern front of the pavilion.
That night Kanemasa stayed overnight with her. Nakatada said to his mother,
"Good night, my mother! I will come here tomorrow," and went back to his
home.
That night Minister Masayori went to the Crown Prince's Palace to meet Lady
Fujitsubo, accompanied by all his sons except Supernumerary Major Councillor
Tadazumi. In the procession there were twenty women's carriages borrowed
from Major Councillor Suzushi, and the outriders were almost all the guards
officers of the Fourth and Fifth Court Ranks residing in town.
Minister Masayori wanted to go himself to the Crown Prince's Palace and beg
for Lady Fujitsubo to retire to his residence, because the Crown Prince would
not permit her to leave.
The Crown Prince knew beforehand that Minister Masayori would come to meet
Lady Fujitsubo, and so he went to bed in broad daylight in the apartment of Lady
Fujitsubo under the pretext of some indisposition or other. Consequently,
Minister Masayori could not ascend the stairs of the apartment, and had to
remain standing below. He tried several times to speak to
Pg. 318
Lady Fujitsubo through the ladies-in-waiting, but all in vain.
Then he heard a lady-in-waiting saying in the apartment of a Consort, the

daughter of Prime Minister Sueakira, "Lady Fujitsubo seems to retire to her
parents' home tonight. I want to see what a ridiculous figure she cuts when she
goes back."
Subsequently he heard a page saying in the apartment of the Fourth Princess.

"Today is an auspicious day. Around the north gate of the Palace there are many
people and carriages. Lady Fujitsubo is sure to retire tonight. That Lady is so
odious that I want to whip her one hundred times."
Minister Masayori then summoned a lady-in-waiting named Soō, and asked her
to steal into the private room of Lady Fujitsubo from behind, and tell her secretly
that he himself had come to meet her.
When Soō stole into the private room, as Minister Masayori had said, the Crown
Prince stood up and stumbled over an armrest. He pushed down a pair of folding
screens and a curtain with a clatter. After a while, Soō came out of the room, and
informed Minister Masayori of the event. Minister Masayori then said to his fifth
son Akizumi, "In spite of my advanced age, I have come here at night, so I
cannot return home without accomplishing my purpose. As you are an official in
the Crown Prince's household, you can surely approach the Prince. I want you to
inform the Prince of my intention."
Akizumi hesitated to go, however, saying, "It is useless, as the Crown Prince
seems to be in a bad mood now."
The Crown Prince became aware of the state of affairs, and said to Lady
Fujitsubo.
"As you sent a message to your father and brothers, they have come here to
blame me. It is too cruel of you. I feel wretched while you are absent. They
intend not to have you come to
Pg. 319
Court again. If so, I would rather die here together with you."
With this, the Crown Prince drew Lady Fujitsubo closer to his heart.
"I should like to do for you whatever you like," said the Crown Prince,
"Nevertheless you would not open your heart to me, and something hasn't been
quite right between you and me. This may be because you regret that you could
not marry General Nakatada. You plunged many gentlemen, including Nakatada,
into the depths of despair. This act of yours is sinful."
Lady Fujitsubo was trembling, and the Crown Prince felt pity on her, and said
quietly.
"I want you to conceal nothing from me from now on. Wait patiently for a while.
If you should try again to retire against my will, I would become extremely
angry."
Minister Masayori and his sons waited patiently outside, until they accepted the
inevitable and returned to their residence at dawn. A little after daybreak
Minister Masayori sent a message to Lady Fujitsubo.
"Last night I went to the Palace to meet you, but returned home at dawn without
accomplishing my purpose. I brought you up most carefully, and hoped earnestly
that you would lead a happy life. Nevertheless, while I was waiting outdoors last
night, I heard, to my sorrow, unpardonable slanders about you. I felt ashamed,
because such slanders reached the ears of my sons and attendants. I think it is
necessary now to quieten the feelings of those speaking ill of you. Retire to my
residence for a while."
While Lady Fujitsubo was reading this letter, the Crown Prince told her to show
it to him.
Pg. 320
The Crown Prince threw the letter away, saying, "Whatever ladies-in-waiting in
other apartments may say, it's no concern of mine. Masayori ought to have
disregarded such slanders."
The messenger went back dejectedly to inform Masayori of the state of affairs.
Shortly afterward, Princess Ōmiya said to Minister Masayori,
"You have hurt the Crown Prince's feelings by going ostentatiously to the Palace
with our sons, and by sending a letter to Lady Fujitsubo. It is not good for the
future of our young sons, I think".
When Promotion Day came, Tadazumi was promoted to the Chief of the Left
Gurad, Chikazumi to the Major General of the Right, and Prince "My Baby" to
the Clerk of the Treasury and concurrently the Guards Lieutenant. Nevertheless,
these sons of Minister Masayori did not offer their gratitude to the Crown Prince.
On the last day of the Twelfth Month, Tanematsu, the Governor of Ki province,
presented General Kanemasa with a large chest containing damask, silk and
floss, Minister Masayori with twenty bales of charcoal and thirty koku* of rice,
and General Nakatada with ten bales of charcoal and ten koku of rice.
From these presents, Nakatada wanted to send his parents and Nakayori's sister
two bales of charcoal and one koku of rice each. Besides, he provided twenty
baskets of charcoal, a basket containing twenty kan of money, three large bags
made of coarse silk threads containing fifty rolls of silk, and a bag of the
* One koku is about five bushels.

Pg. 321
same sort containing twenty rolls of cotton, and fastened labels to these baskets
and bags, on which he wrote "From the mountain", copying Nakayori's hand. He
then had his servants, stablemen, mowers and two pages carry them to
Nakayori's sister. When they arrived at her apartment, a page said to her, "I came
from General Nakatada's", and handed her Nakatada's letter as well as two bales
of charcoal and one koku of rice. After that, another page said to her, "I came
from Mizunoo," and handed her the baskets and bags labeled "From the
mountain". Nakatada's letter ran as follows:
"The other day I wanted to talk with you even longer, but had to leave your
apartment, as darkness began to fall. As I said then, I intend to receive you into
my residence before long. Well, how is this charcoal compared with that from
Mizunoo?"
Nakayori's sister was greatly surprised to see Nakatada's fine and abundant
presents, and said to her wet nurse. "What shall I do with these unexpected
presents?"
"It is open to question to receive a present from a strange gentleman," said the
nurse, "But these are General Nakatada's kind presents. Please accept them
thankfully, and write a letter of thanks to him in a hurry."
Nakayori's sister called indoors the messengers of General Nakatada and gave
them food and drink. She also presented a white vest to the older page and an
unlined robe to the younger.
Her reply was as rollows:
"I am sorry that the other day I could not speak out what I thought. Now, I offer
you my heartfelt thanks for your splendid gifts, but I am afraid that your
beautiful hands have become
Pg. 322
black by your burning charcoal."
When her maids-in-waiting unfolded Nakatada's presents, they made rather a

fuss, so she admonished them at once.
"All of you should be quiet, because if people in other apartments should hear
about General Nakatada's presents, they will surely gather here to envy and curse
us."
Soon afterwards she distributed some of the presents among her mother,
Nakayori and his wife. In addition, she sent Nakayori Nakatada's letter and
children's clothes.
One day Kanemasa told the Grand Court Lady about Nakanokimi's miserable
life, and showed her verse written on a crumpled paper to her. Then the Grand
Court Lady said in tears, "I feel sorry for her from the bottom of my heart. She
was bereaved of her father when still young, and left alone for a long time by
you whom she had been wholly dependent upon. How lonely and bitter she has
been!"
Kanemasa answered, "Nakanokimi was taking a very poor food the other day.
What shall I do to console her."
Just then the charcoal and rice presented by Nakatada arrived at Kanemasa's
residence. Kanemasa said, "Oh! That's fine," but the Grand Court Lady advised
him to give all these presents to Nakanokimi.
Thus Kanemasa sent Nakanokimi all the presents of Nakatada, and moreover, a
large chest containing fish, fowl, confectionery, charcoal and oil kept in his
warehouse.
Nakanokimi accepted Kanemasa's presents with thanks, and wrote a reply as

follows:
"I felt as if in a dream the other day when I read your unexpected verse.
Pg. 323
"There is no evening when I don't look at the clouds,

Though the man I wait for hasn't come here for a long time."
Among the presents there was a bag containing money a little less than one
hundred Ryō . It was the money that Kanemasa had saved to buy rare articles
from the Chinese merchants.
Some time later, on hearing that Nakanokimi had bought clothes for her servants,
her former servants came to her from the villages on some pretext or other,
hoping that they would also be given clothes. It excited the envy of people in
other apartments that Nakanokimi's household had become lively all of a sudden.
On the very last day of the Twelfth Month General Kanemasa summoned
Nakatada to his residence.
"There is something I want to tell you," said Kanemasa, "To tell the truth, I wish
to acquire the mansion of the Governor of Ōmi province who has recently been
appointed to that post on your recommendation. Please tell him to exchange his
mansion for my house at the Second Avenue."
"Surely I will," answered Nakatada, "I will have him offer his mansion to you.
He is my confidential subordinate, and was promoted by my recommendation in
the last autumn appointments, though Minister Masayori seemed to be against
my proposal. His mansion is at the Third Avenue, and is very tasteful. It was
originally built for the use of a young lady expected to be the wife of Prince "My
Baby", but he refused to marry her."
"Why didn't he marry her?"

Pg. 324
"I suppose he intends to marry another woman after he has risen to a higher
position. He is a clever man."
"Major General Chikazumi appears to win promotion beyond his brothers. I hear
he is gaining influence at Court. Has he already married?"
"He has divorced his former wife, and is angling for the Second Princess now.
Though Minister Masayori admonishes him to give up the idea, he insists that
there is the example of General Nakatada, and though the minister tells him that
the case of Nakatada doesn't make a precedent because it took place by Imperial
order, he does not obey his father at all. Minister Masayori is very worried about
it."
"I want to ask you something more. Whom did Chamberlain Nakazumi die of
love for? It wasn't for the First Princess, I suppose."
"I don't know for certain, but it is said he died of love for another lady."
"It is natural that Minister Masayori should be worried about Major General
Chikazumi, because there was the case of Chamberlain Nakazumi. Tell me, what
does the Second Princess look like?"
"She has recently gone through her ceremonial putting on of the pleated train. I
am told she is very beautiful, like Lady Fujitsubo."
Then the Grand Court Lady cut in,

"I think the First Princess is a rare beauty. Her hair is straight and glossy beyond
compare."
"Who else is a lady of beautiful features and hair?" asked Kanemasa.
Nakatada answered at once. "The Third Princess and Nakanokimi are both very
beautiful, but a lady superior in beauty to my mother is nowhere to be seen."
Pg. 325
"Oh, what a thing to say!" said the Grand Court Lady, "A woman's charm is
youthfulness after all. The hair of the Second Princess must be beautiful, because
Lady Jijūden takes care of it every day. On the contrary, my hair has remained
unkempt for a long time."
"Age will tell. If I were young, I would surely make love to the Second
Princess", said Kanemasa with a smile.
Some time later Nakatada returned home. He left the following message: "I will
manage the matter of the Governor's mansion all right, and come here at any
time you want."
On the first of the First Month Minister Masayori went to Court to offer New
Year's greetings, accompanied by his many sons and sons-in-law as well as four
princes borne by Lady Jijūden.
When Minister Masayori and his party passed by the apartments of the Imperial
Consorts and Concubines, some ladies-in-waiting of the Empress whispered to
each other,
"Look at the princes borne by Lady Jijūden! They are all very fine, are they not?
Nevertheless, they are not to be compared with General Nakatada."
Nakatada offered New Year's greetings to the Emperor, and then went to the
apartment of Lady Fujitsubo. There he could meet only Soō, a lady-in-waiting,
who said to him.
"Nowadays our Lady is always in her upper chamber at the Crown Prince's
quarters. Since Minister Masayori came to Court to meet her the other day, the
Crown Prince became angry, and our Lady has been absent from here. We are
prohibited from going to her upper chamber, so I cannot convey your New Year's
greetings to her."
Pg. 326
"Who are attending upon her now?" asked Nakatada.
"At present only Hyōe and Akogi are there."
Nakatada then went to the apartment of Lady Nashitsubo, and talked with her.
"How is the Crown Prince these days?" asked Nakatada.
"When I answered his summons the other night, he told me that he hadn't met
the Fourth Princess yet as he could hardly forget the former quarrel with her."
"How is Lady Fujitsubo getting along?"
"I am told that in front of the bamboo blind of the Crown Prince's room there
was set up an upper chamber, where Lady Fujitsubo is sitting all day long,
feeling very constrained. It is said her wet nurses say in tears that it is too cruel
to Lady Fujitsubo that the Crown Prince is always watching her without looking
aside."
"What does the Crown Prince say about your pregnancy?"
"He said some time ago, -'Lady Fujitsubo is now pregnant like you. It is a happy
event, indeed, that two ladies are pregnant at the same time.'-"
On the seventh of the First Month it was announced that Minister Masayori was
promoted to the Senior Grade of the Second Rank, General Kanemasa to the
Junior Grade of the Second Rank, Guards Major Tsurazumi to the Fourth Rank,
and Guards Lieutenant Prince "My Baby" to the Fifth Rank. The Grand Court
Lady was raised to the Third Rank.
On the twenty-fifth of the First Month, Prince "My Baby" was promoted to
Chamberlain, and Guards Major Tsurazumi to Vice-minister of the Military
Office. Nakatada recommended a man serving as a functionary of the university
and concurrently a petty official in the Imperial secretariat for Vice-governor of
Iyo province. He was one of the two retainers who had once visited the cavern in
the mountain with General Kanemasa to
Pg. 327
bring back Nakatada and his mother to the city.
The hundredth day celebration of Princess Inumiya's birth was held

magnificently, sponsored by the Grand Court Lady, in Minister Masayori's
residence on the twenty-fifth of the First Month, the Day of the Rat. Before
Princess Inumiya were placed twelve trays of aloeswood and a gold bowl.
Before Minister Masayori, Minister Tadamasa, Lady Jijūden, Princess Ōmiya
and royal princes borne by Lady Jijūden were placed trays on stands and cypress
boxes. The cypress boxes provided by the Grand Court Lady were over one
hundred in number.
Soon after, Nakatada went to the east wing, and placed trays of aloeswood and a
little bowl of lapis lazuli before two princes borne by Lady Fujitsubo. Besides,
he presented them with miniatures of brocaded and gilded carriages, with
persons in them and drawn by cows of gold, a man riding on a horse, and small
boxes of gold and silver.
The older prince was five years old, and looked tall for his age. He had fair skin
and beautiful hair like Lady Fujitsubo, and looked very noble like the Crown
Prince. The younger prince was four years of age, and looked noble too.
Nakatada held both the princes on his lap, saying, "Please take rice cake on these
trays. I want to have Princess Inumiya eat your leftovers", and he himself fed the
princes with rice cake and other things.
"I wish you to bring Princess Inumiya here", said the older prince.
"I don't like to take her here, as she is only a baby now. After she has grown up a
little more, call and fondle her, please."
"Oh, how glad I am! I'm sorry I have few friends to play with".
Pg. 328
7
Early in the Second Month Nakatada called on his father Kanemasa.
"I can now offer you the mansion you spoke of the other day," said Nakatada,
"Here are the certificate of the ownership of the mansion and a list of the
furniture and effects."
In the list there were the names of various household goods, such as cabinets,
Chinese chests, curtains and folding screens.
"When shall I hand over my house at the Second Avenue to him in place of
this?" asked Kanemasa.
"There is no need for such care", answered Nakatada, "because the Governor of
Ōmi province is quite willing to offer his mansion to you in requital of my favors
to have recommended him for the position."
Late at night on the fifth of the Second Month General Kanemasa called on
Nakanokimi at the residence of the First Avenue in secret, accompanied by his
confidential retainers with three carriages.
Nakanokimi, dressed warmly in white clothes, was sitting under a light together
with four maids-in-waiting, two pages and two undermaids. She seemed lonely.
Kanemasa said to Nakanokimi, "A quiet house is arranged for you in the eastern
neighborhood of my residence at the Third Avenue. I wish you to move there
and lead a comfortable life from now on."
"It is difficult for me to start out at once", answered Nakanokimi.
"You must move today, as this is an auspicious day. You may leave your wet
nurse behind to have her carry your belongings to your new house later".
Nakanokimi consented to move. Kanemasa had Nakanokimi

Pg. 329
ride in a brocaded carriage and her maids-in-waiting in two other carriages. That
night Kanemasa stayed at her new house, and took a meal with her.
Later Kanemasa said to Nakanokimi,
"You had better give the wet nurse all your belongings left behind in the
residence of the First Avenue, and tell her to come here this evening after she has
swept the vacant rooms clean."
He added further, handing her the certificate of ownership of the mansion and
the list of the furniture and effects.
"Keep these in a safe place lest you should lose them. I cannot call on you so
often, but will come here at times, as I live close by. Nakatada's mother who
lives in my residence is very tender-hearted, so you may consult with her about
everything without reserve."
When Kanemasa returned to his residence, the Grand Court Lady was arranging
her hair. She looked very beautiful and young.
"I had poor Nakanokimi move to a mansion near here", said Kanemasa, "She is
quite unfortunate. Her father, Prince Shikibukyō, had left a large property and
many manors to her, which seem, however, to have been squandered by her
people after I ceased to take care of her. I hope you will look after her with
sisterly affection, as you have no brother and sister."
"I feel very sorry for Nakanokimi who has neither her parents nor a man to
depend upon. My father used to say,— 'Unfortunate persons cannot become
happy however hard they may try, while the fortunate can surely become happy
even if they are left alone in a most terrible place. Everything in the world ought
to be entrusted to Heaven.'— I think what my father said is quite right."
Kanemasa stayed almost always beside the Grand Court Lady as before. Though
he called on the Third Princess and
Pg. 330
Nakanokimi in the evening once in a while, he never passed a night there. Since
it was midnight when Nakanokimi left the residence in the First Avenue, none of
the women living there were conscious of it. But they soon became aware of her
removal as her belongings were carried away and the unoccupied rooms were
swept clean. They thought to themselves that seeing only the Third Princess and
Nakanokimi were received into General Kanemasa's residence, he must be
wanting them to leave the residence at their discretion, and they considered what
they should do with themselves. Minister Chikage's half sister who lived in the
second west wing was received by her nephew, Ācārya Tadakoso, into a small
house, and a Lieutenant General's daughter, formerly called Lady Saishō, who
lived in the first west wing was taken away by her brother. Nakayori's sister who
lived in the first east wing was received by Nakatada into his mansion at the
Second Avenue which had been given by the Emperor. Thus Kanemasa's women
living in the residence of the First Avenue were all dispersed, and only a steward
of the Third Princess lived, as a caretaker, with his wife and children in a small
tenement house within the premises.
One day Nakatada told Kanemasa that Lady Nashitsubo wanted to retire to her
father's residence.
"Is it sure that the Crown Prince knows about her pregnancy?" asked Kanemasa.
"Don't worry about it. Lady Nashitsubo has often been summoned by the Crown
Prince, and, what is more, I am told he said to her the other day, -'Lady Fujitsubo
is now pregnant like you.' "
Pg. 331
Kanemasa decided to have Lady Nashitsubo live in the west wing and the
western front of the pavilion where her mother, the Third Princess, lived, and
ordered his servants to bring all the furniture and effects kept in the residence of
the First Avenue.
"Will you go to the Crown Prince's Palace to meet Lady Nashitsubo with me?"
asked Nakatada.
"No. I will not. It is also good for you not to go there."
"You had better go with me to meet her for appearance's sake."
"I hear that Minister Masayori has hurt the Crown Prince's feelings by going to
the Palace with his many sons to meet Lady Fujitsubo. I don't like to go there to
meet Lady Nashitsubo for fear that I should give offense to the Crown Prince."
Nakatada succeeded, however, in persuading his father at last, and the two
Generals started for Court with many outriders.
The Crown Prince met Kanemasa and Nakatada at the apartment of Lady
Nashitsubo.
"I haven't seen you for a long time", said the Crown Prince, "We have met today
for the first time this year."
"I almost always stay at home, without going to Court, these days", answered
General Kanemasa filled with awe, "I have heard of Lady Nashitsubo's desire to
retire to my residence, so I and Nakatada came here to meet her. We intend to
serve as grooms to attend her carriage."
The Crown Prince gave a good loud laugh, and said, "What a grand woman
Lady Nashitsubo has become! It is an unprecedented matter that a woman has
both the Generals of the Left and the Right serve as grooms of her own
carriage."
Kanemasa begged the Crown Prince to give him leave, as soon as possible, to
take Lady Nashitsubo to his residence.
Lady Nashitsubo's carriage arrived safely at the southern front of the west wing,
and Kanemasa had a talk with her.
Pg. 332
"Does the Crown Prince know well about your pregnancy? It weighs on my
mind day and night."
"It is sure that the Crown Prince knows about it, though I don't know for certain
what he thinks about me."
"I am glad to hear that. I feel as if in a dream."
That night Kanemasa slept beside Lady Nashitsubo.
The next morning when Lady Nashitsubo was taking breakfast, a letter from the
Crown Prince arrived.
"I regretted that I hadn't enough time to talk with you last night, since you
wanted to retire in a hurry.
"I could hardly sleep last night, thinking of you,

Though in the Palace I haven't met you so often."
I hope for your good health in your confinement."
This letter was written on delicate purplish paper, and attached to a branch of the
plum.
Looking at this, Kanemasa said to Lady Nashitsubo,
"I feel relieved now. Keep this letter carefully at the bottom of your comb box."
Kanemasa served the messenger with food and drink, and presented many fine
articles to him.
Lady Nashitsubo replied by letter as follows:
"I retired hastily last night, pressed by my father and brother, as it was already
late at night.
"How long I have stayed patiently in the Palace,

Envying those who can go freely to their family!"
Pg. 333
Chapter 16
Royal Abdication: Part One 1
Minister Masayori's residence was at the Third Avenue, and was very large.
Masayori and his two wives lived there, as well as his many sons and sons-in-
law and their wives and children, and the princes and princesses borne by Lady
Jijūden and Lady Fujitsubo. Everyone came to feel cramped and confined. Thus
Minister Tadamasa and Prince Shikibukyō* moved to their own residences, and
three Councillors among Masayori's sons, Tadazumi, Morozumi and Sukezumi
moved to the residences of their wives' parents.
General Nakatada and the First Princess moved to the first and second east
wings from the main hall. He had the northern front of the first east wing
repaired completely, and let Nakayori's sister live there.
Lady Jijūden moved to the main hall, the princesses borne by her to the second
west wing and the north wing where Princess Ōmiya had lived, and Prince
Danjō) to the first west wing.
The wings in the northwest quarter of Masayori's residence where Minister

Tadamasa and Prince Shikibukyō had lived were assigned to Lady Fujitsubo as
her home away from the Crown Prince's Palace, and new bamboo blinds,
curtains and so on were provided there.
Major Councillor Suzushi intended to move to his own
* Minister Tadamasa and Prince Shikibukyō are the husbands of the sixth and
fifth daughters of Minister Masayori respectively.
Pg. 334
residence after he had received Lady Fujitsubo in Masayori's residence.
Prime Minister Sueakira was ill in bed for a long time. One day he called two of
his sons, Sanemasa, the Chief of the Public Welfare Bureau, and Saneyori, the
Lieutenant General of the Left, to his bedside.
"I am not worried about either of you at all," said he, "because you have become
fine courtiers, and, if I die shortly, my brother Masayori would act as guardian
for you*. But the matters about Sanetada and my daughter who serves the Crown
Prince as his Consort weigh so heavily on my mind that I feel my journey to the
next world would not be so easy. Sanetada was goodlooking, of a good
disposition and in high repute at Court, so that I expected him to succeed to my
office. Nevertheless, he is now beside himself and unable to keep company with
people."
Soon thereafter Sanemasa ran to Masayori's residence, and Saneyori to Sanetada

in Ono village to inform them of the Prime Minister's bad condition. Sanetada
was so greatly surprised that he could say nothing. After a long pause he said to
Saneyori.
"I have already heard of my father's illness, but refrained from visiting him. I
will, however, call on him immediately now I have heard about his unfavorable
condition."
Sanetada departed from Ono village under cover of night.
As soon as Sanetada arrived at the residence, Prime Minister Sueakira said

impatiently, "Show him in here at once." But
* Sanemasa and Saneyori are Masayod's sons-in-law.

Pg. 335
Chap. 16 Royal Abdication: Part One 335
Sanetada would not appear before the Prime Minister, concealing himself behind
a pair of folding screens.
At that time his daughter, one of the Crown Prince's Consorts, entered the room,
and sat beside his sickbed.
Prime Minister Sueakira said to Minister Masayori, leaning on an armrest:
"My illness seems to have advanced, and I shall be unable to live for long. I have
lived to a good old age, so do not regret giving up my life in this world. I feel
amply satisfied that I could serve the Court up to the age of seventy odd.
Besides, I am not anxious about Saneyori, because you will act as guardian for
him. Only Sanetada's affairs weigh heavily upon my mind, and I shall have to
carry my regrets beyond the grave. I feel pity for him, though he ruined himself
of his own free will. I beg you to look after him after my death."
Minister Masayori answered loudly so that his voice could reach the ear of
Sanetada hiding himself behind a pair of folding screens:
"I wonder why Councillor Sanetada doesn't show himself before his father,
though present in this room. I have thought him to be a respectable man since
early times, and entertained friendly sentiments toward him, as he was living in
my residence. Many gentlemen bore a grudge against me when Princess
Atemiya entered the Crown Prince's household. I was grieved at heart when I
heard that Councillor Sanetada buried himslef in the mountain village on
account of her. Thus I proposed to offer my daughter, Princess Kesumiya, to
him, but could not obtain his consent. You may make yourself easy about him,
because I am sure to look after him even without your request."
Prime Minister Sueakira shed tears of gratitude, and then said appealingly, "Why
doesn't Sanetada appear before me? Doesn't
pg. 336
he want to see me?", but Sanetada would not listen to his father.
Soon thereafter Sueakira ordered Sanemasa to write out a deed of disposition for
his property as follows: "Out of three residences, the one in which Sueakira is
now living is to be given to my daughter serving the Crown Prince, a second one
together with various treasures to Sanetada, and the remaining one together with
many sorts of women's utensils and accessories to Sanetada's daughter Sodegimi.
Many manors in various provinces are to be given to Sanemasa and Saneyori."
Sueakira affixed his signature to the deed, and showed it to Masayori, saying,
"Sanetada's wife was a lady of good repute. It is a great pity that she had such a
bitter experience. I suppose Sodegimi has grown big by now, and I want to give
her this much fortune at least."
Soon after Minister Masayori returned to his residence, and Sanetada showed
himself before his father. Sueakira said to Sanetada, shedding tears of joy.
"There are various troubles in the world, but man can tide them over, if he is
stout-hearted. You have ruined yourself merely on account of a woman."
"Don't worry about me so much, please", answered Sanetada, "The reason why I
secluded myself in the mountain is that after my mother's death I simply became
weary of life and came not to find this world worth living in."
"I am exactly alike in that respect. For that reason I remained single for a long
time without marrying a second wife. Well, where is your wife now? I hear your
only son is dead. What a pity! How is your daughter getting along?"
"My wife and daughter do not live in my former residence now. I have no
intention to search for them, because I have become entirely pessimistic."
"That's too bad. You should hunt for them at once. You have
pg. 337
really lost your right mind! You appear not to be sad even when you have seen
your dying father."
Sanetada was choked with tears. At that time Sanemasa cut in. "Sanetada's wife
is living in a tasteful house near a crossroads at the foot of Mount Shigayama."
0n hearing this, Sanetada thought to himself. "Oh, that the house which I called
at several years ago with the then Lieutenant General Nakatada should be the
abode of my wife and daughter! That a girl whose voice reached my ear should
be my daughter! Then I thought it strange that none of the dwellers gave any
reply to my question. How sorrowful my wife was then!"
Sanetada wept at heart, recalling memories of that day.
Sueakira said to Sanetada,
"Call at her place at once! It is a pity that your daughter Sodegimi has had a hard
time of it. You may have Sodegimi go into Court service as my own daughter,
since you are already a worthless fellow. I gave Sodegimi some of my property
for that reason."
Sueakira then said to his daughter serving the Crown Prince,
"There are five warehouses in this residence, two of which keep various
treasures, and three store all kinds of daily necessaries. I have many manors in
various provinces, among which those in Tōtōmi, Tanba, Owari. Shinano and
Hida provinces are particularly fine. I give you these warehouses and manors.
Don't dispose of these by any means. Your elder brother Sanemasa will surely
look after you, as he is a very reliable man."
"I owed it to you that I could associate with other ladies in the Crown Prince's
Palace on an equal footing. What a sad thing it is to hear your last words now! If
you must go to heaven, please take me there with you. Even if I am given many
pg. 338
338 TALE OF THE CAVERN
treasures, they will soon be gone without your guardianship. It is a general rule
that anything in the world is exhausted very quickly if it comes into the
possession of women."
"Don't worry about such a thing! You had better not retire from the Palace from
now on unless there is just reason for it. Even in my lifetime, the carriages and
attendants were not sufficiently provided for your retirement. It would be
disgraceful to our family. if you should retire, after my death, in such a way as to
be laughed at."
Thus Prime Minister Sueakira gave directions about all family affairs to his sons
and daughter, resigned his position of Prime Minister, took the tonsure, and then
closed his life.
On the twenty-seventh of the Second Month the funeral service of Prime

Minister Sueakira was performed solemnly, and in great style.
All members of Masayori's family went into mourning, as Masayori was a

younger brother of the late Prime Minister Sueakira. When Lady Fujitsubo
wanted to retire from the Palace to mourn, the Crown Prince gave her permission
to leave with reluctance, as it was impossible for him to detain her just this time.
It was nearly dawn when Lady Fujitsubo retired from the Crown Prince's Palace.
In the procession were twenty carriages, and forty ladies-in-waiting, eight pages,
eight undermaids and two scullery maids. Minister Masayori and three
Councillors among his sons, Tadazumi, Morozumi and Sukezumi, rode in the
carriages, while all other sons rode horses, acting as outriders.
Lady Fujitsubo's carriage drove right up to the southern stairs

pg. 339
of the first west wing in the southwest quarter where Major Councillor Suzushi
lived. She entered the room of Suzushi's wife, Princess Imamiya.
After a while Suzushi appeared and greeted Lady Fujitsubo.
"This main hall and the west wing had been a part of my residence at Fukiage,
and were transferred some years ago into this residence. I beg you to use this
main hall as your home, since it is fairly comfortable to live in."
Princess Ōmiya and Lady Jijūden were to pass three days together with Lady
Fujitsubo in the main hall offered by Major Councillor Suzushi.
Princess Ōmiya said to Lady Fujitsubo,
"An amorous son is a source of anxiety to his parents. Chikazumi had been
precocious since his childhood, but I thought that he wouldn't do anything
untoward, because he had already married. To my surprise, however, he has
recently discarded his wife, and is yearning for the Second Princess."
Lady Jijūden said to Princess Ōmiya, "I intend to return to Court when the
change to summer clothes* is over, but the affairs about the Second Princess
weigh heavily upon my mind. I am sorry to trouble you, but I want to leave her
in your care."
"It is not good for her to stay with me. You had better place her in the keeping of
the First Princess."
The three ladies had a long talk about various matters till late at night, and then
went to bed in the same room.
Early the next morning the Crown Prince sent a letter to Lady Fujitsubo. The
messenger was a secretary who was Hyōe's brother.
"The dream during my single life is nothing to
* It was an old custom that a change to summer clothes was practiced on the first
of the Fourth Month.
pg. 340
Lonesomeness at dawn when I miss you in my bed."
I can no longer bear this solitary life. Especially in the evening I find no solace
in anything, and always look alone at the clouds in the sky."
The messenger said to Lady Fujitsubo, "Last night the Crown Prince passed his
time alone, and didn't go to bed."
Lady Fujitsubo muttered to herself, "Oh, dear! I wonder if last night was the
Blue Warrior Festival*," and then wrote in reply as follows:
"You have forgotten me. If you truly thought of me,

