Exile at Suma

THE intrigue against him was becoming every day more formidable. It was evident that he could not in any case go on living much longer where he was, and by a voluntary withdrawal he might well get off more lightly than if he merely allowed events to take their course.

The plot against him was growing more threatening every day. Clearly, he could not stay where he was much longer. If he left of his own accord, he might fare better than if he simply let events take their course.

There was Suma. It might not be such a bad place to choose. There had indeed once been some houses there; but it was now a long way to the nearest village and the coast wore a very deserted aspect. Apart from a few fishermen’s huts there was not anywhere a sign of life. This did not matter, for a thickly populated, noisy place was not at all what he wanted; but even Suma was a terribly long way from the Capital, and the prospect of being separated from all those whose society he liked best was not at all inviting. His life hitherto had been one long series of disasters. As for the future, it did not bear thinking of! Clearly the world held in store for him nothing but disappointment and vexation. But no sooner had he proved to himself convincingly that he was glad to leave the Capital than he began to recollect a thousand reasons for remaining in it. Above all, he could not imagine what would become of Murasaki if he were to leave her. Even when for one reason or another he was obliged to pass a few days away from his palace, he spent so much of the time wondering how she was getting on without him that he never really enjoyed himself and in the end dreaded even these short absences almost as much as she did. Now he was going away not for a fixed number of days or even years, but for a huge, incalculable period of time; perhaps (for who knew what might not happen either to him or her?) forever. The thought that he might never see her again was unendurable and he began to devise a scheme for hiding her in his retinue and secretly taking her with him. He soon saw however that this was quite impracticable. First there was the difficult sea-journey; and then, at Suma, the total lack of amusements and society. The waves and winds of that desolate shore would make poor companions for one used to the gaieties of a fashionable house. It would moreover be utterly impossible in such a place to make adequate provision for the comfort of a fastidious and delicately-nurtured lady. Her presence would soon involve him in all sorts of difficulties and anxieties. She herself felt that she would rather face every danger, every hardship, than be left behind at the Nijō-in, and that he should doubt her courage wounded her deeply.

There was Suma. It might not be such a bad place to choose. There had once been some houses there, but now the nearest village was far away. The coast looked deserted. Apart from a few fishermen’s huts, there was no sign of life anywhere. That did not matter, since he did not want a crowded, noisy place. But even Suma was terribly far from the Capital. He did not welcome the thought of being separated from the people whose company he enjoyed most. His life so far had been one long series of disasters. As for the future, he could not bear to think of it! Clearly, the world held nothing for him but disappointment and frustration. But no sooner had he convinced himself that he was glad to leave the Capital than he remembered a thousand reasons to stay. Above all, he could not imagine what would become of Murasaki if he left her. Sometimes, for one reason or another, he had to spend a few days away from his palace. Even then, he spent so much time wondering how she was managing without him that he never really enjoyed himself. In the end, he came to dread even these short absences almost as much as she did. Now he was going away for no fixed number of days or even years. He would be gone for a vast, unknown length of time. Perhaps he would be gone forever. Who knew what might happen to either of them? The thought that he might never see her again was unbearable. He began to plan how he might hide her among his attendants and secretly take her with him. But he soon saw that this was impossible. First, there was the difficult sea journey. Then, at Suma, there would be no entertainment or company at all. The waves and winds of that lonely shore would be poor companions for someone used to life in a fashionable household. It would also be utterly impossible to provide properly for the comfort of a discerning lady raised in such sheltered surroundings. Her presence would soon bring him all sorts of difficulties and worries. Murasaki herself felt that she would rather face every danger and hardship than be left behind at the Nijō-in. His doubts about her courage hurt her deeply.

The ladies at the ‘village of falling flowers,’ though in any case they saw him but seldom, were dismayed at the news of his departure, not for personal reasons only, but also because they had come to depend in numerous ways on his patronage and support. Many others whose acquaintance with him was very slight, were, though they would not have confessed it, shattered at the prospect of his disappearance from the Court. The abbess²¹⁶ herself feared that if she showed him any open mark of sympathy at this turn in his fortunes she would give new life to rumours which had already been used against him by his enemies. But from the time when his decision was first announced she contrived to send him constant secret messages. He could not help reflecting with some bitterness that she might sometimes have shown an equal concern while it was still possible for her to console him in more concrete ways. But it seemed to be fated that throughout all this long relationship each, however well disposed, should only cause torment to the other. He left the City about the twentieth day of the third month. The date of his departure had not been previously disclosed and he left his palace very quietly, accompanied only by some seven or eight intimate retainers. He did not even send formal letters of farewell but only hasty and secret messages to a few of those whom he loved best, telling them in such words as came to him at the moment what pain it cost him to leave them. Those notes were written under the stress of deep emotion and would doubtless interest the reader; but though some of them were read to me at the time, I was myself in so distracted a state of mind that I cannot accurately recall them. Two or three days before his departure he paid a secret visit to Aoi’s father. He came in a rattan-coach such as women use, and heavily disguised. When they saw that it was indeed Prince Genji who had stepped out of this humble equipage the people at the Great Hall could hardly believe that this was not some strange dream. Aoi’s old room wore a dismal and deserted air; but the nurses of his little boy and such of Aoi’s servants as were still in the house soon heard the news of his unexpected arrival and came bustling from the women’s quarters to gaze at him and pay him their respects. Even the new young servants who had not seen him before and had no reason to take his affairs particularly to heart were deeply moved at this farewell visit, which brought home to them so vividly the evanescence of human grandeurs. The little prince recognized him and at once ran up to him in the prettiest and most confiding way. This delighted Genji; taking the child on his knee he played with it so charmingly that the ladies could hardly contain their emotion. Presently the old Minister arrived: ‘I have often meant,’ he said, ‘during these last months when you have been living so much at home, to come round and talk over with you various small matters connected with the past; but first I was ill and for a long time could not attend to my duties, and then at last my resignation was definitely accepted. Now I am merely a private person, and I have been afraid that if I came to see you it would be said that it must be to promote some personal intrigue that I was bestirring my aged bones. As far as I am concerned I am out of it all, and have really nothing to be afraid of. But these new people are very suspicious and one cannot be too careful.... I am distressed beyond measure that you should be obliged to take the course which you are now contemplating; I would gladly not have lived to witness such a day. These are bad times, and I fully expected to see a great deal of mischief done to the country. But I confess I did not foresee that you would find yourself in such a situation as this, and I am heart-broken about it, utterly heart-broken....’ ‘We are told,’ answered Genji, ‘that everything which happens to us in this life is the result of our conduct in some previous existence. If this is to be taken literally I suppose I must now accept the fact that in a previous incarnation I must have misbehaved myself in some way. It is clear, at any rate, that I am in bad odour at Court; though, seeing that they have not thought it necessary to deprive me of my various offices and titles, they cannot have very much against me. But when the Government has shown that it mistrusts a man, he is generally considered much to blame if he continues to flaunt himself at Court as though nothing were amiss. I could cite many instances in the history both of our own and other countries. But distant banishment, the penalty which I hear is contemplated in my case, has never been decreed except as the penalty of scandalous and open misdemeanour. My conscience is of course perfectly clear; but I see that it would be very dangerous to sit down and await events. I have therefore decided to withdraw from the Capital, lest some worse humiliation should befall me.’ He gave the Minister many further details of his proposed flight. The old man replied with a multitude of reminiscences, particularly of the late Emperor, with anecdotes illustrating his opinions and policies. Each time that Genji tried to go his father-in-law gripped his sleeve and began a new story. He was indeed himself deeply moved by these stories of old days, as also by the pretty behaviour of his little son, who while they were talking of policies and grave affairs constantly ran up to one or the other with his absurd, confiding prattle. The Minister continued: ‘Though the loss of my dear daughter is a sorrow from which to my dying day I shall not recover, I find myself now quite thankful that she did not live to see these dreadful days. Poor girl, she would have suffered terribly. What a nightmare it all is! More than anything else I am distressed that my grandson here should be left with us elderly people and that for months or even years to come you will be quite cut off from him.

The ladies at the ‘village of falling flowers’ seldom saw him anyway, but the news of his departure upset them. Their reasons were not only personal. They had also come to depend on his patronage and support in many ways. Many others knew him only slightly. Yet, though they would not have admitted it, they were shattered at the thought of his leaving the Court. The abbess²¹⁶ feared that any open sign of sympathy at this turn in his fortunes would revive rumors his enemies had already used against him. But from the moment his decision was announced, she found ways to send him constant secret messages. He could not help thinking bitterly that she might have shown as much concern earlier. Then, she could still have comforted him in more concrete ways. But it seemed their long relationship was fated to bring them both torment, however kindly each felt toward the other. He left the City around the twentieth day of the third month. The date had not been announced, and he left his palace very quietly. Only seven or eight of his closest retainers went with him. He did not even send formal farewell letters. Instead, he sent hurried, secret messages to a few of those he loved best. In whatever words came to him, he told them how painful it was to leave them. He wrote the notes while deeply emotional, and they would no doubt interest the reader. Some were read to me at the time, but I was so distracted that I cannot remember them accurately. Two or three days before his departure, he secretly visited Aoi’s father. He came heavily disguised, in a rattan coach like those women used. When the people at the Great Hall saw Prince Genji step out of the humble carriage, they could hardly believe it was not a strange dream. Aoi’s old room looked gloomy and deserted. But his little boy’s nurses and the servants of Aoi who were still in the house soon heard of his unexpected arrival. They hurried from the women’s quarters to gaze at him and pay their respects. Even the new young servants were deeply moved by his farewell visit. They had never seen him before and had no particular reason to care about his affairs. Yet the visit brought home to them how quickly human greatness can vanish. The little prince recognized him and ran straight up to him, charmingly trusting. Genji was delighted. He took the child on his knee and played with him so charmingly that the ladies could hardly contain their emotion. Soon the old Minister arrived. ‘I have often meant to come and talk with you about various small matters from the past,’ he said. ‘Especially during these last months, when you have been spending so much time at home. But first I was ill and could not attend to my duties for a long time. Then, at last, my resignation was formally accepted. Now I am only a private citizen. I have been afraid that, if I came to see you, people would say I was stirring my old bones to further some private scheme. As for me, I am out of it all and really have nothing to fear. But these new people are very suspicious, and one cannot be too careful.... I am distressed beyond measure that you should have to take the course you are now considering. I wish I had not lived to see such a day. These are bad times, and I fully expected to see great harm done to the country. But I confess I did not foresee that you would find yourself in such a situation. It breaks my heart, utterly breaks my heart....’ ‘We are told,’ Genji answered, ‘that everything that happens to us in this life results from our conduct in a previous one. If that is literally true, I suppose I must have behaved badly in some way in a previous life. In any case, it is clear that I am out of favor at Court. Yet they cannot have very much against me, since they have not thought it necessary to strip me of my offices and titles. But once the Government has shown that it mistrusts a man, people generally blame him if he continues to appear at Court as though nothing were wrong. I could cite many examples from the history of our own and other countries. But distant exile, the penalty I hear they are considering for me, has never been imposed except for scandalous and open wrongdoing. My conscience is perfectly clear, of course. But I see that it would be very dangerous to sit and wait to see what happens. So I have decided to withdraw from the Capital, lest I suffer some worse humiliation.’ He gave the Minister many more details of his planned departure. The old man responded with many memories, especially of the late Emperor. He told stories that illustrated the Emperor’s opinions and policies. Each time Genji tried to leave, his father-in-law gripped his sleeve and began another story. Genji himself was deeply moved by these stories of old times. He was also touched by his little son’s charming behavior. While they talked of policy and serious affairs, the boy kept running up to one or the other, chattering absurdly and trustingly. The Minister continued: ‘I will never recover from the loss of my dear daughter. Yet I now find myself quite thankful that she did not live to see these dreadful days. Poor girl, she would have suffered terribly. What a nightmare it all is! More than anything, I am distressed that my grandson should be left here with us old people. For months or even years to come, you will be completely cut off from him.

‘As you say, exile has hitherto been reserved as a punishment for particularly grave offences. There have indeed been many cases both here and in China of innocent persons being condemned to banishment, but always in consequence of some false charge being made against them. But against you a threat of exile seems to have been made without any cause being alleged. I cannot understand it....’

‘As you say, exile has until now been a punishment for especially serious offenses. Many innocent people have been exiled, both here and in China. But they were always exiled because someone had falsely accused them of a crime. Yet you seem to have been threatened with exile without anyone giving a reason. I cannot understand it....’

Tō no Chūjō now joined them and wine was served. It was very late, but Genji showed no signs of going, and presently all the gentlewomen of the household collected round him and made him tell them stories. There was one among them, Chūnagon by name, who, though she never spoke of it, had always cared for Genji far more deeply than did any of her companions. She now sat sad and thoughtful waiting to say something to him but unable to think of anything to say. He noticed this and was very sorry for her. When all the rest had gone to their rooms he kept her by him and talked to her for a long while. It may perhaps have been for her sake that he stayed so long. Dawn was beginning to come into the sky and the moon, which had not long risen, darted its light among the blossom of the garden trees, now just beyond their prime. In the courtyard leafy branches cast delicate half-shadows upon the floor, and thin wreaths of cloud sank through the air till they met the first flicker of the white grass-mists which, scarcely perceptible, now quivered in the growing light.

Tō no Chūjō joined them, and wine was served. It was very late, but Genji showed no sign of leaving. Soon all the women of the household gathered around him and asked him to tell them stories. One of them was named Chūnagon. Though she never spoke of it, she had always cared for Genji much more deeply than any of the others. She sat there, sad and thoughtful, waiting to speak to him but unable to think of anything to say. He noticed and felt very sorry for her. When all the others had gone to their rooms, he kept her with him and talked to her for a long time. Perhaps he had stayed so long for her sake. Dawn was beginning to light the sky. The moon, which had risen not long before, shone through the blossoms of the garden trees. The blossoms were just past their best. In the courtyard, leafy branches cast delicate, faint shadows on the floor. Thin wisps of cloud sank through the air until they met the first flicker of white mist over the grass. The mist, barely visible, quivered in the growing light.

