and had become a nun. Her residence was in Goji?. He wished to visit her, and drove to the house. The main gate was cl

ome fair heads were faintly delineated, and the owners were evidently peeping down the roadway from their retreat. "Ah," thought Genji, "they can never be so tall as to look over the blind. They must be standing on something within. But whose residence is it? What sort of people are they?" His equipage was strictly private and unostentatious. There were, of course, no outr

disclosing their smiling lips in unconscious beauty. Genji began humming to himself: "Ah! stranger crossing there." When his attendant informed him that these lovel

they are," exclaimed Gen

ung girl, dressed in a long tunic, came out, taking an old fan in her hand, and saying, "Let u

self appeared, who took the flowers from him and handed them to Genji, at the same moment saying, "I am very sorry I could not find the gate key,

er of Koremitz; Mikawa-no-Kami, his brother-in-law; and the daughter of Daini,

e given up the world. I had no reluctance in doing this. If I had any uneasiness, it was on your accou

uccess and prosperity. It grieves me to think you were compelled to make such a change; yet, I believe, this will secure your enjoyment of happiness hereaf

s crooked is straight. So in Genji's case, who, in Daini's eyes, was next door to perfection, this blindness was still more strongly apparent, and

re the one to whom I was most attached. In due course, after I grew up, I ceased to see you regularly. I could not visit you as often as I tho

persevere in prayer for their mot

was already twilight, and he asked Koremitz to bring a taper, that he might see to read it. It seemed to him as

l dew at Ev

Y?gao's beau

se him, whose

flowers a de

lives in this house to your right?" "Ah," exclaimed Koremitz mentally, "as usual, I see," but replied with indifference, "Truly I have been here some days, but I have been so busy in attending my mother that I neither know nor have a

ce, and often come here to see her. The whole history of the family I am not acquainted with." With this answer Koremitz returned, and repeated it to Genji, who thought, "Ah! the sending of this verse may be a trick of these conceited Court fellows!" but he could not en

flower to se

at dusky

e charms for

e beauteous

It gave him, as he passed, a silent sort of longing. The mansion in Rokji?, to which he was proceeding this evening, was a handsome building, standing amidst fine woods of

the Y?gao flowers, and the recollection of flowers which he had received the pre

, but could not get much information. I was told, however, that there is a lady who has been living there since last May, but who she is even the people in the house do not know. Sometimes I looked over the hedges between our gardens, and saw the youthful figure of a lady, and a maiden

edy answer was returned, written by a skilful hand. I concluded from this and other circumstances that there was something worth seeing and knowing enclosed within those walls." Genji immediately exclaimed, "Do! do! try again; not to be able

s by his own experience. While matters were in this state Iyo-no-Kami returned to the capital, and came in haste to pay his respects to Genji. He was a swarthy, repulsive looking man, bearing the traces of a long journey in his appearance, and of advanced age. Still there was nothing unpleasant in his natural character and manners. Genji was about to converse with him freely,

rn to his province, and take his wife with him, and tha

, and he concerted with Kokimi how to arrange a plan for obtaining an interview. The lady, however, was quite deaf to suc

won with great difficulty, and it would have been a little inconsistent if he became too easily tired of her. He indeed had not become cool towards her, but the violence of his passion had somewhat abated. The cause o

k refreshingly on the sight, with interlacing branches in rich confusion, among which was some Asagao in full blossom. Genji was tempted to dally, and looked contemplatively over them. The maiden still accompanied him. She wore a thin silk tunic of light green colors, showing off her gr

t roams from f

ts wandering

o,' in mor

tender wis

e, however, without appearing to under

t till the m

rry to

flower you l

ur change

auty, and Genji rose from his seat, and slowly passed homeward. In those days Genji was becoming more and more an object of popular admiration in society, and we might even attribute the eccentricity of some of his adventures to t

