Tales of the Samurai; stories illustrating bushido, the moral principles of the Japanese knighthood. With 8 coloured illus. by a Japanese artist

Front matter

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Preface

The following tales of the samurai, the knights of old Japan, are based largely on real facts. They have been adapted from among traditional stories related by kodanshiy story-tellers, who nightly delight large audiences with romances and historical stories, especially the noble deeds of the samurai. There are also numerous Japanese books and magazines devotd to stories of this description, which are read with keen interest by all classes of our countrymen, in particular by young people.

It is true the samurai class has gone forever along with feudalism ; but fortunately or unfortunately the Japanese at large are samurai in a sense. During the last half century European civilization has revolutionized Japanese society, both for better and for worse. In institutions political and social, in manners and customs, in arts and literature, the Japanese have lost many of their characteristics ; yet it may safely be said that the sentiments, n

PREFACE motives and moral principles of the samurai in some measure remain in the bedrock of their character^ in their subconsciousness, so to speak. The Japanese of to-day are intellectually almost cosmopolitans, but emotionally they are still samurai to no small degree.

Honest Kyusuke, the hero of the story of the same title, was not a samurai, but his principles were those of a samurai. Let that justify the inclusion of the story in this volume.

The author's hearty thanks are due to Mr. Joyen Momokawa, a celebrated kodanshi, who kindly helped him in the choice of these tales, and also to the editor ol the Kodan Kurahi for permission to translate nd s Revenge y one of his stories.

A. Miyamori.

Tokio, December, 1920.

Contents

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Ungo-Zenji i

The Royalty of A Boy Samurai 23

II

It was a fine afternoon in autumn;^ in the gardens of the castle of Iwakura, the glowing maple leaves and vari-coloured chrysanthemums were in the height of their beauty.

To-day being the anniversary of the death of Nobuyuki*s father, all the inmates of the castle had been busy since the early morning with religious services, and a visit to the deceased*s grave ; to-night a banquet was to be given to all the samurai.

It w^s now ^boiit four o cloclcj und several rn^iciS"of honour who had retired to a private chamber to enjoy an interval of rest were talking volubly.

“What chatterboxes you are, maids! You prattle like sparrows.” This from 0-Xora who entering at this moment made the sneering remark that effectually put a stop to the gay talk. As she seated herself, one of the girls, a saucy young thing, ^ventured to say with a demure smile. “ But, Madamef women are chatterboxes by nature, aren’t they? ‘Nightingales visit plumblossoms ’ and ' Sparrows and tigers visit bamboo groves ’ ; so we chattered like sparrows hoping Madame Tora (tiger) might be induced to come to us.”

At this repartee^ the rest of the maids burst into peals of laughter and even the cross-grained duenna

'1

CsTlJ', could not refrain from a sopr sqa%.^ /

“ Your mention of sparrows reminds me of Takane (the name of a wlilt^eye)^ said she. “ It seems the bird has not uttered a note all day. Has it been fed ? ”

The girls started guiltily, for so busy ha^ ^ey been all day they had quite forgotton to attend to the bird, a great pet with their lord who had received together with other gifts, from the Shogun in recognition > of his military services. Nobuy uki dearly loved the bird for the sake of its song, in addition to which he prized it on account of its donor..

O-Tora, observing the consternation of the maids, revenged herself on them by .paying spitefully: —

“You had better have k^pt your idle chattering till you had fulfilled all your duties, you good-for-nothing girls.”

“ It is a shame to have forgotten all about the poor little bird ! ” said Katsuno, who was with her companions.

“ Poor thing, how hungry it must be ! I will go at once and give it some food.”

Stepping down into the garden, she went to an old plum-treg, and stretching up her arms took the beautifully oi'namented cage of the bird^off the branch on which it hung. As she did so ^e .^pk^came off and the cage fell to the ground, with the result that the door came open and the little prisoner with a glad --twitter escaped. With a cry of dismay the girl ran after it, but too late ; the bird had already made its way through the trees and was now flying far away across the blue sky rejoicing in ftp freedom.