You could see my figure even in a dream."
How impatient you are!"
Shortly after this there was a letter from the First Princess for Lady Fujitsubo.
"Why didn't you inform me of your arrival at once when I was expecting you
every moment? I long for the days past when I was living happily with you in
the main hall. As it may be difficult for you to come here, I will call on you."
Lady Fujitsubo replied by letter at once.
"I thank you very much for your kind letter. I wanted to see Princess Inumiya
first of all, but I took too much time talking with my mother, Lady Jijūden and
others. I will call on you
* It was an old custom that people never slept on the night of the Blue Warrior
Festival.
Pg. 341
Chap. 16 Royal Abdication Part One 341
soon. as I am sorry to trouble you to come here."
Lady Fujitsubo then said to her mother. "I want to call on the First Princess and
hold Princess Inumiya in my arms."
"I met Princess Inumiya on the fiftieth day of the birth after a long interval."
answered Princess Ōmiya.
Then Lady Jijūden said, "Princess Inumiya has recently become still lovelier.
She can roll about and crawl on all fours, and always smiles at any person. She is
so lovely that I cannot get away from her."
"I wish to see her soon", said Lady Fujitsubo, "I don't think the First Princess
will hide her from me."
"She will surely show you the princess," said Princess Ōmiya.
"Does the First Princess conceal her from my father?"
"Of course! She would not show her even to me," answered Princess Ōmiya.
That evening General Nakatada, in informal Court dress, called on Lady

Fujitsubo and said to her, sitting on the cushion at the veranda.
"On the first of the First Month I called at your apartment only to hear from Soō
that you were always in your upper chamber. Now that you stay in this
residence, I want to call on you very often."
Then two princes borne by Lady Fujitsubo came round with their nurses, and
showed her the miniatures of carriages and horses given by Nakatada the other
day. She was very pleased to see them after a long separation, and said.
"The matter about both of you weighs so heavily on my mind at all times that I
feel my hair has gone white. My dear First
Pg. 342
Prince! You have grown up. What are you studying now? Are you learning
handwriting?"
"No. Nothing yet, but I am going to study Chinese classics, since General
Nakatada will give lessons to me."
"I am glad to hear it. It is very nice that you are taught various things by the
General."
Then General Nakatada said to Lady Fujitsubo,
"The First Prince has grown up and is old enough to do anything. I have been
wanting to be of any service to him."
"I want you to teach him various things at least while he is staying in this
residence."
"Oh, with pleasure. I will teach him Chinese classics at once."
"He does not yet take lessons in handwriting. I ask you first to write a copybook
for him. And please write model copies for the Crown Prince, too. He told me to
urge you to write as soon as possible."
"Why does the Crown Prince use the copybook written by a layman like me? To
tell the truth, I had already finished writing it, but refrained from offering it to
him, because I felt shy."
"The Crown Prince is waiting for your model copy impatiently."
"Then I will offer it to him at once, and write a copybook for the First Prince as
soon as I can."
"Please make a lesson time-table for the First Prince as you like. By the way,
when may I see Princess Inumiya? I should like to see her soon."
"She is plain by nature, but I will bring her here with me at some time."
That evening Major Councillor Suzushi moved to his own residence, which was
situated about two hundred meters north of the Third Avenue and to the east of
the Hori River. It was a large, fine residence provided with plenty of furniture
and
Pg. 343
fixtures. Three days passed in this way, and Princess Ōmiya and Lady Jijūden
had to return to their own rooms. Then Princess Ōmiya said to Lady Fujitsubo,
"You will be bored, I suppose. Will you come to my living room for a while? Let
us beguile the tedious hours with talk." Thus Lady Fujitsubo went to the west
wing where Minister Masayori and Princess Ōmiya were living.
Lady Fujitsubo sent a letter to Councillor Sanetada, which was on delicate, dark
grey paper.
"I haven't received a letter from you for a long time. I suppose you must be
terribly sad, being bereaved of your father. I am told you are hiding yourself in
the mountain village even now, without going to Court. I express my gratitude to
you for your long-cherished affection for me.
"The wind doesn't trouble the waters running beneath the trees.
What troubles the mind of a man living in the mountain?"
I have come to understand the way of the world by degrees."
Lady Fujitsubo fastened the letter to some Wisteria, and handed it to a secretary
who was Hyōe's brother, saying: "Take this letter to the residence of the late
Prime Minister, and hand this over to Councillor Sanetada without fail."
The secretary was acquainted with the late Prime Minister's

Pg. 344
people, because he had frequently visited the residence as a messenger in the old
days when Sanetada had corresponded with Princess Atemiya through Hyōe.
The secretary arrived at the late Prime Minister's residence. and said to one of
Sanetada's retainers. "Please hand this letter to the Councillor."
The retainer hurried up to Sanetada and offered it to him without saying a word,
because he knew well that Sanetada would be very pleased to see the letter.
"Who is it from?" asked Sanetada.
"I don't know at all. The messenger told me only to hand it to you."
On seeing the handwriting of Lady Fujitsubo, Sanetada began to cry. Sanemasa

said, "Is it Lady Fujitsubo's letter? Let me see it."
"I haven't read it through yet. I can see nothing, as my eyes are misted with tears.
How much I owe to my father! There is the influence of my father's virtue even
after his death. I have never received a letter like this from the lady, though I was
desperately in love with her for a long time", said Sanetada, and he cried again
for a while.
Then his sister, a Consort of the Crown Prince, called out, "That the Crown
Prince loves such a fickle woman more than any of the others!"
Sanemasa said at once, pushing her elbow, "Don't say such a shameful thing!"
Councillor Sanetada jotted down his reply on dark grey paper as follows:
"I am very very glad to receive your kind letter unexpectedly.

My lonesomeness has now entirely vanished.
Pg. 345
"If my sleeves drenched with tears had not been hemmed,

I would have been drowned in the river of tears."
My father's death was a tragic blow, but I could receive your letter by the
influence of his virtue. 1 will call on you to express my gratitude for your
kindness immediately after the period of mourning has expired. I wish you not to
treat me so heartlessly as before."
Sanetada then asked his retainer, "Who is the messenger?"
"He is a secretary of the Crown Prince's household who was named Korehata
when he was a young man."
Sanetada felt grateful to Lady Fujitsubo for her kindness in sending Korehata
who was known to him, and ordered his retainer to usher in the messenger
secretly.
Shortly thereafter the messenger came near. Sanetada said to him across a
latticed shutter, because of being in mourning.
"It is very kind of you to have brought me a fine letter after such a long interval,
but I am sorry I cannot see you directly as I am in mourning."
Sanetada then took out a case filled up with gold, and wrapped it up in grey
paper, on which a verse was written.
"I will give you this case, because there is none

More merciful than the man who called on me today."
Sanetada said as he handed the case to the messenger,
"If it were an ordinary matter, I would take off my vest and present it to you.
Now I will give you this case containing gold instead. You may think this to be
the alms I have gained on a pilgrimage."
Pg. 346
The messenger refused to accept it, saying. "It is too good for me. I do not
deserve such a precious thing."
Sanetada, however, forced the messenger to receive the case as he said,
"My life hangs by a thread. Please accept this as a memento of me who

renounced the world."
Sanetada spent his days and nights in tears after that, without taking any food.
Sanemasa asked him.
"How is it that Lady Fujitsubo is worried about you so much? Have you ever had
a talk with the Lady?"
"One day when I had been staying in Minister Masayori's residence, I besought
Hyōe to let me listen to Princess Atemiya's voice. Then I was permitted to enter
the space between the shutters and the bamboo blinds in the eastern room of the
main hall. As the bamboo blinds of the main room were raised then. I could
catch sight of Princess Atemiya playing "go" with the First Princess under a
light. Since then my affection for her has grown and grown."
"Which of the two is more beautiful?"
"I then took notice only of Princess Atemiya and scarcely looked at the First
Princess. Princess Atemiya's beauty was quite heavenly."
"Why didn't you dare to enter the main room at that time? Was it necessary for
you to conceal yourself patiently without doing anything when the lady you were
pining for was just before your eyes? You ought to have forced a way into the
room then, if you cry bitter tears now."
At this moment there came a letter from the Crown Prince for their sister. On
reading it, she shouted in joy,
"My father said on his deathbed that the matter about me weighed so heavily on
his mind that he felt his journey to the next world would not be so easy. Oh, my
father! I am very
Pg. 347
sorry I cannot show you this letter. This is the Crown Prince's letter. Please look
at this from beyond the grave."
"Please let me see it," said Sanemasa to his sister. She handed it to him in
silence.
"I express my condolence to you on the death of your father, the late Prime
Minister Sueakira. To tell the truth, I wanted to write to you immediately after
his death, but I had to await until the unlucky days were over. I suppose you
must be more forlorn as the days go by.
"Though a man whom you have relied upon is gone,

Don't lament so much, as I am always by you."
I hear the late Prime Minister was in great anxiety about you. Might it be
because your brothers do not back you up sufficiently? I hope you will live at
ease from now on, as I will do what I can for you."
On reading the letter, Sanemasa said to Sanetada. "The Crown Prince seems to
think us cold toward our sister." The sister replied by letter to the Crown Prince.
"I am very thankful to you for your kind letter. Though I have been very sad,
being bereaved of my father, I am greatly consoled by your tender words. It is
regrettable, however, that I cannot show your letter to my father.
"If only I could have received your letter while he was alive!
His last journey may be hard because of his worry about
Pg. 348
me.'
You say that my brothers are on bad terms with me. It is because my brothers
often despise me that I am treated improperly in the Palace."
In the meanwhile, the messenger Korehata went back to Lady Fujitsubo and
offered her Sanetada's letter. Moreover, he told her about the circumstances of
Sanetada in detail and showed the case to her. She read the verse written on the
wrapping paper, and then returned it to the messenger. To her surprise the case
was filled with gold.
The Crown Prince sent Lady Fujitsubo a letter and a suhamadai, where the earth
of dark incense was planted with bamboo shoots of lignaloe and bamboos of
silver on the nodes of which dewdrops of mercury were laid.
"I have sent a letter of condolence to the daughter of the late Prime Minister
today, and received her reply which I have enclosed here. She was originally
very shallow-minded, but her father's death is supposed to have given her good
sense. By the way, I am told that the old ex-Emperor Saga is grieving every day
at my neglect of the Fourth Princess, so I intend to visit her at an early date. I
will give up the idea, however, if you think I call on her through attraction to her.
Well, this suhamadai is my present to our princes.
"When awaking from my solitary sleep, I alone look at
Pg. 349
Chapter 16 Royal Abdication Part One
The dawning sky with or without red shining clouds."
I cannot forget you even for a single moment and have a broken and uneasy
sleep every night.
"I'm awake* alone, though I formerly slept* with you every night,
As dewdrops are laid* on the bamboo nodes* night by night."
How soon can I see you?"
Looking at the suhamadai, Lady Fujitsubo muttered to herself "Oh, fine!", and
pulled the bamboo shoots of lignaloe one by one out of the earth of dark incense.
Her reply to the Crown Prince was as follows:
"I thank you very much for your kind letter. I have read the letter of the late
Prime Minister's daughter, and thought what you said was quite right. Besides, I
am very sorry to hear that the ex-Emperor is worrying about the Fourth Princess,
and I hope you will visit her as soon as possible. She might consider that you
call on her only during my absence from the Palace, but she will come to
understand the whole circumstances in the near future.
"When I awake from my sleep, I always recollect

The dawn when I parted from you in tears."
"Dewdrops of tears fell on me at parting from you,
* There are two puns. Sleep and node (fushi), and awake and lay (oki) are
homophonous.
Pg. 350
While your dewdrops were laid on the bamboo nodes."
Lady Fujitsubo then presented the messenger with an unlined robe and a cloak.
Lady Fujitsubo went on living in the west wing together with her parents after
that. She came, however, to move to the residence where Major Councillor
Suzushi had lived, because the wing was too noisy and clamorous for her to live
in, and it was determined that Masayori's sons would be on watch two at a night
in that residence, and that only Chikazumi, an Imperial secretary, was exempt
from the duty, as he was busy at Court.
The residence which Lady Fujitsubo in fact moved to was in the southwest
quarter of Masayori's residence, and was very large and gorgeous, as it had been
built with scrupulous care by Major Councillor Suzushi. A brook flowed through
the garden, and made a cascade falling from some rocks. Beside the cascade
there were kerria flowers* in full bloom, and beside the lake there was a pine
tree from whose branches beautiful clusters of wisteria hung in rich profusion.
The west wing was shining so bright that it could be seen in the dark, perhaps
because of the brilliance of fine furniture and fixtures. The main hall had been
built in imitation of the Seiryōden in the Imperial Palace, and divided into two
parts, eastern and western. The First Prince, his four nurses, two pages and two
undermaids lived in the eastern part, and the Second Prince and his nurses lived
in the western part.
After a while, a letter and four kinds of model copies were
* Kerria japonica, a yellow-flowering shrub related to the rose.

Pg. 351
sent to Soō from General Nakatada.
"I send a messenger to you bearing these model copies, because I must go to
Court today to offer a copybook to the Crown Prince. Please tell Lady Fujitsubo
that I am worrying that these model copies might not be suitable for the First
Prince. And I wish to know what sort of copybook the Lady wants to use for
herself. I esteem it an honor to be of service to her.
Soō showed the model copies of four kinds to Lady Fujitsubo. They were the
Chinese and Japanese characters written in the square and cursive styles on fine
paper.
When she saw these model copies, Lady Fujitsubo said in great joy,
"I am very pleased that General Nakatada, who does not like to show anything to
others, has written these copies very carefully and in various styles of
penmanship, and that he has offered the Crown Prince the copybook which he
was waiting for impatiently. I will write a reply to him. Where is the
messenger?"
"He went back as soon as he handed these copies to me", said Soō.
"You are dull-witted, aren't you? You ought not to have sent back such a
messenger empty-handed."
Lady Fujitsubo jotted down a note at once on thick white paper more finely than
usual.
"I have received the model copies with great pleasure. I thank you very much for
your kindness in writing finely the various styles of Chinese and Japanese
characters. And I beg you to
Pg.352
teach my two princes various other things too."
After that, she ordered Soō to send a messenger to General Nakatada bearing this
letter, and to tell him to come back as soon as he handed it to the General.
After a while, a messenger came from the Crown Prince carrying a letter.
"Though I want to call on you every night, I am not permitted, to my great

regret, to do so. As I wrote last time, I went to the Fourth Princess.
"I cannot forget you even for a single moment,

As there is none better than the shade of you*"
Lady Fujitsubo asked the messenger.
"When did the Crown Prince call on the Fourth Princess? And how many times
did she visit the Crown Prince?"
"On the first of this month the Crown Prince called on the Fourth Princess, and
she visited him some days thereafter. These days the Crown Prince studies
Chinese prose and poetry under a tutor's guidance in the daytime, and practices
penmanship after the model of General Nakatada till late at night."
Lady Fujitsubo then wrote a letter in reply as follows:
"I'm sorry I am somehow indisposed recently. Though I want to call on you at

night, I cannot go out without being noticed
* Kokinshū. There are many shades on this and that side of Mount Tsukuba.
There is none, however, better than the shade of you.
pg.353
everyone in this residence. I wonder if your verse really represents your heart.
And, if the Fourth Princess calls at your chamber so yearningly, please treat her
kindly without restraint."
Then Nakatada's reply came to Lady Fujitsubo.
"From now on, I will spend part of my time in service to our princes, as it is my
long-cherished desire.
"The characters of your letter faded away here and there,

Owing to my tears of gratitude dripping from my sleeves."
On the twenty-eighth of the Third Month the First Princess called on Lady
Fujitsubo together with the Second and Third Princesses. Lady Fujitsubo,
dressed in a Chinese robe of light grey and a vest of red silk with a red lining,
received the three princesses cordially.
"I long for the days when a large number of men and women gathered in the
room to play or talk with each other," said the First Princess, "I am very sorry to
have become estranged from you. When I sit face to face with General Nakatada
for long, I feel very constrained, so I have come here to talk with you."
"Why haven't you brought Princess Inumiya with you? I want to see her."
"It is because General Nakatada is never without Princess Inumiya while present
at home."
"Why do you conceal her from me? I would often play with the Second and
Third Princesses here when they were very
Pg.354
young."
"As the General waits on Princess Inumiya hand and foot, nobody goes near
them."
Darkness soon fell. Lady Fujitsubo said to the First Princess,
"I want to play the koto with you. Do you play the koto now and then?"
"Oh! No. I have completely given it up, because the General laughed at my
playing. But I will try this evening."
Thus Lady Fujitsubo played the Figure Wind, the First Princess the Mountaineer
Wind, the Second Princess the sō no koto and the Third Princess the biwa. It was
a fine concert. Sukezumi, Chikazumi and Prince "My Baby" stepped into the
space behind the shutters, and raised the bamboo blinds of the main room to
listen to the concert.
After some time General Nakatada came along toward Lady Fujitsubo's
residence to meet the First Princess, when he heard the tune of the koto. He
stood still below the railing and strained his ears. It was a splendid solo on the
koto. He thought to himself, "This is the tune which I had once played at the
Seiryōden. Who is playing this tune at a time like this? What a strange thing it
is!"
He ascended the stairs, walked into the space between the shutters and bamboo
blinds, and searched for a gap in order to peep into the room, but in vain. He
tried to open the corner door, but it was locked. He was obliged to keep standing
for a time.
When the musical performance was over, Lady Fujitsubo began to dine with the
princesses. Then General Nakatada asked. "Is Soō there?"
Sukezumi, who was on duty, came out, showed Nakatada into a room, and
offered a floor cushion to him.
General Nakatada said to Sukezumi. "I came here to go on

Pg.355
night duty, too. Please show me into the watchman's room."
The room where General Nakatada was ushered was open to the south, and in
the southwest corner of it there were a folding screen rimmed with figured silk
and a roor cushion of Chinese damask. Both of them were what Major
Councillor Suzushi had left behind.
General Nakatada said to the First Princess through Soō.
"I came back from my father's residence just now. Won't you return home with
me?"
The First Princess answered through Soō.
"I want to stay here a little longer, as I have met Lady Fujitsubo. Why have you
come here, when Princess Inumiya may be waiting for you alone?"
Hearing this, Nakatada regretted that his wife treated him as a nurse. The night
wore away. Sukezumi said to Nakatada,
"Now that I stay up late together with you, I think of the good old days."
They had a long talk about various things until dawn.
Nakatada returned home early in the morning, and wrote to the First Princess.
"Last night I listened to the koto.
"I am so pleased to have listened to the tune,

Played by a lady reputed for her skill in koto."
I am going to Court in response to the Imperial summons. I will meet you

tonight."
Seeing Nakatada's letter, Lady Fujitsubo said with a smile, "He did just as I
expected."
Pg.356
"He must have been struck by your koto last night." the First Princess said, but
did not reply to Nakatada's letter.
Nakatada went to Court, feeling discontented. In the evening he sent a letter to

the First Princess from the Palace.
"The Emperor has ordered me to reopen the readings on the documents of my

ancestors, so I cannot retire from Court today. As this is my last reading, it will
be impossible for me to return home before tomorrow evening."
At reading this, the First Princess said, "It is very convenient to me, too," but did
not reply to Nakatada's letter. Thus Lady Jijūden sent Nakatada his night clothes
and other necessaries.
The following day a letter from the Crown Prince was brought to Lady Fujitsubo
by a secretary, Hyōe's brother.
"I am always lonely. If your mind were the same as mine, how glad I would be!
"Though the wind blows, the waves seem not to rise*.

It is not yet too late. Come here, please."
Lady Fujitsubo asked the messenger,

"How is the Crown Prince spending his time these days? Who visited the Crown
Prince? And whom did he write to?"
"The Crown Prince devotes himself to reading in the daytime, and to

handwriting at night every day. The Fourth Princess went to his chamber three
times this month, and he called on
* There is a pun. "rise" and "start" are homophonous (tatsu). The first half of the
verse means, "Though I urge you to return, you do not start for Court."
Pg.357
her only once. None of the other ladies went to his chamber. He wrote once to
the daughter of Minister Tadamasa, and three times to Lady Nashitsubo. I visited
Lady Nashitsubo once as a messenger. Just then General Kanemasa was present
in her room, and treated me to dinner."
"Oh! You were lucky. What was her gift?"
"I was given a suit of ladies' clothes."
"Lady Nashitsubo is in favor with the Crown Prince, isn't she?"
"The Crown Prince said the other day. —'Lady Nashitsubo is good-natured, and
her face notably resembles Nakatada's. Other ladies sometimes told me
unpleasant things, while she has never done so.'—The daughter of Minister
Tadamasa is upright and of few words, but lacking in womanliness. The
daughter of Prince Shikibukyō resembles Soō, and there is nothing in particular
to say about her. The daughter of Major Councillor Masaaki is small-statured,
and has a schooled temper. The Fourth Princess is very beautiful and fascinating,
but so willful and obstinate that the Crown Prince seems to be on bad terms with
her."
Lady Fujitsubo then wrote to the Crown Prince as follows:
"I have received your kind letter with thanks. I also want to see you, but, as I
wrote before, I have become indisposed more and more as the days go by.
"I wish you would not regret that the waves don't rise.
It is good for you that I don't return to Court."
General Nakatada sent a letter to the First Princess from Court.

Pg.358
"Why don't you reply to the letters I have frequently sent? Owing to my anxiety
about you I read the documents wrongly at a few points in the Imperial presence,
and was embarrassed.
"If I cannot receive your letter today,

I will think your devotedness to me is all gone."
How is Princess Inumiya getting on? Give me your reply without fail!"
Looking at this letter, Lady Fujitsubo said to the First Princess.
"This hand is really like that of the Crown Prince. Well, please bring Princess
Inumiya here before General Nakatada comes back. It will be very difficult after
he has returned."
"It is quite impossible for me to bring her here, because the General ordered the
nurses not to show her to others. The other day some one asked me to show her,
but the nurse, Taifu, would not comply with the request."
"I ask you for your special consideration."
"The General exchanges but few words with me, but cares so much for Princess
Inumiya. Whenever he goes out, he tells the nurses repeatedly not to show her to
others."
"Why do you leave him alone to do such a thing? I believe you may do as you
like."
Then Nakatada's messenger said, "General Nakatada told me that if I should

return without getting the First Princess's reply, he would dismiss me. Please
give me her reply. I would be very distressed if I were really discharged."
The First Princess said, "I will write, as it doesn't take me much time," and jotted
down on a sheet of paper as follows:
Pg.359
'I often received your letters, but didn't reply as there was nothing particular to
say.
"Though remiss in reply to you, do you think me
To be such an unreliable flower as is gone without the wind?"
Not long thereafter darkness fell. General Nakatada went to Lady Fujitsubo's
residence as soon as he retired from Court. He said to the First Princess, sitting
at the veranda.
"I came here to meet you directly from Court."
"I want to stay here until tomorrow evening. Come back alone, please," she
answered.
"Won't you return home tonight, and come here again tomorrow morning?"
"There is no need to do so."
Then Lady Fujitsubo said to the First Princess,
"General Nakatada must have become tired, as he has been attending upon the
Emperor for a long time. Please return home with him tonight, as I will call on
you tomorrow."
Nevertheless, the First Princess would not agree to returning home.
In the middle of that night a messenger came from General Kanemasa, asking
Nakatada to hurry to his residence.
"What's happened?" asked Nakatada.
"Lady Nashitsubo is suffering the throes of childbirth."
"As I retired from Court tired out just this minute, I will go there after a short
rest," Nakatada said, and let the messenger return.
Pg.360
After some time the messenger came again, and said to Nakatada, "Lady
Nashitsubo had an easy delivery."
"Is the baby a boy or a girl?"
"It is a prince."
"Has a messenger come from the Crown Prince?"
"It is highly probable, but I came here before I saw the messenger."
At dawn Nakatada went to General Kanemasa's residence to express his

congratulations on Lady Nashitsubo's childbirth.
The celebrations on the third and fifth nights after the childbirth were held
magnificently at General Kanemasa's residence, and on the seventh night the
Crown Prince sent a messenger carrying congratulatory gifts in accordance with
the custom, and the Empress sent plenty of various foods as gifts.
General Kanemasa held the baby prince, who still had his navel cord, in his
arms, and said to the Grand Court Lady.
"The baby prince is very dear to me, as he is the first grandson who has come
into the world after I advanced so much in years."
After that Kanemasa came to call at Lady Nashitsubo's room many times a day.
As the change to summer clothes was over, Lady Jijūden made up her mind to
return to Court on the fifth of the Fourth Month, and said to the First Princess.
"His Majesty's abdication is to take place at an early date. I ought to stay at

Court on that occasion, and His Majesty urges me to return soon. But I am very
sorry I cannot see Princess Inumiya any longer, and, what is more, the affairs
about the Second Princess weigh heavily upon my mind. I want to leave her in
your care on the advice of Princess Ōmiya. I will ask Prince Danjō to keep night
watch in your residence. Beware of Lieutenant General Sukezumi, as he is a
most suspicious
Pg.361
character. And I will take the Tenth Prince with me to the palace."
"Yes, certainly," answered the First Princess, "I will take good care of the Second
Princess. And please tell Prince Danjō to watch not only for Lieutenant General
Sukezumi but also for Major General Chikazumi."
After sunset Lady Jijūden returned to Court, accompanied by her brothers and
many outriders. The Emperor said in great joy, "Oh, she has come back from
Korea!", and summoned the lady at once to his chamber.
10
The forty-ninth-day services were held for the late Prime Minister Sueakira on
the sixth of the Fourth Month. The Emperor wanted to perform the promotion
and appointment of Ministers and Grand Councillors as soon as the memorial
rites for the late Sueakira and the Kamo Festival were over, and pronounced on
the twenty-second of the Fourth Month that Tadamasa was promoted to Prime
Minister, Masayori to the Minister of the Left, Kenemasa to the Minister of the
Right, and Nakatada to the Grand Councillor. To tell the truth, there was no
hurry about Tadamasa's promotion to Prime Minister, because he was still
young, and, what was more, the Minister of the Left was legally permitted to
administer the affairs of state as proxy for the Prime Minister. Nevertheless the
Emperor dared to perform the promotion in haste, because he wanted to make
Nakatada the Grand Councillor in his reign.
The Emperor then asked these ministers who was to be promoted to the vacant
post of Major Councillor. Minister Masayori, who had intended to recommend
Councillor Sanetada for the post, suggested to the Emperor,
Pg.362
"The first candidate is my second son Morozumi, but I beg you to make
Sanetada the Major Councillor, because the late Prime Minister Sueakira
repeatedly asked me on his deathbed to look after Sanetada, and I promised him
to comply with his request at any cost."
Then the Emperor said to Minister Masayori,
"I think Sukezumi is better than Morozumi as a candidate. Shouldn't Sanetada be

satisfied with the rank of Councillor? Is the rank necessary for a person who
renounced the world?"
"It is a very trying thing for me to say to the spirit of the late Sueakira that my
son has been promoted while Sanetada remains as he is. Is there any harm in
promoting him to the rank of Major Councillor."
"I see," said the Emperor, "I will leave the matter to your own judgment."
Thus Councillor Sanetada was promoted to the Major Councillor, and Lieutenant
General Saneyori to the Councillor.
On the following day General Nakatada, dressed in fine clothes, went to the west
wing to inform Princess Ōmiya and Lady Fujitsubo through Major General
Chikazumi of his promotion to the Grand Councillor. Looking at Nakatada's
figure from behind the bamboo blind, Lady Fujitsubo said to Princess Ōmiya.
"There is nobody like General Nakatada in the world. I cannot help admiring
him whenever I see him or hear what he says."
Then Lieutenant General Sukezumi came to Lady Fujitsubo and said,
"I am very glad to hear that Councillor Sanetada has been promoted to Major
Councillor. When I called on him at Ono village, I was always filled with pity to
see him being weary of life. I am pleased at his promotion more than at my
own."
Pg.363
Chap. 16 Royal Abdication Part One 363
"I hear our father recommended him, setting you and your brother aside, in order
to carry out the late Prime Minister's will," answered Lady Fujitsubo.
"I fancy our father recommended him because you put in a good word for him.
To speak frankly, Grand Moderator Morozumi ought to have been
recommended. Anyhow, but for your good offices, Sanetada would not have
been promoted."
11
That evening Sanetada called on Minister Masayori to express his heartfelt

gratitude. He looked haggard owing to his hermitic life, but there was something
refined and tasteful about him. Minister Masayori, with great joy, had Sanetada's
seat prepared at the veranda of Lady Fujitsubo's residence, and had an interview
with him.
"How good of you to have come to see me!" said the Minister, "I was very sad
two months ago when I could not see you in the residence of the late Prime
Minister, but today I am very glad to see you."
"I'm sorry I was very discourteous when you called on my father on his sickbed.
I am surprised to hear that I have unexpectedly been promoted to Major
Councillor. I thank you very much for your kindness to have recommended me
who had become such a good-for-nothing fellow."
"I have thought of you just like my own son, as you were almost always living in
my residence."
"I was stupid by nature, and, what was worse, I lost my mind for several years,
but have recently returned to my right mind by degrees."
"Nakazumi was the only one who was presentable among my many sons, but he
died young to my regret. I think you to be a
Pg.364
substitute for Nakazumi, so please think me to be a substitute for your father."
Sanetada began to weep bitterly without saying anything. Minister Masayori

thought to himself, "What a purehearted man he is!"
After a while, Minister Masayori shouted toward the bamboo blinds, "Is Hyōe
there? Major Councillor Sanetada has come. Come here and talk with him." He
then went to his living room.
Hyōe said to Sanetada from behind the bamboo blind, "I'm very glad to see you,
and offer you my congratulations."
As Hyōe's voice was heard close by, Sanetada went near a pillar of the bamboo
blind and said,
"This is a voice dear to me."
"As I heard you were living in a secluded mountain village, I did not write to
you. After our Lady Fujitsubo retired to this residence, I went often to the room
where you had been living, and recollected the old days. Our Lady also never
forgets you even now."
"Though I had been crazy about Lady Fujitsubo in old days, I have come to my
senses now. Please tell the Lady that I beg her not to keep me at a distance as she
did before?"
Hyōe went inward to convey his message to Lady Fujitsubo. She came out, after
a while, as far as the bamboo blinds of the main room, and said to Sanetada
through Hyōe.
"You are welcome. I have been waiting to have a chance to talk with you. Please
tell me without reserve anything you want to say. Your voice reaches here."
"My hearing has dulled. Please come a little nearer, as I can hardly hear even an
ordinary voice," said Sanetada.
Hyōe suggested to the Lady. "A little forward, please! Minister Masayori told me
to talk leisurely with Major Councillor Sanetada."
Pg.365
Lady Fujitsubo had the bamboo blind raised, and the screen laid forward, and
then went ahead a little way. Sanetada said with emotion.
"I am entranced with joy. When I was mad about you, I had very often begged
you through Hyōe in vain to give me a letter, even though a short one. If I had
died then, I would not have met with this joy today."
"I had no good opportunity to write to you. You know, I want you to discontinue
living alone in the mountain village. I am told that the royal abdication will take
place in the near future. It is very sad that you seclude yourself from the world at
this important time."
"My earnest desire not to stay in this world even for a moment made me enter
the mountain, but the feeling of loneliness did not fade away at all."
"When I was still ignorant of the world, I seldom made replies to the letters sent
from many gentlemen, and I am regretful now that I was rude to them.
Especially I am very thankful to you who do not forget me even now. Can you
understand my feelings?"
"I have been thinking of entering the Buddhist priesthood in the near future, as
my father who had cared so much for me has passed away. I never expected that
you would tell me to give up my secluded life. Moreover, I hear it was through
your good offices that I was promoted to Major Councillor. I feel grateful you
think so much of me."
"I am not concerned with your promotion at all. Anyhow, I beg you to serve the
Court as before, giving up the idea of becoming a monk. If you will listen to my
words, I will think your affection for me has been real, and, if not, I will think it
has been only lip service."
"If you say that much for me, I will live in town, and go to
Pg.366
the mountain village at times. But I shall never have a wife. As Hyōe knows
well, I had been living with my wife in my residence at the Third Avenue. Since
I came to set my heart on you, however, I have never returned to her. After your
entry into the Crown Prince's household, I entered the mountain, and have never
seen what we call a woman. Your brothers know well this fact, as they visited
me at times. I have no intention to have a wife."
Sanetada was choked with tears without another word. Lady Fujitsubo felt pity
on him more and more, and said to him,
"It is truly not good for you to take a new wife, but why isn't it good for you to
return to your original wife? I feel very sorry that you are only secluding
yourself in the mountain, while all the gentlemen who had given their hearts to
me seem to be living happily."
"I don't know where my wife is living now. My father left a share of his property
not only to me but also to my wife and daughter, but his good will will be in
vain, because I will not live for long, and I don't know even whether my wife
and daughter are alive or not,"
"I am told your brother Sanemasa knows your wife's whereabouts."
"If I ask him, I might be able to find out where she is."
"Why won't you listen to me?"

