The loyal ronins, an historical romance

Front matter

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Introduction

The brilliant display made by Japan at the International Exhibition at Philadelphia gave an impetus to the interest already excited among Western nations concerning Japanese art, and from that time the subject has commanded the wonder and admiration of the world. Indeed, at no distant period, the names of Hokusai and of the Kano Brothers are destined, like those of Raphael and Hogarth, to become household words in every American and European family.

The literature of a people and their works of art are signs by which the student is enabled to learn the degree of civilization and refinement attained by a nation, and it cannot be denied that the Japanese, who have achieved so much in art, possess a literature of no mean order.

Foremost in the ranks of her celebrated writers are Bakin and Tamenaga, and the Western world, which has already acknowledged the genius of Hokusai and of the Kano Brothers, will not fail to appreciate the wit and pathos to he found in the writings of the authors whose names I have quoted.

iv

INTRODUCTION.

For many reasons, which I need not here mention, the works of our writers have been sealed to American and English readers. It is true, in " Mitford's Tales of Old Japan/' something has been related of the social condition of the people ； but as an example of Japanese literature, the book possesses little value. Within the last ten years the pages of the " Japan Mail " have contained many articles of great interest ； however, few persons are aware of the existence of such a periodical.

Three years ago I determined to translate a standard Japanese novel, and thus supply a want I knew was greatly felt by those interested in my country.

After some thought I decided to take the " I-ro-ha Bunko " of Tamenaga ； first, because he is one of the most popular of our writers ； secondly, on account of the romance containing a wonderful description of Japanese life under the feudal system, and of an institution, which, for more than seven hundred years, has exerted a most powerful influence over the nation.

Notwithstanding many m isrepresentations and expressions of disgust heaped upon Roninism, I feel sure those who have written upon the subject have only seen " one side of the picture." While I am the last person to defend lawless acts, I cannot avoid feeling a certain admiration for the much-despised institution, believing that it contained the germ of patriotism.

The author and book having been decided upon, I, in the summer of i87Q, began my task ； but finding myself unequal to the work, sought and obtained the assistance of

INTRODUCTION.

V an estimable lady residing in Boston. Although I had her hearty and sympathetic co6peration, I failed to make satisfactory progress and we abandoned the attempt.

In October, my attention was called to the Japanese stories of Mr. Edward Greey, of Manchester, Mass., which greatly delighted me, they giving most graphic, amusing, and instructive descriptions of the manners and customs of my countrymen, and showing the author's thorough familiarity with our literature. I wrote to him at once, and our acquaintance, so interestingly begun, soon ripened into friendship. I discovered Mr. Greey had not only lived many years in the East, and knew Japan from Yezo to Kiusiu, but that he is also an accomplished Japanese artist. During the following January, I mentioned to him my attempt with u I-ro-ha Bunko," when he recognized the work and agreed to join me in its translation. The result is before the reader.

To those who have assisted Mr. Greey and myself, I tender my most hearty thanks, especially to Mr. Gilbert Attwood, of Jamaica Plain, Mass., who has for many years been a sincere friend to Japan and the Japanese, and without whose kind and generous surrender of his copy of 14 I-ro-ha Bunko," we would not have been able to complete this translation. To Mrs. Edward Greey, who so kindly copied the Mss. for the printers, I return my best thanks ； also to Mr. Makoto Fukui, of New York, and Mr. A. Van Name, Librarian of Yale College, for the loan of copies of Tamenaga's works ； and to Mr. John A. Lowell, of Boston, who has done so much to bring Japanese art before the public, and vi

INTRODUCTION.

who so freely gave us the use of his library of Japanese books.

I feel especially happy in being able to offer this trifling tribute of my gratitude to the American people, with whom I have lived for the last five years, and in one of whose institutions of learning I have received the education of which, I hope, with the help and guidance of the spirits of my ancestors, I shall make good use in the service of my sovereign and country. Wherever I have been I have received a most kind welcome, and the memory of the generous hospitality extended to me will always be retained in my heart.

By the time this work reaches you I shall be crossing the broad Pacific on my way home, yet I trust the day is not far distant when I shall again be among you to study more thoroughly your noble institutions, which are founded upon the principles of freedom I so greatly love and admire. Till then I say Sayonara (farewell).

