The First Song of the Year

With the morning of the New Year’s⁴⁴³ Day began a spell of the most delightful weather. Soft air, bright sunshine, and not a cloud to be seen in the whole sky. In every garden, on the humblest piece of waste ground, young shoots that formed each day a clearer patch of green were pushing up amid the snow; while over the trees hung a mist, stretched there, so it seemed, on purpose that the wonders it was hiding might later come as a surprise. Nor was this pleasant change confined to garden and wood; for men and women also, without knowing why, suddenly felt good-humoured and hopeful. It may be imagined then what an enchantment these first spring days, everywhere so delightful, cast upon the gardens of Genji’s palace, with their paths of jade-dust, their groves and lakes. It would be impossible here to describe in any way that would not be both tedious and inadequate the beauties of the four domains which Genji had allotted to his favourites. But this I may say, that the Spring Garden,⁴⁴⁴ with its great orchards of fruit trees at this moment far excelled the rest, and even behind her screens-of-state Murasaki breathed an atmosphere that was heavily laden with the scent of plum-blossom. Indeed the place was a Heaven upon earth; but a Heaven adapted to human requirements by the addition of numerous comforts and amenities. The Princess⁴⁴⁵ from Akashi was still living in Murasaki’s apartments. The younger among the gentlewomen-in-waiting had been placed at her disposal; while the older among them, and such as had distinguished themselves in any way, were retained by Murasaki. On the third day they were already gathered together in front of the Mirror Cake⁴⁴⁶ reciting ‘For a thousand years may we dwell under thy shadow’ and other New Year verses, with a good deal of laughter and scuffling, when Genji’s unexpected entry suddenly caused many pairs of hands to fly back into an attitude of prayer. The ladies looked so uncomfortable at having been caught treating the ceremonies of the day with undue levity, that Genji said to them laughing: ‘Come now, there is no need to take the prayers on our behalf so seriously. I am sure each of you has plenty of things she would like to pray for on her own account. Tell me, all of you, what you most desire in the coming year, and I will add my prayers to yours.’ Among these ladies was a certain Chūjō,⁴⁴⁷ one of his own gentlewomen, whom he had transferred to Murasaki’s service at the time of his exile. She knew well enough, poor lady, what thing she most desired. But she only said: ‘I tried just now to think of something to pray for on my own account; but it ended by my saying the prayer: “May he endure long as the Mountain of Kagami in the country of Ōmi.”⁴⁴⁸

New Year’s⁴⁴³ Day began a spell of delightful weather. The air was soft, the sun shone brightly, and there was not a cloud in the sky. In every garden and on the humblest patch of waste ground, young shoots pushed up through the snow. Each day they formed a clearer patch of green. A mist hung over the trees, as if it had been placed there to hide wonders for a later surprise. The pleasant change was not limited to gardens and woods. Men and women, too, suddenly felt cheerful and hopeful, without knowing why. One can imagine the enchantment these first spring days cast over Genji’s palace gardens, with their jade-dust paths, groves, and lakes. Spring was delightful everywhere. I cannot describe the beauties of the four domains Genji had given to his favorites without being tedious and inadequate. But I can say that the Spring Garden,⁴⁴⁴ with its great orchards of fruit trees, far surpassed the others just then. Even behind her screens-of-state, Murasaki breathed air heavy with the scent of plum blossoms. The place was indeed a Heaven on earth, but one made fit for human needs with many comforts and amenities. The Princess⁴⁴⁵ from Akashi was still living in Murasaki’s apartments. The younger ladies-in-waiting had been placed at her service. Murasaki kept the older ladies and those who had distinguished themselves in any way. On the third day, they had already gathered before the Mirror Cake.⁴⁴⁶ They were reciting “For a thousand years may we dwell under thy shadow” and other New Year verses. There was much laughter and scuffling. Then Genji entered unexpectedly, and many pairs of hands quickly returned to an attitude of prayer. The ladies looked uncomfortable at having been caught treating the day’s ceremonies so lightly. Genji laughed and said: “Come now, there is no need to take the prayers for us so seriously. I am sure each of you has plenty of things she would like to pray for herself. Tell me, all of you, what you most desire in the coming year, and I will add my prayers to yours.” Among the ladies was a certain Chūjō,⁴⁴⁷ one of his own ladies-in-waiting. He had transferred her to Murasaki’s service when he went into exile. The poor lady knew well enough what she most desired. But she only said: “I just tried to think of something to pray for myself. But I ended up saying the prayer: ‘May he endure long as the Mountain of Kagami in the country of Ōmi.’⁴⁴⁸

The morning had been occupied in receiving a host of New Year visitors; but now Genji thought he would call upon the various inhabitants of his palace, to give them his good wishes and see how they looked in their New Year clothes. ‘Your ladies,’ he said to Murasaki, ‘do not seem to take these proceedings seriously. I found them romping together, instead of saying their prayers. You and I will have to hold a service of our own.’ So saying he recited the prayer, not without certain additions which showed that he took the business only a trifle more seriously than the ladies whom he had just criticized. He then handed her the poem: ‘May the course of our love be clear as the waters of yonder lake, from which, in the spring sunshine, the last clot of ice has melted away.’ To this she answered: ‘On the bright mirror of these waters I see stretched out the cloudless years love holds for us in store.’ Then (as how many times before!) Genji began telling her that, whatever was reported of him or whatever she herself observed, she need never have any anxiety. And he protested, in the most violent and impressive terms, that his passion for her underlay all that he felt or did, and could not be altered by any passing interest or fancy. She was for the moment convinced, and accepted his protestations ungrudgingly.

