Akashi

THE bad weather continued; day after day nothing but rain, wind and repeated thunderstorms, bringing with them countless troubles and inconveniences. So depressing was the past to look back upon and so little hope did the future hold out for him that, try as he might, Genji could no longer keep up even the appearance of cheerfulness. His prospects were indeed dark. It was just possible that he might some day be permitted to return to the Capital. But with the dominant faction at Court still working against him he would be subject to unendurable slights and vexations. He thought more than once of withdrawing from the coast and seeking shelter at some point well back among the inland hills. But he knew that if he did so it would be said he had been scared away by a few days of foul weather. The smallest actions of people in his position are recorded, and he did not care to figure in the history-books as the Prince who ran away from a storm. Night after night he had the same dream of a messenger summoning him to the realms below the sea. It seemed as though the Dragon of the Ocean had indeed set his heart upon him.

The bad weather continued. Day after day brought nothing but rain, wind, and repeated thunderstorms, along with countless troubles and inconveniences. Genji found the past so depressing and saw so little hope for the future that he could no longer pretend to be cheerful, however hard he tried. His prospects were bleak. He might just possibly be allowed to return to the Capital someday. But the dominant faction at Court was still working against him, and he would face unbearable insults and annoyances there. More than once, he thought of leaving the coast and seeking shelter deep in the inland hills. But he knew that if he did, people would say a few days of bad weather had scared him away. Even the smallest actions of people in his position are recorded. He did not want to go down in the history books as the Prince who ran away from a storm. Night after night, he had the same dream. A messenger summoned him to the realms beneath the sea. It seemed that the Dragon of the Ocean had indeed set his heart on him.

Day followed day without the least break showing in the sky. It was now a long time since he had heard any news from the Capital, and he was becoming very anxious. To be immured for weeks on end in his small house was to the last degree enervating and depressing; but in this villainous weather there was no question of so much as even sticking one’s head out of doors for two minutes. Needless to say no one came to visit him. At last a pitifully bedraggled figure hove into view, fighting its way through the storm. A messenger from the Nijō-in. So he announced himself; but the journey had reduced him to such a plight that Genji would scarce have known that this tattered, dripping mass was a human being at all. He was indeed a common peasant, such a one as in old days would have been unceremoniously bundled out of Genji’s path. Now Genji found himself (not without some surprise at the degree of condescension to which his misfortunes had brought him) welcoming the fellow as an equal, and commiserating with him upon his plight.

Day after day passed without the slightest break in the clouds. It had been a long time since he had heard any news from the Capital, and he was growing very anxious. Being shut up in his small house for weeks was utterly draining and depressing. But in such terrible weather, he could not even stick his head outside for two minutes. Needless to say, no one came to visit him. At last, a pitifully soaked figure came into view, struggling through the storm. He said he was a messenger from the Nijō-in. But the journey had left him in such a state that Genji could hardly recognize the ragged, dripping mass as human. He was an ordinary peasant, the kind who would once have been unceremoniously shoved out of Genji’s way. Now Genji welcomed him as an equal and sympathized with his plight. He was somewhat surprised at how far his misfortunes had brought him to lower himself.

In her letter Murasaki said: ‘In these odious days when never for a single instant has the least gleam or break pierced our sodden sky, the clouds have seemed to shut you off from me and I know not behind which part of this dark curtain to look for you. “How fiercely must the tempests be blowing on your shore, when even here my sleeves are drenched with ceaseless spray!”’

In her letter Murasaki said: ‘During these dreadful days, not a single gleam has pierced the rain-soaked sky. The clouds seem to shut you off from me. I do not know where behind this dark curtain to look for you. “How fiercely the storms must be blowing on your shore, when even here my sleeves are drenched with endless spray!”’

The letter was full of sad and tender messages. He had no sooner opened it than a darkness spread before his eyes and tears fell in floods, ‘belike to swell the margin of the sea.’

The letter was full of sad and tender messages. As soon as he opened it, darkness spread before his eyes. Tears poured down, ‘as if they might swell the sea’s shores.’

He learnt from the messenger that at Kyōto too the storm had raged with such violence and persistency that it had been proclaimed a national Visitation, and it was said that the great Service of Intercession²³⁸ had been held in the Palace. So great were the floods that the officers of the Court were unable to reach the Inner City, and all business was at a standstill. He told his story confusedly and in a broken jargon that was very hard to follow. But what matter? Such as it was, his news came from Kyōto, from the City, and that in itself was enough to make Genji catch eagerly at every word. He had the messenger brought to his own room and was soon plying him with questions. It seemed that the same continuous downpour had gone on day after day without a moment’s break, varied only by occasional hurricanes of wind. Thunder they had not had, nor the alarming hailstorms which along the coast were of such violence that the hailstones had penetrated far down into the earth. Such horror came into the man’s face as he recalled the scenes through which he had passed, and so lamentable was his present condition that even those who had taken the storm somewhat lightly now began to feel seriously alarmed. It seemed indeed as though a continuance of the present deluge must speedily wash the world away; but worse was to come, for next day, from dawn onwards, an even more violent wind raged, causing a tremendous flood-tide along all the shore. Soon the breakers were crashing with a din so stupendous that you would have thought the rocks, nay the very hills, could not long resist them. Suddenly a blaze of lightning, inexpressibly fierce and dazzling, rushed earthward. They realized that something must have been struck, and there was now no longer anyone who even pretended to take the situation lightly. Each of Genji’s servants was wondering in his heart what he had done to deserve at the hand of Fate so hideous an experience. Here, it seemed, they were all to die; never again to meet mother or father, far from the pitying faces of wife, of children, or of friends. Genji himself had no desire to end his existence on this inhospitable shore, but he managed to control his feelings and did his best to introduce some order among his followers. This proved to be by no means easy. At last he set them to offering up prayer-strips and ribbons to the God of Sumiyoshi and himself called upon the God to save from calamity a shore that was so near his own Holy Abode and, if indeed he were a Present Deity, to prove it now by his aid. So he prayed, with many other vows and supplications. And his servants, as they heard him, forgot for a while the peril that threatened their own lives, and could think only of the calamity which would befall their country should such a prince be lost amid the waters of this deserted shore. Then one, who was of greater courage than the rest and had now somewhat regained the use of his faculties and better feelings, began to call upon the God to take his life and welcome, so be it Genji were saved. And after this, all began in chorus to invoke both Buddhas and Gods of their own land; and presently one said: ‘Though nurtured in a palace of princes and inured from infancy to softness and delights, our master has not hidden his face from common men; for in every corner of the Eight Islands his patience and kindness are known. How many that were downcast and obscure has he not helped upward to greatness? Tell us now, Heaven, tell us, Earth, of what crime has he been guilty, that he should be cast away, a victim to the winds and seas? Guiltless he has been punished, has been robbed of rank and office, has been torn from home and country, nor has been suffered to be at peace either by day or night....’ Genji himself prayed again to the gods, saying: ‘With such sights and sounds about us we cannot but wonder whether the end of our days is come. Do ye now, O Powers, put an end to this grievous visitation, whether it be the fruit of karma or the punishment of present crimes; lest we should doubt if Gods and Buddhas can indeed make manifest their will.’ Then turning in the direction of the Sumiyoshi Shrine he uttered many further prayers to that God, to the Dragon King of the Ocean and to a thousand and one other Gods and Spirits. Suddenly, however, while he was in the midst of these prayers, there was a louder thunder-clap than ever, and at the same time lightning struck a pent-house which actually adjoined Genji’s room. Flames shot up and that part of the building was soon in ashes. His men were now without exception in such a state of panic that they could do nothing. Finally Genji got them to move his things into a sort of shed at the back of the house, which had sometimes been used as a kitchen. Here, huddled with all his followers and grooms, he spent the rest of the day, wearied by their ceaseless lamentations, which indeed bid fair to out-din the thunder. The sky was still black as ink when night fell. However, the wind began to subside and presently the rain grew a little less heavy; and at last an occasional star began to twinkle. The thought of their master spending the night in so strange and undignified a situation was very perturbing to his attendants and they began trying to make his proper bedroom habitable again. This, however, did not prove to be feasible, for although a great part of it had not been actually touched by the fire, ‘the Storm God in his boisterous passage’ had left a terrible havoc behind him and the room was strewn with the tattered wreckage of furniture, screens and bedding. It was agreed that nothing could be done till next day.

From the messenger, Genji learned that the storm had also raged in Kyōto with relentless violence. It had been declared a national Visitation, and the great Service of Intercession²³⁸ was said to have been held in the Palace. The floods were so severe that Court officials could not reach the Inner City. All business had come to a standstill. The messenger told his story confusedly, in broken speech that was very hard to follow. But what did that matter? Whatever its faults, his news came from Kyōto, from the City. That alone was enough to make Genji listen eagerly to every word. He had the messenger brought to his room and soon began questioning him. It seemed that the same steady rain had fallen day after day without a moment’s break, interrupted only by occasional hurricane winds. There had been no thunder in Kyōto, nor any of the terrifying hailstorms that had struck the coast. There, the hailstones had been driven deep into the earth. The man’s face showed such horror as he remembered what he had been through, and his present condition was so pitiful, that even those who had taken the storm lightly began to feel seriously alarmed. It seemed that if the flood continued, it would soon wash the world away. But worse was to come. From dawn the next day, an even fiercer wind raged, bringing a tremendous flood tide along the shore. Soon the breakers were crashing with such a stupendous roar that the rocks, even the hills, seemed unable to withstand them for long. Suddenly, an intensely fierce and dazzling flash of lightning shot toward the earth. They knew that something must have been struck. Now no one even pretended to take the danger lightly. Each of Genji’s servants wondered what he had done to deserve such a terrible experience at the hands of Fate. Here, it seemed, they would all die. They would never see their mothers or fathers again, and they were far from the pitying faces of their wives, children, and friends. Genji himself had no wish to die on this unwelcoming shore. But he controlled his feelings and did his best to restore some order among his followers. This was far from easy. At last he had them offer prayer strips and ribbons to the God of Sumiyoshi. Genji himself called on the God to save a shore so near his own Holy Abode from disaster. If he was indeed a Present Deity, Genji prayed, let him prove it now by helping them. He made many other vows and pleas as well. As his servants listened, they forgot for a while the danger to their own lives. They could think only of the disaster that would befall their country if such a prince were lost in the waters off this deserted shore. Then one man, who was braver than the rest, recovered some of his senses and better feelings. He began calling on the God to take his life willingly, if only Genji were saved. After this, all of them began calling together on both the Buddhas and the Gods of their own land. Presently one said: ‘Though our master was raised in a palace of princes and accustomed from infancy to comfort and pleasure, he has not hidden his face from ordinary people. His patience and kindness are known in every corner of the Eight Islands. How many humble and discouraged people has he helped to rise to greatness? Tell us now, Heaven, tell us, Earth, what crime has he committed that he should be cast away, a victim of the winds and seas? Though innocent, he has been punished, stripped of rank and office, and torn from home and country. He has been allowed no peace, either by day or by night....’ Genji himself prayed again to the gods, saying: ‘With such sights and sounds around us, we cannot help wondering whether our last days have come. O Powers, put an end to this terrible visitation, whether it is the fruit of karma or punishment for present crimes. Otherwise, we may doubt whether Gods and Buddhas can truly make their will known.’ Then he turned toward the Sumiyoshi Shrine and offered many more prayers. He prayed to the God of Sumiyoshi, to the Dragon King of the Ocean, and to a thousand and one other Gods and Spirits. Suddenly, while he was still praying, there was a louder thunderclap than ever. At the same moment, lightning struck a lean-to adjoining Genji’s room. Flames shot up, and that part of the building was soon reduced to ashes. His men were now all so panicked that they could do nothing. At last Genji persuaded them to move his things into a kind of shed behind the house. It had sometimes been used as a kitchen. There he spent the rest of the day, huddled with all his followers and grooms. Their endless cries wore him out and threatened to drown out even the thunder. The sky was still black as ink when night fell. But the wind began to die down, and soon the rain grew a little lighter. At last, an occasional star began to twinkle. His attendants were deeply troubled at the thought of their master spending the night in such strange and undignified surroundings. They began trying to make his proper bedroom fit to live in again. But this proved impossible. Though much of the room had not been touched by fire, ‘the Storm God in his boisterous passage’ had left terrible destruction behind him. The room was strewn with the torn wreckage of furniture, screens, and bedding. They agreed that nothing could be done until the next day.

Genji said his prayers and began to consider the situation. It was indeed sufficiently alarming. So high had the tide risen that, now the moon was up, the fine of the incoming waves was plainly visible from his house, and standing at the open wicker door he watched the fierce breakers plunge and recoil. Such conditions of storm and tide had not occurred in recent times and no one was prepared to say how far matters were likely to go. This being the only gentleman’s house in the neighbourhood many of the fishing people and peasants who lived along the shore had now collected in front of it. Their queer, clipped dialect and the rustic topics of their conversation were alike very strange to him; but he would not suffer them to be driven out of earshot. ‘If this wind does not go down,’ one of them was saying, ‘we shall have the sea right on top of us before the tide turns. God’s help alone can save us.’ It may be imagined that these predictions were far from disposing the townsmen towards a quiet night’s rest. A brisk sea wind was again driving onward the swollen tide, and though he tried to reassure his men Genji was himself in considerable anxiety; when suddenly and quite unexpectedly he fell into a doze and dreamed that his father, looking exactly as in the old days when he was on the throne, stood beside the crazy bed which had been improvised for him in this disordered place. ‘How comes it that you are sleeping in such a place as this?’ the vision asked, and taking his hand made as though to drag him from the bed. And again, ‘Put your trust in the God of Sumiyoshi. Leave this place, take to your ship and He will show you where to go.’ What joy it was to hear that voice once more! ‘Father,’ Genji answered, ‘since your protection was taken from me nothing but sorrow and ill-fortune have befallen me, and now I am fully expecting to perish miserably upon this forsaken shore.’ ‘It is not to be thought of,’ answered the Emperor. ‘Your offence was not so great that you must needs be driven to such a place as this. Unfortunately I myself am at present expiating a few small offences (such as it is indeed impossible to avoid; for the Judges of the Dead have not managed to prove that during my whole reign I did serious harm to anyone). However, for the present this expiation keeps me very busy, and I have not been able to keep an eye upon what is happening here. But your late misfortunes have been such as I could not bear to think of, and though it cost me great labour, I have made my way through the depths of ocean and up again on to the shore, that I might be with you in your suffering. Yet this time I must not stay longer, but will go straight to the Palace and tell these things to him who is now Ruler there.’ So he spoke, and turned to fly away. ‘Let me go with you. Do not leave me!’ cried Genji in his dream. But looking up he found that there was no one there at all. The full-faced moon stared down at him, cold and un-dreamlike; a cloud trailed across the sky, shaped to the dim semblance of a figure in flight.