He hung over the balustrade outside the corner room and for a while gazed in silence at this scene, which transcended even the beauty of an autumn night. Chūnagon, that she might watch him go, had opened the main door and stood holding it back. ‘I shall return,’ Genji said, ‘and we shall surely meet again. Though indeed, when I think about it, I can find no reason to suppose that I shall ever be recalled. Oh, why did I not make haste to know you in better days, when it would have been so easy for us to meet?’ She wept but made no answer.

He leaned over the railing outside the corner room. For a while, he silently gazed at the scene, which was even more beautiful than an autumn night. Chūnagon had opened the main door and stood holding it back so she could watch him leave. ‘I will return,’ Genji said, ‘and we will surely meet again. Though, when I think about it, I can find no reason to suppose I will ever be called back. Oh, why didn’t I hurry to get to know you in better days, when we could have met so easily?’ She wept but gave no answer.

Presently Aoi’s mother sent a message by Saishō, the little prince’s nurse: ‘There are many things that I want to talk over with you, but my mind is nowadays so clouded and confused that I hesitate to send for you. It is kind of you to have paid us so long a visit and I would ask you to come to me; but I fear that to talk with you would remind me too much of all that is now so changed. However, pray do not leave the house till your poor little son is awake.’ He answered with the poem: ‘To a shore I go where the tapering smoke of salt-kilns shall remind me of the smoke that loitered by her pyre.’ He wrote no letter to go with the poem, but turning to the nurse he said: ‘It is sad at all times to leave one’s friends at dawn. How much the more for one such as I, who goes never to return!’ ‘Indeed,’ she answered, ‘“farewell” is a monster among words, and never yet sounded kindly in any ear. But seldom can this word have had so sinister an import as to all of us on this unhappy morning.’

Soon Aoi’s mother sent a message through Saishō, the little prince’s nurse: ‘There are many things I want to discuss with you. But my mind is so clouded and confused these days that I hesitate to send for you. It was kind of you to stay with us so long, and I would ask you to come to me. But I fear that talking with you would remind me too much of all that has changed. Please do not leave the house until your poor little son is awake.’ He answered with a poem: ‘I go to a shore where the thin smoke of salt kilns will remind me of the smoke that lingered over her funeral pyre.’ He sent no letter with the poem. But he turned to the nurse and said: ‘It is always sad to leave friends at dawn. How much sadder it is for someone like me, who leaves never to return!’ ‘Indeed,’ she answered, ‘“farewell” is a monster among words, and it has never sounded kind to anyone. But surely it has seldom held such a terrible meaning as it does for us all this unhappy morning.’

Touched by her concern at his departure he felt that he must give her what she evidently expected,—some further message for her mistress, and he wrote: ‘There is much that I should like to say, but after all you will have little difficulty in imagining for yourself the perplexity and despair into which my present situation has plunged me. I should indeed dearly like to see the little prince before I go. But I fear that the sight of him might weaken my resolution to forsake the fleeting world, and therefore I must force myself to leave this house without further delay.’

Touched by her concern about his departure, he felt he should give her what she clearly expected. He should send another message to her mistress. So he wrote: ‘There is much I would like to say. But you can easily imagine the confusion and despair my present situation has caused me. I would dearly love to see the little prince before I go. But I fear that seeing him might weaken my resolve to leave this fleeting world behind. So I must force myself to leave this house without further delay.’

The whole household was now awake and every one was on the watch to see him start. The moon shone red at the edge of the sky, and in its strange light he looked so lovely, yet so sad and thoughtful, that the hearts of wolves and tigers, nay of very demons, would have melted at the sight of him. It may be imagined then with what feelings those gentlewomen watched him drive away, many of whom had known and loved him since he was a child. But I had forgotten to say that Aoi’s mother replied with the poem: ‘Seek not another sky, but if you love her,²¹⁷ stay beneath these clouds with which her soul is blent.’ When he reached his own palace he found that none of the gentlewomen there had slept a wink. They were sitting a few here, a few there, in frightened groups, looking as though they would never lift their heads again. Those officers of his household and personal retainers who had been chosen to go with him to Suma were busy preparing for their departure or saying good-bye to their friends, so that the retainers’ hall was absolutely deserted; nor had the gentlewomen whom he was leaving behind dared to present themselves on the occasion of his departure, for they knew that any demonstration of good will towards an enemy of those in power would be remembered against them by the Government. So that instead of his doors being thronged, as once they had been, by a continual multitude of horsemen and carriages, he found them that morning utterly deserted and realized with bitterness how frail is the fabric of worldly power. Already his great guest-tables, pushed against the wall, were looking tarnished and dusty; the guest-mats were rolled up and stowed away in corners. If the house looked like this now, what sort of spectacle he wondered would it present when he had been absent for a few months?

The whole household was now awake, and everyone watched for him to leave. The moon shone red at the edge of the sky. In its strange light, he looked so lovely, yet so sad and thoughtful, that even wolves, tigers, and demons would have felt their hearts melt at the sight of him. One can imagine, then, how the gentlewomen felt as they watched him drive away. Many of them had known and loved him since he was a child. But I forgot to say that Aoi’s mother replied with this poem: ‘Do not seek another sky, but if you love her,²¹⁷ stay beneath these clouds, where her soul has become one with them.’ When he reached his own palace, he found that none of the gentlewomen there had slept at all. They sat in small, frightened groups here and there, looking as though they would never lift their heads again. The household officers and personal retainers chosen to go with him to Suma were busy preparing to leave or saying goodbye to their friends. As a result, the retainers’ hall was completely deserted. The gentlewomen he was leaving behind had not dared to come to see him off. They knew the Government would hold any show of goodwill toward an enemy of those in power against them. Once, a constant crowd of horsemen and carriages had filled his doors. But that morning he found them completely deserted, and he realized with bitterness how fragile worldly power is. His great guest tables had already been pushed against the wall and were looking tarnished and dusty. The guest mats were rolled up and stored in corners. If the house looked like this now, he wondered what it would look like after he had been away for a few months.

On reaching the western wing he found the partition door still open. Murasaki had sat there watching till dawn. Some of the little boys who waited upon her were sleeping on the verandah. Hearing him coming they now shook themselves and rose with a clatter. It was a pleasant sight to see them pattering about in their little pages’ costumes; but now he watched them with a pang at his heart, for he could not help remembering that while he was away they would grow up into men and in the end have to seek service elsewhere. And indeed during those days he looked with interest and regret on many things which had never engaged his attention before. ‘I am so sorry about last night,’ he said. ‘One thing happened after another, and by the time I was free to come back it would not have been worth while. You must have thought it horrid of me. Now that there is so little time left, I hate to be away from you at all. But my departure from the Court naturally involves me in many painful duties, and it would be quite impossible for me to remain shut up here all the time. There are other people, some of whom I may very likely never see again, who would think it unkind of me if I did not even bid them good-bye....’ ‘It is your going away that matters,’ she answered; ‘nothing else is of any consequence now....’ She said no more, but sat staring before her in an attitude of the profoundest despair. And indeed, as Genji realized, she had every possible reason to dread his departure. Her father Prince Hyōbukyō had never put himself out for her, and since Genji’s disgrace he stopped writing and no longer even enquired about her. She was ashamed of his worldly caution and dreaded lest others should notice it. For her part she was resolved that, since he showed no interest in her, she would be the last to remind him of her existence. Some one told her that her step-mother²¹⁸ went about saying: ‘This is what comes of trying to get on too quickly in the world. Look how she has been punished! All her relatives expire and now her lover takes flight!’ She was deeply distressed and felt that she could not ever communicate with her step-mother again. There was indeed no one to whom she could turn for help, and her position was likely to be in every way unhappy and difficult. ‘I promise,’ said Genji to comfort her, ‘that if my exile seems likely to last for a considerable time, I will send for you to join me, even if I can offer you nothing better to live in than a hole in the rocks. But it would be considered most improper for me to take you with me now. People who are disapproved of by the Government are expected to creep about miserably in the dark, and if they try to make themselves happy and comfortable it is considered very wicked. I have not of course done anything wrong, but my misfortune must certainly be due to some sin in a previous life, and I am sure that if I did anything so unusual as to take my lady into exile with me, fate would find some yet more cruel way to punish me for the presumption.’

When he reached the western wing, he found the partition door still open. Murasaki had sat there watching for him until dawn. Some of the little boys who served her were asleep on the veranda. When they heard him coming, they roused themselves and got up with a clatter. It was a pleasant sight to see them pattering about in their little pages’ costumes. But now he watched them with a pang. He could not help remembering that they would grow into men while he was away. In the end, they would have to seek service elsewhere. During those days, he looked with interest and regret at many things he had never noticed before. ‘I’m so sorry about last night,’ he said. ‘One thing happened after another. By the time I was free to come back, it would not have been worth it. You must have thought I was horrible. Now that there is so little time left, I hate being away from you at all. But leaving the Court naturally brings many painful duties. It would be impossible for me to stay shut up here all the time. There are other people I may very likely never see again. They would think it unkind if I did not even say goodbye....’ ‘It’s your leaving that matters,’ she answered. ‘Nothing else matters now....’ She said no more, but sat staring ahead in the deepest despair. As Genji realized, she had every reason to dread his departure. Her father, Prince Hyōbukyō, had never made much effort for her. Since Genji’s disgrace, he had stopped writing and no longer even asked about her. She was ashamed of his worldly caution and feared that others might notice it. Since he showed no interest in her, she was determined not to remind him that she existed. Someone told her that her step-mother²¹⁸ was going around saying: ‘This is what happens when you try to get ahead too quickly. Look how she has been punished! All her relatives die, and now her lover runs away!’ Murasaki was deeply distressed. She felt she could never speak to her step-mother again. There was no one she could turn to for help. Her situation was likely to be unhappy and difficult in every way. ‘I promise,’ Genji said to comfort her, ‘that if my exile seems likely to last a long time, I will send for you to join me. I will do that even if I can offer you nothing better than a hole in the rocks. But it would be thought very improper for me to take you with me now. People the Government disapproves of are expected to creep about miserably in the dark. If they try to make themselves happy and comfortable, it is thought very wicked. Of course, I have done nothing wrong. But my misfortune must be due to some sin in a previous life. I am sure that if I did anything as unusual as taking my lady into exile with me, fate would find an even crueler way to punish me for my presumption.’

He then lay down and slept till noon. Later in the day his half-brother Prince Sochi no Miya and Tō no Chūjō called and offered to help him dress. He reminded them that he had resigned his rank and they brought him a cloak of plain silk without any crest or badge. This costume had an informal air which became him better than they had expected. When he went to the mirror that his servants might do his hair he could not help noticing how thin his face had lately grown, and he said ‘What a fright I look! Can I really be such a skeleton as this? It is indeed a bad business if I am.’ Murasaki, her eyes full of tears, came and peeped at the mirror. To distract her he recited the poem: ‘Though I wander in strange lands and far away, in this mirror let me leave my image, that it may never quit your side.’ ‘That, yes, even so little as that, would comfort me, if indeed this mirror might hold the image of your distant face.’ So she answered, and without another word sank into a seat behind the roof-pillar, that her tears might not be seen. His heart went out to her, and he felt at this moment that among all the women he had known she was indeed the most adorable.

He lay down and slept until noon. Later that day, his half-brother Prince Sochi no Miya and Tō no Chūjō visited and offered to help him dress. He reminded them that he had given up his rank, and they brought him a plain silk cloak without a crest or badge. The informal outfit suited him better than they had expected. He went to the mirror so his servants could do his hair. He could not help noticing how thin his face had grown lately. ‘What a fright I look! Can I really be as thin as a skeleton? It is a bad business if I am.’ Murasaki came and peered into the mirror, her eyes full of tears. To distract her, he recited a poem: ‘Though I wander in strange lands far away, let me leave my image in this mirror, so it may never leave your side.’ ‘Yes, even that little would comfort me, if this mirror could hold the image of your face while you are far away.’ With that, she sat down behind the roof pillar to hide her tears. His heart went out to her. At that moment, he felt that of all the women he had known, she was truly the most adorable.

His step-brother now fell to reminding him of scenes in their common childhood, and it was already growing dark when he left Genji’s room. The lady at the ‘village of falling flowers’ had written to him constantly since she heard the news of his approaching departure. He knew that she had many reasons for dreading his absence and it seemed unfeeling not to pay her one more visit before he left. But if he spent another evening away from his palace Murasaki would be very disappointed, and he therefore did not start till late in the night. He went first to the room of Princess Reikeiden, who was flattered and delighted beyond measure that hers should be the only house to which he paid the honour of a farewell visit. But what passed between them was not of sufficient interest to be recorded. He remembered that it was only through his help and protection that she had managed to overcome the difficulties and anxieties of the last few years. Now matters would go from bad to worse. In the house nothing stirred. The moon had risen and now shimmered faintly through the clouds. The lake in front of the building was large and wild, and dense thickets of mountain-trees surrounded it. He was just thinking that there could hardly in all the world be a lovelier, stranger place, when he remembered the rocky shore of Suma,—a thousand times more forbidding, more inaccessible!

His stepbrother began reminding him of their childhood together. It was already growing dark when he left Genji’s room. The lady at the ‘village of falling flowers’ had written to Genji constantly since hearing of his approaching departure. He knew she had many reasons to dread his absence. It seemed unkind not to visit her once more before he left. But Murasaki would be very disappointed if he spent another evening away from his palace. So he did not set out until late that night. He went first to Princess Reikeiden’s room. She was immensely flattered and delighted that hers was the only house he honored with a farewell visit. But what passed between them was not interesting enough to record. He remembered that she had overcome the difficulties and anxieties of the past few years only through his help and protection. Now things would go from bad to worse. Nothing stirred in the house. The moon had risen and shimmered faintly through the clouds. The lake in front of the building was large and wild, surrounded by dense thickets of mountain trees. He was thinking that there could hardly be a lovelier, stranger place in all the world. Then he remembered the rocky shore of Suma, a thousand times more forbidding and inaccessible!