Shiuichiro Saito.

Manchestcr-by-the-Sea, Mass., July 19, 1880.

NOTES.

"The Loyal Ronins " is one of seven stories written by Tamenaga Shunsui (For-the-sake-of-perpetual Spring-water), and published under the title of " I-ro-ha Bunko " ぐ' The ABC Writing-desk ")• The edition used by Mr. Saito and myself bears the imprint of Nakamura-ya Kozo (Middle-vil- 】age-store Happy-store-house) of Yedo, and was issued in parts, at irregular periods, between the seventh year of Tempo (Heaven-secure) and the first year of Kayei (Fortutunate-perpetual) 一 a.d. i 836-1 848. It is in eighteen volumes, containing over a hundred and eighty illustrations by Kei-sai Yei-sen (Valley-cottage Superior-spring).

Tamenaga founded the modern school of Nihonese fiction, and was the Charles Dickens of Japan.

The author's arrangement of the romance, while perfectly intelligible to a Japanese, would, if literally followed, have utterly bewildered our readers 一 Tamenaga taking for granted that nis patrons were thoroughly acquainted with the story of the forty-seven ronins. We were therefore compelled not only to rearrange the sequence of the chapters, but to supply the links in the story omitted by the author.

viii

NOTES.

These were obtained by referring to " Ako Shijiu hichi-shi Den " (The Biography of the Forty-seven Samurai of Ako), " Sei-chu gi-shi mei-mei ga-den " (The Pictorial Biography of the Truly Loyal Samurai), and other works.

We have endeavored to reproduce Tamenaga's romance without making usa of foot-notes or those stumbling-blocks to readers, Japanese names for persons and places. These are, in nearly all instances, translated literally. In the cases of individuals either the surname, the given name, or the military title is used. Our reason for retaining Japanese words, such as samurai, ronin, sambo, sak/ t etc., was the impossibility of translating them concisely.

The original illustrations are in two pieces, an arrangement peculiar to Japanese works, and one that, to the Western eye, totally destroys the effect of the pictures. Before reproducing the engravings I was compelled to unite them and retouch the lines of junction.

Some of the half-cuts were engraved independently of the others, and no amount of ingenuity would make them join correctly.

Many very interesting pictures had to be rejected on account of their not having any connection with the letterpress.

Those who are acquainted with the Japanese language will fully understand the difficulties we had to overcome in preparing this work for the press, and none better than ourselves know its imperfections. We have not attempted to translate the quaint sentences into elegant English, but have done our utmost to retain the unique, nafve style

NOTES.

ix of the author, believing it were "best to leave well alone."

If this specimen of Nihonese literature pleases our readers, we are prepared to give them other works by Tamenaga, and the romances of Bakin, the Sir Walter Scott of the Japanese literary world.

Edward Greey.

Manchester-by-the-Sea, Mast.

July 19, x88o i'

Author's Preface

During the long winter evenings of my childhood, when the lamp burned dimly in the paper lantern and but partly revealed the pictures on the screens, I often sat by the fire-bowl and listened with awed face to my honored mother, who, to compensate me for the gloom of the apartment, would relate stories of the Forty-seven Ronins, and thus illuminate my soul with the light of loyalty. It was from her honored lips I received the histories embodied in this work ； therefore, if the book pleases, I beg the reader not to think of the old man of Yedo whose brush traces these characters, but to pay grateful respect to the spirit of my honored parent, whose eloquent descriptions I have so imperfectly reproduced, and whose body is now resting beneath the tall grass.

Contents

CHAPTER

I. 一 UNSHEATHING THE SWORD . . .

II. — HOW A DAIMIO MET HIS DEATH . , .

Chapter I. Unsheathing The Sword

In the month of November, A.D. 1698, during the reign of the Shogun Iyetsuna, the president of the Council of Elders in Yedo, was officially informed that three commissioners were on their way from the Imperial Court at Kioto, and was directed to appoint two officials to receive them ； in consequence of which he nominated Lord Morning-field of Ako, and Lord Tortoise- well, daimio (great lords) of equal rank, who were instructed to place themselves under the orders of Kira, Master of Ceremonies to the Shogun.

