The Sacred Tree

AS the time for her daughter’s departure came near, Lady Rokujō fell into utter despair. It had at first been generally supposed that the death of the lady at the Great Hall would put an end to all her troubles and the attendants who waited upon her at the Palace-in-the-Fields were agog with excitement. But their expectations remained unfulfilled. Not a word came from Genji, and this unprecedented treatment on his part finally convinced her that something¹⁶⁴ had indeed happened which it was impossible for him to forgive. She strove to cast out all thought of him from her heart so that when the time came she might set out upon her journey without misgiving or regret. For a parent to accompany her daughter on such an occasion was in the highest degree unusual; but in this case the Virgin’s extreme youth was a convenient excuse, and Rokujō put it about that as the child still needed surveillance she had decided to quit the temporal world in her daughter’s company. Even after all that had happened the prospect of parting with her forever was extremely painful to Genji, and as the day drew near he again began to send her letters full of tenderness and solicitude. But he did not propose a meeting, and she herself had by now given up all hope that there could be any question of such a thing. She was certain that (for all his politeness) what had happened must in reality have made her utterly odious to him, and she was determined not to plunge herself, all to no purpose, into a fresh period of conflict and agitation. From time to time she made short visits to her palace, but so secretly that Genji did not hear of it. The Palace-in-the-Fields was not a place where he could see her without inconvenient restrictions and formalities. He fully intended to see her, but put off the visit from day to day till at last months had elapsed since she left the city. Then the ex-Emperor’s health began to decline. He had no definitely serious or alarming symptoms, but constantly complained of feeling that there was something wrong with him. Genji’s thoughts were therefore a great deal occupied with his father’s condition; but he did not want Rokujō to leave with the impression that he had lost all feeling for her, nor did he wish those who knew of their friendship to think that he had treated her heartlessly, and despite all difficulties he set out one day for the Palace-in-the-Fields. It was the seventh of the ninth month and the departure of the Virgin for Ise was bound to take place within the next few days. It may be imagined that Rokujō and her maids were in no condition to receive visits, but he wrote again and again begging her to see him even if it were only at the moment of her departure, and at last, despite the fluster into which her whole household was plunged, and feeling all the while that she was acting very imprudently, she could no longer fight against her longing once more to see him and sent word secretly that, if he came, she would contrive to speak to him for a moment from behind her screen-of-state. As he made his way through the open country that stretched out endlessly on every side, his heart was strangely stirred. The autumn flowers were fading; along the reeds by the river the shrill voices of many insects blended with the mournful fluting of the wind in the pines. Scarcely distinguishable from these somewhere in the distance rose and fell a faint, enticing sound of human music. He had with him only a handful of outriders, and his attendants were by his orders dressed so as to attract as little notice as possible. They noted that this lack of show contrasted strangely with the elaborate pains which their master had bestowed upon his own equipment, and as they looked with admiration at the fine figure he cut, the more romantically disposed among them were thrilled at the thought that it had befallen them to accompany him upon a journey, every circumstance of which was calculated to stir to the depth such sensitive hearts as theirs. So delighted was Genji with the scene before him that he continually asked himself why it was that he had deferred this visit for so long; and he regretted that while Rokujō was at the Palace-in-the-Fields he had not made a constant practice of visiting her. They came at last to a group of very temporary-looking wooden huts surrounded by a flimsy brushwood fence. The archways,¹⁶⁵ built of unstripped wood, stood out black and solemn against the sky. Within the enclosure a number of priests were walking up and down with a preoccupied air. There was something portentous in their manner of addressing one another and in their way of loudly clearing their throats before they spoke. In the Hill of Offering there was a dim flicker of firelight, but elsewhere no single sign of life. So this was the place where he had left one who was from the start in great distress of mind, to shift for herself week after week, month after month! Suddenly he realized with a terrible force all that she must have suffered. He hurried to the place where she had told him he would find her (a room in the northern outbuilding) and sent in a long message contrasting his present quiet and serious existence with his now discarded frivolities. She in return replied with a message, but did not suggest that they should meet. This angered him. ‘You do not seem to realize,’ he said, ‘that such excursions as this are now no part of my ordinary existence and can only be arranged with the greatest difficulty. I had hoped that instead of keeping me beyond the pale, you would hasten to relieve all the anxiety that I have had concerning you in the long months since we met.’ To this appeal were added the protests of her waiting-ladies who were scandalized at the idea of Prince Genji being left waiting outside the house. At first she pleaded the impossibility of receiving a guest in surroundings so cramped and wretched, her duty towards her daughter at this critical hour, the undesirability of such an interview just on the eve of her permanent departure. But though the prospect of facing him filled her with unspeakable depression, she had not the heart to treat him unkindly, and at last, looking very grave, with sighs and hesitation at every step she came forward to meet him. ‘I presume that here one is allowed no further than the verandah,’ he said, and mounting the narrow bamboo platform that surrounded the building he took his seat there. An evening moon had risen and as she saw him moving in its gentle light she knew that all this while she had not been wrong; he was indeed more lovely, more enticing than anyone in the world beside. He began trying to explain why it was that for so many months on end he had not been able to visit her; but he soon got into a tangle, and feeling suddenly embarrassed he plucked a spray from the Sacred Tree¹⁶⁶ which grew outside her room and handing it to her through her blinds-of-state he said: ‘Take this evergreen bough in token that my love can never change. Were it not so, why should I have set foot within the boundaries of this hallowed plot? You use me very ill.’ But she answered with the verse ‘Thought you perchance that the Holy Tree from whose boughs you plucked a spray was as “the cedar by the gate”?’¹⁶⁷ To this he replied: ‘Well knew I what priestess dwelt in this shrine, and for her sake came to pluck this offering of fragrant leaves.’

As the time for her daughter’s departure drew near, Lady Rokujō fell into complete despair. At first, people generally assumed that the death of the lady at the Great Hall would end all her troubles. The attendants serving her at the Palace-in-the-Fields were full of excitement. But their hopes came to nothing. Not a word came from Genji. His unprecedented silence finally convinced her that something¹⁶⁴ had indeed happened which he could not forgive. She tried to drive all thoughts of him from her heart, so that she could leave without misgivings or regret. It was highly unusual for a mother to accompany her daughter on such an occasion. But the Virgin’s extreme youth provided a convenient excuse. Rokujō let it be known that the child still needed supervision. For that reason, she had decided to leave the worldly life behind and accompany her daughter. Despite all that had happened, the thought of parting from Rokujō forever was extremely painful to Genji. As the day drew near, he began sending her letters again, full of tenderness and concern. But he did not suggest a meeting, and she had given up all hope that one was possible. She was certain that, for all his politeness, what had happened must have made her hateful to him. She was determined not to plunge herself into another period of conflict and distress for nothing. From time to time, she made brief visits to her palace, but so secretly that Genji never heard of them. At the Palace-in-the-Fields, he could not see her without troublesome restrictions and formalities. He fully intended to visit her, but he kept putting it off. At last, months had passed since she left the city. Then the ex-Emperor’s health began to decline. He had no clearly serious or alarming symptoms, but he constantly complained that he felt something was wrong. Genji’s thoughts were therefore much occupied with his father’s condition. But he did not want Rokujō to leave thinking he had lost all feeling for her. Nor did he want those who knew of their friendship to think he had treated her heartlessly. So, despite all the difficulties, he set out one day for the Palace-in-the-Fields. It was the seventh of the ninth month, and the Virgin was sure to depart for Ise within a few days. Rokujō and her maids were hardly ready to receive visitors, as one can imagine. But Genji wrote again and again, begging her to see him, even if only at the moment of her departure. At last, despite the confusion throughout her household, she could no longer resist her longing to see him once more. All the while, she felt she was acting very imprudently. She sent secret word that, if he came, she would arrange to speak with him briefly from behind her screen-of-state. As he traveled through the open country, which stretched endlessly on every side, his heart was strangely stirred. The autumn flowers were fading. Among the reeds by the river, the shrill voices of many insects mingled with the mournful wind in the pines. Somewhere in the distance, a faint, enticing sound of human music rose and fell, barely distinguishable from the other sounds. He had only a handful of outriders with him. By his orders, his attendants were dressed to attract as little notice as possible. They noticed how strangely this lack of display contrasted with the elaborate care their master had taken over his own appearance. They admired the fine figure he made. The more romantic among them were thrilled to accompany him on such a journey. Every detail of it was sure to stir sensitive hearts like theirs to their depths. Genji was so delighted by the scene that he kept asking himself why he had delayed the visit so long. He regretted not making a habit of visiting Rokujō while she was at the Palace-in-the-Fields. At last they came to a group of wooden huts that looked very temporary, surrounded by a flimsy brushwood fence. The archways,¹⁶⁵ built of wood still covered in bark, stood black and solemn against the sky. Inside the enclosure, several priests walked up and down, looking preoccupied. There was something solemn and ominous in the way they addressed one another. They also cleared their throats loudly before speaking. A faint fire flickered in the Hill of Offering, but elsewhere there was no sign of life. So this was where he had left her to fend for herself, week after week, month after month. She had been deeply distressed from the start. Suddenly, he realized with terrible force how much she must have suffered. He hurried to the place where she had told him to find her, a room in the northern outbuilding. He sent in a long message, contrasting his present quiet and serious life with the frivolities he had given up. She sent a reply, but did not suggest that they meet. This angered him. ‘You do not seem to realize,’ he said, ‘that visits like this are no longer part of my ordinary life. I can arrange them only with the greatest difficulty. I had hoped you would hurry to ease all the anxiety I have felt about you during the long months since we met. Instead, you keep me at a distance.’ Her waiting-ladies added their protests to his appeal. They were scandalized that Prince Genji should be left waiting outside the house. At first, Rokujō pleaded that it was impossible to receive a guest in such cramped and miserable surroundings. She spoke of her duty to her daughter at this critical time. She also said it was unwise to meet him on the eve of her permanent departure. But though the thought of facing him filled her with unspeakable sadness, she could not bear to treat him unkindly. At last she came forward to meet him, looking very grave, sighing and hesitating at every step. ‘I suppose one is allowed no farther than the verandah here,’ he said. He climbed onto the narrow bamboo platform surrounding the building and sat down. The evening moon had risen, and she saw him moving in its gentle light. She knew then that she had not been wrong all this time. He was indeed more beautiful and more enticing than anyone else in the world. He began trying to explain why he had been unable to visit her for so many months. But he soon became confused. Suddenly embarrassed, he plucked a sprig from the Sacred Tree¹⁶⁶ growing outside her room. He handed it to her through her blinds-of-state and said, ‘Take this evergreen branch as a sign that my love can never change. If it could, why would I have set foot within the boundaries of this sacred place? You treat me very badly.’ But she answered with the verse, ‘Did you perhaps think that the Holy Tree from which you plucked a sprig was like “the cedar by the gate”?’¹⁶⁷ He replied, ‘I knew well what priestess lived in this shrine. For her sake I came to pluck this offering of fragrant leaves.’

Though the position was not likely to be a very comfortable one, he now thrust his head under the reed blinds and sat with his legs dangling over the wooden framework of the bamboo platform. During all the years when he could see her as often and as intimately as he chose and she on her side withheld nothing from him, he had gone on serenely assuming that it would be always so, and never once in all that time had he felt so deeply moved as at this moment. Suddenly he realized with astonishment that though after that unhappy incident he had imagined it to be impossible for them to meet and had so avoided all risk of his former affection being roused to new life, yet from the first moment of this strange confrontation he had immediately found himself feeling towards her precisely as he had before their estrangement. Violently agitated he began to cast his mind rapidly over the long years of their friendship. Now all this was over. It was too horrible. He burst into tears. She had determined not to let him see what she was suffering, but now she could restrain herself no longer and he was soon passionately entreating her not to go down to Ise after all. The moon had set, but the starlit sky was calm and lovely. Pausing often to gaze up into the night he began at last to speak to her of what had lain so heavily on his heart. But no sooner was it openly mentioned between them than all the pent-up bitterness of so many weeks was suddenly released and vanished utterly away. Little by little, in preparation for her final departure, she had at last accustomed herself to think of him almost with indifference. Now in a moment all this was undone, and when she heard Genji himself entreating her to abandon the journey her heart beat violently, and the wildest thoughts agitated her brain. The garden which surrounded her apartments was laid out in so enchanting a manner that the troops of young courtiers who in the early days of the retreat had sought in vain to press their attentions upon her, used, even when she had sent them about their business, to linger there regretfully; and on this marvellous night the place seemed consciously to be deploying all its charm. In the hours which followed, no secret was withheld on her side or on his; but what passed between them I shall not attempt to tell.

Though the position was unlikely to be comfortable, he pushed his head under the reed blinds. He sat with his legs dangling over the wooden frame of the bamboo platform. For years he had been able to see her as often and as intimately as he wished. She had withheld nothing from him. He had calmly assumed that it would always be so. Yet never in all those years had he felt as deeply moved as he did now. After the unhappy incident, he had thought it impossible for them to meet. He had avoided any risk that his former affection might awaken again. Now he suddenly realized, to his astonishment, that from the first moment of this strange encounter, he had felt exactly as he had before they grew apart. Deeply shaken, he quickly thought back over the long years of their friendship. Now it was all over. It was too horrible. He burst into tears. She had resolved not to let him see her suffering, but now she could no longer hold back. Soon he was passionately pleading with her not to go to Ise after all. The moon had set, but the starlit sky was calm and beautiful. He often paused to look up at the night sky. At last, he began to speak to her about what had weighed so heavily on his heart. But as soon as they spoke openly about it, all the bitterness pent up over so many weeks was suddenly released and vanished completely. As she prepared for her final departure, she had gradually grown used to thinking of him with almost complete indifference. Now, in a moment, all that was undone. When she heard Genji himself plead with her to abandon the journey, her heart beat violently, and the wildest thoughts raced through her mind. The garden around her rooms was enchanting. Early in her retreat, crowds of young courtiers had tried in vain to win her attention. Even after she sent them away, they would linger there with regret. On this marvelous night, the garden seemed to be deliberately displaying all its charm. In the hours that followed, neither of them kept any secrets from the other. But I shall not try to tell what passed between them.

At last the night ended in such a dawn as seemed to have been fashioned for their especial delight. ‘Sad is any parting at the red of dawn; but never since the world began, gleamed day so tragically in the autumn sky,’ and as he recited these verses, aghast to leave her, he stood hesitating and laid her hand tenderly in his.

At last, night gave way to a dawn that seemed made especially for their delight. ‘Any parting at red dawn is sad, but never since the world began has daylight shone so tragically in the autumn sky.’ As he recited these verses, he hesitated, dreading the thought of leaving her. He gently took her hand in his.

A cold wind was blowing. The pine-crickets in neighbouring trees were whispering in harsh despairing tones, as though they knew well enough what was toward. Their dismal voices would have struck a chill to the heart of any casual passer-by, and it may well be imagined what cheer they gave to lovers already at the height of distraction and anguish. She recited the verse ‘Sad enough already is this autumn parting; add not your dismal song, O pine-crickets of the moor.’ He knew that it was his neglect that had forced this parting upon them. But now it was too late to make amends. Full of useless regrets, while the grey light of morning spread over the sky, he journeyed back disconsolately to the town, through meadows deep in dew. As she watched him go she could no longer restrain herself, and at the thought that she had lost him forever broke into a fit of reckless weeping. Her gentlewomen, who on the evening before caught a fleeting glimpse of him in the moonlight, enjoyed next morning the excitement of detecting in their mistress’s room a lingering fragrance of the princely scent which he had carried.¹⁶⁸ It may well be imagined that they at any rate were far from condemning the crime to which she had been accessory. ‘It would have to be a marvellous journey indeed that I was going to take, before I could bring myself to part from such a one as this young prince!’ So one of the ladies exclaimed; and at the thought that they had seen him for the last time all were on the verge of tears.

A cold wind was blowing. The pine-crickets in the nearby trees whispered in harsh, despairing tones, as if they knew what was coming. Their mournful voices would have chilled the heart of any passerby. How much worse they must have sounded to lovers already at the height of anguish and distress. She recited the verse, ‘This autumn parting is sad enough already. Do not add your mournful song, pine-crickets of the moor.’ He knew that his neglect had forced this parting on them. But now it was too late to make amends. Full of useless regrets, he traveled sadly back to town through meadows deep in dew, as gray morning light spread across the sky. As she watched him leave, she could no longer hold back. At the thought that she had lost him forever, she broke into wild sobs. Her gentlewomen had caught a brief glimpse of him in the moonlight the evening before. The next morning, they were excited to find his princely scent still lingering in their mistress’s room.¹⁶⁸ They, at least, were surely far from condemning the crime she had helped commit. ‘It would have to be a truly wonderful journey for me to leave a man like this young prince!’ one of the ladies exclaimed. And at the thought that they had seen him for the last time, all were on the verge of tears.

His letter, which arrived during the day, was so full and affectionate that had it been within her power she might have attempted to alter her plans. But matters had gone too far for that and it was useless to think of it. Nor were his feelings towards her (she was convinced) of a sort to warrant such a step. Much of what he had said was inspired simply by pity for her. But the mere fact that he took the trouble to say such things—that he thought it worth while to comfort her—showed that he still retained something of his old feeling, and the thought that even upon such remnants of affection as this she must now soon turn her back forever, filled her mind with the most painful longings and regrets. He sent her many costumes and all else of which she could possibly have need upon the journey, with suitable presents to all her ladies. But to these handsome and costly gifts she gave hardly a thought. Indeed as the hour of her departure drew near she sank into a state of utter collapse. It was as though she had never till that moment fully realized the desolation and misery into which an intrigue, undertaken originally in a reckless and frivolous spirit, had at last plunged her. Meanwhile the Virgin, who had to the last been far from certain that her mother really meant to accompany her, was delighted that all was now fixed beyond power of recall. The unusual decision of the mother to accompany her daughter was much discussed in the world at large. Some scented a scandal; a few were touched by so rare an exhibition of family attachment. It is indeed in many ways more comfortable to belong to that section of society whose actions are not publicly canvassed and discussed. A lady in Rokujō’s conspicuous position finds her every movement subjected to an embarrassing scrutiny.