"Because I entered the mountain, being sick of the world."
"If you have affection for me even now, please listen to my word. This is my
earnest request. lf you will listen to me, I will see and talk with you anytime you
wish. If not, I will never see you again."
"Then I will obey you, and will call on you now and then."
"That's right. I need not say any more. Please call on me at any time at long as I
live."
Pg.367
With this, Lady Fujitsubo went inside. Major Councillor Sanetada returned home
at dawn after having had a long talk with Hyōe.
Pg.368
Chapter 17
Royal Abdication: Part Two
1
The Crown Prince sent Lady Fujitsubo a letter and a bag which was wrapped in
yellowish paper, bound with a bluish-purple braid, and fastened to an artificial
branch of kerria.
"I regret very much that you have finally lost an opportunity to return to Court. I
am always worrying about how you are getting along. Well, this bag is my
present to our princes.
"I envy a mandarin waiting for the Fifth Month.

How long shall I have to wait for a lady?"
I am spending my time in constant uneasiness."
When Princess Ōmiya opened the bag, she found a big mandarin, which was cut
transversely and filled up with gold dust instead of its segments.
"What an elaborate present this is!" said Princess Ōmiya, "Whom did the Crown
Prince get to make it?"
The messenger replied, "Some of the Court ladies made it at the Crown Prince's
request."
Lady Fujitsubo wrote a note in reply.
"I have been feeling uneasy, as your letter did not come for a
Pg.369
Chap. 17 Royal Abdication: Part Two 369
time. Well, I think as follows:
"I wonder why you need envy a mandarin,

When your favorite lady is at your side."
As Lady Fujitsubo was expected to be confined in a day or two, her brothers

were on watch three or four at a night. On the last day of the Fourth Month she
had an easy delivery, and a boy baby was born. The Crown Prince sent her a
message at once. Her brothers waited upon her without going to Court, and
Minister Masayori served her faithfully, preparing her meals himself. One of his
sons asked him, "Can we do anything to help you?"
Minister Masayori answered. "You seem not to know yet how to treat a woman
in her confinement. I know from my long experience that if a woman is cared for
sufficiently after childbirth she can keep her good looks."
One day Sanemasa, the Chief of the Public Welfare Bureau, had a talk with
Major Councillor Sanetada in his residence.
"I called on your wife at the foot of Mount Shigayama the other day, and advised
her to move to the residence in town, showing the deed of disposition of our
father's property. Then she said that she had no intention to return to the city,
though she begged me to look after Sodegimi from now on. She wore a
mourning dress, and looked as fair as ever. Sodegimi looked extremely beautiful,
and her lustrous hair was about two meters long. It is too cruel to abandon such a
beautiful daughter. Don't you know that it is an honor for parents to have a
beautiful daughter?"
Pg.370
"I have forgotten Sodegimi's face. as I haven't seen her for a long time. I have no
intention to live together with my wife, as I said before. I ask you to have my
wife and daughter live in the residence given by our father, and look after them
from now on. As for me, I will return to Ono village, and come to the city now
and then to call on you, after the hot summer is over."
"Why do you go back to Ono village? Everyone at Court and in the world feels
sorry for your absence from Court. Our father has died, and we brothers are few.
I wish you to live in the city together with your wife and daughter."
Sanetada went back to Ono village at last, without listening to the words of his
brother.
The Sixth Month came. The residence given to Sodegimi by the late Prime
Minister was situated along the Third Avenue. In the residence there were a
cypressbark-thatched main hall, galleries, a shingleroofed house and a
warehouse. Sanemasa had the broken parts of the buildings repaired, the pond
cleaned out, and the bamboo blinds, folding screens and curtains renewed.
Sanemasa then went to the foot of Mount Shigayama, accompanied by many

outrunners and with three carriages.
Sanemasa said to Sanetada's wife,
"I have come here to meet you as promised. Please move to the city, since today
is an auspicious day. Your residence in the city is very quiet, and you need not
fear that you will be noticed by people."
"Then, please take Sodegimi to your residence with you. I will stay here, as I am
a recluse."
"Don't say such a thing."
"I have long been living in this mountain hamlet, because I felt the vanity of
human affairs. I even intend entering a far deeper mountain."
"How can Sodegimi live alone in the city? Please move to

Pg.371
your residence with Sodegimi. You can live there quietly and without restraint."
Sanetada's wife was still hesitating, but finally made up her mind to move to the
city, and rode in the same carriage with her daughter up to her new residence.
Her residence had been finely arranged beyond her expectations. In the
warehouse there were a plenty of daily necessaries and various treasures. Meals
for three days had been provided for her and Sodegimi by Sanemasa's servants.
Sanemasa said to her, "I will come here some days later," and went back without
taking a rest.
After three days Sanemasa came to her residence with Saneyori, and said to her.
"How do you find your new house? I hope that you will live happily together
with Sanetada in this residence."
Before long Lady Fujitsubo came to feel quite refreshed. Might it be because
Minister Masayori continued to care well for Lady Fujitsubo that she became
beautiful and elegant even more?
Minister Masayori said to his sons who were sitting by his side,
"You may well follow my example. A woman in her confinement ought to be

treated carefully like this."
They all nodded with a smile. Then Sukezumi asked the Minister.
"It depends on the case, I suppose. Isn't it only so when the woman is Lady
Fujitsubo?"
Minister Masayori replied at once,
"No, you are wrong. Though Princess Ōmiya has borne many
Pg.372
children. she looks so young too. She doesn't appear to be the mother of many
sons and daughters. It is owing to my faithful service to her. It is the same with
Lady Jijūden."
Minister Masayori then looked around, but could not find the First Prince. As
many courtiers, officials, secretaries and officers serving the Crown Prince
gathered around the First Prince to please his humor, he seldom came to his
mother.
Minister Masayori thought to himself. "Does it man that these people think the
First Prince to be Heir Apparent? If he is not made Heir Apparent, I would feel
ashamed."
At that time a letter came to Lady Fujitsubo from the Crown Prince.
"How are you getting along these days? It is time you returned to Court. I want
you to come back together with our princes as soon as you can.
"If you think of me who waits impatiently for you,

You ought to have returned to the Palace by today."
You tricked me into permitting you to retire from Court. Being offended by that,
I once made up my mind to give up writing to you, but in fact, it was the other
way about, and my yearning for you grew more and more."
Lady Fujitsubo muttered to herself, "I do not stay at my parents' residence

without reason," and then asked the messenger,
"Who has recently called at the Crown Prince's chamber? And whom has the
Crown Prince sent as a messenger?"
"The Crown Prince seems to be indisposed these days, and does not compose
prose and poetry as he used to do. The one
Pg.373
who has called on him is the Fourth Princess. A lady-in-waiting serving the
Fourth Princess told me in secret that she was in a certain condition since around
the Fifth Month. A messenger went to Lady Nashitsubo the other day, and it is
said that the nobles, including the Empress, are very pleased that Lady
Nashitsubo has borne a prince at the very time when the royal abdication is
nearing, and have advised Lady Nashitsubo to return to Court as soon as
possible."
Lady Fujitsubo wrote a letter in reply to the Crown Prince.
"I have received your letter with thanks. I will not be able to return to the Palace
for some time, because I haven't yet recovered. You said "wait for you" in your
verse, but I think as follows:
"Just as the scarlet-tinged leaves cannot be called 'pine'*,

You who changed your mind are disqualified for saying 'wait'*."
As soon as the messenger went back, Minister Masayori said to Lady Fujitsubo,
"I think what the messenger said is true. The Empress is very strong-minded and
audacious. If she should suggest to the Emperor, after consultation with her
brothers, Prime Minister and Minister Kanemasa, that the prince borne by Lady
Nashitsubo ought to be Heir Apparent according to precedent, all would go
without doubt as she wishes. It is impossible for me to object. If only the late
Prime Minister Sueakira had been alive. My sons are all powerless in the matter,
because they are low in rank now. It is improper that I beseech the ex-Emperor
* There is a pun. "pine" and "wait" are homophonous.

Pg.374
Saga about this problem. I fear I will be put to shame in the near future."
"Why are you so anxious, when this problem is not yet decided?" said Lady
Fujitsubo, "The proverb says.-'Fortune favors the eldest son.'- Please wait a
moment. The human mind is very delicate. On an occasion like this man is apt to
reveal his real mind."
Then Tadazumi cut in. "Prime Minister Tadamasa surely cannot abandon us,
because his wife is our sister, and Minister Kanemasa will not do wrong to us, as
he is also on familiar terms with our family."
Princess Ōmiya said with a worried air,
"The matter would become complicated, if the problem of Heir Apparent is not
decided before the Fourth Princess bears a boy baby, because the Emperor
probably cannot help yielding to the ex-Emperor Saga's earnest request."
At this time another letter from the Crown Prince was delivered to Lady
Fujitsubo.
"As you seem to have something to complain of, I write to you again. I have
sometimes written to other ladies, but have given it up now. I wish you not to
keep me waiting so long.
"At Suminoe there are growing no trees but pines,

Whose leaves are never tinged red, but ever green."
On reading this letter, Minister Masayori said to Lady Fujitsubo,
"As the Crown Prince has written like this, you had better return to Court at an
early date."
"Why should I have to return soon?" answered Lady Fujitsubo, "Maybe Lady
Nashitsubo will go back to the Palace
Pg.375
soon."
Lady Fujitsubo then wrote a short note to the Crown Prince.
"Would that the branches might not be moistened with dew,

Though the wind blows below the lower leaves of the trees."
Would you sympathize with me, who is a mere nobody, in my vicissitudes?"
The First Princess seemed to have become pregnant around the Fifth Month, and
was indisposed day after day. Nevertheless, as she did not inform General
Nakatada of her pregnancy, he had many monks and soothsayers pray at this
temple and that shrine, and furthermore asked Ācārya Tadakoso for his
incantations and prayers for his wife's recovery.
General Nakatada called at his father's residence, as he had been summoned.
"I'm sorry I am too late in coming here," said Nakatada, "because the First
Princess has been suffering ill health, and I could hardly leave her side."
Then the Grand Court Lady said, "I knew nothing about it. How is she? If you
had informed me of it, I would have cared for her."
"She eats practically nothing for some reason or other. She has been in a bad
condition since a few days ago."
Kanemasa cut in. "I wonder if she is pregnant."

"I don't think so," answered Nakatada, "because she did not show such signs in
her first pregnancy. By the way, what do you
Pg.376
want with me?"
"What I want to say is that the Empress told me about the investiture of the
Crown Prince. She insisted that the prince borne by Lady Nashitsubo ought to be
Heir Apparent. And Lady Nashitsubo is to return to the Palace tonight in
response to the Crown Prince's summons. I told Lady Nashitsubo that she had
better serve the Crown Prince, thinking herself to be 'a rat while a weasel is
absent,' because she is but an extra compared with Lady Fujitsubo."
"It is not for me to say this or that about what the Empress said," answered
Nakatada, "but this is a very important thing to you. I think it is good, if you do
not agree to the Empress' opinion, and if things should go on as the Empress
wishes, various troubles will arise."
"It might be an honor to our family, but it would give rise to many difficulties in
the world. You may come back at once and care for the First Princess,"
Kanemasa said.
The next morning Minister Kanemasa called at Masayori's residence to inquire

after the First Princess's health. Minister Masayori received him cordially, and
said.
"I heard about the First Princess's illness some days ago, and supposed that it
might be nothing serious. I am surprised, however, to hear that Ācārya Tadakoso
came here to pray for her recovery. It is said she has no appetite at all. She may
be affected by the heat. As it is very hot these days, I have not been at Court for
a long time."
"I haven't been there for long, either," said Kanemasa, "I was busy caring for
Lady Nashitsubo who was also suffering from the hot weather. She has just
recovered from illness, and returned to the Palace yesterday. By the way, is the
scheme for the royal abdication already decided?"
"I don't know for certain, but I hear it will take place in the
Pg.377
Eighth Month. The Suzaku Palace has been completed, and the Emperor told me
to prepare for the abdication as soon as possible."
"If the First Princess's illness is not so serious, I would like her to come to my
villa at Katsura this month."
"She will surely be pleased to go there."
"Then I will invite all members of your family to the Katsura villa. The trees in
the villa have increased in number, and the fishes in the pond have become more
abundant compared with the time when you formerly visited there. The Katsura
River runs in front of the mountain, and its branch flows into the garden of my
villa. We can see many people coming and going on business from within the
residence. It is a very fine view."
After having a long talk with Masayori, Kanemasa returned to his home.
Shortly thereafter General Nakatada found out that the First Princess's
indisposition was due to her pregnancy.
"It is bad that you haven't informed me of your pregnancy," said Nakatada to the
First Princess, "You are always cold and distant toward me. The other day when
I went to Lady Fujitsubo's residence to meet you, you treated me as if to send me
away. I cannot forget even now how sorrowful I was then. Well, my father wants
to invite you to his villa at Katsura. It will be good for you to live there for some
days to forget the heat. You may go there together with the Second and Third
Princesses." "I don't care to go anywhere owing to my indisposition."
"Don't say so! Let us go there."
Minister Kanemasa's invitation to the Katsura villa was taken

Pg.378
up on the nineteenth of the Sixth Month. The carriage with the First Princess in it
took the lead, and that carrying the Grand Court Lady followed it. Kanemasa and
Nakatada rode in the same carriage. The royal princes, Masayori's sons as well
as many guards officers of the Fourth, Fifth and Sixth Ranks acted as outriders.
The procession arrived safely at the Katsura villa. The First Princess saw with
curiosity many ships going up and down the Katsura River, and didn't show any
signs of suffering.
Shortly afterwards Princess Inumiya came crawling into the presence of people.
Minister Kanemasa wanted to hold her in his arms, and he searched for
something funnily-shaped from the comb-box of the Grand Court Lady, and
went near the princess to show it to her. Then she was embraced by him
gleefully. Kanemasa put her in his arms, and sat with his back toward people so
that she could not be seen by them.
Kanemasa said delightfully, "I have met Princess Inumiya for the first time. She
has come willingly into my arms."
Nakatada heard what his father said with a feeling of delight mixed with
apology.
"Princess Inumiya is quite lovely. She sits up often to smile upon me. I want to
see her all the time, but I am afraid I shall not be allowed to see her after having
returned to the Third Avenue," Kanemasa said.
Hearing this, the First Princess and her sisters laughed. Then the Grand Court
Lady said to Kanemasa.
"Oh! What you say sounds strange to me. I don't see why a man would not be
allowed to see his granddaughter."
At this time Princess Inumiya caught sight of her father Nakatada, and tried to
crawl toward him. But Kanemasa detained her, saying, "He is a stranger, a
terrible man." She burst into tears, and crept to Nakatada without looking aside.
Pg.379
Nakatada held her in his arms, went within the bamboo blind, and tried to let her
down, saying, "you want to come here," but she would not get down, and kept
crying. Nakatada tried many times to please her humor, but in vain. Her good
humor returned at last, however, when she happened to catch sight of a man
rowing a boat on the river in front of the residence. She gazed upon the boatman
in rapture for a while, with the toy given by Kanemasa in her hand.
Darkness soon fell, and the banquet was held. Before the guests were laid many
splendid boxes of food or trays on stands containing plenty of fine dishes,
especially Ayu* fish cooked in various ways, but the First Princess tasted almost
nothing.
Nakatada asked her with a concerned air,
"Will you take anything else?"
"I want some ice," she answered.
"Ice may be bad for health."
"Since you say so, I want to take it the more. I don't want to eat anything else."
"That's very embarrassing. A Court physician is over there. I will go and ask
him."
When Nakatada met the Chief Court Physician to ask his opinion, he answered
that she had better not take ice. Hearing from Nakatada about the physician's
advice, the First Princess said in a very bad temper, "Ah, I feel wretched! It is
unbearably hot."
Thus Nakatada had the First Princess move to a place where it was a little cooler,
but still she insisted on eating ice. Then the Governor of Ōmi province brought
her a receptacle containing some cakes of ice wrapped up in lotus leaves. When
Nakatada put it before the First Princess, she took some ice, and said to
* A kind of fresh-water trout.

Pg.380
Nakatada, "I feel much better. Now, you may go away."
Nakatada smiled bitterly, and returned to the former place. Then Princess
Inumiya crawled out, and began to catch and throw one thing and another.
"You are considerably naughty. A princess must not do such a thing." Nakatada
said, and took her within the bamboo blind with him.
The next day Nakatada sent the First Prince a letter attached to wild carnations,
and three baskets containing Ayu fish, crucian carp and other fish caught in the
Katsura River. His letter was on red paper, and the hand was in such an easy
style that the prince could take the letter as a model copy. Moreover, the
following verse was added as a postscript:
"I will offer you every day from now on

Many sorts of fish living in the clear river."
When the First Prince showed the letter and presents from General Nakatada to
Lady Fujitsubo, she showed the prince minutely how to answer his letter, and
suggested adding the following verse as a postscript:
"As you began fishing, the ford of the river

Seems to be visible, though far in the distance."
The messenger came back, and handed the First Prince's reply to Nakatada. It
was a letter on blue paper attached to a Chinese bellflower. On looking at it,
Nakatada said:
"He has written very finely. This is really like my handwriting, though it was
only some months ago that I offered a copybook to him."
Kanemasa also read the prince's letter, and said with

Pg.381
admiration, "He is really wise, as expected." The First Princess cut in, "The other
day when I called on Lady Fujitsubo, the First Prince was practicing
penmanship."
Nakatada said to Kanemasa, "The prince is wise as well as very handsome. He

seems more suited to be Heir Apparent than the prince borne by Lady
Nashitsubo."
After sunset people enjoyed seeing fishing with cormorants. At that time a letter
and a bundle containing a suit of ladies' clothes and a singlet of white stiff cloth
were sent to a nurse of the Second Princess from Major General Chikazumi.
The letter ran as follows.
"Early yesterday morning I sent you a letter, but, to my regret, it was after you
had already left. It is impossible for us, of course, to take the Second Princess
out of the residence at the Third Avenue, while in the Katsura villa we shall be
able to watch for a moment when she is off her guard. Please show me into the
Katsura villa secretly before dark. I have been staying near the villa since
yesterday. I hope you will change from your dress to these clothes, as it is very
hot these days."
The nurse said to herself in surprise, "Oh, terrible! If this be noticed, I am

undone."
She then arranged to make the bundle given by Chikazumi look as if it were a
bundle of washing sent from her own family, and wrote to Chikazumi stealthily
as follows.
"Your letter has come to hand. Yesterday we started before the scheduled time,
as Minister Masayori came and pressed us to set out early. Well, as for your
proposal, I cannot obey you, because it is too terrible for me to carry out. In this
villa a strict
Pg.382
watch is kept upon the Second Princess. Her brothers including Prince Danjō are
surrounding her like a fence every night, so that nobody can approach her.
Accordingly, I beg you to return to the city before anyone catches sight of you.
Now. I thank you very much for your kindness in giving me such fine clothes."
When the fishing with cormorants was over, Nakatada asked the First Princess,
"How do you feel?"
A maid-in-waiting answered him, "Our Princess has eaten nothing all day long."
Then Nakatada had the cooled rice gruel prepared and offered it to her, but she
shut her eyes and refused even to see it. Accordingly, Nakatada held Princess
Inumiya on his lap, and fed her with the cool gruel.
Then the First Princess said, "Oh! I can't stand the heat. Let us move to the
veranda."
Nakatada went to the veranda with the princess, and whispered to her, "The
Second Princess must be guarded. I have heard of something important."
Hearing this, the nurse of the Second Princess thought to herself in surprise,
"Whom has General Nakatada heard about this secret from, I wonder?"
Suddenly, Nakatada caught a glimpse of Chikazumi's figure from the veranda, so

he shouted, "A strong-looking warrior is walking about here."
Then the Second Princess started in surprise, and the nurse trembled for fear.
Shortly thereafter Chikazumi's figure went away to a distance.
The next day people enjoyed the cool breeze and Ayu-fishing at the Katsura
River in the daytime, and returned to the capital after sunset.
Minister Kanemasa presented Prince Danjō and his brothers

Pg.383
Chap. 17 Royal Abdicalion: Part Two 383
with a horse and a falcon each, the First Princess and her sisters with a gilded
case apiece containing various rare treasures, and Princess Inumiya with
"something funnily-shaped" which seemed to have pleased her the previous day.
He also gave the nurses a suit of ladies' clothes apiece, and the maids-in-waiting
an assortment of bodkins and combs apiece.
Major Councillor Sanetada was not permitted to stay at Ono village for long,
because he had promised Lady Fujitsubo to live in town. One day he called on
his brother Sanemasa at the late Prime Minister's residence. Sanemasa received
Sanetada cordially, and said,
"You have come at the right moment. I intended to go to Ono village to meet
you. In fact, I have recently moved to the residence at the Third Avenue, as this
residence is ominous and inconvenient. Let us go to that residence now."
"I want to stay here for a while, and by the way, how are my wife and daughter
getting along?"
"I haven't visited her house yet, as it is still hot. When it becomes a little cooler, I
will go there, at least, to meet Sodegimi."
Sanemasa purposely told such a lie, and took Sanetada forcibly with him, riding
in the same carriage, to the residence at the Third Avenue where Sanetada's wife
and daughter lived.
Sanetada's wife was surprised at the sudden visit of her husband, and concealed
herself behind the screen.
On entering the house, Sanemasa said, "Stuffy, isn't it? Let's raise the bamboo
blinds and have some fresh air," and then offered Sanetada a round straw mat,
saying, "Come in. Relax."
Sanetada entered the room hesitatingly, and sat on the mat.

Pg.384
Then he found that a small curtain was set up in the corner, and a young lady
was sitting behind it. Sanetada considered her to be Sanemasa's wife, though in
fact she was Sodegimi and none other.
"She is affecting indifference," thought Sanetada to himself, "She must be

beautiful as she is a half sister of Lady Fujitsubo."
In the meantime, Sodegimi who really wanted to see her father, came out from
behind the curtain and sat opposite to Sanetada, but, to her disappointment, he
did not recognize his own daughter. Sodegimi's eyes filled with tears, and
Sanemasa felt pity on her, and said to Sanetada, "Don't you remember her face?"
Sanetada was silent.
"This young lady is no other than your daughter Sodegimi," said Sanemasa, "She
was discarded, but you may live here with her from now on. A life against
human nature does not last long. Sodegimi's hair has become as long as this."
So saying, Sanemasa raked up her hair with his fingers. Sanemasa proceeded.
"This residence is yours, and your wife is living here now. There can hardly be
in the world such a fine lady as your wife. I want you to live here together with
your wife and daughter. Please listen to me."
Sanetada gazed into Sodegimi's face, and said in tears,
"We haven't met for ages."
People who had formerly served Sanetada came together to the residence, and
wept for joy to see Sanetada after a long separation. Among them there was a
nurse of his only son Masagogimi.
After a while, Sanemasa told the stewards to treat Sanetada to something nice.
Then the nurses of Sodegimi and Masagogimi brought in a nice vegetable meal
laid on a blackish board. A fine youngster sitting by Sanetada was a former page.
Sanetada
Pg.385
and Sanemasa ate and drank at the same table.
After a meal Sanemasa showed Sanetada into a room. and said. "Take a rest
here, as it is very hot."
In that room there was not only new furniture, but also his old personal effects,
and even his own practice notes. Sanetada thought to himself, "It is obvious that
my wife was waiting for me to come back. She is really very tender at heart. She
was already bereaved of her parents, and is dependent only on me now. I am
very sorry for her."
The former maids-in-waiting and nurses helped Sanetada off with his clothes and
fanned him, so that he felt as if he had returned to his old home.
Sanemasa was so busy that he forgot to return to his own residence. Councillor
Saneyori who came a little late said to Sanetada,
"We had a long sorrowful time since our father died, but I am really delighted
today. If you will live here for a long time, I will do you any service."
Sanemasa and Saneyori returned to their residences after staying with Sanetada
for three days. On the evening of the fourth day Sanetada came to Sodegimi's
room, and said,
"I want to talk with you leisurely tonight, as I have recovered my composure.
Tell me how you have been getting along."
Sodegimi cried bitterly for a while, and then said,
"I have been yearning for you day and night. Now that I see you, I feel as if in a
dream."
"I have been living at Ono village."
"We have been living in a house at the foot of Mount Shigayama. Though I
eagerly desired to meet you, I could not call on you, because your whereabouts
were unknown."
"I was surprised to hear from my brother Sanemasa that a house which I called at
to see a beautiful maple several years
Pg.386
ago was your abode. I remember that it was really a remote and lonely spot."
They had a long talk. After that, Sanetada asked Sodegimi,

"Well, where is your mother now? 1 want to see and talk with her."
As a matter of fact, Sanetada had not met his wife yet. Sodegimi went with joy
to her mother's room in the northern front, and handed her father's message to
her. Sanetada's wife was hesitating for a while, but finally decided to meet her
husband at Sodegimi's request. Putting on a blackish cloak over a singlet of dark
grey, she went to Sanetada's room, and met him separated by a curtain. When
Sanetada pushed the curtain aside, saying, "Such a barrier is needless between
you and me," he saw his wife, as beautiful as ever, sitting quietly. Her face was
somewhat thin, but she looked the more noble.
Sanetada said to her, "I haven't seen you for a long time. When I was living at
Ono village, I thought of you often, especially on chilly nights in spring and
autumn. I am entirely changed, but you remain almost the same as before. Sad
memories of the dead Masagogimi are still cherished in my heart."
He then jotted down a verse on a folding fan:
"I've returned home from afar after a long absence.

My young crane, however, was nowhere to be seen."
His wife jotted down a verse on the same fan in tears:
"Our dear old lodge was desolated, and a pine withered.

A crane waiting impatiently for your return died at last."
Sanetada felt pity on his wife, and had a long talk, taking a
Pg.387
meal with her. After that, they went back to their respective chambers, and went
to bed.
When it became widely known that Major Councillor Sanetada had left Ono
village, and now lived in his residence at the Third Avenue together with his
wife and daughter, General Nakatada hurried to meet Sanetada, and Minister
Masayori also called on him, accompanied by Tadazumi and Sukezumi. The
Emperor was very pleased to hear of his return. People who had owed the late
Prime Minister Sueakira a great debt of gratitude came to offer to become
Sanetada's retainers, and the governors of various provinces came to pay a
tribute to him.
Sanetada began to think that his present life was happy as time went on. As he
was a man of shy disposition, however, he had a pair of folding screens set up in
the middle of a room, and he slept on the west side of it, while his wife on the
east. Thus pretending to be estranged from his wife, he began, after some time,
to go to her by stealth at midnight when people were fast asleep.
One night he whispered to her stealthily,
"You might have thought that I had changed my heart, but to tell the truth, I
stood aloof from any women since I left you. When I had been living in the
residence of Minister Masayori, I had frequently asked a maid-in-waiting named
Hyōe to act as a go-between, but I had never played a practical joke on her. It
seems to be disreputable, however, that one who had once renounced the world
should suddenly begin to live with his wife, so I want to continue to live in this
way for a time."
One day Sanetada wrote a letter and handed it to Sodegimi, saying, "Take this to
your mother and bring me her reply."
Sodegimi went to her mother's room, and was about to hand the letter to her
unconcernedly, when Sanemasa came there and said to Sodegimi.
Pg.388
"I wonder what Major Councillor Sanetada has written. Let me see it."
"My father told me not to show it to anyone." said Sodegimi, refusing to hand it
to Sanemasa.
"I want to know what he thinks about his new way of life," said Sanemada, and
took the letter forcibly away from her.
The letter ran as follows.
"I was very happy to see you last night.
"Why have we lived separately for a long time?

I wish the long autumn day would end soon."
I want to talk with you leisurely tonight. I will go to you by stealth as usual."
Sanemasa said to Sanetada's wife.
"The state of things has just turned out as I said before. Don't you think that my
plan was good for you? Reply to your husband's letter soon!"
Sodegimi saw her mother hesitating, so she wrote for her as follows.
"There is none who isn't looking forward to nightfall.

I am sad to see your having changed, though."
The next day Sanetada said to Sodegimi.
"You need wear mourning dress no longer. As tomorrow is an auspicious day,

you may take it off then."
"Mother told me to go out of mourning when the period of mourning has
expired," answered Sodegimi.
"You don't have to wear black for so long," Sanetada said.

Pg.389
and had a lustration performed on the following day.
After the lustration Sodegimi put on a cloak of deep purple over a singlet of the
same color. Sanetada looked admiringly for a while at the beautiful figure of his
daughter.
Lady Fujitsubo continued to stay at her parents' residence, and seldom replied to
the Crown Prince's letters which were delivered almost every day. The Crown
Prince grieved at this very much, and not only summoned neither the Fourth
Princess nor Lady Nashitsubo, but also paid no visit to their apartments for a
long time. He took little food, and grew weaker day after day.
The Emperor said to the Empress, being overcome with anxiety,
"It is a deplorable state of affairs that the Crown Prince has become sick when
the day of the royal abdication is nearing."
"Don't worry so much, please. He may be suffering from the heat, or troubled
with the affairs of his ladies," answered the Empress.
The Crown Prince handed a letter for Lady Fujitsubo to a secretary Korehata,
saying very strictly,
"Bring her reply at any cost this time. If not, you will surely be dismissed."
The secretary came to Lady Fujitsubo, and said,
"This is the Crown Prince's letter. As you do not make any reply to his letters
these days, he ordered me to inquire into the state of things."