“ What have you done, Katsuno ? ” cried O-Tora, from the verandah. Inwardly glad of this golden opportunity to carry out her dark scheme of getting Katsuno into disfavour, she yet cunningly concealed her delight under cover of fear and consternation, '' Alas ! You have let Takane fly away. Dear, dear, what careless^ ness ! How could you do it !

Katsuno, gazing up at the fast disappearing bird, seemed half stupefied. At O-Tora’s words she came to herself, and then overwhelmed with thought of the consequences staggered a little and fell wailing to the ground. Her young companions standing on the verandah uttered exclamations of amazement, but none of them came to her aid, or attempted to console her.

What will you do, Katsuno ? continued the old vixen, who had by this time come down to where the unhappy girl lay, and seized her by the neck of her garment. You know Takane is not a common bird, but a treasured present from His Highness the Shogun* Do you realize what you have done in letting Jt escape-^? Can you atone for your fault simply by a few tears? What can you do to repair the injury you have done to me, for it is I who shall be blamed, — I shall be considered responsible for this misfortune ! Come, get up, girl, what have you to say?''

Katsuno, prepare for death ! A loud and angry voice caused then^^ Informed of what had

occurred the hot-tempered Nobuyuki had rushed to the scene, and now with a drawn sword stood over the prostrate girl in a passion of ungovernable rage.

At this critical moment another voice was heard.

My lord, my lord, wait ! ’’ It was the new Eliuie QpiinciUor,, Tsuda Hachiya, who thus ventured to interpose. Calm yourself, my lord, I beg you. Do you forget the day? Is it not the holy anniversary of the demise of your rcyered-Jather ? Can you sully this solemn occasion with a bloody deed committed in the heat of anger ? Restrain yourself and leave this matter to my discretion.*’

Nobuyuki’s r^ge' subsi(^ed as quickly as it had risen, and his better reason prevailed. At the remonstrace of his favourite he sheathed his sword and retired to the verandah.

By this time most of the retainers had arrived at the castle for the evening’s banquet, and hearing of the incident hastened to the scene. Shichiroyemon was among them and under cover of the confusion whispered something to his accomplice, — then coming forward

How about Katsuno’s chastisement, my lord ?” he said.

You act wisely in not inflicting death with your own honourable hands, but as an apology to His Highness the Shogun, and as an example to the clan it is necessary— it is imperative that she should receive condign punishment.*'

‘‘ W-e-H — ** Nobuy uki hesitated ; then turning to Hachiya, ‘'What is your opinion, Hachiya? Shall I do as Shichiroyemon says ? **

“ No, my lord. History tells that long, long ago, in the reign of the Emperor Takakura, one cold frosty morning, some thoughtless gardeners cut off a few branches of a beautiful maple-tree of which the young Emperor was very fond, and burned them to warm their sake. Fujiwara Nobunari, an official in charge of the tree, greatly shocked at this, bound the offenders hand and foot and reported the matter to the Emperor. The benevolent monarch, however, was not enraged at all, but said calmly, “ A Chinese poet sings : —

‘ In woods we gathered maple-leaves ‘And burned them to warm sake'

I wonder how these humble gardeners have learned to have such a refined taste ? What a poetic idea ! ’* Thus the Emperor acquitted the careless gardeners. This is

Lines by Hakkyoi, a great poet of ancient China, one reason why the Emperor Takakura is revered as a great sovereign even now after the lapse of so many centuries. So I hope and pray that my lord who is as large-hearted as the Emperor, will be lenient with a young girl who through no fault of her own has been so unfortunate as to cause this accident.’'

Enough, ]^r. Tsuda ! ” broke in Shichiroyemon.