The morning had been spent receiving many New Year visitors. Now Genji decided to visit the various inhabitants of his palace. He wanted to give them his good wishes and see how they looked in their New Year clothes. ‘Your ladies,’ he said to Murasaki, ‘don’t seem to take these proceedings seriously. I found them playing together instead of saying their prayers. You and I will have to hold a service of our own.’ He then recited the prayer, adding a few words of his own. These showed that he took the occasion only slightly more seriously than the ladies he had just criticized. He then handed her this poem: ‘May the course of our love be as clear as the waters of that lake. In the spring sunshine, the last bit of ice has melted away.’ She replied: ‘In the bright mirror of these waters, I see the cloudless years that love has in store for us.’ Then Genji began reassuring her, as he had so many times before. Whatever she heard about him or saw for herself, she need never worry. He declared, in the strongest and most forceful terms, that his passion for her lay behind everything he felt or did. No passing interest or fancy could change it. For the moment, she was convinced and accepted his declarations without reservation.

Besides being the third of the year it was also the Day of the Rat⁴⁴⁹ and therefore as fine an occasion for prayers and resolutions as could possibly have been found.

It was the third day of the year and also the Day of the Rat.⁴⁴⁹ So it was as good an occasion for prayers and resolutions as anyone could have found.

His next visit was to the little girl from Akashi. He found her maids and page-boys playing New Year games on the mound in front of her windows, and pulling up the dwarf pine-trees, an occupation in which they seemed to take a boundless delight. The little princess’s rooms were full of sweetmeat boxes and hampers, all of them presents from her mother. To one toy, a little nightingale perched upon a sprig of the five-leafed pine, was fastened a plaintive message: ‘In my home the nightingale’s voice I never hear, ...’⁴⁵⁰ and with it the poem:—

His next visit was to the little girl from Akashi. Her maids and page-boys were playing New Year games on the mound in front of her windows. They were pulling up the dwarf pine trees and seemed to take endless delight in it. The little princess’s rooms were full of boxes of sweets and hampers, all gifts from her mother. One toy was a little nightingale perched on a sprig of five-leafed pine. A plaintive message was attached to it: ‘In my home I never hear the nightingale’s voice, ...’⁴⁵⁰ and with it was the poem:

Genji read the poem and was touched by it; for he knew that only under the stress of great emotion would she have allowed this note of sadness to tinge a New Year poem. ‘Come, little nightingale!’ he said to the child, ‘you must make haste with your answer; it would be heartless indeed if in the quarter whence these pretty things come you were ungenerous with your spring-time notes!’ and taking his own ink-stone from a servant who was standing by, he prepared it for her and made her write. She looked so charming while she did this that he found himself envying those who spent all day in attendance upon her, and he felt that to have deprived the Lady of Akashi year after year of so great a joy was a crime for which he would never be able to forgive himself. He looked to see what she had written. ‘Though years be spent asunder, not lightly can the nightingale forget the tree where first it nested and was taught to sing.’ The flatness of the verse had at least this much to recommend it—the mother would know for certain that the poem had been written without grown-up assistance!

Genji read the poem and was touched. He knew she would have let sadness color a New Year poem only under the strain of great emotion. ‘Come, little nightingale!’ he said to the child. ‘You must hurry with your answer. It would be heartless not to offer your spring songs to the place these pretty things came from!’ A servant standing nearby handed him his ink-stone. He prepared it for her and made her write. She looked so charming as she wrote that he envied those who attended her all day. He felt he could never forgive himself for depriving the Lady of Akashi of such joy year after year. He looked at what the child had written. ‘Though years may pass with us apart, the nightingale cannot easily forget the tree where it first nested and learned to sing.’ The dull verse had at least one advantage: her mother would know for certain that she had written it without help from a grown-up!

The Summer Quarters⁴⁵¹ were not looking their best; indeed at this time of year they could hardly be expected not to wear a somewhat uninteresting air. As he looked about him he could see no object that was evidence of any very pronounced taste or proclivity; the arrangements betokened, rather, a general discrimination and good-breeding. For many years past his affection for her had remained at exactly the same pitch, never flagging in the slightest degree, and at the same time never tempting him to the extremer forms of intimacy. In this way there had long ago grown up between them a relationship far more steady and harmonious than can ever exist between those who are lovers in the stricter sense of the term. This morning he spoke to her for a while from behind her curtains-of-state. But presently he cautiously raised a corner of one curtain, and he looked in. How little she had changed! But he was sorry to see that the New Year’s dress he had given her was not a great success. Her hair had of late years grown much less abundant, and in order to maintain the same style of coiffure, she had been obliged to supplement it by false locks. To these Genji had long ago grown accustomed. But he now began trying to imagine how she appeared to other people, and saw at once that to them she must seem a very homely, middle-aged person indeed. So much the better, then, that he who loved her had this strange power of seeing her as she used to be, rather than as she was now. And she on her side—what if she should one day grow weary of him, as women often did of those who gave them so little as he had done!

The Summer Quarters⁴⁵¹ were not looking their best. At this time of year, they could hardly be expected to look interesting. As he looked around, he saw nothing that showed any particularly strong taste or preference. Instead, the furnishings showed good judgment and refinement. For many years, his affection for her had stayed exactly the same. It had never weakened, but it had never drawn him toward greater intimacy, either. Long ago, this had led to a relationship between them that was steadier and more harmonious than any true lovers could share. That morning, he spoke to her for a while from behind her curtains-of-state. Then he cautiously raised a corner of one curtain and looked in. How little she had changed! But he was sorry to see that the New Year’s dress he had given her did not suit her very well. In recent years, her hair had grown much thinner. To keep the same hairstyle, she had been obliged to add false locks. Genji had grown used to them long ago. But now he tried to imagine how she looked to other people. He saw at once that they must find her a very plain, middle-aged woman. So much the better that he loved her and had the strange power to see her as she used to be, rather than as she was now. And what of her? What if she should one day grow tired of him, as women often did of men who had given them so little?

Such were the reflexions that passed through Genji’s mind while he sat with her. ‘We are both singularly fortunate,’ he concluded to himself. ‘I, in my capacity for self-delusion; she in hers for good-tempered acceptance of whatever comes her way.’ They talked for a long while, chiefly of old times, till at last he found that he ought to be on his way to the Western Wing.