"I am very uneasy, as you make no reply to my frequent
Pg.390
letters.
"I was happy day and night because you were beside me.
If separated from you for long, how empty my life is!"
I would rather die than feel lonely and sad like this."
The secretary said to Lady Fujitsubo, as she was silent as usual,
"Unless you make a reply to this letter I will be dismissed. lf I am dismissed

now, I cannot get along. I beg you to give a reply for this."
Soō and Hyōe made also an earnest appeal to Lady Fujitsubo, but she would not
listen to them, saying, "If Korehata be dismissed just because I don't write to the
Crown Prince, I will find him a position as an official higher than a secretary."
Korehata then asked Lady Fujitsubo.
"What shall I do? Am I not to go to the Palace, or to go and tell the Crown
Prince the state of affairs?"
The Lady answered, "Go to the Palace soon, and tell the Crown Prince through
his nurse that I have made no reply."
The secretary returned to the Palace in tears, and told the Crown Prince in detail.
The Crown Prince thought to himself, "Korehata is a favorite of Lady Fujitsubo,

as he is a son of her nurse. If I punish him, she will give me a reply."
Thus the Crown Prince discharged Korehata at once.
The Crown Prince waited impatiently for Lady Fujitsubo's letter, but all in vain.
Whenever the sons of Minister Masayori came to the Crown Prince's Palace, he
asked them if they carried any message from Lady Fujitsubo, but everything ran
Pg.391
counter to his expectations.
Thus the Crown Prince grieved day and night, saying, "How hard her heart is!
For what reason is she so bitter against me?"
Pg.392
Chapter 18
Royal Abdication: Part Three
1
One evening the Empress sent Prime Minister Tadamasa a message to the effect
that she wanted him to come to the Palace. accompanied by Grand Councillor
Tadatōshi and Councillor Kiyomasa. She had something important to consult
with them. She also sent Minister Kanemasa a message saying that she wanted
him to come to the Palace together with General Nakatada.
The Empress ordered all her attendants to withdraw from her presence. and
spoke first to Prime Minister Tadamasa.
"The reason why I have summoned you tonight is that I want to consult with you
about something very important. It is a fear that a long-established custom in the
Palace might be broken in the near future. I hear that the royal abdication will
take place this month, and the Emperor intends to observe the investitute of the
Crown Prince at the same time. It has been a time-honored custom that the lady
to become the Empress belonged only to the Fujiwara family. There has been no
instance of a lady of the Genji family becoming the Empress or her son
becoming Heir Apparent. The Crown Prince had a number of concubines, none
of whom has borne a son. But finally a lady of the Genji appeared, won the
Crown Prince's favor exclusively, and bore him princes one after another. Since
then I had a fear that her son might be made Heir Apparent. Nevertheless. Lady
Nashitsubo has recently given birth to a prince quite
Pg.393
Chap. 18 Royal Abdication: Part Three 393
unexpectedly. I want to make this prince Heir Apparent at any cost. I hope all of
you will work together for the realization of my desire, lest our Fujiwara family
should be put to shame."
Prime Minister Tadamasa answered after a pause.
"lt is not for us to say this or that about the investiture of the Crown Prince.
There have been previous instances while the Emperor was still young, when the
ministers decided important matters upon deliberation. In this glorious reign,
however, this is a matter which the Emperor ought to decide for himself. It might
be better for you to express your opinion to the Crown Prince after he has
ascended the throne, and wait for the decision by the new Emperor himself."
"It might be wise, but if I should express an opinion to the Crown Prince, who
has taken little food and has worn away to a shadow because of Lady Fujitsubo's
absence, he will certainly die of shock. I hear also that in foreign countries the
ministers and councillors rule wisely over the people by mutual agreement. I
want all of you to seek a satisfactory settlement of the matter with one accord.
Now that Lady Nashitsubo has borne a fine prince, how is it acceptable to make
another prince Heir Apparent? If I, together with all of you, suggest this plan to
the Crown Prince, he, being wise and reasonable, will surely give his consent,
considering it to be the best way to keep the world in peace, even though in fact
it seems to him somewhat unsatisfactory. It will be of no effect that I alone give
advice to him."
Then Prime Minister Tadamasa consulted his sons, Tadatōshi and Kiyomasa,
"What do you think about this problem?"
"This is none of our business. We only obey what the Emperor has decided",
answered Grand Councillor Tadatōshi. Subsequently Prime Minister Tadamasa
spoke to his brother,
Pg.394
Minister Kanemasa.
"Now I want to hear your opinion, as Lady Nashitsubo is your daughter and the
prince is your grandson."
Minister Kanemasa said to the Empress, who was his younger sister,
"I am very glad to hear your kind words, but in fact four out of the five persons
present here are relatives of Minister Masayori, and I, the only one exception,
am not quite unrelated to his family, as I am Nakatada's father. Prime Minister
Tadamasa was married to the sixth daughter of Minister Masayori after the real
mother of Grand Councillor Tadatōshi and Councillor Kiyomasa had died, and
his wife bore him four children. Grand Councillor Tadatōshi was married to
Masayori's seventh daughter, who bore him two children, and is to have one
more in a few days. Councillor Kiyomasa's wife is Masayori's eighth daughter,
who bore him some children. Nakatada was married to the First Princess borne
by Lady Jijūden, the first daughter of Masayori, and they have a child and
another is on the way. Our kinsmen are united by marriage with Masayori's
family, and we are on good terms with them. Now, if Masayori should hear that
we have held a meeting like this, he might separate his daughters from their
husbands, or have Lady Jijūden and Lady Fujitsubo retire from the Imperial
Palace and not return them to the Emperor and the Crown Prince. He is a
respectable man, but bold and strong-hearted according to the time and
circumstances."
"Woman as I am, I fear that the precedent will be broken, while all of you think
only of your wives and children. What a shame! Do you think there are no
women in the world but Masayori's daughters? If you want, I will give far better
women than his daughters to all of you. Prime Minister! For the present I will
give you my own daughter, so make her your wife. She is
Pg.395
Chap. I8 Royal Abdication. Part Three 395
never inferior in beauty to Masayori's daughter. Don't be so faint-hearted, but

cooperate with me for the realization of my wishes, please."
"It might be better for you to talk fully with the Crown Prince about this problem
at some convenient time. If the Crown Prince consents to your proposal, it will
be an unlooked-for success," said Prime Minister Tadamasa.
Then the Empress said in a sharp tone,
"You know well that the Crown Prince loves Lady Fujitsubo more than any of
the others, and yet you say such a thing. Say no more! I will observe the trend of
public opinion for a while."
Then Minister Kanemasa said to the Empress,
"I think you have such a desire because you haven't seen the prince borne by
Lady Fujitsubo. It seems to me that the prince is destined to be the future
Emperor. I esteem it honor enough that Lady Nashitsubo bore a prince."
"Man as you are, you are quite weak-spirited", said the Empress, "I hear Lady
Fujitsubo is a stout-hearted woman. Is it true?"
"Lady Fujitsubo is not an ordinary woman at all," answered Prime Minister

Tadamasa, "She is a respectable lady, proficient in everything. Well, I want to
hear General Nakatada's opinion, as he is a shrewd reader of character."
"It shames me much that I am called a shrewd reader of character. Now,

according to my observation, Lady Fujitsubo is very wise. She is as wise as she
is fair", answered Nakatada.
Then the Empress shouted. "I hope Heaven will punish her.'
The Prime Minister said to the Empress, "We have no power to decide the
matter. I beg you again to talk fully with the Crown Prince," and retired from her
presence together with Minister Kanemasa and their sons.
Pg.396
Several days later, the Empress summoned the Crown Prince, and advised him to
make Lady Nashitsubo's son the Heir Apparent. The Crown Prince suddenly
became ill-tempered, and said nothing for a while. Urged by the Empress, he
began to speak at last,
"I used to be obedient to my parents, and I am not against you today. To tell the
truth, however, I don't find my life worth living unless Lady Fujitsubo is beside
me. If I should make Lady Nashitsubo's son the Heir Apparent, Lady Fujitsubo
would enter the deep mountain together with her sons, far from returning to the
Palace. Without her, the throne is nothing to me."
With this, the Crown Prince retired from the Empress' presence.
That evening the Empress called Minister Kanernasa to her apartment, and said
to him.
"I talked today with the Crown Prince about the matter of Heir Apparent. He did
not offer opposition to me, though he was in a bad mood. I intend to tell the
Emperor tomorrow to perform the investiture of the Crown Prince on the very
day of the royal abdication. I think you have no objection to my plan, of course,
as you are Lady Nashitsubo's father. The man I worry about is the Prime
Minister. It is my principle that I carry out whatever I intend to do. I hope you
will understand what I mean."
"I always consult with Nakatada about everything. He seems to be against your
plan."
"What we call an undutiful son is such a man. Disown him as a son!"
The following day the Empress had a long talk with the
Pg.397
Chap. 18 Royal Abdication Part 3 391
Emperor.
"When will the royal abdication take place?" asked the Empress."
"It will be some day following the tenth of the Eighth Month."
"Will you hold the investiture of the Crown Prince on the game day?"
"There is no need to hold it so soon."
"I formerly thought that the Heir Apparent ought to be the First Prince borne by
Lady Fujitsubo, but recently I have come to think that the prince by Lady
Nashitsubo is more suitable as the future Crown Prince."
"lt may be better that the Crown Prince himself decides the matter as he pleases
after he has acceded to the throne. It is not proper that I decide it, ignoring the
Crown Prince's opinion. I don't like to have people think me to be a schemer."
"Isn't it because you have a regard for Lady Jijūden's feeling?"
The Emperor answered with a smile, "You attach a strange meaning to what I
say. Your suspicious conjecture would be excusable in a young lady, but Lady
Jijūden is a mother of many grown-up princes and princesses. In fact, I go to
Lady Jijūden's apartment at times to meet the Tenth Prince, whom I have rarely
seen. Well, as to the problem in question, you may at well talk fully with the
Crown Prince some time after his accession to the throne. He surely will not say
no, if what you say is reasonable."
The Empress replied, "Then, I will say no more", but bore a grudge against the
Emperor in her heart.
Pg.398
The eve of the royal abdication came, but the Crown Prince heard nothing from
Lady Fujitsubo. He thought that if he left Korehata dismissed, things would get
very serious, and so he forgave him for his fault.
That evening he sent Lady Fujitsubo a note as follows:
"I am waiting for your return every moment, but, to my regret, you do not carry
out your promise.
"Do you tell me to look alone at the clouds,

Above* which we had sworn to live together for ever?"
Lady Fujitsubo gave the Crown Prince only the following return verse:
"You are the supreme who will reign a long time.

The clouds we saw together seem not to concern me now."
On reading her verse, the Crown Prince muttered to himself,
"Her bad mood appears to originate in the matter the Empress talked about the
other day."
On the eleventh of the Eighth Month the Emperor abdicated the throne in favor
of his son, the Crown Prince, and moved to the Suzaku Palace. Lady Jijūden
accompanied the Emperor, of course, while the Empress continued to stay in the
Imperial Palace.
Some time later, the new Emperor declared that the Fourth
* "Above the clouds" means "in the Imperial Palace".

Pg.799
Princess and the daughter of the late Prime Minister Sueakira be made Imperial
Consort: of the First Grade, and the daughter of Prime Minister Tadamasa and
Lady Fujitsubo be made Imperial Consorts of the Second Grade. To tell the truth,
there was no hurry about the appointment of these Consorts, but the new
Emperor dared to perform it in haste, because he thought Lady Fujitsubo's return
to the Palace would be accelerated by this measure.
Hearing this, the Empress said to the new Emperor.
"Why haven't you appointed Lady Nashitsubo Imperial Consort? She is the lady
who will become the Empress and a mother of the Crown Prince in future. I beg
you to make her an Imperial Consort."
"Lady Nashitsubo cannot be appointed Imperial Consort now, though she is not
of low birth at all. She must wait for her turn to come."
"I hear the daughter of the late Sueakira is ill-natured. How is it that you have
made such a lady an Imperial Consort?"
"She is the daughter of the late Sueakira who had served the Court as Prime
Minister for a long time. In obedience to you, however, I will give Lady
Nashitsubo the honor of a hand-drawn carriage'."
The Empress returned to her apartment, parting with the words, "You always
turn a deaf ear to my advice."
The Empress made up her mind to give her own daughter to Prime Minister
Tadamasa in order to win him over to her side.
* A carriage drawn by hands. Its use in the courtyard of the Palace was only for
persons of distinction.
Pg.400
She thought to herself. "'The ex-Emperor Suzaku will not be angry, if this
becomes known to him afterwards, became Tadamasa is still young, handsome
and good-natured, and, what is more, he is the Honorable Prime Minister."
Then the Empress sent Prime Minister Tadamasa a message saying that she
wanted him to come to the Palace that evening, as she had something to conuult
him with. But the Prime Minister considered it to be a consultation about the
investiture of the Crown Prince, and so replied by letter as follows:
"I have read your kind letter. But I am sorry I cannot answer your summons
tonight, because I have recently fallen into ill health, and absented myself from
Court and the Suzaku Palace. After taking a rest for some days I will call on
you."
On reading the letter, the Empress thought to herself, "It's a matter of regret.
Anyhow. I must call him here at any cost. However beautiful his wife may be, he
will surely be fascinated by my daughter."
In the meantime Princess Ōmiya and her daughters gathered at the residence of
Lady Fujitsubo to congratulate her on her being appointed Imperial Consort.
At that time Princess Ōmiya said, "I feel very uneasy, as I hear that there is
strange scheming about the investiture of the Crown Prince."
Prime Minister Tadamasa's wife answered, "A rumor about that matter is noised
abroad, and it will spread more and more. The other day Tadamasa received a
summons from the Empress, which he, however, did not answer. Then I asked
him whether the Empress had summoned him to consult with him about the
matter of Heir Apparent. He replied nothing to me, but it must be a certain fact."
Pg.401
"I am told there are such schemes here and there," said Princess Ōmiya, "but I
believe in Prime Minister Tadamasa."
"Tadamasa seems to feel sorry for the Empress' behavior."
"By the way, I have heard a strange rumor. It is that some people are planning to
entice the Prime Minister with a daughter of the Empress. They plan to shut him
up in her room. It is a fearful scheme, indeed."
On hearing this, Tadamasa's wife turned pale, and said in a faint voice.
"Oh! What shall I do? I knew nothing about it at all. We have many children, and
wish to have still more. If Tadamasa should be shut up in the room of such a
beautiful princess, he will come to take no notice of me."
"Anyhow, I have heard such a rumor. I wonder if it is true."
"It may be true, because the Empress very often asked Tadamasa to come to the
Palace."
"The daughter of the Empress is young and lovely. She will be very beautiful
when she is grown up."
Prime Minister Tadamasa's wife became overwhelmed with grief since she heard
the rumor about her husband from Princess Ōmiya, and she kept on weeping day
and night in Masayori's residence.
Tadamasa often sent a messenger to bring her back home, but all in vain.
Harboring a suspicion, he himself called at Masayori's residence, but she would
not see him, saying, "There is no room where I can meet you in this residence.
Please return to our home. I will come back in a few days."
Tadamasa said reproachfully to her, "There is. something unusual in your

behavior. Why do you speak from such a
Pg.402
distant place? Please come out a little nearer!"
She replied nothing, though.
Behind the bamboo blinds Princess Ōmiya said to Tadamasa's wife, "You had
better meet your husband, as it is not his own fault."
"I have a hatred for him who has kept such I fact from me," she said, and would
not meet him.
Unable to look on with indifference, her brothers, Tadazumi, Sukezumi and

Morozumi made a seat for Prime Minister Tadamasa on the veranda and kept
him company.
In the meantime, the Empress who was suspicious of the Prime Minister's not
answering her frequent summons under the pretext of illness called her
Supernumerary Master to her room, and said,
"Take this letter to the Prime Minister yourself, and hand it over directly to him.
Besides, investigate thoroughly whether he is really ill or not."
When the Supernumerary Master walked along the Third Avenue, accompanied
by an official, he found many outriders lining up around the Prime Minister's
carriage in front of the south gate of Minister Masayori's residence. He entered
the residence and advanced directly to the stairs, when he found the Prime
Minister talking with the sons of Minister Masayori at the veranda.
"I am a messenger of the Empress. Her Majesty ordered me to hand this letter
directly to the Prime Minister," he said, and he took out a letter which was on
fine paper, and offered it to the Prime Minister through the hand of Major
General Chikazumi.
Behind the bamboo blinds Princess Ōmiya and her daughters were excited, and
Tadamasa's wife shouted. "Will the Empress shut Tadamasa up in her daughter's
room tonight?"
Pg.403
The Prime Minister read the letter from the Empress.
"I asked you very often to come to the Palace on urgent business, but, to my
great regret, you never answered my summons under the pretext of illness. Our
late parents had often told us that we should cooperate with each other in
everything as long as we lived. There is nobody but you whom I consult with. I
ask you to come here today without fail."
The Prime Minister replied by letter as follows.
"I have read your kind letter. To tell the truth, I was ill, and had difficulty in
walking. What is worse, my wife has suddenly become ill at her parents'
residence, and seems in a very serious condition. I well understand what you say.
I will go to the Palace when I have recovered."
The Prime Minister said to his wife from the veranda,
"It is very cruel of you not to show yourself, keeping me waiting outdoors like a
servant."
His wife replied nothing, though. The sons of Minister Masayori were not able
to leave the veranda, as the Prime Minister kept sitting there. At dawn he finally
returned to his home, leaving a note for his wife.
"I waited and waited for you, feeling the sorrow of life,
Until the dew formed last night has vanished."
Please come back soon. I will send some people to meet you."
Nevertheless, his messengers kept waiting in vain for her all day long, and
finally returned home in the evening without even
Pg.404
being given her reply.
The day of the enthronement ceremony drew near, but Lady Fujitsubo did not
return to the Palace. The Emperor was grieved and lost in thought every day and
night, and finally stopped sending a messenger to Lady Fujitsubo.
The enthronement ceremony took place on the twenty-third of the Eighth Month.
All the high courtiers presented themselves at the ceremony, of course, while
Prime Minister Tadamasa did not appear, being granted leave of absence. The
Emperor was present at this grand ceremony, though very reluctantly because of
Lady Fujitsubo's absence.
When the rite was over, the high courtiers gathered in the antechamber. Then one
of them said,
"How is it that the Prime Minister did not present himself at an important
ceremony like this? Though he has leave of absence, he appears not to be
suffering from such a serious disease."
"This is how it is," answered another high courtier, "As the Prime Minister's wife
has shut herself up in her parents' residence, he must nurse his little child
himself."
On hearing this, Minister Kanemasa and General Nakatada thought to

themselves. "The Empress' scheme seems to have become known to Minister
Masayori's family. We have been in fear that such a matter should occur."
Prime Minister Tadamasa's wife continued staying at Masayori's residence, and

did not agree to her husband's proposal to return home. Upon this, Princess
Ōmiya said to her.
"You are a mother of many children. You had better go back soon to your
husband."
Pg.405
Chap. 18 Royal Abdication Part Three 405
"I intend to separate from Tadamasa before the affair of the Empress's daughter
becomes widely known to the public," answered she in tears.
By and by not only at Court but also in town people began to talk as follows:
"The prince by Lady Nashitsubo will be made Crown Prince. The Empress
appealed to the new Emperor in tears day and night, so that he finally agreed.
Prime Minister Tadamasa and Minister Kanemasa seem to have cooperated with
the Empress in this plan, pretending to be ignorant of the matter."
Minister Masayori thought his sons-in-law, Tadamasa, Tadatōshi and Kiyomasa,

to be cold-hearted. None of them tried to console him, though they feared in
their hearts that he was bitter against them because of this rumor. The courtiers
who had begged Lady Fujitsubo for their promotion in official ranks, and those
who had gathered around the First Prince to please him did not appear in the
residence of Lady Fujitsubo. The messengers of the Emperor did not go to Lady
Fujitsubo for a long time. Minister Masayori resolved that he would become a
monk at once, if the rumor proved true. His many sons tried to console him
often, but all in vain. Lady Fujitsubo thought in her heart as follows, though she
never put it into words.
"I seem to have been wrong in my judgment on the Emperor's mind. This noisy
rumor may be true, as my father says. If it has proved true, I will become a nun.
How can I stay in this world as I am?"
Only the First Prince was playing as usual. The Tenth Month came. One day
General Nakatada said to
Pg.406
the First Princess.
"You appear to believe that I am concerned in the matter which is now much
spoken of, but it is a great misunderstanding on your part. As you know, I have
called at neither the Suzaku Palace nor my father's residence since the day of the
enthronement ceremony. I want you to know that I have nothing to do with the
matter. Prime Minister Tadamasa greatly grieves for his wife who will not return
home, but I feel as if it were my own affair. I am very anxious about your inmost
thoughts."
"The proverb says. -'There's no smoke without a fire'. -You say that you have
recently met nobody, but it does not sufficiently prove that you are not
concerned with that scheme. However cleverly you may explain things away,
your participation in the design is evident, judging from the progress of the
matter."
"What do you think we did?"
"Though you are playing the innocent, it is evident that you and the Prime
Minister consulted with the Empress about the design."
"Let us drop the subject, for it is of no use to argue with you over such a thing
now. I had promised several friends of mine to go to Mizunoo with them some
day in order to call on Nakayori, but business prevented me from going there in
the season of flowers. I am going to carry out my promise within a few days
while the mountains are all ablaze with autumnal tints. I will be away only for a
day or two, but I feel anxious about you during my absence. Even if the ex-
Emperor Suzaku summons you while I am absent, you must not go there, as I
will miss you when I come back from Mizunoo."
"I will go nowhere, as I am tired. But I am sure to feel lonely and uneasy while I
live alone in this residence."
Pg.407
"Then I will summon Nakayori's sister who is living in the west wing. She is
called Azechinokimi, and she can play the koto very skillfully. She is good-
natured, smart, and proficient in everything."
"I am shy."
"You need not worry about such a thing."
Not long after, Azechinokimi came in response to Nakatada's summons. She was
dressed in tasteful clothes, and looked noble and gentle. The First Princess was
happy to have such a good person near her.
General Nakatada said to Azechinokimi,
"I intend to go to Mizunoo. Do you have any message for your brother? What I
want to ask you is to take care of my daughter, Princess Inumiya. She has started
walking on her own these days. The First Princess would look on with
indifference, even if Princess Inumiya should fall into the fire or the water. I ask
you to look after Princess Inumiya with special care during my absence."
General Nakatada then said to the First Princess.
"I will come back as soon as possible. As I have said, you must not go anywhere
while I am away."
The next day General Nakatada, Major Councillor Suzushi, Grand Moderator
Suefusa, Lieutenant General Yukimasa, and Ācārya Tadakoso started for
Mizunoo, accompanied by their attendants.
The party arrived without any trouble. Beside a beautiful cascade there stood a
magnificent chapel and a hermitage, where Nakayori was giving his two sons
lessons in the flute and the sō-flute, and his daughter lessons in the sō no koto.
He was
Pg.408
408 TALE OF THE CAVFRN
very happy to receive a sudden visit from his old friends, and made the seats for
the guests hurriedly in the forest of red leaves.
Soon cups were filled with sake, and the guests and Nakayori drank one cup
after another. Nakayori's disciples and pages prepared soup with the mushrooms
and cooked bamboo shoots. The guests ate these dishes with relish, and had a
merry talk with Nakayori after a long separation.
Darkness was approaching. The mountain wind blew, scattering red leaves on
the ground.
Not long after, the musical performance commenced. Yukimasa played the biwa,
Nakayori the sō no koto, Matsukata the koto, Chikamasa the wagon, Tokikage
the flute, two retainers of Nakatada the shō- and hichiriki-flute respectively, and
others sang in concert.
Fires were seen on a distant hill. They were the fires which monks were making
to prepare rice gruel mixed with roast chestnuts for the many attendants of the
guests. When night drew on, it was so chilly that there was a frost, but the guests
and their attendants played merrily all night long. At dawn they were served with
warm gruel.
On the second day the guests composed Chinese poems, and the reading took
place in the evening. One of the scholars attending on Suefusa read out the
poems one after another, and excellent poems were recited in concert by all those
present. The recitation of poems lasted far into the night. At dawn when the wind
blew plaintively and the leaves fell like rain, Ācārya Tadakoso chanted a
dhārani*, and Nakatada played the sō no koto to the chanting. All the people
living in the mountain as well as those having come from the city were moved to
tears.
* A mystic Buddhist incantation.

Pg.409
Subsequently Nakayori chanted a dhārani like his morning religious service, and
Suzushi played the Homeholder Wind which was carried by his servant, to the
chanting. Tadakoso praised the fine and noble chanting of Nakayori.
At that time Tanematsu, the Governor of Ki province, arrived with twenty horses
burdened with sake barrels and large chests containing rice, and he distributed
them among the mountain monks.
That day the guests composed Chinese poems, and then visited Nakayori's
chapel and the temples in the neighborhood.
At night they had a long and lively talk in Nakayori's hermitage. Then Nakayori
said to Nakatada.
"I am very pleased to hear that my sister who had been living helplessly in the
residence at the First Avenue is now under your care. I am sorry I give you
trouble."
"Your sister is living in the east wing of my residence. She is wise and proficient
in everything. I have left my little daughter in her care, as my wife is hopeless."
"I am glad that you regard my sister with favor. I hope to have my son go into
Court service, but things do not go well with a monk like me. I am at a loss what
to do."
"If you leave your son in the care of your sister, I will act as a guardian."
"Thank you very much. I want to have my son serve the future Crown Prince."
"The prince borne by Lady Fujitsubo will surely become the Crown Prince."
"It is said that the prince borne by Lady Nashitsubo will be made the Crown
Prince."
"Nothing can be more absurd than that. How can it be possible?"
Then Suzushi edged in a word. "I hear the problem about the
Pg.410
Crown Prince has already been decided. It is also said that the date has been set
for the investiture."
"I wonder if it has been decided without my knowledge."

"Though you may say so, people will not believe such a thing," said Suzushi.
"You will come to understand the whole circumstance of the matter in the near
future," answered Nakatada, and then spoke to Nakayori, "Anyhow, I will take
charge of your son at any time."
"I intend to give lessons in music to my children for a year from now. Next year
I will ask for your help."
The following day the guests and their attendants started for the city, receiving a
good sent-off of Nakayori and his children, disciples and pages.
Rumors that the problem about the Crown Prince would be decided within the
month spread. Many horses and carriage; lined up around the residence of
Minister Kanemasa and General Nakatada, and a large number of courtiers
crowded in their courtyards like a market, while there was none who visited the
residence of Minister Masayori.
Masayori resolved that he would become a monk and enter the mountain at once,
if the prince by Lady Nashitsubo should be made the Crown Prince. He made all
sorts of preparations for entering the Buddhist priesthood.
The day of decision came at last. That morning Minister Masayori shut himself
up in a closet, saying, "I want to hear nothing." Then Princess Ōmiya entered the
same closet, saying, "I, too, cannot sit still." Their sons lined up before the door
of the closet, feeling ill at ease.
Pg.411
Soon after an Imperial messenger came to Masayori's residence and conveyed an

urgent summons. Masayori's sons immediately informed Masayori of the
Imperial summons, but he answered nothing. So the sons replied to the
messenger that Minister Masayori was not able to go to the Palace. Subsequently
the Emperor summoned Prime Minister Tadamasa, but he replied that he could
hardly answer the Imperial summons. The Emperor ordered the Prime Minister
again to come to the Palace without fail.
Prime Minister Tadamasa came to the Palace around six o'clock in the evening.
The Emperor reached for an inkstone, without saying a word, and jotted down
something on a sheet of paper, sealed it up, and handed it to Prime Minister
Tadamasa through Councillor Saneyori. Prime Minister Tadamasa opened the
envelope, and read through the Imperial note with a smile. Major General
Chikazumi, who was then attending upon the Emperor, thought to himself. "Oh
my! The prince by Lady Nashitsubo won! It is natural that the Prime Minister
should be satisfied, as Lady Nashitsubo is his niece. Thus my father's hope has
come to nothing."
The Emperor felt pity on Chikazumi who became pale, and said to him. "Cheer
up, and follow the Prime Minister!"
Chikazumi followed the Prime Minister, expecting that the Minister would
reveal something to him. That night the Prime Minister lodged at the high
courtier's antechamber, so Chikazumi stayed there, too.
Early the next morning when no one was yet awake, the Prime Minister wrote a
letter in small characters, and handed it to Chikazumi without a word.
Chikazumi accepted it. The letter was sealed, and addressed to the Minister of
the Left Masayori. Chikazumi searched for his retainers in haste, but could find
them nowhere. So he jumped on a horse standing by the gate of
Pg.412
the Palace, and hurried up to Masayori's residence. Chikazumi's expression was

so ghastly that Masayori's sons had the false impression that an enemy with a
sword was attacking them. They were still trembling for a while even after they
recognized Chikazumi.
Then Lieutenant General Sukezumi asked Chikazumi. "How about the matter?
What was the decision?"
"I know nothing, but here is the Prime Minister's letter", answered Chikazumi.
When the sons tried to open the envelope, Chikazumi shouted, "Oh! Don't open
it, because it is addressed to our father."
Chikazumi then hurried up to the closet, and knocked on the door, saying, "I
have just come back, and have an important thing to hand you."
Hearing this, Masayori appeared to have lost his head. Princess Ōmiya said to
him, "Chikazumi seems to have brought you something important," and then
opened the door. The sons entered the closet. Masayori, who was lying on his
face, pulling a thick bedquilt over his head, looked at the letter, and ordered his
oldest son, Tadazumi, to read it for him.
Tadazumi read the letter aloud.
"An Imperial order was issued at six o'clock last evening that the First Prince
borne by Lady Fujitsubo should be designated Crown Prince. The Emperor
decided the matter for himself in a different way from before. Besides, the
Emperor told me not to breathe a word about this to anyone before the official
announcement, so that I was not able to let you know until now. Please come to
the Palace without fail at ten o'clock this morning."
Pg.413
When Tadazumi read through the letter, Masayori rose abruptly to his feet. and
said to Chikazumi. "Have you informed Lady Fujitsubo of this matter?"
"Not yet," answered Chikazumi, "because I was ordered to report to you first."
"Let her know at once! She must be worrying about it," said Masayori.
When Chikazumi went to Lady Fujitsubo's residence, she was holding the First
Prince on her lap and the Third Prince, newly born, in her arms. On hearing
Chikazumi's report, she said with a smile,
"I believed that the Emperor would never fail to keep his former promise. To tell
the truth, however, I have been feeling uneasy, because of the rumors."
Lady Fujitsubo then changed into the full uniform of pleated train, and all the
nurses, ladies-in-waiting and girl pages put up their hair and wore full dress.
People of the residence swept the main hall clean and sprinkled the front yard
with snow-white sand in a hurry. Minister Masayori and his sons, in full dress,
called on Lady Fujitsubo to offer their sincere and hearty congratulations, and
then transferred the First Prince to the northern part of the main hall and the
Second Prince to the west wing. At ten o'clock Minister Masayori went to the
Palace with all his sons and sons-in-law.
That evening all the high courtiers gathered at Court, and deliberated on the
appointment of the Board of the Crown Prince's Affairs. Only the Master of the
Crown Prince's Affairs was chosen by the Emperor himself from among persons
of wide reputation. General Nakatada was appointed to the post. A doctor of
literature who had long served the First Prince was appointed Tutor of the Crown
Prince. Nakatada recommended
Pg.414
a man for the senior steward. He was one of the two retainers who had once
come to the cavern in the mountain with General Kanemasa to take Nakatada
back to the city. Another retainer had already been made the Vice-governor of
Iyo province on the recommendation of Nakatada. Out of three junior stewards,
two were nominated by Princess Ōmiya and Lady Fujitsubo and one was a man
who had long served the First Prince.
10
Not long after that, Lady Jijūden had large residences built near the Suzaku
Palace, and received there her many sons and daughters. The Eighth Prince
married a daughter of Lieutenant General Sukezumi, and lived in one of these
residences. All her sons and daughters, either grown up or still young, gathered
at these residences, and played merrily and lively day and night. The ex-Emperor
Suzaku frequently went there to see them. Besides, the ex-Emperor wished to
invite the First Princess and General Nakatada to the residence and have them
play the kotos in concert.
Hearing this, the Empress bore a grudge against Lady Jijūden more and more.
She hated even her blood relatives since the failure of her scheme, so that Prime
Minister Tadamasa and Minister Kanemasa came to keep her at a distance. The
Empress felt lonely and grieved every day, muttering, "Oh! What a nasty age we
are living in now! I would rather become a nun and live in a mountain temple
than see the world like this."
Prime Minister Tadamasa's wife continued staying at Masayori's residence, but

began to feel very lonely as her pregnancy advanced, so she fmally determined
to return home on the advice of her husband.
"Why haven't you come home till today?" Tadamasa asked his
Pg.415
wife.
"Because I heard that you would be confined in the room of the Empress'
daughter."
"This word of yours is quite regrettable. How can I turn my affection from you
to another woman? If you had understood my affection for you better, a tragedy
like that would not have happened. That was how the Empress had planned to
win me to her side."
11
The Emperor waited for Lady Fujitsubo's letter of gratitude, but in vain. "What
an obstinate woman she is! I am beaten as usual," muttered the Emperor, and
sent a letter to Lady Fujitsubo by an Imperial secretary.
"Though I frequently sent a letter to you, you reply nothing. Not only I but also
those close to me think your attitude is very strange. There has been no such
precedent before. You are so coId-hearted that I have nothing to live for.
"I thought it owing to white clouds* that there were no echoes.