You are c^6tles3 a great scholar, and eloquent, but the slack measure you suggest would be a bad precedent. You are always tender and sympathetic with

women, but in dealing^ with a matter suchu as .this we

y /i t

must make no distinction of sex. As^wgll might you pardon the offender who sets fire to the castle and reduces it to ashes, just because she is a woman and it was ‘ by mistake ’ ! Is that justice ? '6

Your argument is absurd,” replied the younger man contemptuously. You speak as if severity were a gocfd principle in government. If so, why did Kings

,Chdw and Chieh of ancient China, and the Tairas and the Ashikagas in our own country come to such speedy ruin ? Recollect that to-day is the sacred anniversary of the demise of the father of our lord, and therefore it might well have been our lord’s purpose to have set the white-eye free, himself, for the peace of the revered spirit.* The fault unintentionally committed by Katsuno has thus led to the humane act of setting a poor caged bird at liberty. I have somewhere read these lines: — J

^Though one loves the sweet songs of a caged bird,

‘ Who knows the sadness of its inner heart ? ’

In my opinion Katsuno has committed no fault in the true sense of the word, but on the contrary, done a good action.”

With the exception of Shichiroyemon and O-Tora, all present listened with admiration to the eloquent pleading of Hachiya on behalf of Katsuno. The black-hearted pair persisted in urging the expulsion from

the castle, but Nobuyuki turned ^ ear to

their arguments, and decided to let the matter rest* Katsuno, all this time on her knees in the garden, now almost worshipped her deliverer in the depth of her gratitude.

III

Tsuda Hachiya was now thirty-one. He was born the son of a farmer, but being a handsome, well educated lad, in his sixteenth year he had been

*On the occasion of Buddhist funeral ceremonies, and at religious ceremonies held on the anniversary of a death, it is a. common custom to set at freedom caged birds for the peace of the spirit of the deceased.

appointed to the post of page in the household of Nobuyuki who soon began to treat him with great ^fondness. The young samurai devoted his leisure < hours to a further study of literature, and to the practice of fencing ; and as he speedily evinced marked \administrative ability, such as was rarely found among the intellectually ill-trained samurai of those days, he rapidly rose in the service, until now, while still a young man, he was both Prime Councillor and Steward, and exercised great authority. But notwithstanding the rank and power that might well jiaye^turned the hea^ pf, ope he behaved modestly in public and

private, and served his lord with all faithfulness and diligence, gaining thereby the admiration of the whole clan for his character and virtues. ^

One evening Hachiya presented himself before his lord at the latter’s urgent summons.

Hachiya,” began Nobuyuki, abruptly, with a pleasant smile, I think it is high time for you to — , isn’t it?”

Excuse me, my lord, I do not understand you ? ” said Hachiya with a puzzled look.

That important affair of yours.”

That important affair of mine ? ” echoed the young man more puzzled than before.

Ha, ha ! how dull-witted you are to-day ! The Katsuno affair !

Hachiya did not speak. It was not the first time that Nobuyuki, who was enthusiastic over the question of Hachiya’s marriage, had offered to act as middleman between him and Katsuno. Far from objecting to the proposed bride, Hachiya’s inclination pointed that way, but his prudence, however, had hitherto prevailed, and he remembered the saying ‘a full moon is sure to wane.' His appointment as Prime Councillor over the heads of older men was already calculated to give offence ; should he marry Katsuno, the acknowledged beauty of the clan, would he not still further give cause for jealousy and ill-feeling ? Moreover, he was not ignorant of Shichiroyemon's mad attachment, and had no desire to provoke his resentment ; therefore, on various pretexts, he had month after month evaded his lord’s importunity.

Do you again say ^ until next month ’ ? ” said Nobuyuki, half threateningly, as the young man remained silent. Think not to deceive me in that way ! ” Hachiya did not answer ; his head was bent in respectful attention

Answer me at once! Still silent Tell me, do you dislike the girl?"'

‘‘ Oh, no, my lord, but I fear her refusal ! *'

Is that all ! Set your mind at rest on that score ; I have sounded her. Poor girl 1 Since the white-eye incident her * sickness ’ has become worse and she has grown quite thin ! **

Observant and sympathetic, Nobuyuki had found out that Katsuno was love-sick for Hachiya.

Do not tease me, my lord ! I will tell you of my real reasons for this hesitation.*’

And with this preface Hachiya gave his reasons, at each one of which the older man gave a little nod of comprehension.