The younger sister had quite made up her mind that Genji was going to leave the house without visiting her, and she was all the more surprised and delighted when at last, more lovely than ever by moonlight and in the grave simplicity of his exile’s dress, he stole into her room. At once she crept towards the window and they stood together gazing at the moonlight. They talked for a while, and found to their astonishment that it was nearly day. ‘How short the night has been,’ said Genji. ‘Yet even such a hasty meeting as this may never be ours again. Why did I not know you better in all those years when it would have been so easy to meet? Never have such misfortunes befallen an innocent man before, nor ever will they again. I go from torment to torment. Listen ...’ and he was beginning to recount to her the disasters and miscalculations of the past when the cock crowed, and fearing detection he hastened away.

The younger sister was sure Genji would leave the house without visiting her. So she was even more surprised and delighted when he finally slipped into her room. He looked lovelier than ever in the moonlight, dressed in the somber, simple clothes of an exile. She immediately crept toward the window, and they stood together, gazing at the moonlight. They talked for a while, and were amazed to find that it was nearly dawn. ‘How short the night has been,’ Genji said. ‘Yet we may never have even such a brief meeting again. Why didn’t I get to know you better during all those years when meeting would have been so easy? No innocent man has ever suffered such misfortunes, and none ever will again. I go from one torment to another. Listen ...’ He was beginning to tell her about the disasters and miscalculations of the past when the rooster crowed. Afraid of being discovered, he hurried away.

The moon was like last night, just on the point of setting; it seemed to him a symbol of his own declining fortunes. Shining through the dark purple of her dress the moonlight had indeed, as in the old poem, ‘the leaden look of those who weep,’ and she recited the poem: ‘Though to the moonlight my sleeve but narrow lodging can afford, yet might it dwell there for ever and for ever, this radiance²¹⁹ of which my eyes can never tire.’ He saw that she was deeply moved by this parting and in pity sought to comfort her with the poem: ‘In its long journeying the moon at last shall meet a clearer sky; then heed not if for a while its light be dimmed.’ ‘It is foolish,’ he added, ‘to spoil the present with tears for sorrows that are still to come,’ and with that he hurried away, that he might be out of the house while it was still dark.

As on the previous night, the moon was just about to set. It seemed to him a symbol of his own declining fortunes. Moonlight shone through the dark purple of her dress. As in the old poem, it had “the leaden look of those who weep.” She recited a poem: “Though my sleeve offers the moonlight little room, may this radiance²¹⁹ stay there forever and ever. My eyes could never tire of it.” He saw how deeply their parting moved her. Taking pity on her, he tried to comfort her with a poem: “On its long journey, the moon will finally reach a clearer sky. So do not mind if its light is dimmed for a while.” “It is foolish,” he added, “to spoil the present with tears for sorrows still to come.” Then he hurried away, so he could leave the house while it was still dark.

At home he had a great many things to arrange before his departure. First of all he had to give instructions concerning the upkeep of his palace to the few faithful retainers who had taken the risk of remaining in his service. When these had at last all been assigned their functions, difficulties arose about some of the attendants who were to have gone with him into exile, and a fresh choice had to be made. Then there was the business of deciding how much luggage he should take with him to his mountain fastness. Some things were obviously indispensable; but even when he cut down his equipment to the barest possible necessities there were still all kinds of odds and ends, such as writing-materials, poems, Chinese books, which all had to be fitted into the right sort of boxes. And then there was his zithern; he could not leave that behind. But he took no large objects of furniture nor any of his more elaborate costumes, having resigned himself to the prospect of a completely bucolic existence. Finally he had to explain to Murasaki all the arrangements he had made about the servants who were to stay behind, and a hundred other matters. Into her charge too he put all the documents concerning his various estates and grazing-lands in different parts of the country. His granaries and store-houses he put into the keeping of the nurse Shōnagon whose vigilance and reliability he had often noted, giving her the help of one or two trusted household officers. And here again there were numerous arrangements to be made.

At home, he had many things to arrange before leaving. First, he had to give instructions for the upkeep of his palace. Only a few loyal retainers had risked remaining in his service. Once they had all been assigned their duties, difficulties arose with some attendants who were to accompany him into exile. He had to choose others in their place. Then he had to decide how much luggage to take to his mountain retreat. Some things were clearly essential. But even when he reduced his belongings to the bare necessities, there were still all kinds of odds and ends. Writing materials, poems, and Chinese books all had to be packed in suitable boxes. Then there was his zither, which he could not leave behind. But he took no large pieces of furniture or any of his more elaborate costumes. He had resigned himself to a completely rustic life. Finally, he had to explain to Murasaki all his arrangements for the servants who would stay behind, along with a hundred other matters. He also put her in charge of all the documents concerning his estates and grazing lands throughout the country. He entrusted his granaries and storehouses to the nurse Shōnagon, whose vigilance and reliability he had often noticed. He gave her one or two trusted household officers to help her. Here again, many arrangements had to be made.

With the gentlewomen of his palace he had never been on intimate terms. But he kept them in a good humour by sending for them occasionally to talk with him, and he now summoned them all, saying to them: ‘I am afraid it will be rather dull here while I am away. But if any of you care to stay in my service on the chance that I may one day return to the Court, which if I live long enough is indeed certain to happen sooner or later,—please consider yourselves at the disposition of the Lady in the western wing.’ So saying he sent for all the other servants, high and low, and distributed suitable keepsakes among them.

He had never been close to the ladies of his palace. But he kept them in good spirits by occasionally asking them to talk with him. Now he summoned them all and said: ‘I am afraid it will be rather dull here while I am away. But some of you may wish to remain in my service in case I return to the Court one day. If I live long enough, I will certainly return sooner or later. If you wish to stay, please place yourselves at the service of the Lady in the western wing.’ After saying this, he sent for all the other servants, high and low, and gave them suitable keepsakes.

No one was forgotten; to the nurse of Aoi’s little son and even to the servants at the ‘village of falling flowers’ he sent tokens of his appreciation, chosen, you may be sure, with the greatest taste and care.

No one was forgotten. He sent gifts of appreciation to the nurse of Aoi’s little son and even to the servants at the ‘village of falling flowers’. You can be sure he chose them with the greatest taste and care.

To Oborozuki, despite a certain reluctance, he wrote at last: ‘That after what happened between us you should have ceased to communicate with me was both natural and prudent. But I would now have you know that the unparalleled ferocity of my enemies has at last driven me from the Court. “The rising torrent of your reproachful tears has carried me at last to the flood-mark of exile and disgrace.” I cannot forget that this folly alone was the instrument of my undoing.’ There was some danger that the letter might fall into wrong hands before it reached its destination, and for that reason he made it brief and vague.

At last, though somewhat reluctant, he wrote to Oborozuki: ‘After what happened between us, it was natural and wise for you to stop writing to me. But I want you to know that my enemies’ unmatched ferocity has finally driven me from the Court. “The rising torrent of your reproachful tears has carried me at last to the high-water mark of exile and disgrace.” I cannot forget that this folly alone brought about my ruin.’ There was a risk that the letter might fall into the wrong hands before it reached her. For that reason, he kept it brief and vague.

The lady was heart-stricken, and though she strove to hide her tears, they flowed in a torrent that her sleeve was not broad enough to dam. She sent him the poem: ‘Long ere I reach the tide of your return shall I, poor scum upon the river of tears, be vanished out of sight.’ She was weeping violently when she wrote it, and there were many blotches and mistakes, but her writing was at all times elegant and pleasing. He would very much have liked to see her once more before his departure, and he many times thought of arranging it. But she was too intimately connected with just those people who had been chiefly responsible for his undoing, and somewhat regretfully he put the idea aside.

The lady was heartbroken. Though she tried to hide her tears, they flowed too freely for her sleeve to catch them. She sent him a poem: ‘Long before the tide of your return reaches me, I will vanish from sight, like poor scum on a river of tears.’ She was weeping violently as she wrote it, and there were many blots and mistakes. But her writing was always elegant and pleasing. He very much wanted to see her once more before he left, and he often thought of arranging a meeting. But she was too closely connected to the very people chiefly responsible for his downfall. With some regret, he put the idea aside.

On the evening of the day before his departure he went to worship at his father’s tomb on the Northern Hills. As the moon did not rise till after midnight he found himself with time on his hands, and went first to visit the Abbess Fujitsubo. She allowed him to stand close up to her curtain, and on this occasion spoke to him with her own mouth. She naturally had many questions to talk over concerning the future of her son, which was now more than ever uncertain. But apart from this, two people who had once lived on such terms as this prince and princess, could not now fail to have much to say to one another of a far more intimate and tender character. He thought her every bit as charming and graceful as in old days, and this made him allude with bitterness to her heartless treatment of him. But he remembered in time that her present state made any such complaints in the highest degree unseemly and inappropriate. He was allowing his feelings to get out of hand, and withdrawing for a while into his own thoughts, he said at last: ‘This punishment has come upon me quite unexpectedly, and when I try to account for it, one possible explanation of a most alarming character presents itself to my mind. I am not thinking of the danger to myself should a certain fact be known, but of the disastrous consequences of such a disclosure upon the career of the young prince, your son....’ The same possibility had of course occurred to her. Her heart beat wildly, but she did not answer. The many painful scenes in which he had recently taken part had broken his spirit and he now wept unrestrainedly. ‘I am going to the Royal Tombs,’ he said at last. ‘Have you any message?’ She answered with the poem: ‘He that was, is not; and he that is, now hides from the afflictions of the world. What increase but of tears did my renunciation bring?’

On the evening before his departure, he went to worship at his father’s tomb in the Northern Hills. The moon would not rise until after midnight, so he had time to spare. He went first to visit the Abbess Fujitsubo. She allowed him to stand close to her curtain and spoke to him directly. Naturally, she had many questions about her son’s future, which was now more uncertain than ever. But the prince and princess had once been so close that they also had much to say of a more intimate and tender nature. He thought her just as charming and graceful as she had been in the old days. This made him speak bitterly of her heartless treatment of him. But he remembered in time that, given her present state, such complaints were deeply improper and inappropriate. His feelings were getting out of hand. He withdrew into his thoughts for a while, then said: ‘This punishment has come upon me quite unexpectedly. When I try to explain it, one very alarming possibility comes to mind. I am not thinking of the danger to myself if a certain fact becomes known. I am thinking of the disastrous consequences such a disclosure would have for the future of the young prince, your son....’ The same possibility had occurred to her, of course. Her heart beat wildly, but she did not answer. The many painful scenes he had recently endured had broken his spirit, and he now wept without restraint. ‘I am going to the Royal Tombs,’ he said at last. ‘Have you any message?’ She answered with a poem: ‘He who once lived is gone, and he who lives now hides from the troubles of the world. What has my renunciation brought me but more tears?’

At last the moon rose, and he set out. Only five or six attendants were with him, men of low rank, but all of them deeply attached to him. Genji himself rode on horseback like the rest. This was quite natural on such an occasion, but his companions could not help contrasting this melancholy cavalcade with the splendours of his retinue in former days. Among them the most downcast was Ukon,²²⁰ who had formed part of his special escort on the occasion of the Kamo festival a few years ago. This gentleman had since that time seen himself repeatedly passed over at the annual distribution of honours, and finally his name disappeared altogether from the lists. Being without employment he had been obliged to go into service, and was now acting as Genji’s groom. As they rode along Ukon’s eye lighted on the Lower Shrine of Kamo which lay quite near their road, and remembering that wonderful day of the festival he leapt from his horse and holding Genji’s bridle he recited the verse: ‘Well I remember how, crowned with golden flowers, we rode together on that glorious day! Little, alas, they heed their worshippers, the churlish gods that in the Shrine of Kamo dwell.’

At last the moon rose, and Genji set out. Only five or six attendants accompanied him. They were men of low rank, but all were deeply devoted to him. Genji rode on horseback like the others. That was natural on such an occasion, but his companions could not help thinking of his splendid retinue in former days. The small procession was a sad contrast. The most downcast among them was Ukon,²²⁰ who had been part of Genji’s special escort at the Kamo festival a few years earlier. Since then, Ukon had repeatedly been passed over for honors at the annual distribution. Finally, his name disappeared from the lists altogether. With no employment, he had been forced to enter service and was now Genji’s groom. As they rode, Ukon saw the Lower Shrine of Kamo, which stood close to their road. Remembering the wonderful day of the festival, he leaped from his horse. He took Genji’s bridle and recited the verse: ‘I remember well how we rode together on that glorious day, crowned with golden flowers! Alas, the churlish gods who dwell in the Shrine of Kamo pay little attention to their worshippers.’

Genji well knew what was passing through the man’s mind. He remembered with indignation and pity how Ukon had been the gayest, the most resplendent figure among those who had ridden with him on that day. Genji too alighted from his horse and turning his face towards the Shrine repeated this parting poem: ‘Thou who art called the Righter of Wrongs, to Thee I leave it to clear the name that stays behind me, now that I am driven from the fleeting haunts of men.’ Ukon was a very impressionable youth, and this small episode thrilled and delighted him beyond measure.

Genji knew what was going through the man’s mind. He remembered with indignation and pity how Ukon had been the most cheerful and splendid figure among those who had ridden with him that day. Genji also dismounted and turned toward the Shrine. He recited this parting poem: ‘You who are called the Righter of Wrongs, I leave you to clear my name after I go, now that I am driven from the fleeting world of men.’ Ukon was a very impressionable young man, and this small episode thrilled and delighted him beyond measure.