Genji said his prayers and began to consider the situation. It was alarming indeed. The tide had risen so high that, now the moon was up, he could see the line of incoming waves from his house. Standing at the open wicker door, he watched the fierce breakers crash and draw back. No such storm or tide had occurred in recent times. No one could say how much worse things might get. Genji’s house was the only gentleman’s house in the neighborhood. Many of the fishermen and peasants who lived along the shore had gathered in front of it. Their strange, clipped dialect and their rustic conversation were unfamiliar to him. But he would not let anyone drive them out of earshot. ‘If this wind does not die down,’ one of them said, ‘the sea will be right on top of us before the tide turns. Only God’s help can save us.’ Such predictions, one can imagine, did little to help the townspeople sleep peacefully that night. A brisk sea wind was again driving the swollen tide onward. Genji tried to reassure his men, but he was very anxious himself. Then, quite unexpectedly, he fell into a doze and dreamed that his father stood beside him. He looked exactly as he had in the old days, when he was on the throne. Genji lay on a rickety bed that had been put together for him in this disordered place. ‘How can you be sleeping in a place like this?’ the vision asked. He took Genji’s hand, as if to pull him from the bed. Then he said, ‘Put your trust in the God of Sumiyoshi. Leave this place, take your ship, and he will show you where to go.’ What joy it was to hear that voice again! ‘Father,’ Genji answered, ‘since I lost your protection, nothing but sorrow and misfortune have come to me. Now I fully expect to die miserably on this forsaken shore.’ ‘That is unthinkable,’ the Emperor answered. ‘Your offence was not so great that you should be driven to a place like this. Unfortunately, I am now making amends for a few small offences myself. Such offences are impossible to avoid. The Judges of the Dead have not managed to prove that I did serious harm to anyone during my whole reign. Still, making amends keeps me very busy for now, and I have not been able to watch what happens here. But I could not bear to think of your recent misfortunes. Though it took great effort, I made my way through the depths of the ocean and back up onto the shore. I came so that I might be with you in your suffering. But I must not stay any longer this time. I will go straight to the Palace and tell these things to the one who rules there now.’ With that, he turned to fly away. ‘Let me go with you. Do not leave me!’ Genji cried in his dream. But when he looked up, no one was there. The full moon stared down at him, cold and unlike a dream. A cloud trailed across the sky, dimly resembling a figure in flight.

It was many years since he had dreamed of his father, though in his waking hours he had never ceased to mourn for him and long for his company. This sudden vision which, though so brief, had all the vividness of a real encounter, brought him great comfort. The thought that at the hour of his greatest despair, nay when death itself seemed close at hand, his father’s spirit had hastened through the air to succour him, made him almost glad that Fate had brought him to the extremity which had moved his father’s compassion. So full was he of new hope and comfort that in his exultation he utterly forgot the perils that encompassed him, and lay trying to recall stray fragments of his father’s dream-speech which had faded from his waking mind. Thinking that the dream might be repeated, he tried to sleep again; but this time all his efforts were in vain, and at daylight he was still awake.

It had been many years since he had dreamed of his father. Yet in his waking hours, he had never stopped mourning him and longing for his company. The sudden vision brought him great comfort. Though brief, it had been as vivid as a real encounter. At the moment of his greatest despair, when death itself seemed near, his father’s spirit had flown through the air to help him. The thought made him almost glad that Fate had brought him to such desperate straits and stirred his father’s compassion. He was so full of hope and comfort that, in his joy, he completely forgot the dangers surrounding him. He lay there trying to recall fragments of his father’s words from the dream that had faded from his waking mind. Hoping the dream might return, he tried to sleep again. But this time, all his efforts were in vain, and he was still awake at daybreak.

Next morning there landed at a point in the bay opposite to Genji’s house a little boat with two or three persons aboard her. It proved on enquiry that they had come from the Bay of Akashi and that the boat belonged to the ex-Governor of the province, now turned lay-priest. The messenger explained that his master was himself aboard and desired to have a word in private with the Genshōnagon²³⁹ Yoshikiyo, if he were at present to be found at Suma. Yoshikiyo thought this very peculiar. The ex-Governor was perfectly well aware of all that went on in the district; but though he had been acquainted with Yoshikiyo for years, he had not during all the while they had been at Suma paid the slightest attention to him. It seemed indeed (thought Yoshikiyo) as if he were definitely in the old man’s bad books. And now, in the middle of an atrocious storm, he took it into his head to pay a call. It was all very queer. But Genji, who saw in this new happening a possible fulfilment of his dream, said at once ‘You had better go,’ and Yoshikiyo accordingly accompanied the messenger back to the boat. How they had ever managed to launch it at all, under the conditions which must have prevailed at the time they left Akashi, was a complete mystery to him. ‘On the first day of this month,’ the old man began, ‘I had a most singular and interesting dream. What it portended seemed to me at the time very improbable; but part of the dream was that if I wished to see the promise fulfilled, I must get ready a boat and on the thirteenth day, so soon as there was the slightest lull in the storm, make straight for this coast. As this injunction was several times repeated I had the boat manned and at the appointed time waited for a chance of getting to sea. There was a fearful gale blowing; rain was falling in torrents and a thunderstorm was in progress. It certainly did not seem a very good moment to start. But there are many instances in foreign history of people saving a whole country from peril by obeying an apparently senseless dream. I feared that if I delayed my departure beyond the day which had been named my journey would be of no service to anyone. And so, determined that you should know of the divine indication which had been vouchsafed to me, I launched my boat. What was my surprise to discover that we had a quite moderate wind blowing nicely in our wake! We had this wind behind us all the way, and I cannot but regard the whole affair as a clear instance of divine intervention. It is possible that on your side too there has been some warning or message which fits in to the revelations which I have received. I am very sorry to disturb His Highness; but I should be obliged if you would tell him of what has passed.’ Yoshikiyo accordingly went back to Genji and told him the whole story. The matter needed some consideration. Here was a chance which it would not be wise to let pass. Both actual events, such as the destruction of his bedroom, and a general restlessness induced by his own singular dream, with its warning to quit this place, inclined him to make use of the ex-Governor’s visit. No doubt that if he retired to Akashi his move would become the subject of a great many scurrilous jokes²⁴⁰; but on the other hand he would look even more foolish if it turned out that he had not availed himself of a genuine warning from the Gods. And this must be a very dangerous thing to do; for even human beings are extremely annoyed if one disregards their advice. His situation could hardly be worse than it was already. The old Governor was many years his senior; was even, as things went now, his superior in rank, and was certainly viewed by the authorities in a very different light from that in which Genji was regarded. In fact it would be most unwise not to take advantage of his visitor’s evident friendliness and desire to be connected with him. To go to Akashi would be to beat a retreat. But a wise man²⁴¹ of ancient times has told us that ‘to retreat is no disgrace.’ And then there was his own dream, in which his father had begged him to leave this place. He had made up his mind about it. He would ask if he might go back with them to Akashi. He therefore sent a message to his visitor saying: ‘Though I am living in a strange land, under circumstances in the highest degree painful and depressing, from the direction of my own home there does not come a single message of enquiry or condolence. Here all is unfamiliar to me; save the stars and sun there is not one being or thing that recalls to me the life I used to know. You can imagine then with what joy I saw your fishing-boat draw near. Tell me, is there not on your shore some corner where I could hide myself and be at peace?’

The next morning, a small boat carrying two or three people landed across the bay from Genji’s house. On inquiry, they learned that it had come from the Bay of Akashi. It belonged to the former Governor of the province, who had become a lay priest. The messenger explained that his master was aboard. He wished to speak privately with the Genshōnagon²³⁹ Yoshikiyo, if he was at Suma. Yoshikiyo thought this very strange. The former Governor knew perfectly well everything that went on in the district. He had known Yoshikiyo for years, but had paid him no attention throughout his time at Suma. Indeed, Yoshikiyo thought the old man must have taken against him. And now he had decided to visit in the middle of a terrible storm. It was all very odd. But Genji saw the visit as a possible fulfillment of his dream. ‘You had better go,’ he said at once, and Yoshikiyo went back to the boat with the messenger. He could not imagine how they had managed to launch it. The weather must have been terrible when they left Akashi. ‘On the first day of this month,’ the old man began, ‘I had a most strange and interesting dream. What it promised seemed very unlikely to me at the time. But the dream also told me what I must do if I wanted to see the promise fulfilled. I must prepare a boat and, on the thirteenth day, head straight for this coast. I was to leave as soon as there was the slightest break in the storm. Since this instruction was repeated several times, I had the boat crewed. At the appointed time, I waited for a chance to put to sea. A fierce gale was blowing, rain was pouring down, and there was thunder and lightning. It certainly did not seem a good time to set out. ‘But in foreign history, many people have saved an entire country from danger by obeying an apparently senseless dream. I feared that my journey would be of no use to anyone if I left after the appointed day. So I launched my boat, determined to tell you of the divine sign I had received. To my surprise, a fairly gentle wind was blowing just right behind us! It stayed behind us all the way, and I can only see the whole affair as clear divine intervention. Perhaps you too have received some warning or message that fits with the revelations I received. I am very sorry to disturb His Highness, but I would be grateful if you would tell him what happened.’ Yoshikiyo went back to Genji and told him the whole story. The matter needed some thought. This was a chance it would be unwise to miss. Genji was inclined to make use of the former Governor’s visit for several reasons. There were actual events, such as the destruction of his bedroom. He was also restless because of his own strange dream, which had warned him to leave this place. No doubt his move to Akashi would be the subject of many malicious jokes²⁴⁰. But he would look even more foolish if he ignored a genuine warning from the Gods. And that must be very dangerous, since even human beings are extremely annoyed when their advice is ignored. His situation could hardly be worse than it already was. The old Governor was many years older than he was and, as things stood, even outranked him. The authorities certainly viewed the Governor very differently from Genji. In fact, it would be most unwise not to take advantage of his visitor’s obvious friendliness and wish to be connected with him. Going to Akashi would mean retreating. But a wise man²⁴¹ of ancient times had said that ‘to retreat is no disgrace.’ And then there was Genji’s own dream, in which his father had begged him to leave this place. He made up his mind to ask whether he could go back to Akashi with them. So he sent his visitor a message: ‘Though I am living in a strange land, in deeply painful and depressing circumstances, no one at home has sent a single message to ask after me or offer sympathy. Everything here is unfamiliar. Apart from the stars and the sun, not one person or thing reminds me of the life I once knew. You can imagine, then, how delighted I was to see your fishing boat approach. Tell me, is there some corner on your shore where I could hide and be at peace?’

This was just what the old gentleman wanted, and in high delight he hastened to welcome Genji’s suggestion. A great bustle commenced; but before daybreak all Genji’s effects had been stowed away in the boat and, with his usual band of chosen retainers, he at last set sail. The wind had veered and was behind them on the return journey too, so that the little ship flew to Akashi like a bird. The distance is of course not great and the voyage does not in any case take more than a few hours. But so assiduously did the wind follow them on this occasion that it really seemed as though it were doing it on purpose.

This was just what the old gentleman wanted, and he eagerly welcomed Genji’s suggestion. Everyone hurried to prepare. Before daybreak, all of Genji’s belongings were packed into the boat. At last, he set sail with his usual group of chosen attendants. The wind had changed direction and was behind them on the return journey too. The little ship flew to Akashi like a bird. Of course, the distance is not great, and the voyage never takes more than a few hours. But this time, the wind followed them so steadily that it seemed to be doing it on purpose.

Akashi was evidently a very different sort of place. Indeed his first impression was that, if anything, it would be difficult here to find seclusion enough. The ex-Governor’s estate comprised not only the foreshore, but also a considerable extent of mountain-land behind. And everywhere, in creeks and hill-folds and on river-shores, were felt-roofed huts so situated that the old recluse might not lack an agreeable place of retirement at any season of the year.

Akashi was clearly a very different kind of place. His first impression was that, if anything, it might be hard to find enough privacy there. The former Governor’s estate included not only the shore but also a large stretch of mountain land behind it. Felt-roofed huts stood everywhere, along creeks and rivers and in sheltered valleys. They were placed so that the old recluse would have a pleasant retreat in every season.

On all sides there rose groups of substantial granaries and barns, which looked as though they must contain rice and corn enough to last for the rest of his present existence. But though so careful to provide for his earthly needs, he had by no means forgotten the life to come. On a site which, commanding as it did a magnificent panorama, was calculated to inspire him with the sublimest thoughts, he had built a handsome temple, where part of his time was spent in the performance of penances and mystic meditations.

On all sides stood groups of large granaries and barns. They looked as if they held enough rice and grain to last him for the rest of his life. But though he took such care to provide for his earthly needs, he had not forgotten the life to come. He had built a beautiful temple on a site with a magnificent view, meant to inspire his loftiest thoughts. There he spent part of his time performing penances and practicing mystical meditation.

During the recent storms he had moved his wife and daughter to a lodge on the hill-side and was therefore able to place his seaside residence entirely at Genji’s disposal. It was still dark when they left the boat; but as they drove along the shore, the growing daylight at last gave him an opportunity of taking a good look at his guest. So delighted was he by the young man’s appearance and by the rapid success of his expedition that his usually severe and formidable countenance relaxed into a perfect efflorescence of smiles and affability. But even in this state of preoccupation and excitement he did not forget to offer up a prayer of thankfulness to the God of Sumiyoshi. To the old man it was as though the sun and moon had been taken down from the sky and entrusted to his keeping. It may easily be imagined that he left no stone unturned to make Genji comfortable and contented. Not only was the place one of great natural beauty, but it had been laid out with unusual taste and skill. Copses had been planted, rock-gardens constructed and flower-beds made,—all this around the mouth of a little creek that ran in from the sea. The charms of the place were such as a very skilful landscape-painter might possibly manage to convey; to describe them in words would, I fear, be quite useless. The contrast with the uncomfortable quarters where he had been cooped up for months was immense. The house was equipped with every possible elegance and convenience; it scarcely fell short of the great mansions which he had been used to frequent at the Capital; and indeed in many respects surpassed them. Thus admirably served and lodged Genji began to regain some of his equanimity and was soon engaged in writing letters to his friends at the Capital. The messenger who had brought Murasaki’s letter was far too much shaken by his previous experiences to be sent back immediately to the City and Genji had left him behind at Suma. He now sent for him and entrusted to him a letter in which he described all that he had recently been through and with many tender messages explained the reasons which had led him to his new abode. He also sent private intimation of his whereabouts and present condition to various holy men who were charged to pray for his welfare. To Fujitsubo he sent an account of the thunderstorm and his own almost miraculous escape from harm. He had tried to write an answer to Murasaki’s letter during the melancholy period when he was still at Suma, but had never managed to finish it, for his tears fell so fast that he was forever putting the letter aside. And it was indeed a piteous sight to see him stop again and again to wipe away the tears that soiled his page. In this letter he said: ‘More than once my misery has become so intense that I was fully determined to give up my career and end my days in some cloister cell. But then I always remembered your little poem²⁴²: and felt that it was impossible to leave the world, at least till I had seen you once again.

During the recent storms, he had moved his wife and daughter to a lodge on the hillside. He could therefore place his seaside home entirely at Genji’s disposal. It was still dark when they left the boat. But as they rode along the shore, daylight grew, and he finally got a good look at his guest. He was delighted by the young man’s appearance and by how quickly his expedition had succeeded. His usually stern and formidable face broke into a great display of smiles and good humor. But even in his excitement and preoccupation, he remembered to offer a prayer of thanks to the God of Sumiyoshi. To the old man, it was as if the sun and moon had been taken from the sky and entrusted to his care. As one might imagine, he did everything he could to make Genji comfortable and content. The place was not only naturally beautiful, but had been laid out with unusual taste and skill. Groves had been planted, rock gardens built, and flower beds made around the mouth of a small creek from the sea. A very skilled landscape painter might perhaps capture its beauty. To describe it in words would, I fear, be quite useless. It was vastly different from the uncomfortable quarters where Genji had been cooped up for months. The house had every possible luxury and convenience. It was scarcely less impressive than the great mansions he had often visited in the Capital. Indeed, in many respects it was better. With such fine accommodations and service, Genji began to recover some of his peace of mind. He soon began writing letters to his friends in the Capital. The messenger who had brought Murasaki’s letter was too shaken by his earlier experiences to return to the City immediately. Genji had therefore left him at Suma. He now sent for him and gave him a letter describing all he had recently been through. In it he sent many tender messages and explained why he had moved to his new home. He also sent private word of his whereabouts and present condition to various holy men, asking them to pray for his welfare. To Fujitsubo he sent an account of the thunderstorm and his own almost miraculous escape from harm. He had tried to answer Murasaki’s letter during the sorrowful time when he was still at Suma. But he had never managed to finish it. His tears fell so quickly that he kept putting the letter aside. It was indeed pitiful to see him stop again and again to wipe away the tears that stained the page. In this letter he said: ‘More than once my misery has become so intense that I was determined to give up my career and end my days in a cloister cell. But then I always remembered your little poem²⁴²: and felt that I could not leave the world, at least until I had seen you once again.