I admire your prudence and forethought,” he said when Hachiya ceased speaking. But remember you can never do anything if you think so much of the feelings of others. As for that doting old Shichiroyemon, do not fear him. I have set my heart on your happiness, and I never do things by halves. It is my wish, also, to give Katsuno the desire of her heart. But as it is so near the close of the year we will postpone the marriage till the New Year, and then

I will listen to no more denials. Yes, yes, that is what we will do, Hachiya.’’

So saying, Nobuyuki summoned a maid and in a low voice gave an order. Presently a bottle of sake and some cups were brought in. Then the fusiima between this and the next room was gently slid open and there appeared a beautiful young woman clad in a gay uchikake or gown, who knelt with movements full of grace on the threshold. It was none other than Katsuno.

What is your pleasure, my lord ? ’’ said she bowing reverently first to Nobuyuki and then to Hachiya.

Ah, is it Katsuno ? I want you to serve us with sake. Sit nearer to me, Hachiya ; come, let us have some sakky

Excuse me, my lord. Something tells me I am needed at home ; besides it is getting late. With your kind permission, I will go home at once/'

‘‘No, no; not just yet, Hachiya. Though it is late no loved one is waiting for your return, I imagine. Ha, ha ! Come, you cannot refuse. Katsuno, pour

I

him out a cup of sake ! "

Katsuno hesitated bashfully, but on Nobuyuki's repeating his command, she took the bottle, and with a ffihd Dxl} o) quo odS

She filled Hachiya’s cup to the brim hand that trembled filled Hachiya’s cup to the brim. Their eyes met and both blushed consciously.

“If you have drunk, let Katsuno have the cup,”

t

said Nobuyuki.

I should return the cup to your lordship.”

‘‘ No, I will have it after her. Give it to Katsuno.”

Hachiya had no choice but to do as he was told, and accordingly offered the cup, into which he had poured more sa/^e, to the maid-of-honour, who overcome with shyness, took and sipped it with difficulty.

“ Give it to me.”

Nobuyuki drank off three cupfuls and then said with a sly laugh : —

I am mightily glad you have thus exchanged the wine-cups of betrothal ! Ha, ha ! You have my hearty congratulations ! ”

The young lovers prostrated themselves in acknowledgment of his favour, but even as they did so the loud clang, clang of the alarm-bell broke the stillness of the night and caused them all to start up to listen.

‘‘What can it be.^” exclaimed Hachiya, opening the to look out. No need to ask that question ; the lurid sky, the quickly rising flames and showers of falling sparks proclaimed all too surely a house on fire !

“ A fire, my lord ! And not more than five cho beyond the pine-trees on the bank of the moat. I must go at once ! ”

No doubt as to its being a fire,*’ said Nobuyuki looking out also. “ Is it not in your direction ? ”

Allow me to leave your presence ; I fear it is as you say ! ”

Then lose no time ! I will give the necessary instructions to the Fire-Commissioner myself.”

With a hurried word of thanks and apology to his lord and Katsuno, Hachiya left the apartment and ran home at the top of his speed. A fierce wind had arisen and whistled through the branches of the tall old pine-trees ; louder and louder clanged the iron-throated bell.

His fears were all too surely realised : he reached his home only to find it wrapped in flames ! A detached room where he had been wont to study was already reduced to ashes and the fire had caught on to the main building. The trees in the garden were also burning and as the wind shook the branches they let fall a shower of sparks. A number of samurai and firemen were doing their utmost with squirts and rakes to get . the fire under, but against the fierce flames fanned to fury by the strong wind their efforts were of little avail. Hachiya involuntarily heaved a deep sigh of despair, but there was no time to delay. It was imperative that he should venture into the burning building and save, if possible, important documents and ancestral treasures, as well as some highly valued gifts he had received from his lord.

As he rushed through the front gate a dark form sprang from the shade of a great pine-tree and plunged a sword into his side. Before Hachiya could draw his own weapon the assassin gave him another thrust through the heart, and the young Councillor fell lifeless to the ground.

The charred body of the hapless samurai was found in the ashes of his ruined home.

IV

On hearing of Hachiya's death, Nobuyuki clenched his teeth, and Katsuno was beside herself with grief.