At last they reached the Tombs. Genji’s mind was full of long-forgotten images. He saw his father seated on the throne in the days of his prime, the pattern of a kindly yet magnificent king. Who could then have guessed that death would in an instant deface all memory of that good and glorious reign? Who could have foreseen that the wise policies which, with tears in his eyes, he had time and again commended to those about him, would in an instant be reversed, and even his dying wishes contemptuously cast aside? The path to the Royal Tomb was already overgrown with tall thick grass, so that in pressing his way along it he became soaked with dew. The moon was hidden behind clouds, dank woods closed about him on either hand, such woods as give one the feeling one will never return through them alive. When at last he knelt at the tomb, his father’s face appeared so vividly before him that he turned cold with fear. Then murmuring the verse: ‘How comes it that thy vanished image looms before me, though the bright moon, symbol of thy high fortunes, is hidden from my sight?’ he set out towards the town, for it was now broad daylight. On his return he sent a message to the Heir Apparent. Ōmyōbu had taken charge of the child since Fujitsubo’s retirement and it was through her that Genji now addressed his son: ‘I leave the City to-day. That I have been unable to visit you once more is the greatest of my many vexations. You indeed know better than I can tell what thoughts are mine in this extremity, and I beg you to commend me to your little master in such terms as you deem best.’ With this letter he enclosed a spray of withered cherry-blossoms to which was tied the poem: ‘When again shall I see the flowers of the City blossoming in Spring, I whom fortune has cast out upon the barren mountains of the shore?’ This she passed on to the boy who, young though he was, quite well understood the import of the message, and when Ōmyōbu added ‘It is hard at present to say when he will return...!’ the young prince said sadly ‘Even when he stays away for a little while I miss him very much, and now that he is going a long way off I do not know how I shall get on.... Please say this to him for me.’

At last they reached the Tombs. Genji’s mind filled with long-forgotten images. He saw his father on the throne in his prime, the model of a kind yet magnificent king. Who could have guessed then that death would instantly erase all memory of that good and glorious reign? Who could have foreseen that his wise policies would be reversed in an instant? He had urged them on those around him time and again, with tears in his eyes. Yet even his dying wishes had been scornfully ignored. Tall, thick grass had already overgrown the path to the Royal Tomb. As Genji pushed through it, he was soaked with dew. Clouds hid the moon, and damp woods closed in on both sides. They were the kind of woods that made you feel you would never come out alive. When he finally knelt at the tomb, his father’s face appeared so vividly before him that he went cold with fear. Then he murmured the verse: ‘Why does your vanished image appear before me, though the bright moon, symbol of your great fortune, is hidden from my sight?’ He set out for town, for it was now broad daylight. When he returned, he sent a message to the Heir Apparent. Ōmyōbu had cared for the child since Fujitsubo’s retirement. Genji now addressed his son through her: ‘I leave the City today. Of all my troubles, my greatest is that I have been unable to visit you once more. You know my thoughts at this desperate time better than I can tell you. Please convey my feelings to your little master in whatever words you think best.’ With the letter he enclosed a spray of withered cherry blossoms. Tied to it was the poem: ‘When will I see the flowers of the City bloom again in Spring? Fortune has cast me out upon the barren mountains of the shore.’ Ōmyōbu passed it on to the boy. Though he was young, he understood the message quite well. Then Ōmyōbu added, ‘It is hard to say now when he will return...!’ The young prince said sadly, ‘Even when he stays away for a little while, I miss him very much. Now that he is going far away, I do not know how I will manage.... Please tell him that for me.’

She was touched by the simplicity of his message. Ōmyōbu often called to mind all the misery which in past days had grown out of her mistress’s disastrous attachment. Scene after scene rose before her. How happy they might both have been, if only.... And then she would remember that she and she alone had been the promoter of their ruin. She had pleaded for Genji, arranged those fatal meetings! And a bitter remorse filled her soul. She now sent the following reply: ‘His Highness dictated no formal answer. When I informed him of your departure, his distress was very evident....’ This and more she wrote, somewhat incoherently, for her thoughts were in great confusion. With the letter was the poem: ‘Though sad it is to mark how swift the flowers fall, yet to the City Spring will come again and with it, who can tell....’ ‘Oh if that time were come!’ she added, and spent the hours which followed in recounting such moving tales of Genji’s wisdom and kindness that every one in the Palace was soon dissolved in tears. If these people who but seldom caught sight of him were distressed at the prospect of his departure, it may be imagined what were the feelings of those whose duties brought them constantly into his presence. At the Nijō-in every one down to the mere scullery-maids and outdoor servants, who could never hope to exchange a single word with him and had thought themselves very lucky if they obtained an occasional glance or smile, had always been in despair when it was known that he would be absent from the palace even for a few days. Nor was his downfall by any means welcome in the country at large. Since his seventh year he had enjoyed the privilege of running in and out of the old Emperor’s rooms just as he felt inclined. Everything he asked for had been granted without question, and there were few who had not at one time or another found themselves beholden to his boundless good-nature and generosity. Even among the great nobles and Ministers of the Crown there were some who owed their first promotion to Genji’s good offices; and countless persons of less importance knew quite well that they owed everything to him. But such was their dread of the present Government, with its ruthless methods of persecution and suppression, that not one of them now came near him. Expressions of regret were everywhere heard; but it was only in the secrecy of their own hearts that these sympathizers dared blame the Government for happenings which they universally deplored. After all, what was the good of risking their own positions by showing to the exiled prince civilities which could be of no real use to him? There was some sense in this, but on Genji their prudence made a most painful and dispiriting impression. He suddenly felt the world was inhabited by a set of mean and despicable creatures, none of whom were worth putting oneself out for in any way at all.

She was touched by the simplicity of his message. Ōmyōbu often remembered all the misery caused by her mistress’s disastrous attachment. Scene after scene came back to her. How happy they both might have been, if only.... Then she would remember that she alone had brought about their ruin. She had pleaded for Genji and arranged those fatal meetings! Bitter remorse filled her heart. She now sent this reply: ‘His Highness gave no formal answer. When I told him of your departure, his distress was plain to see....’ She wrote more in the same vein, somewhat incoherently, because her thoughts were in great confusion. With the letter she sent a poem: ‘Though it is sad to see how quickly the flowers fall, Spring will come to the City again, and with it, who can tell....’ ‘Oh, if only that time had come!’ she added. In the hours that followed, she told such moving stories of Genji’s wisdom and kindness that everyone in the Palace was soon in tears. These people rarely saw him, yet they were distressed at the thought of his departure. One can imagine how those who served him every day must have felt. At the Nijō-in, everyone had always despaired when they heard he would be away even for a few days. This included even the kitchen maids and outdoor servants. They could never hope to exchange a single word with him and felt lucky to receive an occasional glance or smile. His downfall was not welcome in the country at large, either. From the age of seven, he had been free to come and go from the old Emperor’s rooms as he pleased. Everything he asked for had been granted without question. Few people had not, at one time or another, benefited from his boundless kindness and generosity. Even among the great nobles and Ministers of the Crown, some owed their first promotion to Genji’s help. Countless less important people knew very well that they owed everything to him. But they so feared the present Government and its ruthless persecution and suppression that not one of them came near him now. People expressed regret everywhere. Yet those who sympathized with him dared blame the Government only in the secrecy of their hearts for events they all deplored. After all, what good was it to risk their own positions by showing courtesy to the exiled prince? Such courtesies could be of no real use to him. There was some sense in this, but their caution hurt and discouraged Genji deeply. He suddenly felt that the world was full of mean, despicable creatures. None of them were worth any trouble at all.

He spent the whole of that day quietly with Murasaki at his palace. He was to start soon after midnight. She hardly knew him as he stood before her dressed in his queer travelling clothes. ‘The moon has risen,’ he said at last. ‘Come out to the door and see me start. I know that at the last minute I shall think of all kinds of things I meant to say to you to-day. Even when I am only going away for a few nights, there are always so many things to remember....’ He raised the curtain-of-state behind which she was sitting and drew her with him towards the portico. She was weeping bitterly. Her feet would not obey her and she stumbled haltingly at his side. The moonlight fell straight upon her face. He looked down at her tenderly. The thought came to him that he might die at Suma. Who would look after her? What would become of her? He was indeed no less heart-broken than she; but he knew that if he gave way to his feelings her misery would only be increased and he recited the verse: ‘We who so long have sworn that death alone should part us, must suffer life for once to cancel all our vows.’ He tried to speak lightly, but when she answered: ‘Could my death pay to hold you back, how gladly would I purchase a single moment of delay,’ he knew that she was not speaking idly. It was terrible to leave her, but he knew that by daylight it would be harder still, and he fled from the house. All the way down to the river her image haunted him and it was with a heart full to bursting that he went aboard the ship. It was a season when the days are long, and meeting with a favourable wind they found themselves at Suma between three and four o’clock in the afternoon.²²¹ It was indeed a trifling journey, but to Genji, who had never crossed the sea before, the experience was somewhat alarming, though his fears were mingled with wonder and delight. As they came in sight of that wild and lonely headland where stands the Hall of Ōye²²² marked by its solitary pine, he recited the verse: ‘A life more outcast shall be mine among these hills than all those exiles led whose sufferings the books of Kara²²³ have rehearsed.’ He watched the waves lapping up over the sands and then creeping back again. It put him in mind of the ancient song: ‘Oh would that like the tides I went but to return!’ Those who were with him knew the song well enough, but never before had it moved them as now when Genji murmured to himself the long-familiar words. Looking back he saw that the mountains behind them were already melting into the hazy distance, and it seemed to him that he had indeed travelled the classical ‘three thousand leagues’ of which the Chinese poets so often speak. The monotonous dripping of the oars now became almost unendurable. ‘Now is my home hid from me by the mist-clad hills, and even the sky above me seems not the lovely cloudland that I knew.’ So he sang, being for the moment utterly downcast and dispirited.

He spent the whole day quietly with Murasaki at his palace. He was to leave soon after midnight. When she saw him in his strange traveling clothes, she hardly recognized him. ‘The moon has risen,’ he said at last. ‘Come to the door and watch me leave. I know that at the last minute I’ll think of all the things I meant to say to you today. Even when I’m only going away for a few nights, there are always so many things to remember....’ He raised the curtain of state behind which she was sitting and drew her toward the portico. She was weeping bitterly. Her feet would not obey her, and she stumbled along at his side. The moonlight fell directly on her face, and he looked down at her tenderly. He thought that he might die at Suma. Who would look after her? What would become of her? He was just as heartbroken as she was. But he knew that giving way to his feelings would only make her more miserable. So he recited the verse: ‘We have sworn for so long that only death would part us. Now we must let life, for once, break all our vows.’ He tried to speak lightly, but her answer showed him she was in earnest: ‘If my death could keep you here, I would gladly pay for a single moment’s delay.’ It was terrible to leave her, but he knew it would be harder still in daylight. So he fled from the house. Her image haunted him all the way to the river. His heart was full to bursting when he boarded the ship. It was a season of long days. With a favorable wind, they reached Suma between three and four in the afternoon.²²¹ It was indeed a short journey, but Genji had never crossed the sea before. He found the experience somewhat alarming, though his fear was mixed with wonder and delight. They came in sight of the wild, lonely headland where the Hall of Ōye²²² stands, marked by its lone pine. He recited the verse: ‘Among these hills I shall be more of an outcast than all those exiles whose sufferings are told in the books of Kara²²³.’ He watched the waves wash over the sand and then creep back. They reminded him of the ancient song: ‘Oh, if only I could go like the tides, only to return!’ His companions knew the song well enough. But it had never moved them as it did now, when Genji murmured the familiar words to himself. Looking back, he saw the mountains behind them already fading into the haze. He felt that he had indeed traveled the classical ‘three thousand leagues’ so often mentioned by Chinese poets. The steady dripping of the oars became almost unbearable. ‘Now the mist-covered hills hide my home from me. Even the sky above seems unlike the lovely clouds I knew.’ So he sang, utterly dejected and disheartened for the moment.

His new home was quite close to the place where in ancient days Ariwara no Yukihira²²⁴ once lived in exile, ‘trailing his water-buckets along the lonely shore.’ At this point the sea bends back, forming a shallow inlet, encompassed by desolate hills.

His new home was quite close to where Ariwara no Yukihira²²⁴ once lived in exile long ago, ‘trailing his water-buckets along the lonely shore.’ Here the sea curves inward, forming a shallow inlet surrounded by desolate hills.

He proceeded to inspect the hut which had been prepared for his reception. Never had he seen such a place before. Even the hedge was built in quite a different way from what he was used to; and the hut itself, with its thatched roof and wide-spreading gables covered with wattled bull-rushes, seemed to him the most extraordinary place to live in. But he could not help admiring the ingenuity with which it was constructed, and he knew that if he had come there under different circumstances the prospect of staying in such a cottage would have fascinated and delighted him. How, in the old days, he had longed for such an experience!

He went to look at the hut that had been prepared for him. He had never seen a place like it. Even the hedge was built differently from those he knew. The hut had a thatched roof and wide gables covered with woven bulrushes. It seemed to him an extraordinary place to live. But he could not help admiring the ingenuity of its construction. He knew that, under different circumstances, the prospect of staying in such a cottage would have fascinated and delighted him. How he had longed for such an experience in the old days!

Many repairs and alterations were necessary, and Genji sent at once for the bailiffs of some of his estates which lay in the neighbourhood. They and their workmen, directed by the faithful Yoshikiyo, soon carried out Genji’s plans, and the place began to assume a much more habitable air. The pond was dredged and deepened, plantations were laid out. Soon he settled down to his new life in a way that he would never have dreamed to be possible. The Governor of the province had formerly been attached to his household, and though he did not dare to give him a public welcome, he made it clear in private that his sympathies were on Genji’s side. Thus even in this remote spot he was not entirely deprived of society; but there was no one with whom he was really intimate and such conversation as he could get was of the most superficial and uninteresting kind. He felt almost as isolated as if he had been cast up on a desert island, and the prospect of spending months, nay years, buried away amid these uncivilized surroundings still appalled him. He was just beginning to reconcile himself a little to his rustic employments when the summer rains set in. During this tedious period of inactivity he thought much of his friends at the Capital. Often he called to mind the picture of Murasaki’s misery in those last hours, of the Heir Apparent’s infant beauty or the heedless antics of Aoi’s little son. He determined to send a courier to the City, and began writing letters to everybody. While he wrote to the Lady of his palace and again while he wrote to Fujitsubo in her cloister he wept so bitterly that the letters had many times to be put aside. To Oborozuki he dared not write direct, but as he had sometimes done before enclosed a message to her in a letter to Lady Chūnagon, with the acrostic poem: ‘That I, though cast like weed upon the barren margin of the sea, am unrepentant still, how should they guess,—these fisherfolk that tend their salt-kilns on the shore?’ To the retired Minister and to Nurse Saishō he sent many instructions concerning the upbringing of the child. It may well be imagined that the arrival of his post-bag in the City set many hearts a-flutter.