These were the thoughts that passed through Genji’s mind as he sat with her. ‘We are both unusually fortunate,’ he concluded. ‘I have a talent for deceiving myself, and she has a talent for accepting whatever comes her way with good humor.’ They talked for a long time, mostly about the past. At last he realized it was time to go to the Western Wing.

Considering the short time that Tamakatsura had been in residence she had made things look uncommonly nice. The number and smartness of her maids gave the place an air of great animation. The large and indispensable articles of furniture had all arrived; but many of the smaller fittings were not yet complete. This was in a way an advantage; for it gave to her rooms a look of spaciousness and simplicity which had a peculiar charm. But it was the mistress of these apartments who, when she suddenly appeared upon the scene, positively confounded him by her beauty. How perfectly she wore that long, close-fitting robe, with its pattern of mountain-kerria! Here, he thought, contrasting her inevitably with the lady to whom he had just said farewell, here was nothing that it might be dangerous to scrutinize, nothing that kindness bade him condone; but radiance, freshness, dazzling youth from tip to toe. Her hair was somewhat thinned out at the ends, in pursuance, perhaps, of some vow made during the days of her tribulation; and this gave to her movements an ease and freedom which strangely accorded with the bareness of her quarters. Had he chosen any but his present rôle,⁴⁵² he would not now be watching her flit unconstrainedly hither and thither across her room.... She, however, having by this time grown used to his informal visits, enjoyed his company to the full and would even have had him treat her with a shade less deference ... when suddenly she remembered that he was only a make-believe father after all, and then it seemed to her that she had already countenanced far greater liberties than their situation demanded. ‘For my part,’ said Genji at last, ‘I feel as though you had been living with us for years, and am certain that I shall never have cause to repent your coming. But you have not progressed so fast in friendship with the other inmates of my household as I have done in mine with you. I notice you do not visit Lady Murasaki. I am sorry for this, and hope that in future you will make use of her apartments without formality of any sort whenever you feel inclined. You could be of great help to the little girl who lives with her. For example, if you would take charge of her music-lessons.... You would find every one in that quarter most affable and forthcoming.... Do promise me to try!’ ‘If you wish it,’ was all she said; but in a voice which indicated that she really meant to obey.

Considering how briefly Tamakatsura had lived there, she had made the place remarkably lovely. Her many well-dressed maids gave it a lively air. All the large, essential furnishings had arrived, but many smaller fittings were still missing. In a way, this was an advantage. It gave her rooms a spaciousness and simplicity that were especially charming. But when the mistress of these rooms suddenly appeared, her beauty overwhelmed him. How perfectly she wore that long, close-fitting robe, patterned with mountain-kerria! He could not help comparing her with the lady he had just left. Here, he thought, was nothing he might hesitate to examine closely, nothing he had to overlook out of kindness. Instead, she was radiant, fresh, and dazzlingly young from head to toe. Her hair was somewhat thinner at the ends. Perhaps she had cut it because of a vow made during her troubles. This gave her movements an ease and freedom that strangely suited her sparsely furnished rooms. Had he chosen any role other than the one he now played,⁴⁵² he would not be watching her move freely about her room.... By now, she had grown used to his informal visits and thoroughly enjoyed his company. She would even have liked him to treat her with a little less deference ... but then she suddenly remembered that he was only pretending to be her father. It seemed to her that she had already allowed him far more liberties than their situation required. ‘For my part,’ Genji said at last, ‘I feel as though you had been living with us for years. I am certain I shall never regret your coming. But you have not become friends with the others in my household as quickly as I have become friends with you. I notice you do not visit Lady Murasaki. I am sorry about this. I hope you will feel free to use her rooms whenever you like, without any formality. You could be a great help to the little girl who lives with her. For example, you could take charge of her music lessons.... You would find everyone there very friendly and welcoming.... Do promise me you will try!’ ‘If you wish it,’ was all she said. But her voice showed that she truly meant to obey.

It was already becoming dark when he arrived at the Lady of Akashi’s rooms. Through an open door a sudden puff of wind carried straight towards him from her daïs a blend of perfumes as exquisite as it was unfamiliar. But where was the Lady herself? For a while he scanned the room in vain. He noticed a writing-case, and near it a great litter of books and papers. On a long flat cushion bordered with Chinese brocade from Lo-yang lay a handsome zithern; while in a brazier which, even in the dim light, he could see to be an object of value and importance, there burned some of that incense which is known as ‘The Courtier’s Favourite.’ This was the scent which pervaded the whole room and, blending with a strong odour of musk, created the delicious perfume which Genji had noticed when he first turned into the corridor. Coming close enough to examine the papers which lay scattered about the daïs, he saw that though there were many experiments in different styles, some of them quite interesting, there were no efforts towards the more extravagant and pretentious forms of cursive. Her child’s letter of thanks for the toy bird and tree had already arrived, and it was evident that, in her delight, she had just been copying out a number of classic poems appropriate to such an occasion. But among these was written a poem of her own: ‘Oh joy untold! The nightingale that, lured by the spring flowers, to distant woods was gone, now to its valley nest again repairs.’ She had also copied out the old poems: ‘I waited for thy song’ and ‘Because my house is where the plum-tree blooms,’ and many other snatches and fragments such as were likely to run in the head of one to whom a sudden consolation had come. He took up the papers one by one, sometimes smiling, yet ashamed of himself for doing so. Then he wetted the pen and was just about to write a message of his own, when the Lady of Akashi suddenly appeared from a back room. Despite the splendours by which she was now surrounded she still maintained a certain deference of manner and anxiety to please which marked her as belonging to a different class. Yet there was something about the way her very dark hair stood out against the white of her dress, hanging rather flat against it, that strangely attracted him. It was New Year’s night. He could not very well absent himself from his own apartments, for there were visitors coming and Murasaki was expecting him....