A dagger — an excellent blade by Masamune — was found near the body* Seeing it, Nobuyuki slapped his thigh in delighted recognition, for it was a well-known weapon which his elder brother Nobunaga, Lord of Owari, had given to the elder brother of Shichiroyemon,

Gemba Morimasa, one of Nobunaga’s councillors. Except Morimasa nobody could have had it but Shichiroyemon ; therefore, Nobuyuki who knew of the terms between his two followers, had no doubt but that his favourite councillor had fallen a victim to the jealous malignancy of the man he had superseded both in the favour of their master, and in the affection of the girl on whom he had set his heart. Added to this, a man who had been arrested on suspicion on Hachiya’s premises the night of the fire, confessed after a strict examination that it was at the instigation of Shichiroyemon that he had set fire to the house.

Evidence of his guilt being so strong, some sheriffs were despatched to Shichiroyemon's residence to arrest him ; but the wily scoundrel scenting danger had fled, and it was not till after a rigorous search that it was found that he had taken refuge in the neighbouring province of Mino in the castle of Inaba, belonging to Saito D5z6.

O-Tora-no-Kata also disappeared about this time, and rumour had it that she was now in the mansion of Gemba Morimasa.

It was, the seventh of January, and most people were enjoying the New Year festivities. But to Nobuyuki, the season brought no joy ; he still brooded over Hachiya’s tragic end. Buried in thought as he leant on his arm-rest, he did not notice the entrance of Katsuno, till pale and emaciated she knelt before him.

'' Ah, Katsuno, I am glad to see you,*’ he said, I was thinking of Hachiya, and of your great grief in losing your future husband just after you had exchanged the cups of betrothal. I feel for you with all my heart!”

Thank you, my lord,” she replied sadly. You are too good to me ! ”

** It is natural you should grieve,” went on Nobuyuki, after a pause. But mere sorrowing does no good to any one. Far wiser would it be to devise some way to kill the base assassin and avenge Hachiya with all speed.”

"'You are right, my lord, — I think my husband in Hades would be pleased to know that your lordship is willing to do so much for his honour. May I ask what is the result of your negotiations with His Excellency, the Lord of Owari ? ”

Nobuyuki’s brother, the Lord of Owari, being the son-in-law of Saito Dozo, Nobuyuki had requested his brother to arrange for the delivery of Shichiroyemon, but D6z5 had ill-naturedly refused.

^^This puts difficulties in our way/' concluded the old lord disconsolately.

I have a favour to ask of your lordship ; may I venture to speak ? "

"‘By all means."

“ Permit me to go to Inaba, my lord."

“ To Inaba ! You want to go to the castle of that Saito Dozo ? "

“Yes, my lord. I wish to enter the castle in disguise, and avenge the death of Hachiya on his murderer ! ''

“ Not to be thought of, Katsuno ! " Nobuyuki could not keep back a smile, though he saw the girl was in deadly earnest. “ A young woman, and single handed ! — absurd ! "

“ Not so, my lord, believe me ! " Katsuno's eyes gleamed, and her breath came quick and fast. “ I have thought it all out. I beseech you to let me go ! "

Nobuyuki argued with her in vain. Her mind was made up, and nothing could shake her resolution. Therefore, he at length reluctantly gave her the desired permission, at the same time handing her the Masamune dagger, to which reference has been made before, and saying : —

This is the dagger with which our Hachiya was stabbed ; thrust it up to the hilt in the throat of his murderer, and avenge his death !

I will, or die in the attempt ! My lord, I thank you, farewell, fare

A burst of tears choked her utterance; she hastened from the room.

‘'May you have all success,'^ said Nobuyuki, as she disappeared, and then he returned to his thoughts.

V

In the guise of a merchant's wife, and assuming a false name, Katsuno journeyed to the castle-town of Inaba, and taking up her abode at the house of an uncle who was a farmer living in a village close to the town, watched for an opportunity to achieve her purpose.

One day, Yoshitatsu, the son of Sait5 D5z5, returning from hunting, stopped to rest at the farm-house. Katsuno waited upon him and served him with tea. Her beauty and grace of manner attracted the attention of the young nobleman. In reply to his inquiries Katsuno's uncle told him that she had recently lost her husband, a merchant, and that she was anxious to enter the service of a daimio's lady. Yoshitatsu undertook to engage her as maid-of-honour to his mother, and his offer was immediately accepted with joy. She was soon an inmate of the castle, where her faithful service pleased her mistress so much that she speedily became a great favourite.