Forgive this letter which, written as in a dream, may well say much which a waking mind can scarcely apprehend.’ It was written distractedly and with a shaking hand: but those who were with him could not forbear from peeping a little as he wrote, such was their curiosity to know what he would say to one who held so great a sway over his affections. And presently, having seen what they could, his servants too began their own letter-writing, each of them having some dear one at the City from whom he was anxious to obtain news.

Forgive this letter, which I wrote as if in a dream. It may say much that a waking mind can hardly understand.’ He wrote it distractedly, with a shaking hand. But those with him could not resist peeking as he wrote. They were so curious to know what he would say to someone he loved so deeply. Soon, after seeing what they could, his servants began writing letters of their own. Each had a loved one in the City and was eager for news.

The bad weather in which for so many weeks there had not been a single break, had now completely vanished. Out came all the fishing boats, eager to make up for lost time. The complete desertedness of Suma, which apart from a few fishermen who lived in caves under the cliff, had no inhabitants at all, was very depressing. Akashi could certainly not be complained of on that score; indeed, he feared at first that it might prove somewhat too populous. But the beauty of the place was so great and afforded him so many surprises that he was soon perfectly contented. His host seemed to be exclusively absorbed in religious exercises. Only one other matter occupied his thoughts; it was clear from stray allusions in his conversation that he lived in a state of continual agitation about his only daughter, to whom he was evidently attached with an almost morbid degree of concentration. Genji had not forgotten the favourable account of this lady which had been given him some years ago. Her presence had of course been no part of his reason for coming to this place; but the fact that accident had finally brought him so near her was in a way intriguing. However, his misfortunes were still weighing heavily upon his mind and he was in a mood for prayer and fasting rather than for any gallant diversions. Moreover his thoughts were, for the time being, more than ever turned towards the City, and he would not have dreamed of doing anything that the girl whom he had left in his palace might feel to be a betrayal of his promises. He was therefore careful not to show the slightest interest in the topic to which his host so often returned. But various indications had already convinced him that the lady in question was a person of very unusual and attractive qualities, and despite this assumed indifference he could not help feeling a certain curiosity with regard to her. The ex-Governor showed himself to be an ideal host. He stationed himself at the far end of the house, in a wing which was completely cut off from Genji’s quarters. Here he was always to be found when wanted, but never obtruded himself. The self-effacement was the more remarkable seeing that he was all the time longing to be in Genji’s company, and he was continually praying Gods and Buddhas for guidance as to how he might best win the confidence of his exalted guest. Although he was not much over sixty a constant habit of watching and fasting had told much upon him, so that in appearance he was wizened and almost decrepit. But he was by no means a dull companion, for owing to the influential circles in which his youth had been passed he was extremely well-informed concerning all the principal events of a period which had hitherto lain outside Genji’s ken, and his anecdotes were a considerable source of distraction. Genji found indeed that he had started a veritable landslide of information about a generation which his own distractions, both social and political, had never left him time to study. So pleased was he both with his host and with his new place of residence that he thought with horror how easily it might never have occurred to him to pay this visit.

The bad weather, which had lasted for weeks without a single break, had finally vanished. All the fishing boats came out, eager to make up for lost time. Suma’s emptiness had been very depressing. Apart from a few fishermen who lived in caves beneath the cliff, no one lived there. Akashi certainly could not be faulted on that score. In fact, Genji feared at first that it might be a little too crowded. But the place was so beautiful and offered so many surprises that he was soon perfectly content. His host seemed entirely absorbed in religious practices. Only one other matter occupied his thoughts. From passing remarks in his conversation, it was clear that he was constantly anxious about his only daughter. He was evidently devoted to her with an almost unhealthy intensity. Genji had not forgotten the favorable account he had heard of her some years before. Of course, her presence had played no part in his decision to come. Still, he was intrigued that chance had finally brought him so close to her. His misfortunes, however, still weighed heavily on his mind. He was more inclined toward prayer and fasting than romantic amusement. Besides, his thoughts were, for the time being, more than ever focused on the City. He would never have dreamed of doing anything the girl he had left in his palace might see as breaking his promises. So he was careful not to show the slightest interest in the subject his host returned to so often. Yet various signs had already convinced him that the lady had very unusual and attractive qualities. Despite his outward indifference, he could not help feeling curious about her. The ex-Governor proved to be an ideal host. He kept to a wing at the far end of the house, completely separate from Genji’s rooms. He was always there when needed, but never imposed himself. His restraint was all the more remarkable because he longed to be in Genji’s company. He constantly prayed to Gods and Buddhas for guidance on how best to win his exalted guest’s confidence. Though he was not much over sixty, years of keeping vigil and fasting had taken their toll. He looked shriveled and almost frail. But he was by no means a dull companion. In his youth, he had moved in influential circles. As a result, he knew a great deal about the major events of a period previously unfamiliar to Genji. His stories provided a welcome distraction. Indeed, Genji found that he had set off an avalanche of information about an earlier generation. His own social and political concerns had never left him time to study it. He was so pleased with his host and his new home that he shuddered to think how easily he might never have thought to visit.

Though he had now become so intimate with his guest, the old man was still daunted by a certain reserve and distance in Genji’s manner towards him; and whereas in the first few days of their acquaintance he had sometimes mentioned his daughter, he now hardly ever referred to her. But all the while he was trying to discover some way of unfolding his project and his complete failure to do so distressed him beyond measure. He was obliged at last to confess to his wife that he had made no progress; but she was not able to offer him any useful advice. The girl herself had been brought up in a neighbourhood where there was not a single male of any description whom she could possibly think of as a lover. At last she had a chance of convincing herself that such creatures as men of her own class did actually exist. But this particular one was such an exalted person that he seemed to her in his way quite as remote as any of the local people. She knew of her parents’ project, which indeed distressed her greatly, for she was convinced they were merely making themselves ridiculous.

Though he had become close to his guest, the old man was still intimidated by Genji’s reserved and distant manner toward him. During the first few days of their acquaintance, he had sometimes mentioned his daughter. Now he hardly ever spoke of her. All the while, though, he was trying to find a way to reveal his plan. His complete failure to do so distressed him greatly. At last he had to admit to his wife that he had made no progress. But she could offer him no useful advice. The girl had grown up in a neighborhood without a single male of any kind she could possibly imagine as a lover. At last she had a chance to see for herself that men of her own class really did exist. But this particular man was so high-ranking that he seemed to her, in his own way, just as distant as the local people. She knew about her parents’ plan, and it distressed her greatly. She was convinced they were only making themselves ridiculous.

It was now the fourth month. A dazzling summer outfit was supplied for Genji’s use; magnificent fresh hangings and decorations were put up in all his apartments. The attentions of his host were indeed so lavishly bestowed that they would have proved embarrassing, had not Genji remembered that he was in the hands of an eccentric, whose exalted notions were notorious and must, in a man of such distinction, be regarded with indulgence. About this time he began to have a fresh distraction; for messengers again began to arrive from the Capital, and came indeed in a pretty constant stream. One quiet moonlit night, when a cloudless sky stretched over the wide sea, Genji stood looking out across the bay. He thought of the lakes and rivers of his native land. This featureless expanse of sea awakened in him only a vague and general yearning. There was no intimate mark round which his associations might gather, no bourne to which his eyes instinctively turned. In all the empty space before him only the island of Awaji stood out solidly and invited attention. ‘Awaji, from afar a speck of foam,’ he quoted, and recited the acrostic verse: ‘Oh, foam-flecked island that wast nothing to me, even such sorrow as mine is, on this night of flawless beauty thou hast power to heal!’

It was now the fourth month. A dazzling summer outfit was provided for Genji, and splendid new hangings and decorations were put up throughout his rooms. His host’s attentions were so lavish that they would have embarrassed Genji. But he remembered that his host was a known eccentric, famous for his grand ideas. In a man of such distinction, those ideas had to be indulged. Around this time, a new distraction arose. Messengers began arriving again from the Capital, in an almost constant stream. One quiet moonlit night, Genji stood looking across the bay. A cloudless sky stretched over the wide sea. He thought of the lakes and rivers of his native land. The featureless sea stirred only a vague, general longing in him. There was no familiar landmark to draw his memories, no place to which his eyes naturally turned. In all the empty space before him, only the island of Awaji stood out, solid and inviting his attention. ‘Awaji, a speck of foam in the distance,’ he quoted. Then he recited the acrostic verse: ‘Oh, foam-flecked island that meant nothing to me, on this night of perfect beauty you can heal even a sorrow like mine!’

It was so long since he had touched his zithern that there was a considerable stir among his followers when they saw him draw it out of its bag and strike a few random notes. Presently he began trying that piece which they call the ‘Kōryō’²⁴³ and played the greater part of it straight through. The sound of his zithern reached the house on the hillside near by, mingled with the sighing of pine-woods and the rustling of summer waves. The effect of all this upon the imagination of the impressionable young lady in the house above may well be guessed. Even gnarled old peasants, whom one would not have expected to make head or tail of this Chinese music, poked their noses out of their cottage-doors and presently came to take an airing along the shore. The Governor could not contain himself, and breaking off in the middle of his prayers, hastened to Genji’s rooms. ‘How this brings back to me the old days at Court, before I turned my back on all the pleasures of the world,’ he exclaimed: ‘But surely the enchantment of such music as this is not all earthly! Does it not turn our thoughts towards those celestial strains which will greet us when we come at last to the place of our desires?’ To Genji too the sound of the zithern brought recollections of many music-makings at the Capital. He remembered with just what turns and graces such a one had played the zithern at a particular banquet or another had played the flute. The very intonations of some singer’s voice came back to him from years ago. He remembered many an occasion of his own triumph or that of his friends; the acclamations, the compliments and congratulations of the Court, nay, the homage of everyone from the Emperor downwards; and these shadowy memories imparted to his playing a peculiar tinge of melancholy and regret. The old recluse was deeply moved and sent to his house on the hill for his own lute and large zithern. Then, looking for all the world like a biwa priest,²⁴⁴ he played several very admirable and charming pieces. Presently he handed the large zithern to Genji, who struck a few chords, but was soon overcome by the tender memories which this instrument²⁴⁵ evoked. The poorest music may gain a certain interest and beauty from the circumstances in which it is performed. It may be imagined then how enchanting was the effect of Genji’s touch as the notes sped across the bay. Nor indeed could any flowering groves of spring nor russet winter woods have made a better setting for his music than this huge space of open sea. Somewhere in the region of soft, vague shadows along the shore, shrike were making that strange tapping sound with their bills. It sounded as though some one had been locked out and were rapping, rapping, rapping in the desperate hope that those within might at last relent of their unkindness. The old recluse then played so delightfully on both instruments that Genji was fascinated. ‘This large zithern,’ he said to the old man presently, ‘is usually supposed to be a woman’s instrument and requires a very delicate, fluttering touch.’ He meant this quite generally, and not as an apology for his own playing; but the old man answered with a deprecatory smile: ‘I cannot imagine a touch more suitable to this instrument than yours. This zithern was originally a present from the Emperor Engi²⁴⁶ and has been in my family for three generations. Since my misfortunes and retirement I have had little taste for such distractions as this, and have lost what small skill I ever possessed. But in times of great spiritual stress or deep depression I have occasionally turned to this instrument for solace and support. And indeed there is in my household one who from watching me at such times has herself developed a strange proficiency, and already plays in a manner which would not, I venture to think, displease those departed princes to whom the zithern once belonged. But perhaps by now, like the mountain-hermit in the old story, I have an ear that is better attuned to the rushing of wind through the tree-tops than to the music of human hands. Nevertheless I wish that, yourself unseen, you might one day hear this person’s playing’; and his eyes moistened in fond paternal recollection. ‘I had no idea,’ answered Genji, ‘that I was in the neighbourhood of genius such as you describe. I fear my playing will have sounded to you indeed as a mere “rushing of wind through the tree-tops,” and he hastened to put back the zithern in the old priest’s hands. ‘It is indeed a curious fact,’ Genji continued, ‘that all the best players of this instrument have been women. You will remember that the Fifth Princess became, under the instruction of her father the Emperor Saga,²⁴⁷ the most famous performer of her whole generation. But none of her descendants seems to have inherited her talent. Of all the players who in our own time have achieved a certain reputation in this line, there is not one who is more than an intelligent amateur. That in this remote place there should be some one who is really a skilled performer excites me beyond measure. Do please lose no time in arranging....’ ‘As for that,’ the priest answered, ‘I do not see why there should be any great difficulty about it, even if it meant bringing the player down here to meet you. Was not one that had sunk into ignominy and made herself a merchant’s drudge once summoned to a great man’s²⁴⁸ side, because she could still play upon her lute the music that long ago he had loved? And speaking of the lute, I should tell you that the person to whom I refer is also a remarkable lute-player, though this instrument too is one which is very rarely mastered completely. Such absolute fluency, such delicacy of touch, I assure you! And such certainty, such distinction of style! Shut away for so long on this shore, where one hears no sound but the roaring of the sea, I sometimes fall a prey to dark and depressing thoughts; but I have only to listen for a while to this delightful performer and all my sorrows disappear.’ He spoke with so much enthusiasm and discernment that Genji was charmed with him and insisted upon his playing something on the large zithern. The old man’s skill was astonishing. True, his handling of the instrument was such as is now considered very old-fashioned, and his fingering was all entirely in the discarded ‘Chinese’ style, with the left-hand notes heavily accentuated. But when (though this was not the sea of Ise) he played the song ‘Let us gather shells along the clean sea-shore,’ getting one of his servants, who had an excellent voice, to sing the words, Genji enjoyed the performance so much that he could not refrain from beating the measure and sometimes even joining in the words. Whereupon the priest would pause in his playing and listen with an expression of respectful rapture.