It was already growing dark when he arrived at the Lady of Akashi’s rooms. A sudden puff of wind came through an open door, carrying a blend of perfumes straight to him from her dais. The scent was as exquisite as it was unfamiliar. But where was the Lady herself? He searched the room for a while but could not find her. He noticed a writing case, with a great pile of books and papers nearby. A handsome zither lay on a long, flat cushion edged with Chinese brocade from Lo-yang. Incense known as ‘The Courtier’s Favourite’ burned in a brazier. Even in the dim light, he could see that the brazier was valuable and impressive. The incense filled the room. Blended with a strong smell of musk, it created the delicious perfume Genji had noticed when he entered the corridor. He went closer to examine the papers scattered about the dais. He saw many experiments in different styles, some of them quite interesting. But there were no attempts at the more extravagant and pretentious forms of cursive writing. Her child’s letter of thanks for the toy bird and tree had already arrived. Clearly, she had been so delighted that she had just copied out several classic poems suited to the occasion. Among them was a poem of her own: ‘Oh, what joy beyond words! The nightingale, lured away to distant woods by the spring flowers, now returns to its nest in the valley.’ She had also copied the old poems ‘I waited for your song’ and ‘Because my house is where the plum tree blooms.’ There were many other snatches and fragments, the kind that might come to mind when someone had suddenly found comfort. He picked up the papers one by one, sometimes smiling, though he was ashamed of himself for reading them. Then he dipped the pen and was just about to write a message of his own when the Lady of Akashi suddenly appeared from a back room. Despite the splendor that now surrounded her, she still showed a certain deference and eagerness to please. These marked her as belonging to a different class. Yet he was strangely attracted by the way her very dark hair stood out against her white dress, hanging rather flat against it. It was New Year’s night. He could not very well stay away from his own apartments, for visitors were coming and Murasaki was expecting him....

Yet it was in the Lady of Akashi’s rooms that he spent the night, thus causing considerable disappointment in many quarters, but above all in the southern wing, where Murasaki’s gentlewomen made bitter comments upon this ill-timed defection.

Yet he spent the night in the Lady of Akashi’s rooms. This caused considerable disappointment in many quarters, especially in the southern wing. There, Murasaki’s ladies made bitter comments about his poorly timed departure.

It was still almost dark when Genji returned, and he persuaded himself that, though he had stayed out late, it could not be said that he had been absent for a night. To the Lady of Akashi, on her side it seemed that he was suddenly rising to leave her just as the night was beginning. Nevertheless, she was enraptured by his visit. Murasaki would no doubt have sat up waiting for him, and he was quite prepared to find her in rather a bad humour. But one never knows, and in order to find out he said: ‘I have just had the most uncomfortable doze. It was too childish.... I fell asleep in my chair. I wish some one had woken me. It was the most mistaken kindness....’ But no! She did not reply, and seeing that for the moment there was no more to be done, he lay back and pretended to be asleep; but as soon as it was broad daylight got up and left the room.

It was still almost dark when Genji returned. He persuaded himself that, though he had stayed out late, he had not really been away for a night. To the Lady of Akashi, though, it seemed he was getting up to leave just as the night was beginning. Even so, she was delighted by his visit. Murasaki would no doubt have stayed up waiting for him, and he was quite prepared to find her in a bad mood. But one never knows, so he tried to find out. He said, ‘I have just had the most uncomfortable nap. It was so childish.... I fell asleep in my chair. I wish someone had woken me. They meant to be kind, but they were quite wrong....’ But no! She did not reply. Seeing that there was nothing more he could do for the moment, he lay back and pretended to be asleep. But as soon as it was broad daylight, he got up and left the room.

Next day there was a great deal of New Year’s entertaining to be done, which was fortunate, for it enabled him to save his face. As usual, almost the whole Court was there,—princes, ministers and noblemen. There was a concert and on Genji’s part a grand distribution of trinkets and New Year presents. This party was an occasion of great excitement for the more elderly and undistinguished of the guests; and it may be imagined with what eagerness it was this year awaited by the younger princes and noblemen, who were perpetually on the look-out for adventure and flattered themselves that the new inmate⁴⁵³ of Genji’s palace was by no means beyond their reach. A gentle evening breeze carried the scent of fruit-blossom into every corner of the house; in particular, most fragrant of all, the plum-trees in Murasaki’s garden were now in full bloom. It was at that nameless hour which is neither day nor night. The concert had begun; delicate harmonies of flute and string filled the air, and at last came the swinging measure of ‘Well may this Hall grow rich and thrive,’⁴⁵⁴ with its animated refrain ‘Oh, the saki-grass so sweet,’ in which Genji joined with excellent effect. This indeed was one of his peculiar gifts, that whatever was afoot, whether music, dancing or what not, he had only to join in and every one else was at once inspired to efforts of which they would not have imagined themselves capable.

The next day, there was a great deal of New Year’s entertaining to be done. This was fortunate, because it allowed him to save face. As usual, almost the whole Court was there, including princes, ministers, and noblemen. There was a concert, and Genji handed out trinkets and New Year’s presents on a grand scale. The party caused great excitement among the older, less distinguished guests. One can imagine how eagerly the younger princes and noblemen awaited it this year. They were always looking for adventure and liked to think that the new resident⁴⁵³ of Genji’s palace was well within their reach. A gentle evening breeze carried the scent of fruit blossoms into every corner of the house. Most fragrant of all were the plum trees in Murasaki’s garden, now in full bloom. It was that nameless hour between day and night. The concert had begun, and delicate harmonies of flute and strings filled the air. At last came the lilting rhythm of ‘Well may this Hall grow rich and thrive,’⁴⁵⁴ with its lively refrain, ‘Oh, the saki-grass so sweet.’ Genji joined in, adding greatly to the performance. This was one of his special gifts. Whatever was going on, whether music, dancing, or something else, he had only to join in. Everyone else was immediately inspired to do things they would not have thought themselves capable of doing.