This man, not being a daimio, lacked the true principles of nobility : was greedy, corrupt, and insolent in the discharge of his duties, treating the customary presents brought by the lords with scorn and addressing them in terms of undisguised contempt. At first they bore his behavior with quiet dignity, however, when it became insufferable, they determined to resent it and even went the length of resolving to kill him.

The Loyal Ronins.

Sir Reedy-plain, the chief councillor of Lord Tortoise-well, learning of his Lord's annoyance secretly visited Kira, and bribed him with offerings which he diplomatically represented came from his master, and thus averted evil from their house.

Sir Big-rock, chief councillor of Lord Morning-field, was less fortunate. When he heard his chief had been appointed one of the officials to receive the commissioners he felt troubled, knowing, as he did, the reputation of the upstart Kira, besides which, being in charge of the castle of Ako, in the province of Harima, distant nearly three hundred miles from Yedo, he could not leave his post and personally propitiate the Master of Ceremonies.

After pondering over the matter, he summoned a samurai (knight or military gentleman) of the clan, named New-well, to whom he said

" I wish you at once tp start for Yedo, on most important business. Are you ready to go ？ "

" Yes, sir, yes," was the response. " I am always at your service, at any moment, day and night?

" Very good, said Sir Big- Rock, adding, in a lower tone, " 丄 have here a letter and some money that I desire swiftly conveyed to our lord's councillors, ^ir Arrow-stand and Sir Wisteria-lake. The communication instructs them to wait privately on Kira, and hand him the gold, two hundred Ho (dollars), as though it came from our chief. I have written urging them, on no account to neglect this duty,

Unsheathing the Sward.

as by so doing they might expose our lord to serious annoyance ； " then, giving him a smaller package containing fifteen rio、 continued, "This sum will be sufficient to defray your travelling expenses. I am sure you will not fail speedily to discharge this important commission.

Sir New-well bowed respectfully and after receiving the letter and money, said :

" I am honored by your selecting me for this responsible duty ； please accept my thanks. I will do my utmost in return for your great favor.

Before the sun had set the faithful samurai was on his way, and he traveled day and night until he arrived at his destination.

Unfortunately for Lord Morning-field his councillors, ^ir Arrow-stand and ^ir Wisteria-lake, were men of little intelligence, parsimonious in their ideas and stupid in the execution of their duties. Upon receiving Sir Big-rock's letter they hesitated to carry out his commands, deeming the money would be as good as thrown into the bay. Therefore, when their chief next presented himself to Kira he was treated with neglect and covert disdain, while Lord Tortoise-well was welcomed with obsequious flattery and carefully initiated in his duties.

On the morning the commissioners were expected from Kioto the two lords proceeded to the castle of Oshiro for the purpose of receiving their final instructions. Kira, after complimenting Lord Tor-

The Loyal R<mins t toise-well, turned to the latter's companion and said : ，

w Here, my Lord Morning-field, the string of my sock has become loosened. Tie it for me."

Although the noble's patience was almost exhausted, he complied with the insolent command, deeming it an imperative duty to obey the representative of the Shogun, at the same time resolving, later on, to seek Kira and demand satisfaction at his hands.

After awhile the Master of Ceremonies excused Lord Tortoise-well, who was permitted to retire to the reception hall. Then, addressing the other noble more contemptously than before, he said :

" How exceedingly clumsy you are to-day. One would think you were a countryman, ignorant of the manners of Yedo."

At this provocation Lord Morning-field rose, and, clutching the hilt of his sword, cried :

" Defend yourself, Sir Kira, I will no longer submit to your unjust treatment."

Instead of bravely drawing his weapon and facing his challenger, Kira trembled and endeavored to escape, whereupon the noble dealt him a blow that, had it not been for the cap worn by the official, would have cleft his head in twain. Kira, finding himself wounded, uttered loud cries, and, pressing his hand to his forehead, rushed away, hotly pursued by Lord Morning-field who, as his victim fled, once more attacked htm, but musing his aim, buried his weapon in

Unsheathing the Sword.

a pillar behind which the fugitive had retreated. The incensed noble was following him up when an officer arrived on the scene, and advancing behind the daimio, threw his arms around his waist, thus giving Kira ample time to escape.