Many repairs and changes were needed, so Genji immediately sent for the stewards of some of his nearby estates. The stewards and their workers, directed by the faithful Yoshikiyo, soon carried out his plans. The place began to look much more livable. The pond was dredged and deepened, and new plantings were laid out. Soon Genji settled into his new life in a way he would never have thought possible. The Governor of the province had once served in his household. Though he did not dare welcome Genji publicly, he made it clear in private that his sympathies were with him. So even in this remote place, Genji was not entirely without company. But he had no close friends there, and the conversation he could find was shallow and uninteresting. He felt almost as isolated as if he had been stranded on a desert island. The thought of spending months, even years, hidden away in these uncivilized surroundings still appalled him. He was just beginning to make some peace with his country pursuits when the summer rains began. During this tedious period of inactivity, he often thought of his friends at the Capital. He remembered Murasaki’s misery in their last hours together, the Heir Apparent’s infant beauty, and the carefree antics of Aoi’s little son. He decided to send a courier to the City and began writing letters to everyone. As he wrote to the Lady of his palace, and again to Fujitsubo in her cloister, he wept bitterly. He had to put the letters aside many times. He did not dare write directly to Oborozuki. But, as he had sometimes done before, he enclosed a message for her in a letter to Lady Chūnagon. It included an acrostic poem: ‘How could these fisherfolk tending their salt-kilns on the shore guess that I am still unrepentant, though cast like seaweed onto the barren edge of the sea?’ He sent the retired Minister and Nurse Saishō many instructions about the child’s upbringing. One can imagine how many hearts fluttered when his mailbag arrived in the City.

The condition of Murasaki after his departure had gravely alarmed her attendants. She lay for many days utterly overcome by the shock of his departure. Every effort to cheer her was in vain. The sight or mention of things which she connected with him, a zithern which he had once played, the perfume of a dress which he had left behind, threw her at once into a new paroxysm of grief. She behaved indeed for all the world as though he were not merely exiled but already in his grave. At last Shōnagon, becoming seriously alarmed, sent for her uncle the priest and begged his aid. The liturgy of intercession which he conducted had for its aim both the recovery of Lady Murasaki from her present prostration and the early recall of Genji himself. For a while she was somewhat calmer and began to go about the house again. She spent much time at her devotions, praying fervently that he might soon return and live with her as before. She sent him sleeping-clothes and many other comforts which she feared he might not otherwise be able to secure. Among the garments which she packed were a cloak and breeches of plain homespun. She folded them with a sigh, remembering his Court apparel with its figured silks and glittering badges. And there was his mirror! He had left it behind as in his poem he had jestingly promised to do; but his image he had taken with him, and much good was a mirror that reflected another face than his! The places where he used to walk, the pinewood pillar against which he used to lean,—on these she could still never look without a bitter pang. Her situation might well have dismayed even a woman long inured to the world; for an inexperienced girl the sudden departure of one who had taken the place of both father and mother, to whom she had confided everything, to whom she had looked on every occasion for comfort and advice, was a blow from which it could hardly be expected that she would quickly recover. Deep down in her heart there was the haunting fear that he might die before his recall. But apart from this dread (which did not bear thinking of), there was the possibility that gradually, at such a distance as this, his affection for her would cease. True, she could write to him, and had his absence been fixed at a few weeks or months she would have had no great anxiety. But as it was, year might follow year without the slightest change in his prospects, and when he found that this was so who knew what might not come...?

Murasaki's condition after his departure had deeply alarmed her attendants. For many days, she lay completely overcome by the shock of his leaving. Every attempt to cheer her failed. Anything she saw or heard about that reminded her of him brought on another fit of grief. It might be a zithern he had once played or the scent of a robe he had left behind. She behaved as though he were not merely exiled but already in his grave. At last, Shōnagon became seriously alarmed and sent for her uncle, the priest, to ask for help. He conducted a service of intercession, praying for Lady Murasaki's recovery and Genji's early recall. For a while, she was calmer and began to move about the house again. She spent much time in prayer, fervently hoping he would soon return and live with her as before. She sent him sleeping clothes and many other comforts she feared he might not otherwise be able to get. Among the clothes she packed were a cloak and breeches of plain homespun cloth. She folded them with a sigh, remembering his court clothes with their patterned silks and glittering badges. And there was his mirror! He had left it behind, just as he had jokingly promised in his poem. But he had taken his image with him. What good was a mirror that reflected any face but his? She still could not look at the places where he used to walk, or the pinewood pillar he used to lean against, without feeling a bitter pang. Her situation might have overwhelmed even a woman long accustomed to the world. Murasaki was an inexperienced girl, and he had taken the place of both father and mother to her. She had confided everything to him and always looked to him for comfort and advice. It was hardly to be expected that she would recover quickly from his sudden departure. Deep in her heart, she was haunted by the fear that he might die before he was recalled. But apart from that dread, which she could not bear to think about, there was another possibility. With so much distance between them, his love for her might gradually fade. True, she could write to him. And if his absence had been set at a few weeks or months, she would not have been very anxious. But as things stood, year after year might pass without the slightest change in his prospects. When he found that this was so, who knew what might happen...?

The Lady Abbess too was at this time in great distress. The sin of the Heir Apparent’s birth was a constant weight upon her heart. She felt that she had up to the present escaped more lightly than her karma in any degree warranted and that a day of disastrous reckoning might still be at hand. For years she had been so terrified lest her secret should become known that she had treated Genji with exaggerated indifference, convinced that if by any sign or look she betrayed her partiality for him their attachment would at once become common knowledge at Court. She called to mind countless occasions when, longing for his sympathy and love, she had turned coldly away. The result of all her precautions did indeed seem to be that, in a world where everything that anyone knows sooner or later gets repeated, this particular secret had, so far as she could judge by the demeanour of those with whom she came in contact, remained absolutely undivulged. But the effort had cost her very dear, and she now remembered with pity and remorse the harshness which this successful policy had involved. Her answer to the letter which he sent from Suma was long and tender; she sought indeed to explain and expiate her seeming heartlessness in former days.

The Lady Abbess was also in great distress at this time. The sin of the Heir Apparent’s birth weighed constantly on her heart. She felt that she had escaped far more lightly than her karma warranted. She feared that a day of disastrous reckoning might still be near. For years, she had been terrified that her secret would become known. She had treated Genji with exaggerated indifference, convinced that any sign of affection would immediately reveal their attachment at Court. She remembered countless times when she had longed for his sympathy and love, yet turned coldly away. Her precautions did seem to have worked. In a world where everything anyone knows is eventually repeated, this particular secret had remained completely undisclosed. At least, that was what she could judge from the behavior of those around her. But the effort had cost her dearly. She now remembered with pity and remorse the harshness her successful precautions had required. Her reply to the letter Genji sent from Suma was long and tender. In it, she tried to explain and atone for her apparent heartlessness in earlier days.

An answer also came from Oborozuki: ‘Not even to fishers that on the shore of Suma their faggots burn must we reveal the smouldering ashes of our love.’ ‘More I have no heart to write,’ she added in the margin of this poem, which was on a tiny strip of paper discreetly hidden between the pages of a note from Lady Chūnagon. In her own letter this lady gave a most melancholy account of her mistress’s condition. All these tales of woe made the arrival of Genji’s return post-bag a somewhat depressing event.

An answer also came from Oborozuki: ‘We must not reveal the smoldering ashes of our love, not even to the fishers burning bundles of wood on the shore of Suma.’ ‘I cannot bear to write more,’ she added in the margin of the poem. It was written on a tiny strip of paper, discreetly hidden between the pages of a note from Lady Chūnagon. In her own letter, Lady Chūnagon gave a deeply sad account of her mistress’s condition. All these tales of sorrow made the arrival of Genji’s return mail a rather depressing event.

Murasaki’s letter was full of the tenderest allusions and messages. With it was the poem: ‘Look at the sleeves of the fisherfolk who trail salt-water tubs along the shore: you will not find them wetter than mine were on the night you put out to sea.’ The clothes and other odds and ends which she sent him were all of the most delicate make and colour. She had evidently taken immense trouble, and he reflected that she could now have little indeed to employ her. No doubt she had in her loneliness deliberately prolonged this task. Day and night her image floated before him and at last, unable to endure any longer the idea of her remaining by herself in that dull lonely palace, he began to make fresh plans for bringing her out to join him. But after further reflection he changed his mind. Such a step would at once bring down upon him the full retribution of his offences, and putting the idea out of his head he took to prayer and fasting, in the hope that Buddha would have pity on him and bring his exile to a speedy end. He was also somewhat distressed at being separated from Aoi’s son. But here the case was different from that of older people. There was every probability that he would eventually see the child again, and meanwhile he had the comfort of knowing that it was in excellent hands.

Murasaki’s letter was full of tender references and messages. With it was the poem: ‘Look at the sleeves of the fisherfolk who drag saltwater tubs along the shore. You will not find them wetter than mine were on the night you sailed away.’ The clothes and other small things she sent him were all delicately made, in delicate colors. She had clearly taken great care, and he thought she must now have very little to occupy her. Surely, in her loneliness, she had deliberately made the task last as long as she could. Day and night he pictured her. At last, he could no longer bear the thought of her alone in that dull, lonely palace. He began making new plans to bring her to join him. But after thinking it over, he changed his mind. Such a step would immediately bring the full punishment for his offenses down upon him. He put the idea aside and began to pray and fast. He hoped that Buddha would take pity on him and bring his exile to a swift end. He was also somewhat distressed to be separated from Aoi’s son. But with a child, it was different than with older people. He was very likely to see the child again someday. In the meantime, he could take comfort in knowing that the child was in excellent hands.

But stay! There has been so much to tell that one important matter had quite escaped me. I ought to have told you that before his departure he sent a message to Ise with a letter informing Lady Rokujō of the place at which she must in future address him. An envoy now arrived at Suma with her reply. It was long and intimate. Both the handwriting and mode of expression showed just that extraordinary distinction and fineness of breeding which he had always admired in her. ‘I find it impossible,’ she wrote, ‘to conceive of you in such a place as that at which you bid me to address you. Surely this must be some long, fantastic dream! I cannot but believe that I shall soon hear of you as again at the Capital; alas, even so it will be far longer before my fault is expiated and we can meet face to face. “Forget not those who for salvation dredge their misery by Ise’s shore, while you with fisherfolk drag dripping buckets to the kiln.”’ This and much more was written, not as it seemed at one time, but bit by bit as fresh waves of feeling prompted her. There were altogether four or five large sheets of white Chinese paper, and there were many passages which in the handling of the ink were quite masterly. This woman, whom he once so passionately admired, had, after the fatal outcome of her jealousy, become utterly distasteful to him. He knew well enough that she was not to blame for what had occurred and that his own feelings towards her were utterly unreasonable, and now that he was himself suffering the penalty of exile he felt more than ever ashamed of having driven her away by his sudden coldness. Her present letter moved him so deeply that he detained the messenger for several days, questioning him upon every detail of the life at Ise. The man was a young courtier of good family and was enchanted at the opportunity of living in the company of this famous prince at such close quarters as the limited accommodation of the cottage made necessary. In his reply Genji said: ‘Had I known that I was to be driven from the Court, I might have done well to join you in your journey. “Were I but in the little boat that the men of Ise push along the wave-tops of the shore, some converse would at least be mine.”... Now, alas, there is less prospect even than before that we shall ever meet again....’

But wait! There has been so much to tell that I completely forgot one important matter. Before he left, he sent a message to Ise. It included a letter telling Lady Rokujō where she should address him from then on. A messenger now arrived at Suma with her reply. It was long and intimate. Both her handwriting and her expression showed the extraordinary refinement and noble upbringing he had always admired in her. ‘I cannot imagine you in a place like the one where you have asked me to write to you. Surely this must be a long, strange dream! I cannot help believing that I shall soon hear you are back at the Capital. Alas, even then, it will be much longer before I have atoned for my fault and we can meet face to face. “Do not forget those who dredge up their misery by Ise’s shore in search of salvation, while you drag dripping buckets to the kiln with the fisherfolk.”’ She had written this and much more, apparently not all at once, but bit by bit as fresh waves of feeling moved her. In all, there were four or five large sheets of white Chinese paper. In many passages, her handling of the ink was masterful. He had once admired this woman so passionately. But after her jealousy had ended in tragedy, he had come to find her utterly distasteful. He knew well enough that she was not to blame for what had happened. He also knew that his feelings toward her were completely unreasonable. Now that he was suffering the punishment of exile himself, he felt even more ashamed of having driven her away with his sudden coldness. Her letter moved him so deeply that he kept the messenger there for several days. He questioned him about every detail of life at Ise. The messenger was a young courtier from a good family. He was delighted by the chance to live in the company of this famous prince. The cottage had so little room that they had to live in close quarters. In his reply, Genji wrote: ‘Had I known I would be driven from the Court, I might have done well to join you on your journey. “If only I were in the little boat that the men of Ise push over the waves near shore, I would at least have someone to talk to.”... Now, alas, there is even less hope than before that we shall ever meet again....’

He had now acquitted himself of all his epistolary duties, and no one had any right to complain. Meanwhile a letter arrived from the lady in the ‘village of falling flowers,’ or rather a journal in which she had from time to time noted down her impressions since his departure. The manner in which she recorded her despondency at his absence was both entertaining and original. The letter was a great distraction and aroused in him a quite new interest in this lady. It had come to his ears that the summer rains had done considerable damage to the foundations of her house and he sent word to his people at the Capital to get materials from such of his farms as were nearest to the ladies’ home and do whatever was necessary in the way of repairs.