Meanwhile the ladies of the household, in the seclusion of their rooms, heard little more than a confused din of horse-hoofs and carriage-wheels, their plight being indeed much like that of the least deserving among the Blest, who though they are reborn in Paradise, receive an unopened lotus-bud as their lodging.⁴⁵⁵ But still worse was the position of those who inhabited the old Eastern Wing; for having once lived at any rate within ear-shot of such festivities as this, they now saw themselves condemned to an isolation and lack of employment which every year would increase. Yet though they might almost as well have renounced the Court and ensconced themselves ‘by mountain paths where Sorrow is unknown,’ they did nothing of the kind nor, real though their grievances were, did the slightest complaint ever cross their lips. Indeed, save that they were left pretty much to their own devices, they had little else to complain of. They were housed in the utmost comfort and security. Those of them who were religious had at least the certainty that their pious practices would not be interrupted; while those who cared for study had plenty of time to fill a thousand copy-books with native characters. As regards their lodging and equipment, they had only to express a desire for it to be immediately gratified. And sometimes their benefactor actually called upon them, as indeed happened this spring, so soon as the busy days of the New Festival were over.

Meanwhile, the ladies of the household remained secluded in their rooms. They heard little beyond a confused noise of horse hooves and carriage wheels. Their situation was much like that of the least deserving among the Blessed. Though reborn in Paradise, these souls receive an unopened lotus bud as their dwelling.⁴⁵⁵ But the women living in the old Eastern Wing were in an even worse position. They had once lived within hearing of festivities like these. Now they faced a life of isolation and inactivity that would only grow worse each year. They might almost as well have left the Court and settled ‘by mountain paths where Sorrow is unknown.’ Yet they did nothing of the kind. And though their grievances were real, they never uttered the slightest complaint. Indeed, apart from being left largely to themselves, they had little to complain about. They lived in great comfort and security. Those who were religious could at least be sure that their devotions would not be interrupted. Those who loved study had plenty of time to fill a thousand copybooks with native characters. Whenever they wanted anything for their rooms or furnishings, they only had to ask, and it was provided immediately. Sometimes their benefactor even visited them. He did so that spring, as soon as the busy days of the New Festival were over.

Suyetsumu was after all the daughter of Prince Hitachi, and as such was entitled to keep up a considerable degree of state. Genji had accordingly provided her with a very ample staff of attendants. Her surroundings indeed were all that could be desired. She herself had changed greatly in recent years. Her hair was now quite grey, and seeing that she was embarrassed by this and was evidently wondering what impression it would make upon him, he at first kept his eyes averted while he spoke to her. His gaze naturally fell upon her dress. He recognized it as that which he had given her for New Year; but it looked very odd, and he was wondering how he had come to give her so unsuitable a garment, when he discovered that the fault was entirely that of the wearer. Over it she had put a thin mantle of dull black crepe, unlined, and so stiff that it crackled when she moved. The woven dress which he had given her was meant to wear under a heavy cloak, and naturally in her present garb she was, as he could see, suffering terribly from the cold. He had given her an ample supply of stuff for winter cloaks. What could she have done with it all? But with Suyetsumu nothing seemed to thrive, every stuff became threadbare, every colour turned dingy, save that of one bright flower....⁴⁵⁶ But one must keep such things out of one’s head; and he firmly replaced the open flap of her curtain.

Suyetsumu was, after all, the daughter of Prince Hitachi, and she was entitled to maintain a considerable degree of ceremony. Genji had therefore provided her with a large staff of attendants. Her surroundings, in fact, left nothing to be desired. She herself had changed greatly in recent years. Her hair was now quite gray. He could see that she was embarrassed by it and was wondering what he would think. So at first he looked away while he spoke to her. His gaze naturally fell on her dress. He recognized it as the one he had given her for New Year, but it looked very odd. He wondered how he had come to give her such an unsuitable garment. Then he realized that the fault lay entirely with the wearer. Over it she had put a thin, unlined mantle of dull black crepe. It was so stiff that it crackled when she moved. The woven dress he had given her was meant to be worn under a heavy cloak. As he could see, she was naturally suffering terribly from the cold in what she was wearing. He had given her plenty of fabric for winter cloaks. What could she have done with it all? But nothing seemed to thrive with Suyetsumu. Every fabric became threadbare, every color grew dingy, except that of one bright flower....⁴⁵⁶ But one must keep such things out of one's head, and he firmly closed the open flap of her curtain.

She was not offended. It was quite enough that year after year, he should preserve the same unmistakable signs of affection; for did he not always treat her as an intimate and equal, taking her completely into his confidence and addressing her always in the most informal manner imaginable? If this were not affection, what else could it be?

She was not offended. It was enough that year after year, he showed her the same clear signs of affection. After all, he always treated her as a close friend and an equal. He confided everything in her and always spoke to her as informally as possible. If that was not affection, what else could it be?

He meanwhile was thinking what a uniquely depressing and wearisome creature she was, and deciding that he must really make up his mind to be a little kinder to her, since it was certain that no one else intended to take the business off his hands.

Meanwhile, he thought she was an exceptionally depressing and tiresome person. He decided he really must make up his mind to be a little kinder to her. After all, no one else intended to take the responsibility off his hands.

He noticed that while she talked her teeth positively chattered with cold. He looked at her with consternation. ‘Is there no one,’ he asked, ‘whose business it is to take charge of your wardrobe? It does not seem to me that stiff clumsy over-garments are very well suited to your present surroundings. This cloak of yours, for example. If you cannot do without it, then at any rate be consistent and wear it over a dress of the same description. You cannot get yourself up in one style on top and another underneath.’ He had never spoken to her so bluntly before, but she only tittered slightly. ‘My brother Daigo no Azari,’ she said at last, ‘promised to look after those warm stuffs for me, and he carried them all off before I had time to make them into dresses. He even took away my sables.⁴⁵⁷ I am so cold without them....’ Her brother evidently felt the cold even more than she did, and Genji imagined him with a very red nose indeed. Simplicity was no doubt an engaging quality; but really this lady carried it a little too far. However, with her it was certainly no affectation, and he answered good-humouredly: ‘As far as those sables are concerned, I am delighted to hear what has become of them. I always thought they were really meant to keep out the rain and snow. Next time your brother goes on a mountain pilgrimage.... But there is no need for you to shiver. You can have as much of this white material as you like, and there is nothing to prevent your wearing it sevenfold thick, if you find you cannot keep warm. Please always remind me of such promises. If I do not do things at once, I am apt to forget about them. My memory was never very good and I have always needed keeping up to the mark. But now that there are so many conflicting claims upon my time and attention, nothing gets done at all unless I am constantly reminded....’ And thinking it safest to act while the matter was still in his mind, he sent a messenger across to the New Palace for a fresh supply of silks and brocades.