An hour afterward Lord Morning-field was commanded to retire to his residence and consider himself under arrest.

Chapter II. How A Daimio Met His Death

" The man-rto is developed and beautified by the snows of winter. Injustice to the lord reveals and intensifies the devotion of the samurai"

Thus wrote the Lord of. Ako one lovely morning in December, two weeks after his encounter with Kira. The noble, costumed in his official garb, was kneeling before a writing table- in his study engaged in verse-making, his manner betraying no anxiety concerning the impending decision of the Council of Elders. Upon the desk were some volumes of poetry, an inkstone bearing nis crest, falcon's feathers crossed and enclosed in a circle, some brushes resting on a lacquered holder and a small kettle of inlaid metal containing water with which to moisten his ink.

He grasped the slender bamboo-stemmed writingbrush firmly and formed the characters with a swift motion. Then, when he had completed the poem, turned his head and glanced into the veranda, where

The man-tio (Ten-thousand-goWcn-berry plant). Chap. U, p. 6.

How a Daimio met his Death.

stood a porcelain flower-pot containing the object of his inspiration, a man-rio plant, upon the bright green leaves of which was piled the snow of the previous night, contrasting charmingly with the clusters of ruddy berries hanging beneath. As he gazed upon this the rising sun sent its rays across the scene and made the crystals sparkle like a cluster of stars.

While the master of the house was thus calmly employed, his retainers were moving silently about their duties. No song came from the kitchen, no voice was heard speaking above a whisper. The main gate was closed, a temporary fence of green bamboo had been built before it 一 a sign the lord was a prisoner 一 and a friend of the family, surety for the chief, gave orders and decided who should enter or quit the mansion. A great sorrow was upon the household and all, save its head, trembled with apprehension.

In the midst of his reverie, a screen behind him was moved noiselessly aside and Lady Fair-face, his wife, entered the apartment ； her features too plainly betraying the disturbed state 01 her soul. Advancing toward him she sank upon the floor and bowing until her forehead touched the mat, said in an agitated voice : " I trust my lord is in the enjoyment of good health." The noble regarded her tenderly and replied " I am well, Fair-face ； why are you so sad ？ " The lady conquered her grief and said : " My lord, when you are in danger, how can I appear happy ？ "

The Loyal Ronins.

Although her words moved him he did not betray any emotion, but inviting her to approach nearer, pointed to the poem.

Lady Fair-face read it slowly, and glancing at him, remarked :

" Ah, my lord, you are prepared for the worst ！ Kira is all powerful with the Shogun, and his friends will do their utmost to crush the house of Ako.

" Have no fear, Fair-face! My greatest anxiety is on your account. I know what is passing in your mind. Your actions have betrayed you."

" My actions, my lord ？

" Yes," indicating the man-rio. " You cannot deceive me. Last evening, when you tended that plant, you used one of your hair-pins to remove a dead berry and left the trinket on the rim of the vessel, also your paper handkerchiefs near it 一 they are there this morning ノ'

" How forgetful of me, she murmured, gazing sadly at him. " I can deceive all the world but you."

Uttering these words she leaned forward, and placing her hands on his knees, rested her face upon them. The noble glanced sorrowfully at her and laying his hand on her shoulder, said ：

" Pair-face, the bird driven from its nest always finds some shelter from the storm. Whatever may occur, I desire you will place implicit confidence in my chief-councillor and regard his words. as though they were mine. When I succeeded to the rank and estates of

How a Daintio met his Death.

my honorable father, I imagined myself wiser than Big-rock, however, I quickly discovered my error and learned to value him at his true worth. He is a man of a hundred thousand, brave, honorable, fertile in resource, patient under difficulties and a thorough statesman."

" Statesman ！ " she cried. " Ah, then why has he not averted this danger 'from us ？ Kira was most polite to Lord Tortoise-well."

Lord Morning-field did not reproach her for this wifely outburst, merely replying

" I am certain Big-rock has done his duty If harm overtakes our house it will not be through any fault or neglect of his. He is a mirror of loyalty. I pray vou not to forget my estimation of him."