His letter arrived during the day. It was so full and affectionate that she might have tried to change her plans if she could. But matters had gone too far, and it was useless to think of changing them. Besides, she was sure his feelings for her did not justify such a step. Much of what he said came simply from pity. But he had taken the trouble to say these things and thought her worth comforting. That showed he still had something of his old feelings for her. The thought that she must soon turn her back forever even on these remnants of affection filled her with painful longing and regret. He sent her many outfits and everything else she could possibly need for the journey. He also sent suitable presents to all her ladies. But she gave these handsome, costly gifts hardly a thought. As the hour of her departure drew near, she fell into a state of complete collapse. It was as though only now had she fully realized how desolate and miserable she had become. An affair she had begun recklessly and frivolously had finally brought her to this. Meanwhile, the Virgin was delighted that everything was now settled and could not be changed. Until the last, she had been far from sure that her mother really meant to accompany her. The mother’s unusual decision to accompany her daughter was widely discussed. Some suspected a scandal. A few were touched by such a rare show of family affection. In many ways, it is more comfortable to belong to a part of society whose actions are not publicly examined and discussed. A lady as prominent as Rokujō finds her every move subjected to embarrassing scrutiny.

On the sixteenth day of the seventh month the Virgin was purified in the Katsura River. The ceremony was performed with more than ordinary splendour, and her escort for the journey to Ise was chosen not from among the Chamberlains and Counsellors, but from noblemen of the highest rank and reputation. This was done in compliment to the old ex-Emperor who showed a particular interest in the Virgin, his favourite brother’s child. At the moment of her departure from the Palace-in-the-Fields Rokujō was handed a letter. It was from Genji and was couched in all those tender terms that had once been current between them. Remembering the sacred errand upon which she was bound he tied the letter to a streamer of white bark-cloth.¹⁶⁹ ‘Such love as ours,’ he wrote, ‘not even the God of Thunder whose footsteps shake the fields of Heaven ...’¹⁷⁰ and added the verse: ‘O all ye Gods of the Kingdom, Rulers of the Many Isles, to your judgment will I hearken; must needs this parting sever a love insatiable as ours?’¹⁷¹ Though the letter arrived just when the procession was forming and all was bustle and confusion, an answer came. It was not from Rokujō but from the Virgin herself, and had been dictated by her to her aunt who was acting as Lady Intendant: ‘Call not upon the Gods of Heaven to sit in judgment upon this case, lest first they charge you with fickleness and pitiless deceit.’ He longed to witness the presentation of the Virgin and her mother at the Palace,¹⁷² but he had a feeling that since it was to avoid him that Rokujō was leaving the City, it would be embarrassing for both of them if he took part in the ceremonies of farewell, and overcoming his desire to see her once more, he stayed in his own palace sunk in idle thoughts. The reply of the Virgin showed a quite astonishing precocity, and he smiled as he read it through again. The girl had begun to interest him. No doubt she was precocious in charm as well as intelligence, and since it was his foible invariably to set his heart upon possessing, even at the cost of endless difficulties, whatever custom and circumstance seemed to have placed beyond his utmost reach, he now began thinking what a misfortune it was that he had in earlier days never once availed himself of his position in the house to make her acquaintance, which would indeed at any time have been perfectly easy. But after all, life is full of uncertainties; perhaps one day some unforeseen circumstance would bring her into his life once more.

On the sixteenth day of the seventh month, the Virgin was purified in the Katsura River. The ceremony was more splendid than usual. Her escort for the journey to Ise was chosen from noblemen of the highest rank and reputation, rather than from Chamberlains and Counsellors. This was done to honor the old ex-Emperor, who took a special interest in the Virgin, his favorite brother’s child. As Rokujō was leaving the Palace-in-the-Fields, she was handed a letter from Genji. He had written in the tender terms they had once used with each other. Mindful of her sacred mission, he tied the letter to a streamer of white bark-cloth.¹⁶⁹ ‘Such love as ours,’ he wrote, ‘not even the God of Thunder, whose footsteps shake the fields of Heaven ...’¹⁷⁰ He added the verse: ‘O all you Gods of the Kingdom, Rulers of the Many Isles, I will listen to your judgment. Must this parting end a love as insatiable as ours?’¹⁷¹ Though the letter arrived amid the bustle and confusion of the procession forming, an answer came. It was not from Rokujō but from the Virgin herself. She had dictated it to her aunt, who was acting as Lady Intendant: ‘Do not call on the Gods of Heaven to judge this case, lest they first accuse you of being fickle and cruelly deceitful.’ Genji longed to see the presentation of the Virgin and her mother at the Palace.¹⁷² But he felt that Rokujō was leaving the City to avoid him. It would embarrass them both if he took part in the farewell ceremonies. So he resisted his desire to see her once more and stayed in his own palace, lost in idle thoughts. The Virgin’s reply showed astonishing maturity for her age, and he smiled as he read it again. The girl had begun to interest him. No doubt her charm was as advanced as her intelligence. Genji always set his heart on possessing whatever custom and circumstance seemed to have placed beyond his reach, even if it meant endless difficulties. Now he began to regret that he had never used his position in her household to get to know her. It would have been perfectly easy at any time. But life is full of uncertainties. Perhaps one day some unforeseen circumstance would bring her into his life once more.

The fame of Lady Rokujō brought many spectators to view the procession and the streets were thronged with coaches. The Palace Gates were entered at the hour of the monkey.¹⁷³ Lady Rokujō, sitting in the sacred palanquin by her daughter’s side, remembered how her father, the late Minister of State, had brought her years ago to these same gates, fondly imagining that he would make her the greatest lady in the land.¹⁷⁴ Thus to revisit the Palace now that so many changes had come both to her life and to the Court, filled her with immeasurable depression. At sixteen she had been married, at twenty she had been left a widow and now at thirty again she had set foot within the Ninefold Palisade. She murmured to herself the lines: ‘Though on this sacred day ’twere profanation to recall a time gone by, yet in my inmost heart a tinge of sadness lurks.’

Lady Rokujō’s fame drew many spectators to the procession, and the streets were crowded with carriages. They entered the Palace Gates at the hour of the monkey.¹⁷³ Lady Rokujō sat beside her daughter in the sacred palanquin. She remembered how her father, the late Minister of State, had brought her to these same gates years ago. He had fondly imagined that he would make her the greatest lady in the land.¹⁷⁴ Now she was returning to the Palace after so many changes in her life and at the Court. The visit filled her with profound sadness. She had married at sixteen and been widowed at twenty. Now, at thirty, she had once again entered the Ninefold Palisade. She murmured to herself the lines: ‘Though it would be wrong to recall the past on this sacred day, deep in my heart a trace of sadness remains.’

The Virgin was now fourteen. She was extremely handsome and her appearance at the presentation-ceremony, decked in the full robes of her office, made a profound impression. The Emperor, when he came to setting the Comb of Parting in her hair, was deeply moved and it was observed that he shed tears.

The Virgin was now fourteen. She was very beautiful. At the presentation ceremony, she made a deep impression in the full robes of her office. When the Emperor placed the Comb of Parting in her hair, he was deeply moved. Those present noticed that he shed tears.

Outside the Hall of the Eight Departments a number of gala-coaches were drawn up to witness the departure of the Virgin from the Palace. The windows of those coaches were hung with an exquisitely contrived display of coloured scarves and cloaks, and among the courtiers who were to go down to Ise there were many who thought with an especial pang of one who in his honour had added some gay touch of her own to the magnificence of this unprecedented show. It was already dark when the procession left the Palace. When after traversing the Second Wood they turned into the Dōi Highway the travellers passed close by Genji’s palace. Deeply moved, he sent the following poem tied to a spray of the Holy Tree—‘Though to-day you cast me off and lightly set upon your way, yet surely when at last you ferry the Eighty Rapids of Suzuka Stream¹⁷⁵ your sleeve will not be dry.’ When this message was brought to her it was already quite dark. This and the noisy bustle of her journey prevented her from answering till the next day. When her reply came it was sent back from beyond the Barrier: ‘Whether at the Eighty Rapids of Suzuka Stream my sleeve be wet or no, all men will have forgotten me long ere I come to Ise’s Land.’ It was hastily written, yet with all the grace and distinction that habitually marked her hand; but his pleasure in it was marred by the strange bitterness of her tone. A heavy mist had risen, and gazing at the dimly-veiled semblances that were belatedly unfolding in the dawn he whispered to himself the lines: ‘O mist, I long to follow with my eyes the road that she passed; hide not from me in these autumn days the slopes of Meeting Hill.’¹⁷⁶ That night he did not go to the western wing,¹⁷⁷ but lay sleepless till dawn, brooding disconsolately upon a turn of affairs for which, as he well knew, he alone was responsible. What she suffered, as day by day she travelled on through unknown lands, may well be guessed.

Outside the Hall of the Eight Departments, several ceremonial coaches had gathered to watch the Virgin leave the Palace. Their windows were hung with a beautifully arranged display of colored scarves and cloaks. Many of the courtiers traveling to Ise thought with particular sadness of a woman who had added a bright touch to the splendor of this unprecedented display in his honor. It was already dark when the procession left the Palace. After crossing the Second Wood, the travelers turned onto the Dōi Highway and passed close by Genji’s palace. Deeply moved, he sent a poem tied to a branch of the Holy Tree: ‘Though you cast me off today and set out so lightly, surely your sleeve will be wet with tears when at last you cross the Eighty Rapids of Suzuka Stream.¹⁷⁵’ It was already quite dark when the message reached her. The darkness and the noisy bustle of the journey kept her from answering until the next day. Her reply came from beyond the Barrier: ‘Whether my sleeve is wet at the Eighty Rapids of Suzuka Stream or not, all men will have forgotten me long before I reach Ise’s Land.’ She had written it hastily, yet her hand showed its usual grace and distinction. But the strange bitterness of her tone spoiled his pleasure in it. A heavy mist had risen. As he gazed at the shapes slowly emerging through it at dawn, he whispered to himself: ‘O mist, I long to follow with my eyes the road she took. Do not hide the slopes of Meeting Hill from me on these autumn days.’¹⁷⁶ That night he did not go to the western wing.¹⁷⁷ He lay awake until dawn, unhappily brooding over a turn of events for which, as he knew well, he alone was responsible. What she suffered as she traveled day after day through unfamiliar lands may well be imagined.

By the tenth month the ex-Emperor’s condition had become very grave indeed. Throughout the country much concern was felt. The young Emperor was in great distress and hastened to pay him a visit-of-state. Weak though he was the sick man first gave minute instructions as to the upbringing of the Heir Apparent and then passed on to a discussion of Genji’s future. ‘I desire you,’ he said, ‘still to look upon him as your guardian and to seek his advice in all matters, whether small or great; as indeed I have accustomed you to do during my lifetime. In the handling of public business he shows a competence beyond his years. There is no doubt that his natural vocation is to administer the affairs of a people rather than to lead the secluded life of a Royal Prince, and when I attached him to a clan devoid of Royal Blood it was that he might the better keep watch for us over the public affairs of our kingdom. I therefore entreat you never to act contrary to his advice.’ He gave many other parting instructions to his successor, but such matters are not for a woman’s pen and I feel I must apologize for having said even so much as this.

By the tenth month, the ex-Emperor’s condition had become extremely grave. People throughout the country were deeply concerned. The young Emperor was distraught and hurried to pay him a state visit. Though the ex-Emperor was weak, he first gave detailed instructions about raising the Heir Apparent. Then he turned to Genji’s future. ‘I ask you to keep looking to him as your guardian and to seek his advice on every matter, small or great. I have taught you to do this throughout my life. He handles public affairs with a skill beyond his years. There is no doubt that he is naturally suited to governing a people rather than living the secluded life of a Royal Prince. I therefore made him a member of a clan without royal blood, so that he could better oversee our kingdom’s public affairs for us. I beg you never to act against his advice.’ He gave his successor many other parting instructions, but such matters are not for a woman’s pen. I feel I must apologize for having said even this much.

The young Emperor, deeply moved, repeatedly signified that he would obey all these instructions in every particular. It gave his father great comfort and pleasure to note that he was already growing up into a fine handsome young fellow. But after a short while Court affairs necessitated the Emperor’s immediate presence, and his father, who longed to keep him by his side, was in the end more distressed than comforted by this brief visit. The Heir Apparent was to have come at the same time as the Emperor; but it was thought that this arrangement would be too tiring and the little boy¹⁷⁸ was brought on another day. He was big for his age and very pretty. The old man looked fondly at him and the child, unconscious of the purpose for which he had been summoned, stood watching him with laughter in his face. Fujitsubo, who sat near by, was weeping bitterly; and, suddenly catching sight of her, the ex-Emperor for a while lost his composure. To this little prince also he gave a variety of instructions; but it was evident that he was too young to understand what was being said, and remembering the uncertainties of his future the ex-Emperor gazed at the child with pity and distress. In his final instructions to Genji concerning the management of public affairs he recurred again and again to the question of the Heir Apparent and the importance of giving him due protection and advice. It was now late at night and the Heir Apparent was taken off to bed. A vast number of Courtiers followed in his train, so that his visit created almost as much bustle and confusion as that of the Emperor himself. But this visit had seemed to the sick man only too short and it was with great distress that he watched the procession depart. The Empress Mother, Lady Kōkiden, had also intended to come; but hearing that Fujitsubo was at his side she felt somewhat disinclined, and while she was trying to decide whether to go or not, his Majesty passed quietly and painlessly away.

The young Emperor was deeply moved. He promised again and again to follow every detail of these instructions. His father was greatly comforted and pleased to see that he was already growing into a fine, handsome young man. But soon, court affairs required the Emperor’s immediate presence. His father longed to keep him at his side, and the brief visit left him more distressed than comforted. The Heir Apparent was supposed to come with the Emperor. But it was thought that this would be too tiring, so the little boy¹⁷⁸ was brought on another day. He was big for his age and very pretty. The old man looked at him fondly. The child did not know why he had been summoned, and stood watching him with a laughing face. Fujitsubo sat nearby, weeping bitterly. When the ex-Emperor suddenly caught sight of her, he lost his composure for a while. He also gave the little prince various instructions. But the boy was clearly too young to understand them. Remembering how uncertain the child’s future was, the ex-Emperor gazed at him with pity and distress. In his final instructions to Genji about managing public affairs, he returned again and again to the Heir Apparent. He stressed the importance of giving the boy proper protection and advice. It was now late at night, and the Heir Apparent was taken off to bed. A great many courtiers followed him, so his visit caused almost as much bustle and confusion as the Emperor’s. But the visit had seemed far too short to the sick man. He watched the procession leave with great distress. The Empress Mother, Lady Kōkiden, had also intended to come. But when she heard that Fujitsubo was at his side, she felt less inclined to go. While she was deciding whether to visit, his Majesty passed away quietly and painlessly.

The ex-Emperor’s death caused profound consternation in many quarters. Though it was some while since he resigned the Throne, he had continued to control the policy of the government just as in former days. The present Emperor was a mere child; his grandfather, the Minister of the Right, was known to be a man of hasty temper and treacherous disposition. Courtiers and noblemen alike regarded with the greatest apprehension a government subjected to his arbitrary power. But among them all none had better reason than Fujitsubo and Prince Genji to dread the coming reign. It was indeed natural that this prince should take a foremost part in the ceremonies of mourning which were performed by the family on each seventh day, and in the Filial Masses for the dead man’s soul; but his piety was generally noted and admired. Despite the unbecoming dress which custom required, his beauty made everywhere a deep impression; and this, combined with his evident distress, procured him a great share of sympathy.

The ex-Emperor’s death caused deep dismay in many quarters. Though he had given up the throne some time ago, he had continued to direct government policy as before. The present Emperor was only a child. His grandfather, the Minister of the Right, was known to be quick-tempered and treacherous. Courtiers and nobles alike greatly feared a government under his unchecked power. But none had more reason than Fujitsubo and Prince Genji to dread the coming reign. It was natural that Genji should take a leading part in the family’s mourning ceremonies, held every seventh day. He also took a leading part in the Filial Masses for the dead man’s soul. Even so, his devotion was widely noticed and admired. Custom required him to wear unflattering clothes, but his beauty made a deep impression everywhere. His beauty and his obvious grief won him much sympathy.

He had lost in one year his wife and in the next his father. The scenes of affliction through which he had passed weighed heavily upon his spirits and for a while deprived him of all zest for life. He thought much of retiring from the world, and would have done so had he not been restrained by many earthly ties. During the forty-nine days of mourning the ladies of the late ex-Emperor’s household remained together in his apartments. But at the expiration of this period they retired to their respective homes. It was the twentieth day of the twelfth month. The dull sky marked (thought Fujitsubo) not only the gloom of the departing year, but the end of all fair prospects. She knew with what feelings Kōkiden regarded her and was aware that her existence at a Court dominated by this woman’s arbitrary power could not be otherwise than unhappy. Above all it was impossible for her to go on living in a place where, having for so many years enjoyed the old Emperor’s company, she found his image continually appearing to her mind. The departure of all his former ladies-in-waiting and ladies-of-the-household rendered her situation unendurable and she determined to move to her mansion in the Third Ward. Her brother Prince Hyōbukyō came to fetch her away. Snow was falling, blown by a fierce wind. The old Emperor’s quarters, now rapidly becoming denuded of their inhabitants, wore a desolate air. Genji happened to be there when Hyōbukyō arrived and they fell to talking of old times. The great pine-tree in front of the Palace was weighed down with snow and its lower boughs were withered. Seeing this, Hyōbukyō recited the verses: ‘Because the great pine-tree is withered that once with wide-spread branches sheltered us from the storm, lo! we the underboughs droop earthward in these last moments of the year.’ No very wonderful poem, but at that moment it moved Genji deeply, and noticing that the lake was frozen all over he in his turn recited the poem: ‘Now like a mirror shines the frozen surface of the lake. Alas that it reflects not the form and face we knew so well!’ Such was the thought that came to him at the moment, and he gave it utterance well knowing that the prince would think it forced and crude. Ōmyōbu, Fujitsubo’s gentlewoman, now interposed with the verse: ‘The year draws in; even the water of the rock-hewn well is sealed with ice, and faded from those waters is the face that once I saw.’ Many other poems were exchanged; but I have other things to tell.