He had now answered all the letters he needed to, and no one had any reason to complain. Meanwhile, a letter arrived from the lady in the ‘village of falling flowers.’ It was really a journal in which she had occasionally recorded her impressions since his departure. Her account of her sadness at his absence was both entertaining and original. The letter was a great distraction and gave him a new interest in her. He had heard that the summer rains had badly damaged the foundations of her house. He sent word to his people at the Capital to get materials from his farms nearest the ladies’ home. They were to make whatever repairs were necessary.

The Emperor still showed no signs of summoning Princess Oborozuki to his side. Her father imagined that she felt her position and, since she was his favourite daughter, was most anxious to get matters put right. He spoke about it to Kōkiden, begging her to use all her influence, and indeed went so far as to mention his daughter’s disappointment to the Emperor himself. It was hoped that he might be prevailed upon to instal her, if not as a regular mistress, at any rate in some dignified capacity in his immediate entourage. The Emperor had hitherto neglected her solely because of her supposed attachment in another direction. When at last, yielding to the persuasion of her relatives, he summoned her to him, she was as a matter of fact more than ever absorbed in her unlucky passion. She moved into the Inner Palace during the seventh month. As it was known that the Emperor had previously been very much in love with her, no surprise was felt when he began immediately to treat her as a full lady-in-waiting. From the first he showered upon her a multitude both of endearments and reproaches. He was by no means distasteful to her either in person or character, but a thousand recollections crowded to her mind and continuously held her back. He did not fail to notice this, and once when they were at music together he said to her suddenly: ‘I know why you are unhappy. It is because that man has gone away. Well, you are not the only one who misses him; my whole Court seems to be plunged in the darkest gloom. I see what it is; I ought never to have let him go. The old Emperor on his death-bed warned me of all this, but I took no notice, and now I shall suffer for it.’ He had become quite tearful. She made no comment, and after a while he continued: ‘I get very little pleasure out of my life. I am fast realizing that there is no point in any of the things I do. I have the feeling that I shall probably not be with you much longer.... I know quite well that you will not be much upset; certainly much less than you were recently. That poet was a fool who prayed that he might know what happened to his mistress after he was gone. He cannot have cared much about her, or he would certainly rather not have known.’ He really seemed to set such store by her affection and spoke in so bitter and despondent a tone that she could bear it no longer and burst into tears. ‘It is no good your crying like that,’ he said peevishly, ‘I know well enough that your tears are not in any way connected with me.’ For a while he was silent. Then he began again: ‘It is so depressing not to have had any children. Of course I shall keep Lady Fujitsubo’s son as my Heir Apparent, since the old Emperor desired it. But there is sure to be a great deal of opposition, and it is very inconvenient....’

The Emperor still showed no sign of summoning Princess Oborozuki to his side. Her father imagined that she was unhappy with her position. Since she was his favorite daughter, he was eager to put matters right. He asked Kōkiden to use all her influence and even mentioned his daughter’s disappointment to the Emperor himself. The family hoped to persuade him to give her a dignified position among his attendants, if not make her an official mistress. Until then, the Emperor had neglected her only because he believed she was attached to someone else. At last, her relatives persuaded him to summon her. In fact, she was now more absorbed than ever in her unhappy love. She moved into the Inner Palace in the seventh month. Everyone knew that the Emperor had once been deeply in love with her. So no one was surprised when he immediately began treating her as a full lady-in-waiting. From the start, he showered her with both affection and reproaches. She found nothing unpleasant about his appearance or character, but countless memories crowded her mind and kept holding her back. He noticed her reserve. Once, while they were making music together, he suddenly said, ‘I know why you are unhappy. It is because that man has gone away. Well, you are not the only one who misses him. My whole Court seems to be sunk in the deepest gloom. I see it now. I should never have let him go. The old Emperor warned me about all this on his deathbed, but I paid no attention. Now I shall suffer for it.’ He had become quite tearful. She said nothing, and after a while he continued: ‘I get very little pleasure from my life. I am quickly realizing that nothing I do has any point. I have a feeling I probably will not be with you much longer.... I know perfectly well that you will not be very upset. You will certainly be much less upset than you were recently. That poet was a fool to pray that he might know what happened to his mistress after he was gone. He cannot have cared much for her, or he would surely have preferred not to know.’ He seemed to value her affection so deeply, and spoke so bitterly and despairingly, that she could bear it no longer. She burst into tears. ‘There is no use crying like that,’ he said irritably. ‘I know well enough that your tears have nothing to do with me.’ He was silent for a while. Then he began again: ‘It is so depressing not to have had any children. Of course I shall keep Lady Fujitsubo’s son as my Heir Apparent, since the old Emperor wished it. But there is sure to be a great deal of opposition, and that is very inconvenient....’

In reality, the government of the country was not in his hands at all; at every turn he saw his own wishes being violated and a quite contrary policy pursued by men who knew how to take advantage of his inexperience and weakness of character. All this he deplored but was powerless to alter.

In reality, he had no control over the country’s government. At every turn, men ignored his wishes and pursued the opposite policy. They knew how to take advantage of his inexperience and weak character. He regretted all this but was powerless to change it.

At Suma autumn had set in with a vengeance. The little house stood some way back from the sea; but when in sudden gusts the wind came ‘blowing through the gap’ (the very wind of Yukihira’s poem²²⁵) it seemed as though the waves were at Genji’s door. Night after night he lay listening to that melancholy sound and wondering whether in all the world there could be any place where the sadness of autumn was more overwhelming. The few attendants who shared the house with him had all gone to rest. Only Genji lay awake, propped high on his pillow, listening to the storm-winds which burst upon the house from every side. Louder and louder came the noise of the waves, till it seemed to him they must have mounted the fore-shore and be surging round the very bed on which he lay. Then he would take up his zithern and strike a few notes. But his tune echoed so forlornly through the house that he had not the heart to continue and, putting the zithern aside, he sang to himself the song:

At Suma, autumn had arrived with a vengeance. The little house stood some distance from the sea. But sudden gusts came ‘blowing through the gap’ (the very wind of Yukihira’s poem²²⁵). Then it seemed as if the waves were at Genji’s door. Night after night, he lay listening to their sad sound. He wondered whether anywhere in the world the sadness of autumn could be more overwhelming. The few attendants who shared the house with him had all gone to bed. Only Genji lay awake, propped high on his pillow, listening to the storm winds batter the house from every side. The waves grew louder and louder. They seemed to have swept up the shore and to be surging around his bed. Then he would take up his zither and play a few notes. But the tune echoed so sadly through the house that he could not bear to continue. He put the zither aside and sang to himself the song:

At this his followers awoke with a start and listened to his singing with wonder and delight. But the words filled them with an unendurable sadness, and there were some whose lips trembled while they rose and dressed.

At this, his followers woke with a start and listened to his singing with wonder and delight. But the words filled them with unbearable sadness. Some of their lips trembled as they got up and dressed.

What (Genji asked himself) must they think of him? For his sake they had given up their homes, parents, brothers, friends from whom they had never been absent for a day; abandoned everything in life which they had held dear. The thought that these unfortunate gentlemen should be involved in the consequences of his indiscretion was very painful to him. He knew that his own moodiness and ill humour had greatly contributed to their depression. Next day he tried to cheer them with jokes and amusing stories; and to make the time pass less tediously he set them to work to join strips of variegated paper into a long roll and did some writing practice, while on a piece of very fine Chinese silk he made a number of rough ink sketches which when pasted on to a screen looked very well indeed. Here before his eyes were all those hills and shores of which he had so often dreamed since the day long ago when they had been shown to him from a far-off height.²²⁶ He now made good use of his opportunities and soon got together a collection of views which admirably illustrated the scenery of this beautiful coast-line. So delighted were his companions that they were anxious he should send for Chiyeda and Tsunenori²²⁷ and make them use his sketches as models for proper-coloured paintings. His new affability soon made them forget all their troubles, and the four or five retainers who habitually served him felt that the discomforts of exile were quite outweighed by the pleasure of waiting upon such a master.

What must they think of him, Genji wondered? For his sake, they had left their homes, parents, brothers, and friends. They had never been apart from them for a single day. They had given up everything they held dear in life. It pained him deeply that these unfortunate gentlemen should suffer the consequences of his indiscretion. He knew that his own moodiness and bad temper had added greatly to their sadness. The next day, he tried to cheer them up with jokes and amusing stories. To make the time pass more quickly, he had them join strips of multicolored paper into a long roll. He practiced writing and made several rough ink sketches on a piece of very fine Chinese silk. When pasted onto a screen, the sketches looked very good indeed. Here before him were all the hills and shores he had so often dreamed of. Long ago, they had been shown to him from a distant height.²²⁶ He now made good use of the chance to see them. Soon he had a collection of views that beautifully captured the scenery of this lovely coastline. His companions were delighted. They wanted him to send for Chiyeda and Tsunenori²²⁷ and have them use his sketches as models for proper color paintings. His newfound warmth soon made them forget all their troubles. The four or five retainers who usually served him felt that serving such a master more than outweighed the hardships of exile.

The flowers which had been planted in front of the cottage were blooming with a wild profusion of colour. One particularly calm and delightful evening Genji came out on to the verandah which looked towards the bay. He was dressed in a soft coat of fine white silk with breeches of aster-colour. A cloak of some dark material hung loosely over his shoulders. After reciting the formula of submission (‘Such a one, being a disciple of the Buddha Śākyamuni, does obeisance to him and craves that in the moonlit shelter of the Tree of Knowledge he may seek refuge from the clouds of sorrow and death’) he began in a low voice to read a passage from the Scriptures. The sunset, the light from the sea, the towering hills cast so strange a radiance upon him as he stood reading from the book, that to those who watched he seemed like some visitant from another world. Out beyond the bay a line of boats was passing, the fishermen singing as they rowed. So far off were these boats that they looked like a convoy of small birds afloat upon the high seas. With the sound of oars was subtly blended the crying of wild-geese, each wanderer’s lament swiftly matched by the voice of his close-following mate. How different his lot to theirs! And Genji raised his sleeve to brush away the tears that had begun to flow. As he did so the whiteness of his hand flashed against the black wooden beads of his rosary. Here indeed, thought those who were with him, was beauty enough to console them for the absence of the women whom they had left behind.

The flowers planted in front of the cottage were blooming in a riot of color. One calm, lovely evening, Genji stepped onto the veranda overlooking the bay. He wore a soft coat of fine white silk and aster-colored breeches. A dark cloak hung loosely over his shoulders. He recited the formula of submission: ‘As a disciple of the Buddha Śākyamuni, I bow to him. I ask to take refuge from the clouds of sorrow and death beneath the moonlit Tree of Knowledge.’ Then he began to read a passage from the Scriptures in a low voice. The sunset, the light from the sea, and the towering hills cast a strange glow on him as he read. To those watching, he seemed like a visitor from another world. Beyond the bay, a line of boats passed by, the fishermen singing as they rowed. The boats were so far away that they looked like a flock of small birds floating on the open sea. The cries of wild geese mingled gently with the sound of oars. Each wanderer’s lament was quickly answered by its mate, following close behind. How different Genji’s lot was from theirs! He raised his sleeve to brush away the tears that had begun to flow. As he did, his white hand flashed against the black wooden beads of his rosary. Those with him thought that such beauty could console them for the absence of the women they had left behind.

Among his followers was that same Ukon who had gone with him to the old Emperor’s tomb. Ukon’s father had become Governor of Hitachi and was anxious that he should join him in his province. He had chosen instead to go with Genji to Suma. The decision cost him a bitter struggle, but from Genji he hid all this, and appeared to be quite eager for the journey. This man, pointing to the wild-geese above, now recited the poem: ‘Like flocks that unafraid explore the shifting highways of the air, I have no fear but that my leader should outwing me in the empty sky.’

Among his followers was Ukon, who had gone with him to the old Emperor’s tomb. Ukon’s father had become Governor of Hitachi and wanted him to join him there. Instead, Ukon had chosen to go with Genji to Suma. The decision had been painful, but he hid his struggle from Genji and seemed eager for the journey. Now Ukon pointed to the wild geese overhead and recited a poem: ‘Like flocks that fearlessly explore the shifting paths of the air, I fear only that my leader will fly beyond me in the empty sky.’

About this time the Secretary to the Viceroy came back to Court. As he was travelling with his wife, daughters and a very large staff of attendants he preferred to make the whole journey by water. They were proceeding in a leisurely fashion along the coast and had intended to stop at Suma which was said to be the most beautiful bay of all, when they heard that Genji was living there. The giddy young persons in the boat were immediately in the wildest state of excitement, though their father showed no signs of putting them ashore. If the other sisters, who did not know Genji, were in a flutter, it may be imagined what a commotion was going on in the breast of Lady Gosechi.²²⁸ She could indeed hardly restrain herself from cutting the tow-cord, and when the boat put in so near the shore that a faint sound of string-music could be heard floating down from Genji’s cottage, the beauty of the shore, the proximity of so interesting a personage and the interrupted strains of the tune combined to make a powerful impression upon the imaginations of these young people, and the tears came into their eyes. The Secretary sent the following letter ashore: ‘I had hoped that after my long absence it would be from your lips that I should first hear all the gossip of the Capital. I now learn to my intense surprise and, if you will allow me to say so, to my deep regret, that you are at present living in retirement in this remote place. As we are a large and mixed party, I must excuse myself from troubling you, but I hope to have the pleasure of your society upon some other occasion.’ This letter was brought by his son the Governor of Echizen, a nobleman who had been one of Genji’s equerries and had been treated by him with particular kindness. He was distressed at his former master’s ill fortune and did not wish to seem ungrateful; but he knew that there were persons in his father’s train who had their eye upon him and would, if he lingered in Genji’s company, denounce him to the authorities. He therefore handed in the letter and at once hurried away. ‘You are the first of my friends to visit me since I left the Capital,’ said Genji. ‘I cannot sufficiently thank you for sparing me so much of your time....’ His reply to the Viceroy’s letter was couched in much the same terms. The young Governor returned in very low spirits, and his account of what he had seen and heard provoked loud expressions of sympathy not only from the ladies of the party but also from the Viceroy himself. Lady Gosechi contrived to send a short message on her own account, together with the poem: ‘Little you guessed that at the sound of your distant lute one hand was near indeed to severing the tow-cord of the boat.’ ‘Do not think me forward if under these strange circumstances I have ventured once more to address you,’ she added. He smiled as he read the letter. She seemed to have become very demure. ‘Had you in truth been minded to visit me, what easier than to cut the cable that drags you past this shore?’ So he wrote and again: ‘You are a little taken aback, I think, to find me “among the fishers at their toil.”’ So much did he long for some distraction that he would indeed have been delighted if she had found courage to come ashore; nor is this strange when we remember how not far away from this same place a mighty exile²²⁹ found solace in the company of an ostler.