The lady bowed her head and clung to her husband, knowing full well that she was soon to part from him for ever. Lord Morning-field endeavored to comfort her and when she became somewhat composed, led her toward the entrance to her apartments, saying

" Pair-face, I will send for you later on. I understand, you have passed a sleepless night ~ lie down and endeavor to seek refreshment in slumber."

She totterea into the passage-way and sinking upon the floor saluted him, sobbing as though her heart would break. Lady Pine-island, her chief attendant, advanced quickly and drawing the screens between the rooms, shut the pitiful sight from her lord's view.

The noble slowly returned to his desk, and kneeling

IO

The Loyal Ronins.

before it, remained in profound thought until the hour of the Dragon (8 a.m.), when he was disturbed by the entrance of Sir Common, who, prostrating himself near the doorway, announced the arrival of the Commissioners from the Shogun.

Lord Morning-field arose and quitted the study, passing Sir Common who was still respectfully upon his hands and knees and who presently followed him. Upon reaching the main entrance the noble received and gravely saluted his visitors, whom he conducted to the reception hall where they seated themselves in the place of honor ； he kneeling on the mats, lower down, the apartment, facing them.

Neither of the officials spoke nor returned his salute, they being there as the representatives of the Shogun. After a moments pause, the eider drew a folded aocument from his bosom, and extending it toward the noble, said :

" My Lord Morning-field, we are ordered by the Shogun to announce the decision of the Council of Elders in the matter of your unsheathing your sword within the precincts of the castle of O-shiro. We request you will at once read and carry out this decree."

The noble gravely received the paper and having reverently lifted it to his forehead, calmly perused its contents, then addressing the commissioners, said :

" This commands me to commit self- despatch and announces the confiscation of my estates and extinction of my family name, to all of which I most respectfully submit"

How a Daimio met his Death.

ii

The chief commissioner listened with unmoved countenance and replied :

" In that case we are ready to act as your witnesses."

Lord Morning-field, who had not anticipated any other judgment, summoned Sir Common and bade him remove some screens concealing a recess in the hall, when the visitors beheld the preparations necessary for the solemn ceremony. He advanced to the place and removing his outer garments revealed the shiromuku (white suit used during mourning and sacrificial ceremonies) after which he seated himself on the thick mats and signaled Sir Common to summon Sir Pure. When the latter had entered, bowed and taken his place behind his chief, Lord Morning-field, addressing the commissioners, remarked :

" With your permission I will give my final instructions to my councillors."

No objection being offered to this he bade Sir Common approach close to him, then pointing to a white pine-wood box resting on a sambo (stand) of like material, whispered in his ear ； presently drawing a letter from his bosom and handing it to the samurai, who listened with the deepest attention and, after his lord had ceased to speak, saluted him reverently and retired to his left hand.

The scene was most impressive. In the centre of the group knelt the noble, calm and resolute, before him were seated the commissioners, cold and stern, and benind him crouched the faithful samurai, ready to render the last services to their chief.

The Loyal Ronins.

Outside the mansion all was still, there being a light covering of snow upon the ground. Inside reigned a dead silence for, though the retainers set their teeth , and clenched their fingers in agony, no sound escaped their lips.

Lord Morning-field gazed through the open screens upon the beautiful view beyond and, mutely bidding it farewell, calmly reached for the dirk placed near his right hand.

That afternoon a mournful procession wended its way toward the cemetery of the Spring-Hill Temple in the southern suburb of Yedo. In the midst of the cortege was borne a norimono (enclosed litter) containing the dead body of the Lord of Ako, which was conveyed to its final resting place amid the tears, lamentations and prayers of thousands of people.

Chapter III. The Mother Of Sir Straight-grove

" The hungry, persistent fly quickly discovers a dead body. The great man's misfortune fattens the news- seller."

丄 h は was said, many years ago, by a learned man of Kioto who had thoroughly studied human nature, and these words equally apply to our own time.