He noticed that her teeth were chattering with cold as she talked. He looked at her in dismay. ‘Isn’t there someone in charge of your wardrobe?’ he asked. ‘Stiff, clumsy outer garments don’t seem suited to your surroundings. Take your cloak, for example. If you can’t do without it, at least wear it over a dress in the same style. You can’t dress in one style on top and another underneath.’ He had never spoken to her so bluntly before, but she only gave a little giggle. ‘My brother Daigo no Azari promised to look after those warm fabrics for me,’ she said at last. ‘He took them all away before I had time to make them into dresses. He even took away my sables.⁴⁵⁷ I’m so cold without them....’ Her brother evidently felt the cold even more than she did. Genji imagined him with a very red nose indeed. Simplicity was no doubt a charming quality, but this lady really carried it a little too far. Still, her simplicity was certainly genuine, and he answered good-humoredly: ‘As for those sables, I’m delighted to hear what became of them. I always thought they were really meant to keep out rain and snow. Next time your brother goes on a mountain pilgrimage.... But there’s no need for you to shiver. You can have as much of this white material as you like. There’s nothing to stop you from wearing seven layers if you can’t keep warm. Please always remind me of such promises. If I don’t do things at once, I tend to forget them. My memory was never very good, and I’ve always needed reminders to keep me on track. But now so many demands compete for my time and attention. Nothing gets done at all unless I’m constantly reminded....’ He thought it safest to act while the matter was still on his mind. So he sent a messenger across to the New Palace for a fresh supply of silks and brocades.

The Nijō-in was kept in perfect order and repair; but the fact that it was no longer the main residence somehow or other gave it an air of abandonment and desolation. The gardens, however, were as delightful as ever. The red plum-blossom was at its best, and it seemed a pity that so much beauty and fragrance should be, one might almost say, wasted. He murmured to himself the lines: ‘To see the springtide to my old home I came, and found within it a rarer flower than any that on orchard twigs was hung!’

The Nijō-in was kept in perfect condition. But because it was no longer the main residence, it somehow felt abandoned and desolate. The gardens, however, were as lovely as ever. The red plum blossoms were at their peak. It seemed a pity that so much beauty and fragrance should be almost wasted. He murmured to himself: ‘I came to my old home to see the spring. There I found a flower rarer than any blooming on the orchard branches!’

She heard the words; but luckily did not grasp the unflattering allusion.⁴⁵⁸

She heard the words, but luckily she didn't understand the unflattering reference.⁴⁵⁸

He also paid a brief visit to Utsusemi, now turned nun. She had installed herself in apartments so utterly devoid of ornament or personal touches of any kind that they had the character of official waiting-rooms. The only conspicuous object which they contained was a large statue of Buddha, and Genji was lamenting to himself that sombre piety, to the exclusion of all other interest, should have possessed so gracious and gentle a spirit, when he noticed that the decoration of her prayer-books, the laying of her altar with its dishes of floating petals—these and many another small sign of elegance seemed to betray a heart that was not yet utterly crushed by the severities of religion. Her blue-grey curtains-of-state showed much taste and care. She sat so far back as scarcely to be seen. But one touch of colour stood out amid the gloom; the long sleeves of the gay coat he had sent her showed beneath her mantle of grey, and moved by her acceptance of this token he said with tears in his eyes: ‘I know that I ought not now even to remember how once I felt towards you. But from the beginning our love brought to us only irritation and misery. It is as well that, if we are to be friends at all, it must now be in a very different way.’ She too was deeply moved and said at last: ‘How can I doubt your good will towards me, seeing at what pains you have been to provide for me, protect me.... I should be ungrateful indeed....’ ‘I daresay many another lover suffered just as I did,’ he said, attempting a lighter tone; ‘and Buddha condemns you to your present life as a penance for all the hearts you have broken. And how the others must have suffered if their experience was anything like mine! Not once but over and over again did I fall in love with you; and those others.... There, I knew that I was right. You are thinking, I am sure, of an entanglement beside which our escapade pales into insignificance.’ His only intention was to divert the conversation from their own relationship, and he was speaking quite at random. But she instantly imagined that he had in some circuitous way got wind of that terrible story ...⁴⁵⁹ and blushing she said in a low voice: ‘Do not remind me of it. The mere fact that you should have been told of it is punishment enough ...’ and she burst into tears.

He also paid a brief visit to Utsusemi, who had become a nun. Her rooms had no decorations or personal touches at all. They looked like official waiting rooms. The only object that stood out was a large statue of Buddha. Genji was saddened that such a gracious and gentle spirit had become absorbed in gloomy devotion, to the exclusion of all other interests. Then he noticed the decorations on her prayer books and the dishes of floating petals on her altar. These and many other small signs of elegance seemed to reveal a heart not yet entirely crushed by religious austerity. Her blue-grey curtains of state showed great taste and care. She sat so far back that he could hardly see her. But one touch of color stood out in the gloom. The long sleeves of the colorful coat he had sent her showed beneath her grey mantle. Moved that she had accepted his gift, he said with tears in his eyes: ‘I know I should not even remember how I once felt about you. But from the beginning, our love brought us only irritation and misery. It is just as well that, if we are to be friends at all, it must now be in a very different way.’ She too was deeply moved and finally said: ‘How can I doubt your goodwill toward me, when you have taken such pains to provide for me and protect me.... I would be very ungrateful....’ ‘I suppose many another lover suffered just as I did,’ he said, trying for a lighter tone. ‘And Buddha has condemned you to your present life as penance for all the hearts you have broken. How the others must have suffered if their experience was anything like mine! I fell in love with you not once but over and over again. And those others.... There, I knew I was right. You are thinking, I am sure, of an affair that makes our escapade seem insignificant.’ He only meant to turn the conversation away from their own relationship and was speaking at random. But she immediately imagined that he had somehow heard about that terrible story ...⁴⁵⁹ Blushing, she said in a low voice: ‘Do not remind me of it. The mere fact that someone has told you about it is punishment enough ...’ Then she burst into tears.