ld not see her very plainly, but I can tell you so much: she looked charming. The carriage itself was now seen approaching, and it apparently belonged to some one of rank. A little girl who was peeping out exclaimed, "Ukon, look here, quick, Chi?ji? is coming." Then one older came forward rubbing her hands and saying to the child, 'Don't be so foolish, don't be excited.' How could they tell, I wondered, that the carriage was a Chi?ji?'s. I stole forth cautiously and reconnoitred. Near the house there is a small stream, over whi

e thought to himself, "that house may be the home of the very girl whom he

ons. The girl who nearly fell over the bridge is, no doubt, the lady's attendant, but they pretend to be all on an equality. Even when the little child s

visit your mother; you must manage this," and with the words the

they met any particulars about her past life, nor did he reveal his own to her. He would not drive to her in his own carriage, and Koremitz often lent him his own horse to ride. He took no attendant with him except the one who had asked for the "Evening-Glory." He would not even call on the nurse, lest it might lead to discoveries. The lady was puzzled at his reticence. She would sometimes send her servant to ascertain, if possible, what road he took, and where he went. But somehow, b

sistent with his position. The girl was simple and modest in nature, not certainly man?uvring, neither was she stately or dignified in mien, but

, "am I so strongly affected; no matter,

n is uncertain-what shall I do?" He at last decided to carry her off secretly to his own mansion in Niji?. True, if this became known it would be an awkward bu

but anyhow be persuaded by me." And after repeated conversations of the same nature, she at last half-consented. He had much doubt of the propriety of inducing her to take this step, nevert

h the crevices of the broken wall. To Genji such a scene was novel and peculiar. The dawn at lengt

ear." "My carrying business I do not expect to answer," responded the first speaker.

eemed as if no outward circumstances could trouble her equanimity, which appeared to him an admirable trait. The noise of the threshing o

et with dew, shone brilliantly, even as bright as in the gardens of the palace. The cricket sang cheerfully in the old walls as if it was at their very ears, and the fl

delightful charm. She wore a light dress of clear purple, not very costly; her figure was slight and delicate; the tones of her voic

, "let us go together, the

now fairly broke; the cocks had ceased to crow, and the voice of an aged man was heard repeating his orisons, probably during his fast. "His days will not be many," thought Genji, "what is he praying for?" And while so

gether, bi

at Woobasok[

world from si

shall wake

[57] let us bind ours

he future, thus replied

y present

past has n

which I re

, what to co

its face quite gray. Availing himself of this obscurity, Genji hurrie

e grounds were in great solitude, and over them lay a thick mist. The curtains of the carriage were not drawn close, so that the sleeves of th

e ancients,

y, by love's

ch morning

fore with be

you e

averted her fac

wandering m

ot if her m

false, with

low, the cl

, and was brought close to the entrance, while the rooms were hurriedly pre

oing to the mansion of Sadaijin, a

proper attendants!" And approaching near to Ge

sely chose a place where many people should not

their breakfast, but no reg

ding the mansion was dense and old, and the shrubberies were ravaged and torn by the autumn gales, and the bosom of the lake was hidden by rank

to direct the girl's attention by fond and caressing conversation. And now he began, li

at bloomed in

ht guide tha

t him askanc

hat on the

guide and

f their acquaintance, and it became known that the verse and the fan had b

and later on in the afternoon Koremitz came and presented some

, yet the more the evening advanced, the more timid and restless she became, so he quickly closed the casement, and she drew by degrees closer and closer to his side. At these moments he also became distracted and thoughtful. How the Emperor would be asking after him, and know not where he might be! What would the lady, the jealous lady,

nly over the pillow of Genji hovered the figure of a lady of threatening aspect.

