Man-Pai / Genji Ch.46 - Shii ga moto

Shii ga moto - Beneath the Oak

Kuniyoshi, 1845/46

When Niou made a pilgrimage to Hatsuse, Kaoru accompanied him. Leaving Yugiri's second house at Uji, Kaoru and Niou boarded a boat with some princes who were fond of music. They made a visit to the Eighth Prince's villa, which was across the river. A landing had been built from the river to the villa, and was furnished with step. These were in good taste and suitable for a mountain dwelling. The river music called "Kansuiraku" was played as they were rowed across. The music became clearer when they approached the villa.

The Eighth Prince, who had been serving at the monastery of the abbot, died on the twentieth of the Eighth Month. The shutters facing the mountain were raised and the princess, lost in their own sad thoughts, was looking up at the moon in the early morning sky. Then a messenger arrived and reported to them that the Prince had passed away in the night. The sound of the monastery bell came across the surface of the clear water. The princesses were struck by a strong sense of loss.

Prince Niou, who had already exchanged poems several times, sent a letter of condolence. The messenger of Niou, receiving a reply from the Princesses, made his way through the wilds of Kohata Mountains. He spurred his horse on, not allowing it to pause even for their dense bamboo thickets, and reached Niou's mansion in remarkably quick time. The round trip between Uji and Kyoto by this brave messenger was proof of Niou’s passionate character.

The snow brought the end of the saddest year. From the monastery, priests and acolytes delivered the charcoal as usual. The princesses gave them cotton garments to protect them against the winter cold. They went to the veranda and watched in tears as priests and acolytes now appeared among the drifts and now disappeared again towards the mountains. Facing the mountain where their father had died, they were in deep sorrow.

Kaoru paid his visit late in the year. The snow was deep. Kaoru asked to open the chapel where the Eighth Prince practiced and, clearing the dust away carefully prayed to Buddha. "Beneath the oak I meant to search for shade. Now it has gone and all is vanity". Numerous eyes were upon him as he stood leaning meditatively against a pillar. The young maidservants were moved by his handsome face.