Why are there no echoes even now that the clouds have vanished?"
Will you not return to the Palace even now?"
* There is a pun on shira, "know nothing (shira-nu)" and "white clouds (shira-
kumo)". The first half of this verse means, "I thought that because you knew
nothing about the decision of the Crown Prince your replies did not come here."
Pg.416
Lady Fujitsubo replied by letter as follows:
"I am very glad to have received your letter after a long interval. To tell the truth,
I ought to have offered my heartfelt gratitude to you first of all, but I could
hardly read your thoughts owing to your long silence, and was waiting for your
letter to come.
"Hearing that the white clouds have changed in color,
The echo in the mountain was reluctant to come back."
The Crown Prince will go to the Palace at an early date, and I intend to go
together with him if possible."
Lady Fujitsubo presented the Imperial messenger with a robe of figured silk and
a pair of lined trousers.
On reading this letter, the Emperor was very pleased to know that she would
come back soon. Early the next morning he sent a letter to Lady Fujitsubo.
"I have read your letter with great pleasure.
"The wind* could disarrange the rising clouds* in various ways,

It cannot disturb, however, the movement of the sun and the moon*."
I came to incur the displeasure of the Empress and the ex-Empress on account of
the investiture of the Crown Prince. I
*In this verse the Empress and the ex-Empress are likened to the wind, the
investiture of the Crown Prince to the rising clouds, and the First Prince by Lady
Fujitsubo to the sun and the moon.
Pg.417
will tell you everything when I meet you."
Princess Ōmiya who happened to be beside Lady Fujitsubo read the Emperor's
letter and said, "I am told the ex-Empress gave the Emperor her opinion about
the investiture of the Crown Prince."
"I hear so, too," said Lady Fujitsubo with a smile, and then wrote to the Emperor
as follows:
"I thank you very much for your kind letter.
"Both the sun and the moon cannot be clearly seen,

If they are covered with the clouds of ill nature."
I am very glad to hear that the matter of the Crown Prince was decided only by
yourself."
That evening General Nakatada called on Lady Fujitsubo at the west wing, and
said to her,
"I was appointed Master of the Crown Prince's Affairs, so that I beg you to speak
to me directly from now on, not through your ladies-in-waiting. A strange rumor
was going around till recently. Now that the affairs have been entirely settled, I
want to reveal the real facts of the matter, and have brought a letter of the
Empress which was given to my father Kanemasa. Please have a look at it."
With this, Nakatada offered a letter to Lady Fujitsubo through Soō. Lady
Fujitsubo read the letter together with Princess Ōmiya, and muttered, "Oh!
Terrible." She jotted down a verse in a blank space on the letter:
Pg.418
"The affair was settled happily because the cloud* knew everything.
If not so, the wisteria* would surely have withered up,"
Nakatada accepted the letter, and recited a verse in reply:
"The young pine has been expected to grow up

Into a flourishing evergreen since it was still a seed."
After that, Minister Masayori and Master of the Crown Prince's Affairs Nakatada
arranged for the Crown Prince to go to the Palace with Lady Fujitsubo on the
fifteenth of the Tenth Month.
12
On the fifteenth of the Tenth Month the Crown Prince and Lady Fujitsubo as
well as their many attendants went to the Imperial Palace in two parties. In the
processions there were thirty carriages. Ten out of them belonged to the party of
the Crown Prince, and stood in line in front of the east gate along the Ōmiya
Main Street, and twenty out of them belonged to the party of Lady Fujitsubo,
and lined up in front of the south gate along the Third Avenue. The carriage
carrying the Crown Prince was drawn by a dark yellow cow, and the outrunners
were twelve young men, equal in height and good-looking, all of whom wore
vests of red damask with red linings and leather shoes. This carriage was
followed by several secretaries of the Crown Prince's household, and further by a
carriage with two nurses of the Crown Prince in it. The carriage carrying Lady
* The Emperor is likened to the cloud, and Lady Fujitsubo to the Wisteria. The
Japanese for "Wisteria" is "Fuji".
Pg.419
Fujitsubo was drawn by a black cow, and the outrunners were twelve retainers of
Minister Masayori, all of whom wore vests of magenta. This carriage was
followed by the carriages carrying Masayori's sons, Tadazumi, Morozumi and
Sukezumi, and his sons-in-law, Suzushi, Yukimasa and Suefusa. Prime Minister
Tadamasa and Minister Kanemasa did not join the procession with a regard for
the Empress' feelings, and Sanemasa abstained from joining because of being in
mourning. The first accessory carriage carried three nurses of the Second and
Third Princes and Soō.
When the procession began to advance northwards along the Ōmiya Main Street,
many spectators stood all along the road. It was already night, but a full moon
was shining brightly in the sky, and, what was more, several torchbearers
advanced ahead of the brocaded- and palmfrond carriages, so that the spectators
could catch sight of the faces and dress of the persons in the carriages, of which
the bamboo blinds were raised up.
Not long after, the head of the procession arrived at the inner gate of the Imperial
Palace, when the rear stayed still before the residence of Minister Masayori.
When the carriage carrying the Crown Prince passed through the inner gate, two
nurses of the Crown Prince got out of their carriage, and followed his carriage
together with twenty secretaries. Lady Fujitsubo's carriage was followed by the
nurses of the Second and Third Princes and about sixty ladies-in-waiting
including Soō.
Thus the Crown Prince and Lady Fujitsubo returned safely to the Imperial Palace
at last.
13
Lady Fujitsubo went to the Emperor's private room, and apologized to him for
delay in her return. While she had much
Pg.420
talk with the Emperor after a long separation, the night was far advanced, and
the night watchman was heard announcing the time to be half past two. When
Lady Fujitsubo wanted to return to her apartment, the Emperor said to her. "Wait
a little longer!" and he recited a verse:
"When I was sleeping alone, dawn was long in coming

I wonder why the time advances so fast tonight."
Lady Fujitsubo recited in reply:
"Why do you say so tonight, while I know

That your days dawned very soon during my absence?"
Before long it began to dawn, so Lady Fujitsubo hurried to her apartment.
The next day the Emperor came into Lady Fujitsubo's apartment, where there
were the Second and Third Princes. The nurses of the two princes were in
waiting behind the curtain, and watching with a feeling of rivalry which of the
two princes the Emperor would first hold in his arms. The Emperor took the
Second Prince in his arms, and held him on his lap, patting him on the head. The
Second Prince's face was lovely, and his beautiful hair hung down over his
shoulders. The nurse of the Third Prince felt jealous, while that of the Second
showed great pride.
The Emperor then said to Lady Fujitsubo, "I want to see the Crown Prince. Send
for him at once!"
"It might be better for you to see him after a while", replied Lady Fujitsubo.
At that time the Third Prince crawled toward the Second Prince, smiling sweetly.
The Emperor said to Lady Fujitsubo.
Pg.421
Chap. 18 Royal Abdication: Part Three
"As your return home was too late, I came to hate even this little prince, and
intended not to hold him in my arms when I met him. But I have found on
reflection that it was wrong to put the blame of a mother on her child."
With this, the Emperor picked up the Third Prince into his arms.
The Emperor stayed at the apartment of Lady Fujitsubo all day long, and
returned to his own chamber in the evening, parting with the words, "Come to
my chamber tonight."
The following morning when she was about to retire from the Emperor's
chamber, he said to her, "Send for the Crown Prince today without fail, as I will
go to your apartment to meet him."
Lady Fujitsubo asked Tadazumi, the Undersecretary of the Crown Prince's

Affairs, to bring the Crown Prince to her apartment with him. Not long after that,
the Crown Prince came, followed by Minister Masayori and many courtiers. The
Emperor entered her apartment, pretending to be unconcerned. The Crown
Prince wore uniform dress, and behaved like a grown-up.
After that, the Emperor came to Lady Fujitsubo's apartment every day to play
with the princes, and summoned her every night to his own chamber.
One day Lady Fujitsubo said to the Emperor,
"I had formerly been ill spoken of. Now that I live here with our young princes,
there is no knowing what sort of slander may reach my ear."
"Previously I loved only you, and that was a cause of anxiety for the ex-Emperor
Suzaku. From now on I intend to look after each of the ladies."
Lady Nashitsubo was in the Emperor's favor as before, and the Fourth Princess
retired to the Saga Palace as soon as Lady Fujitsubo returned to the Imperial
Palace. Prince Shikibukyō
Pg.422
had been very grieved that his daughter, Lady Tōkaden had not been made an
Imperial Consort, but he was restored to good humor, and began to come to
Court again, because Lady Tōkaden was afterwards given the honor of a hand-
drawn carriage, and, what was more, she was summoned at times to the
Emperor's chamber and became pregnant.
The Emperor was very industrious in government as well as in learning and

music, and led a happy life. He decided everything after consultation with
Minister Masayori, and nothing Masayori said to the Emperor failed to have an
effect. Minister Masayori was always fair, and never became the object of
criticism. Masayori paid respect to Minister Kanemasa as a refined and
thoughtful man, and held General Nakatada in high esteem as a wise and
competent man.
14
The New Year came. On the first of the First Month the Emperor performed the
New Year's ceremony at the Daikokuden Pavilion. On the second the ex-
Emperor Suzaku called at the Saga Palace, and on the third the Emperor called at
the Suzaku Palace, to offer New Year's greetings. Court festivals such as the
White Horse* and Tōka** were held successfully, and on the twenty-first, Lady
Senyōden, the daughter of Major Councillor Masaaki, acted as hostess at the
Imperial family banquet.
Not long after that, the Fourth Princess who had retired to the Saga Palace bore a
son. If only the investiture of the Crown Prince had been performed a little later,
regretted the ex-
* On the seventh of the First Month, ceremonial white horses were reviewed by
the Emperor and other members of the royal family.
** On the fourteenth of the First Month a troupe of courtiers sang in Palace. The
observance was called Tōka.
Pg.423
Emperor Saga and the ex-Empress. A lot of congratulatory gifts were sent from
many princes and high courtiers, and that from Minister Masayori and Princess
Ōmiya was the most splendid among them.
One day Lady Fujitsubo said to the Emperor,
"Is it impossible that Tadayasu, the former Master of the Imperial Household, be
given a good post?"
"He seems to be a good man", answered the Emperor, "I am told that he became
unemployed because he had committed a minor fault in the reign of the Emperor
Saga."
"If such is the case, please appoint him to the post of Superintendent of Palace
Repairs which is vacant now."
Minister Masayori also said to the Emperor who was then in a good humor,
"Shigeno no Masuge who had once been condemned to exile is really a wise
man, so I think it improper to leave him indefinitely as an offender. It is the
custom to grant an amnesty to criminals at the beginning of the new reign. I beg
you to forgive Masuge and his son their crimes."
Thus Tadayasu was appointed Superintendent of Palace Repairs, and Masuge

and his son were released and recalled to the capital.
Tadayasu was very pleased at his unexpected promotion. He made a round of

courtesy calls, saying as follows:
"I have been discarded from Court for a long time, and have managed to live,
formerly by selling my household effects, and recently by being given a portion
of the goods which Nakayori sent to his wife from the mountain. Accordingly, I
am so poor that I haven't even a suit of formal dress or a servant. This time I
have been able to rise in the world by the special favor of the sagacious Emperor.
I am sorry I was late in calling on you because of my poverty."
Pg.424
When Tadayasu paid a courtesy visit to Minister Kanemasa, the latter said to the
former.
"I sympathize with you in your long predicament. You need not thank me for
your promotion. You should rather offer your gratitude to Lady Fujitsubo,
because it was by her extraordinary good offices that you were promoted. There
were many courtiers who wished to become the Superintendent of Palace
Repairs, and Grand Moderator Morozumi, Lady Fujitsubo's brother, was also
one of them, but she strongly recommended you for that post."
Tadayasu asked Minister Kanemasa in great surprise,
"What is the reason that she has done so? Might it be because she has heard of
my daughter's complaint that it was on account of Lady Fujitsubo that Nakayori
had become a mountain monk?"
"I fancy that Lady Fujitsubo, who is very wise, has sympathized with you,
knowing well about such things. You had better offer your heartfelt gratitude to
her through Major General Chikazumi."
15
A while later, General Nakatada called on his mother, and had a talk with her.
"Is Father absent from home now?"
"He is away in the Third Princess' house to see the prince by Lady Nashitsubo.
He goes there often in the daytime, but never fails to return here at night."
"Does Father go to Nakanokimi's now and then?"
"Sometimes he goes there in the daytime, when he has an opportunity."
"How bitter they have been against Father! Azechinokimi

Pg.425
who lives in the wing of my residence now is a very nice lady. I wonder how he
could remain calm after he had discarded them. I ought to call on you more
often, but to tell the truth, I seldom go out these days, as there is no knowing
when the First Princess' delivery may begin."
"Is that so near at hand? Why doesn't Lady Jijūden retire?"
"Since the Fifth Prince* has recently been watching for a chance to steal the
Second Princess away, Lady Jijūden was not able to retire from the Palace for
fear of the Fifth Prince's violence. I am told he is a famous philanderer, and is
forsaken by the ex-Emperor Saga and the ex-Empress. To make matters worse,
some other people also seem to be planning to do such a thing. They have the
intention of stealing the Second Princess away by force, thinking that ordinary
measures will not do. But, as the First Princess is nearing her confinement, I am
going to the Suzaku Palace tomorrow to meet Lady Jijūden and the Second
Princess."
The following day Minister Masayori wanted to go himself to the Suzaku Palace
together with his sons and sons-in-law. Tadazumi said to his father, "It will be
unnecessary for you to go there yourself, because I will act as substitute for
you." But Minister Masayori replied to Tadazumi, "No. I am going to the Suzaku
Palace just to meet the Second Princess. It's a serious matter if anything should
happen to her."
Lieutenant General Sukezumi also said to his father, "You need not worry so
much!", but, in fact, he was planning in his heart to steal the Second Princess
away on this occasion.
Major General Chikazumi thought to himself without saying a word, "When the
Second Princess gets out of the carriage and enters her own room, I will steal
into her room and creep into
* The fifth son of the ex-Emperor Saga borne by the ex-Empress.

Pg.426
bed. If I should be caught, surely I will not be killed by Lady Jijūden."
Soon after, Minister Masayori and his followers started for the Suzaku Palace.
Minister Masayori and General Nakatada rode in the carriages, Tadazumi,
Sukezumi, Sanemasa, Suzushi and Suefusa went on horseback, and many
warriors with bow and quivers on their backs went on foot.
In the meantime, Lady Jijūden said to the ex-Emperor, "If the First Princess'
delivery is safe, I will return as soon as possible."
"I feel at ease today, as Minister Masayori and his many followers seem to have
come to meet you", answered the ex-Emperor.
Because the ex-Emperor had some idea perhaps, he ordered to bring the
carriages of Lady Jijūden and the Second Princess near his own room. Minister
Masayori, General Nakatada and Chief of the Left Guard Tadazumi were
standing beside the Second Princess. At that time the Fifth Prince broke into a
run, and the ex-Emperor shouted to him in a rough voice, "Where are you going
so roughly?" General Nakatada caught him in his arms on the spot. When the ex-
Emperor scolded the prince for his indiscretion, he burst out crying.
Soon after that, the carriages carrying Lady Jijūden and the Second Princess
started from the Suzaku Palace. The carriage of the Second Princess advanced,
guarded on both sides by the carriages of Minister Masayori and General
Nakatada, and further surrounded by the outriders of high courtiers. On the way
a number of armed warriors were waiting here and there to take the Second
Princess away, but they were quite powerless against this strict guard.
Noticing that Lieutenant General Sukezumi and Major General Chikazumi were
not to be seen in the procession. General Nakatada thought to himself that the
two must be
Pg.427
plotting something. He ordered the driver of his carriage to advance quickly,

parting from the procession. When Nakatada arrived at Masayori's residence, he
looked carefully all around. He found that four confidential retainers of
Sukezumi, wearing their hunting robes and straw sandals, were hiding behind
the saddle horses, and Sukezumi was standing by the porch. He passed there,
pretending not to see them, entered the Second Princess' private room, and
walked around her curtained bedchamber with a torch in his hand. He found
Chikazumi, dressed in an informal robe, hiding between the curtain and the
screen.
The procession arrived at Masayori's residence. Nakatada ran to the Second

Princess' carriage, and held the curtain over her, saying, "Please get out in a
hurry." Minister Masayori and Tadazumi stood by Lady Jijūden's carriage. Then
Lady Jijūden said to Nakatada,
"It embarrasses us that you are present. Though I don't mind, the Second
Princess will feel shy."
"Prince Danjō who is to guard the Second Princess is not here today, so I act in
his place. Don't stand on the slightest ceremony with me, please."
So saying, Nakatada dimmed his torchlight. Lady Jijūden got out of her carriage,
and then helped the Second Princess alight from the carriage. Minister Masayori
and Tadazumi walked ahead, holding a curtain over the Second Princess, and
Nakatada followed her. They didn't show the princess into her own room, but
into the curtained bedchamber of the First Princess.
Early the next morning Nakatada met Sukezumi, Chikazumi and some of their
brothers. When Nakatada spoke to Sukezumi purposely with a straight face, he
showed an embarrassed look.
Pg.428
16
At noon on the twenty-third day of the Second Month, the First Princess began
to feel labor pains, and the throes lasted an night long. Princess Ōmiya and the
Grand Court Lady were in constant attendance upon her, and all members of the
family experienced great anxiety. As Sanemasa's wife had been fortunate in her
confinement a little while before, Princess Ōmiya asked her to come to the
delivery room in haste in order to let the First Princess be favored by similar
good luck. The ex-Emperor Suzaku sent a bishop to have him chant sutras for
the First Princess.
Sukezumi and Chikazumi planned to steal the Second Princess away, by taking
advantage of this uproar. They asked her nurses to show them into her own
room, and gave them many precious things. The Fifth Prince was also watching
eagerly for an unguarded moment, thinking that it would be a thousand pities if
he missed this golden opportunity. The First Princess knew what Sukezumi and
Chikazumi had done the other day, so, in spite of being in pain, she said to one
of her ladies-in-waiting, "Go to the Second Princess at once, and tell her to stay
always by my side."
The Second Princess came. The First Princess received her very kindly, saying,
"Come here! Don't leave my side from now on, please."
The First Princess was in pain throughout that night. Lady Jijūden cried, feeling
pity for the First Princess. Then Princess Ōmiya said to her,
"Calm yourself, please. If you cry so bitterly, the First Princess will feel more
forlorn."
"The ex-Emperor has treated the First Princess with special affection since her
childhood. The other day he summoned her
Pg.429
after a long separation. but, to his great regret, she could not come and see him
owing to the circumstances. I owe to the First Princess what I am. What shall I
do if the worst should happen to her?" Lady Jijūden cried bitterly again.
At that time the ex-Emperor's message came to Princess Ōmiya.
"I hear the First Princess is in a serious condition. How is she now? I haven't
seen her for a long time, and, if there be no hope of her recovery, how can I bear
my grief? I pray to God and Buddha every morning and evening that I may see
her again."
When Princess Ōmiya conveyed the ex-Emperor's message to the First Princess,
she answered breathing with difficulty,
"When the ex-Emperor summoned me the other day, I wanted to call on him at
any cost, but ..... "
Princess Ōmiya replied by letter to the ex-Emperor.
"I have received your letter. The First Princess fell into a critical condition at
noon, and we are all overwhelmed with fear. When I transmitted your message
to her, she answered that she regretted not to have called on you the other day."
General Nakatada went out into the front yard, and prayed earnestly to all the
gods of heaven and earth, "If the First Princess' death is unavoidable, please let
me die too!"
With this, he cried bitterly. Then Minister Kanemasa came into the front yard,
and said to Nakatada,
"It is not yet certain that the First Princess will die. Calm yourself! If you die
now, what will become of little Princess Inumiya? Don't you think of your
mother who will heavily lament your death?"
Pg.430
"If the First Princess dies, I will commit suicide by drowning in the deep river",
answered Nakatada, "I am sorry I haven't been so dutiful to you, though I have
served my mother in many ways till today. After my death, please bring up
Princess Inumiya for me. She will surely be dutiful to you."
Then Minister Masayori said to Nakatada.
"A man usually has such a hard time at least once in his life. I had a bitter
experience like this when Prince "My Baby" was born."
Nakatada answered, "Princess Ōmiya, Lady Jijūden and others are surrounding
the First Princess, so that I have no room to step in. I am sorry I cannot see even
her face."
"Don't worry so much," said Minister Masayori, "Wait a moment, as I will save
her life without fail. This is the sign that a woman in labor became fatigued. I
know it well from experience. I advise you to drink hot water and steady your
mind."
So saying, Minister Masayori offered hot water to Nakatada, and Minister

Kanemasa also gave him something to eat. Though Nakatada took no notice of
them, Minister Masayori forced him to eat and drink, and then showed him into
the delivery room. When Nakatada came into the delivery room, he found the
First Princess lying in bed, panting. He helped her sit up in bed, and offered her a
cup of hot water. He begged her eagerly to drink. She took a sip of hot water.
When Nakatada put a bit of food into her mouth, she could eat it, too.
Nakatada then sat on an armrest, and lifted the First Princess strongly in his arms
with the assistance of the ladies-in-waiting. Minister Masayori twanged a bow
beside the First Princess. In the adjoining room Ācārya Tadakoso chanted a
dhārani in a low voice.
Not long after that, the First Princess was able to be delivered
Pg.431
safely of a child. Hearing cries of a baby, Lady Jijūden came into the delivery
room together with Princess Ōmiya and the Grand Court Lady. The Major Court
Lady gave the baby its first bath.
Minister Masayori asked the Major Court Lady, "Is the baby a boy or a girl?"
She answered delightfully, "An aged man, sir." Though she ought to have said "a
boy, sir", she used the words "an aged man" instead of "a boy", hoping for the
long life of the baby.
The First Princess said, "Let me see the baby!", and had him laid by her side.
Nakatada said to the First Princess, "You need not see the baby who treated you
so cruelly."
But she would not take her eyes off the baby, saying, "Why should the baby be
hateful to me?"
The First Princess was doing well after the childbirth. Minister Masayori served
the First Princess, preparing her meal himself, as is usually the case.
The ex-Emperor Suzaku was very pleased, and gave the First Princess many
splendid goods. Fine and unusual gifts came also from many princes and high
courtiers.
On the eighth day after the childbirth the Grand Court Lady said to the First
Princess.
"When you get well again, you may as well go to the Suzaku Palace. I will have
the baby under my care during your absence, and whenever you want to see him,
I will bring him to show you."
Nakatada agreed to his mother's suggestion, but the First Princess would not give
her consent, saying, "I want to keep the baby beside me. He may be a good
companion to Princess Inumiya."
That day the Grand Court Lady and Major Court Lady
Pg.432
returned to their home. Several days after, Nakatada said to the First Princess.
"The ex-Emperor is impatiently waiting for you, I am sure. I will take you to the
Suzaku Palace with me toward the beginning of the Fourth Month. Now that I
am talking with you, everything that happened on the day of your crisis seems to
me like a dream."
"I was nearly unconscious, but when Ācārya Tadakoso's chanting voice reached
my ear very faintly, somehow I felt saved. Some day I want to express my
heartfelt thanks to him."
"Ācārya Tadakoso is truly a holy man. I will offer my gratitude to him, too."
Suddenly a nurse named Sakon came along in a hurry, and said to the First
Princess,
"I have heard a terrible story. Echigo, one of the Second Princess' nurses, was
given a lot of precious things by Lieutenant General Sukezumi, and was
participating in the plot to steal the Second Princess away. It is said that she was
presented with a large pot of lapis lazuli filled up with gold and a robe chest of
aloeswood containing figured silk. When a manservant who knew this secret was
scolded severely for only a trifle by Echigo, he got angry and revealed the secret
to a large number of people. I am told that Echigo had often been given precious
goods from long ago."
"That night I asked the Second Princess to come and sit by my side, as I was
anxious about that affair. It is truly an unpleasant story."
Then Nakatada cut in, "That night the Fifth Prince, dressed in a hunting robe,
was standing at the gallery. They are disgusting men, indeed. But let us pretend
ignorance about this matter. Both Lieutenant General Sukezumi and Major
General Chikazumi are your uncles."
Pg.433
Chapter 19
In the Towers: Part One
Minister Kanemasa had once kept a number of women in the residence at the
First Avenue. Lady Saishō, the daughter of a Lieutenant General and
concurrently Councillor, had been taken away by her brother from the west wing
of the residence.
One day Minister Kanemasa said to the Grand Court Lady. "Lady Saishō was
prudent and good-looking. I wonder where she has gone. How big has the boy
grown, whom she bore me?"
"I hope you will discover her whereabouts, and receive her into the residence at
the First Avenue as before. I will be on friendly terms with her", answered the
Grand Court Lady.
Just then General Nakatada came, so she talked to him about Kanemasa's
intention, and asked him to locate Lady Saishō's whereabouts.
The Bhêchadjagura* of the lshizukuri Temple in Yamashiro province was

reputed for his ability to fulfill the wishes of worshippers, so that many visitors
went to this temple from various provinces. General Nakatada also visited there,
accompanied by some retainers and a page. Next door to Nakatada's chamber,
there was a woman attended by two maids-in-waiting. Nakatada peeped through
a gap in the curtains, and found that she was an elegant lady with a sweet voice.
* Bhêchadjagura (Sans.) means "the Physician of Souls."

Pg.434
At that time, in front of Nakatada's chamber a woman, apparently a nurse, was

talking to a monk,
"I beg you to pray that our young lord may become known to his father as soon
as possible. His mother is grieving every day."
General Nakatada thought, "What a pity! A child who doesn't know his own
father." Then he noticed that at the nurse's side there was a boy, eight or nine
years old, who wore a vest of red damask with a red lining and an informal robe
of white lined with red. He had a white, refined face and a charming voice.
Nakatada beckoned the boy with his folding fan. The boy came to Nakatada
smiling sweetly.
Suddenly, the elegant lady shouted, "Call my boy, please. I wonder where he has
gone." The nurse called loudly, "Come here, please, my young lord!" But the
boy would not obey them.
Nakatada held the boy on his lap, and asked him tenderly,
"Is your mother in that chamber now?"
"Yes, sir."
"How is your father?"
"I don't know."
"What is your father's name?"
"I am told he is the Minister of the Right, but I haven't seen him yet. Ah! Mother
is calling me! I must go back."
Watching the boy off, Nakatada muttered to himself,
"This is just a chance meeting. He is the son of Lady Saishō! I have heard from
my father that the boy had been taken away by an aunt of his mother
immediately after his birth."
Nakatada had an inkstone brought at once, and wrote a note to Lady Saishō.
"I want to talk with you about various matters. Please give me a reply."
Pg.435
Chap. 19 In the Towers: Part One 435
Nakatada had his page carry the note to Lady Saishō. She wrote a reply on a
sheet of white paper as follows:
"Pardon me, but who are you? I am feeling very uneasy."
Looking at the note, Nakatada thought, "This seems to be the handwriting of

Lady Saishō." Nakatada wrote to her by return.
"My father always holds you in remembrance. Please put faith in him. The
questions such as where and how you are getting along, or how he would be able
to receive you if you had entered the Buddhist priesthood seem to be ever
present in his mind. I am very glad today to have met your son by chance."
On reading Nakatada's letter, Lady Saishō shed tears of gratitude, thinking that
this was quite by the grace of Buddha.
Nakatada called the boy into his chamber, and said tenderly, "I will take care of
you as my son from now on."
"I will look upon you as my father," the boy said.
The boy was called Kogimi. The nurse and maids-in-waiting wept for joy when
they heard the circumstances.
After dark, Lady Saishō came near the screen, and talked to Nakatada. She was
more refined than Nakanokimi, and her voice bore some resemblance to that of
Lady Jijūden. She seemed calm and meek.
"My father intends to receive you at an early date", said Nakatada.
"I thank you for your kind offer, but I am merely a woman behind the scenes,
and it is indecent to receive Minister Kanemasa's assistance again. Now, as for
this boy, please bring him up as your son, because I can hardly put faith in
Minister
Pg.436
Kanemasa."
The following day General Nakatada summoned Kogimi to his chamber, and
played with him, giving him cakes and the like. When Nakatada recited a
Chinese poem, Kogimi also recited it in a sweet voice.
"Oh, very line! By whom were you taught?" asked Nakatada.
"By Mother."
Nakatada thought Lady Saishō to be a woman of refined taste.
Later, Nakatada asked Lady Saishō, "Where can I meet you?"
"I am living in an obscure little village, and my house is not worthy to be visited
by you", she answered.
Nakatada ordered his retainers to accompany Lady Saisho. Her house was at
Ōmiya village in the outskirts of the capital.
The next day Nakatada called at his father's residence.
"I encountered Lady Saishō and her son by chance. The two looked very healthy.
Please receive them into this residence within a few days. The first east wing of
this residence will be suitable for them."
"I am very glad that the whereabouts of Lady Saishō and her son was
discovered", said Kanemasa, "but it is difficult to receive them into this
residence."
Then the Grand Court Lady said to Kanemasa, "You are narrow-minded. Don't
worry about it. Please receive them in this residence."
"If two of you say so, I will do as you please."
Nakatada said to Kanemasa,
"My retainers who had accompanied Lady Saishō came back this morning, and
reported that her house was desolate. You had better send a letter to her today,
and go there to meet her after a few days."
"I recollect now that in the old days when I took that woman
Pg.437
to wife, her father, the Lieutenant General and concurrently Councillor, said to
me,—'There will be few women as good-natured as my daughter. Though you
will have another fine woman, please treat her with affection.'—Well, what shall
I send her?"
"I want you to send her the Chinese chest which was sent from the Governor of
Owari province," Nakatada said.
Minister Kanemasa wrote a letter to Lady Saishō.
"It is a long time since I saw you last. I have heard from Nakatada about you and
Kogimi. A house has been arranged for you, and I hope you will move there and
lead a comfortable life. I will come to meet you at an early date.
"Though many years have passed since I left the old fence,
A wild carnation* growing there was always in my thought."
Please accept these goods, which I have received as a present."
Kanemasa sent the letter and the Chinese chest to Lady Saishō by the Vice-
governor of Yamato province who had been acquainted with her. All members of
her family received the messenger very warmly.
Lady Saishō replied by letter as follows:
"I have read your kind letter repeatedly. We truly haven't met for ages.
* There is a pun. The words for "wild carnation" and "dear child" are
homophonous (nadeshiko). In this verse a wild carnation means Kogimi.
Pg.438
"How can I forget the couch where we lay together,

And now I lie alone in tears every night?"
I hope you will look after our son, Kogimi."
Kanemasa showed her letter to the Grand Court Lady, and said,
"Look at this elegant hand. This is far better than those of the Third Princess and
other women."
The following day General Nakatada visited Lady Saisho's house. The front yard
and garden were desolate. No sound of voices was heard. Two shutters of the
east room of the main hall had been raised, so that Nakatada was able to see
inside. There was a broken screen. He advanced inward from the south veranda,
and found that Lady Saishō, dressed in a wadded robe of light azure damask and
a vest of deep purple, was sitting by a pillar of the main room. Her hair hung
down slightly over her forehead, and her slender and charming figure made her
resemble the Grand Court Lady somehow. Kogimi wore a cloak of red damask
with a red lining, but no trousers, and sat down before his mother showing his
bare legs. He was holding a small biwa in his arms, which he then began to play
skillfully.
"It seems queer to play that small biwa at your age", said Lady Saishō.
"I tumble down whenever I try to play a large biwa, but I shall be able to play it
when sitting on your lap."
So saying, Kogimi sat on the lap of his mother, and played a large biwa very
skillfully.
Then Nakatada coughed and said, "I came here just now."
Lady Saishō hid herself behind the curtain in surprise, and had Kogimi offer a
cushion to Nakatada. Nakatada talked with Lady Saishō through the screen.
Pg. 439
"Yesterday I told my father about you in detail. He will come here to meet you
tomorrow."
"I feel thankful to you for your kindness from the bottom of my heart."
"My father was always worrying about you. My mother wants to live happily
together with you in the same residence, as she has no sister. She is conservative
and lighthearted. I beg you to think of her as your elder sister from now on."
"I am very pleased to hear your kind words, but it pains me to live together with
your mother. So I wish to remain here, and have only Kogimi live in your
father's residence."
"That's too bad! Please move there with Kogimi, and come here now and then, if
necessary."
"Then, we will move there after a while."
Upon this, Nakatada returned to his home, and that evening he sent Lady Saishō
a chest of robes containing various kinds of ladies' clothes and the clothing of
Kogimi.
The next day Nakatada called on his father Kanemasa.
"Yesterday I visited Lady Saishō, and asked her to move here at an early date.
Then she answered that she wanted to have only Kogimi live in this residence.
When I advised her to move together with Kogimi, she said that she would move
after a while. I beg you to go there yourself, and persuade her to come to this
residence with her son."
"Why should she say such a thing? She was beautiful in the old days, but now I
suppose her hair has partially turned grey. I wonder how she has been getting
along. She was good at playing the biwa. There are few people in the world who
can play skillfully like her."
"I see. That explains the matter. Kogimi played the biwa with skill yesterday."
"Is that so? It is an interesting story. Lady Saishō has

Pg.440
probably taught him to play it. Her mother was also a skilled player on the biwa.'
Then the Grand Court Lady said to Kanemasa.
"I want you to go there after dark. Bring all of them to this residence with you. It
is nice that our home will become lively."
That evening Kanemasa went to Lady Saishō's house by carriage. He was deeply
moved, recollecting the old days when young and beautiful Lady Saishō had
given him a warm welcome. Kogimi came out and sat quietly by Kanemasa's
side. Lady Saishō talked with Kanemasa very calmly.
"It is late at night. Let us go to my residence," said Kanemasa.
"Must I move there, too?"
"Of course. I came here to meet you."
"It pains me to leave my aunt alone in the lonely place like this. I want to ask her
opinion."
Lady Saishō went to her aunt, and said,
"Minister Kanemasa insists that we move to his residence tonight, but I don't like
to go there, if not together with you."
"It cannot be helped. I will accompany you", answered her aunt.
Thus Kanemasa sent a messenger to Nakatada to have him bring the carriages
round to Lady Saishō's house. Nakatada immediately sent three carriages and ten
attendants.
Lady Saishō, Kogimi and his nurse got in the first carrriage, her aunt and two
maids-in-waiting in the second, and three maids-in-waiting and two page girls in
the third. It was already dawn when they arrived safely at Kanemasa's residence.
Nakatada helped Lady Saishō and Kogimi out of their carriage, and showed
them into the first east wing.
Pg.441
Chap. 19 In The Towers: Part One 441
On the day of the archery meet many high and low courtiers gathered at Minister
Kanemasa's residence. Then one of them noticed a strange boy, and asked, "Who
is that handsome young lord?"
A well-informed courtier answered, "He is a son of Minister Kanemasa, whom

he brought here the other day."
"Oh! Is that so? The prince borne by Lady Nashitsubo looks very refined, while
this boy is very charming. Does he play anything?"
"I hear he plays well on the biwa."
Those who knew nothing of the whole circumstances thought Kogimi to be

Nakatada's younger brother of the same mother.
The Emperor and the Crown Prince summoned Kogimi very frequently, so that
General Nakatada took Kogimi to the Imperial Palace with him. The Emperor
and the Crown Prince were very pleased to see him, and ordered him to play the
biwa at once. As Kogimi was hesitating for a while, General Nakatada observed,
"He cannot play the biwa unless he is held in someone's arms, because his body
is still small."
Then Major Councillor Suzushi said, "This is truly a handsome boy! Now, sit on
my lap!"
While Suzushi held him on his lap, Kogirni played a big biwa with wonderful
skill, and struck all the courtiers and Court ladies present with admiration.
The Emperor and the Crown Prince wanted Kogimi to stay in the Palace, but
Nakatada declined the offer under the pretext of his being still young.
Then Suzushi whispered in Nakatada's ear,
"Your son is as lovely as this boy, I dare say."