Early on the morning of the day after the tragedy, the city of Yedo swarmed with men shouting themselves hoarse in their endeavors to dispose of newssheets containing full particulars of the death of the Lord of Ako, In one hand they carried their paper lanterns and in the other the broad-sides which had been printed during the night. After awhile their cries aroused the inhabitants, who quitting their beds hastened into the streets and, as they made their purchases, eagerly inquired if the latter contained an account of the self-despatch of Sir Kira.

" What are you asking ？ laughingly exclaimed one of the venders, a merry-looking boy who had folded

13 、

The Loyal Ronins.

his pocket-towel and secured it on the top of his head, as a protection against the dew, and whose muddy clogs indicated he had traveled from the suburbs. " Do not expect too much! My honorable masters, you will find your fifteen cash worth of horrors in this sheet. One seldom discovers two nuts in a single shell."

" When will Sir Kira die ？ " demanded an old man, who wore horn-spectacles and was nervously fumbling in his bag for coins. tl I am anxious to know, as I have relations in the clan of Ako.

The news-seller comically rolled his eyes and stuck out his tongue, then replied :

" Don't worry yourself J>ir Kira will die a natural death.

This announcement amazed the listeners who were fully aware of the law, which required that equal punishment should be meted out to all parties engaged in a quarrel.

At the hour of the Horse (noon), the people learned Kira was to escape with the loss of his office and a few days nominal imprisonment, on hearing which they became very indignant and secretly condemned the partiality of the Shogun.

Among the minor instructions, contained in the decree sentencing the Lord of Ako to self-despatch, was one directing that the three residences of the daitnio in Yedo were to be given up to commissioners accredited by the Shogun, who would take possession of them within two days of the noble's death. This news

The Mother of Sir Straight- Grove. 1 5 spread consternation in the hearts of the clansmen residing in the city ； they, in the absence of Sir Big-rock, being at a loss how to act in such a sudden emergency. By the mandate a thousand families were rendered homeless, and as they entirely depended upon the annual allowances received from their lord, their situations were pitiful in the extreme. Some, who lacked the true spirit of loyalty, disposed of their effects and took service under new masters ； however, the greater number, after attending to the immediate wants of their families, packed their armor and set out for the castle of Ako.

Everything was in confusion and loud were the lamentations of the women who, unlike their husbands, did not hesitate openly to denounce the severity of the sentence, which not only ended the life of their chief, but broke up their homes and deprived them of subsistence.

One of the unfortunates was a samurai named Straight-grove, whose aged parent had been the fostermother of the dead lord. On the day 01 his death she visited his residence in order to bid farewell to his body, and upon seeing the sad sight became frantic with grief. Lady I 4 air-face, fearing the old woman would do herself some injury, commanded Straight-grove to conduct her home, which he did with many expressions of tenderness and affection. After awhile his words appeared to comfort her and she recovered her usual calmness of manner, whereupon her delighted i6

The Loyal Ronins.

son softly retired to the kitchen and poured out a cup of sak る (rice wine), which, having placed on the family altar, he drained to soothe his agitated nerves.

When the members of his household returned from the funeral, he assembled them and announced that they were to depart on the morrow for his brother's residence in the province of Izu, at the same time stating he would proceed to join Sir Big-rock at the castle of Ako.

As that was to be their last night in the old home, he directed his wife to prepare a little feast, and about the hour of the Rooster (6 p.m.), they gathered in the dining-room and partook of various delicacies which the careful house-wife had made with her own hands. His mother appeared heartily to enjoy the viands and when the children went to bed, cheerfully remarked to her son :

" Our time here grows short so I will seek my room and do some writing.

All present bowed respectfully, and Sir Straight-grove said :

" Honorable mother, I trust you will sleep well."

When, later on, he retired for the night he saw the lamp was still burning in her apartment and knew she had not sought her bed.

The next morning the family rose earlier than usual and began to pack their effects, even the little ones assisting, but no sound came from the chamber of the grandmother* Sir Straight-grove, imagining she was

お.

钃矚 4^

ひ ir stralght,grove naxcd upon her face, which was calm in th ひ majestv of deat ダ"

The Mother of Sir Straight- Grove. 1 7 tired through sitting up late, refrained from disturbing her ； however, as the hours passed and she did not make her appearance, he grew uneasy and approaching the door of the room, knocked gently, saying