ke much agitated. The lamp had burnt itself out. He drew his sword, and placed i

vants and procure a

too dark," she repli

ough the empty rooms, but no servant came. At this moment he found the girl beside him was also strangely affected. Her

mare," said Ukon, "and perhaps this distu

ome here, Ukon, for a little while, and look after your mistress." So pulling Ukon near Y?gao, he advanced to the entrance of the saloon. He saw all was dark in the adjoining chambers. The wind was high, and blew gustily round the mansion. The few servants, consisting of a son of th

ven no command, and so he went away, saying

is bow-strings vigorously, "Hiy?jin! hiy?jin!" (Be careful of t

rt of the palace. "At this hour of midnight," he thought, "the caref

dark. He found Y?gao lying half dead and unconscio

"Perhaps in lonely places like this the fox, for instance, might try to exercise his sorcery to alarm

lied; "but my lady must be

ok her gently, but she neither spoke nor moved. She h

ress, and then called to the man to bring the light to him. The servant rema

is like the phantoms in old tales. What is the matter with the girl?" His own fears were all forgotten in his anxiety on her account. He leaned over and called upon her, but in vain. She answered not, and her glance was fixed. What was to be done? There was no one whom he could consult. The exorcisms of a priest, he thought, might do some goo

ly remedy in present circumstances, and recovering his composure a little, said to Ukon, "She cannot be dead! She shall not die yet!" He then called the servant, and told him. "Here is one who has

w could I have chosen such a retreat." While Ukon, quite dismayed, cried pitifully at his side. To him it seemed even that this girl might become ill, might die! The light of the lamp flickered and burnt dim. Each side of the walls seemed to his alarmed sight to present numberless openings one after another (where the demon might rush in

ly we strive to conceal our faults, eventually they are discovered. First of all, what might not my father

nto tears, and then slowly spoke. "Here a sad and singular event has happened; I cannot explain to you why. For such su

ay," replied Koremitz. "But tell me what h

ji in a broken voice; "dead

have been more serviceable to Genji; indeed, they both were equally perplexed to dec

d; as to the man himself he might be relied on, but his family, who probably would not be so d

where there are fewer observ

there. I think a mountain convent would be better, because there they are accustomed

mountain convent in Higashi-Yama. Let us take the corpse there. She was my father's n

cided on, and the ca

dead maiden a charming calmness was still spread, unlike what usually happens, there being nothing repulsive. Her wavy hair fell outside the mantle, and her small mo

hen taking Ukon away in the same carriage with the dead, he, girding up his dress, followed

as greatly fatigued, and looked pale. The people of

urried straight away to h

s way out of the mansion, and in no time a messenger arrived from the Imperial Palace to make inquiries. His brother-in-law also came, but Genji only allowed T?-no-Chi?ji? to enter his room, saying to him, "My aged nurse has been ill since last May, and has been tonsured, and received consecration; it was, perhaps, from this sacrifice that at one time she became better, but lately she has had a relapse, and is again very bad. I

etude to the Emperor. He caused inquiries to be made for you everywhere, and his humor was not very good." And thereupon T?-no-Chi?ji?

hat the dead one was no other than

as secretly introduced, though all general visitors w

d Genji, passionately, when he

the dead too long. To-morrow we will place her in the grave: to-morrow 'is a good

f Ukon?" asked Genji.

, 'I will die with my mistress.' She was actually going to throw herself headlong fr

ed. I am myself not less deeply wounded than she

inty. There is nothing in this world really to be lamented. If you do not w

rtune on this poor girl by my own inconsiderate rashness. The only thing I have now to ask you,

ust necessarily be known, I will co

ll this most

as possible," cried Koremitz; and he was about

will go with you to behold her, before she is lost to

ut his resistance gave way to the earnest desire of Genji, a

and return before the

have my hor

le he usually adopted for his private expeditions, and st

fore them burning dimly. They passed the gloomy cem

faint sound of a female's voice repeating prayers was to be heard. Outside, and around, the evening services in the surrounding temples were all fini

did not speak to her, but proceeded straight to the body, and gently drew aside the mantle which covered its face. It still wore

Why have you left me thus bereaved?"