Around this time, the Secretary to the Viceroy returned to Court. He was traveling with his wife, daughters, and a very large group of attendants, so he preferred to travel entirely by water. They were making a leisurely journey along the coast and had planned to stop at Suma. It was said to be the most beautiful bay of all. Then they heard that Genji was living there. The flighty young people in the boat were immediately beside themselves with excitement, although their father showed no sign of letting them go ashore. If the other sisters, who did not know Genji, were so excited, one can imagine Lady Gosechi’s feelings.²²⁸ She could hardly resist cutting the tow-cord herself. The boat came so close to shore that they could hear the faint sound of string music drifting from Genji’s cottage. The beautiful shore, the nearness of such an interesting man, and the broken strains of music stirred the young people’s imaginations. Tears came to their eyes. The Secretary sent a letter ashore: ‘I had hoped that, after my long absence, you would be the first to tell me all the gossip of the Capital. I have now learned, to my great surprise and, if I may say so, my deep regret, that you are living in retirement in this remote place. As we are a large and mixed party, I must excuse myself from troubling you. But I hope to have the pleasure of your company on another occasion.’ The letter was delivered by his son, the Governor of Echizen. The young nobleman had been one of Genji’s equerries, and Genji had treated him with particular kindness. He was distressed by his former master’s misfortune and did not want to seem ungrateful. But he knew that some people in his father’s party were watching him. If he stayed with Genji, they would report him to the authorities. So he delivered the letter and hurried away at once. ‘You are the first of my friends to visit me since I left the Capital,’ Genji said. ‘I cannot thank you enough for sparing me so much of your time....’ His reply to the Viceroy’s letter was much the same. The young Governor returned in very low spirits. His account of what he had seen and heard drew loud expressions of sympathy from the ladies of the party and from the Viceroy himself. Lady Gosechi managed to send a short message of her own, along with a poem: ‘Little did you guess that, at the sound of your distant lute, one hand came very close to cutting the boat’s tow-cord.’ She added, ‘Do not think me forward for daring to write to you again under these strange circumstances.’ Genji smiled as he read the letter. She seemed to have become very modest. He wrote back: ‘If you had truly wanted to visit me, what could have been easier than cutting the cord that drags you past this shore?’ He added: ‘You are a little surprised, I think, to find me “among the fishers at their work.”’ He longed so much for a distraction that he really would have been delighted if she had found the courage to come ashore. Nor is this surprising. Not far from this same place, a mighty exile²²⁹ found comfort in the company of a stable hand.

In the Capital Genji’s absence was still universally deplored. His step-brothers and some of the noblemen with whom he was most intimate had in the early days of his exile sent sometimes to enquire about him and had composed elegies in his honour, to which he had replied. This soon reached Kōkiden’s ears. She was furious at this proof of his continued popularity: ‘It is unheard of,’ she burst out angrily, ‘that a man condemned of offences against the Government of his country should be allowed to live as he pleases and even share in the literary pastimes of the Court. There he sits (by the way I hear he has got a very pretty house!) railing all day at the Government, and no doubt experimenting on loyal servants of the Crown for all the world like that man in the History Book who declared that a stag was a horse.’²³⁰ Henceforward Genji received no letters from Court.

In the Capital, everyone still mourned Genji’s absence. Early in his exile, his stepbrothers and some of his closest noble friends had sometimes sent to ask about him. They had also written elegies in his honor, and he had replied. Kōkiden soon heard about this. She was furious that he was still so popular. ‘It is unheard of,’ she burst out, ‘that a man convicted of offenses against his country’s Government should be allowed to live as he pleases. And he even takes part in the Court’s literary pastimes. He sits there railing against the Government all day. By the way, I hear he has a very pretty house! No doubt he is testing the Crown’s loyal servants, just like that man in the History Book who declared that a stag was a horse.’²³⁰ From then on, Genji received no letters from Court.

The lady at the Nijō-in remained inconsolable. The servants in the eastern wing had at first been somewhat reluctant to transfer their services to her; but after a while her charming manners and amiable disposition completely won their hearts, and none of them showed any signs of seeking service elsewhere. Their employment had given them opportunity of observing, albeit at a distance, most of the great ladies of the Court. They were soon willing to allow that in beauty of character Murasaki far excelled them all, and they well understood why Genji had singled her out to be his pupil.

The lady at Nijō-in remained inconsolable. At first, the servants in the eastern wing had been somewhat reluctant to enter her service. But before long, her charming manners and kind nature won them over completely. None showed any sign of wanting to serve elsewhere. Through their work, they had seen most of the great ladies of the Court, though only from a distance. They soon agreed that Murasaki’s character was far more beautiful than that of any of the others. They understood well why Genji had chosen her as his pupil.

He, meanwhile, longed more and more to have her with him. But apart from the fact that the roughness of life at Suma would be utterly unsuited to her, he knew that his sending for her would be regarded as an impudent challenge to those who had achieved his downfall.

Meanwhile, he longed more and more to have her with him. But the hardships of life at Suma would be completely unsuitable for her. He also knew that sending for her would be seen as a defiant challenge to those who had brought about his downfall.

They were within easy distance of Akashi, and Yoshikiyo naturally thought of the strange lady whom he had once courted there, daughter of the eccentric recluse²³¹ who had made his home near the bay. He wrote to her several times, but received no reply. Finally a note came not from her but from her father, saying that he had something to tell Yoshikiyo and would be glad if he could find time to call. It was quite clear what this meant. The old man merely wanted to tell him that his suit was unwelcome. Yoshikiyo saw no point in going to the house on purpose to be snubbed, and left the letter unanswered. As a rule provincial governors seem to think that there are no reputable families in the land except those of other provincial governors, and it would never occur to them to marry their daughters into any other class. But this ex-Governor was a man who not only had ideas of his own but clung to them with passionate obstinacy. For years past, the sons of provincial officials had been courting his daughter, and one and all he had sent them about their business. His own notion of a husband was very different. Then came Genji’s arrival at Suma. So soon as he heard of it, the ex-Governor said to his wife: ‘I hear that Lady Kiritsubo’s boy, Prince Hikaru Genji, has got into some sort of trouble with the authorities and has come to live at Suma. I confess I am delighted to hear it. What a splendid opportunity for our girl....’

They were close to Akashi, and Yoshikiyo naturally thought of the unusual lady he had once courted there. She was the daughter of the eccentric recluse²³¹ who had made his home near the bay. Yoshikiyo wrote to her several times but received no reply. Finally, a note came from her father instead. He said he had something to tell Yoshikiyo and would be glad if he could find time to visit. The meaning was clear. The old man simply wanted to tell him that his courtship was unwelcome. Yoshikiyo saw no point in visiting the house just to be rejected, so he left the letter unanswered. As a rule, provincial governors seem to think that the only respectable families in the land are those of other provincial governors. It would never occur to them to marry their daughters into any other class. But this former Governor had ideas of his own and clung to them with passionate stubbornness. For years, the sons of provincial officials had been courting his daughter. He had sent every one of them away. He had a very different idea of the husband he wanted for her. Then Genji arrived at Suma. As soon as the former Governor heard the news, he said to his wife: ‘I hear that Lady Kiritsubo’s boy, Prince Hikaru Genji, has gotten into some kind of trouble with the authorities. He has come to live at Suma. I must admit, I’m delighted to hear it. What a wonderful opportunity for our girl....’

‘You must be mad!’ broke in the mother. ‘I have been told by people at Court, that he already keeps several ladies of the highest rank as his mistresses; and not content with that, it appears that he has now got into trouble about some lady in the Imperial Household. I cannot imagine why you suppose that a coxcomb of this kind is likely to take any interest in a simple, country girl....’ ‘You know nothing whatever about it,’ interrupted the father testily. ‘I have very good reasons for thinking as I do, and I must trouble you to fall in with my plans. I intend to invite Prince Genji over here at the earliest possible opportunity.’ He now spoke in a gentler tone, but it was evident that he meant to have his own way, and to his wife’s consternation he began to make the most lavish preparations for Genji’s entertainment.’ I cannot imagine,’ she said, ‘why you are so set upon marrying our daughter to this man. However exalted his position may once have been, that does not alter the fact that he has now been expelled from the City as a criminal. Even if by any chance he did take a fancy to her, the idea of accepting such a person as our son-in-law is one which you cannot surely entertain even as a joke....’ ‘What is all this about criminals?’ he growled. ‘Surely you know that some of the most distinguished men in history both here and in China have been forced at one time or another to retire from Court. There is nothing disgraceful about it. Just consider for a moment who this prince is. His mother was the daughter of my own uncle, the late Inspector of Provinces, who having made a name for himself by his public services was able to obtain for her a position in the Imperial Palace. Here she at once became the idol of our beloved Monarch, and although the very exceptional favour with which she was treated aroused a good deal of jealousy and in the end brought about her undoing, her career cannot be considered unsuccessful, since she became the mother of His Majesty’s most cherished son. In short, the family with which his august father was not ashamed to ally himself is surely good enough for this young prince, and though our daughter is a country-bred girl, I do not think you will find he turns up his nose at her....’

‘You must be mad!’ the mother broke in. ‘People at Court have told me he already has several high-ranking ladies as mistresses. And as if that were not enough, he seems to have gotten into trouble over a lady in the Imperial Household. I cannot imagine why you think such a vain man would take any interest in a simple country girl....’ ‘You know nothing about it,’ the father interrupted irritably. ‘I have very good reasons for thinking as I do, and I must ask you to go along with my plans. I intend to invite Prince Genji here at the earliest opportunity.’ He spoke more gently now, but it was clear he meant to have his way. To his wife’s dismay, he began making lavish preparations to entertain Genji. ‘I cannot imagine,’ she said, ‘why you are so determined to marry our daughter to this man. However high his position may once have been, he has now been expelled from the City as a criminal. Even if he did happen to take a fancy to her, surely you cannot mean to accept him as our son-in-law, even as a joke....’ ‘What is all this about criminals?’ he growled. ‘Surely you know that some of the most distinguished men in history, both here and in China, have been forced to leave Court at one time or another. There is nothing disgraceful about it. Just consider who this prince is. His mother was the daughter of my own uncle, the late Inspector of Provinces. He had made a name for himself through his public service and was able to secure her a position in the Imperial Palace. There she immediately became the idol of our beloved Monarch. The extraordinary favor he showed her caused much jealousy and eventually led to her downfall. Even so, her life cannot be called a failure, since she became the mother of His Majesty’s most cherished son. In short, his royal father was not ashamed to marry into our family. Surely, then, our family is good enough for this young prince. And though our daughter was raised in the country, I do not think he will turn up his nose at her....’

The young woman in question was not remarkably handsome, but she had considerable distinction and charm. Indeed many of the greatest ladies at Court had, so far as good looks went, far less to boast of. She was painfully conscious of her own deficiencies and had made up her mind that no one of good position would ever take any notice of her. Men of her own rank in life she knew that she had no opportunity of meeting. Sooner or later her parents would die, and then she would either become a nun or else drown herself in the sea; she was not sure which. Her father brought her up with extreme strictness, and her only outings were pilgrimages to the Shrine of Sumiyoshi, whither he brought her regularly twice a year, secretly hoping that the God would be moved to assist his ambitious designs.

The young woman was not especially beautiful, but she had considerable distinction and charm. In fact, many of the greatest ladies at Court were much less attractive. She was painfully aware of her own shortcomings. She was sure that no one of high standing would ever notice her. She knew she had no chance to meet men of her own rank. Sooner or later, her parents would die. Then she would either become a nun or drown herself in the sea. She was not sure which. Her father raised her very strictly. Her only outings were pilgrimages to the Shrine of Sumiyoshi. He took her there regularly twice a year, secretly hoping that the God would help him carry out his ambitious plans.

The New Year had begun. The days were growing longer and already there was a faint show of blossom on the cherry-trees which Genji had planted in his garden at Suma. The weather was delightful, and sitting idly in the sunshine he recalled a thousand incidents that were linked in his mind with former springs. The twentieth day of the second month! It was just a year ago that he left the Capital. All those painful scenes of farewell came back vividly to his mind, bringing with them a new access of longing. The cherry-trees of the Southern Hall must now be in full bloom. He remembered the wonderful Flower Feast of six years ago, saw his father’s face, the elegant figure of the young Crown Prince; and verses from the poems which he had himself made on that occasion floated back into his mind.

The New Year had begun. The days were growing longer, and the cherry trees Genji had planted in his garden at Suma were beginning to bloom. The weather was lovely. As he sat idly in the sunshine, he remembered a thousand incidents he associated with past springs. It was the twentieth day of the second month, exactly a year since he had left the Capital. All those painful scenes of farewell came vividly back to him, filling him with longing again. The cherry trees of the Southern Hall must be in full bloom now. He remembered the wonderful Flower Feast of six years ago. He could see his father’s face and the elegant figure of the young Crown Prince. Lines from the poems he had written for the feast floated back into his mind.