It had been so long since he had played his zithern that his followers were quite excited when he took it from its bag and played a few random notes. Soon he began trying the piece called ‘Kōryō’²⁴³ and played most of it straight through. The sound reached the nearby house on the hillside, mingling with the sighing pines and the rustling summer waves. One can well imagine its effect on the impressionable young lady in the house above. Even weathered old peasants came out of their cottage doors and soon went for a walk along the shore. One would hardly have expected them to understand this Chinese music. The Governor could not contain himself. He broke off his prayers and hurried to Genji’s rooms. ‘How this brings back the old days at Court, before I turned my back on all the pleasures of the world,’ he exclaimed. ‘But surely the enchantment of such music is not entirely earthly! Doesn’t it make us think of the heavenly music that will greet us when we reach the place we long for?’ The sound of the zithern also reminded Genji of the many times he had made music in the Capital. He remembered the particular flourishes and graces with which one person had played the zithern at a banquet, or another had played the flute. Even the tones of a singer’s voice came back to him from years before. He remembered many occasions when he or his friends had triumphed. He remembered the applause, compliments, and congratulations of the Court, and indeed the admiration of everyone from the Emperor down. These shadowy memories gave his playing a special touch of sadness and regret. The old recluse was deeply moved. He sent to his house on the hill for his own lute and large zithern. Then, looking just like a biwa priest,²⁴⁴ he played several fine and charming pieces. Soon he handed the large zithern to Genji, who played a few chords. But Genji was soon overcome by the tender memories the instrument²⁴⁵ brought back. Even the poorest music can gain a certain interest and beauty from the circumstances in which it is performed. One can imagine, then, how enchanting Genji’s playing was as the notes traveled across the bay. Neither the flowering groves of spring nor the reddish-brown woods of winter could have made a better setting for his music than this vast expanse of open sea. Somewhere among the soft, vague shadows along the shore, shrike were making that strange tapping sound with their bills. It sounded as though someone had been locked out and was knocking, knocking, knocking, desperately hoping that those inside would finally relent. The old recluse then played both instruments so delightfully that Genji was fascinated. ‘The large zithern,’ he presently said to the old man, ‘is usually thought of as a woman’s instrument. It requires a very delicate, fluttering touch.’ He meant this as a general observation, not as an apology for his own playing. But the old man answered with a modest smile: ‘I cannot imagine a touch better suited to this instrument than yours. This zithern was originally a gift from the Emperor Engi²⁴⁶ and has been in my family for three generations. Since my misfortunes and retirement, I have had little taste for such diversions. I have lost what little skill I ever had. But in times of great spiritual distress or deep depression, I have sometimes turned to this instrument for comfort and support. ‘There is, indeed, someone in my household who has developed a remarkable skill by watching me at such times. She already plays, I venture to think, in a way that would not displease the departed princes who once owned the zithern. But perhaps, like the mountain hermit in the old story, my ear is now better tuned to the wind rushing through the treetops than to music made by human hands. Still, I wish you might one day hear her play without being seen yourself.’ His eyes filled with tears as he thought fondly of his daughter. ‘I had no idea,’ Genji answered, ‘that I was so close to a genius such as you describe. I fear my playing must have sounded to you like nothing more than “wind rushing through the treetops.”’ He hurried to put the zithern back in the old priest’s hands. ‘It is a curious fact,’ Genji continued, ‘that all the best players of this instrument have been women. You will remember that the Fifth Princess studied under her father, the Emperor Saga,²⁴⁷ and became the most famous performer of her generation. But none of her descendants seems to have inherited her talent. Of all the players who have gained some reputation in our own time, not one is more than an intelligent amateur. The thought that someone in this remote place is truly skilled excites me beyond measure. Please, arrange it as soon as you can....’ ‘As for that,’ the priest answered, ‘I do not see why it should be very difficult, even if it meant bringing the player down here to meet you. Wasn’t a woman who had fallen into disgrace and become a merchant’s drudge once summoned to a great man’s²⁴⁸ side? She could still play on her lute the music he had loved long ago. And speaking of the lute, I should tell you that the person I mean is also a remarkable lute player. That instrument, too, is very rarely mastered completely. Such effortless skill, such delicacy of touch, I assure you! And such confidence, such distinction of style! Shut away for so long on this shore, where one hears nothing but the roar of the sea, I sometimes fall prey to dark and depressing thoughts. But I have only to listen to this delightful performer for a while, and all my sorrows disappear.’ He spoke with such enthusiasm and insight that Genji was charmed. He insisted that the old man play something on the large zithern. The old man’s skill was astonishing. His way of playing was, it is true, what people now considered very old-fashioned. His fingering was entirely in the discarded ‘Chinese’ style, with heavy emphasis on the notes played by the left hand. But then he played the song ‘Let us gather shells along the clean sea-shore,’ though this was not the sea of Ise. He had one of his servants, who had an excellent voice, sing the words. Genji enjoyed the performance so much that he could not help beating time and sometimes even joining in the singing. Whenever he did, the priest would stop playing and listen with an expression of respectful delight.

Fruit and other refreshments were then served, all with the greatest taste and elegance. The old priest insisted upon every one present drinking endless cups of wine, though the night itself was of a beauty so intoxicating that the dull realities of life had long ago faded from their minds. As the night wore on a cool wind began to blow among the trees, and the moon, who in her higher course had been somewhat overcast, now at her setting shone out of a cloudless sky. When the company was grown a little quieter, the priest began gradually to tell the whole story of his life on this shore, together with his reasons for settling there and a voluminous account of his vows and religious observances; when without difficulty he led the conversation towards the topic of his daughter. She certainly sounded very interesting, and despite the old man’s volubility Genji found himself listening with pleasure at any rate to this part of the discourse. ‘It seems a strange thing to say,’ his host went on, ‘but I sometimes wonder whether, humble old cleric though I be, my own prayers are not really responsible for your Highness’s excursion to these remote parts! You will say that if this is so I have done you a very bad turn.... But let me explain what I mean. For the last eighteen years I have put myself under the special protection of the God of Sumiyoshi. From my daughter’s earliest childhood I have been very much exercised in mind regarding her future, and every year in the spring and autumn I have taken her with me to the shrine of that deity, where praying day and night I have performed the offices of the Six Divisions,²⁴⁹ with no other desire at heart save that, whether I myself should be re-born upon a Lotus Throne or no, to her at least all might be given that I asked. My father, as you know, was a Minister of State; while I, no doubt owing to some folly committed in a former life, am become a simple countryman, a mere yokel, dwelling obscurely among the hills. If the process continued unchecked and my daughter was to fall as far below me in estate as I am now below my illustrious father, what a wretched fate, thought I, must be in store for her! Since the day of her birth my whole object has been to save her from such a catastrophe, and I have always been determined that in the end she should marry some gentleman of good birth from the Capital. This has compelled me to discourage many local suitors, and in doing so I have earned a great deal of unpopularity. I am indeed, in consequence of my efforts on her behalf, obliged to put up with many cold looks from the neighbouring gentry; but these do not upset me at all. So long as I am alive to do it, I am determined to afford her what little protection my narrow sleeve can give. When I am no longer there to watch over her, she will no doubt do as she thinks best. But I confess I would rather hear she were drowned in the sea than that she had settled herself in the sphere of life to which my folly has for the time reduced her.’ He went on thus for a long while, pausing now and again to shed a few tears; but most of what he said would not be worth repeating. Genji was for various reasons also in a very emotional and discursive mood, and presently he interrupted: ‘I could never make out why I had suddenly fallen into disgrace and been compelled to live in these remote regions; for I have certainly done nothing in my whole life to deserve so stern a punishment as this. But at last you have furnished me with the explanation, and I am perfectly well satisfied. No doubt it was, as you suggest, entirely in answer to your prayers that all this has happened to me. I only regret that, since you must all the time have been aware of this, you did not think fit to tell me about it a little sooner. Since I left the City I have been so much obsessed by the uncertainty of human life that I have felt no inclination towards any save religious employments. I am now so worn out by months of penance and fasting that no worldly impulse or desire is left in any corner of my being. I had indeed been told long ago that a grown-up daughter lived here with you; but I knew nothing more, and assumed that the society of a disgraced and exiled man could only be distasteful to one of her birth and breeding. But since you thus encourage me, I ask for nothing better than to make her acquaintance as soon as possible. I do not doubt that her company will prove a solace to my loneliness.’ His prompt acceptance was more than the old man had dared to expect and in high delight he answered with the verse: ‘You too have learnt to know it, the loneliness of night upon Akashi shore, when hour and listless hour must yet be filled before the dawn can come.’ ‘And when you consider the anxiety in which I have for all these years been living...’, the old man added: and though he trembled somewhat affectedly at the recollection of what he had been through, Genji was willing to concede that to have lived all one’s life in such a place must indeed have been very disagreeable. However he would not be too sympathetic and answered: ‘You at any rate have the advantage of being used to the coast...’, and he recited the poem: ‘What know you of sorrow, who wear not the traveller’s cloak, nor on an unaccustomed pillow rest, groping for dreams till dawn?’ For the first time Genji was treating him without the slightest formality or reserve. In his gratitude and admiration the old man poured out an endless stream of inconsequent but flattering remarks, which would be wearisome to read. I am conscious indeed that the whole of this section is rather a bundle of absurdities. But how else could I display the vanity and eccentricity of the old recluse?

Fruit and other refreshments were then served, all presented with great taste and elegance. The old priest insisted that everyone drink endless cups of wine. Yet the night itself was so intoxicatingly beautiful that the dull realities of life had long since faded from their minds. As the night wore on, a cool wind began to blow through the trees. The moon had been somewhat hidden by clouds when it was higher in the sky. Now, as it set, it shone from a cloudless sky. When the company grew a little quieter, the priest gradually began to tell the whole story of his life on this shore. He explained why he had settled there and gave a lengthy account of his vows and religious practices. From there, he easily turned the conversation to his daughter. She certainly sounded very interesting. Despite the old man’s talkativeness, Genji found himself listening to this part with pleasure, at least. ‘It seems strange to say,’ his host continued, ‘but I sometimes wonder if my own prayers brought your Highness to these remote parts, humble old cleric though I am! You will say that, if so, I have done you a great wrong.... But let me explain what I mean. ‘For the last eighteen years, I have placed myself under the special protection of the God of Sumiyoshi. Since my daughter was very young, I have worried greatly about her future. Every spring and autumn, I have taken her with me to the god’s shrine. There I have prayed day and night and performed the offices of the Six Divisions.²⁴⁹ I had only one desire in my heart. Whether or not I should be reborn on a Lotus Throne, I prayed that she at least would receive everything I asked for her. ‘My father, as you know, was a Minister of State. But I have become a simple countryman, a mere yokel, living in obscurity among the hills. No doubt some folly I committed in a former life brought me to this. I feared the decline might continue unchecked. If my daughter fell as far below me in status as I am now below my illustrious father, what a wretched fate would await her! ‘Since the day she was born, my whole purpose has been to save her from such a disaster. I have always been determined that she should eventually marry a gentleman of good birth from the Capital. This has forced me to discourage many local suitors, and I have made myself very unpopular by doing so. Indeed, my efforts on her behalf have earned me many cold looks from the neighboring gentry. But those do not upset me at all. As long as I am alive, I am determined to give her what little protection my narrow sleeve can offer. When I am no longer there to watch over her, she will no doubt do as she thinks best. But I confess I would rather hear that she had drowned in the sea than that she had settled into the life to which my folly has brought her for the time being.’ He went on like this for a long time, stopping now and then to shed a few tears. But most of what he said would not be worth repeating. For various reasons, Genji too was feeling very emotional and talkative. At last he interrupted: ‘I could never understand why I had suddenly fallen into disgrace and been forced to live in these remote regions. I have certainly done nothing in my whole life to deserve such a harsh punishment. But at last you have given me the explanation, and I am perfectly satisfied. No doubt all this happened to me entirely in answer to your prayers, as you suggest. I only regret that, since you must have known this all along, you did not see fit to tell me sooner. ‘Since I left the City, I have been so preoccupied with the uncertainty of human life that I have wanted to do nothing but religious work. Months of penance and fasting have worn me out. Not a trace of worldly impulse or desire remains anywhere in me. I had indeed been told long ago that a grown daughter lived here with you. But I knew nothing more about her. I assumed that a woman of her birth and upbringing could only find the company of a disgraced and exiled man unpleasant. But since you encourage me, I would like nothing better than to meet her as soon as possible. I have no doubt that her company will comfort me in my loneliness.’ His ready acceptance was more than the old man had dared to expect. Delighted, he answered with a verse: ‘You too have come to know the loneliness of night on Akashi shore, when one listless hour after another must be filled before dawn comes.’ ‘And when you consider the anxiety I have lived with all these years...’, the old man added. He trembled somewhat affectedly as he remembered what he had been through. Still, Genji was willing to concede that living all one’s life in such a place must indeed have been very unpleasant. He would not be too sympathetic, however, and answered, ‘You, at any rate, have the advantage of being used to the coast...’ Then he recited a poem: ‘What do you know of sorrow, you who do not wear the traveler’s cloak or rest on an unfamiliar pillow, searching for dreams until dawn?’ For the first time, Genji was treating him without the slightest formality or reserve. In his gratitude and admiration, the old man poured out an endless stream of rambling but flattering remarks. They would be tiresome to read. I am aware, indeed, that this whole section is rather a collection of absurdities. But how else could I show the vanity and eccentricity of the old recluse?

At last everything seemed to be turning out just as he desired. He was already beginning to breathe more freely when, to crown his satisfaction, very early on the morning of the next day a messenger from Prince Genji arrived at the house on the hill. The letter which he carried was written with a certain embarrassment, for the lady had grown up in very different surroundings from those whom he was used to address. But the very fact of discovering such talent and charm hidden away in a place where one would least have expected it was enough to kindle his fancy. He took unusual pains with the letter, writing it on a kurumi-iro²⁵⁰ paper from Korea. In it was the poem: ‘Long wandered my lonely gaze with nought to rest on save the drifting pathways of the clouds, till the mists divided and I saw the tree-tops by your house.’ ‘Love has vanquished discretion...’, he ended, quoting from the old song.

At last, everything seemed to be turning out just as he wanted. He was already beginning to breathe more freely. Then, to complete his satisfaction, a messenger from Prince Genji arrived at the house on the hill. It was very early the next morning. Genji had written the letter with some embarrassment. The lady had grown up in very different surroundings from those he was used to addressing. But he had discovered such talent and charm where he least expected them. That alone was enough to stir his interest. He took unusual care with the letter, writing it on kurumi-iro²⁵⁰ paper from Korea. It contained the poem: ‘My lonely gaze wandered long, finding nothing to rest on but the drifting paths of clouds. Then the mists parted, and I saw the treetops by your house.’ ‘Love has conquered discretion...’, he ended, quoting from the old song.

Anxious to be on the spot in case such a letter arrived, the old priest had already installed himself in the mansion on the hill before the messenger started. He imagined that his presence in the house was entirely unsuspected. But Genji’s man, had he not already been perfectly well aware that the old recluse had preceded him, would certainly have guessed it by the almost embarrassing attentions which were paid to him when he reached the house. Despite the distracting refreshments with which he was being regaled the messenger could not but wonder why the lady was taking such an immense while in composing her reply. The truth was that though her father had gone through into the women’s apartments and was giving her all the assistance in his power, she found herself utterly at a loss to frame a reply. Despite the trouble that Genji had taken with his letter, there was an uneasiness about it which made her feel that it was not spontaneous; and even had she known in what terms to reply there was still the question of hand-writing. She guessed that in this matter he would be a severe critic and felt utterly incapable of pleasing him. No! The gulf between them was too great. Pretending that she was unwell she sank helplessly upon a couch. There was nothing for it but to reply in her stead, and the old priest wrote as follows: ‘You will think it very peculiar that I should answer your letter in my daughter’s stead. Pray attribute her inability to frame a reply not to any want of gratitude or respect, but rather to the bashfulness engendered by country breeding; pray reflect also that she has never yet had the privilege of finding herself in your company. She has however ventured to compose the following poem, which she bids me communicate to you: “That I too for long years have gazed upon these selfsame pathways of the sky is token of some strange kinship in the course of our desires.” She is, as you will observe, deeply affected by the arrival of your message. Pray do not think her answering poem impertinently bold.’