He had lost his wife one year and his father the next. The suffering he had endured weighed heavily on him and, for a while, robbed him of all joy in life. He often thought of withdrawing from the world. He would have done so, had his many earthly ties not held him back. During the forty-nine days of mourning, the ladies of the late ex-Emperor’s household stayed together in his apartments. But when that time ended, they returned to their own homes. It was the twentieth day of the twelfth month. To Fujitsubo, the dull sky seemed to mark not only the gloom of the departing year, but also the end of all her hopes. She knew how Kōkiden felt about her. She also knew she could only be unhappy at a Court ruled by that woman’s arbitrary power. Above all, she could not go on living where she had spent so many years with the old Emperor. His image kept coming to mind. When all his former ladies-in-waiting and ladies of the household left, she could bear it no longer. She decided to move to her mansion in the Third Ward. Her brother, Prince Hyōbukyō, came to fetch her. Snow was falling, driven by a fierce wind. The old Emperor’s quarters looked desolate as their residents quickly departed. Genji happened to be there when Hyōbukyō arrived, and they began talking about old times. The great pine tree in front of the Palace was heavy with snow, and its lower branches had withered. Seeing this, Hyōbukyō recited these verses: ‘The great pine tree has withered. Once its spreading branches sheltered us from the storm. Now we, its lower branches, droop toward the earth in these last moments of the year.’ It was not a very remarkable poem, but it moved Genji deeply at that moment. He noticed that the lake was frozen over, and he recited a poem in reply: ‘The frozen lake now shines like a mirror. Alas, it does not reflect the face and figure we knew so well!’ This was the thought that came to him, and he spoke it aloud. He knew full well that the prince would think it forced and crude. Ōmyōbu, Fujitsubo’s gentlewoman, then added a verse: ‘The year draws to a close. Even the water in the rock-hewn well is sealed with ice, and the face I once saw there has faded from its waters.’ Many other poems were exchanged, but I have other things to tell.

Fujitsubo’s return to her mansion was carried out with no less ceremony than on former occasions, but to her mind the transit seemed this time a distressing affair and more like a journey to some strange place than a home-coming; and as she approached the house her thoughts travelled back over all the months and years that had passed since this place had been her real home.

Fujitsubo’s return to her mansion was marked by just as much ceremony as before. But this time, she found the journey distressing. It felt more like a journey to a strange place than a homecoming. As she approached the house, she thought back over all the months and years since it had been her real home.

The New Year brought with it none of the usual novelties and excitements. Genji, in very dismal humour, shut himself up in his room. At the time when the new appointments were being made, during the old Emperor’s reign and to an equal extent even after his retirement, Genji’s doors had always been thronged with suitors. But this year the line of horses and carriages waiting outside his palace was thin indeed, and the bags¹⁷⁹ of courtiers were no longer to be seen at all.

The New Year brought none of its usual surprises or excitement. Genji was in a gloomy mood and shut himself in his room. During the old Emperor’s reign, people seeking appointments had always crowded Genji’s doors when the new appointments were made. They had continued to do so in equal numbers after the Emperor retired. But this year, few horses and carriages waited outside Genji’s palace. The bags¹⁷⁹ of courtiers were nowhere to be seen.

When he looked about him and saw his reception halls frequented only by his personal retainers, who looked as though time were hanging heavily on their hands, the thought that this was but a pretaste of the dreariness and insignificance with which his whole life would henceforth be tinged reduced him to a state of great depression.

When he looked around, he saw that only his personal retainers came to his reception halls. They looked bored, as if they had nothing to do. He thought this was only a taste of how dreary and insignificant his whole life would now become. The thought left him deeply depressed.

In the second month Oborozukiyo was made chief Lady of the Bedchamber, the former occupant of this office having at the ex-Emperor’s death become a nun. Her birth and education, together with her unusual charm both of person and disposition, combined to make her much sought after even at a Court where such qualities were to be found in remarkable profusion. Her sister Lady Kōkiden was now seldom at Court, and on the rare occasion when she needed a room she lodged in the Umetsubo, resigning her old apartments to the Lady of the Bedchamber. No longer was Oborozukiyo buried away in the inconvenient Tōkwaden; she had space and light and a vast number of ladies in her employ, while all about her was in the gayest and newest style. But she could not forget a certain brief and unexpected adventure¹⁸⁰ which had once befallen her, and was very unhappy. A desultory correspondence was still carried on between them with the greatest caution and secrecy.

In the second month, Oborozukiyo became chief Lady of the Bedchamber. The previous holder of the office had become a nun after the ex-Emperor’s death. Oborozukiyo was much sought after for her birth, education, and unusual charm of both appearance and character. This was so even at a Court where such qualities were remarkably plentiful. Her sister Lady Kōkiden was now seldom at Court. On the rare occasions when she needed a room, she stayed in the Umetsubo. She gave up her old apartments to the Lady of the Bedchamber. Oborozukiyo was no longer hidden away in the inconvenient Tōkwaden. She had space and light and a great many ladies in her service. Everything around her was in the brightest and newest style. But she could not forget a brief and unexpected adventure¹⁸⁰ that had once happened to her, and she was very unhappy. The two still exchanged letters from time to time, with the greatest caution and secrecy.

He knew well enough how fatal would now be the consequences of discovery; but this, as has often been noted, so far from discouraging him served only to increase his interest in such an affair.

He knew well enough that being discovered would now have fatal consequences. But, as often noted, the danger only increased his interest in such an affair.

During the late Emperor’s lifetime Kōkiden had been obliged to behave with a certain restraint. Now she was free to revenge herself with the ferocity of a long-curbed malice upon those who had hitherto been sheltered from her spite. Genji found himself thwarted at every turn. He had expected these intrigues, but having for so long enjoyed a favoured and protected existence he was at a loss how to cope with them.

During the late Emperor’s lifetime, Kōkiden had been forced to show some restraint. Now she was free to take revenge with all the ferocity of her long-suppressed malice. She turned on those who had until then been protected from her spite. Genji found himself blocked at every turn. He had expected these intrigues. But he had enjoyed favor and protection for so long that he did not know how to deal with them.

The Minister of the Left felt that his influence was gone and no longer presented himself at Court. Kōkiden had never forgiven him for marrying the late princess his daughter to Genji instead of giving her, as had originally been intended, to her son the present Emperor. Moreover there had always been a certain amount of ill-feeling between the families of the two Ministers. During the late Emperor’s reign the Minister of the Left had managed things pretty much as he chose, and it was but natural that he now had no desire to take part in the triumph of his rival. Genji continued to visit him as before and was assiduous in his attention to Aoi’s maids-of-honour, as also in providing for the education of the little prince her son. This delighted the old Minister and he continued to treat his son-in-law with the same affectionate deference as in old days.

The Minister of the Left felt that he had lost his influence and stopped appearing at Court. Kōkiden had never forgiven him for marrying his daughter, the late princess, to Genji. She had originally been intended for Kōkiden’s son, the present Emperor. The two Ministers’ families had also always felt some hostility toward each other. During the late Emperor’s reign, the Minister of the Left had managed affairs much as he pleased. Naturally, he now had no desire to take part in his rival’s triumph. Genji continued to visit him as before. He was attentive to Aoi’s ladies-in-waiting and took care to provide for the education of her young son, the prince. This delighted the old Minister, who continued to treat his son-in-law with the same affectionate respect as before.

The high position to which Genji had been raised two years ago had entailed much tiresome business and made considerable inroads upon his leisure. He found himself in consequence obliged to discontinue many of the intimacies in which he had been previously engaged. Of his lighter distractions he was now thoroughly ashamed and was glad to abandon them; so that for a while his life became altogether quiet, regular and exemplary. The announcement of his marriage with Murasaki was very well received by the world at large. Shōnagon and her companions naturally attributed their little mistress’s success to the prayers of her pious grandmother the late nun, and in secret conclave congratulated themselves on the turn which events had taken. Her father Prince Hyōbukyō asked for nothing better than such a match. But his wife, who had not managed to do half as well for her own children on whom she doted, was extremely jealous of her step-child’s triumph, and this marriage continued to be a very sore point with her. Indeed, Murasaki’s career had been more like that of some step-child in fiction¹⁸¹ than of a real young person.

The high position Genji had been given two years earlier brought him much tedious work and left him far less leisure. As a result, he had to give up many of the intimate relationships he had once enjoyed. He was now thoroughly ashamed of his casual affairs and glad to abandon them. For a while, his life became entirely quiet, orderly, and exemplary. The announcement of his marriage to Murasaki was very well received by the world at large. Shōnagon and her companions naturally credited their young mistress’s success to the prayers of her devout grandmother, the late nun. They congratulated themselves in private on how events had turned out. Her father, Prince Hyōbukyō, could have wished for no better match. But his wife doted on her own children and had not managed to do half as well for them. She was extremely jealous of her stepdaughter’s success, and the marriage remained a very sore point with her. Indeed, Murasaki’s life had been more like that of a stepchild in a story¹⁸¹ than that of a real young person.

The Vestal Virgin of Kamo, third daughter of the late Emperor by Lady Kōkiden, was now in mourning and had to resign her charge. Her successor was the Princess Asagao.¹⁸² It had not very often happened that a collateral descendant of the Emperor was chosen for this post; but on this occasion no other princess of suitable age and lineage was available. Genji’s admiration for this lady had not, in all the years that had passed since he first courted her, in any degree abated, and it was painful to him to learn that she was now to embark upon so different a way of life. She still sent him an occasional message and he had never ceased to write to her. He had known her as a Lady of the Court. Now he must try to picture her to himself as a priestess. This he could not manage to do, and his repeated failure to evoke any image which corresponded to her as she now was bitterly tormented him.

The Vestal Virgin of Kamo was the late Emperor’s third daughter by Lady Kōkiden. She was now in mourning and had to give up her position. Her successor was Princess Asagao.¹⁸² It was unusual for a more distant descendant of the Emperor to be chosen for this position. But no other princess of suitable age and lineage was available. Genji’s admiration for Asagao had not faded at all in the years since he first courted her. It pained him to learn that she was about to begin such a different way of life. She still sent him an occasional message, and he had never stopped writing to her. He had known her as a lady of the court. Now he had to try to imagine her as a priestess. But he could not. His repeated failure to picture her as she now was tormented him bitterly.

The young Emperor punctiliously obeyed his father’s last injunctions and treated Genji with great consideration. But he was still very young, and being somewhat weak and yielding in character he was easily influenced by those about him. Again and again, under pressure from Kōkiden or the Minister of the Right, he allowed public measures to be taken of which he did not really in the least approve. Meanwhile Kōkiden’s sister the Lady Oborozukiyo, though her new position rendered the carrying on of a secret intrigue in the highest degree difficult and perilous, was becoming more and more unhappy, and at last found a means of informing Genji of her unaltered attachment. He would have been glad enough if she had felt otherwise; but after what had passed between them he could not disregard such a message. Accordingly he waited till the Court was immersed in the Celebration at the Five Altars¹⁸³ and went secretly to her apartments. The encounter was brief and dream-like as on that first occasion, on the night of the Flower-feast.¹⁸⁴ Her maid Chūnagon smuggled him in by the little side door which had before caught his attention. There happened to be a good many people about at the time, and it was with great trepidation that this lady conducted him through the exposed and frequented ante-chambers which led to her mistress’s apartments. To look upon Prince Genji was a ceaseless delight even to those who daily served him. It can be imagined then what rapture his visit brought to one who had waited so long for his return. Nor was Genji on his side by any means indifferent to her charms. She was at the height of her youth and good-looks; lively, graceful, confiding. Indeed, save for a certain light-heartedness and inconsequence, there was nothing in her which he would wish to change. Suddenly he heard people stirring in the corridor outside and for a moment thought that it must already be morning. He soon realized however that these were not the people of the house, but members of the Imperial Guard come to report themselves. No doubt some officer of the Guard was known to be spending the night in this part of the Palace; but for a moment Genji had the wild idea that some malicious person had revealed to the soldiers of the Guard the unexpected presence of their Commander.¹⁸⁵ He was amused at his mistake, but at the same time horrified at the realization of the risks which he was running. Outside in the corridor they could still hear the soldiers tramping up and down looking for their officer and calling out as they went ‘First hour of the Tiger Watch, first hour of the Tiger Watch!’¹⁸⁶ Then Oborozukiyo whispered the verse: ‘Though the watch-man of the night cries out “Enough!” yet seems it from your tears and mine we are not of his mind.’¹⁸⁷ Her plaintive tone touched his heart and he answered with the verse: ‘Must we, because they say the time is spent, in tears relinquish what our own hearts’ reluctance bids us still enjoy?’ So saying he left her. Though daylight had not yet come and the setting moon was heavily veiled in mist, he felt very uneasy. And in fact, despite his disguise, his bearing and figure were so notable that he was at once recognized by a brother of Lady Jōkyōden¹⁸⁸ who happened, at the moment when Genji passed unsuspecting on his way, to have just left Fujitsubo’s old quarters and was now standing in the shadow of a trellis-gate. This gentleman was vastly amused and did not fail to make good use of the episode in his conversation.

The young Emperor carefully obeyed his father’s last wishes and treated Genji with great consideration. But he was still very young. His character was somewhat weak and yielding, so those around him easily influenced him. Again and again, Kōkiden or the Minister of the Right pressured him into allowing public measures he did not approve of at all. Meanwhile, Kōkiden’s sister, Lady Oborozukiyo, was growing more and more unhappy. Her new position made a secret affair extremely difficult and dangerous. At last, though, she found a way to tell Genji that her feelings for him had not changed. He would have been glad if she had felt otherwise. But after what had passed between them, he could not ignore her message. So he waited until the Court was absorbed in the Celebration at the Five Altars¹⁸³ and went secretly to her rooms. Their meeting was brief and dreamlike, as it had been the first time, on the night of the Flower-feast.¹⁸⁴ Her maid Chūnagon smuggled him in through the little side door that had caught his attention before. Quite a few people happened to be about. Chūnagon was very nervous as she led him through the exposed, busy antechambers to her mistress’s rooms. Even those who served Prince Genji every day never tired of looking at him. One can imagine, then, how delighted Oborozukiyo was by his visit after waiting so long for his return. Genji, for his part, was far from indifferent to her charms. She was at the height of her youth and beauty, lively, graceful, and trusting. Apart from a certain lightheartedness and lack of seriousness, there was nothing about her he would have wished to change. Suddenly, he heard people moving in the corridor outside. For a moment he thought it must already be morning. But he soon realized that these were not people of the house. They were members of the Imperial Guard who had come to report for duty. No doubt an officer of the Guard was known to be spending the night in this part of the Palace. But for a moment Genji had the wild idea that some malicious person had told the soldiers their Commander was unexpectedly there.¹⁸⁵ He was amused by his mistake, but also horrified to realize the risks he was taking. In the corridor outside, they could still hear the soldiers marching up and down, looking for their officer. As they went, they called out, ‘First hour of the Tiger Watch, first hour of the Tiger Watch!’¹⁸⁶ Then Oborozukiyo whispered a verse: ‘Though the night watchman cries “Enough!” our tears suggest that neither you nor I agree.’¹⁸⁷ Her sorrowful tone touched his heart, and he answered with a verse: ‘Must we give up in tears, because they say our time is over, what our hearts still long to enjoy?’ With that, he left her. Though daylight had not yet come and thick mist veiled the setting moon, he felt very uneasy. In fact, despite his disguise, his bearing and figure were so distinctive that he was recognized at once. A brother of Lady Jōkyōden¹⁸⁸ had just left Fujitsubo’s old quarters and was standing in the shadow of a trellis-gate when Genji passed by, unaware of him. The gentleman was greatly amused and made good use of the incident in conversation.

So great were the risks he had run that for some time afterwards Genji found himself wishing Fujitsubo’s prudence and reserve were more commonly practised, and at such times he almost applauded her unkindness. At any rate it saved him from these nerve-racking experiences. But such moods did not last long. With the Lady of the Bedchamber his deeper feelings were not involved, whereas he was drawn towards Fujitsubo as though by some secret power, and except at rare moments her coldness caused him nothing but torment and despair.

Genji had taken such great risks that, for some time afterward, he wished more women were as cautious and reserved as Fujitsubo. At those times, he almost welcomed her unkindness. At least it spared him such nerve-racking experiences. But those moods did not last long. His deeper feelings were not involved with the Lady of the Bedchamber. Fujitsubo, on the other hand, drew him to her as if by some secret power. Except at rare moments, her coldness brought him nothing but torment and despair.

This princess, though she no longer felt at ease in the Palace and could not bring herself to visit it, was distressed that she was now unable to see her son. It was very awkward that there was no one to advise her about the child except Prince Genji, who unfortunately still persisted in regarding her with the same strange adoration. She was in a continual panic lest he should take advantage of her dependence upon him. True the Emperor had died without betraying the least suspicion concerning the child’s parentage. But she shuddered to think of the predicament in which this deception had involved her. Any renewal of their relationship, quite apart from the effect it might have upon her own fortunes, would react disastrously upon her son. So heavily did this matter weigh upon her that when she was supposed to be at her prayers she did nothing but turn over in her mind, a hundred times this way and that, how best she might persuade him to feel differently towards her.

The princess no longer felt comfortable at the Palace and could not bring herself to visit. But she was distressed that she could no longer see her son. To make matters worse, Prince Genji was the only person who could advise her about the child. Unfortunately, he still regarded her with the same strange adoration. She lived in constant fear that he would take advantage of her dependence on him. The Emperor had died without showing the slightest suspicion about who the child’s father was. Even so, she shuddered to think of the trouble this deception had brought upon her. If she and Genji renewed their relationship, it would have disastrous consequences for her son, whatever happened to her. This weighed so heavily on her that, when she was supposed to be praying, she did nothing but think. She turned the matter over in her mind a hundred different ways, trying to decide how best to persuade Genji to feel differently about her.

Yet despite all her precautions he managed one night to enter the house and get very near indeed to the room where she was sitting. Not a soul in the house had conspired with him or expected his coming. He seemed to have risen mysteriously up among them like a figure in a dream. He sent her many passionate messages, such as I cannot here transcribe, but she would not let him come to her. At last, worn out by his persistency, she began to feel so faint that Ōmyōbu, Myōbu no Ben and the rest of her favourite waiting-women took fright and were soon busily employed in attending to her. Meanwhile Genji, in a frenzy of irritation and disappointment, scarce knew how he came to be in her ante-chamber nor thought how he was going to retire from it. So completely had he lost all sense of real things that though broad daylight was come he did not stir from where he stood. The news of her indisposition quickly spread through the house. There was a sound of footsteps, and Genji, still but half conscious, groped his way into a large lumber-room or clothes-cupboard that happened to be near by. An embarrassed lady-in-waiting hastily stowed away a cloak and other effects which she saw lying about.