Pg.442
"No. My son is plain-looking", answered Nakatada, "and, what is more,

considerably obstinate and not charming at all like the First Princess. I can
hardly think him to be Princess Inumiya's brother, though my father Kanemasa
fondles him often. Kogimi is very obedient to me, and can write a good hand and
sing a song in a sweet voice."
At that time the Crown Prince said, "Let us go to the Fujitsubo", and took
Kogimi out with him, so General Nakatada also followed them.
The ladies-in-waiting in the Fujitsubo gave Kogimi much loving care. Then Soō
said to Nakatada, "What a handsome boy he is!"
Kogimi was given a work of children's wrestling made of gold and silver by the
Crown Prince, and returned home with Nakatada.
Kogimi called Nakatada "my father", and did not leave his side. Nakatada's own
son called Kanemasa "my father" in an endearing manner, and called Nakatada
"the General", as if he were an unrelated person.
One day Nakatada said to the First Princess.
"I want to have Princess Inumiya learn how to play the koto. She will reach the
age of seven next year. I hear my mother began learning to play the koto when
four years old."
"I agree. But I suppose you have no time to give lessons in koto to her."
"I intend to give elementary lessons in koto to her, and then ask my mother to
teach her to the best of her ability. And this residence is not suitable for Princess
Inumiya to learn to play the koto because of the noise. After due consideration it
has
Pg.443
become clear that I couldn't but build newly some structures in our old residence
at Kyōgoku after all. I had the principal structures built several years ago, but
some wings and others need to be built in addition."
The following day Nakatada called at his father's residence. The Grand Court
Lady said to Nakatada at once,
"Kogimi can chant Chinese poems very well, and when I taught him the
Thousand Characters Poem*, he learned it by heart only in a day. He is a very
wise boy. By the way, why do you not teach Princess Inumiya to play the koto?"
"Though she is eager to learn to play the koto, I was hesitating to teach her.
Truth to tell, I am thinking of giving lessons in koto to her, getting free from all
my business at Court. I want to ask you to give advanced lessons in koto to her."
"I agree. I will teach her, though I am not confident of my ability. Make a plan,
please."
"Princess Inumiya is awfully quick-witted, so that she will surely become a good
player. As for the teaching place, my residence is very noisy, and your residence
is also not quiet. So I came to think it best to build adequate structures in our old
residence at Kyōgoku. It is my lifelong desire to initiate Princess Inumiya into
the secrets of the koto."
"It is a good idea. I have long been wanting to lead a quiet life in the residence at
Kyōgoku, and to summon Buddhist bishops to the residence in order to hold a
religious service for my father Toshikage."
"I have had no leisure hours, privately and officially, but from now on I intend to
be confined in that residence to teach
* An old Chinese poem composed of a thousand Chinese characters. It was used

generally as a book of handwriting for young people.
Pg.444
Princess Inumiya to play the koto. And, if I could initiate Princess Inumiya into
the secrets of the koto, I would hold unusual and wonderful festivities in that
residence. Please look forward to it."
General Nakatada walked about quietly by himself in the old residence at

Kyōgoku. In the premises there were many trees, flowering shrubs and red
leaves of various kinds. In the large garden were scattered moss-grown rocks,
and on the artificial hill on the central island there were growing rare plants,
whose seeds had been brought from China and sown there by Toshikage. The
main hall and the east-, west- and north wings as well as the chapel beside the
graves of his ancestors had been rebuilt several years ago.
Nakatada wanted to build two towers, east and west, and an arched bridge that
joined them on the central island, and had a painter make a draft at once. He then
summoned the Superintendent of Palace Repairs, and asked him to begin to
construct the towers on the tenth of the Third Month, employing twenty
competent carpenters. He shut all the gates of the residence tight during the
construction, and gave directions personally to the Superintendent and carpenters
to hurry up the works. The railings and the interior furniture of the towers were
made of sappanwood and red sandalwood, and the shutters of the windows were
made of aloeswood dyed white, blue and yellow. The west tower was assigned to
the Grand Court Lady as her living quarters, while the east tower to Princess
Inumiya. The arched bridge was hung with shutters on the south and north sides,
and the room thus made was assigned to Nakatada himself. The ceilings of the
towers were covered with Korean
Pg.445
brocade with patterns of clouds or octagonal mirrors, and their wooden floors
were covered with ordinary brocade, while the ceiling and wooden floor of the
arched bridge were covered with thin Chinese damask. The rectangular
platforms provided in the curtained bedchambers of the towers were made of red
sandalwood, lighter aloes, white sandalwood and sappanwood, and set with
mother-of-pearl and precious stones. Behind the rectangular platforms there
were set up a pair of folding screens, which Nakatada himself had made with the
Chinese damask painted by a Chinese painter.
Since many kinds of fragrant wood were used abundantly for the construction of
the towers sweet odors were floating in the air around the premises, and even the
people who walked along the road one or two hundred meters distant from the
premises said in wonder, "What sort of structures will General Nakatada build
there?"
All the fragrant wood used was what Toshikage had brought from China. It had
been kept in the warehouse.
The towers at Kyōgoku created a sensation, and it finally reached Lady

Fujitsubo's ear. One day she said to the Emperor,
"I am told that when the towers in the residence at Kyōgoku are completed,
General Nakatada and the Grand Court Lady will give lessons in koto to
Princess Inumiya. The First Princess will surely listen to the koto nearby. Is there
such happiness as this in this world? I have long wished to listen to General
Nakatada's koto, but could not get the chance to hear it. I really envy the First
Princess who can always listen to the koto close by. There is nothing like hearing
his koto everyday, I think."
The Emperor thought to himself that she was quite right, but he said as follows:
"If Princess Inumiya is initiated into the secrets of the koto by General Nakatada,
you will be able to listen to the wonderful
Pg.446
tunes of the koto to your satisfaction when the present Crown Prince accedes to
the throne. I am sure of it. I want you to look forward to it. The trouble is that
whenever you think of General Nakatada, you fall into a bad mood."
General Nakatada called on the ex-Emperor Suzaku after a long interval.
"I am told you are constructing towers in the residence at Kyōgoku," said the ex-
Emperor, "Have you any special plan? The courtiers are always talking about
your wonderful towers."
"There is no special reason. My mother told me that age had begun to tell on her,
and she wanted to teach Princess Inumiya to play the koto, because her only
worry was to transmit our secrets of the koto to posterity. So I thought of
transferring my mother and Princess Inumiya to the quiet residence at Kyōgoku
in order to give lessons in koto to her."
"I listened to the koto of the Grand Court Lady on the night of the wrestling
festival several years ago, but have had no chance to hear it since then to my
great regret. She may be busy while she is teaching Princess Inumiya, so I want
to go there to listen to her koto after her instruction is over. If transmission of the
secrets of the koto to Princess Inumiya is successful, I want to hold a
congratulatory banquet, as it is my greatest pleasure that the traditional skill at
the koto of your family is handed down to the daughter of the First Princess.
Well, I wonder if the Emperor will grant you leave."
"I only obey the Emperor's will."
"It may be difficult, but he will grant you leave, I should think. And, to tell the
truth, I hope you will resume the unfinished lecture some day, though it may be
difficult for the
Pg.447
Chap. 19 In the Towers Part One 447
time being."
At that time a secretary of the ex-Emperor Saga came to the Suzaku Palace, and
said to General Nakatada,
"You are wanted at the Saga Palace. Hearing from your people that you are away
at the Suzaku Palace, I came here just now.
Nakatada went to the Saga Palace at once. The ex-Emperor was waiting
impatiently for Nakatada outside his chamber.
"I ought to have come here more often to pay my respects to Your Majesty, but I
am sorry I couldn't on account of pressure of official and private business", said
General Nakatada.
"I have summoned you, as I wanted to thank you cordially. I am told that the
Third Princess who had long been living alone in the residence at the First
Avenue was received by Minister Kanemasa into his residence, and is getting on
well with him. Nothing gives me so much pleasure. I express my thanks, as this
is solely due to your suggestion."
"It is true that my father Kanemasa willingly received her into his residence."
"I hear you are constructing towers in the residence at Kyōgoku. That residence
is very dear to me. There once lived a high courtier named Shigeno no Furu and
his wife, who was my aunt. When I was still an Imperial prince, I would often
visit the residence, where my aunt lived, in spring and autumn to compose
Chinese poems, as the residence was very fine and quiet. The memories of those
old days are exceedingly dear to me. I am told you are planning rare festivities in
that residence. If the ex-Emperor Suzaku and the Emperor will attend the
meeting, don't forget to invite me there."
"Yes, certainly. My mother told me that she wanted to teach Princess Inumiya to
play the koto, as she has reached her sixth year. The residence at Kyōgoku is
very quiet, and my mother
Pg.448
has long wished to live there, so I have thought of building towers in the
residence, where Princess Inumiya can take lessons in koto."
"That's nice. I hear the ex-Emperor Suzaku was deeply moved by the Grand
Court Lady's koto on the day of the wrestling festival. In old times I ordered
Toshikage to join the embassy to China at the earnest suggestion of the then
ministers. He went through all sorts of troubles in foreign countries, and returned
home after a very long time only to find that his parents had already died. I
asked Toshikage very often to serve the Crown Prince as teacher of the koto, but
he would not grant my request. He resigned all his official posts, and finally
brought himself to ruin, though he was a very thoughtful man. Toshikage must
have been thinking ill of me. My days are numbered, so, if Toshikage's spirit
should forgive me for my fault, how glad I would be! Please pass my words on
to the Grand Court Lady."
"I know little of the matter of old days, but I will tell my mother what you have
said today, and let her come here at an early date."
"No. She need not come here. It is enough for me, if I am permitted to listen to
her koto after she has finished teaching Princess Inumiya."
General Nakatada retired from the Saga Palace after he promised the ex-Emperor
to invite him to the residence at Kyōgoku.
The ex-Emperor Saga was very refined and elegant, and did not look his age. On
the fifteenth of every month he summoned many Buddhist bishops without fail
to have them chant sutras with solemnity.
Pg.449
When Nakatada entered the room of Princess Inumiya, she was playing "go" on
a small "go" board with a young maid-inhwaiting behind the small curtain.
Princess Inumiya's hands emerging from the sleeves of her unlined robe of deep
purple damask looked very beautiful. When Nakatada looked at the "go" board,
wondering which of the two was stronger, Princess Inumiya stopped playing
"go" bashfully.
Nakatada then spoke to Princess Inumiya. "Will you learn to play the koto?"
She smiled sweetly with joy. Seeing her happy look, Nakatada thought her to be
quite a lovely girl.
"I will take you to a very nice place, where I and the Grand Court Lady will give
lessons in koto to you. Mother will not go there, though."
"But, if Mother is not there together with me,—"
"I'm very sorry to say that your mother is not able to go there, because no one
but I and the Grand Court Lady is permitted to hear the koto. Be patient, as it is
for a little while. Mother will come to see you when you have become skillful at
the koto."
"Then, I will be patient, but why isn't Mother permitted to hear the koto?"
"The koto which anyone may listen to is an ordinary one. The koto with which I
intend to teach you, however, is quite a special one that produces no sound if
played in the presence of others. Therefore Mother, and also the Second
Princess, should not go there."
"Then, is Chiya-haha also not permitted to go there?"
Chiya-haha was a favorite nurse of Princess Inumiya.
"Chiya-haha may go there in attendance upon you, but she

Pg.450
should be in waiting in a room out of earshot while we are playing the koto.
Whenever you want her, I will call her at once."
"Mother will envy Chiya-haha. Can I not see my mother for a long time?"
"No, it is only for a little while."
Nakatada felt relieved by Princess Inumiya's meek consent, and thought to

himself, "It is a question whether the First Princess will consent or not, but I
must persuade her."
At that time Major Councillor Suzushi called on Nakatada.
"I came here after a long interval. I have retired from the Saga Palace just now",
said Suzushi.
Nakatada showed Suzushi into the southern room adjacent to the gallery in the
west wing.
Suzushi said to Nakatada at once.
"I hear that you are constructing towers at your residence at Kyōgoku, and that
you are planning to hold unusual festivities there. But you haven't told me a bit
about that."
"It is not my intention to keep it secret from you. The towers at Kyōgoku are
nothing. As the residence at Kyōgoku is very quiet, I intend to go there at times
and read Buddhist books with composure."
Just when Suzushi saw Princess Inumiya through a window, she was standing by
the bamboo blind raising high her small fan. Nakatada thought it strange that
Suzushi smiled unintentionally, and turned his eyes towards Suzushi's line of
vision, when he found that Princess Inumiya was fully exposed to view. He
stood up abruptly, saying, "That's too bad."
"Why is that bad? It is good for young girls to be seen like this. Many young
gentlemen in the future will worry themselves on account of this beautiful
princess," Suzushi said.
Nakatada was not able to sit still, but hurried to the nurses,
Pg.451
and scolded them, "Princess Inumiya is in plain sight from the room over there.
Be much more careful of her!"
One of the nurses answered. "As a butterfly came fluttering towards the bamboo
blinds, Princess Inumiya stood up to look at it more closely."
When Nakatada went back to the southern room, Suzushi said with a serious
look, "Princess Inumiya is really beautiful. On the contrary, my daughter is
plain."
"Your daughter cannot be plain. The Major Court Lady talked about your
daughter's beauty the other day. I wish to have a chance to see her."
"I hear that while you are giving lessons in koto to Princess Inumiya, you do not
permit anyone to hear the tune. Is that true? I beg you to allow me to hear it just
a little."
"I have no intention to do anything in secret. This residence is very noisy,

because the Second Princess and Prince Danjō are living here with my family, so
I thought of transferring Princess Inumiya and my mother to a quiet residence at
Kyōgoku in order to teach Princess Inumiya to play the koto."
"When will you move to Kyōgoku?"
"I am told that the wrestling festival will be called off this year. If so, I intend to
move within the next month."
Major Councillor Suzushi returned to his residence, and said to his wife,
"I called at General Nakatada's residence today, and happened to see Princess
Inumiya. She is quite a wonderful princess. It seemed to me that the famous
Princess Atemiya might not have been so beautiful at that age as Princess
Inumiya."
"Why is it that General Nakatada will not show Princess Inumiya to us? What
was she like today?"
"I don't know how to put it. A grown-up woman can make herself look beautiful,
but Princess Inumiya is a genuine beauty.
Pg.452
Her face is still innocent, and yet very refined. Her hair is like black silk. I saw
her looking up at a butterfly. Her figure at that time was charming and beautiful
beyond expression. General Nakatada soon noticed me looking admiringly at
Princess Inumiya, and scolded her nurses for their carelessness. I hear that in the
next month General Nakatada will move to his residence at Kyōgoku with the
Grand Court Lady in order to give lessons in koto to Princess Inumiya. She will
surely be made much of in the future. General Nakatada had young Princess
Inumiya wear a robe of white gossamer and a purplish cloak just like a grown-
up, so that I felt a sort of pity for her."
After Suzushi returned to his residence, Nakatada came to the First Princess'
room, and resumed talking with her.
"Major Councillor Suzushi came here to talk with me about the towers at
Kyōgoku. My plan has come to be much spoken of here and there, so if I should
fail in initiating Princess Inumiya into the secrets of the koto contrary to
expectations, I will be put to shame. I intend to transfer Princess Inumiya and my
mother to the residence at Kyōgoku in the next month, and give her lessons in
koto in the towers. She is very docile, and has consented to be separated from
you. If you should come to Kyōgoku to see her, other people such as the Second
Princess and Prince Danjō would also come there, and my plan would end in a
failure. I want to let people know that I even do not take you there with me, and
shut the gate of the residence tight in order to have Princess Inumiya learn
quietly to play the koto."
"How long does it take to finish the course of instruction?"
"I am told that my mother learned the koto for three years, starting at the age of
four. As Princess Inumiya is six years old, she may acquire the skill at the koto
still more quickly, but it will take one year at least, I should think."
Pg.453
"I cannot pass a year without seeing Princess Inumiya. I should like to come to
Kyōgoku at times."
"I will call on you at night now and then to inform you of Princess Inumiya's
condition."
"I need not meet you. My concern is Princess Inumiya's affairs!"
"What a coldhearted thing to say! I will not hand her to you for two or three
years! Don't say such a thing, even though as a joke."
"You are just heartless. I can understand that a quiet place is necessary for
learning to play the koto, but one year is too long. Princess Inumiya is still
young. When I want to go out only for a little while, she always feels forlorn and
never leaves my side. How lonely she will feel, if she is separated from me as
long as one year!"
"You may well say so, but she cannot become an expert if she does not put her
heart and soul into her learning. If you oppose my scheme stubbornly, I will say
nothing any more. You may do as you please. I will teach her nothing from now
on."
"Then, I will be patient."
The First Princess obeyed Nakatada reluctantly. After that, she spent her time
playing with Princess Inumiya all day long.
General Nakatada planned to move to the residence at Kyōgoku on the thirteenth

of the Eighth Month. The First Princess and Minister Kanemasa were to go there
together with Princess Inumiya and the Grand Court Lady, and return to their
residences after relaxing for three days.
The procession was divided into two parties. Nakatada first put Princess Inumiya
in a carriage, holding the curtain over her
Pg.454
with the help of Minister Masayori, and then he hurriedly went on horseback to
his parents' residence, and helped the Grand Court Lady into a carriage, holding
the curtain over her with the help of Minister Kanemasa. After that, Nakatada
galloped to catch up with Princess Inumiya's carriage, and then advanced
towards Kyōgoku escorting her. Nakatada's gallant figure looked very beautiful
and brilliant lit with the setting sun. The spectators in the carriages standing all
along the road whispered to each other,
"Look at the fine and elegant figure of General Nakatada! He is beyond all
praise. There is no such excellent gentleman as he even among the Imperial
princes."
The procession arrived safely at the residence at Kyōgoku. The carriage of the
Grand Court Lady first entered the residence through the west gate and drove
right up to the southern front of the west wing. Then the carriages of Princess
Inumiya and the First Princess entered the residence through the east gate and
drove right up to the southern front of the east wing. Nakatada helped the First
Princess out of the carriage, and then approached the carriage of Princess
Inumiya. She said to Nakatada, "I will alight for myself from the carriage, as my
mother did", and got off quietly holding up her small fan over her head. Many
young gentlemen standing close by were fascinated by the charming manner of
Princess Inumiya.
The feast on this day was sponsored by Minister Masayori. Before the high and
low courtiers as well as their attendants were placed many trays loaded with fine
dishes.
The following day all the courtiers present walked about the premises. The east
and west towers were joined by an arched bridge, and the west tower and the
chapel were connected with a gallery about thirty meters long. The roofs of the
towers and the arched bridge were covered with tiles of celadon porcelain.
Pg.455
Chap. 19 In the Towers: Part 1 One 455
which glittered very beautifully in the sunshine. In front of the towers flowed a
brook, in which a number of rocks were scattered, and a bridge was laid over it.
"We'd never get tired of looking at this scene", said one of the courtiers, "The ex-
Emperors Saga and Suzaku ought to look at this view. I suppose that General
Nakatada, who seldom plays the koto, cannot help playing it in spring and
autumn when the flowers and red leaves in this residence are strikingly
beautiful."
They would not leave there till dark.
The next day the First Princess received twenty baskets of silver containing
chestnuts, pine nuts, nutmegs and jujubes made of gold and silver, and the
following letter from the ex-Emperor Suzaku.
"I haven't seen you for a long time. I want to go to see Princess Inumiya playing
the koto, when ther lessons in koto are all finished."
The ex-Emperor Suzaku sent the same baskets of the same number and the
following letter to the Grand Court Lady:
"You seem to have entirely forgotten me, but I keep you in mind all the time.
"I envy you your good fortune to live together and

Become intimate with your lovely granddaughter."
My true pleasure will be realized in the next world. I wish to listen to the kotos
of you and Princess Inumiya as soon as possible."
General Nakatada showed the messenger of the ex-Emperor

Pg.456
Suzaku into the east wing where the First Princess and Princess Inumiya were
staying, and pressed drinks on him until he was drunk. Nakatada then handed
him the First Princess' answer to the ex-Emperor, and draped over his shoulders
a robe of aster-colored damask and trousers of the same color. Nakatada further
took the messenger into the west wing where the Grand Court Lady was staying,
and pressed him to take several more cups.
The Grand Court Lady then draped over his shoulders a robe of red Chinese
damask with a purple lining, a Chinese robe of purplish blue with a blue lining, a
pleated train of gossamer with azure patterns and a pair of trousers.
General Nakatada handed the messenger his reply to the ex-Emperor Suzaku,
which was on Chinese purple paper, and attached to a line branch of a pine tree.
The Grand Court Lady also replied to the ex-Emperor as follows:
"I have received your kind letter with many thanks.
"It is the only consolation of my old age that

An Imperial granddaughter will become a skilled player on the koto."
As three days had passed, the First Princess and Minister Kanemasa had to
return to their residences, as previously scheduled. Nakatada felt pity on the First
Princess, and spoke soothing words to her. She returned home, accompanied by
six courtiers of the Fourth Court Rank and ten of the Fifth.
Minister Kanemasa was loath to part from the Grand Court Lady, and said to her,
"I will come here at night now and then, as you will be uneasy, and I am also
anxious about you."
"Don't say such a thing, please," she answered, "Only at night

Pg.457
Chap. 19 In the Tower: Part One 457
can I give lessons in the koto calmly."
"I hear that the ex-Emperors Saga and Suzaku will visit here when you have
finished teaching Princess Inumiya the secrets of the koto. It is a great honor not
only for you and Nakatada but also for me."
"Nakatada intends to shut the gates of the residence tight. If he should know that
you come here at night now and then, I will be very embarrassed. I beg you to
return home today before it is light. How the First Princess is yearning for
Princess Inumiya! Nevertheless, Nakatada did not permit her to stay here.
Anyhow, be patient for the time being, please."
"It is difficult for me. I will come here at times whatever anyone may say."
It was broad daylight. Nakatada walked about in the premises together with his
father and mother. Kanemasa asked Nakatada, "Were the main hall and the
wings built on the original foundation stones?"
"Yes. They were rebuilt just as they had been in olden times."
"They have been restored out of all recognition."
Kanemasa brought to mind how the premises had been desolate when he had
dropped in there on returning home from the Kamo Shrine. Most buildings had
been destroyed, all the tiles of the main hall had fallen to the ground, the latticed
shutters had rotted off on the grass, and the chapel had crumbled entirely, leaving
only its pillars.
The Grand Court Lady also recollected her old desolated garden. Her sad
memories of olden days finally brought tears into her eyes. On the other hand,
however, she was thankful that Nakatada had rebuilt the residence so finely in
order to receive her and Princess Inumiya.
Nakatada was watching quietly as his father and mother reminisced of their
short-lived love.
Pg.458
Chapter 20
In the Towers: Part Two
1
On the eighteenth of the Eighth Month General Nakatada decided to transfer the
Grand Court Lady and Princess Inumiya to the towers after they had breakfast in
the main hall. To begin with, the Grand Court Lady walked up the west tower,
surrounded by twelve maids-in-waiting, and led by Nakatada by the hand when
ascending the stairs. She wore a robe of Chinese damask, a singlet of aster-
colored figured silk and double-lined trousers of red. Her figure was very
beautiful, and her hair, over two meters in length, was glittering like gems.
Nakatada who ushered the Grand Conn Lady into her room in the west tower
told a maid-in-waiting named Chūnagon to attend upon her for a while, and then
returned to the main hall to hold Princess Inumiya in his arms. He ascended the
east tower with twelve maids-in-waiting. Princess Inumiya wore a white robe
lined with light blue, a small pleated train of azure, a cloak of damask and very
long trousers. She said to Nakatada as soon as she reached her room in the east
tower,
"Where are my dolls? I want to have the dolls listen to my koto."
"They are here", said Nakatada with a smile, laying the dolls before her.
At that time the Grand Court Lady came to the east tower across the arched
bridge, and gave the Fine-string Wind to Nakatada, and the Dragon-hall Wind to
Princess Inumiya.
Pg.459
Chap. 20 In the Towers: Part Two 459
When she tested the two kotos, they produced very fine sounds which echoed all
around.
Nakatada taught Princess Inumiya a simple tune. She was able to understand the
musical scale correctly, and learned the tune completely in a short time. When
Nakatada taught her another tune, she learned it easily too.
The Grand Court Lady said, shedding tears of joy. "It may be by virtue of karma
that Princess Inumiya is so good at playing the koto. When I was four years old,
I began to take lessons in the koto from my father, sitting on the lap of my nurse.
But it was when I was about seven years old that I could understand the koto
tune correctly. The sound of Princess Inumiya's koto is so sweet."
On hearing the Grand Court Lady's words, Nakatada felt confident that his desire
would be realized.
The Grand Court Lady then said to Princess Inumiya,
"Let us leave off our lesson now, though you may be able to play still more. I am
afraid you have got tired."
Princess Inumiya's attitude to learning was just like that of an experienced player
ready to learn a new koto tune. She never thought the exercise of koto very hard,
because she had been wanting to play the koto since her infancy.
The following day the First Princess' letter came to a nurse named Jijū.
"I am very anxious about how Princess Inumiya is getting along at night. How
are the lessons in koto doing? Does she also play the koto at night? Let me know
how things are as soon as possible."
Nakatada had beforehand ordered the maids-in-waiting and nurses to clap their
hands at the angling pavilion if there was
Pg.460
any urgent business, so Chūnagon, a maid-in-waiting, went to the angling

pavilion with a page girl named Miyagi carrying the First Princess' letter. Miyagi
clapped her hands at the railing Nakatada came out of the tower, and received
the letter from Miyagi.
After reading through the letter, Nakatada said, "Is there an inkstone here?"
Chūnagon, who was in waiting by the bamboo blinds at the southern end of the
angling pavilion, answered, "Yes, here is one", and laid a splendid inkstone
before him.
He wrote to the First Princess as follows:
"I have read your letter. I have refrained from writing to you, though it weighed
heavily on my mind. Princess Inumiya is of good cheer. I hope your uneasiness
will be calmed by my letter."
Nakatada then came to a room where many maids-in-waiting were present.
"All of you may help yourselves to the cake, and take pleasure in playing 'go' or
parcheesi. Princess Inumiya can play the koto really well", said Nakatada with
an air of satisfaction, and then returned to the tower.
A nurse named Jijū was a favorite confidante of the First Princess. Jijū wrote a
letter to Sochi, a lady-in-waiting of the First Princess. It went as follows:
"Princess Inumiya is in high spirits, and learning to play the koto very eagerly
every day. General Nakatada is also in good health and temper. The lessons in
koto are performed far above the clouds, so that we cannot hear it. I beg you to
tell the First Princess about the above matters as you think fit."
Pg.461
Chap. 20 In the Towns Part Two 461
On reading the letter, the First Princess said, "I am so glad."
Princes Inumiya seemed to be able to learn many tunes in one day, but Nakatada
purposely taught her no more than two or three tunes a day.
"Do you feel lonely? If so, I will call Jijū here", said Nakatada to Princes
Inumiya, but she answered. "No. Don't call her, please, for I am not playing dolls
now. I will play the koto till the moon rises, as Mother used to."
Nakatada was pleased at Princess Inumiya's mental attitude.
As time went on, the leaves of the trees in the front yard changed color. One day
Princess Inumiya muttered half to herself as she saw the artificial hill on the
central island,
"I wish I could see this beautiful scene with my mother."
At hearing her words, Nakatada felt pity on her and said,