The old priest wanted to be there in case such a letter arrived. So he had already settled into the mansion on the hill before the messenger set out. He imagined that no one suspected he was there. But Genji’s messenger already knew perfectly well that the old recluse had arrived before him. Even if he had not known, the almost embarrassing attention he received at the house would surely have made him guess. Though he was kept busy with refreshments, the messenger wondered why the lady was taking so long to reply. Her father had gone into the women’s apartments and was helping her all he could. Even so, she could not think how to answer. Despite the care Genji had taken with his letter, something uneasy about it made her feel it was not spontaneous. Even if she had known what to say, there was still the matter of her handwriting. She guessed that he would judge it harshly and felt sure she could not please him. No! The gulf between them was too great. Pretending to be ill, she sank helplessly onto a couch. There was nothing to do but answer for her, and the old priest wrote: ‘You will think it very strange that I am answering your letter for my daughter. Please do not think her unable to reply for lack of gratitude or respect. Rather, it is because she is shy, having been raised in the country. Please remember, too, that she has never had the privilege of meeting you. She has, however, ventured to compose the following poem, which she has asked me to send you: “I too have spent long years gazing at these same paths across the sky. This shows that our desires follow some strangely similar course.” As you can see, she is deeply moved by your message. Please do not think her reply is too bold.’

This was written on Michinoku paper, and although the style of the writing was quite out of fashion it had a certain dignity and elegance of its own. The poem did strike Genji as somewhat forward in tone, and this surprised him.

This was written on Michinoku paper. Although the writing style was quite old-fashioned, it had a dignity and elegance of its own. Genji thought the poem sounded somewhat forward, and that surprised him.

He sent back the messenger loaded with handsome stuffs for dresses. Next day he wrote to her again protesting that he was not used to receive, in reply to a private letter, an answer dictated as though to a Palace Secretary. And he added the verse: ‘This surely is a dismal and outrageous thing, to greet a passer-by and get no friendly nod nor “Say, how goes the world with you?”’ This time he wrote on a very soft thin paper, with great delicacy and care. The appearance of the letter was such that a young girl who did not admire it must needs have been rustic, nay brutish indeed. The lady to whom it was addressed was by no means insensible; but she felt that the writer of it was too far removed from her in rank and influence for any interchange of affection to be thinkable. The discovery that a world existed which was populated by such dazzling creatures, so far from giving her pleasure, merely left her more unhappy and discontented than before. Again she found herself utterly at a loss how to reply, and it was only the persistence of her father which forced her at last to indite the poem: ‘“How goes the world?” is said to friends. That one whom you have never seen should greet more stiffly, can do small outrage to the feelings of your heart.’ It was written in sharply contrasted light and heavy strokes on a deep-brown paper, in a masterly style which would not have disgraced a lady of the Court. Genji was naturally very pleased; but he did not want it to be reported at the Capital that he had committed himself to a fresh entanglement. He was therefore careful henceforward always to leave several days’ interval between his letters to her. He wrote in fact only when it chanced that the evening hours hung heavy on his hands, or upon the pretext of some particularly beautiful sunrise or other natural effect; at such times in short as he guessed that she might be under the influence of the same impressions as himself. In such a correspondence it seemed to him that there could not be any impropriety. He had heard so much about her pride that he felt sorely tempted to put it to the test. But he remembered that his retainer Yoshikiyo had spoken of her very much as though she were his own property. Should Genji now by any chance succeed where the devotion of years had brought no reward, he would certainly feel that he had treated his gentleman very badly and suffer the discomfort of remorse. But on reflection he decided that as she had been so reluctantly thrust upon his notice, there could be no harm in pursuing a guarded correspondence with her. She did indeed turn out in the course of this correspondence to be possessed of a pride and aloofness which rivalled that of the greatest princesses whom he had known and, on such occasions as he pitted his own pride against hers, it was generally she who came out on top.

He sent the messenger back with fine fabrics for dresses. The next day he wrote to her again. He complained that he was not used to receiving an answer to a private letter that sounded dictated to a Palace Secretary. He added a verse: ‘Surely it is a sad and outrageous thing to greet a passerby and receive no friendly nod or “Say, how goes the world with you?”’ This time he wrote on very soft, thin paper, with great delicacy and care. The letter was so beautiful that any young woman who failed to admire it must have been unsophisticated, even brutish. The lady to whom he wrote was by no means insensitive. But she felt that his rank and influence were too far above hers for any affection between them to be possible. She had discovered a world populated by such dazzling creatures. Far from giving her pleasure, the discovery only made her more unhappy and discontented than before. Once again, she had no idea how to reply. Only her father’s persistence finally forced her to write a poem: ‘“How goes the world?” is said to friends. If someone you have never seen greets you more stiffly, it can hardly hurt your feelings.’ It was written on deep-brown paper in sharply contrasting light and heavy strokes. Its accomplished style would have done credit to a lady of the Court. Genji was naturally very pleased. But he did not want word to reach the Capital that he had become involved in a new entanglement. So from then on, he always took care to leave several days between his letters. In fact, he wrote only when an evening happened to pass slowly, or on the pretext of a particularly beautiful sunrise or some other natural sight. In short, he wrote when he thought she might be moved by the same impressions as he was. He felt there could be nothing improper in such a correspondence. He had heard so much about her pride that he was sorely tempted to put it to the test. But he remembered that his retainer Yoshikiyo had spoken of her almost as if she were his own property. What if Genji succeeded where Yoshikiyo’s years of devotion had brought no reward? He would surely feel that he had treated his gentleman badly and be troubled by remorse. But on reflection, he decided that there could be no harm in a cautious correspondence with her. After all, she had been brought to his attention much against his will. As their correspondence continued, she proved to be as proud and distant as the greatest princesses he had known. When he set his own pride against hers, she generally came out on top.

Though now yet another range of hills separated him from the Capital, his mind was more constantly than ever occupied with thoughts of his friends at home. His longing for Murasaki often became unendurable. What was there to be done? In such moments he could not resist making plans for bringing her secretly from the Capital. But quiet reflection would show him that it was unlikely he would go on living for more than a year or two longer at Akashi and no step was worth while which might merely provoke a fresh outburst on the part of his adversaries.

Though another range of hills now separated him from the Capital, he thought of his friends at home more than ever. His longing for Murasaki often became unbearable. What could he do? At such moments, he could not resist making plans to bring her secretly from the Capital. But when he thought calmly, he realized he was unlikely to stay in Akashi for more than another year or two. No action was worth taking if it might only provoke another outburst from his enemies.

That year the Court was troubled by a succession of disquieting portents and apparitions. On the thirteenth day of the third month, during a night marked by violent thunderstorms and a fierce wind with torrents of rain, the Emperor dreamed that he saw His Majesty the late Emperor standing at the foot of the step before his throne, wearing an expression of extreme displeasure, indeed glaring at him, as it seemed, with an angry and astonished eye. The Emperor having assumed an attitude of respectful attention, the apparition proceeded to deliver a long discourse, part of which was concerned with Genji’s present plight. The Emperor was very much frightened, and being in any case somewhat uneasy at Genji’s prolonged absence, he hastened to communicate his dream to Kōkiden. She was not at all sympathetic. ‘These stormy nights are very disturbing,’ she said. ‘It is quite natural that you should have had bad dreams; the rain alone would have accounted for it. You must not allow such trifles to upset you.’ About this time the Emperor began to suffer from a pain in his eyes. Remembering his dream, he could not get out of his head the idea that this pain was in some way caused by the wrathful glance of the apparition which had rebuked him. His sufferings became more and more acute, despite the fact that continual services of intercession were held both in the Palace and at Kōkiden’s house.

That year, the Court was troubled by a series of disturbing omens and apparitions. On the thirteenth day of the third month, violent thunderstorms and fierce winds brought torrents of rain. That night, the Emperor dreamed that he saw the late Emperor standing below the step leading to his throne. The late Emperor looked extremely displeased. He seemed to glare at him with anger and astonishment. The Emperor listened respectfully as the apparition gave a long speech, partly about Genji’s present plight. The Emperor was very frightened. He was already somewhat uneasy about Genji’s long absence, so he hurried to tell Kōkiden about his dream. She was not at all sympathetic. ‘These stormy nights are very disturbing,’ she said. ‘It is natural that you had bad dreams. The rain alone would explain them. You must not let such trifles upset you.’ Around this time, the Emperor began to feel pain in his eyes. Remembering his dream, he could not shake the idea that the pain was somehow caused by the apparition’s angry glare. His pain grew worse and worse, though prayers for him were held continually at both the Palace and Kōkiden’s house.

Next came the death of Kōkiden’s father, the Grand Minister of the Right. There was nothing unexpected in this, for he had reached a very great age. But coming as it did on top of various other public calamities it caused widespread consternation. Kōkiden herself, though she had no definite malady, was also very far from well. As time went on she seemed gradually to lose strength. A general gloom spread over the Court. It was felt that if, as was alleged by his friends, Prince Genji had indeed been banished without any sufficient cause, the present misfortunes of the nation might well have been sent as punishment for this injustice. Again and again the Emperor thought of restoring Genji to his previous rank and appointments; but whenever he mentioned this project to Kōkiden, that lady would answer: ‘To do so would be to incur the public charge of inconsequence and frivolity. He was banished and if, when less than three years have elapsed, he is suddenly recalled to the Capital, a pretty figure you and I shall cut in history!’ She spoke with such fierce conviction that the Emperor was completely overawed. So the months went by, and meantime both he and Kōkiden were gradually sinking under the burden of their respective maladies.

Next came the death of Kōkiden’s father, the Grand Minister of the Right. This was not unexpected, for he was very old. But his death came on top of several other public disasters and caused widespread alarm. Kōkiden herself was also far from well, though she had no specific illness. As time passed, she seemed to grow gradually weaker. A general gloom spread over the Court. Genji’s friends said that he had been banished without sufficient cause. If they were right, many felt, the nation’s present troubles might well be punishment for this injustice. Again and again, the Emperor thought of restoring Genji to his former rank and offices. But whenever he mentioned the plan to Kōkiden, she would answer: ‘People would accuse us of being inconsistent and frivolous. He was banished, and less than three years have passed. If he is suddenly recalled to the Capital, what a fine picture you and I will make in history!’ She spoke so fiercely that the Emperor was completely intimidated. So the months went by, while both he and Kōkiden grew gradually weaker under the burden of their respective illnesses.

At Akashi, as frequently happens in autumn, heavy winds were blowing in the bay. Genji began to find the long evenings very monotonous and depressing. Sometimes he would allow the priest to come and talk to him, and in the course of one of these conversations Genji said: ‘I am longing for a little diversion. Could you not manage, without attracting too much attention, to bring your daughter here one day to see me?’ It seemed somehow to be accepted that for Genji to pay a visit to the house on the hill was entirely out of the question. Unfortunately the lady herself was equally averse to making any move. She knew that gentlemen who visited the provinces on Government business would often take up with some wretched peasant girl and, for so long as they happened to be in the district, carry on a purely frivolous affair with her. The Lady of Akashi was convinced that Genji regarded her in just such a light. To accept his advances could only render her in the end more wretched than before. Her parents, she knew, were still clinging to the idea that all those long years of watchfulness and isolation had at last borne fruit. To them the inevitable disillusion would be a crushing blow. Her mind was quite made up; so long as this prince remained at Akashi she would continue to correspond with him, but further than that she would not go.

At Akashi, strong winds were blowing across the bay, as they often did in autumn. Genji found the long evenings increasingly dull and depressing. Sometimes he would let the priest come and talk with him. During one of these conversations, Genji said: ‘I long for a little entertainment. Could you bring your daughter here to see me one day, without attracting too much attention?’ Somehow, everyone seemed to accept that Genji could not possibly visit the house on the hill. Unfortunately, the lady herself was just as unwilling to make a move. She knew that gentlemen visiting the provinces on government business often took up with some poor peasant girl. While they were in the district, they would carry on a purely casual affair with her. The Lady of Akashi was convinced that Genji saw her in just the same way. Accepting his advances could only leave her more miserable than before. She knew her parents still believed that their long years of watchfulness and isolation had finally paid off. When they inevitably learned otherwise, it would be a crushing blow. Her mind was made up. As long as the prince remained at Akashi, she would continue to exchange letters with him, but nothing more.

His name had been known to her for years past, and she had sometimes wondered whether it would ever fall to her lot to meet, even in the most superficial way, some such magnificent personage as he. Now, astonishing though it seemed, he was actually living a stone’s throw away. She could not be said exactly to have met him, but she constantly caught glimpses of him, heard his inimitable zithern-playing, and knew, one way and another, all that there was to know about his daily comings and goings. That such a person should even be aware of her existence was more than, as an inhabitant of this remote fishing-town, she had any right to expect. As time went on it seemed to her less than ever possible that any closer relationship should be established between them. Meanwhile her parents were far less confident about the situation than she supposed. They felt that in their anxiety to see the prayers of half a lifetime at last fulfilled they had perhaps acted somewhat precipitately. If Genji did not after all seem to regard their daughter as ‘counting,’ her feelings would have been upset for nothing. True he was a great catch and was worth certain risks; but that only made it harder to lose him. They had an uneasy feeling that while they had been placing all their trust in ‘Gods whom no eye seeth’ they had paid too little attention to the dispositions of the human beings for whose future they had schemed.

She had known his name for years. She had sometimes wondered if she would ever meet such a magnificent person, even briefly. Now, astonishingly, he was living just a short distance away. She could not exactly say she had met him. But she often caught glimpses of him and heard his unmatched zither playing. In one way or another, she knew everything about his daily comings and goings. As a resident of this remote fishing town, she had no right to expect him even to know she existed. As time went on, a closer relationship between them seemed less possible than ever. Meanwhile, her parents were far less confident about the situation than she thought. They were anxious to see the prayers of half a lifetime finally answered. But they felt that, in their anxiety, they might have acted too hastily. If Genji did not, after all, see their daughter as ‘mattering,’ her feelings would have been upset for nothing. He was a great catch, it was true, and worth taking some risks for. But that only made him harder to lose. They had placed all their trust in ‘Gods whom no eye seeth.’ Now they had an uneasy feeling that they had paid too little attention to the feelings of the people whose future they had planned.

‘A little music,’ said Genji to the old priest one evening, ‘would mingle pleasantly with the sound of these autumn waves. It is only as a background to music that the sound of the sea is tolerable.’

‘A little music,’ Genji said to the old priest one evening, ‘would blend pleasantly with the sound of these autumn waves. I can only bear the sound of the sea as a background to music.’

The time for action had come. The old priest looked in his calendar, chose a lucky day, and despite the misgivings of his wife began to prepare the house on the hill for Genji’s visit. Not even to his most intimate acolytes and disciples did he explain the object of these elaborate preparations. The visit was to take place on the thirteenth day of the month. It turned out to be a resplendent moonlit night. The old man came to Genji’s room and recited the line: ‘Is this a night to lose?’ Genji at once understood that this was an invitation to the house on the hill. Suddenly what had seemed impossible became perfectly simple. He set his cloak to rights and left the house. His host had provided him with a magnificent coach, but the narrow lanes would have made its use inconvenient and Genji preferred to go on horseback. He was accompanied only by Koremitsu and one or two of his other trusted servants. The house stood a little way back from the shore and while he climbed to it he was all the time looking down over the bays that spread out on every side. He remembered the verse: ‘Would that to one who loves what I love I now might show it, this moon that lies foundered at the bottom of the bay!’ For the first time since he had agreed to set out upon this excursion he remembered the lady at his palace far away, and at that moment he could hardly resist turning his horse’s head and riding straight to the Capital. ‘O thou, my milk-white pony, whose coat is as the moon-beams of this autumn night, carry me like a bird through the air that though it be but for a moment I may look upon the lady whom I love!’ So he murmured as he approached the house, which was thickly girt with an abundance of fine timber. It was indeed a house impressively situated and in many ways remarkable; but it had not the conveniences nor the cheerful aspect of the house on the shore. So dark and shut-in an appearance did it present as he drew near, that Genji soon began to imagine all its inhabitants as necessarily a prey to the deepest melancholy and felt quite concerned at the thought of what they must suffer through living in so cheerless a place. The Hall of Meditation stood close by and the sound of its bell blent mournfully with the whispering of the pine-trees that on the steep uneven ground grew precariously out of a ledge of rock, their roots clutching at it like some desperate hand. From the plantations in front of the house came a confused wailing of insect voices.