He did not know to what she referred. He had imagined that her retirement from the world was merely due to increasing depression and timidity. How was he to converse with her, if every chance remark threw her into a fit of weeping? He had no desire to go away; but he could not think of any light topic upon which to embark, and after a few general enquiries he took his leave. If only it were Lady Suyetsumu who was the nun and he could put Utsusemi in her place! So Genji thought as on his way back he again passed by the red-nosed lady’s door. He then paid short visits to the numerous other persons who lived upon his bounty, saying to such of them as he had not seen for some time: ‘If long intervals sometimes elapse between my visits to you, you must not think that my feelings towards you have changed. On the contrary, I often think what a pity it is that we so seldom meet. For time slips away, and bound up with every deep affection is the fear that Death may take us unawares....’ Nor was there anything the least insincere in these speeches; in one way or another he did actually feel very deeply about each of the persons to whom they were made. Unlike most occupants of the exalted position which he now held, Genji was entirely devoid of pomposity and self-importance. Whatever the rank of those whom he was addressing, under whatever circumstances he met them, his manner remained always equally kind and attentive. Indeed, by that thread and that alone hung many of his oldest friendships.

He did not know what she meant. He had thought she had withdrawn from the world simply because she had grown more depressed and timid. How could he talk with her if every casual remark made her burst into tears? He did not want to leave, but he could not think of any light subject to discuss. After asking a few general questions, he said goodbye. If only Lady Suyetsumu were the nun, and he could put Utsusemi in her place! Genji thought this as he passed the red-nosed lady’s door again on his way back. He then made short visits to the many other people he supported. To those he had not seen for some time, he said: ‘If I sometimes go a long time without visiting you, please do not think my feelings for you have changed. On the contrary, I often think how sad it is that we meet so rarely. Time slips away, and every deep affection carries the fear that Death may take us by surprise....’ He was entirely sincere in saying this. In one way or another, he did feel deeply about everyone he spoke to. Unlike most people in his exalted position, Genji was neither pompous nor self-important. Whatever the rank of the people he spoke to, and whatever the circumstances, he was always equally kind and attentive. Indeed, many of his oldest friendships depended on that alone.

This year there was to be the New Year’s mumming.⁴⁶⁰ After performing in the Imperial Palace the dancers were to visit the Suzaku-in⁴⁶¹ and then come on to Genji’s. This meant covering a good deal of ground, and it was already nearing dawn when they arrived. The weather had at first been somewhat uncertain, but at dusk the clouds cleared away, and bright moonlight shone upon those exquisite gardens, now clad in a thin covering of snow. Many of the young courtiers who had recently come into notice showed unusual proficiency on instruments of one kind and another. There were flute-players in abundance, and nowhere that night did they give a more admirable display than when they welcomed the arrival of the mummers in front of Genji’s palace. The ladies of the household had been apprised of the ceremony, and they were now assembled in stands which had been set up in the cross-galleries between the central hall and its two wings. The lady of the western side⁴⁶² was invited to witness the proceedings in company with the little princess from Akashi, whose windows looked out on to the courtyard where the dancing was to take place. Murasaki was their neighbour, being separated from them only by a curtain. After performing before the ex-Emperor the dancers had been summoned to give a second display in front of Kōkiden’s apartments. It was consequently even later than had been anticipated when they at last arrived. Before they danced, they had to be served with their ‘mummers’’ portions. It was expected that, considering the lateness of the hour, this part of the proceedings, with its curious rites and observances, would be somewhat curtailed. But on the contrary Genji insisted upon its being carried out with even more than the prescribed elaboration. A faint light was showing in the east, the moon was still shining, but it had begun to snow again, this time harder than ever. The wind, too, had risen; already the tree-tops were swaying, and it became clear that a violent storm was at hand. There was, in the scene that followed, a strange discrepancy; the delicate pale green cloaks of the mummers, lined with pure white, fluttered lightly, elegantly to the movements of the dance; while around them gathered the gloom and menace of the rising storm. Only the cotton plumes of their head-gear, stiff and in a way graceless as they were, seemed to concord with the place and hour. These, as they swayed and nodded in the dance, had a strangely vivid and satisfying beauty.

This year, the New Year’s mumming⁴⁶⁰ was to take place. After performing at the Imperial Palace, the dancers were to visit the Suzaku-in⁴⁶¹ and then come to Genji’s palace. This meant traveling a long way, and it was nearly dawn when they arrived. At first, the weather had been uncertain. But at dusk the clouds cleared, and bright moonlight shone on the exquisite gardens, now covered with a thin layer of snow. Many of the young courtiers who had recently come to notice showed unusual skill on various instruments. There were plenty of flute players. Nowhere that night did they play more beautifully than when they welcomed the mummers in front of Genji’s palace. The ladies of the household had been told about the ceremony. They had gathered in stands set up in the galleries connecting the central hall to its two wings. The lady of the western side⁴⁶² was invited to watch with the little princess from Akashi. The princess’s windows looked out onto the courtyard where the dancing would take place. Murasaki was beside them, separated from them only by a curtain. After performing before the ex-Emperor, the dancers had been called to perform again in front of Kōkiden’s apartments. As a result, they arrived even later than expected. Before they danced, they had to be served their ‘mummers’’ portions. Given the late hour, people expected the curious rites and observances of this part of the ceremony to be shortened. But instead, Genji insisted that it be carried out with even more ceremony than required. A faint light was showing in the east, and the moon was still shining. But it had begun to snow again, more heavily than ever. The wind had also risen. The treetops were already swaying, and it was clear that a violent storm was coming. The scene that followed held a strange contrast. The mummers’ delicate pale green cloaks, lined with pure white, fluttered lightly and elegantly as they danced. Around them, the rising storm gathered, dark and threatening. Only the cotton plumes on their headgear seemed suited to the place and hour. They were stiff and, in a way, graceless. Yet as they swayed and nodded in the dance, they had a strangely vivid and satisfying beauty.