Yet despite all her precautions, he managed to enter the house one night. He came very close to the room where she was sitting. No one in the house had helped him or expected him. He seemed to have appeared mysteriously among them, like a figure in a dream. He sent her many passionate messages, which I cannot repeat here, but she would not let him come to her. At last, worn out by his persistence, she began to feel faint. Ōmyōbu, Myōbu no Ben, and her other favorite waiting-women were frightened and quickly set about caring for her. Meanwhile, Genji was frantic with irritation and disappointment. He hardly knew how he had come to be in her antechamber, and he gave no thought to how he would leave. He had lost touch with reality so completely that he stayed where he stood, even after full daylight came. News of her illness quickly spread through the house. There was a sound of footsteps. Still only half conscious, Genji felt his way into a large storeroom or clothes closet nearby. An embarrassed lady-in-waiting hurriedly put away a cloak and other belongings she saw lying around.

Fujitsubo herself remained in much distress both of body and mind throughout the night. As she was feeling very giddy, her brothers, who had now arrived upon the scene, sent out for a priest. All this Genji heard from his hiding-place with great grief and alarm. The day was far advanced when she began at last to mend. She had not of course the least idea that he was still in the house and her ladies feared that if they were to tell her of his presence the news might cause a recurrence of last night’s attack. At last she dragged herself from her bed to the chair in which she generally sat, and her brothers, thinking that the worst was now over, withdrew and she was left alone. Even her intimate and personal attendants had retired from her daïs and could be heard moving away to and fro behind the screens at the other end of the room. The sole preoccupation of Ōmyōbu and the few other ladies who shared the secret of Genji’s presence was now how best to get him out of the house. They were certain that if he stayed where he was the same scene would be repeated that night, with the same unhappy effects, and they were whispering together in a tone of great concern when Genji, first cautiously pushing the door a little ajar and then gently slipping out, darted from his hiding-place to the shelter of one of the screens which surrounded her daïs. From this point of vantage he was able at last to gaze upon her to his heart’s content, and as he did so tears of joy and wonder filled his eyes. ‘I am wretched, wretched,’ she was murmuring; ‘but soon my misery will end, soon all will be over....’ She was looking out towards the centre of the room and he caught a profile view of her face which he found inexpressibly charming. Presently Ōmyōbu came with fruit for her breakfast. Though the cover of the fruit-box was of rare and beautiful workmanship she did not so much as glance at it, but sat rigidly staring in front of her, like one for whom life has lost all interest and meaning.

Fujitsubo herself remained deeply distressed in body and mind throughout the night. She felt very dizzy, so her brothers, who had now arrived, sent for a priest. Genji heard all this from his hiding place, with great sorrow and alarm. It was late in the day when she finally began to recover. Of course, she had no idea that he was still in the house. Her ladies feared that telling her might bring on another attack like the one she had suffered the night before. At last, she dragged herself from her bed to the chair where she usually sat. Her brothers, thinking the worst was over, withdrew and left her alone. Even her closest personal attendants had left her raised platform. They could be heard moving back and forth behind the screens at the other end of the room. Ōmyōbu and the few other ladies who knew Genji was there were concerned only with getting him out. They were sure that if he stayed, the same scene would happen again that night, with the same unhappy results. They were whispering anxiously together when Genji cautiously pushed the door slightly open. Then he slipped out and darted from his hiding place to the shelter of a screen surrounding Fujitsubo’s platform. From there he could finally gaze at her to his heart’s content. As he did, tears of joy and wonder filled his eyes. ‘I am miserable, miserable,’ she was murmuring. ‘But soon my misery will end, soon it will all be over....’ She was looking toward the center of the room, and he caught a view of her face in profile. He found it more lovely than words could express. Soon Ōmyōbu brought fruit for her breakfast. The fruit box had a rare and beautifully made cover, but Fujitsubo did not even glance at it. She sat rigidly, staring straight ahead, like someone for whom life had lost all interest and meaning.

How beautiful she was! And, now that it was possible to compare them on equal terms, how like in every minutest detail of pose and expression to the girl at home! Particularly in the carriage of her head and the way her hair grew there was the same singular charm. For years Murasaki had served to keep Lady Fujitsubo, to some extent at any rate, out of his thoughts. But now that he saw how astonishingly the one resembled the other he fancied that all the while Murasaki had but served as a substitute or eidolon of the lady who denied him her love. Both had the same pride, the same reticence. For a moment he wondered whether, if they were side by side, he should be able to tell them apart. How absurd! Probably indeed, he said to himself, the whole idea of their resemblance was a mere fancy; Fujitsubo had for so many years filled all his thoughts. It was natural that such an idea should come to him. Unable to contain himself any longer, he slipped out of his hiding-place and gently crept between her curtains-of-state, till he was near enough to touch the train of her cloak. By the royal scent which he carried she knew at once that it was he, and overcome by astonishment and terror she fell face downwards upon her couch. ‘Can you not bear to set eyes upon me?’ he cried, and in despair clutched at the skirt of her cloak. She in panic slipped the cloak from her shoulders and would have fled, leaving it in his hands; but by ill luck her hair caught in the buckle and she was held fast. With horror she realized that a fate too strong for her was planning to put her at his mercy. He for his part suddenly lost all dignity and self-restraint. Sobbing violently he poured out to her, scarce knowing what he said, the whole tale of his passion and despair. She was horrified; both the visit and the outburst seemed to her unpardonable, and she did not even reply. At last, hard-pressed, she pleaded illness and promised to see him some other time. But he would not be put off and continued to pour out his tale of love. In the midst of all this talk that so much displeased her and to which she paid no heed at all, there came some phrase which caught her attention and for some reason touched her; and though she was still determined that what had happened on that one unhappy occasion should never, never be repeated, she began to answer him kindly. Thus by skilful parryings and evasions she kept him talking till this night too was safely over. By her gentleness she had shamed him into submission and he now said: ‘There cannot surely be any harm in my coming occasionally to see you in this way. It would be a great relief to me if I could do so.’ This and much else he said, now in a far less desperate mood. Even in quite commonplace people such situations produce strange flights of tenderness and fancy. How much the more then in such lovers as Genji and the queen!

How beautiful she was! Now that he could compare them on equal terms, how closely she resembled the girl at home! Every detail of her posture and expression was the same. The way she held her head and the way her hair grew had the same unusual charm. For years, Murasaki had helped keep Lady Fujitsubo out of his thoughts, at least to some extent. But now he saw how astonishingly alike they were. He imagined that Murasaki had all along been merely a substitute or a likeness of the lady who denied him her love. Both had the same pride and reserve. For a moment he wondered whether he could tell them apart if they stood side by side. How absurd! He told himself that their resemblance was probably just his imagination. Fujitsubo had filled all his thoughts for so many years. It was natural that such an idea should occur to him. Unable to contain himself any longer, he slipped out of hiding. He crept gently between her bed curtains until he was close enough to touch the train of her cloak. She recognized him at once by the royal scent he wore. Overcome by surprise and terror, she fell face down on her couch. ‘Can you not bear to look at me?’ he cried. In despair, he seized the edge of her cloak. In a panic, she slipped it off her shoulders and tried to flee, leaving it in his hands. But her hair caught in the buckle, and she could not get away. To her horror, she realized that a fate stronger than she was meant to put her at his mercy. He suddenly lost all dignity and self-control. Sobbing violently and hardly knowing what he said, he told her everything about his passion and despair. She was horrified. Both his visit and his outburst seemed unforgivable, and she did not even reply. At last, under pressure, she pleaded illness and promised to see him another time. But he would not be put off and continued to tell her of his love. His words displeased her, and she paid them no attention. But then a phrase caught her attention and, for some reason, touched her. She was still determined that what had happened on that one unhappy occasion should never, never be repeated. Yet she began to answer him kindly. With skillful deflections and evasions, she kept him talking until this night too was safely over. Her gentleness had shamed him into submission. He now said, ‘Surely there can be no harm in my coming to see you like this occasionally. It would be a great relief to me if I could.’ He said this and much else, now in a far less desperate mood. Even quite ordinary people find strange tenderness and flights of fancy in such situations. How much more so, then, such lovers as Genji and the queen!

But it was now broad daylight. Ōmyōbu and her daughter arrived and soon took possession of their mistress. Genji, retiring from the room, sent her many tender messages. But now she sat staring vacantly in front of her as though she were but half alive. Exasperated by her martyred attitude, he cried out at last: ‘Answer me, answer me! I cannot live without you. And yet, what use to die? For I know that in every life to come I am doomed to suffer the torment of this same heinous passion.’ Still, to the alarm of those who waited upon her, she sat staring fixedly in front of her. He recited the verse: ‘If indeed the foeman fate that parts us works not for to-day alone, then must I spend Eternity in woe.’ When she heard him saying that the bonds of her love would hold him back from Paradise, she began to weep and answered with the verse: ‘If to all time this bond debars you from felicity, not hostile fate but your own heart you should with bitterness condemn.’ The words were spoken with a tenderness that was infinitely precious to him; yet he knew that a prolongation of the interview could not but be painful to both of them, and he rushed from the room.

But it was now broad daylight. Ōmyōbu and her daughter arrived and soon took charge of their mistress. Genji left the room and sent her many tender messages. But she sat staring blankly ahead, as if she were only half alive. Exasperated by her air of suffering, he finally cried out: ‘Answer me, answer me! I cannot live without you. And yet, what good would dying do? I know that in every life to come I am doomed to suffer the torment of this same terrible passion.’ Still she sat staring fixedly ahead, alarming her attendants. He recited the verse: ‘If fate, the enemy that separates us, does not work for today alone, then I must spend eternity in sorrow.’ He had said that the bonds of her love would keep him from Paradise. When she heard this, she began to weep and answered with the verse: ‘If this bond keeps you from happiness for all time, you should bitterly condemn your own heart, not hostile fate.’ Her words were spoken with a tenderness that was infinitely precious to him. Yet he knew that prolonging their meeting could only be painful for them both, and he rushed from the room.

He felt that he made himself odious to her. He would never be able to face her again, and contrary to custom he wrote no morning letter. For a long while he paid no visit either to the Emperor or to the Heir Apparent, but lay in his room brooding upon Fujitsubo’s unkindness. Misery and longing brought him at last to so pitiable a plight that it was as though with agonizing pain his inmost soul were dissolving within him. Often there ran in his head the lines: ‘Soon upon causeways of resounding stone my footsteps shall beat out their song!’¹⁸⁹ And indeed the world again seemed to him so cheerless that his decision would soon have been taken had he not remembered that there was one over whose happiness he was pledged to watch. So exquisite, so trustful a creature he could not abandon, and the project was soon put aside.

He felt that he had made her hate him. He would never be able to face her again. Contrary to custom, he wrote no morning letter. For a long time, he visited neither the Emperor nor the Heir Apparent. Instead, he lay in his room, brooding over Fujitsubo’s unkindness. At last, misery and longing left him in a pitiful state. It was as though his innermost soul were dissolving inside him in agonizing pain. The lines often ran through his head: ‘Soon my footsteps will sound their song on causeways of echoing stone!’¹⁸⁹ Indeed, the world again seemed so bleak to him that he would soon have made his decision. But he remembered that he had promised to watch over someone’s happiness. He could not abandon such a lovely, trusting creature, and he soon put the plan aside.

Fujitsubo too reflected upon what had taken place with great uneasiness of mind. She had now learnt how he had concealed himself for a whole day in her house without giving her the slightest intimation of his presence. This fact Ōmyōbu and the rest had not, in their indignation at his plight, managed to restrain themselves from revealing to her. Such conduct she could not tolerate. Yet she well knew that if she showed her displeasure Genji would feel a disinclination towards the Heir Apparent, and this she was above all things anxious to avoid. In a fit of despair he might even take some step which could not be rectified, and that thought, despite the torment of his importunity, filled her even now with horror. If such an occurrence as that of last night were often to be repeated it was certain that both their reputations would soon be irrecoverably destroyed. She felt that it would in a way disarm the censures of the world if she were to give up the rank of Empress, the bestowal of which had been received with such caustic comments by Lady Kōkiden. She remembered with what intention and with what explicit injunctions this title had been granted her by the late Emperor. But she felt herself no longer bound by his instructions; for since his death the whole position at Court had utterly changed. She had no fear of suffering the fate of Lady Chi,¹⁹⁰ but she had every reason to suppose that her position as Empress would henceforth be both ludicrous and humiliating. She felt no inclination to struggle against ridicule and opposition. Soon her mind was made up. She must renounce the world. But first she must visit her son. She could not bear that he should never again see her as he had known her in days of old. She drove to the Palace without public escort. On many occasions when she had travelled in even less state than this, Genji had attended her and arranged every detail of her progress. This time he pleaded sickness and was not present. Previously he had been in the habit of sending constantly to enquire after her health. The fact that he had discontinued this practice was cited by the sympathetic Ōmyōbu as a proof that he must be now plunged in the utmost misery.

Fujitsubo, too, thought about what had happened with great unease. She had now learned that Genji had hidden in her house for a whole day without telling her he was there. Ōmyōbu and the others, outraged by his plight, had been unable to keep this from her. Fujitsubo could not tolerate such behavior. Yet she knew that if she showed her displeasure, Genji would grow less fond of the Heir Apparent. Above all, she wanted to avoid that. In despair, Genji might even do something that could not be undone. Despite the torment of his persistence, that thought still filled her with horror. If what had happened the night before happened often, both their reputations would certainly soon be ruined beyond repair. She felt that giving up her rank as Empress would, in a way, lessen the world’s criticism. Lady Kōkiden had made such bitter comments when the rank was bestowed on her. Fujitsubo remembered the late Emperor’s intentions and his explicit instructions when he gave her the title. But she no longer felt bound by his instructions. Since his death, the whole situation at Court had changed completely. She had no fear of suffering Lady Chi’s fate,¹⁹⁰ but she had every reason to expect that her position as Empress would now be both ridiculous and humiliating. She had no desire to struggle against ridicule and opposition. Soon she made up her mind. She must renounce the world. But first she had to visit her son. She could not bear the thought that he would never again see her as he had known her before. She went by carriage to the Palace without a public escort. Often, when she had traveled with even less ceremony, Genji had accompanied her and arranged every detail of the journey. This time he said he was ill and did not come. He had also been in the habit of sending frequent inquiries about her health. Now he had stopped. The sympathetic Ōmyōbu took this as proof that he must be in the depths of misery.

The little prince¹⁹¹ had grown into a handsome boy. His mother’s visit surprised and delighted him and he was soon telling her all his secrets. She looked at him sadly. The step that she contemplated seemed unendurably hard to take. Yet a glance at the Palace reminded her how great were the changes and upheavals that had taken place, how insecure had now become her own position at the Court. The Lady Kōkiden still showed the same unrelenting hostility, finding at every turn some means to inconvenience or humiliate her. Her high rank, so far from protecting her, now imperilled both herself and her son. For a long while she hesitated, torn by many conflicting feelings. At last she succeeded in saying to the child: ‘What would you think if I were to go away for a long while and, when at last I came back to see you, were to look quite different, almost as though it were another person?’ She watched his face while she spoke. ‘What would happen to you?’ he said, very much interested; ‘would you become like old Lady Shikibu? Why do you want to be like that?’ and he laughed. It was very difficult to tell him. She began again: ‘Shikibu is ugly because she is so old. That is not what I mean. I shall have even less hair than Shikibu and I shall wear a black dress, like the chaplain whom you have seen coming to say prayers here in the evenings; but it will be a long while before they let me come here to see you.’ He saw that she was crying and at once said very decidedly: ‘If you do not come for a long while, I shall miss you terribly.’ He too began to cry, and ashamed of his tears, turned his head away. As he did so his long hair fell rippling across his cheek. The eyes, the brow—all was as though a cast had been taken from the face she knew so well. He had not yet lost his baby-teeth. One or two of them were a little decayed, their blackness amid a row of white giving to his smile a peculiar piquancy and charm. As she watched him standing there in his half-girlish beauty and suddenly realized how like he was to his father, she became more than ever unhappy. But if the resemblance was painful to her and seemed to her at that moment almost to spoil his beauty, it was only because she dreaded the gossip to which this likeness would give rise.

The little prince¹⁹¹ had grown into a handsome boy. His mother’s visit surprised and delighted him, and he soon told her all his secrets. She looked at him sadly. The step she was considering seemed unbearably hard to take. Yet a glance at the Palace reminded her of the great changes and upheavals that had taken place. Her own position at Court had become insecure. The Lady Kōkiden was as hostile as ever, finding ways at every turn to inconvenience or humiliate her. Her high rank, far from protecting her, now endangered both her and her son. For a long time she hesitated, torn by conflicting feelings. At last she managed to say to the child: ‘What would you think if I went away for a long time? And what if, when I finally came back to see you, I looked completely different, almost like another person?’ She watched his face as she spoke. ‘What would happen to you?’ he asked, very interested. ‘Would you become like old Lady Shikibu? Why do you want to be like that?’ He laughed. It was very hard to tell him. She began again: ‘Shikibu is ugly because she is so old. That is not what I mean. I shall have even less hair than Shikibu and wear a black dress. I shall look like the chaplain you have seen coming here to say prayers in the evenings. But it will be a long time before they let me come here to see you.’ He saw that she was crying and immediately said, very firmly: ‘If you do not come for a long time, I shall miss you terribly.’ He began to cry too, and, ashamed of his tears, turned his head away. As he did, his long hair fell in ripples across his cheek. His eyes and brow, his whole face, seemed to be a perfect copy of the face she knew so well. He had not yet lost his baby teeth. One or two were a little decayed, their blackness among the white teeth giving his smile a special liveliness and charm. As she watched him standing there, with his almost girlish beauty, she suddenly realized how much he resembled his father. She became unhappier than ever. The resemblance pained her and, at that moment, seemed almost to spoil his beauty. But that was only because she feared the gossip his likeness to his father would cause.

Genji too was longing to see his son, but while Princess Fujitsubo was at Court he was resolved to keep away. Perhaps this would make her realize how completely he had been frustrated by her harshness; for she would certainly be expecting to meet him in the young prince’s apartments.