The time for action had come. The old priest consulted his calendar and chose a lucky day. Despite his wife’s misgivings, he began preparing the house on the hill for Genji’s visit. He did not explain the purpose of these elaborate preparations, even to his closest acolytes and disciples. The visit was to take place on the thirteenth day of the month. The night turned out to be radiant with moonlight. The old man came to Genji’s room and recited the line: ‘Is this a night to waste?’ Genji understood at once that this was an invitation to the house on the hill. Suddenly, what had seemed impossible became perfectly simple. He straightened his cloak and left the house. His host had provided a magnificent coach, but the narrow lanes would have made it inconvenient to use. Genji preferred to go on horseback. Only Koremitsu and one or two other trusted servants accompanied him. The house stood a little way back from the shore. As Genji climbed toward it, he looked down over the bays spreading out on every side. He remembered the verse: ‘If only I could show this to someone who loves what I love, this moon lying drowned at the bottom of the bay!’ For the first time since agreeing to the excursion, he remembered the lady at his distant palace. At that moment, he could hardly resist turning his horse around and riding straight to the Capital. ‘Oh, my milk-white pony, whose coat is like the moonlight on this autumn night, carry me through the air like a bird. Let me see the lady I love, even if only for a moment!’ He murmured this as he approached the house, which was surrounded by many fine trees. The house stood in an impressive setting and was remarkable in many ways. But it lacked the conveniences and cheerful appearance of the house on the shore. As he drew near, it looked so dark and enclosed that Genji imagined its inhabitants must all be deeply unhappy. He felt concerned at the thought of their suffering in such a cheerless place. The Hall of Meditation stood close by. Its bell sounded mournfully among the whispering pines. On the steep, uneven ground, the trees grew precariously from a rocky ledge, their roots gripping it like desperate hands. From the plantings in front of the house came a confused wailing of insect voices.

He looked about him. That part of the house which he knew to be occupied by the lady and her servants wore an air of festive preparation. Full in the moonlight a door stood significantly ajar. He opened it. ‘I wish to rest for a few minutes,’ he said; ‘I hope you have no objection to my coming in?’ She had in fact the greatest objection, for it was against just such a meeting as this that she had resolutely set her face. She could not actually turn him away; but she showed no signs of making him welcome. He thought her in fact the most disagreeable young person whom he had ever met. He was accustomed to see women of very much greater consequence than this girl show at any rate a certain gratification at being thought worthy of his attentions. She would not, he felt, have dared to treat him so rudely but for the present eclipse of his fortunes. He was not used to being regarded so lightly, and it upset him. The nature of the circumstances was obviously not such that he could carry off the situation with a high hand. But though violence was out of the question, he would certainly cut a very ridiculous figure in the eyes of the girl’s parents if he had to admit that she showed no signs of wanting to be acquainted with him. He felt embarrassed and angry. Suddenly one of the cords of the screen-of-state behind which she was sitting fell across her zithern, making as it did so a kind of casual tune. As she bent over the instrument he saw her for an instant just as she must have looked before his entry had made her stiffen; just as she must look when carelessly and at ease she swept an idle plectrum over the strings. He was captivated. ‘Will you not even play me something upon this zithern of which I have heard so much?’ he added, and he recited the poem: ‘Were it but from your zithern that those soft words came which your lips refuse, half should I awaken from the wretched dream wherein I am bemused.’ And she: ‘A night of endless dreams, inconsequent and wild, is this my life; none more worth telling than the rest.’ Seen dimly behind her curtains she recalled to him in a certain measure the princess²⁵¹ who was now in Ise. It was soon evident that though she had answered his poem she was no nearer than before to treating his visit as otherwise than an impertinence. She had been sitting there so comfortable and happy, when suddenly this tiresome person burst in upon her without apology or warning. However, the remedy lay in her own hands, and rising to her feet she fled into a neighbouring closet, fastening the door behind her with ostentatious care. You might have supposed that this was the end of the matter, for she had evidently no mind to return, nor he any intention of forcing bolts and bars. Curiously enough, however, this was not the end of the matter. The difficulties that ensued may well be imagined if we remember the lady’s unusual shyness and pride. Suffice it to say that from this night’s meeting, which seemed at first to have been forced upon him by chance and other people’s intrigues, sprang an intimacy which was grounded in the deepest feeling. The night, generally so long and tedious at Akashi, passed on this occasion all too quickly. It was essential that he should leave unobserved, and at the first streak of dawn, with many last endearments and injunctions, he crept stealthily from the room. His next day’s letter was sent very secretly, for he was haunted by the fear that some story of this adventure might find its way back to the Capital. The lady for her part was anxious to show that she was to be trusted, and deliberately treated Genji’s messenger without ceremony of any kind, as though he were bound on some errand of merely domestic import. He paid many subsequent visits to the house on the hill, always with the greatest secrecy. Unfortunately the way there led nowhere else, and knowing that fisher-folk are notorious gossips he began to fear that his addiction to this particular road would be noticed and commented upon. His visits now became far less frequent, and the lady began to think that her early fears were soon to be fulfilled. The old priest’s thoughts were, if the truth must be told, for the time being much more frequently occupied with the coming of Genji than with the coming of Amida.²⁵² He could not make out what had gone wrong, and was in a terrible state of agitation. To make matters worse he knew that such earthly considerations ought to leave him quite unmoved and he was ashamed to discover how little his pious observances had availed to render him indifferent to the blows of fortune.

He looked around. The part of the house occupied by the lady and her servants had a festive air, as if they were preparing for a celebration. A door stood slightly open in the moonlight, as if inviting him in. He opened it. ‘I would like to rest for a few minutes,’ he said. ‘I hope you don’t mind my coming in?’ In fact, she minded very much. She had firmly resolved to avoid just such a meeting. She could not actually turn him away, but she showed no sign of welcoming him. He thought her the most disagreeable young woman he had ever met. He was used to women of far greater importance showing at least some pleasure at receiving his attention. He felt she would not have dared to treat him so rudely if his fortunes had not declined. He was not used to being treated so dismissively, and it upset him. The circumstances clearly did not allow him to take charge of the situation. But though violence was out of the question, he would look ridiculous to the girl’s parents if he had to admit that she showed no interest in getting to know him. He felt embarrassed and angry. Suddenly, a cord from the screen behind which she sat fell across her zithern, sounding a few casual notes. As she bent over the instrument, he caught a glimpse of her as she must have looked before his arrival made her stiffen. She must have looked just like that when she was relaxed, idly brushing the strings with a plectrum. He was captivated. ‘Won’t you even play me something on this zithern I have heard so much about?’ he added, and recited the poem: ‘If only your zithern would speak the soft words your lips refuse to say, I would half awaken from the wretched dream that has bewildered me.’ And she replied: ‘My life is a night of endless dreams, wild and disconnected, none more worth telling than the rest.’ Dimly visible behind her curtains, she reminded him somewhat of the princess²⁵¹ who was now in Ise. It soon became clear that, though she had answered his poem, she still regarded his visit as an impertinence. She had been sitting there, comfortable and happy, when this tiresome person suddenly burst in without apology or warning. But the remedy was in her own hands. She stood up and fled into a nearby closet, taking conspicuous care to fasten the door behind her. You might have thought that was the end of the matter. She clearly had no intention of returning, and he had no intention of forcing the door. Curiously enough, however, it was not the end. The difficulties that followed are easy to imagine, given the lady’s unusual shyness and pride. It is enough to say that this meeting led to an intimacy rooted in the deepest feeling. At first, it had seemed that chance and other people’s schemes had forced the meeting upon him. The night, usually so long and tedious at Akashi, passed all too quickly this time. He had to leave without being seen. At the first light of dawn, after many last words of affection and caution, he slipped quietly from the room. He sent his letter the next day with great secrecy. He was haunted by the fear that some account of the adventure might reach the Capital. The lady, for her part, wanted to show that she could be trusted. She deliberately received Genji’s messenger without any ceremony, as though he were on an ordinary household errand. He made many more visits to the house on the hill, always in the greatest secrecy. Unfortunately, the road led nowhere else. Knowing that fisher-folk were notorious gossips, he began to fear that they would notice and talk about his frequent use of that road. His visits became much less frequent, and the lady began to think that her early fears would soon come true. To tell the truth, the old priest was now thinking much more often about Genji’s coming than about Amida’s.²⁵² He could not understand what had gone wrong and was terribly agitated. To make matters worse, he knew that such worldly concerns should leave him unmoved. He was ashamed to find how little his religious practices had helped him become indifferent to the blows of fortune.

Genji would not for all the world have had the news of his latest adventure reach Murasaki as a piece of current gossip, even though it were represented in the most harmless light. Her hold upon him was indeed still strong as ever, and the mere idea of such a story reaching her, of her feeling that she had been superseded, of a possible quarrel or estrangement, filled him with shame and dismay. She was not indeed given to jealousy; but more than once she had shown plainly that his irregularities, so far from passing unobserved, were indeed extremely distressing to her. How bitterly he now regretted those trivial gallantries, so profitless to him, yet to her so miserably disquieting! And even while he was still visiting the lady of the hillside, since there was no other way of quieting his conscience concerning Murasaki, he wrote to the Nijō-in more frequently and more affectionately than ever before. At the end of one of these letters he added: ‘How it grieves me to remember the many occasions when I have spoilt our friendship for the sake of some passing whim or fancy in which (though you could not believe it) my deeper feelings were not at all engaged. And now I have another matter of this kind to confess, a passing dream, the insignificance of which you can guess by the fact that I tell you of it thus unasked. “Though with the shining seaweed of the shore the fisherman a moment toys, yet seeks he but assuagement of a sorrow that long ere this has filled his eye with burning tears.”’

Genji would not have wanted Murasaki to hear gossip about his latest adventure for anything in the world. Even the most harmless version would have distressed him. His attachment to her was as strong as ever. He felt shame and dismay at the thought of her hearing such a story and feeling replaced. He also feared that they might quarrel or grow apart. Murasaki was not usually jealous. But more than once she had made it clear that she noticed his affairs and found them deeply distressing. How bitterly he now regretted those casual flirtations! They had brought him so little and caused her such misery. Yet he was still visiting the lady of the hillside. To ease his conscience about Murasaki, he wrote to the Nijō-in more often and more affectionately than ever before. He could find no other way to quiet his conscience. At the end of one letter he added: ‘It grieves me to remember how often I have damaged our friendship for the sake of a passing fancy. You could not believe it, but my deeper feelings were never involved. And now I have another such matter to confess, a passing dream. You can guess how little it means from the fact that I tell you without being asked. “Though the fisherman plays for a moment with the shining seaweed on the shore, he seeks only to ease a sorrow that has long filled his eyes with burning tears.”’

Her answer showed no resentment and was couched in the tenderest terms. But at the end, in reference to his disclosure, she wrote: ‘As regards the “dream” which you could not forbear telling me, I have experience enough in that direction to enable me to draw several conclusions. “Too downrightly, it seems, have I obeyed it, our vow that sooner would the Isle of Pines by the sea-waves be crossed....”’ But though her tone was good-humoured, there was in all her letter an undercurrent of irony, which disturbed him. He carried it about with him for a long while and constantly re-read it. During this time his secret nocturnal excursions were entirely abandoned, and the Lady of Akashi naturally imagined that all her fears had now come true. He had amused himself to his fill and had no longer any interest in what became of her. With no support, save that of parents whose advanced age made it improbable that they could much longer be of any assistance, she had long ago given up hope of taking her place in the world with those of equal rank and attainments. But she did now bitterly regret the waste of all those empty months and years during which she had been so conscientiously guarded and kept—for what? At last she had some experience of the usages which prevailed in the ‘grand world’ outside, and she found them even less to her liking than she had anticipated. She indulged however in no outburst of spleen or disappointment, nor in her letters did she ever reproach him for his long absence. He had indeed as time went on become more and more attached to her, and it was only his desire to be able to allay the anxiety of one who had after all a prior claim upon him that induced him to suspend his visits to the lady on the hill. Henceforward his nights at Akashi were again spent in solitude.

Her reply showed no resentment and was expressed in the tenderest terms. But at the end, referring to what he had revealed, she wrote: ‘As for the “dream” you could not help telling me about, I have enough experience in such matters to draw several conclusions. “It seems I have kept our vow too faithfully, the vow that the sea waves would sooner cross the Isle of Pines....”’ Though her tone was good-humored, an undercurrent of irony ran through the letter and disturbed him. He carried it with him for a long time and read it again and again. During this time he gave up his secret nighttime visits altogether. The Lady of Akashi naturally imagined that all her fears had come true. He had enjoyed himself to his heart’s content and no longer cared what became of her. Her only support came from her parents, whose great age made it unlikely they could help her much longer. She had long ago given up hope of taking her place in the world among those of equal rank and accomplishments. But now she bitterly regretted all those empty months and years when she had been so carefully guarded and kept. For what? At last, she had some experience of the ways of the ‘grand world’ outside. She liked them even less than she had expected. Still, she did not give way to anger or disappointment. Nor did she ever reproach him in her letters for his long absence. In fact, he had grown more and more attached to her as time passed. He stopped visiting the lady on the hill only because he wanted to ease the anxiety of someone who, after all, had a prior claim on him. From then on, he again spent his nights at Akashi alone.

He amused himself by making sketches upon which he afterwards scribbled whatever thoughts happened to be passing through his mind. These he sent to Murasaki, inviting her comments. No method of correspondence could have been better calculated to move and interest her. The distance between them seemed in some sort to have been annihilated. She too, at times when she was feeling out of spirits or at a loss for employment, would also make sketches of the scenes around her, and at the same time she jotted down all that was happening to her day by day in the form of a commonplace book or diary.

He amused himself by making sketches, then scribbling whatever thoughts came to mind on them. He sent them to Murasaki and invited her comments. No form of correspondence could have moved and interested her more. Somehow, the distance between them seemed to disappear. When she felt low or had nothing to do, she too would sketch the scenes around her. She also kept a notebook or diary, where she jotted down everything that happened to her each day.

What, she wondered, would she have to write in her diary? And he in his?

She wondered what she would have to write in her diary. And what would he write in his?