"When your lessons in koto are all finished, Mother will come here to enjoy this
fine view with you."
She suddenly became silent, because she was ashamed perhaps that her words
had been overheard.
Princess Inumiya made remarkable progress in the koto. The Grand Court Lady
and Nakatada sometimes had her play a tune alone and listened intently to it.
They found that it was completely correct, and its sound was so clear.
When the moon shone brightly in the sky late at night, Nakatada and the Grand
Court Lady frequently played the kotos in concert. One night when Princess
Inumiya joined the concert, there was no difference in tone quality among the
three kotos.
Lady Fujitsubo was envious of the First Princess' happiness, since she heard that
General Nakatada gave lessons in koto to
Pg.462
Princess Inumiya in the towers at Kyōgoku. After a while, however, she was
relieved somehow to hear from Minister Masayori that even the First Princess
was not permitted to live in the residence at Kyōgoku.
"Princess Inumiya will surely be an expert in koto in the future. If I had a

daughter, I would envy her very much", said Lady Fujitsubo.
"Is there anyone in the world more enviable than a person whose son is the
Crown Prince?" said Minister Masayori, "General Nakatada not only does not
permit the First Princess to approach the residence at Kyōgoku but also separates
the Grand Court Lady from Minister Kanemasa, so that, sad to say, the minister
writes a reproachful letter to his wife every day! The other day the ex-Emperor
Suzaku said to me,—'When I detained Nakatada in the Palace for some days in
order to hear his lecture, he seemed to have thought a night like a thousand
years. Now he is confined to the residence at Kyōgoku parted from the First
Princess. What do you think about this?'—When I answered that I could not
make it out, he said that if Nakatada should give lessons in koto to Princess
Inumiya with such a firm resolution, he would be able to have a wonderful
successor."
General Nakatada called at the Suzaku Palace after a long interval. The ex-
Emperor was very pleased to see him, and said, "I haven't seen you for a long
time. The reports and petitions from the governors of various provinces seem to
have collected in numbers. I have been wanting you to come to Court to deal
with them."
"If you summon me, I will come here in haste at any time," answered Nakatada.
"How is Princess Inumiya getting along? Has she made any progress in playing
the koto?"
Pg.463
"She is getting along very well, and can learn the koto tunes by heart very
quickly."
The ex-Emperor said, smiling contentedly,
"It is very nice. If she could acquire all the tunes from you and the Grand Court
Lady, it would be splendid, indeed. Well, how long will it take to finish the
lessons?"
"As she is still young, it is necessary to teach her slowly. It is also important to
have her learn the tunes in season. Besides, I must come to Court on the
occasions of the festivals and the like. It will take a good many days, I dare say."
"I see. When the lessons are over, I want to listen to her koto!"
General Nakatada retired from the Suzaku Palace, and returned to his own
residence. It was already dark. The First Princess who was then playing with the
Second Princess, however, would not consent to meet Nakatada.
"I became tired, as I was attending upon the ex-Emperor Suzaku, but I came here
to inform you of Princess Inumiya's condition", said Nakatada.
At this the First Princess came to see him. The Second Princess was sensible
enough to go out of the room.
When Nakatada reproached the First Princess' coldheartedness, she said
resentfully,
"It is the reverse. It is you that are coldhearted. When can I see Princess
Inumiya? How is she getting along?"
"She is in high spirits and plays the koto very well."
Early the next morning Nakatada called at his father's residence. The prince by
Lady Nashitsubo and Kogimi were very pleased to see Nakatada. Minister
Kanemasa said to Nakatada,
"I am very uneasy, as I have heard nothing from your mother. Though I wrote to
her frequently, she gave me no reply at all. As I am very anxious, I intend to visit
her on the ninth."
Pg.464
"Yes, you may. On the ninth of the Ninth Month the Feast of the
Chrysanthemums is to be held in the Palace, so I must go to Court."
The Ninth Month came. Princess Inumiya looked at a spindle tree* in the garden
turning red day after day.
"I wonder if the spindle tree in our residence has also become beautiful like this.
Mother told me to be patient for a while, but now I am afraid she has forgotten
me. She might at least send me a letter."
At last she began to cry, so Nakatada said to her soothingly,
"Don't cry, my dear! A letter has come from Mother, in which she said, —'Is
Princess Inumiya learning to play the koto eagerly? I will come to her shortly'."
On hearing this, she smiled, and began to play the koto cheerfully. Nakatada felt
pity on her, and tried to console her by showing her some interesting pictures,
but she took no notice of them, and continued to play the koto as eagerly as
usual.
One night when the moon shone brightly in a perfectly clear sky, and the cool
autumn wind blew on the artificial hill and the surface of the lake, Princess
Inumiya played a treasured piece of music. It was suitable for the autumn night,
and Nakatada and the Grand Court Lady shed tears of joy. Princess Inumiya
thought to herself, "I wonder if Father and Grandmother are yearning for Mother
just like me."
Nakatada said to her, "Go to bed, as you must be very tired."
But she answered, "Let us play the koto a little longer in the flood of moonlight",
and she never left the koto till late that
* Euonymus Sieboldianus.
Pg.465
Chap. 20 In The Towers: Part 2
The Grand Court Lady was deeply impressed with Princess Inumiya's
praiseworthy attitude, and said,
"Any other child would surely be unable to remain patient like her."
Before long the leaves of the trees in the front yard and on the artificial hill on
the central island turned entirely red, and those of the wax trees were especially
tinged with blazing-scarlet. The wind blew violently, and the cascade falling
from the artificial hill sounded very plaintively. Princess Inumiya played the
koto very finely, tuning to the sound of falling leaves and the soughingt of the
wind. Nakatada listened to her koto with deep emotion.
The Tenth Month came. A drizzling rain fell often, and the red leaves had almost
fallen. Nakatada visited the First Princess every fifth or sixth day, but she would
not have the shutters raised to receive him, saying to him, "I am not allowed to
see Princess Inumiya. Naturally I do not meet you."
Nakatada sat very often on the veranda till dawn.
Minister Kanemasa called on the Grand Court Lady at the residence at Kyōgoku
on some pretext or other, but she would not meet him, saying, "Even a young
man is living apart from his wife for a long time. You are quite indecent."
Kanemasa looked displeased and rebuked her severely. Then she answered, "If
the General should hear about this, what would he think?"
Kanemasa felt aggravated, but as there was a word of "General" in what she
said, he went back resignedly to his residence.
Pg.466
It soon became unbearably cold in the towers, so Nakatada determined to give

lessons in koto in the main hall from the first of the Eleventh Month. Day after
day the wind blew violently and the clouds hung low. The Grand Court Lady
taught Princess Inumiya the tunes of the season, and the tone of her koto
increased in clearness as the days went by.
Nakatada said to the Grand Court Lady, "There are few persons in the world who
can play the koto as skillfully as Princess Inumiya. If the ex-Emperor Suzaku
should listen to her koto, how deeply he would be impressed!"
One fine day it continued to snow heavily. People talked with each other that
such a snowfall hadn't been known for a long time. That night Nakatada visited
the First Princess in the teeth of a heavy snowfall, but she would not permit him
to enter the residence as usual.
The Twelfth Month came. Making use of some leisure, Nakatada called on the
First Princess in spite of his bitter experiences.
"It will be unpleasant for you to live alone at the very beginning of the New
Year, so I intend to come to you. But you will be displeased unless I come here
together with Princess Inumiya", said Nakatada.
"It is said that Lady Jijūden will send off the Old Year and greet the New in this
residence, so please take Princess Inumiya here with you. She need not get out of
the carriage, for I will see her as she is in it."
"But I'm sorry I cannot take her here with me, because here are many princes
and princesses."
At hearing these words, the First Princess became more ill-humored.

Pg.467
On the first of the First Month General Nakatada went to the Imperial Palace, the
Suzaku Palace and the Saga Palace to offer New Year's greetings, accompanied
by many dignified outriders. He then went to the residence of Minister Masayori
and offered New Year's greetings to Princess Ōmiya and Lady Jijūden. After that
he went to the First Princess' room, but could not find her there.
"What is the matter with her?" Nakatada asked the Second Princess who was
there.
"She says that she will not meet you before Princess Inumiya comes back. On
hearing of your coming here, she ran away to Lady Jijūden's room in a hurry."
Then Nakatada went to Lady Jijūden's room, and said that he would like to see
the First Princess, but she answered through a lady-in-waiting,
"Your conduct is too bad. You do not understand my sorrowful feelings at all. If
you were treated like this, you would be able to understand it."
Lady Jijūden offered Nakatada some cake laid on a tray of aloeswood, but he
refused to accept it, and retired from her presence.
Nakatada decided to resume the lessons in koto in the towers from the end of the
Second Month. On the Doll's Festival of the third of the Third Month Princess
Inumiya was served with a splendid dish. Before long the cherry trees on the
artificial hill on the central island came into bloom, and soon after the towers
were surrounded with an abundance of flowers.
Princess Inumiya grew up day by day. One day she played the koto to the
warbler's song coming from among the flowers, as she recited as follows:
"When I hear a warbler sing, becoming attached to the
Pg.468
flowers, I think of a person whom I long for every day."
At hearing this, Nakatada felt pity on her, but did not speak to her.
On the Kamo Festival in the middle of the Fourth Month the Bishop of the
Kamo Shrine offered fine hollyhocks to the Grand Court Lady. Nakatada ordered
his servants to hang the hollyhocks on the bamboo blind of the Grand Court
Lady's living room. She jotted down a verse on delicate blue paper, and handed
it to Nakatada:
"When the hollyhocks hanging on the bamboo blind throw light,

The gloom in my heart seems to be chased away."
Nakatada jotted down a verse in reply by the side of hers:
"The hollyhocks* hanging on the laurel in the moon* are obscure.

The gloom in my heart will not vanish until they become visible."
On the Iris Festival of the fifth of the Fifth Month, Minister Kanemasa sent fine
dishes to the residence at Kyōgoku, and Nakatada offered splended dishes to
Lady Jijūden, and the princes and princesses borne by her.
* "Hollyhock" and "Day of meeting" are homophonous. The verse means. "It is
not known when I can meet the First Princess. I will be gloomy until the lessons
in koto are finished and I can meet the First Princess."
** It is said in the Chinese legend that a laurel, five thousand feet long, is
growing in the moon.
Pg.469
Soon after that the cuckoo sang, and the early summer rain continued to fall. The
Grand Court Lady, Nakatada and Princess Inumiya played the koto tunes
suitable for the season in concert all day long. They sometimes played,
exchanging one another's kotos. The maids-in-waiting and nurses had been
permitted to hear the tunes in the fountain pavilion, but none of them could
recognize three hands apart.
Not long after this, the hot Sixth Month came, but it was refreshing in the
towers, as the cool wind came from the shade of trees on the high artificial hill.
Princess Inumiya put on a white singlet of gossamer, and played the koto very
enthusiastically as usual.
On the last day of the Sixth Month Nakatada went to the Kamo River together
with the Grand Court Lady and Princess Inumiya in order to perform the
summer lustration. An awning was set up for the Grand Court Lady and Princess
Inumiya at the riverside. This day Minister Kanemasa also came to the same
river with the prince borne by Lady Nashitsubo and Kogimi. The prince caught
sight of the awning, and walked into it unannounced, thinking that he might see
General Nakatada there. In the awning the Grand Court Lady and Princess
Inumiya were resting behind the curtain, and Princess Inumiya's eyes crossed the
prince's for a moment, so that she turned her back to him in haste. The Grand
Court Lady came out from behind the curtain, and offered the prince a cushion,
saying tenderly, "Sit down, please." Young as he was, the prince thought to
himself, "I have never seen such a beautiful princess. I wish I could see her and
play with her now and then", but he did not give voice to his thoughts.
In the meantime, Princess Inumiya felt very shy at having been seen by a boy.
She looked pale. The Grand Court Lady offered the prince some cake, but he did
not take it.
Pg.470
Then Kogimi shouted from outside the awning, "Dear Prince! Come here! A bird
has alighted on the water." The prince went out without turning to look at
Princess Inumiya. Just then Nakatada came into the awning, and said to the
Grand Court Lady with a worded air,
"Hasn't the prince by Lady Nashitsubo seen Princess Inumiya at this place?"
The Grand Court Lady replied nothing to him, though.
After that, Princess Inumiya and the Grand Court Lady enjoyed looking at
fishing with cormorants till dark.
On the seventh of the Seventh Month two nurses, dressed only in singlets, and a
page girl, washed the hair of the Grand Court Lady and Princess Inumiya in a
pavilion temporarily set up on the stream flowing from the fountain among the
rocks to the south of the towers. Princess Inumiya's hair was as long as her
height.
After that, the Grand Court Lady said to Nakatada, "Let us play the koto tonight
as the offering on the Weaver Festival*". She had the maids-in-waiting set up the
curtains and provide the kotos at the arched bridge. This night the maids-in-
waiting were permitted to listen to the koto tunes at the arched bridge.
Early that night Major Councillor Suzushi, dressed in a hunting robe, came on
horseback as far as outside the southern hedge of the residence at Kyōgoku. He
sat down on a rug spread on the ground, keeping an umbrella at hand, and waited
with his chin on his hands.
Then a cool breeze came. The Grand Court Lady said, "Now,

Pg.471
we will begin", and handed the Fine-string Wind to Princess Inumiya and the
Dragon-hall Wind to Nakatada, and kept the Persia Wind for herself. When the
three began to play a piece of music in the same tone, the sounds echoed high in
the sky, and were heard just like a concert of all kinds of musical instruments.
Before long the stars jumped about and lightning began to flash. Suzushi was so
frightened that he had his retainer, a guards lieutenant, draw a sword. A moon
seven days old that ought to have gone down behind the mountain shone brightly
over the towers, and as the thunder gradually disappeared, the stars gathered
around the moon, and the wind with unearthly fragrance blew around the towers.
After a time the tune changed. Suzushi felt as if he had a new lease of life. The
guards lieutenant who knew only a little of music listened to the koto tunes too
in ecstasy, looking up at the sky.
The Grand Court Lady, Nakatada and Princess Inumiya further continued to play
the kotos. The dewdrops forming on the leaves of the plants in the front yard
sparkled like scattered jewels in the moonlight. As the sound of the Persia Wind
was too high, the Grand Court Lady played it very lightly. When the sounds of
the kotos became high, the moon, stars and clouds began to move, and when
they became low, the sky calmed down. Suzushi wanted to continue hearing the
koto tunes, but they stopped, to his regret, late after midnight.
Subsequently Nakatada began to play the flute. It produced a plaintive sound

becoming to the night of the Weaver Festival. On hearing this, Suzushi thought
admiringly to himself, "I have never heard that General Nakatada likes to play
the flute. I wonder when he became so skillful at the flute."
When dawn was approaching, Nakatada began to recite the Chinese poems
composed by Toshikage in a very sweet voice.
Pg.472
They were what Toshikage had occasionally composed in the foreign country as
well as in his residence after his return to Japan. Suzushi shed tears as he heard
Nakatada's recitation.
Before long, all became quiet in the residence, so Suzushi reluctantly returned to
his residence.
In the meanwhile, Princess Inumiya and Nakatada went to bed. The Grand Court
Lady dozed off for a while, putting her hand on the koto, when Toshikage
appeared in her dream, and said to her,
"I have heard the old koto tunes. Nakatada's koto-playing and poem-reciting
were splendid. Well, some one is to call at this residence today. You must meet
and talk with him."
The moment she wanted to answer she woke up. She wept bitterly at this strange
dream. Nakatada who had been lying awake in bed was surprised at his mother's
crying. She talked about her strange dream, and added in tears,
"I have often prayed that I might see my father at least once, though in a dream,
but I have never experienced such a thing. He had told me not to play the South
Wind and the Persia Wind except in a special case. When we were in the cavern
in the deep mountain, we had a narrow escape by playing the South Wind.
Tonight I played the Persia Wind, so my father's spirit must have appeared in my
dream. He said that he had heard your koto tunes and recitation with great joy."
On hearing her story, Nakatada wept together with her. When day dawned,
Nakatada ordered the gatekeepers to usher in anyone who called at the residence
that day, and he waited for a visitor in the main hall, without ascending the
towers.
6
Toward six o'clock in the evening, a man came along to the
Pg.473
Chap. 20 In the Tower: Part Two 473
residence at Kyōgoku, accompanied by four boys. One of the boys asked the
gatekeeper politely,
"Pardon me, sir, but whose residence is this?"
"This is General Nakatada's residence."
"Who lived here in olden times?"
"The Secretary of Home Affairs, Toshikage had lived here."
The boy ran to the man and conveyed the gatekeeper's words to him. Then the
man came to the gate in delight.
"Is this the residence of a descendant of the late Secretary of Home Affairs?"
"Yes, indeed."
"Then, please convey a message to the steward that a man who formerly served
in this residence has come along. I want to serve the master of this residence as
long as I live."
Being informed of the man's visit, General Nakatada ordered the gatekeeper to
usher him in at once. Nakatada then had the maids-in-waiting and nurses retire
from the main hall to the wings, and waited with the Grand Court Lady at the
northern front of the main hall for a while. A man of about forty years old,
dressed finely and holding a fan like a mace, appeared, followed by four lovely
boys, all of whom were dressed finely. They were all about one hundred and
twenty centimeters in height, and they let their hair hang as far as their knees. On
seeing the noble and refined figure of General Nakatada, the man bowed in
humble reverence at the foot of the stairs. Then Nakatada told him tenderly to
come near, so he ascended the stairs with an air of profound respect.
"Where have you come from? And what do you want with me?" asked
Nakatada.
"When the late Secretary of Home Affairs was still alive, an old woman named
Sagano was serving here. We are the relatives of Sagano", answered the man.
Pg.474
When the Grand Court Lady looked at the man secretly through a gap between
the curtains, she first imagined that she had seen him somewhere before. Then
she thought that he must be that ten year old boy who had lived with Sagano
nearly thirty years ago. Considerably old as she was then, Sagano remained
alone in the desolate residence, and busied herself with arrangements for the
birth of the baby, Nakatada. The Grand Court Lady had never forgotten the
kindness of Sagano who had formerly looked after her with the tenderest of care.
She was very pleased to have a visit from the man.
"I am told Sagano had three daughters of her own. How are they getting along?"
asked the Grand Court Lady.
"Yes, she had three daughters, the eldest of whom died young. The second
daughter was married to Yoshimune no Tokimochi, a government official of the
Ōmi province, and the third was married to Tokimochi's younger brother, an
official of the Imperial Stables. The two daughters bore two sons respectively,
and were living happily for a while, but unfortunately both their husbands died
unexpectedly the year before last. The four boys here are their sons. I am
Tokimune, the youngest brother of Sagano. I am living now in the province of
Settsu. My elder brother was an official of the Stables of the Saga Palace and a
government official in the Nagato province. After their husbands' death, the
second and third daughters of Sagano came from the Ōmi province to my house,
bringing their sons with them. They told me that they wanted to have their sons
go into service in a respectable family in the capital, but I advised them to wait
for a while because their sons were in mourning for their fathers. At that time the
monk of the provincial temple wanted to make these four sons his pages, but
their mothers refused his proposal. Then the monk urged us to obey him every
day, and he won the governor of the province over to his side. Finally he
Pg.475
destroyed our house. Then their mothers said to me.—'Our mother Sagano had
served the Secretary of Home Affairs since her youth, and continued to serve
even after his death, but thereafter she got sick unfortunately and died forlorn in
the capital without meeting her own daughters. We have never seen the late
Secretary of Home Affairs, but it is said that his descendant is truly prosperous
now. We want to tell him about our ill fortune and beg for his favor.'—This is
why I came here today."
On hearing Tokimune's statement, the Grand Court Lady recollected her old
days. Her heart was choked with sorrow and the tears flowed down her cheeks.
General Nakatada also felt very sad, as he had heard from his mother about her
miserable childhood and a faithful old female servant Sagano.
After a pause, the Grand Court Lady said to Tokimune,
"I am very sad to hear about my dear old Sagano. You need not worry about the
matter any longer, for I intend to look after all of you in return for Sagano's
kindness."
Tokimune was courteous in the manner of a person of good lineage, and the boys
were all lovely and refined.
"Are the boys able to play anything?" asked Nakatada.
"Two of them can play the flute and the remaining two can perform a dance.
Because they can do such things, they were wanted by the monk and so met with
unexpected misfortune", answered Tokimune.
"It is rather interesting that they can play the flute and dance. They can live here
all together, and take lessons in anything they like."
"The second daughter of Sagano who was married to a government official of

the Ōmi province had once served as a Court lady in the reign of the Emperor
Suzaku, and she was to be promoted to the Fifth Court Rank, but was overtaken
Pg.476
unfairly, to her regret, by younger ladies."
"Don't worry about such a thing! I will look after her by some other means. I will
have a house of convenient size built in the neighborhood of this residence so
that anyone of Sagano's family may come from the province and live in it. I will
order the Governor of Settsu province to build a house for you, which is finer
than your original one. It will be provided with adequate furniture and fixtures in
order to make amends for the misdeed of the governor and the monk. In the
Settsu province I have a manor which was given to me by the ex-Emperor
Suzaku. I will leave the manor in your charge from now on."
"I thank you so much for your kind consideration."
"All of you must be tired. You may take your meals here."
Soon after fine dishes were laid before Tokimune and the four boys.
The Grand Court Lady presented Tokimune with a vest of red damask with a red
lining, a singlet of figured silk and a pair of trousers. Besides, she took out ten
rolls of silk, and said to him,
"Distribute the silk among the members of Sagano's family. Tell them to come to
the capital. I will always be available for consultation."
General Nakatada also presented Tokimune with a vest of red silk and trousers of
figured silk.
Nakatada then told Tokimune to stay in his residence at Kyōgoku for a while, but
he answered very politely,
"As I should like to let the members of Sagano's family know as soon as possible
that we have received your kind assistance, I intend to return home in a hurry.
We were tormented by the governor and the monk in the province for a long
time, and did not pass a day without shedding tears. Today I have been allowed
to see the shining figure of Your Excellency, and
Pg.477
furthermore I have received plenty of splendid articles. Really I can never thank
you enough. It is quite unexpected that misfortune is turned into a blessing so
quickly as this."
So saying. Tokimune went back to the Settsu province, leaving the four boys in
the residence at Kyōgoku. The boys were so handsome, charming and clever that
they were worthy to be Court pages. They played the flute and performed a
dance very skillfully in the presence of General Nakatada. He was very pleased
to have such good boys.
The Eighth Month came. Princess Inumiya's skill at the koto came to be almost
equal to or slightly to surpass that of the Grand Court Lady, so that the Lady
thought she had nothing to look back on with regret. Nakatada decided to
complete the lessons in koto on the fifteenth of the Eighth Month, and to hold a
musical concert by the Palace musicians in this residence as a ceremony for the
completion of initiating Princess Inumiya into the secrets of the koto. Besides, he
intended to introduce the flute and dance of Sagano's four grandsons to the
guests on that occasion, and he trained the boys in the flute and dancing.
Major Councillor Suzushi called on the ex-Emperor Saga, and told him that he
had been deeply impressed on hearing the koto concert of the Grand Court Lady,
Nakatada and Princess Inumiya on the night of the Weaver Festival. He added,
"I am told that on the fifteenth of the Eighth Month General Nakatada will finish
the lessons in koto, and let Princess Inumiya and the Grand Court Lady descend
the towers. I am sure there will be many interesting activities performed on that
occasion."
"Then, I will go to Kyōgoku on that day", said the

Pg.478
ex-Emperor.
"Very well. I hear the ex-Emperor Suzaku will also go to Kyōgoku on that day."
"I have twenty suits of ladies' clothes of the finest quality for the Feast of the
Chrysanthemums to be held on the ninth of the Ninth Month. I will make them
my gift on the occasion of my visit to Kyōgoku. I should certainly like to listen
to the koto of the Grand Court Lady."
In the meanwhile, Nakatada received a message from the ex-Experor Suzaku.
"I should like to go to Kyōgoku on the fifteenth of the Eighth Month. Don't plan
any formal reception for me."
Nakatada decided to set up seats for the two ex-Emperors in the main hall. The
stands of these royal seats were striped with gold, and set with mother-of-pearl
and precious stones, and their canopies were brocade with large crests. The
bamboo blinds before the royal seats were raised, and folding screens were set
up behind them. They were made by Nakatada himself with the paper on which
he painted what he imagined from Toshikage's poems and diaries composed in
the foreign country. He added his own Chinese poems in his own hand.
The ex-Empress said to the ex-Emperor. Saga,
"I have heard and seen almost everything, but I never tire of hearing excellent
koto tunes. Some time ago when I listened to General Nakatada's koto, I thought
such a wonderful expert would be nowhere to be seen. Now I want to hear the
Grand Court Lady's koto. I will certainly go to Kyōgoku."
"I am not sure whether or not it is possible for you to go there", said the ex-
Emperor Saga.
But the ex-Empress never showed any sign of relinquishing

Pg.479
Chap. 20 In The Towers: Part Two 479
her plan to go, and furthermore the Fourth Princess said to the ex-Empress,
"You ought to go there, and I want to accompany you too to listen to the Grand
Court Lady's koto."
Lady Jijūden was ready to go to Kyōgoku together with the First Princess, the
Second Princess and seven royal princes borne by her.
Major Councillor Suzushi told his close friends about the koto concert
performed on the night of the Weaver Festival, so that everyone who had heard
about it intended to go to Kyōgoku without exception. As the number of visitors
was too many, Minister Masayori thought that General Nakatada would be put to
some kind of trouble, so told some of his sons to refrain from visiting Kyōgoku.
The seven sons borne by Princess Ōmiya and the four borne by Lady Ōidono
loudly expressed their dissatisfaction.
"You are too hard on us. How can we refrain from hearing koto tunes by the
highest experts? It is a rare opportunity!"
So Minister Masayori asked General Nakatada if there was any room to spare.
The General replied that there wasn't a bit of space left in the residence, but none
of Masayori's sons intended to stay at home.
At hearing this, Lady Fujitsubo sent Minister Masayori a message to the effect
that she had something to say to him directly. And so it was that Masayori
consulted with Princess Ōmiya.
"What Lady Fujitsubo wants to tell me is concerned with the festivities to be

performed at Kyōgoku, I dare say. I wonder if the Emperor would permit her to
leave the Palace. If he doesn't permit her, and yet she insists upon going to
Kyōgoku even in secret, what am I to do? Anyway, I will go to Court at once. By
the way, I beg you not to go there, even though Lady Fujitsubo
Pg.480
is decided on going."
"I don't mean to argue with you. but I want to go there too, because I haven't
heard fine koto tunes for a long time. I will never have another such opportunity.'
"It's regrettable, but what shall I do?" said Masayori.
When Minister Masayori arrived at the Palace, Lady Fujitsubo was waiting
impatiently for him, and said,
"Though I wanted to be married to General Nakatada, you arranged at your

discretion for me to be given to the then Crown Prince. I have been worrying
myself about troublesome matters ever since then. I hear that on the fifteenth of
the Eighth Month, Princess Inumiya and the Grand Court Lady will descend the
towers and play the koto in the presence of the exhEmperors Saga and Suzaku,
and the ex-Empress. I hear many ladies and princesses will attend the festivities.
It is my greatest regret that these people can freely hear anything they like, while
I alone cannot. I think real happiness in the world is to be carefree and to be able
to see and hear anything one likes."
"It is a good thing to hear the rare koto tunes. But. will the Emperor permit you
to leave here?"
"His Majesty appears to give me leave. When I begged him very eagerly last
night, he did not say no. So far as this matter is concerned, I intend to do as I
wish, whatever anyone may say."
At this time it was reported to Lady Fujitsubo that the Emperor would soon
come to her apartment. She said to Minister Masayori in haste,
"Then, please come to meet me tomorrow night without fail."
"Yes, certainly!" Masayori said, and retired from her presence.
When the Emperor came in, Lady Fujitsubo begged him at once to grant her
leave. Then he said,
"Yes, you may go to Kyōgoku, and stay there for a while, as

Pg.481
the General is in favor with you."
"It is said the ex-Empress and many other ladies will go to Kyōgoku. I am not
the only person going there."
"Today I will obey you, for I think you cannot be kept from hearing the koto
concert at Kyōgoku."
Major Councillor Sanetada seldom went to Court these days, but he wrote to
Nakatada on hearing of the festivities at Kyōgoku.
"May I attend the festivities performed in your residence at Kyōgoku in secret?"
On reading the note, Nakatada thought that Major Councillor Sanetada should be
invited above anyone else, and he wrote to him in reply.
"I am very glad to receive your kind letter. I must apologize to you for my long
silence. I have been giving lessons in koto to Princess Inumiya for a while,
shutting myself up from the world. Please attend the meeting in my residence,
though there is no hiding place suitable for you."
8
On the night of the fourteenth of the Eighth Month Princess Ōmiya and Lady
Ōidono as well as eleven of their sons and daughters started from Minister
Masayori's residence. They rode in eleven gilded- and palmfrond carriages, and
arrived at the residence at Kyōgoku. Their sons and daughters arranged their
carriages near the bridge in front of the east and west towers in order to get a
better view of Princess Inumiya descending the tower. Soon after the ex-Empress
and her attendants entered the
Pg.482
residence majestically through the west gate, riding in fourteen brocaded

carriages. They passed through the inner gate, and arrived at the west wing.
Subsequently the Third Princess and Lady Nashitsubo arrived at the west wing.
Toward four o'clock in the morning of the fifteenth the Crown Prince, Lady
Fujitsubo and her two sons arrived at the eastern front of the main hall by twelve
brocaded and palmfrond carriages and two ordinary ones, accompanied by many
courtiers from the Imperial Palace and the Crown Prince's Palace.
With the first gleam of dawn the lake, the angling pavilion, the towers and the
arched bridge emerged like phantoms to the south of the main hall, and
enraptured all the guests present. To the north of the main hall there was a large
garden completely covered with moss. Seedling pines, trees with red leaves and
rare plants with tasteful branches were seen here and there along the brook. Lady
Fujitsubo took in the beauty of the scene, thinking that Masayori's residence
where she had been brought up was no match for this residence.
About two o'clock in the afternoon the ex-Emperor Saga arrived at Kyōgoku,
accompanied by Minister Kanemasa, Major Councillor Suzushi, royal princes of
his own as well as three Grand Councillors and five Major Councillors, and the
ex-Emperor's carriage drove right up to the stairs of the main hall. General
Nakatada came out to meet the ex-Emperor Saga reverentially and showed him
to the royal seat set up in the main hall. The ex-Emperor was seventy-two years
old now, but very refined and youthful-looking, a little gray-haired. His gait was
now somewhat bent.
"This residence is very dear to me", he said, "for I had frequently come here
when I was young. That angling pavilion beside the lake is a little higher than
that of the old days, but
Pg.483
everything else seems to remain unchanged. There it probably nobody here,

however, who knows the residence at it was In the old days. Oh! But yes,
indeed! Here is Master of the Imperial Household Kanemi. Do you remember
this residence in the old days?"
"Things are not so different from what they were, but I think the plants on the
artificial hill have grown taller", answered Kanemi.
At that time the Master of the Horse came to the residence as the messenger of
the ex-Emperor Suzaku carrying a letter addressed to the ex-Emperor Saga.
"I hear you are visiting the residence at Kyōgoku. It is said that the Grand Court
Lady has finished giving lessons in koto to Princess Inumiya, and descends the
tower today. I really wish to go there to hear her koto, as I will never have
another such opportunity."
The ex-Emperor Saga replied by letter at once.
"I have read your kind letter. I came here to listen to the koto of Princess
Inumiya whom I have never met. As I seldom get a chance to see you, I certainly
hope you will come here."
Thus General Nakatada went to the Suzaku Palace to meet the ex-Emperor
together with Minister Masayori, Minister Kanemasa and many high and low
courtiers.
Before long the ex-Emperor Suzaku arrived at Kyōgoku, accompanied by Prime

Minister Tadamasa and seven royal princes borne by Lady Jijūden. The ex-
Emperor was refined and high-spirited, and as soon as he sat down on the royal
seat set up in the main hall he said, looking around,
Pg.484
"It seems that all high courtiers including the Prime Minister are present here.
Does anyone remain in the Imperial Palace?"
Then Minister Masayori answered,

"Treasury Secretary Minamoto, Major General and Secretary Nobukata and
some secretaries of the Sixth Court Rank are staying in the Palace."
At five o'clock in the afternoon Princess Inumiya and the Grand Court Lady
were due to descend the towers to the accompaniment of music performed by the
Palace musicians. All musicians gathered in the awning of brocade, and
preparations were complete. Then the ex-Emperor Suzaku said to General
Nakatada and Minister Masayori,
"Time is nearly up. Start soon!"
The musicians began to beat drums in the awning of brocade, and four pages
dressed as peacocks appeared from the awning of the Left. Four pages dressed as
butterflies appeared from the awning of the Right, and danced together very
finely to the accompaniment of kotos and flutes.
At this time the ex-Emperor Suzaku called Nakatada, and said,
"You must take care so that Princess Inumiya and the Grand Court Lady may not
be seen by many people. It is not good in this sense that the two take their seats
in the eastern front where Lady Fujitsubo's seat is. As every room is full of
people, you had better make the east annex their rooms. And you may use my
hand-drawn carriage for the sake of Princess Inumiya and the Grand Court
Lady."
Then the ex-Emperor Saga said to Nakatada,
"You may use the hand-drawn carriage of the ex-Empress for