Genji also longed to see his son, but he had decided to stay away while Princess Fujitsubo was at Court. Perhaps his absence would show her how deeply frustrated he was by her harshness. She would certainly expect to meet him in the young prince’s rooms.

He was in very ill humour and the time hung heavily on his hands. It was now autumn and it seemed a pity not to be in the country. He decided to spend a little while at the Temple in the Cloudy Woods.¹⁹² Here in the cell of his mother’s elder brother, a master of the Vinaya,¹⁹³ he spent several days reading the sacred texts and practising various austerities. During this time much happened both to move and delight him. The maple leaves in the surrounding forests were just turning and he remembered Sōjō’s song written in the same place: ‘Proud autumn fields....’ In a little while he had almost forgotten that this quiet place was not his home. He gathered about him a number of doctors famous for their understanding of the Holy Law and made them dispute in his presence. Yet even in the midst of scenes such as these, calculated to impress him in the highest degree with the futility of all earthly desires, one figure from the fleeting world of men still rose up importunately before him and haunted every prayer. One day at dawn by the light of a sinking moon the priests of the temple were making the morning offering of fresh leaves and flowers before an image that stood near by. He could hear the clink of the silver flower-trays as they scattered chrysanthemum and maple leaves of many hues around the Buddha’s feet. It seemed to him then that the life these people led was worth while, not merely as a means to salvation but for its own pleasantness and beauty. Again and again he marvelled that he could have for so long endured his own aimless existence. His uncle, the Vinaya-master, had an extremely impressive voice and when he came to the passage ‘None shall be cast out, but take unto him all living things that call upon his name,’ Genji envied him the assurance with which he uttered the Buddha’s promise. Why should not he too avail himself of this promise, why should not he too lead this sanctified existence? Suddenly he remembered Murasaki and his home. What must she be thinking of him? It was many days since he had seen her, and he hastened to repair this neglect: ‘I came here as an experiment,’ he wrote, ‘that I might decide whether it would not be better for me to withdraw forever from the world. Since I have been here it has been gradually becoming clearer to me that my present way of life can bring me nothing but misery; and to-day I heard something read out loud which made a deep impression upon me and convinced me that I ought not any longer to delay....’ The letter was written on sandalwood paper of Michinoku, informally but with great elegance. With it he sent the poem: ‘Because I left you in a home deep-girt with dewy sedge, with troubled mind I hear the wild winds blow from every side.’ This he said and much else beside. She cried when she read it. Her answer was written on a white slip: ‘First, when the wild wind blows, flutters the dewy web that hangs upon the wilting sedge-row in the fields.’ He smiled to himself with pleasure as he read it, noting how swiftly her hand had improved. He had written her so many letters that her writing had grown to be very like his, save that to his style she had added some touches of girlish delicacy and grace. In this as in all else she at least had not disappointed him.

He was in a very bad mood, and time passed slowly. It was autumn, and he thought it a pity not to be in the country. He decided to spend a little while at the Temple in the Cloudy Woods.¹⁹² There he stayed in the cell of his mother’s elder brother, a master of the Vinaya.¹⁹³ He spent several days reading sacred texts and practicing various austerities. During this time, much happened to move and delight him. The maple leaves in the surrounding forests were just beginning to turn. He remembered Sōjō’s song, written in the same place: ‘Proud autumn fields....’ Before long, he had almost forgotten that this quiet place was not his home. He gathered several scholars renowned for their understanding of the Holy Law and had them debate before him. Yet these surroundings, which should have deeply impressed upon him the futility of earthly desires, could not banish one figure. Someone from the fleeting world of human affairs kept rising insistently before him and haunting his prayers. One day at dawn, by the light of a setting moon, the temple priests made their morning offering. They placed fresh leaves and flowers before an image that stood nearby. He heard the silver flower trays clink as they scattered chrysanthemums and maple leaves of many colors around the Buddha’s feet. He thought then that their life was worthwhile, not merely as a path to salvation, but for its own pleasure and beauty. Again and again, he wondered how he had endured his own aimless existence for so long. His uncle, the Vinaya-master, had a deeply impressive voice. He came to the passage: ‘None shall be cast out, but take unto him all living things that call upon his name.’ Genji envied the confidence with which his uncle spoke the Buddha’s promise. Why should he not make use of this promise too? Why should he not lead this holy life? Suddenly he remembered Murasaki and his home. What must she be thinking of him? He had not seen her for many days, and he hurried to make up for his neglect. ‘I came here as an experiment,’ he wrote, ‘to decide whether it would be better for me to withdraw from the world forever. Since I arrived, I have come to see more and more clearly that my present life can bring me nothing but misery. Today I heard something read aloud that deeply moved me. It convinced me that I should not delay any longer....’ The letter was written on sandalwood paper from Michinoku, informally but with great elegance. With it he sent the poem: ‘Because I left you in a home deep among dewy sedge, I hear the wild winds blow from every side with a troubled mind.’ He said much else besides. She cried when she read it. Her reply was written on a white slip: ‘When the wild wind blows, the dewy web hanging on the wilting row of sedge in the fields is the first to flutter.’ He smiled to himself with pleasure as he read it, noticing how quickly her handwriting had improved. He had written her so many letters that her writing had become much like his own. Yet she had added touches of girlish delicacy and grace to his style. In this, as in everything else, she at least had not disappointed him.

It occurred to him that Kamo was not so very far off and he thought he would send a message to the Vestal Virgin.¹⁹⁴ To Chūjō her maid he sent the letter: ‘That here among strangers in deep affliction I languish unconsoled, your mistress cannot know.’ To this he added a long tale of his present woes and to the Virgin herself addressed the poem: ‘Goddess Immaculate, the memory of other days has made me bold to hang this token at thy shrine!’ And to this, quoting an old song, he added the words ‘Would that like a ring upon the hand I might turn Time around till “then” was “now.”’ He wrote on light green paper, and with the letter was a twig of the Sacred Tree festooned with fluttering tassels of white as befitted the holy place to which it was addressed. In answer the maid Chūjō wrote: ‘There is so little here to break the sameness of the long empty days that sometimes an idle memory of the past will for a moment visit the Virgin’s heavenly thoughts. Of you she has spoken now and again, but only to say that now all thought of you is profitless.’ The gentlewoman’s letter was long and written with great care. On a small strip tied to a white ritual tassel the Virgin herself had written the poem: ‘Full well you know that in those other days no secret was between us for you to hang as ritual-token at your heart.’ It was not written with much pains, but there was an easy flow in the cursive passages which delighted his eye and he realized that the Court had lost one who would in time have grown to be a woman of no ordinary accomplishments.

He realized that Kamo was not very far away, and decided to send a message to the Vestal Virgin.¹⁹⁴ He sent the letter to her maid, Chūjō: ‘Your mistress cannot know how I suffer here among strangers, deeply distressed and without comfort.’ He added a long account of his present troubles. To the Virgin herself he addressed a poem: ‘Immaculate Goddess, the memory of other days has made me bold enough to hang this token at your shrine!’ Then, quoting an old song, he added, ‘I wish I could turn back Time like a ring on my hand, until “then” became “now.”’ He wrote on light green paper. With the letter he sent a twig of the Sacred Tree, decorated with fluttering white tassels, as suited the holy place where it was going. In reply, the maid Chūjō wrote: ‘There is so little here to break the sameness of the long, empty days. Sometimes a passing memory of the past briefly enters the Virgin’s heavenly thoughts. She has spoken of you now and then, but only to say that thinking of you is now entirely pointless.’ The gentlewoman’s letter was long and written with great care. On a small strip of paper tied to a white ritual tassel, the Virgin herself had written a poem: ‘You know very well that in those other days there was no secret between us for you to hang as a ritual token on your heart.’ She had not taken much care with it, but the flowing cursive delighted him. He realized that the Court had lost someone who would in time have become a woman of exceptional accomplishments.

He shuddered. How pitiless is God! Suddenly he remembered that only last autumn the melancholy gateway of the Palace-in-the-Fields had filled him with just such an indignation and dismay. Why should these Powers be suffered to pursue their hideous exactions?

He shuddered. How cruel God was! Suddenly he remembered the gloomy gateway of the Palace-in-the-Fields. Just last autumn, it had filled him with the same outrage and dismay. Why were these Powers allowed to keep making such dreadful demands?

That strange trait of perversity, so often noted, was indeed at work again under the most absurd circumstances. For in all the years when Asagao was within reach he had not made one serious effort to win her, but had contented himself with vague protestations and appeals. But now that she was utterly unattainable he suddenly imagined that he had never really cared for anyone else! Believing him to be the victim of an inconsolable passion, the Virgin had not the heart to leave his letters unanswered, and a correspondence of a rather strange and unreal kind was for some while carried on between them.

That strange tendency to want what he could not have, so often noted before, was at work again in absurd circumstances. For all the years when Asagao was within reach, he had made no serious effort to win her. He had been content with vague declarations and appeals. But now that she was completely out of reach, he suddenly imagined he had never really cared for anyone else! The Virgin believed he was suffering from an inconsolable passion. She could not bear to leave his letters unanswered, so they exchanged letters for a while. Their correspondence was rather strange and unreal.

Before he left the Temple in the Cloudy Woods he read the whole of the Sixty Chapters,¹⁹⁵ consulting his uncle on many obscure points. The delight of the priests, down to the humblest servitor, may well be imagined. It seemed as though the Lord Amida must hold their poor country temple in especial favour, or he would not have vouchsafed that such a radiance should shine among them.

Before he left the Temple in the Cloudy Woods, he read all of the Sixty Chapters,¹⁹⁵ asking his uncle about many difficult passages. One can imagine the delight of the priests and even their humblest servants. It seemed that the Lord Amida must especially favor their poor country temple. Otherwise, he would not have allowed such radiance to shine among them.

But soon Genji began to grow restless. His mind strayed constantly to mundane affairs, and though he dreaded the return, there was one whom it was not in his heart any longer to neglect. Before his departure he ordered a grand chanting of the Scripture to be held and gave suitable presents to all the resident priests both high and low, and even to the peasants of the surrounding country. Then, after many other rituals and benefactions, he drove away. The country people from far and near crowded round the gates to see him go, uncouth figures strangely gnarled and bent. His carriage was draped with black and he himself was still dressed in the drab unbecoming robes of mourning. Yet even the momentary glimpse of him that they caught as he entered his carriage sufficed to convince them that a prince of no ordinary beauty had been dwelling near to them and many were moved to tears.

But soon Genji grew restless. His thoughts kept turning to worldly affairs. Though he dreaded returning, there was someone he could no longer bear to neglect. Before leaving, he ordered a grand chanting of the Scripture. He gave suitable gifts to all the resident priests, high and low, and even to the peasants of the surrounding countryside. After many other rituals and acts of generosity, he drove away. Country people from near and far crowded around the gates to watch him leave. They were rough-looking figures, strangely twisted and bent. His carriage was draped in black, and he still wore the dull, unbecoming robes of mourning. Yet even the brief glimpse they caught as he entered his carriage was enough to convince them that a prince of extraordinary beauty had been living nearby. Many were moved to tears.

It seemed to him when he was back in his palace that Murasaki had in these last months become far less childish. She spoke very seriously of the changes at Court and showed great concern for his future. That in these last weeks his affections had been much occupied elsewhere could hardly have escaped her notice. He remembered with a pang that in the last poem she had sent him there was some reference to ‘the wilting sedge-row,’ and full of remorse he treated her with more than ordinary kindness. He had brought her a branch of autumn leaves from the country temple where he had been staying. Together they compared it with the trees in his palace garden, and found when they set them side by side that the country leaves were dyed to a yet deeper red. There was one who was at all times paramount in his thoughts, and the sight of these leaves, tinged with so strong a hue that they eclipsed whatever colours were set beside them, reminded him that to her alone he had given no token of his return. The desire to have news of her so tormented him that at last he wrote a letter to Ōmyōbu announcing that he had left the temple: ‘I heard with surprise and joy of your Lady’s visit to the Court. I longed for news both of her and of the young prince; but though I was uneasy on their account, I could not interrupt my appointed course of penance and study. Thus many days have passed since last I gave you any news. Here are some sprays of autumn leaf. Bid your Lady look at them when she feels so disposed, lest unregarded they should waste their beauty “like silken stuffs spread out by night.”’

When he returned to his palace, it seemed to him that Murasaki had become much less childish in recent months. She spoke very seriously about the changes at Court and showed great concern for his future. She could hardly have failed to notice that his affections had been largely occupied elsewhere in recent weeks. With a pang, he remembered that her last poem to him had mentioned ‘the wilting sedge-row.’ Full of remorse, he treated her with more kindness than usual. He had brought her a branch of autumn leaves from the country temple where he had been staying. Together they compared it with the trees in his palace garden. Side by side, the country leaves proved to be a deeper red. One woman was always foremost in his thoughts. These leaves were so richly colored that they eclipsed every color beside them. They reminded him that she alone had received no word of his return. His longing for news of her tormented him. At last, he wrote to Ōmyōbu to say that he had left the temple: ‘I was surprised and delighted to hear that your Lady had visited the Court. I longed for news of both her and the young prince. But though I was worried about them, I could not interrupt my appointed course of penance and study. So many days have passed since I last sent you news. Here are some sprays of autumn leaves. Ask your Lady to look at them when she wishes. Otherwise, their beauty may go unnoticed and fade “like silken stuffs spread out by night.”’

They were huge, leaf-laden boughs, and when she looked closer, Fujitsubo saw that the usual tiny strip of paper, such as he always used in writing to her, was tied to one of them. Her gentlewomen were watching her, and as she examined the offering she felt herself blushing. So he was still in the same deplorable state of mind! Surely he must realize that it was very embarrassing for her to receive offerings of this kind from one who was known to be her admirer! Wishing that he would show more regard for her feelings and reputation she bade a servant put the boughs in a vase and stand it against one of the pillows on the verandah, as far out of the way as possible.

The branches were huge and covered with leaves. When Fujitsubo looked closer, she saw a tiny strip of paper tied to one of them. It was just like the ones he always used when writing to her. Her ladies were watching, and she blushed as she examined the gift. So he was still in the same dreadful state of mind! Surely he must realize how embarrassing it was for her to receive such gifts from a known admirer! She wished he would show more concern for her feelings and reputation. She told a servant to put the branches in a vase. The servant was to place it against a pillow on the veranda, as far out of the way as possible.

In her reply she confined herself to matters of business upon which she needed his advice. Her cold and impersonal tone deeply wounded him. But as it was his usual practice to assist her in every difficulty, he felt that his absence on the day of her departure from Court would give rise to unwelcome speculations, and hearing that the day had been fixed he hastened to the Palace. He went first to the apartments of the young Emperor and finding him at leisure settled down to a long conversation. In person His Majesty much resembled the late Emperor, but he was of a quicker and livelier disposition. He was very easy to get on with and they were soon exchanging recollections of their late father. The Emperor had heard that Genji was still on intimate terms with his aunt the Princess Oborozuki, and had on his own account observed many signs of such an attachment. If the affair had begun since the Princess’s arrival at Court he would have felt bound to take cognizance of it. But he knew that the friendship between them was of very old standing and felt that under these circumstances there was no great impropriety in it.

In her reply, she spoke only of business matters on which she needed his advice. Her cold, impersonal tone deeply hurt him. But he usually helped her with every difficulty. He felt that his absence on the day she left Court would lead to unwelcome speculation. So, when he heard that the day had been set, he hurried to the Palace. He went first to the young Emperor’s rooms. Finding him free, he settled down for a long conversation. The Emperor looked much like the late Emperor, but he was quicker and livelier. He was easy to get along with, and they soon began sharing memories of their late father. The Emperor had heard that Genji was still intimate with his aunt, Princess Oborozuki. He had also noticed many signs of their attachment himself. If the affair had begun after the Princess arrived at Court, he would have felt obliged to take notice of it. But he knew that their friendship went back many years. Under the circumstances, he felt there was nothing very improper about it.

They discussed all manner of affairs together, including their Chinese studies, and the Emperor consulted him about the interpretation of various difficult passages. They then repeated to one another such poems of gallantry as they had lately addressed to ladies of the Court, and it was in the course of this conversation that the Emperor mentioned his admiration of the Lady Rokujō’s daughter and his distress on the occasion of her departure for Ise. This emboldened Genji, and soon he was telling the Emperor about his own visit to the Palace-in-the-Fields and all the sad circumstances attending it. The waning moon had begun at last to rise. ‘It is at such moments as this,’ said the Emperor sadly, ‘that one longs for music.’¹⁹⁶

They discussed all kinds of matters, including their Chinese studies. The Emperor asked Genji about the meaning of several difficult passages. Then they recited to each other the romantic poems they had recently sent to ladies of the Court. During this conversation, the Emperor spoke of his admiration for Lady Rokujō’s daughter. He also spoke of his distress when she left for Ise. Encouraged by this, Genji soon told the Emperor about his own visit to the Palace-in-the-Fields and all the sad circumstances surrounding it. At last, the waning moon began to rise. ‘It is at moments like this,’ the Emperor said sadly, ‘that one longs for music.’¹⁹⁶

Genji now took his leave, explaining that he must wait upon the ex-Empress before she retired again to her own home. ‘You will remember,’ he said, ‘that the late Emperor our father committed the Heir Apparent to my guardianship and protection. There happens unfortunately to be no one else to watch over his interests, and as I am very uneasy concerning his future I am obliged to take counsel fairly frequently with his mother.’ ‘Our father certainly asked me to retain him as Heir Apparent,’ replied the Emperor, ‘and I have always tried to help him in any way I could. But there is really nothing much that I can do for him. I hear he has made astonishing progress with his handwriting and is in every way satisfactory. I am afraid he is more likely to be a credit to me than I a help to him.’ ‘He does indeed seem to be in most ways very forward and intelligent,’ said Genji, ‘but his character is still quite unformed.’ And after some further description of the child’s attainments he proceeded to the Heir Apparent’s apartments.