r to come to his mansion, and help to console him. But Koremit

ess that he could not mount his horse without the help of Koremitz. The countenance of the dead girl floated ever befor

when Genji found himself too weak to suppo

laimed, "I shall not

to such a trial." He descended to the river, and bathing his hands,[58] offered up a prayer to Kwannon of Kiyomidz, and again assis

eeing he had been unusually restless for some days, and had become suddenly ill since the d

nd exhausted, and continued in the same sta

ere offered, and exorcisms performed everywhere in his behalf, all with the

me was Ukon; he had sent for her,

ad her near him, and conversed w

ondition became better, after a heavy trial of some three weeks; and towards the end of September he became convalescent. He now felt as though he had b

mn evening. "Why did she not reveal to me all her past life? If she had but k

, more because she had no choice. You at first conducted yourself in such a mysterious manner; and she, on h

ather, the Emperor, besides many others, whose vigilant admonitions I am bound to respect. That was the reason why I had to be careful. Nevertheless, my love to your mistress was singularly deep; too deep, perhaps, to

e was still Shi?shi?, and not Chi?ji?. During three years they kept on very good terms, and he was very kind to her. But some wind or other attacks every fair flower; and, in the autumn of last year, she received a fearful menace from the house of Udaijin, to whose daughter, as you know, T?-no-Chi?ji? is married. Poor girl, she was terrified at this. She knew not what to do, and hid herself, with her nurse, in an obscure part of the capital. It was not a very agreeable place, and she was about r

so transpired that all that Koremitz had stated about T?-no-Chi?ji?'s visiting her at the Y?gao

aid Genji, "that she had a li

g of the year before last-a gi

mind mentioning it to her father, but if I did so, I must reveal the whole sad story of her mother's fate, and this would not be advisable at present; h

d," exclaimed Ukon, delighted, "I do not much

us wait for some better chance

towards that object; we must not unfurl our

unds of insects (mushi) were growing faint, and both Genji and Ukon were absorbed by the

he had heard on that fearful night in Rokji?, and the subject rec

net

ame you to

hat time I never left her. When I come to think of those days I wonder how I can exist without her. The poet says tr

es far greater beauty to women than all beside, for to h

d, and the wind blew chilly. Genji

gard the cl

e filled wit

smoke of m

from the fu

reminded him of the sound he had heard in the Y?gao's house. He b

ghts of August

he Hiye mountain, and there had a service for the dead performed, with full ceremony

nds. He expressed in it the melancholy sentiment about the death of one whom he had dearly loved, and whom he had yielded to Bud

to-day, the

gether, w

sium's far

of hers ag

nd unsettled to that very day, but that now the time had come when her f

he sad even

ing that he should wish to

le face of the woman that he had seen on that fearful evening in Rokji? again appeared before him; hence he concluded that th

house was a daughter of the nurse of Y?gao. She with her two sisters lived there. Ukon was a stranger to them, and they imagined that her being so was the reason of her sending no intelligence

ied off by some gallant son of a local Governor, who f

Cicada. When she heard of his illness she not unnaturally felt for him, and also she had experienced a sort of disappointment in not seeing his writin

ime passes

ord from ab

no longer

e kindly gre

eturned a kind answer

to me did

s shell, whe

ddressed by

my hopes a b

hen it reached Cicada, and she saw that he had not yet forgotten past events

rtain Kurando Shi?shi?, and he was her frequent visitor. Genji heard of thi

en reed that

rink, our lo

wandering tho

quickly pas

red by it, and gave Kok

reed that f

y stirs its

o late it bre

kes, a usel

-no-Kami was fixed for t

some others, consisting of beautiful combs, fans, nusa,[60] and the scar

his prett

f meeting

back with

las! such ho

tails, which I shall pass over

urned, but her reply about the

hold the s

ike, I c

eart fond me

eyes, a ri

ommencement of the winter season. An October

azing upon it

weary Aut

oys now

ting, dark

eeding, wh

t first I intended to omit them, but had I done so my history would have become like a fiction, and the censure I should expect would be that I ha

TNO

an ecclesia

hence some commentators conclude, the attendant here mentioned to mean a

o took part in the building of a bridg

hina and Japan believes foxes to

of Buddhism who are laymen though th

to reappear as a Buddha after the la

one offers up a prayer, he first washes h

eks after death, into an intermediate state, and then their fate is decided. According to the Tendai sect, t

of roads, which travellers were accustome