All this while Tō no Chūjō had been living at the Great Hall, with very little indeed to amuse him. He had been put down again into the Fourth Rank and was very much discouraged. It was essential to his prospects that he should not come under any further suspicion, but he was an affectionate creature and finding himself longing more and more for Genji’s society, he determined, even at the cost of offending the Government, to set out at once for Suma. The complete unexpectedness of his visit made it all the more cheering and delightful. He was soon admiring Genji’s rustic house, which seemed to him the most extraordinary place to be living in. He thought it more like some legendary hermit’s hut in a Chinese book than a real cottage. Indeed the whole place might have come straight out of a picture, with its hedge of wattled bamboo, the steps of unhewn stone, the stout pine-wood pillars and general air of improvisation. Chūjō was enchanted by the strangeness of it all. Genji was dressed in peasant style with a grey hunting-cloak and outer breeches over a suit of russet-brown. The way in which he played up to this rustic costume struck Chūjō as highly absurd and at the same time delighted him. The furniture was all of the simplest kind and even Genji’s seat was not divided off in any way from the rest of the room. Near it lay boards for the games of go and sugaroku, and chessmen, with other such gear as is met with in country houses. The meals, which were necessarily of a somewhat makeshift character, seemed to Chūjō positively exciting. One day some fishermen arrived with cockles to sell. Genji sent for them and inspected their catch. He questioned them about their trade and learned something of the life led year in and year out by those whose homes were on this shore. It was a story of painful unremitting toil, and though they told it in a jargon which he could only half understand, he realized with compassion that their feelings were, after all, very much like his own. He made them handsome presents from his wardrobe and they felt that these shells had indeed been life-giving.²³²

All this time, Tō no Chūjō had been living at the Great Hall, with very little to amuse him. He had been demoted again to the Fourth Rank and was deeply discouraged. To protect his prospects, he had to avoid any further suspicion. But he was affectionate, and he missed Genji’s company more and more. He decided to set out for Suma at once, even if it offended the Government. His visit was completely unexpected, which made it all the more cheering and delightful. He soon found himself admiring Genji’s rustic house. It seemed to him an extraordinary place to live. He thought it looked more like a legendary hermit’s hut from a Chinese book than a real cottage. In fact, the whole place might have come straight out of a picture. It had a woven bamboo hedge, steps of uncut stone, sturdy pine pillars, and an air of improvisation. Chūjō was enchanted by how strange it all was. Genji was dressed like a peasant. He wore a grey hunting cloak and outer breeches over a russet-brown suit. The way he played the part in his rustic clothes struck Chūjō as highly absurd, but it also delighted him. The furniture was all very simple. Even Genji’s seat was not separated in any way from the rest of the room. Nearby lay boards for go and sugaroku, chess pieces, and other such things found in country houses. The meals were necessarily somewhat makeshift, but Chūjō found them positively exciting. One day, some fishermen arrived with cockles to sell. Genji sent for them and examined their catch. He asked them about their work and learned something about life on the shore, year in and year out. It was a story of painful, unending toil. Though they told it in a jargon he could only half understand, he realized with compassion that their feelings were, after all, much like his own. He gave them generous gifts from his wardrobe, and they felt that these shells had indeed been life-giving.²³²

The stable was quite close by and in full view of the cottage. It amused Chūjō to watch the labourers fetching rice-husks from a queer building which seemed to be a sort of store-house or granary and using them as provender for the horses; and he would sing the ballad: ‘Sweet is the shade....’²³³

The stable was nearby and in full view of the cottage. Chūjō enjoyed watching the workers fetch rice husks from a strange building that seemed to be a storehouse or granary. They fed the husks to the horses, and he would sing the ballad: ‘Sweet is the shade....’²³³

He had of course a great deal to tell to his friend, and it was sometimes with laughter, sometimes with tears that they went step by step over all that had happened in the long months of their separation. There were many stories of Aoi’s little son, happily still too young to understand what was going on in the world around him, of the old Minister, who now was sunk into a state of unremitting melancholy, and of a thousand other happenings at the Great Hall and Court, which could not possibly be recounted in full and would lose all interest if told incompletely. Neither of them had any inclination to sleep, and at dawn they were still exchanging Chinese odes.

Of course, he had a great deal to tell his friend. Sometimes laughing, sometimes weeping, they went over everything that had happened during the long months they had been apart. There were many stories about Aoi’s little son, who was happily still too young to understand what was happening around him. There were stories about the old Minister, who was now sunk in constant sorrow. There were also stories of a thousand other events at the Great Hall and Court. These could not possibly be told in full and would lose all interest if told only in part. Neither of them felt like sleeping, and at dawn they were still exchanging Chinese odes.

Though Chūjō had said that he no longer cared what the authorities thought of him, he was reluctant to aggravate his offence by lingering on this forbidden shore, and he now announced that he must start for home again immediately. This was a terrible blow to Genji who knew that so short a visit would leave him even more wretched than before. Wine was brought and as they drank the farewell cup they murmured in unison the words of Po Chü-i’s parting poem:

Although Chūjō had said he no longer cared what the authorities thought of him, he did not want to make his offense worse by staying on this forbidden shore. He now announced that he had to leave for home immediately. This was a terrible blow to Genji, who knew that such a short visit would leave him even more miserable than before. Wine was brought, and as they drank the farewell cup, they murmured together the words of Po Chü-i’s parting poem:

Chūjō had brought with him some delightful presents from the Capital. With many apologies Genji offered him in return a black colt, saying as he did so: ‘I fear that it may be embarrassing for you to receive even so poor a gift as this from one in my position. But I beg of you to accept it as a symbol of my longing to return, for in the Old Poem it is written:

Chūjō had brought some delightful gifts from the Capital. Genji offered him a black colt in return, apologizing profusely. As he offered it, he said: ‘I fear you may be embarrassed to accept even such a modest gift from someone in my position. But please accept it as a symbol of my longing to return, for the Old Poem says:

It was in fact a magnificent horse and could hardly have been matched in all the kingdom. Among the presents brought by Chūjō was a celebrated flute which had long been in his possession, and many other small but beautiful objects such as could easily be secreted and would serve as tokens of his affection without exciting troublesome comment.

It was indeed a magnificent horse, and hardly another in the whole kingdom could match it. Among Chūjō's gifts was a famous flute he had owned for a long time. He also brought many other small, beautiful objects that could easily be hidden. They could serve as tokens of his affection without causing troublesome comment.

The morning was well advanced before Chūjō set out. He could hardly believe that the long-dreamed-of meeting was already over and looked back again and again to where his friend was standing. The sight of Genji gazing after him as the boat drew away made it more difficult than ever to endure so speedy a parting, and he cried out ‘When, when shall we meet again? I cannot think that they will let you go on much longer....’ At which Genji answered him with the poem: ‘O crane, who travellest at will even to the very margin of the Land on High, look well upon me, whether in intent I be not cloudless as this new day of Spring.’²³⁴ ‘Sometimes for a while I have hope,’ he added; ‘but of those who before have been in my case even the most grave and virtuous have seldom managed to repair their fortunes. I fear I shall not see the precincts of the Capital again.’ ‘Hapless in cloudland shall your crane’s solitary voice re-echo till with his lost friend, wing to wing again, he can renew his flight.’ This was the poem that Chūjō now recited as his boat left the shore.

It was late in the morning before Chūjō set out. He could hardly believe that the meeting he had dreamed of for so long was already over. Again and again, he looked back at his friend. As the boat drew away, he saw Genji gazing after him. That made the swift parting harder than ever to bear. He cried out, ‘When, when will we meet again? I cannot believe they will make you stay much longer....’ Genji answered with a poem: ‘O crane, you who can travel freely to the very edge of the Land on High, look closely at me. Is my heart not as cloudless as this new spring day?’²³⁴ ‘Sometimes I have hope for a while,’ he added. ‘But even the most serious and virtuous people who have been in my position have seldom regained their fortunes. I fear I shall never see the Capital again.’ ‘Unhappy in the clouds, your crane’s lonely voice will echo until he can fly again, wing to wing with his lost friend.’ This was the poem Chūjō recited as his boat left the shore.

The third month was now beginning and some one who was supposed to be well up in these matters reminded Genji that one in his circumstances would do well to perform the ceremony of Purification on the coming Festival Day.²³⁵ He loved exploring the coast and readily consented. It happened that a certain itinerant magician was then touring the province of Harima with no other apparatus than the crude back-scene²³⁶ before which he performed his incantations. Genji now sent for him and bade him perform the ceremony of Purification. Part of the ritual consisted in the loading of a little boat with a number of doll-like figures and letting it float out to sea. While he watched this, Genji recited the poem: ‘How like these puppets am I too cast out to dwell amid the unportioned fallows of the mighty sea....’ These verses he recited standing out in the open with nothing but the wind and sky around him, and the magician, pausing to watch him, thought that he had never in his life encountered a creature of such beauty. Till now there had not been the least ripple on the face of the sea. Genji, wondering what would in the end become of him, began to review the whole course of his past life and the chances of better fortune in the future. He gazed on the quiet aspects of both sky and sea. ‘The Gods at least, the myriad Gods look kindly on my fate, knowing that sinful though I be, no penalty have I deserved such as I suffer in this desolate place.’ As he recited these words, the wind suddenly rose; the sky grew dark and without waiting to finish the ceremony every one began hastily preparing to make for home. Just when they had decided to return as quickly as possible, a squall of rain commenced, beginning so unexpectedly that there was no time even to put up umbrellas. The wind was now blowing with unparalleled violence and things which the calmness of the morning had tempted them to leave carelessly lying about the shore were soon scattered in every direction. The sea too was rapidly advancing and they were obliged to run for their lives. Looking back they saw that the whole surface of the bay was now covered with a blanket of gleaming white foam. Soon the thunder was rolling and great flashes of lightning fell across the sky. It was all they could do to make their way home. The peasants had never witnessed such a gale before. ‘It blows pretty stormy sometimes,’ they said; ‘but you can generally see it coming up a long while before.’ Of such a storm as this, coming on without a moment’s warning, they could make nothing at all. Still the thunder crashed, and the rain fell with such violence that each shaft struck deep into the earth. It seemed indeed as though the end of the world were come. Some of Genji’s servants became very restless and uneasy; but he himself settled quietly in his chair and read out loud from the Scriptures. Towards evening the thunder became less violent, but the wind remained very high all night. It was soon apparent that if the wind did not change, the waves would carry away their house. Sudden high tides had often before done great damage on the coast, but it was agreed that such a sea as this had never been seen before. Towards dawn every one went off to get a little rest. Genji too began to doze a little. There appeared to him in his dream a vague and shadowy figure who said: ‘I have come from the Palace to fetch you. Why do you not follow me?’ He tried to obey the command, but suddenly awoke. He realized that the ‘Palace’ of his dream did not mean, as he had at first supposed, the Palace of the Emperor, but rather the dwelling of the Sea God. The whole import of the dream was that the Dragon King²³⁷ had taken a fancy to him and wished to detain him yet longer on the shore of his domains. He became very depressed and from this time onwards took a dislike to the particular part of the coast in which he had chosen to reside.

The third month was beginning. Someone thought to be knowledgeable about such matters gave Genji some advice. He said that a man in Genji’s circumstances should perform the Purification ceremony on the coming Festival Day.²³⁵ Genji loved exploring the coast and readily agreed. At the time, a traveling magician was touring the province of Harima. His only equipment was the crude backdrop²³⁶ in front of which he performed his incantations. Genji sent for him and asked him to perform the Purification ceremony. Part of the ritual involved loading a small boat with doll-like figures and letting it float out to sea. As Genji watched, he recited a poem: ‘Like these puppets, I too am cast out to live among the unclaimed, barren stretches of the mighty sea....’ He stood in the open as he recited the verses, with nothing around him but wind and sky. The magician paused to watch him and thought he had never seen a creature so beautiful. Until then, there had not been a ripple on the sea. Genji wondered what would become of him. He began to look back over his whole life and consider his chances of better fortune ahead. He gazed at the calm sky and sea. ‘The Gods at least, the countless Gods, look kindly on my fate. They know that, though I have sinned, I have done nothing to deserve the punishment I suffer in this desolate place.’ As he recited these words, the wind suddenly rose and the sky grew dark. Without waiting to finish the ceremony, everyone hurried to prepare for the journey home. Just as they decided to return as quickly as possible, a squall of rain began. It came so suddenly that there was no time even to open umbrellas. The wind was now blowing harder than ever. The calm morning had tempted them to leave things lying carelessly on the shore. Soon the wind scattered them in every direction. The sea was rising rapidly too, and they had to run for their lives. Looking back, they saw that the whole bay was covered with a blanket of gleaming white foam. Soon thunder was rolling and great flashes of lightning crossed the sky. They barely managed to reach home. The peasants had never seen such a gale. ‘It blows pretty hard sometimes,’ they said, ‘but you can generally see it coming a long time before.’ They could not understand a storm that arrived without a moment’s warning. The thunder kept crashing, and the rain fell so hard that each shaft struck deep into the earth. It seemed that the end of the world had come. Some of Genji’s servants grew restless and uneasy, but he sat quietly in his chair and read aloud from the Scriptures. Toward evening the thunder grew less violent, but the wind stayed strong all night. It soon became clear that, if the wind did not change, the waves would carry away their house. Sudden high tides had often caused great damage along the coast before. But everyone agreed that they had never seen a sea like this. Toward dawn, everyone went off to get a little rest. Genji too began to doze. In a dream, a vague, shadowy figure appeared to him and said: ‘I have come from the Palace to fetch you. Why don’t you follow me?’ He tried to obey, but suddenly woke. He realized that the ‘Palace’ in his dream was not the Emperor’s Palace, as he had first thought. It was the home of the Sea God. The dream meant that the Dragon King²³⁷ had taken a fancy to him. The Dragon King wanted to keep him longer on the shore of his domains. Genji became very depressed. From then on, he disliked the part of the coast where he had chosen to live.