Genji now took his leave. He explained that he had to visit the ex-Empress before she returned to her own home. ‘You will remember,’ he said, ‘that our late father, the Emperor, entrusted the Heir Apparent to my care and protection. Unfortunately, there is no one else to look after his interests. I am very worried about his future, so I must consult his mother fairly often.’ ‘Our father certainly asked me to keep him as Heir Apparent,’ replied the Emperor, ‘and I have always tried to help him however I could. But there really is not much I can do for him. I hear his handwriting has improved remarkably, and that he is doing well in every way. I am afraid he is more likely to bring me credit than I am to help him.’ ‘He does indeed seem very advanced and intelligent in most ways,’ said Genji, ‘but his character is still quite unformed.’ After saying more about what the child had accomplished, he went to the Heir Apparent’s apartments.

There was a certain Tō no Bēn, a son of Kōkiden’s elder brother Tō Dainagon. Being young, good-looking and popular he had grown somewhat out of hand. This young man was now on his way to the rooms of his sister Princess Reikeiden. For a moment Genji’s servants who were preceding him to the Heir Apparent’s rooms blocked his path and forced him to stand waiting till they had passed. In a low voice, but quite distinctly enough for Genji to hear every word, the young courtier chanted the lines ‘When a white rainbow crossed the sun the Crown Prince¹⁹⁷ trembled.’ Genji flushed, but it was obviously best to let the matter pass.

Tō no Bēn was a son of Kōkiden’s elder brother, Tō Dainagon. Young, handsome, and popular, he had become somewhat unruly. He was now on his way to the rooms of his sister, Princess Reikeiden. Genji’s servants were going ahead of him to the Heir Apparent’s rooms. For a moment, they blocked Tō no Bēn’s path and forced him to wait until they had passed. The young courtier chanted in a low voice, but clearly enough for Genji to hear every word: ‘When a white rainbow crossed the sun the Crown Prince¹⁹⁷ trembled.’ Genji flushed, but it was obviously best to let the matter pass.

That Kōkiden should have succeeded in infecting her whole clan with her venomous hostility towards him was both vexatious and alarming. Genji was indeed much disquieted; but he contrived on all such occasions to conceal his discomfiture.

Kōkiden had infected her entire clan with her venomous hostility toward Genji. This was both irritating and alarming. Genji was deeply troubled, but he managed to hide his distress on all such occasions.

In arriving at Fujitsubo’s rooms he sent in a message to explain that he had been detained in the Presence. It was a moonlit night of unusual beauty. It was at such times as this that the old Emperor would call for music. Fujitsubo remembered those dazzling midnight parties. Here were the old courtyards, the old gardens and rooms, and yet this was not the Palace after all! Through Ōmyōbu her maid she sent to him the poem: ‘Though now dark exhalations hide from sight the Palace of the Ninefold Wall, yet goes my heart to the bright moon¹⁹⁸ that far above the cloud-bank dwells.’ She did not in this message give any hint that she wished to see him; yet her tone was not unkind, and forgetting all his rancour he wrote with tears in his eyes: ‘Though lovely still as in past years the moonbeams of this night, for me in vain their beauty, since now in shadows of unkindness they are wrapped.’

When he arrived at Fujitsubo’s rooms, he sent word that he had been delayed in the Emperor’s presence. It was an unusually beautiful moonlit night. On nights like this, the old Emperor would call for music. Fujitsubo remembered those dazzling midnight parties. Here were the familiar courtyards, gardens, and rooms, yet this was not the Palace after all! She sent him a poem through her maid Ōmyōbu: ‘Though dark clouds now hide the Palace of the Ninefold Wall, my heart goes to the bright moon¹⁹⁸ that shines high above them.’ Her message gave no hint that she wished to see him. Yet her tone was not unkind. Forgetting all his resentment, he wrote with tears in his eyes: ‘Though tonight’s moonbeams are as lovely as in years past, their beauty is lost on me, now that they are wrapped in shadows of unkindness.’

She was to leave the Palace at dawn and was much preoccupied with the young prince her son. In her anxiety for his future she overwhelmed him with warnings and instructions. The child understood but little of what she was saying, and seeing that his attention had wandered, she felt more than ever that he was of no age to shift for himself. He usually went to bed very early, but on this occasion he had asked to sit up till his mother started. It was evident that he was very much upset by her departure, but he was very brave about it, and this made her feel more than ever remorseful at leaving him.

She was to leave the Palace at dawn, and her thoughts were full of her young son, the prince. Worried about his future, she overwhelmed him with warnings and instructions. The child understood very little of what she said. When she saw his attention wander, she felt more than ever that he was too young to manage on his own. He usually went to bed very early, but this time he had asked to stay up until his mother left. He was clearly very upset about her departure, but he was brave about it. His bravery made her feel even more remorseful about leaving him.

Genji could not banish from his mind the thought of Tō no Bēn’s insolent behaviour. It spoilt all his enjoyment in life and for a long while he wrote to no one, not even to Oborozuki. The autumn rains set in and still no word came from him. She began to wonder what could be amiss, and at last sent him the poem: ‘While leaf by leaf autumn has stripped the trees, all this long windy while have I in sadness waited for the news that did not come.’ Doubtless it had cost her some trouble to communicate with him in secret; moreover the poem itself was not at all displeasing. Genji detained the messenger, and going to his desk opened the drawer where he kept his Chinese writing-paper and chose the prettiest piece he could find. Mending his pen with the greatest care, he indited a note so elegant even in its outside appearance that on its arrival there was quite a stir among the ladies who were at her side. Who could be the sender of such a missive? Significant glances were exchanged. ‘I have for some while, for reasons about which it would be useless to speak, been in the last depths of depression.’ So he wrote and to this he added the poem: ‘Why, think you, fell the rains of autumn yet faster than of yore? It was my tears that swelled them, my tears because we could not meet.’ He told her too that if the path of their friendship were but clear, he should soon forget the rain and his depression and all that was amiss in the world. He took much pains with this letter. There were several other people who had written to complain of his neglect, but though he sent them all encouraging replies there were some of them about whom he did not feel very strongly one way or the other.

Genji could not stop thinking about Tō no Bēn’s insolent behavior. It spoiled all his enjoyment of life. For a long time, he wrote to no one, not even to Oborozuki. The autumn rains began, and still she heard nothing from him. She began to wonder what was wrong. At last she sent him a poem: ‘Leaf by leaf, autumn has stripped the trees. Through all these long, windy days, I have sadly waited for news that never came.’ It must have taken her some trouble to contact him in secret. Besides, the poem itself was quite pleasing. Genji asked the messenger to wait. He went to his desk and opened the drawer where he kept his Chinese writing paper. He chose the prettiest piece he could find and carefully trimmed his pen. He wrote a note that looked so elegant it caused a stir among the ladies with Oborozuki when it arrived. Who could have sent such a letter? They exchanged knowing glances. ‘I have been deeply depressed for some time, for reasons it would be useless to discuss.’ He added a poem: ‘Why, do you think, did the autumn rains fall faster than ever? My tears swelled them, my tears because we could not meet.’ He also told her that if nothing stood in the way of their friendship, he would soon forget the rain. He would forget his depression and everything else that was wrong with the world. He took great care over the letter. Several other people had written to complain that he had neglected them. He sent them all encouraging replies, though he did not feel very strongly one way or the other about some of them.

On the anniversary of the Emperor’s death, in addition to the usual ceremonies, he caused the Service of the Eight Recitals¹⁹⁹ to be celebrated with particular magnificence. The day of national mourning was the first of the eleventh month. A heavy snow was falling. He sent to Fujitsubo the poem: ‘Though once again the time of his departure has come back, not yet dare hope we for the day when we shall meet.’²⁰⁰ It happened that on that day she felt in utter despair, seeing no hope of happiness on any side. She answered: ‘Though sad to have outlived him for so long, yet in this day’s return found I some peace; it was as though the world again were in his rule.’

On the anniversary of the Emperor’s death, he arranged the usual ceremonies. He also had the Service of the Eight Recitals¹⁹⁹ celebrated with special splendor. The national day of mourning fell on the first day of the eleventh month. Heavy snow was falling. He sent Fujitsubo a poem: ‘Though the anniversary of his departure has come again, we still cannot hope for the day when we shall meet.’²⁰⁰ That day, she felt utterly despairing, seeing no hope of happiness anywhere. She replied: ‘Though I am sad to have outlived him so long, I found some peace in this day’s return. It was as though he ruled the world again.’

It was not written with very great display of penmanship, but there was (or Genji fancied that there was) a peculiar distinction and refinement in the writing. It was not quite in the fashion of the moment; but that did not matter, for she had a style that was completely of her own invention.

The handwriting was not especially showy. But it had a distinctive elegance and refinement, or so Genji imagined. It was not quite in the current fashion, but that did not matter. Her style was entirely her own invention.

But this, he remembered, was the day of the great masses for his father’s soul. He must put Fujitsubo out of his thoughts; and wet through by the perpetual downpour of rainy snow, he played his part in the elaborate rituals and processions.

But he remembered that this was the day of the great masses for his father’s soul. He had to put Fujitsubo out of his thoughts. Soaked by the constant rain and snow, he took part in the elaborate rituals and processions.

The Service of the Eight Recitals was to be celebrated in Fujitsubo’s house on the tenth of the twelfth month and the four succeeding days. She was at great pains to render the ceremony as impressive as possible. The tents to be used on each of the five days were wound on rods of ivory; they were backed with thin silk and laid in cases of woven bamboo. All was ordered with a splendour such as had seldom been seen before. But under her management even the most trivial daily arrangements became invested with a singular beauty and completeness. It did not therefore surprise Genji that the Recitals were carried out with unequalled impressiveness and dignity. The adornments of the Buddha, the coverings of the flower-altars, all were of a beauty that made him dream he was indeed a dweller in Amida’s Land of Bliss.

The Service of the Eight Recitals was to be held at Fujitsubo’s house. It would begin on the tenth day of the twelfth month and continue for four more days. She took great care to make the ceremony as impressive as possible. The tents for each of the five days were rolled onto ivory rods. They were lined with thin silk and stored in woven bamboo cases. Everything was arranged with a splendor that had seldom been seen before. But under her care, even the smallest daily arrangements took on a special beauty and completeness. Genji was therefore not surprised that the Recitals were conducted with unmatched dignity and grandeur. The Buddha’s decorations and the coverings on the flower altars were so beautiful that he dreamed he was living in Amida’s Land of Bliss.

The first day’s Recital was dedicated to the memory of her father;²⁰¹ the next was on behalf of her mother, the deceased Empress; the third day was in memory of her husband, the late ex-Emperor. It is on this day that the fifth book is read; despite the disapproval of Kōkiden and her flatterers, the ceremony was attended by the greater part of those about the Court. The readers of this third day had been chosen with especial care, and when they came to the passage: ‘Then he gathered sticks for firewood and plucked wild berries and the fruit of the mountains and trees,’ the words that all had heard so many times before took on a strange significance. It fell to the lot of the dead man’s sons to officiate at the altar, circling it with gold and silver dishes held aloft in their hands, and these dishes piled high with offerings of many kinds. This rite was performed by Genji with a grace and deftness that was not equalled by any of his companions. You will say that I have noted this superiority many times before; that is true, and I can only plead in excuse that people were actually struck by it afresh each time they saw him.

The first day’s Recital was dedicated to the memory of her father.²⁰¹ The next was held for her mother, the deceased Empress. The third day was in memory of her husband, the late ex-Emperor. The fifth book is read on the third day. Despite the disapproval of Kōkiden and her flatterers, most of those at Court attended the ceremony. The readers for this day had been chosen with special care. When they came to the passage, ‘Then he gathered sticks for firewood and picked wild berries and fruit from the mountains and trees,’ the familiar words took on a strange meaning. The dead man’s sons were chosen to serve at the altar. They circled it, holding gold and silver dishes high in their hands. The dishes were piled high with offerings of many kinds. Genji performed this rite with a grace and skill none of his companions could match. You will say that I have mentioned his superiority many times before. That is true. I can only plead that people really were struck by it anew every time they saw him.

The last day’s Recital was on behalf of her own salvation. To the astonishment of all present it was announced that she herself wished to take this opportunity of abandoning the world, and had desired the clergy to intimate her renunciation to the Lord Buddha. It may well be imagined with what consternation both Prince Hyōbukyō her brother and Genji himself received this utterly unexpected announcement. It was made in the middle of the service, and Hyōbukyō, without waiting for the Recital to end, left his seat and went at once to her side. But all his pleading was in vain. At the end of the service she sent for the Head of the Tendai Sect²⁰² and told him that she was ready to receive the Rules forthwith. Her uncle the High Priest of Yogawa thereupon ascended the daïs and shaved her head. A murmur of horror ran through the hall; there was a sound of sobbing. There is something strangely moving in the spectacle of such a renunciation, even when some decrepit old woman decides at last that it is time to take her vows. But here a lady in the prime of her beauty, who till now had given the world no inkling of her intention, was suddenly casting herself away. Her brother found himself weeping with the rest; and even strangers who had come merely for the sake of the service felt, under the spell of the reader’s solemn voice and of this sudden declaration, that a personal calamity had befallen them. The sons of the late Emperor who remembered her proud bearing at their Father’s Court were particularly distressed, and all of them intimated their regret at the step which she had taken. Only Genji stood rooted to the spot in speechless horror and dismay. At last he realized that his behaviour must be attracting attention, and when all the princes had left her he made his way to her daïs.

The final day’s Recital was for her own salvation. To everyone’s astonishment, it was announced that she wished to take this opportunity to leave the world. She had asked the clergy to tell the Lord Buddha of her renunciation. One can imagine the shock with which her brother, Prince Hyōbukyō, and Genji received this completely unexpected news. The announcement came in the middle of the service. Without waiting for the Recital to end, Hyōbukyō left his seat and went straight to her side. But all his pleading was in vain. At the end of the service, she sent for the Head of the Tendai Sect²⁰². She told him she was ready to receive the Rules at once. Her uncle, the High Priest of Yogawa, then climbed onto the platform and shaved her head. A murmur of horror ran through the hall, and people began to sob. There is something strangely moving about such a renunciation, even when a frail old woman finally decides to take her vows. But here was a woman in the prime of her beauty, suddenly casting herself away. Until now, she had given the world no hint of her intention. Her brother found himself weeping with everyone else. Even strangers who had come only for the service felt as if a personal tragedy had struck them. They were caught up in the reader’s solemn voice and her sudden declaration. The sons of the late Emperor were especially distressed. They remembered her proud bearing at their Father’s Court, and all expressed regret at the step she had taken. Only Genji stood rooted to the spot, speechless with horror and dismay. At last, he realized that his behavior must be attracting attention. When all the princes had left her, he made his way to her platform.

Most of the people had cleared off and only a few ladies-in-waiting, all of them on the verge of tears, sat here and there in small disconsolate groups. An unclouded moon heightened the sparkling radiance of the fresh snow which lay around the house. Old memories crowded to his mind and for a moment he feared that he would break down. But at last controlling himself he said very quietly ‘What made you suddenly decide to do this?’ ‘I have been meaning to for a long while, but so many things were happening and I had not time to think about it quietly....’ He was standing outside her curtains-of-state. This answer was not spoken directly to him, but was brought by Ōmyōbu, her maid. Within the curtains he knew that her favourites were gathered round her. He could hear a faint, reiterated rustling, as though a company of silent mourners were swaying in inconsolable grief. How well he understood their utter despair! From the hanging incense-burner behind her curtain-of-state there rose a heavy perfume of kurobo,²⁰³ carried through the room by the fierce snow-wind which had blown since dusk; and with it mingled a faint remnant of the holy incense which the priests had that day been burning in the house. Add to this the princely scent which Genji wore and you may well imagine that the night air was fragrant as the winds of Paradise.

Most of the people had left. Only a few ladies-in-waiting sat in small, unhappy groups here and there, all on the verge of tears. A clear moon made the fresh snow around the house sparkle even more brightly. Old memories crowded into his mind, and for a moment he feared he would break down. But at last he controlled himself and said very quietly, ‘What made you suddenly decide to do this?’ ‘I have been meaning to for a long time, but so many things were happening. I had no time to think about it quietly....’ He was standing outside her curtains-of-state. She did not answer him directly. Her maid, Ōmyōbu, brought him the answer. He knew that her favorites were gathered around her inside the curtains. He could hear a faint, repeated rustling. It sounded as if a group of silent mourners were swaying in helpless grief. How well he understood their utter despair! A heavy scent of kurobo²⁰³ rose from the hanging incense burner behind her curtain-of-state. The fierce snow wind that had blown since dusk carried the scent through the room. It mingled with a faint trace of the holy incense the priests had burned in the house that day. Add to this the princely scent Genji wore, and you can imagine how fragrant the night air was, like the winds of Paradise.

A messenger came from the Heir Apparent’s household. There rose before her mind the memory of the child’s pretty speeches and ways, that last morning in the Palace. It was more than she could bear, and lest she should break down altogether she left the message unanswered. Seeing the messenger go away empty-handed, Genji wrote a few words on her behalf. It was now time for him to take his leave; but both he and she were in a state of agitation which they could barely control, and he dared not utter the thoughts that were at that moment passing through his mind. Through Ōmyōbu he sent her this poem: ‘Though fain I too would seek that stainless tract whither the moon has climbed, yet how unguided in the darkness should those small feet not go astray?’²⁰⁴ He spoke of his regret at the step she had taken, but only in formal terms, for he knew that she was not alone. Of the tumultuous thoughts which surged through his brain there was not one to which he could at such a time give vent. And answer came: ‘Though now upon life and all its sorrow I have looked my last, yet are there certain earthly things I shall not soon forget....’ ‘The stain of the world clings fast to me....’ This and much else was in the answer; but he guessed that a great part of it had been supplied by those who were about her.

A messenger came from the Heir Apparent’s household. She remembered the child’s sweet words and ways on that last morning in the Palace. It was more than she could bear. Afraid she would break down completely, she left the message unanswered. When Genji saw the messenger leave empty-handed, he wrote a few words on her behalf. It was time for him to leave. But they were both so upset that they could barely control themselves. He dared not speak the thoughts that were passing through his mind. Through Ōmyōbu he sent her this poem: ‘Though I too long to follow the moon to that spotless place, how could those small feet find their way in the dark without a guide?’²⁰⁴ He spoke of his regret at the step she had taken, but only formally, because he knew she was not alone. He could not give voice to any of the turbulent thoughts rushing through his mind at such a time. Her answer came: ‘Though I have now looked my last upon life and all its sorrow, there are earthly things I shall not soon forget....’ ‘The stain of the world clings fast to me....’ Her answer included this and much else, but he guessed that much of it had been supplied by those around her.