The New Year had come. At the Palace nothing was now talked of save the Emperor’s illness, and the Court was full of restless speculation. The only child of the present Emperor was a boy born to him by Princess Jōkyōden, daughter of the new Minister of the Right. But he was only two years old and therefore of no particular account. The Heir Apparent, Fujitsubo’s son, was also a minor. The Emperor was fully determined to resign the Throne to him at the earliest opportunity, but should he do so it would be necessary to appoint a regent. There were so few people to whom it would be in any way possible to entrust the affairs of government that it seemed a pity Genji should be out of the running. His presence was indeed becoming in every way more and more imperative, and at last the Emperor decided to recall him, whether Kōkiden approved or not. Since the end of the year her illness had taken a more serious turn.²⁵³ The Emperor too—although for a time thanks to the immense efforts made on his behalf in consequence of certain disastrous omens which had engendered something in the nature of a natural panic, although for a time his eyes showed some improvement—was soon in as bad a way as ever, and feeling very uncertain of the future, he dictated an edict in which Genji was commanded to return to the Capital by the end of the seventh month. That sooner or later there would be a turn in his fortunes Genji had always been convinced. But the shortness and uncertainty of life made him little inclined to settle down quietly and wait for events to take their course. This swift recall came therefore as an intense relief. And yet, for one reason at any rate, he was by no means anxious to leave the coast so soon. The priest too had never expected that Genji would be with him very long; but the news of his immediate departure came as something of a shock. However, it was a consolation to feel that Genji was now definitely re-embarking upon the path of prosperity, and that his partiality, should it continue, would be in the future even more valuable than before. Genji now began again to visit the upper house almost every evening. Since the beginning of the sixth month the Lady of Akashi had been slightly indisposed and it was now certain that she was with child. No sooner had a definite term been put to their friendship than Genji’s feeling for her redoubled: surely in those last days she was more charming than she had ever been before! Here indeed, rash though his courtship had been, was one whom under no circumstances he would ever feel that he had loved and cherished beyond her deserts? She for her part sat in absolute silence before him, lost in her own thoughts. Poor soul, he could not blame her.

The New Year had come. At the Palace, everyone was talking about the Emperor’s illness, and the Court was full of anxious speculation. The present Emperor had only one child, a boy born to Princess Jōkyōden, the new Minister of the Right’s daughter. But he was only two years old, so he was of no particular importance. The Heir Apparent, Fujitsubo’s son, was also underage. The Emperor was determined to give him the Throne at the earliest opportunity. But if he did, a regent would have to be appointed. So few people could possibly be trusted to govern that it seemed a pity Genji was no longer a candidate. His presence was becoming more and more necessary in every way. At last, the Emperor decided to recall him, whether Kōkiden approved or not. Since the end of the year, Kōkiden’s illness had grown worse.²⁵³ The Emperor’s eyes had improved for a time, thanks to great efforts made on his behalf. Those efforts had followed certain disastrous omens, which had caused something like a general panic. But his eyes were soon as bad as ever. Feeling very uncertain about the future, he dictated an edict ordering Genji to return to the Capital by the end of the seventh month. Genji had always been sure that his fortunes would change sooner or later. But life was short and uncertain, and he had little desire to settle down quietly and wait. His swift recall was therefore a great relief. And yet, for one reason at least, he was not at all eager to leave the coast so soon. The priest, too, had never expected Genji to stay with him very long. But the news of his immediate departure came as something of a shock. Still, it was a comfort to know that Genji was clearly on the path to prosperity again. If Genji’s affection continued, it would be even more valuable in the future. Genji now began visiting the upper house almost every evening again. Since the beginning of the sixth month, the Lady of Akashi had been slightly unwell. It was now certain that she was pregnant. As soon as their time together had a definite end, Genji’s feelings for her grew stronger. Surely she was more charming in those last days than she had ever been before! His courtship had been rash, but here was someone he could never feel he had loved and cherished more than she deserved. She sat before him in complete silence, lost in her own thoughts. Poor soul, he could not blame her.

When three years ago he had set out so reluctantly upon that miserable journey to Suma, his only consolation had been to imagine the joy and excitement with which on some far distant yet inevitable day he would retrace his steps to the City. Now that day had come, and to be returning was indeed very pleasant. But all the while, mingled with delightful anticipations, was the strange fear that he might never be able to re-visit the place of his banishment! His servants however were all in high spirits, and this, combined with the bustle of numerous friendly deputations from the Capital, created an atmosphere of general liveliness and excitement, despite the obvious depression that all these signs of departure brought to the host under whose roof the numerous visitors were lodged. The seventh month had begun, and the summer weather was even more delightful than usual. Why, wondered Genji, was he, who took such pleasure in quiet and harmless pursuits, doomed on every occasion to find himself involved in the most harrowing and disastrous situations? It had not indeed escaped the notice of those who knew him best that a fresh complication, of the kind they already knew only too well, had arisen in his life. For several months on end he had never once mentioned the lady’s name, and they began to hope that the affair had run its course. But the curiously subdued state of his spirits on the very eve of departure told them only too plainly that this hope was premature. It was whispered that all this trouble had arisen from Yoshikiyo’s indiscreet eloquence upon the occasion when after Genji’s cure they had climbed the mountain summit and looked down towards the western seas.²⁵⁴ Yoshikiyo himself, as indeed he had every reason to be, was very much irritated by the whole affair.

Three years ago, he had set out reluctantly on that miserable journey to Suma. His only comfort had been imagining the joy and excitement of returning to the City. That day had seemed far off, but he knew it would come. Now it had come, and returning was indeed very pleasant. But along with his happy expectations came a strange fear. He might never be able to visit the place of his exile again. His servants, however, were all in high spirits. Many friendly delegations from the Capital also came and went, adding to the general liveliness and excitement. Yet all these signs of departure clearly saddened their host, who was lodging the many visitors. The seventh month had begun, and the summer weather was even lovelier than usual. Genji wondered why he always became caught up in such harrowing and disastrous situations. After all, he took pleasure in quiet, harmless pursuits. Those who knew him best had noticed a new complication in his life, of a kind they knew only too well. For several months, he had not mentioned the lady’s name once. They had begun to hope that the affair was over. But his unusually subdued mood on the eve of departure made it clear that their hopes were premature. People whispered that the trouble had begun with Yoshikiyo’s indiscreet praise of her. This had happened after Genji’s recovery, when they had climbed the mountain and looked down toward the western seas.²⁵⁴ Yoshikiyo himself was very irritated by the whole affair, and he had every reason to be.

Two days before his departure Genji visited the house on the hill some hours earlier than was his wont. He had never before seen the lady by full daylight, and her beauty astonished him. Such dignity of bearing, such an air of proud decision he had not in the least expected. This fresh discovery of her, this last-hour revelation filled him with new longings and regrets. Must he lose her? Could not some excuse be formed for bringing her to the Capital, for installing her at Court? And to ease his feelings he began to discuss with her the wildest plans as though they had been perfectly simple and practicable.

Two days before his departure, Genji visited the house on the hill several hours earlier than usual. He had never seen the lady in full daylight before, and her beauty astonished him. He had not expected her to carry herself with such dignity or seem so proudly decisive. This last-minute discovery filled him with new longing and regret. Must he lose her? Could he find an excuse to bring her to the Capital and give her a place at Court? To ease his feelings, he began to discuss his wildest plans with her as though they were simple and practical.

The austerities which he had practised during the earlier days of his exile had left him still looking somewhat worn and thin. Yet such was his beauty that while, touched by her misery, he sat beside her and with tears in his eyes whispered the tenderest words of pity and endearment, for a moment she felt that even if there had been but one such night as that and after it he had disappeared forever, she would still feel his love for her to have been the greatest happiness of her life.

The hardships he had endured during the early days of his exile had left him somewhat worn and thin. Yet he was still so beautiful. Moved by her misery, he sat beside her, whispering tender words of pity and love, with tears in his eyes. For a moment, she felt that his love was the greatest happiness of her life. She would have felt this even if they had only that one night together and he disappeared forever afterward.

But for all his kindness he was a prince,—the inhabitant of a world peopled not by creatures like herself, but by a remote and superior order of beings. Such was the thought that even at moments like this would obtrude itself with painful persistency. Oddly enough, though the promise that she would play to him had been the excuse for his first visit, she had never once touched her zithern since he had known her. For this he had often scolded her, and now he determined to make a last attempt. ‘Will you not play one small tune, so that I may carry it away in my head to remember you by,’ he said, and sent to the lower house for the zithern which he had brought with him from the Capital. He tuned it with special care, and the few chords that he struck while he did so floated with a strange distinctness through the still midnight air. The old priest heard these sounds, and unable to contain himself came bustling round to the women’s quarters with his Chinese zithern in his arms and deposited it in the room where his daughter was receiving her guest. Then he discreetly withdrew. Genji now renewed his entreaties and at last she could resist no longer. He guessed at once, by the way that she handled and tuned the instrument, that she would prove to be a remarkable performer. Lady Fujitsubo used generally to be considered the best zithern-player of the day, and though the applause of the fashionable world was in part a tribute to her rank and beauty, she was without question a very fine musician. But the Lady of Akashi, in addition to a complete command of her instrument, played with an intensity of feeling and a power of expression utterly unknown to the princess. Such indeed was her playing that even he, who could now so seldom get from music a pleasure that he had not experienced many times before, was utterly taken aback. He could have listened forever, and his only regret was that he had not forced her to play to him months ago. Of course he must not lose her! And handing to her his own zithern he begged her to keep it for him till they should play together again. She answered with an acrostic poem in which she prophesied that this loan was likely to remain forever on her hands. And he, in indignation—‘Steadfast am I as the middle strings²⁵⁵ of this my zithern that I leave with you until we meet.’ ‘Who knows that it may not be soon,’ he added; ‘Perhaps before these very strings have fallen out of tune.’ Thus he sought to comfort her; but to her mind one thought only was present,—that he was going away. She began to sob bitterly.

Despite all his kindness, he was a prince. He lived in a world of beings unlike her, a distant and superior order. Even at moments like this, the thought kept returning, causing her pain. Strangely, she had never played her zither since he had known her. Yet her promise to play for him had been his excuse for his first visit. He had often scolded her for not playing, and now he decided to make one last attempt. ‘Won’t you play one little tune, so I can carry it in my head and remember you?’ he said. He sent to the lower house for the zither he had brought from the Capital. He tuned it with special care. The few chords he played as he tuned it rang with strange clarity through the still midnight air. The old priest heard the sounds and could not contain himself. He hurried to the women’s quarters with his Chinese zither in his arms. He set it down in the room where his daughter was receiving her guest. Then he discreetly withdrew. Genji begged her again, and at last she could no longer resist. From the way she handled and tuned the instrument, he guessed she would be a remarkable player. Lady Fujitsubo was generally thought to be the best zither player of the day. Some of the fashionable world’s praise was a tribute to her rank and beauty. Still, she was without question a fine musician. But the Lady of Akashi had complete command of her instrument. She also played with an intensity of feeling and expressive power the princess knew nothing of. Her playing took him completely by surprise. He could now so rarely find a pleasure in music that he had not experienced many times before. He could have listened forever. His only regret was that he had not made her play for him months ago. Of course he must not lose her! He handed her his own zither and begged her to keep it until they could play together again. She answered with an acrostic poem, predicting that she would likely have the loan on her hands forever. Indignant, he replied, ‘I am as steadfast as the middle strings²⁵⁵ of this zither, which I leave with you until we meet.’ ‘Who knows? We may meet soon,’ he added. ‘Perhaps before these very strings have fallen out of tune.’ He tried to comfort her, but she could think only of his leaving. She began to sob bitterly.

On the day of his departure he was up long before sunrise. The setting out of so large a party (for the house was now full of friends who had come to escort him back to the City) occasioned a tremendous bustle. Genji too was much preoccupied, but in the midst of these distractions he found time to send her a message: ‘Because they have left the sea behind them, the rising waves creep listlessly across the sand. But I, a sinking wave, cast back disconsolate thoughts towards the shore whence I retreat.’ And she: ‘My cabin by the shore the winds have sheltered, and gladly now amid the receding wreckage of the storm would I drift out to sea.’ His friends from the Capital noticed that he was in great distress, and could only suppose that, despite the untoward circumstances which had brought him to this place, he had in the course of years become so attached to it that the actual moment of parting was somewhat of a wrench. But they could not help thinking that such a display of emotion was very excessive. On the other hand Yoshikiyo and the rest saw their worst fears confirmed. This was evidently a serious business, and they foresaw all kinds of complications that might arise from it. These gentlemen were delighted to be going home, but when it came to the actual moment of departure they felt a certain regret at leaving this extremely agreeable coast, and there were naturally many among them who had on their own account to face somewhat painful scenes of farewell. Many affecting poems were written and tearful speeches made; but what use would it be to record them all?

On the day of his departure, he was up long before sunrise. The house was full of friends who had come to escort him back to the City. Getting such a large party ready caused a tremendous bustle. Genji was busy too, but amid the commotion he found time to send her a message: ‘Having left the sea behind, the rising waves creep listlessly across the sand. But I am a sinking wave, casting sorrowful thoughts back toward the shore I leave behind.’ And she replied: ‘The winds have sheltered my cabin by the shore. Now I would gladly drift out to sea amid the wreckage of the passing storm.’ His friends from the Capital noticed that he was deeply distressed. They could only suppose that he had grown attached to the place over the years. This was in spite of the unfortunate circumstances that had brought him there. They thought that actually leaving it must be painful for him. But they could not help thinking that he was showing far too much emotion. Yoshikiyo and the others, on the other hand, saw their worst fears confirmed. This was evidently a serious affair, and they foresaw all kinds of complications that might arise from it. These gentlemen were delighted to be going home. But when the moment came to leave, they felt some regret at leaving this delightful coast. Naturally, many of them also had to face painful farewells of their own. They wrote many moving poems and made tearful speeches. But what use would it be to record them all?

In his preparations for the departure of the travellers the old priest had surpassed himself. For every single person connected with the expedition, down to the humblest carriers and menials, the most sumptuous equipment was provided. It was indeed hard to imagine how in these few weeks such elaborate preparations could possibly have been made. The arrangements for Genji’s own comfort were of the most extraordinary ingenuity; in fact the luxuries forced upon him filled so many boxes that it required quite an army of porters to carry all his luggage. Genji was indeed equipped more like a traveller setting out from the Capital than like one returning from the provinces. There seemed to be no imaginable contingency which the old priest had not thought of. To the travelling cloak which had been specially designed for that day’s journey the Lady of Akashi attached the poem: ‘That this cloak of travel, cut and folded by the salt sea-shore, should bear a stain or two of spray, you will not take amiss!’ Despite the noise and confusion of departure, he found a moment in which to write the answer: ‘Though for a while I must wear it in remembrance, yet soon as certain days and months are safely passed, once more no garment shall divide us.’ This message he sent privately, and when he put on the new cloak he was at pains to tell those about him that it was a present from the old priest and worn at his especial desire. The cloak which he had previously been wearing he sent to the house on the hill, where for long afterwards the sight of it and the smell of the rare scent with which it was perfumed awakened tantalizing memories in those from whose thoughts he would in any case seldom have been absent.

The old priest had outdone himself in preparing for the travelers’ departure. He provided the finest equipment for everyone in the party, even the lowliest carriers and servants. It was hard to imagine how he could have made such elaborate preparations in just a few weeks. His arrangements for Genji’s comfort were extraordinarily ingenious. In fact, the luxuries pressed on Genji filled so many boxes that an army of porters was needed to carry them. Genji was equipped more like a traveler leaving the Capital than one returning from the provinces. There seemed to be no possible need the old priest had not thought of. The Lady of Akashi attached a poem to the traveling cloak made especially for that day’s journey: ‘This traveling cloak was cut and folded by the salty shore. You will not mind if it bears a stain or two from the spray!’ Despite the noise and confusion of departure, Genji found a moment to write an answer: ‘Though I must wear it for a while to remember you, certain days and months will soon pass safely. Then no garment will come between us again.’ He sent the message privately. When he put on the new cloak, he took care to tell those around him that the old priest had given it to him and especially wanted him to wear it. He sent the cloak he had been wearing to the house on the hill. For a long time afterward, its sight and the smell of its rare perfume stirred tantalizing memories in those there. Even without the cloak, they would seldom have stopped thinking of him.