Pg.485
the Grand Court Lady, and that of the ex-Emperor Suzaku for Princess Inumiya."
Thus Minister Kanemasa arranged to bring the two hand-drawn carriages to the
bridge in front of the eastand west towers, and General Nakatada had the seats of
the Grand Court Lady and Princess Inumiya prepared in the two rooms of the
east annex.
Minister Masayori whispered to Minister Kanemasa,
"I hope you will help the Grand Court Lady into the hand-drawn carriage, as I
will help Princess Inumiya. General Nakatada probably wants to help both of
them himself, but he will be unable to split his body into two parts!"
Not long after this, thirty maids-in-waiting of the Grand Court Lady, wearing
dark red, embroidered pleated trains, appeared from the west tower to the
accompaniment of music, and four pages wearing outer trousers of damask
followed them. Then thirty maids-in-waiting of Princess Inumiya, wearing
purple, embroidered pleated trains, appeared from the east tower, and four pages
wearing outer trousers of damask followed them. The pages were holding a
cushion, a brazier, two pots of gold and silver containing incense, and an armrest
and so on respectively. These parades looked far finer at a distance than at close
range. Minister Masayori caught a glimpse of Princess Inumiya through the
small openings between the curtains, and was surprised at her beauty which was
far superior to that of Princess Atemiya when she was young.
As long as the parades continued, the music by the Palace musicians lasted. The
princes and high courtiers could not sit still, but began to play the kotos and
flutes respectively. The ex-Emperor Saga kept time with his fan, and the ex-
Emperor Suzaku sang to the music. All those present thought that it was and
would be an event unparalleled in history to parade to the
Pg.486
musical accompaniment of the two ex-Emperors.
Before long the courtiers of the Fourth and Fifth Court Ranks brought the hand-
drawn carriages to the stairs of the towers, so Minister Masayori and Minister
Kanemasa approached the carriages in a hurry. When General Nakatada and
Minister Masayori were about to help Princess Inumiya into the hand-drawn
carriage from the stairs, holding the curtains over her, the ex-Emperor Suzaku
said,
"It is important to go through due formalities in the ceremony."
To begin with, therefore, Minister Kanemasa helped the Grand Court Lady into
the hand-drawn carriage. She wore a Chinese robe of purplish blue lined with
azure. Her beautiful figure could well be seen through the curtains exposed to
the setting sun.
Subsequently Minister Masayori helped Princess Inumiya into the hand-drawn

carriage. She wore a singlet of Chinese damask with a Chinese carnation pattern,
a dark violet robe of figured silk and double-lined trousers.
When the two hand-drawn carriages arrived at the annex, the Grand Court Lady
first alighted from the carriage, and helped Princess Inumiya out of it. At sight of
the scene, the ex-Emperor Suzaku thought, "Princess Inumiya is really
beautiful", and Minister Masayori thought, "How beautiful the Grand Court
Lady is! She looks as young as if she were General Nakatada's younger sister.
Lady Jijūden is surely inferior in beauty to her."
At this time one of Sagano's grandsons performed a splendid dance in the

presence of the ex-Emperors Saga and Suzaku. The ex-Emperor Saga was
deeply impressed, and said, "I want to take the boy to my Palace, and have him
take lessons in music and dance", and the ex-Emperor Suzaku said in wonder,
"How
Pg.487
is it that such a nice boy is in this residence?" Minister Masayori said, "Young as
he is, no one else will be able to dance as well as this", and took off his vest to
give it to the boy. Many princes and high courtiers also tried to take off their
vests, so that the boy ran away inside bashfully.
The ex-Emperor Suzaku said, "Call the boy here once more!"
After a while the four boys appeared all together in the presence of the ex-
Emperors. Then General Nakatada said, "These boys are able to play the flute
very well."
The ex-Emperor Suzaku said, "That's very good", and gave them the flutes and
the shō-fllutes. The four boys played many tunes very skillfully, and struck all
those present with admiration. As the boys were all charming and bright-
looking, most of the young princes of the ex-Emperor Suzaku wanted to have the
boys. Minister Masayori wanted to offer two of them to the Crown Prince and
the Second Prince as companions, since both the princes liked to play the flute,
but he hesitated to put it into words out of consideration for the royal princes of
the ex-Emperor Suzaku. Lady Fujitsubo also wanted to have two of the boys,
and said to the First Princess who was then sitting close by,
"I want to offer the boy who played the shō-flute to the Crown Prince, and get
the boy who played the flute for myself. I beg you to convey my desire to
General Nakatada."
When the First Princess told Nakatada about Lady Fujitsubo's wishes, he
answered at once, "Yes, certainly."
The Fifth, Sixth and Seventh Princes of the ex-Emperor Suzaku began to
scramble for a boy. General Nakatada said to them, "I will offer you another boy,
as there are some other nice boys." But they answered with one voice, "I don't
like anyone but that boy", and they finally began to dispute with one another.
Nakatada said to the princes, "Then, I will beg the ex-
Pg.488
Emperor to pass judgment on this case." The ex-Emperor Suzaku who loved
each prince equally, however, only smiled without saying a word.
10
Soon after it grew dark. The ex-Emperor Suzaku came as far as the curtain by
the side of the Grand Court Lady, and said to her, "We haven't met for a long
time. I wanted to listen to your koto, and I often sent a carriage to meet you, but
you never came to the Palace. I have been rather free since the royal abdication,
and have been waiting for your visit. Alas! In vain. Granting that my feeling is
difficult for you to understand, you might at least have let me listen to your
koto."
"Every day I am thankful for your august words. I'm sorry I could not go to the
Palace, because I have been busy looking after Princess Inumiya and her
younger brother. You have frequently requested to hear my koto, but, in fact I
cannot play it satisfactorily perhaps because of my age."
"Major Councillor Suzushi told me the other day that he had listened to your
splendid koto tune on the night of the Weaver Festival. Tonight I dearly want to
hear all your tunes. When can I have such another opportunity?"
Minister Kanemasa who had overheard the ex-Emperor's talk close by felt
uneasy, and General Nakatada had a feeling that the ex-Emperor's affection for
his mother was still out of the ordinary.
Just then the ex-Emperor Saga approached, and said to the Grand Court Lady,
"Did you hear from General Nakatada what I told him? Toshikage must have
been thinking ill of me, so my days are
Pg.489
few. If Toshikage's spirit should forgive me for my fault, how glad I would be!"
"Your august words are more than Toshikage deserves.'
The ex-Emperor Saga proceeded further,
"I remember well even now that when General Nakatada played a koto called the
South Wind at the Shinsen-en, heaven and earth greatly shook, the clouds
flowed, and the moon and stars romped about. As for the Persia Wind, I have
often heard its name, but never heard its sound. If you should play it tonight, I
would be happy not only in this world but also in the next one."
The harvest moon shone brightly in the clear sky. Beause the ex-Emperor
Suzaku often urged the Grand Court Lady to play, she took the Dragon-hall
Wind and played "the Tune of Autumn" as a first step. Its sound seemed to reach
into the bottom of the heart. The ex-Emperor Suzaku thought that this was far
better than the tune which he had once heard at the Jijūden Pavilion, and all
those present were enraptured by the clear tune becoming to the autumn night.
Having finished playing the Dragon-hall Wind, the Grand Court Lady took out
the South Wind and began to strum. She thought this was the happiest time for
her family. Then it suddenly hailed, the stars romped about, the clouds flowed,
the bottom of the earth shook and the mountains all around echoed, but before
long, auspicious clouds began to trail and a cool breeze blew. Hundreds of
people in the residence were suddenly refreshed, and somehow felt as if they had
a new lease of life. They understood the prosperity of the era. After a time the
tune changed into a plaintive melody, and the people were able to feel the pathos
of things.
In the meanwhile, when the Emperor was about to sit down to supper in the
Imperial Palace, a sad and plaintive sound
Pg.490
wafted on the breeze. The Emperor then said to his personal attendants.
"Can you hear the sound, too? Where does it come from? It is very strange!"
Major General and Secretary Nobukata answered,
"A strange sound is audible, as you say. It seems to be coming from districts to
the east and southeast, but it is impossible that the koto tunes played in General
Nakatada's residence at Kyōgoku can reach as far as the Imperial Palace. It is
incomprehensible."
The Emperor said to Nobukata,
"I cannot make it out. It might be a goblin's deed. I order you to ride on an
excellent horse of the Imperial Stable, and go in the direction of the sound.
Investigate its origin! Though its origin cannot be discovered, I should like to
know at least what part of the city the sound comes from."
The Emperor went out to the veranda, and looked up at the sky. The appearance
of the sky was different from usual, and the Emperor's nurses, various Court
ladies and secretaries also felt sad to hear this plaintive sound. They shed tears
ceaselessly.
Nobukata went on horseback tracing the sound as far as Kyōgoku. The road was
filled with people extending over a few hundred meters. As Nobukata went
further, he jostled through the crowd. The sound was heard as if it were
composed of three or four tones.
Nobukata arrived at Nakatada's residence at last, and sat by the stairs of the main
hall. He wanted to greet the ex-Emperors at once, but the ex-Emperors were
listening to the koto tunes in ecstasy. After a while he said in a loud voice,
"Major General and Secretary Fujiwara no Nobukata. I have just come from the
Imperial Palace."
The Grand Court Lady promptly caught his words and

Pg.491
Chap. 20 In the Towers: Part Two 49q
stopped playing the koto.
"What do you want with me?" asked the ex-Emperor Saga.
"As a strange sound was heard in the Imperial Palace, His Majesty ordered me to
trace the sound to its origin."
The ex-Emperor Saga who had been carried away by the music said, "It is quite
marvelous".
Subsequently the ex-Emperor Suzaku said to Nobukata,
"Go back soon to the Palace to report the matter to the Emperor. He is surely
waiting for you with anxiety. I had long been wanting to listen to the koto of the
Grand Court Lady, and was able to take the opportunity just today I can only
marvel at her skill. It is remarkable that the koto tunes have reached the
Emperor's ear."
After a little while the ex-Emperor Saga said,
"Since I could hear tonight the same koto tunes as Toshikage had played, I have
forgotten all earthly things. Nothing gives me more satisfaction than this. What
we call heavenly music may indeed be like this."
Then Major Councillor Suzushi said to the ex-Emperor Saga,
"I well remember that General Nakatada played the Dragon-hall Wind on the
day of Princess Inumiya's birth. The tunes of the Dragon-hall Wind played by
the Grand Court Lady tonight were so plaintive that I could not help crying. I
listened admiringly to the tunes of the Persia Wind played by her on the night of
the Weaver Festival. If she should play the Persia Wind tonight, and the four
boys dance to the tunes, how pleasant it would be!"
The ex-Emperor Suzaku also wanted to listen to the famous koto, the Persia
Wind, on this occasion, and he asked the Grand Court Lady to play it.
The night wore on. Though the Grand Court Lady declined his request in
earnest, the ex-Emperor Suzaku would not accept
Pg.492
it. He approached her and persuaded her to play. She was at a loss, and said at
last,
"I feel highly honored by your kind words, but I'm sorry there is no tune kept in
reserve. I beg you to order Nakatada to play it, if possible."
The ex-Emperor Suzaku smiled with satisfaction, and said, "I see. I ought to
have asked him earlier."
Thus the ex-Emperor ordered Nakatada to play the Persia Wind, but he hesitated
to stand up. At this time the Grand Court Lady clapped her folding fan. General
Nakatada mistook it to be a sign meaning to obey the ex-Emperor, and brought
the Persia Wind from the tower.
The ex-Emperor Saga took up the Persia Wind. It was a very fine koto, and
markedly different in shape from the Fine-string Wind and the Dragon-hall
Wind. It was also quite unlike the excellent koto which Iyayuki* had brought
from China. When the ex-Emperor Saga tried to strum on a string of the Persia
Wind, a very strange sound was produced. When he strummed on a second
string, however, no sound was made at all. The ex-Emperor said in wonder,
"This is an extremely strange koto", and he pushed it in under the curtain of the
Grand Court Lady.
Many princes and high courtiers wondered how things would turn out and they
looked tense. The Imperial consorts and princesses tucked up their hair behind
their ears. Many lamps were fed with oil, so that it was as bright as day all
around. The Imperial messenger Nobukata forgot to return to the Imperial Palace
like Wang Chih** in China who had passed a long time in the mountain.
* The koto called "Three Thousand Years". See page 250.
** A woodcutter named Wang Chih in old China (Chin) found that his ax had
rotted away as he stood watching a supernatural game of "go" in the mountain,
forgetting to return home.
Pg.493
The Persia Wind was indeed the koto which a heavenly lady had handed to
Toshikage, saying, "You had better play this koto before my seven sons, namely
seven mountain masters. and learn the secrets of the koto from them." The Grand
Court Lady began to play one of the tunes which Toshikage had learned from the
master of the first mountain. Suddenly the thunder rolled and the earth shook, so
the Grand Court Lady strummed lightly only on one string. Nevertheless, the
water of the lake rose, and the brook within the premises flowed with a rush. At
the sight of this all the people were astonished and frightened. Before long the
tune changed completely. When she strummed on the first string, a pleasant
sound was produced, and when she strummed on the second string, a sad and
plaintive sound was produced. It seemed that when the tune reached their ears,
fools became wise, angry people became calm, any sick person became well,
any dying invalid stood up, and any demon shed tears. Major Councillor Suzushi
did nothing but cry with deep emotion. From the ex-Emperor Suzaku's eyes tears
fell faster than rain. On hearing the splendid tune, General Nakatada wet his
sleeves with tears, forgetting that the player was his mother herself.
Soon after the four boys appeared, and danced very skillfully to the Grand Court
Lady's koto, singing in a voice softer and more plaintive than the chirping of
insects in the autumn field.
When the Grand Court Lady finished playing the Persia Wind, the ex-Emperor
Suzaku recited a verse, wiping his tears of emotion away:
"I think it fortunate to have descended from the cloud",

Because I could easily come here to hear her koto."
* "descend from the cloud" means "abdicate the throne."

Pg.494
The Grand Court Lady recited a verse in reply:
"The white cloud* came down, not to the high mountain

But to this lodge unexpectedly. What a joy it is!"
Then the ex-Emperor Suzaku murmured to himself, "How is it that she is so

proficient in everything?"
11
The Grand Court Lady then handed the Dragon-hall Wind to Princess Inumiya
after she had slightly modulated its tone. When Princess Inumiya began to play it
behind the curtain, the ex-Emperor Suzaku said,
"The tone seems to have changed. What's happened?"
The Grand Court Lady answered, pretending to be playing herself,
"I am going to play the Dragon-hall Wind ajusting its tone to 'the Tune of
Dawn'."
Dawn was approaching. The sound of the Dragon-hall Wind was heard
pleasantly for a while in consonance with the music of the Palace musicians. But
after the background music suddenly became low and faint, the sound of the
Dragon-hall Wind alone echoed clearly as if it were soaring up to the sky.
General Nakatada thought to himself in wonder,
"The player doesn't seem to be my mother. This is too good for Princess
Inumiya, but it is she after all. It is quite marvelous that she can play such a
splendid strain of music."
Just at dawn the soughing of the wind died out, and the mist
* The white cloud means the ex-Emperor Suzaku.

Pg.495
Chap. 20 In The Tower: Part Two
trailed in the sky. The sound of the Dragon-hall Wind echoed plaintively more
and more beeomingly to the scene at daybreak.
At this time the Grand Court Lady wanted to tell the ex-Emperor Suzaku that the
player was indeed Princess Inumiya, go said at the top of her voice, "Your recital
was well done!"
The ex-Emperor Suzaku was greatly surprised, and raised the curtain with a
sweep. Then he found a pretty little girl, Princess Inumiya, sitting under the
bright lamplight. He was very glad to know that she had become such an expert
in the koto, and shouted toward all those present without wiping away his tears
of joy.
"The performer of this tune was Princess Inumiya."
At hearing this, people said noisily,
"0h! ls it true? No one else will be able to play so finely even after a lifetime's
learning."
Minister Kanemasa said to the ex-Emperor Suzaku, who was crying for joy,
"I knew for the first time that tears of joy would not stop flowing."
Lady Jijūden entered into the First Princess's feelings with tears in her eyes.
Then the ex-Emperor Saga said joyfully, "I do not regret my old age, for I could
listen, to my heart's content, to the koto tunes that I had long desired to listen to.
It is my good fortune that such a wonderful thing was left in this degenerate
age", and he played a Korean flute to the koto of Princess Inumiya.
The ex-Emperor Suzaku then thought to himself,
"What shall I give the Grand Court Lady as the prize for her splendid musical
performance? In reward for her wonderful playing even ten thousand Ryo of
gold will be insufficient. I want to give something to Princess Inumiya, too, who
played the koto very finely."
Pg.496
He then said to the ex-Emperor Saga.
"I am sorry I cannot give her a proper prize, as I have abdicated the throne. What
am I to do?"
The ex-Emperor Saga answered.
"What shall we do? Well, what do you think about the idea of appointing
General Nakatada Minister, and having him hold the Grand Banquet in this
residence at Kyōgoku? This idea will give some slight consolation to the spirit of
the late Toshikage. Besides, if the Grand Court Lady is elevated to the Senior
Grade of the Seocnd Court Rank, she will surely feel honored."
He then jotted down on a sheet of paper as follows:
"I wish the Emperor to appoint Fujiwara no Nakatada Minister of the Center, and
to promote the Grand Court Lady to the Senior Grade of the Second Court Rank.
Besides, I wish the Emperor to permit the Grand Court Lady to hold the Grand
Banquet in her residence at Kyōgoku in the same way as the Empress, the
Crown Prince and the Ministers. The articles necessary for the Grand Banquet
will be sent from the Saga Palace, and I hope the Prime Minister and others will
prepare congratulatory gifts for her Grand Banquet. What is more, I wish the
Emperor to invest the First Princess with the same Rank as that of an Imperial
Prince.
I ask the Grand Moderator to offer the matters above described to the Emperor."
The ex-Emperor Saga then wrote the official titles of the high courtiers except
the Ministers of the Left and Right, and had them sign their names.
When General Nakatada was informed of the august idea of the ex-Emperor
Saga, he answered reverentially.
"With due respect I may say that I want to decline your kind
Pg.497
offer to appoint me Minister, and if you will do me a favor, I beg you to confer a
Rank upon this residence at Kyōgoku in honor of the visit of the two ex-
Emperors."
Then the ex-Emperor Suzaku said to the ex-Emperor Saga. "Please arrange the
matter as General Nakatada says."
Thus the ex-Emperor Saga wrote the following letter. and had the Grand
Moderator offer it to the Emperor:
"Old as I am, I came yesterday to the residence at Kyōgoku. which is very dear
to me because I had frequently visited here in my youth. I was deeply moved by
the musical performance of the Grand Court Lady and Princess Inumiya. The
late Toshikage was ordered to join the embassy to China, but encountered a
tempest and was carried to a strange country, and went through all sorts of
troubles there. He returned home after a very long time, but lived in obscurity all
his life in the capital. If his daughter, the Grand Court Lady, were a man, she
would be appointed Minister. I wanted to appoint Nakatada Minister of the
Center, but I gave up the idea because he declined my offer. The late Secretary of
Home Affairs Toshikage was of the Third Court Rank, but I wish you to confer a
posthumous Major Councillor on him in place of General Nakatada. I hope you
will issue an Imperial order concerning the above matters at once."
The ex-Emperor Suzaku also wrote to the Emperor.
"As the ex-Emperor Saga visited the residence at Kyōgoku. I also came here to
meet him. There are four boys whom I want to look after. When there are
vacancies, I want you to appoint them guards lieutenants."
Pg.498
The Grand Moderator went to the Imperial Palace from Kyōgoku carrying the
letters of the ex-Emperors. The Emperor asked him in detail about the festivities
at Kyōgoku, and said,
"That tune was so splendid that I too wanted to go there to listen to it, if I had
been allowed to go out freely."
The Emperor then replied by letter to the ex-Emperor Saga:
"I have read your kind letter. I will always obey your order, however difficult it
may be. All things you have requested today are easily carried out, so I will
manage at once as you say."
The Emperor heard from the Grand Moderator how General Nakatada had
declined the ex-Emperor Saga's offer to appoint him Minister, and admired
Nakatada for his discreteness. The Emperor issued the order to confer the
posthumous rank of Major Councillor on the late Toshikage and a special status
to the residence at Kyōgoku. He also promoted the Grand Court Lady to the
Senior Grade of the Second Court Rank.
After that, the Emperor replied by letter to the ex-Emperor Suzaku:
"If I had heard of your visit to Kyōgoku , I would have been there, too! As for
the guards lieutenants, I will arrange at once as you say. I will not wait for
vacancies."
When the Grand Moderator returned to Kyōgoku and offered the Emperor's
letters to the ex-Emperors Saga and Suzaku, the two were very pleased that the
Imperial order was issued as they wished, and they had a high courtier read it out
loud. Hearing of the conferment of the posthumous rank of Major Councillor on
her father Toshikage, the Grand Court Lady rejoiced more than when she had
been made Grand Court Lady. She shed
Pg.499
tears of gratitude. General Nakatada offered cordial thanks to the ex-Emperors

on behalf of the late Toshikage, and performed the Grand Obeisance in their
presence. The ex-Emperor Saga regretted that he could not give any proper gift
to General Nakatada at that moment.
The princes and high courtiers draped figured silk of various colors and vests of
red damask with red linings over the shoulders of the four boys who had danced
very finely. These looked very beautiful in the morning sun.
The First Princess was filled with emotion, when she thought that Princess
Inumiya had come to play the koto so finely, though it seemed only yesterday
that her fiftieth day celebration had been held. All the people present in the
residence at Kyōgoku spoke in admiration that the descendants of the late
Toshikage had done just splendid things unparalleled in history.
12
The ex-Emperors Saga and Suzaku ascended the towers, accompanied by

Minister Masayori, Minister Kanemasa and a number of princes and high
courtiers. The ex-Emperor Saga walked up the west tower through the west
wing, while the ex-Emperor Suzaku walked up the east tower through the east
wing. The princes and high courtiers were divided into two parties, west and
east, and each party followed the ex-Emperor respectively. Inside the towers a
delicate fragrance drifted through the air. The ex-Emperors and all the attendants
marveled at the interior decoration of the towers which was full of elegance,
novelty and splendor.
The ex-Emperor Saga said,
"When I am listening to that koto tune and looking at the interior of this tower, I
feel as if I were playing in the flower
Pg.500
garden of the heavenly ladies." Then the ex-Emperor Suzaku said,
"It seems that only beautiful people are allowed to live in the towers."
The ex-Emperors looked around them standing at the corner railings of the
towers. A cascade was falling from the hilltop onto the rocks. The cinquefoil
pines, maples and Japanese pampas grasses were waving in the spray of the
cascade.
At the sight of this wonderful scene, the ex-Emperor Suzaku said to Minister
Kanemasa:
"This beautiful residence is quite suitable for the fine people.

I hope they will enjoy a happy home for ever."
You are a very enviable master of the residence." Minister Kanemasa answered
reverentially:
"I only drop in under the shade of a tree,

Whose branches will grow thicker and thicker for ever."
I think so all the more, as this residence has been loaded with honors today."
The ex-Emperor Saga went up as far as the top of the tower, and said, pointing to
a very big cherry three.
"When I see the cherry tree, I long for past days. When I was still some ten years
old, I would often come here in the spring to read Chinese poems and prose, and
when tired of reading, I would walk about in the garden.
"In spring I would hang my sleeves on the branch

Of that cherry tree. How big it has now become!"
Pg.501
If the cherry tree had been as big then, I could not have hung my sleeves on its
branch." Then Major Councillor Suzushi standing close by recited in reply:
"The cloud* had frequently rested upon that cherry tree.

It is natural that it should be big now"
Master of the Imperial Household Kanemi, now seventy years old, pointed to a
pine tree, more than two meters in height, and whose top was trimmed
semicircularly. Then he spoke:
"That pine tree beside the rock has been growing on the hill over there since it
was a seedling pine. On the Day of the Rat** the ex-Emperor Saga uprooted it,
and I planted it at that place."
He then recited a verse:
"The pine uprooted on the Day of the Rat has become old.
To my joy, I have seen the tree again after a long time."
The ex-Emperor Saga felt pity on Kanemi, and said to the ex-Emperor Suzaku,
"I beg you to appoint Kanemi Chief of the Public Welfare Bureau as a reward,
instead of a return verse. Only Kanemi lives to an old age. Oh! The more I look
at this residence, the more tasteful it looks. I want to come here at festival time
to hear the excellent poems of Grand Moderator Suefusa and others."
Not long after that, it was time for the ex-Emperors and all
* The cloud means the ex-Emperor Saga.

** It was an old custom to uproot the seedling pines on the hills on the Day of
the Rat of the First Month.
Pg.502
the guests to leave. General Nakatada offered a Korean flute to the ex-Emperor
Saga, and a collection of poems of Toshikage to the ex-Emperor Suzaku as a
token of his gratitude for their visit to Kyōgoku. The Korean flute offered to the
ex-Emperor Saga was what Toshikage had received from the Chinese emperor as
a return present when he had offered the koto to him, and it was put into a bag of
clean and beautiful brocade and kept in a long and narrow, translucent case of
lapis lazuli. The ex-Emperor Saga was very pleased to have the Korean flute he
was most fond of. A collection of poems offered to the ex-Emperor Suzaku was
what Toshikage had written on forty sheets of Chinese fancy paper, and it was
kept in a case of red sandalwood with a gold clasp. The ex-Emperor Suzaku was
greatly rejoiced to get it, and said to General Nakatada,
"This present is better than anything else. I ought to have presented the best
treasure to you as a gift for today's festivities."
The Grand Court Lady presented Prince Shikibukyō, Prime Minister Tadamasa
and Minister Masayori with ladies' clothes, and the young royal princes with
falcons of silver kept in openwork cases of gold, with bells attached. The ex-
Emperors Saga and Suzaku gave fine gifts to all the Palace musicians.
The time for departure came at last. The ex-Emperor Saga said,
"However often we may hear, we will never tire of hearing the koto tunes of the
Grand Court Lady. I hope she will play the koto for me some day again. What
about at the time of the next cherry-blossoms?"
The ex-Emperor Suzaku came near the Grand Court Lady and said, "I am in no
mood to part with you even now. Can I see you now and then after this? I am
very pleased that Princess
Pg.503
Inumiya has grown up so finely."
And all the high and low courtiers said with one consent,
"General Nakatada will take good care of the Grand Court Lady and Princess
Inumiya more and more from now on with his very tender heart."
Pg.504
[The Tale of Cavern]
定価4800円
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昭和59年12⽉15⽇
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Table of Contents
The Tale of the Cavern
INTRODUCTION
Contents
Principal Characters
Chapter 1 Toshikage
Chapter 2 Tadakoso
Chapter 3 Fujiwara no Kimi
Chapter 4 The Saga Palace
Chapter 5 Beneath the Plum Blossoms*
Chapter 6 Fukiage: Part One
Chapter 7 The Festival Messenger 1
Chapter 8 Fukiage: Part Two
Chapter 9 The Feast of the Chrysanthemums
Chapter 10 Princess Atemiya
Chapter 11 Early Autumn
Chapter 12 A Flock of Cranes
Chapter 13 Opening of the Warehouse: Part One
Chapter 14 Opening of the Warehouse: Part Two
Chapter 15 Opening of the Warehouse: Part Three
Chapter 16 Royal Abdication: Part One 1
Chapter 17 Royal Abdication: Part Two
Chapter 18 Royal Abdication: Part Three
Chapter 19 In the Towers: Part One
Chapter 20 In the Towers: Part Two

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The

Tale of the Cavern

The Tale of the Cavern

THE TALE OF THE CAVERN

*Translated by Edward G. Seidensticker.

The subsidiary theme of this novel is composed of love stories, especially of

Dr. Hiroshige Yoshida, Professor Emeritus of Hiroshima University, Prof.

ATEMIYA, PRINCESS. Masayori's daughter by Princess Ōmiya. Wooed by

CHIGOMIYA, PRINCESS. Masayori's eighth daughter by Princess Ōmiya.

CHIKAZUMI, MINAMOTO. Masayori's eleventh son. A suitor to the Second

CROWN PRINCE. Son of the Emperor Suzaku. Married to Princess Atemiya.

FUJITSUBO, LADY. Formerly called Princess Atemiya, The Crown Prince's

GRAND COURT LADY. Daughter of Toshikage. Wife of Kanemasa and mother

HYŌBUKYŌ, PRINCE. Younger brother of the Emperor Suzaku and Princess

IMAMIYA, PRINCESS. Masayori's tenth daughter by Princess Ōmiya. Wife of

INUMIYA, PRINCESS. Nakatada's daughter by the First Princess.

KANEMASA, FUJIWARA. Called 'Little Lord' when young. General of the

KANTSUKE, PRINCE. An old, perverse prince. One of the suitors to Princess

MASAAKI, TAIRA. Major Councillor. One of the suitors to Princess Atemiya.

MASAYORI, MINAMOTO. General of the Left. Married to the first daughter of

MASUGE, SHIGENO. Viceroy of Kyūshū and Councillor. About sixty years

MATSUKATA, KIYOHARA. Captain of the Guard. A good musician.

NAKANOKIMI. One of Kanemasa's mistresses. A daughter of Prince

NAKATADA, FUJIWARA. Kanemasa's son by an only daughter of Toshikage.

NAKAZUMI, MINAMOTO. Masayori's seventh son. Chamberlain. An intimate

NASHITSUBO, LADY. Kanemasa's daughter by the Third Princess. One of the

SAGA, EMPEROR. Styled the ex-Emperor Saga after abdication.

SAİSHŌ, LADY. Daughter of a Lieutenant General and concurrently Councillor.

SANEMASA, MINAMOTO. Eldest son of Sueakira. Chief of the Public

SANETADA, MINAMOTO. Third son of Sueakira. Councillor. The most

SANEYORI, MINAMOTO. Second son of Sueakira. Lieutenant General.

SUEAKIRA, MINAMOTO. Minister of the Left. Elder brother of Masayori. His

SUEFUSA, FUJIWARA. A poor, but very diligent student. Recognized by

SUKEZUMI, MINAMOTO. Third son of Masayori, Lieutenant General and

SUZAKU, EMPEROR. Son of the Emperor Saga. Succeeds to the Throne in

SUZUSHI, MINAMOTO. Son of the Emperor Saga by a lesser court lady.

TADAKOSO. An only son of Chikage. Tricked by his stepmother, enters the

TADAZUMI, MINAMOTO. First son of Masayori by Princess Ōmiya. Grand

TAKAMOTO, MIHARU. A very stingy minister. One of the suitors to Princess

TANEMATSU, KANNABI. A man of immense wealth. Grandfather of Suzushi.

THIRD PRINCESS. Third daughter of the Emperor Saga. Wife of Kanemasa

TOSHIKAGE, KIYOHARA. Learns the secrets of the koto in Persia. Returns to

YUKIMASA, YOSHIMUNE. Guards Major. Expert in music and dancing. One

In the shade of a margosa tree three men were playing the

"I'm Kiyohara no Toshikage, the envoy of the Japanese Emperor," he answered,

"Who and what are you?" roared Asura in surprise.

"I'm Kiyohara no Toshikage, the envoy of the Japanese Emperor."

* An opposer of the gods or devas. (Sans.)

Immediately after receiving Manjushiri's report, Lord Buddha descended with

Toshikage wanted to return to Japan, and he presented the seven mountain

Some time later Toshikage was promoted to Master of Ceremonies and

"There seems to be something unfamiliar in the sound of the

Thereafter Toshikage was promoted to Secretary of Home Affairs and

Toshikage died soon after.

* In ancient Japan the lunar calendar was used.

* See note**, page 10.

endeavor to find every possible opportunity to call on you at midnight or

Then she sobbed bitterly, strumming on the koto.