There was no more to be done, and heavy at heart he left the house. At the Nijō-in he lay alone upon his bed, never once closing his eyes. He was now firmly convinced that if it were not for his duty to Fujitsubo’s son he would certainly retire from the world. The late Emperor had hoped that by investing Lady Fujitsubo with definite public rank he would assure the boy’s future. But now, by becoming a nun, she had upset all his calculations; for it was almost certain that she would not continue to hold her present position in the State. Were Genji also now to desert the child, what would become of him? These were the thoughts that still perplexed him when morning came. He remembered that Fujitsubo would now have to provide herself with such articles as appertain to a nun’s life. In this matter at least he could assist her, and he hastened to send to her palace before the end of the year a suitable provision of rosaries, prayer-desks and the like. He heard that Ōmyōbu also had renounced the world that she might keep her mistress company, and to this gentlewoman he sent a message of affectionate condolence. In this letter he touched on many incidents of their common past, and a correspondence ensued, of such length that it would not be possible to record it. As was natural on so affecting an occasion many poems were exchanged between them, and as these were of considerable merit I regret that they must be omitted.

There was nothing more he could do, so he left the house with a heavy heart. At the Nijō-in, he lay alone in bed without closing his eyes once. He was now certain that, if not for his duty to Fujitsubo’s son, he would withdraw from the world. The late Emperor had hoped to secure the boy’s future by giving Lady Fujitsubo an official public rank. But by becoming a nun, she had upset all his plans. She would almost certainly not keep her present position in the State. If Genji also abandoned the child, what would become of him? These thoughts still troubled him when morning came. He remembered that Fujitsubo would now need the things required for a nun’s life. At least he could help her with that. Before the end of the year, he hurried to send her palace a suitable supply of rosaries, prayer desks, and similar items. He heard that Ōmyōbu, too, had renounced the world to keep her mistress company. He sent her an affectionate message of sympathy. In his letter, he recalled many events from their shared past. They went on to exchange letters, but their correspondence was too long to record here. As was natural on such a moving occasion, they exchanged many poems. The poems were very fine, and I regret that they must be left out.

Now that Fujitsubo had definitely embraced the religious life she felt that there was less impropriety in her receiving him, and on several occasions she no longer conversed through an intermediary, but actually admitted him to her presence. His feelings towards her were absolutely unchanged, but now that there could be no question of intimacy between them he could face her with some degree of tranquillity.

Now that Fujitsubo had fully committed herself to religious life, she felt it was less improper to receive him. On several occasions, she no longer spoke to him through an intermediary but admitted him into her presence. His feelings for her had not changed at all. But now that intimacy between them was out of the question, he could face her with some calm.

The close of that year ended the period of Court mourning, and the New Year was celebrated at the Palace with the usual festivities, including the Imperial Banquet and the Dance Songs.²⁰⁵ But of these things no echo reached Fujitsubo’s house. Day after day was spent in prayers, penances and meditations on the life to come, and he who had been at once her comfort and despair no longer found any place in her thoughts. She continued to use the old palace-chapel for her daily observances; but for the celebration of more elaborate rites she built a new chapel in front of the west wing, but at some distance from the house.

At the end of that year, the period of Court mourning came to an end. The New Year was celebrated at the Palace with the usual festivities, including the Imperial Banquet and the Dance Songs.²⁰⁵ But no echo of these celebrations reached Fujitsubo’s house. She spent her days in prayer, penance, and meditation on the life to come. The man who had been both her comfort and her despair no longer entered her thoughts. She continued to use the old palace chapel for her daily devotions. But for more elaborate rites, she built a new chapel in front of the west wing, some distance from the house.

He visited her on New Year’s Day. Nowhere was there a sign of renewal or rejoicing. The house was very quiet and seemed almost deserted. Here and there stood a few of her most devoted retainers, looking (or was it only his fancy?) very downcast and depressed. Of the usual New Year offerings from the Palace only the white horse²⁰⁶ had this year arrived. The gentlewomen of the house could not but remember how at this season in former years princes and courtiers had thronged these halls. Now they drove straight past, making one and all for the great palace in the next Ward.²⁰⁷

He visited her on New Year’s Day. There was no sign of renewal or celebration anywhere. The house was very quiet and seemed almost deserted. A few of her most devoted attendants stood here and there. They looked very downcast and depressed, though perhaps he only imagined it. Of the usual New Year gifts from the Palace, only the white horse²⁰⁶ had arrived that year. The women of the house remembered how princes and courtiers had crowded these halls at this time in past years. Now they all drove straight past, heading for the great palace in the next Ward.²⁰⁷

This was under the circumstances perfectly natural and Fujitsubo had fully expected it. Yet when it happened she became very depressed. But now the arrival of one whom she would not have exchanged for a thousand visitors put all this chagrin out of her head.

Under the circumstances, this was perfectly natural, and Fujitsubo had expected it. Yet when it happened, she became very depressed. But then a visitor arrived whom she would not have traded for a thousand others. The arrival put all her disappointment out of her mind.

So great were the changes that had taken place since he was last in her room that for a while he could do nothing but stare about him in bewilderment.

So much had changed since he was last in her room that he could only stare around in confusion for a while.

The canopy of her daïs and the hangings of her screen-of-state were now of dark blue; here and there behind the curtains he caught a glimpse of light grey and jasmine-coloured sleeves. The effect was not displeasing and he would gladly have studied it more closely.

The canopy over her raised platform and the curtains on her screen were now dark blue. Here and there, he glimpsed light gray and jasmine-colored sleeves behind the curtains. The effect was pleasing enough, and he would gladly have looked more closely.

The ice on the lake was just beginning to break up. The willows on the banks showed a faint tinge of green; they at least remembered that a new season had begun. These and other portents of the approaching spring he watched till it grew dark. From behind the curtains Fujitsubo gazed at him as he sat singing softly to himself the song: ‘Happy the fisher-folk²⁰⁸ that dwell ...’; she thought that in all the world there could be no one so beautiful.

The ice on the lake was just beginning to break up. The willows along the banks showed a faint touch of green. At least they remembered that a new season had begun. He watched these and other signs of approaching spring until it grew dark. From behind the curtains, Fujitsubo watched him sit and sing softly to himself: ‘Happy the fisher-folk²⁰⁸ that dwell ...’ She thought there could be no one so beautiful in all the world.

She remained all the while behind her curtains, but a great part of the room was taken up by images and altars, so that she was obliged to let him sit very near the daïs and he did not feel wholly cut off from her.

She stayed behind her curtains the whole time. But images and altars took up much of the room, so she had to let him sit very close to the raised platform. He did not feel completely cut off from her.

A number of elderly nuns were installed at her side, and fearing lest in their presence his parting words might betray too great an emotion he stole in silence from the room. ‘What a fine gentleman he has grown up to be!’ they exclaimed after Genji’s departure. ‘One might have thought that it would have spoiled him always having things his own way as he did in his Father’s time, and being first in everything. How little can he then have guessed that he would ever come to know the world’s ingratitude! But you can see that he bears his troubles manfully, though there is a graver look in his face now than there was in the old days. Poor gentleman, it makes one’s heart bleed to see him so sad!’ So the old ladies whispered together, shaking their heads and calling blessings upon him, while to Fujitsubo herself came many painful recollections.

Several elderly nuns had been placed at her side. Genji feared that his parting words might reveal too much emotion in their presence, so he slipped silently from the room. ‘What a fine gentleman he has grown up to be!’ they exclaimed after he left. ‘You might have thought he would be spoiled. In his Father’s time, he always had his own way and was first in everything. How little he could have guessed that he would ever experience the world’s ingratitude! But you can see that he bears his troubles bravely, though he looks more serious now than he did then. Poor gentleman, it breaks your heart to see him so sad!’ The old ladies whispered together, shaking their heads and blessing him, while many painful memories came back to Fujitsubo.

It was the time when the yearly distribution of honours took place. Fujitsubo’s kinsmen and retainers were entirely passed over. This was quite natural and she did not resent it; but she noticed that even the usual bounties were withheld, and promotions which had always been taken as a matter of course were in many cases not granted. There was a great deal of disappointment and annoyance. Moreover on the ground that she would shortly have to give up her official rank and would not then be able to maintain so large an establishment,²⁰⁹ many other changes and readjustments were made.

It was time for the yearly distribution of honors. Fujitsubo’s relatives and retainers were passed over entirely. This was only natural, and she did not resent it. But she noticed that even the usual gifts were withheld. In many cases, promotions that had always been taken for granted were not granted. There was a great deal of disappointment and annoyance. Many other changes and adjustments were also made. The reason given was that she would soon have to give up her official rank. She would then be unable to maintain such a large household.²⁰⁹

All this she had expected. It was indeed the inevitable consequence of her retirement from secular life; but when she saw her former pensioners and retainers going about with dismal faces and in many instances left without proper support, she was very much upset. But above all her thoughts were centred on one persistent desire; that, even though she herself should come to utter ruin, the Heir Apparent might in due course come peacefully to the Throne, and it was to this end that she caused perpetual services to be celebrated in the chapel attached to her house.

She had expected all this. It was the inevitable result of her withdrawal from worldly life. But she was deeply upset to see her former dependents and attendants looking miserable. Many of them had been left without proper support. Above all, one wish remained foremost in her thoughts. Even if she herself came to utter ruin, she hoped the Heir Apparent would one day come peacefully to the throne. To that end, she arranged for services to be held continually in the chapel attached to her house.

To what secret peril was the young prince’s life exposed? Those who were called upon to officiate at these incessant litanies could themselves form no conjecture. But her own prayers were more explicit. Again and again she called upon the Buddha to save the young prince from the ruin which would immediately overtake him should the true story of his birth be known; and she prayed with all her heart that, if retribution must needs come, it might fall upon herself rather than upon the child. These prayers had at least the effect of bringing her to a calmer state of mind. Genji, for his part, regarded them as by no means superfluous.

What secret danger threatened the young prince’s life? Even those called upon to lead these endless prayers could not guess. But her own prayers were more specific. Again and again, she begged the Buddha to save the young prince. If the truth about his birth became known, he would be ruined at once. She prayed with all her heart that, if punishment had to come, it would fall on her rather than the child. At least these prayers helped to calm her. Genji, for his part, did not consider them unnecessary.

His own servants and retainers had in the recent distribution of honours fared little better than hers and were in very ill humour. Thoroughly discontented with the march of public affairs both they and their master henceforward appeared but seldom at Court. About this time the Minister of the Left decided to send in his resignation. The changes in his home as well as the decline of his own political influence had recently told very much upon his spirit and he no longer felt equal to his charge. The Emperor remembered the unbounded confidence which his father had placed in this Minister’s sagacity, and how in his last hours the old Emperor had said that to dispense with such a man’s counsel must needs endanger the security of the Throne. He was therefore very reluctant to give this resignation effect and for a while attempted to ignore it. But the Minister stuck to his point and, though his retirement had not been formally accepted, no longer appeared at Court.

His own servants and retainers had received little more recognition than hers in the recent distribution of honors. They were in very bad spirits. Deeply unhappy with the way public affairs were going, they and their master rarely appeared at Court after that. Around this time, the Minister of the Left decided to resign. Changes in his home and the decline of his political influence had recently weighed heavily on him. He no longer felt able to carry out his duties. The Emperor remembered the complete trust his father had placed in the Minister’s wisdom. In his final hours, the old Emperor had said that doing without such a man’s advice would endanger the Throne. The Emperor was therefore very reluctant to accept the resignation and tried for a while to ignore it. But the Minister stood firm. Although his resignation had not been formally accepted, he stopped appearing at Court.

Henceforward the whole government of the country fell into the hands of a single family, that of Kōkiden’s father, the Minister of the Right. The powerful influence of the retired Minister had indeed been the last check upon the complete dominance of this ascendant faction, and his withdrawal from public affairs was regarded with grave apprehension both by the young Emperor himself and by all right-thinking people.

From then on, the entire government fell into the hands of one family: that of Kōkiden’s father, the Minister of the Right. The retired Minister’s powerful influence had been the last restraint on this rising faction’s complete dominance. Both the young Emperor and all right-thinking people viewed the Minister’s withdrawal from public affairs with grave concern.

The late Minister’s sons, who had hitherto enjoyed a consideration in the world somewhat beyond that to which their own abilities would have entitled them, were mortified to discover that they could no longer have everything their own way. The most crestfallen of them all was Tō no Chūjō, who through his connexion²¹⁰ with the family which was now dominant, might have been expected to fare rather better than the rest. Unfortunately he was still on very bad terms with his wife, and his neglect of her had deeply offended the Minister, who no longer received Chūjō as a son-in-law. No doubt as a punishment for his misdemeanour, his name had been altogether omitted from the list of New Year honours and promotions. Such things however did not much interest him and he was not nearly so disappointed as the Minister had hoped. He could indeed hardly expect to enjoy much influence when even Genji’s fortunes were so obviously on the decline, and leaving public business to look after itself he would go off to Genji’s palace, where the two of them spent the time in the study of music and letters. Often they would remind one another of the many absurd exploits in which they had once been rivals; and even in their present quiet pursuits the old rivalry continued. Genji was much occupied with the readings of Holy Scripture which are appointed for spring and autumn, and with the performance of various other annual observances.²¹¹ He also gathered round him a number of scholars who seemed, no doubt owing to the present state of public affairs, to be out of employment, and put them to writing Chinese poems and essays. He also spent many hours in playing literary games such as rhyme-covering and the like. He soon became so interested in these trivial pursuits that for a month on end he never once set foot in the palace. This incivility, together with his enthusiasm for what were considered frivolous and undignified occupations, was commented upon very unfavourably in many quarters.

The late Minister’s sons had enjoyed more respect than their abilities deserved. Now they were dismayed to find that they could no longer have everything their own way. Tō no Chūjō was the most disappointed of them all. His connection²¹⁰ to the family now in power might have led him to expect better treatment than the others. Unfortunately, he was still on very bad terms with his wife. His neglect of her had deeply offended the Minister, who no longer welcomed Chūjō as a son-in-law. No doubt as punishment for his misconduct, Chūjō’s name had been left off the New Year list of honors and promotions altogether. Such things did not interest him much, however. He was far less disappointed than the Minister had hoped. After all, he could hardly expect much influence when even Genji’s fortunes were so clearly declining. He left public affairs to take care of themselves and went to Genji’s palace. There, the two men spent their time studying music and literature. They often reminded each other of the many absurd adventures in which they had once competed. Even in their quiet pursuits now, their old rivalry continued. Genji spent much of his time attending the Holy Scripture readings appointed for spring and autumn, and performing other annual observances.²¹¹ He also gathered scholars who seemed to be out of work, no doubt because of the state of public affairs. He had them write Chinese poems and essays. He also spent many hours playing literary games, such as rhyme-covering and the like. He soon became so absorbed in these trivial pursuits that he did not set foot in the palace for an entire month. Many people spoke very unfavorably of this discourtesy and his enthusiasm for activities they considered frivolous and undignified.

The summer rains had set in, and one day when a steady downpour made other amusements impossible Chūjō arrived at the palace with a great pile of books. Genji too opened his library, and after exploring several cases which had not been unlocked for a long time he produced some very remarkable collections of ancient Chinese poetry. There happened to be with him that day several friends who, though they were not scholars by profession, had a very considerable knowledge of such matters. From among these gentlemen and the learned doctors who were present Genji picked sides, and ranging them to left and right of the room instituted a grand competition with very handsome prizes. In the course of the rhyme-covering contests they came across some most unusual and puzzling rhyme-words, and even well-known scholars were occasionally at a loss. More than once Genji was able to come to their rescue. They were astonished at his knowledge. How, they wondered, did he find time to pick up so many accomplishments? There seemed to be no art or pastime in which he did not show the same marvellous proficiency. The ‘right’ won easily and it fell to Chūjō’s lot to provide the winners with a feast. This took place on the following day. It was not an elaborate affair, but consisted of a collation served in elegant luncheon boxes.

The summer rains had begun. One day, a steady downpour made other amusements impossible, so Chūjō arrived at the palace with a great pile of books. Genji opened his library too. After searching several cases that had not been unlocked for a long time, he brought out some remarkable collections of ancient Chinese poetry. Several friends were with him that day. Though not professional scholars, they knew a great deal about such matters. Genji chose teams from among these friends and the learned scholars present. He arranged them on the left and right sides of the room and held a grand competition, with splendid prizes. During the rhyme-covering contests, they came across some very unusual and puzzling rhyme words. Even well-known scholars were sometimes at a loss. More than once, Genji came to their rescue. They were astonished by his knowledge. How, they wondered, did he find time to learn so many skills? There seemed to be no art or pastime in which he did not show the same marvelous skill. The ‘right’ won easily, and it fell to Chūjō to provide the winners with a feast. It took place the following day. It was not elaborate, but consisted of a light meal served in elegant lunch boxes.

Various prizes were also given and when this was over the doctors of literature were again called upon to divert the company with essays. The rose-trees at the foot of the steps were in full bloom and coming as they did in a somewhat dull season, when the brightness of spring is over and the riot of autumn colours has not yet begun, these flowers gave Genji an especial pleasure.

Various prizes were also given out. Afterward, the scholars of literature were again asked to entertain the company with essays. The rose trees at the foot of the steps were in full bloom. The flowers gave Genji special pleasure because they came in a somewhat dull season. The brightness of spring was over, and the riot of autumn colors had not yet begun.

Chūjō’s son, a little boy of eight or nine who had only that year been introduced at Court, was present that day. He sang well and could play the shō. Genji was very fond of him and they used often to practise together. He was Chūjō’s second son by his wife, the sister of Kōkiden, and as grandson of the all-powerful Minister of the Right he was treated by every one at Court with great deference. But he was also not only handsome but extremely intelligent, and in the present company his performance received so much encouragement that he was soon singing that rather noisy song the Ballad of Takasago, which he got through with great credit and applause. As a reward for this song Genji laid his own cloak on the boy’s shoulders, and as he sat flushed with the excitement of the party and wearing only an unlined shirt of thin gauze that showed the delicate texture of his skin beneath, the old doctors of literature stared at him with delight and amazement from the distant part of the room where they had respectfully taken up their stand; and many of them shed tears of wonder and delight. At the close of the stanza: ‘May I be there where lilies bloom’ Chūjō picked up the wine-bowl and handed it to Genji, reciting as he did so the poem: ‘Not the first rose that but this morning opened on the tree, with thy fair face would I compare.’ Laughing, Genji took the cup and whispered the poem: ‘Their time they knew not, the rose-buds that to-day unclosed. For all their fragrance and their freshness the summer rains have washed away.’ Then Chūjō, who had become somewhat excited, accused Genji of toying with the wine-bowl and forced him to drink what he considered a proper draught.

