Katsuno's Revenge and Other Tales of the Samurai
Language: English
Pages: 144
ISBN: 0486447421
Format: PDF / Kindle (mobi) / ePub
Largely fact-based, these fables originated among the traditional storytellers of Japan and were later adapted into romances and historical dramas. Asataro Miyamori, a professor of English at the Oriental University in Tokyo, drew upon authentic sources in compiling this volume, which first appeared in 1920. In the preface, Miyamori observed, "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. . . . European civilization has revolutionized Japanese society, both for better and for worse. . . . yet it may safely be said that the sentiments, 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 today are intellectually cosmopolitan, but emotionally they are still samurai to no small degree."
that?” asked Katsuno, feigning ignorance. “All the samurai who are skilled in archery will practice 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 for a moment, but quickly
the consequences of her rash action; but as a samurai it did not accord with his honour to do so. This for two reasons; one being that he had refused to deliver up Shichiroyemon when asked to do so by Nobuyuki; and the other because it was a disgrace to him personally that a warrior under his protection should have been killed by a woman. Therefore, he gave orders for the close confinement of the culprit, directing that she should be strictly watched and guarded night and day. Now that she had
in our power to interest Lord Ikeda and to divert his thoughts from dangerous subjects. And for fear of accidents Nagai shall be warned to keep out of the way. Do not be anxious, my lord, we will take every precaution.” “That is well; I count on your fidelity.” In due time Terumasa arrived at the castle. Iyeyasu’s four chief retainers received him with the greatest courtesy and ushering him into the spacious guest-room conducted him to the seat of honour. They then retreated backwards to the
ran as follows:— “In compliance with an Imperial Edict, Iyeyasu and Hideyori agree to make peace, on the sole condition that Hideyori fill up the outer moat of his castle as a token of his peaceful intentions. Either of the parties concerned who first appeals to arms henceforth, shall be guilty of disobeying the Imperial Mandate and shall be treated accordingly. “Keicho 19, 12th month, 27th day.” As he read Shigenari’s face grew darker and darker, and when he came to the end he started to his
extensive view, embracing the whole of his little fief of Osaki, could be obtained. In later life Masamuné distinguished himself by signal service rendered to the state, eventually becoming one of the greatest daimios in Japan, under Iyeyasu, the first Shogun, but at this time Osaki was his sole estate, and his income did not exceed 100,000 koku of rice a year. “What an enchanting picture! What can compare with a snow landscape?” he exclaimed, as he stood enraptured, gazing with delight from