The priest excused himself from accompanying the expedition even so far as the frontier of the province, saying that in his present state of grief and agitation he did not feel equal to so great an exertion. ‘Pray do not think me impertinent,’ he added, ‘but I ought perhaps to remind you ... in fact, we none of us doubt for an instant.... But quite at your own time and convenience, of course!’ He did not dare go beyond these brief, disjointed hints, but Genji, so far from taking offence, was extremely sorry for the old man, who, it was evident, had taken the business to heart in the most unfortunate way. ‘There is now a particular reason why I should cherish and remember her,’ said Genji presently; ‘you may be sure that in a very little while I shall see to it that she has her due. To leave you all at such a moment grieves me more than I can say. But what would you have me do?’ The lady herself was in a strange state of mind. She was still convinced that the difference in rank between them precluded any lasting union and was certain that in the long run she had no more chance of happiness at the City than she had if left behind here in the wilds. But when it came to his actually starting, she could not bear to be left behind. Try as she might, she could not control herself. His image perpetually haunted her and every effort to banish it ended in a wild fit of sobbing. ‘It would have saved the poor girl untold misery,’ said the mother, having in vain tried every means to distract her, ‘if this wretched business had never begun. And how unnecessary it all is! Nothing of the kind need ever have entered the child’s head, but for the odious and perverse advice which certain people....’ ‘Hold your tongue,’ the old priest said angrily. ‘This will all come right in the end; he has told me so himself. He knows about her condition and will do all that he can for her.’ ‘Come, child,’ he said, bringing her a basin of hot water in his own hands; ‘you must get up at once and let yourself be dressed. You really must not go on like this. It is terrible, you know, terrible,’ and he stood at the corner of the bed looking at her encouragingly. Not only the mother, but the girl’s old nurse and most of the confidential servants were in a state of indignation against their master and went about saying that his misguided promptings had brought them all into this terrible trouble. But the old man’s evident misery soon dismissed their anger. He went about muttering to himself: ‘To think that I should have waited all these years for a chance to do something that would help her! And just when I thought everything was going so well, I find I have only made the poor thing unhappy....’

The priest declined to accompany the party even as far as the border of the province. In his grief and agitation, he said, he did not feel equal to such an effort. ‘Please don’t think me impertinent,’ he added, ‘but perhaps I should remind you ... in fact, none of us doubts for an instant.... But entirely at your own time and convenience, of course!’ He did not dare go beyond these brief, disjointed hints. But Genji, far from taking offense, felt deeply sorry for the old man. Clearly, he had taken the matter to heart in the most unfortunate way. ‘I now have a special reason to cherish and remember her,’ Genji said after a while. ‘You can be sure that very soon I will see that she gets what is due to her. It grieves me more than I can say to leave you all at such a time. But what would you have me do?’ The lady herself was in a strange state of mind. She still believed that the difference in their rank made a lasting union impossible. She was sure she had no more chance of lasting happiness in the City than if she stayed in the wilds. But when it came time for him to leave, she could not bear to be left behind. Try as she might, she could not control herself. His image haunted her constantly, and every attempt to drive it away ended in a wild fit of sobbing. Her mother tried every means of distracting her, but in vain. ‘It would have saved the poor girl untold misery if this wretched business had never begun,’ she said. ‘And how unnecessary it all is! Nothing of the kind would ever have entered the child’s head, if not for the hateful and perverse advice certain people....’ ‘Be quiet,’ the old priest said angrily. ‘This will all come right in the end. He told me so himself. He knows about her condition and will do all he can for her.’ ‘Come, child,’ he said, bringing her a basin of hot water with his own hands. ‘You must get up at once and let yourself be dressed. You really must not go on like this. It is terrible, you know, terrible.’ He stood at the corner of the bed, looking at her encouragingly. The mother was not alone in her anger at their master. The girl’s old nurse and most of the trusted servants were also indignant. They went about saying that his misguided urging had brought them all into this terrible trouble. But the old man’s obvious misery soon put an end to their anger. He went about muttering to himself: ‘To think that I waited all these years for a chance to do something to help her! And just when I thought everything was going so well, I find I have only made the poor thing unhappy....’

So much did his mistake (for such he was now convinced that it was) afflict the old man, that he became a little queer in the head. During the day he did little but doze; but at night he would suddenly get up and seated in an attitude of prayer would fumble with his hands as though he had forgotten even how to use his rosary. One night his disciples managed to persuade him to go for a walk in the moonlight. Mumbling prayers as he went and quite unaware of his surroundings he stumbled and fell headlong into the moat. He was soon fished out; but in falling he had caught his leg against a large stone and done himself considerable injury. During the illness which followed, his mind, strangely enough, seemed to be somewhat easier and he appeared to be worrying less about the unfortunate situation of his daughter.

The old man was now convinced that he had made a mistake. It troubled him so much that his mind became a little unsettled. During the day, he did little but doze. At night, he would suddenly get up and sit as if in prayer. He fumbled with his hands as though he had forgotten even how to use his rosary. One night, his disciples persuaded him to take a walk in the moonlight. He mumbled prayers as he walked, unaware of his surroundings. Then he stumbled and fell headfirst into the moat. He was soon pulled out, but he had struck his leg against a large stone in the fall. He was badly hurt. During the illness that followed, his mind seemed, strangely enough, somewhat more at ease. He appeared to worry less about his daughter's unfortunate situation.

Meanwhile Genji was on his homeward way. At Naniwa he halted to perform the customary ceremony of Purification. He did not on this occasion go to the Shrine of Sumiyoshi himself but sent a messenger to inform the authorities that he was intending to perform his devotions there quietly on some future occasion. He was now travelling so hurriedly and with so large a retinue that a personal visit was impossible. Apart from the halt at Naniwa he made no unnecessary discursions or digressions, but pressed on with all possible speed to the Capital.

Meanwhile, Genji was on his way home. At Naniwa, he stopped to perform the customary purification ceremony. He did not visit the Shrine of Sumiyoshi himself. Instead, he sent a messenger to tell the authorities that he intended to worship there quietly on another occasion. He was traveling too quickly and with too large a retinue to visit in person. Apart from his stop at Naniwa, he made no unnecessary detours but hurried to the Capital as fast as possible.

Upon his arrival the Nijō-in presented an extraordinary spectacle. The friends who had accompanied him on the journey were here joined by numerous others who had awaited him in the City. All of them now surged in wild excitement through the Palace, some hurraying lustily, some weeping with joy, and the scene soon became one of indescribable noise and disorder.

When he arrived, the Nijō-in was an extraordinary sight. Many friends who had waited for him in the City joined those who had traveled with him. All of them rushed through the Palace in wild excitement. Some cheered loudly, while others wept with joy. Soon the scene was one of indescribable noise and disorder.

And now Murasaki, who at the moment of his departure had vowed in her poem that ‘could it but purchase an hour of respite, life itself was a price she would not grudge to pay,’ was glad that the gift which in her despair she had bartered so lightly, had not indeed been taken from her!

When he left, Murasaki had vowed in her poem that ‘if it could buy an hour of relief, she would gladly give her life.’ In her despair, she had offered her life so readily. Now she was glad it had not actually been taken from her!

In these three years she had grown even handsomer than before. At first he could not make out in what way it was that her appearance was altered. But when they were alone together he noticed that her hair, which even before he went away had begun to be almost too thick, had been cleverly thinned out. He had to confess that this new way of wearing it became her very well. But suddenly, while he watched her with fond satisfaction, the pleasant thought that she would always be near him was interrupted by a very different image. There rose before his mind the figure of the lady whom he had left behind in that sad mansion above the bay. Plainly as though she were with him he saw her loneliness, her misery, her despair. Why was it that time after time he of all people should find himself in this odious position? Lest Murasaki should feel that things were passing through his mind which he must hide from her, he began telling her about the lady of the shore. But he took such evident pleasure in dilating upon this subject that his frankness had the effect of convincing her that the matter was a far more serious one than she had before supposed. ‘It is not for myself I mind,’²⁵⁶ she quoted, only half meaning him to understand. How terrible that he had lost three whole years of her company, and lost them, too, in punishment for those very infidelities which he would now have given so much to undo!

During those three years, she had grown even more beautiful. At first, he could not tell what had changed about her appearance. But when they were alone, he noticed that she had cleverly thinned her hair. Even before he left, it had begun to grow almost too thick. He had to admit that this new way of wearing it suited her very well. He watched her with fond satisfaction, pleased by the thought that she would always be near him. But suddenly a very different image interrupted his thoughts. He pictured the lady he had left behind in that sad mansion above the bay. He saw her loneliness, misery, and despair as clearly as if she were with him. Why did he, of all people, have to find himself in this hateful position again and again? He did not want Murasaki to feel that he was hiding his thoughts from her. So he began telling her about the lady of the shore. But he took such obvious pleasure in talking about her at length that his openness convinced Murasaki the matter was more serious than she had thought. ‘It is not for myself I mind,’²⁵⁶ she quoted, only half intending him to understand. How terrible that he had lost three whole years of Murasaki’s company. He had lost them as punishment for the very infidelities he would now have given so much to undo!

Soon after his return all his original titles were restored and he was accorded the rank of supernumerary President of Council; while his supporters were re-established in offices equivalent to those of which they had been deprived. Indeed so wide an amnesty was proclaimed that the Court soon wore the aspect of a withered tree that one spring morning suddenly begins to sprout again.

Soon after his return, all his original titles were restored. He was also given the rank of supernumerary President of Council. His supporters were given posts equivalent to those they had lost. In fact, the amnesty was so broad that the Court soon looked like a withered tree suddenly sprouting on a spring morning.

A message came summoning Genji to the Palace. Great excitement prevailed among the Court attendants. It seemed to them that he looked more handsome and flourishing than ever. Had he really spent the last three years under such harrowing conditions as rumour had reported? Among the gentlewomen present were some who had served the old Emperor his father and these old ladies, who had always taken his side, now pressed round him chattering and weeping. The Emperor had been somewhat nervous about this interview. Anxious to make a good impression, he had spent an immense while over his toilet. On this particular day he was feeling somewhat stronger; but for a long while he had been seriously out of health and he was looking sadly altered. They talked quietly till nightfall. It was the fifteenth day of the month. The weather was calm and fine and, as he sat in the moonlight, such a host of memories crowded to the young Emperor’s mind that he shed a few tears. He was indeed at that time full of the darkest forebodings. ‘Nothing entertaining has happened here,’ he said at last. ‘I used to like it when you played to me; but of course it is a long time since you did that....’ Genji answered with the poem: ‘For as many years as the leech-baby²⁵⁷ could not stand upon its feet have I been set adrift upon the wide plains of the sea.’ The Emperor, who felt the sting of this allusion, skilfully parried the thrust with the verse: ‘Round the Palace Pillar²⁵⁸ long enough have we played hide-and-seek; let us forget the rancour of wasted springtimes that we in amity might better have employed.’

A message arrived summoning Genji to the Palace. The Court attendants were very excited. To them, he looked more handsome and thriving than ever. Had he really spent the last three years in the terrible conditions described by rumor? Some of the women present had served his father, the old Emperor. These older women had always taken Genji’s side. Now they crowded around him, chatting and weeping. The Emperor had been somewhat nervous about their meeting. Eager to make a good impression, he had spent a very long time getting ready. He felt somewhat stronger that day, but he had been seriously ill for a long time. His appearance had sadly changed. They talked quietly until nightfall. It was the fifteenth day of the month. The weather was calm and fine. As the young Emperor sat in the moonlight, so many memories came to him that he shed a few tears. He was indeed full of the darkest fears about the future. ‘Nothing entertaining has happened here,’ he said at last. ‘I used to like it when you played for me, but of course it’s been a long time since then....’ Genji answered with a poem: ‘For as many years as the leech-baby²⁵⁷ could not stand on its feet, I have been set adrift on the wide plains of the sea.’ The Emperor felt the sting of this allusion and skillfully parried it with a verse: ‘We have played hide-and-seek around the Palace Pillar²⁵⁸ long enough. Let us forget our bitterness over the wasted springtimes we could have spent together in friendship.’

After this visit Genji’s first care was to perform the ceremonial Eight Readings of the Lotus Sūtra in memory of his father the late Emperor. He next visited the Crown Prince and found him grown almost beyond recognition. The child was surprised and delighted to recover his old playmate, whom he perfectly well remembered. Genji was relieved to discover that the boy was unusually quick at his studies and promised, so far as could at present be judged, to make a very satisfactory successor to the Throne.

After this visit, Genji’s first concern was to perform the ceremonial Eight Readings of the Lotus Sūtra in memory of his father, the late Emperor. He then visited the Crown Prince and found that he had grown almost beyond recognition. The child remembered his old playmate perfectly and was surprised and delighted to see him again. Genji was relieved to find that the boy learned unusually quickly. As far as Genji could tell, he promised to be a very capable successor to the throne.

His agitation upon being admitted to Fujitsubo was not indeed such as it would have been some years ago; but the meeting was an affecting one and they had much to discuss together. One thing I had almost forgot: by one of the priest’s servants who had come with them all the way to the Capital he sent a number of letters to Akashi; among them a long one to the priest’s daughter, in which, as he was able to convey it to her secretly, he did his best, by dint of tender messages and allusions, to comfort and console her. In it was the poem: ‘At Akashi is all night spent²⁵⁹ in weeping? And do the mists of morning hide the long-looked-for light of day?’

He was not as agitated when he was admitted to Fujitsubo as he would have been some years earlier. But their meeting was moving, and they had much to discuss. I almost forgot one thing: he sent several letters to Akashi with one of the priest’s servants. The servant had traveled with them all the way to the Capital. Among the letters was a long one to the priest’s daughter. Since he could send it to her secretly, he did his best to comfort her with tender messages and allusions. It included the poem: ‘At Akashi, is the whole night spent²⁵⁹ in weeping? Do the morning mists hide the long-awaited light of day?’

At last Lady Gosechi,²⁶⁰ who silently and unknown to all the world had been grieving bitterly at Genji’s exile, was able to relieve her feelings by taking action. It was natural and proper that she should write to congratulate him upon his recall. She did so, but left him to guess from whom the letter came. With it was the poem: ‘A seafarer that with reluctant heart floated past Suma’s shore would fain you saw her sleeve that since that day has never once grown dry.’ Her fine handwriting at once betrayed her and he replied: ‘With better cause might I make tearful plaint, to whom you steered so close, yet would not stay your course.’ Brief as their meeting had been, he still preserved the happiest recollections of it and this sudden reminder of her made him for a moment hope that their friendship might one day be renewed. But what was he thinking of! Now and henceforward there were to be no more frivolities of that kind. Thus he cautioned himself, and the result was that even the Lady at the Village of Falling Flowers received only a formal intimation of his return. To know that he was to be seen and not to see him was worse than his being utterly out of reach, and the poor lady was unhappier than ever now that he was again at the Nijō-in.

At last Lady Gosechi,²⁶⁰ who had secretly grieved bitterly over Genji’s exile, could do something to express her feelings. It was only natural and proper that she write to congratulate him on his recall. She did so, but left him to guess who had sent the letter. With it she sent a poem: ‘A seafarer who reluctantly sailed past Suma’s shore wishes you could see her sleeve, which has never dried since that day.’ Her fine handwriting immediately revealed who she was, and he replied: ‘I have more reason to complain in tears. You sailed so close to me, yet would not stay your course.’ Though their meeting had been brief, he still remembered it with great pleasure. The sudden reminder of her made him hope, for a moment, that their friendship might one day be renewed. But what was he thinking! From now on, there could be no more frivolities of that kind. He cautioned himself, and as a result, even the Lady at the Village of Falling Flowers received only a formal notice of his return. Knowing he was nearby but not seeing him was worse than having him completely out of reach. The poor lady was unhappier than ever now that he was back at the Nijō-in.