Chūjō’s son was there that day. He was a little boy of eight or nine who had been introduced at Court only that year. He sang well and could play the shō. Genji was very fond of him, and they often practiced together. The boy was Chūjō’s second son by his wife, Kōkiden’s sister. As the grandson of the all-powerful Minister of the Right, he was treated with great respect by everyone at Court. But he was also handsome and extremely intelligent. The company encouraged his performance so warmly that he soon sang the rather noisy Ballad of Takasago. He sang it very well and won great applause. As a reward for the song, Genji laid his own cloak on the boy’s shoulders. Flushed with the excitement of the party, the boy sat wearing only a thin, unlined gauze shirt. It showed the delicate texture of his skin beneath. The old scholars of literature stared at him with delight and amazement. They had respectfully taken their places at the far end of the room, and many shed tears of wonder and delight. At the end of the stanza, ‘May I be there where lilies bloom’, Chūjō picked up the wine bowl. He handed it to Genji, reciting the poem: ‘Not the first rose that opened on the tree this morning would I compare with your lovely face.’ Laughing, Genji took the cup and whispered the poem: ‘The rosebuds that opened today did not know their time. Despite all their fragrance and freshness, the summer rains have washed them away.’ Then Chūjō, who had grown somewhat excited, accused Genji of playing with the wine bowl. He forced him to drink what he thought was a proper amount.

Much else happened before the banquet closed. But to describe in detail all that was said and done on an occasion such as this would, I think, be very unfair to the persons concerned. I will therefore observe Tsurayuki’s warning and refrain from tiring you with any further particulars. Suffice it to say that the company made a great many poems both in Chinese and Japanese, all of them containing flattering references to their host, and Genji soon began to feel in very good humour with himself. He could not help thinking of the passage in Chinese history where the Duke of Chou boasts that he is ‘the son of King Wen and the brother of King Wu.’ These were very good names and fitted his case exactly. ‘Son of King Wen, brother of King Wu.’ Suddenly, as he murmured these words, he remembered that the Chinese duke had added ‘and uncle of King Ch’ēng.’ But here he was on difficult ground; something seemed to have gone wrong with the parallel. The ‘King Ch’ēng’²¹² of his case, though something more than a nephew, was still a very long way from being a king!

Much else happened before the banquet ended. But I think it would be very unfair to everyone involved to describe everything said and done on such an occasion. So I will follow Tsurayuki’s warning and spare you any further details. The guests wrote many poems in both Chinese and Japanese, all of them flattering their host. Genji soon began to feel very pleased with himself. He could not help thinking of a passage in Chinese history. In it, the Duke of Chou boasts that he is ‘the son of King Wen and the brother of King Wu.’ These were excellent titles, and they suited Genji’s own position exactly. ‘Son of King Wen, brother of King Wu.’ Suddenly, as he murmured these words, he remembered that the Chinese duke had added ‘and uncle of King Ch’ēng.’ But here he was on difficult ground. Something seemed wrong with the comparison. His ‘King Ch’ēng’²¹² was more than a nephew, but he was still a long way from being a king!

Prince Sochi no Miya²¹³ frequently joined these gatherings, and as he was not only a man of taste and fashion but also an excellent performer on various instruments, his presence added greatly to the pleasure of the company.

Prince Sochi no Miya²¹³ often joined these gatherings. He was a man of taste and fashion, and he played several instruments expertly. His presence therefore added greatly to everyone’s enjoyment.

About this time Princess Oborozuki left the Court for a while and went to stay at her father’s house. She had for some time been suffering from slight attacks of malaria and it was thought that she could be treated for this illness more conveniently at her home than amid the bustle of the Court. Priests were summoned and their incantations were at once effective. Among the many people who wrote to congratulate her upon her recovery Genji was naturally one, and as both of them happened for the moment to have a good deal of time on their hands, a correspondence ensued which led in the end to his paying her a somewhat reluctant visit. This was followed by others and he was soon seeing her every night. She was well made, tending even to plumpness, so that the slight pallor and thinness which had ensued from her recent indisposition only enhanced her charm. It happened that at the time Kōkiden was also staying in the house. This made Genji’s visits particularly imprudent, but it was just this added risk which attracted him and induced him to repeat them. It was not of course long before several inmates of the house became aware that something of this kind was going on, but they were too frightened of Kōkiden to say anything to her about it, nor had the Minister of the Right any suspicion whatever.

Around this time, Princess Oborozuki left the Court for a while to stay at her father’s house. She had been suffering from mild attacks of malaria for some time. It was thought that she could be treated more easily at home than amid the bustle of the Court. Priests were called in, and their incantations worked at once. Genji was naturally among the many people who wrote to congratulate her on her recovery. Both happened to have plenty of time on their hands, and they began exchanging letters. Eventually, Genji paid her a somewhat reluctant visit. More visits followed, and soon he was seeing her every night. She had a well-shaped figure and tended toward plumpness. The slight paleness and thinness caused by her recent illness only made her more charming. Kōkiden also happened to be staying in the house at the time. This made Genji’s visits especially unwise, but the added risk was exactly what attracted him and led him to return. Before long, several people in the house knew that something of the kind was going on. But they were too frightened of Kōkiden to tell her, and the Minister of the Right suspected nothing at all.

One night when Genji was with her a violent storm suddenly came on. The rain fell in such torrential floods as to be quite alarming and just after midnight tremendous crashes of thunder began. Soon the whole place was astir. The young princes and Kōkiden’s gentlemen-in-attendance seemed to be wandering all over the house, while the ladies-in-waiting, terrified by the thunderstorm, were clinging to one another hysterically in the passage just outside. There were people everywhere and Genji began to wonder how he was ever going to escape.

One night, while Genji was with her, a violent storm suddenly broke out. The rain fell in alarming torrents, and just after midnight, tremendous crashes of thunder began. Soon everyone in the house was awake and moving about. The young princes and Kōkiden’s attendants seemed to be wandering all over the house. In the passage just outside, the ladies-in-waiting clung to one another hysterically, terrified by the thunderstorm. There were people everywhere, and Genji began to wonder how he would ever escape.

It was now broad daylight. Oborozuki’s maids had entered the room and seemed to be crowding round the great curtained bed. Genji was appalled by the situation. Among these ladies there were two who knew the secret, but they quite lost their heads in this emergency and were unable to be of any use. The thunderstorm was over and the rain was now less violent. The Minister was now up and about. He first paid his elder daughter a visit, and then, just at a moment when the rain was falling rather heavily, stepped lightly and briskly into Oborozuki’s room. The rain was making such a noise that they did not hear him and it was not till a hand was thrust through the bed-curtains that they realized what had happened. ‘We have had a very bad thunderstorm,’ he said, pulling the curtain slightly aside as he spoke. ‘I thought of you in the night and had half a mind to come round and see how you were getting on, but somehow or other I didn’t. Your brothers were on duty at the Palace last night. Just fancy....’ So he went on, speaking in an excited inconsequent manner which, even in his present quandary, Genji could not help contrasting with the gravity and good-sense of that other Minister, Aoi’s father, and he smiled to himself. Really if he had so much to say he had better come right inside and have done with it. Oborozuki, determined to screen her lover if she could, now crept to the edge of the bed and issued cautiously from between the curtains. Her face was so flushed and she looked so very ill at ease that her father was quite alarmed. ‘What have you been doing?’ he said, ‘you are not looking at all well. I am afraid we stopped the treatment too soon. These attacks are very troublesome to get rid of....’ As he spoke his eye suddenly fell upon a man’s pale violet-coloured belt that had got mixed up with her clothes, and at the same time he noticed a piece of paper with writing upon it lying near the bed. How did these things come to be in his daughter’s room? ‘Whose is this?’ he asked, pointing at the paper. ‘I think you had better give it to me; it may be something important. I shall probably know the writing.’ She looked where he was pointing. Yes, there was Genji’s paper lying conspicuously upon the floor. Were there no means of heading her father away from it? She could think of none and did not attempt to answer his question. It was evident that she was acutely embarrassed, and even though she was his own child he ought to have remembered that she was now a lady of some consequence, whose feelings, however reprehensible might be her conduct, he was bound in some measure to respect. Unfortunately there was not in his nature a particle either of moderation or restraint. He stooped to pick up the paper, and as he did so, without the slightest hesitation or compunction he opened the bed-curtains and peered right in. There full length upon the bed and apparently quite at his ease lolled a charming young man, who when the curtain stirred merely rolled quietly over and hid his face in the pillows. Enraged, astonished as the Minister was, even he had not quite the courage to press the discovery home. Blind with fury he thrust the paper into his pocket and rushed out of the room.

It was now broad daylight. Oborozuki’s maids had entered the room and seemed to be gathering around the large curtained bed. Genji was horrified by the situation. Two of the women knew the secret, but they panicked and could not help him. The thunderstorm was over, and the rain was less violent. The Minister was now up and about. He first visited his elder daughter. Then, just as the rain was falling rather heavily, he stepped lightly and briskly into Oborozuki’s room. The rain was so loud that they did not hear him. They realized what had happened only when a hand reached through the bed curtains. ‘We have had a very bad thunderstorm,’ he said, pulling the curtain slightly aside. ‘I thought of you in the night and almost came to see how you were getting on, but somehow I didn’t. Your brothers were on duty at the Palace last night. Just imagine....’ He continued talking in this excited, rambling way. Even in his predicament, Genji could not help comparing him with Aoi’s father, the other Minister, who was serious and sensible. He smiled to himself. Really, if the Minister had so much to say, he might as well come all the way inside and be done with it. Determined to hide her lover if she could, Oborozuki crept to the edge of the bed and cautiously emerged from between the curtains. Her face was so flushed, and she looked so uneasy, that her father was alarmed. ‘What have you been doing?’ he said. ‘You don’t look at all well. I’m afraid we stopped the treatment too soon. These attacks are very hard to get rid of....’ As he spoke, he suddenly noticed a man’s pale violet belt mixed in with her clothes. At the same time, he saw a piece of paper with writing on it lying near the bed. How had these things come to be in his daughter’s room? ‘Whose is this?’ he asked, pointing at the paper. ‘I think you had better give it to me. It may be something important. I shall probably recognize the handwriting.’ She looked where he was pointing. Yes, there was Genji’s paper, lying in plain sight on the floor. Was there any way to distract her father from it? She could think of none and did not try to answer his question. She was clearly deeply embarrassed. Even though she was his own child, he should have remembered that she was now a lady of some importance. However blameworthy her conduct might be, he was obliged to show some respect for her feelings. Unfortunately, there was not a trace of moderation or restraint in his nature. He bent to pick up the paper. As he did so, he opened the bed curtains and looked straight inside, without the slightest hesitation or remorse. There, stretched out on the bed and apparently quite comfortable, lounged a charming young man. When the curtain moved, he merely rolled over quietly and hid his face in the pillows. Angry and astonished as the Minister was, even he lacked the courage to pursue the discovery. Blind with fury, he thrust the paper into his pocket and rushed out of the room.

Genji was indeed extremely concerned about the consequences of this incident, coming as it did in the wake of so many other indiscretions. But his first care was to comfort his companion, which he did as best he could.

Genji was very worried about the consequences of this incident, especially since it followed so many other indiscretions. But his first concern was to comfort his companion, and he did so as best he could.

Self-restraint had never been a characteristic of the lady’s father and now that he was getting old he found it more than ever impossible to keep anything to himself. It was therefore only to be expected that without considering the consequences or turning the matter over in his mind for a single moment, he went and told the whole story to his daughter Kōkiden.

The lady’s father had never been one to hold back. As he grew older, he found it even harder to keep anything to himself. So it was only to be expected that he would tell his daughter Kōkiden the whole story. He did so without considering the consequences or giving the matter a moment’s thought.

‘Well there it is,’ he wound up, ‘and you will not be surprised to hear that the handwriting was that of no less a person than Prince Genji! Of course I know quite well that this affair has been going on for a long time. A good deal of licence is allowed to people in his position and unfortunately I was weak-minded enough to let the matter pass. Then came the death of his wife, and it seemed certain that he would now legitimize his relations with your sister. Instead of doing so he suddenly abandoned her in the most heartless and disgraceful fashion. I was very uneasy about what had happened, but there was nothing to do except to make the best of a bad business, and I sent her to Court, fully trusting that His Majesty would not regard this one escapade as a fatal objection. Unfortunately he looked upon her as still more or less betrothed to Genji and left her severely alone. One would have thought she had suffered enough already! It is really disgusting, after what has happened, that he should have the face to start the thing all over again. You may say that a young man is bound to have his fling; but this Prince Genji goes a great deal too far. I hear that he has been behaving very badly with the Vestal Virgin of Kamo, carrying on a secret correspondence with her, and according to some people going a good deal further than that. If he has no respect for her holy calling he might at least realize that this kind of thing does his own reputation no good. How anyone holding an important and responsible position in the State can bring himself to behave in this way I simply cannot imagine....’ Kōkiden had always detested Genji and she now burst out angrily: ‘They call him their Emperor, but from the very beginning they have gone out of their way to heap every sort of indignity upon him. Even before he came to the Throne they had already begun to treat him abominably. Remember how the Minister of the Left behaved about the marriage of his cherished only daughter! He insisted forsooth in giving her to this wretched Prince Genji instead of to my son, though my boy was older and had already been proclaimed Heir Apparent, while Genji did not count as a member of the royal family at all and was so young that the wedding took place on the same day as his Initiation! We too, you may remember, were planning to give my sister to Genji when we were outwitted by this hasty wedding, of which till the last minute no one was given the slightest intimation. Every one was indeed astonished that we should allow ourselves to be tricked in this unscrupulous fashion. We should all much have preferred to see her married to this young man, but when that fell through there was nothing for it but to do the best we could for her at Court. It is really extraordinary that after all the painful experiences she has had with this wretch she should still imagine she can make a permanent conquest of him. I have no doubt he is treating the Vestal Virgin in just the same way; and his behaviour in this matter, as indeed in many others, is causing His Majesty the greatest anxiety; which is not to be wondered at, seeing that the heir to the Throne is entirely in this Prince Genji’s hands.’

‘Well, there it is,’ he concluded. ‘You won’t be surprised to hear that the handwriting belonged to none other than Prince Genji! Of course, I know this affair has been going on for a long time. People in his position are allowed considerable freedom, and unfortunately I was weak enough to let it pass. Then his wife died, and it seemed certain that he would now make his relationship with your sister official. Instead, he suddenly abandoned her in the most heartless and disgraceful way. I was very troubled by what had happened, but there was nothing to do except make the best of it. So I sent her to Court, fully trusting that His Majesty would not hold this one indiscretion against her. Unfortunately, he still regarded her as more or less promised to Genji and kept completely away from her. You would think she had suffered enough already! After what happened, it is disgusting that Genji should have the nerve to start it all over again. You may say that a young man is bound to have his fun, but Prince Genji goes much too far. I hear that he has been behaving very badly with the Vestal Virgin of Kamo. He has been exchanging secret letters with her, and some say he has gone much further. If he has no respect for her sacred calling, he might at least realize that this does his own reputation no good. I simply cannot imagine how anyone in an important and responsible position in the State can behave this way....’ Kōkiden had always hated Genji, and she now burst out angrily: ‘They call him their Emperor, but from the very beginning they have gone out of their way to heap every kind of insult on him. Even before he came to the Throne, they had begun to treat him terribly. Remember how the Minister of the Left behaved over the marriage of his beloved only daughter! He insisted on giving her to that wretched Prince Genji instead of my son. Yet my boy was older and had already been named Heir Apparent. Genji was not even counted as a member of the royal family. He was so young that the wedding took place on the same day as his Initiation! You may remember that we too had planned to give my sister to Genji. But we were outwitted by that hasty wedding, which no one had the slightest hint of until the last minute. Everyone was astonished that we had let ourselves be tricked so unscrupulously. We would all have much preferred to see her married to this young man. But when that fell through, we had no choice but to do the best we could for her at Court. After all the pain this wretch has caused her, it is extraordinary that she still thinks she can win him for good. I have no doubt he is treating the Vestal Virgin in just the same way. His behavior in this matter, as in many others, is causing His Majesty great anxiety. That is hardly surprising, since the heir to the Throne is entirely in Prince Genji’s hands.’

She went on in this strain for so long and with so much rancour that her father, who never remained angry for more than a short time, soon began to sympathize with Genji rather than with her and was sorry that he had mentioned the matter at all. ‘I think that for the present,’ he said, ‘you had better not speak of this to anyone, not even to His Majesty your son. Prince Genji’s conduct is certainly outrageous; but you are very fond of your sister and you cannot denounce him without getting her too into trouble. Leave the matter to me. I intend to speak to her very seriously, and if this has no effect, then we shall have done our best and she must take the consequences.’ But it was too late to mend matters; she was indeed only further exasperated by his attempt to conciliate her. That Genji should have been carrying on this intrigue in her own house, and that too at a time when he knew she was in residence, showed an impudent contempt for her authority which deeply wounded her, and all that she now thought of was how best she might use this discovery to his undoing.

She went on like this for so long, and with such bitterness, that her father soon began to sympathize with Genji rather than her. He was never angry for long, and he now regretted mentioning the matter at all. ‘I think you had better not speak of this to anyone for now,’ he said, ‘not even to His Majesty your son. Prince Genji’s conduct is certainly outrageous. But you are very fond of your sister, and you cannot denounce him without getting her into trouble too. Leave the matter to me. I intend to speak to her very seriously. If that has no effect, we shall have done our best, and she must take the consequences.’ But it was too late to put things right. His attempt to calm her only made her angrier. Genji had carried on this affair in her own house, even though he knew she was staying there. His brazen contempt for her authority deeply wounded her. Now all she could think about was how best to use this discovery to bring him down.