Among those who sang and played for the dancers Yūgiri and Tō no Chūjō’s sons took the lead. As daylight came the snow began to clear, and only a few scattered flakes were falling when through the cold air there rose the strains of Bamboo River.⁴⁶³ I should like to describe the movements of this dance—how the dancers suddenly rise on tip-toe and spread their sleeves like wings and with how delightful an effect voice after voice joins in the lively tune. But it has truly been said that such things are beyond the painter’s art; and still less, I suppose, can any depiction of them be expected of a mere story-teller.

Yūgiri and Tō no Chūjō’s sons led those who sang and played for the dancers. As daylight came, the snow began to clear. Only a few scattered flakes were falling when the strains of Bamboo River⁴⁶³ rose through the cold air. I would like to describe the dance. The dancers suddenly rise on tiptoe and spread their sleeves like wings. It is delightful to hear voice after voice join in the lively tune. But it has rightly been said that such things are beyond a painter’s art. Still less, I suppose, can anyone expect a mere storyteller to describe them.

The ladies of the household vied with one another in the decoration of their stalls. Gay scarfs and favours hung out on every side; while shimmering New Year dresses now dimly discovered behind drawn curtains-of-state, now flashing for a moment into the open as some lady-in-waiting reached forward to adjust a mat or rescue a fan, looked in the dawning light like a meadow of bright flowers ‘half-curtained by the trailing mists of Spring.’ Seldom can there have been seen so strange and lovely a sight. There was, too, a remote, barbaric beauty in the high turbans of the dancers, with their stiff festoons of artificial flowers; and when at last they entoned the final prayer, despite the fact that the words were nonsense and the tune apparently a mere jangle of discordant sounds, there was in the whole setting of the performance something so tense, so stirring that these savage cries seemed at the moment more moving than the deliberate harmonies by which the skilled musician coldly seeks to charm our ear.

The ladies of the household competed to decorate their stalls. Colorful scarves and favors hung everywhere. Shimmering New Year dresses could be dimly seen behind the drawn ceremonial curtains. They flashed into view whenever a lady-in-waiting reached forward to adjust a mat or retrieve a fan. In the dawn light, the dresses looked like a meadow of bright flowers ‘half-hidden by the drifting mists of Spring.’ Rarely could anyone have seen such a strange and lovely sight. The dancers’ tall turbans had a distant, exotic beauty, with their stiff garlands of artificial flowers. At last, the dancers sang the final prayer. The words were nonsense, and the tune seemed to be just a jumble of clashing sounds. Yet the whole performance was so tense and stirring that these wild cries seemed more moving than a skilled musician’s careful harmonies, coldly crafted to charm the ear.

After the usual distribution of presents, the mummers at last withdrew. It was now broad daylight, and all the guests retired to get a little belated sleep. Genji rose again towards mid-day. ‘I believe that Yūgiri is going to make every bit as good a musician as Kōbai,’⁴⁶⁴ he said, while discussing the scenes of the night before. ‘I am astonished by the talent of the generation which is now growing to manhood. The ancients no doubt far excelled us in the solid virtues; but our sensibilities are, I venture to assert, far keener than theirs. I thought at one time that Yūgiri was quite different from his companions and counted upon turning him into a good, steady-going man of affairs. My own nature is, I fear, inherently frivolous, and not wishing him to take after me I have been at great pains to implant in him a more serious view of life. But signs are not wanting that under a very correct and solemn exterior he hides a disposition towards just those foibles which have proved my own undoing. If it turns out that his wonderful air of good sense and moderation are mere superficial poses, it will indeed be annoying for us all.’ So he spoke, but he was in reality feeling extremely pleased with his son. Then, humming the tune⁴⁶⁵ that the mummers sing at the moment when they rise to depart, Genji said: ‘Seeing all the ladies of the household gathered together here last night has made me think how amazing it would be if we could one day persuade them to give us a concert. It might be a sort of private After Feast.’⁴⁶⁶ The rumour of this project soon spread through the palace. On every hand lutes and zitherns were being pulled from out the handsome brocade bags into which they had been so carefully stowed away; and there was such a sprucing, polishing and tuning as you can scarcely imagine; followed by unremitting practice and the wildest day-dreams.

After the usual giving of presents, the mummers finally left. It was now broad daylight, and all the guests went to catch up on sleep. Genji got up again around noon. As he talked about the previous night, he said, ‘I believe Yūgiri will be every bit as good a musician as Kōbai.⁴⁶⁴ I am amazed by the talent of the generation now growing into manhood. The ancients surely far surpassed us in solid virtues, but I dare say our sensibilities are far keener than theirs. I once thought Yūgiri was quite different from his companions. I hoped to make him a good, reliable man of affairs. My own nature is, I fear, frivolous at heart. I did not want him to take after me, so I have worked hard to give him a more serious outlook on life. But there are signs that beneath his proper, solemn appearance, he has a weakness for the very faults that have been my undoing. If his wonderful air of good sense and moderation turns out to be just a show, it will be very annoying for us all.’ That was what he said, but in truth he was extremely pleased with his son. Then Genji hummed the tune⁴⁶⁵ the mummers sing when they rise to leave. ‘Seeing all the ladies of the household gathered here last night gave me an idea,’ he said. ‘How wonderful it would be if we could persuade them to give us a concert one day. It could be a kind of private After Feast.’⁴⁶⁶ News of the plan soon spread through the palace. Everywhere, lutes and zitherns were pulled from the handsome brocade bags where they had been so carefully stored. There was more sprucing up, polishing, and tuning than you can imagine. Then came endless practice and the wildest daydreams.