A warm spring day, with the delicate blossoms of the cherry-trees filling all the land with their beauty, and the faint sweetness of their perfume. Since dawn ^ large number of workmen had been busily at work sweeping the courtyard of the castle, and spreading clean sand over it. Some important function must be on hand. Katsuno wondered what it was.

Excuse my curiosity, my lady,” she said as she served her mistress with a cup of tea, ‘^but for what are those men making such great preparations ? Is anything going to take place ? ”

Don’t you know ? To-morrow there will be matches of mounted archery.”

Mounted archery, my lady ? What is that ? ” asked Katsuno, feigning ignorance.

^ All the samurai who are skilled in archery will

KATSUNO'S REVENGE 6i

practise the art on horseback/'

Are many coming, my lady ? " asked Katsuno, her heart beating high with the hope that at last she might meet her enemy,

''About a hundred, I believe, to take part in the competition, and of course, all the samurai of our clan with their families will be present to look on/'

" Who are the archers ? "

" Why do you ask ? "

Katsuno was embarrassed tor a moment, but quickly regaining her presence of mind, she replied : —

" For no special reason, my lady ; but my father, though only a farmer, was very fond of archery, and so, from a child, I have been interested in the sport."

"Ah, I see. Well, they brought me a programme of the day's events this morning ; here it is ; you can see the names of the archers for yourself." The lady handed Katsuno a sheet of soft, thick paper covered with bold, black characters. With an eagerness she strove to conceal, she ran her eyes down the lines, till near the middle of the page she found the name " Sakuma Shichiroyemon " At last ! This was the time for which she had waited and planned.

"All the archers seem to be good samurai. What a splendid sight they will present ! How I should like to see the sport, even from a distance.**

There should be no difficulty about that. You have my permission.**

My lady, I am deeply grateful.** She could say no more, but such was the state of her feelings that it was with difficulty she performed her usual duties that day, nor could she sleep at all at night.

VI

The following day the weather continued to be all that could be desired. The wide courtyard was duly prepared. The centre was enclosed for the list in the shape of an oblong square, and temporary stands had been erected all round it to accommodate the spectators ; these were covered with gay carpets and soft cushions which gave colour to the scene. A dais in the very centre of the gallery on the eastern side of the lists and at a convenient distance from the target, was richly decorated with hangings of purple and white silk, which fluttered gently in the breeze. This was the place of honour for Lord Sait5 and his family.

From early in the morning, samurai after samurai began to arrive at the castle, and soon every stand was crowded. The lord of the castle accompanied by his family and attended by a numerous retinue of councillors, pages, and maids-of-honour, presently appeared, and in great state seated himself in the place prepared for him. Katsuno, gaily dressed, her face powdered and painted in the usual fashion, and the Masamune dagger concealed in the bosom of her garments, was among this company, and avoiding the attention of the others, eagerly awaited her opportunity.

'^To-day, or never,’’ she thought to herself. If I let such a golden opportunity pass, I shall never get another ! Dearest Hachiya, look at me from Hades ! I will avenge your death before the sun sets!” Then clasping her hands she murmured a prayer, Oh, Hachiman, God of War, favour me with success ! ”

When those about to take part in the competitions were ready, the umpire, the herald, the signalman and the registrar, all betook themselves to their respective stations ; a large drum being then loudly beaten to announce that the tournament was about to begin.

One after another, the archers clad in kosode (silk underclothes), hitatarc (court robes), and mukabaki (breeches), came forth on horseback into the lists and rode to and fro, till coming to the appointed spot from which to aim, they shot their arrows at the mark. The judge, or umpire, would then after a careful examination give his decision, the herald would loudly proclaim the name of the archer and his achievement, while the registrar would make a written record. Then it was the part of the signalman to announce the event to the spectators, who raised such shouts of applause that one might almost fancy the petals of the cherry-blossoms fell in showers from the vibration in the air.