Man-Pai / Genji Ch.51

Man-Pai / Genji Ch.51 - Ukifune

Ukifune - Boat on the Water

One day early in the New Year, when Niou was at Nakanokimi, a mallet and an artificial seeding pine were delivered there from Ukifune as a New Year’s gift. A little girl came in and handed the princess a letter. "Would the letter be from Kaoru?" "It is a private letter between women," she replied and let him read it. While reading, Niou intuitively understood that the girl, who had become unforgettable since he saw her at Nijo, had written the letter. He left the place recommending that Nakanokimi should reply. He made up his mind to look for Ukifune at Uji.

Kuniyoshi, 1845/46

Niou went secretly to Uji with his secretary. In the middle of the night, he entered the house and had a look at the interior through a crack in the shutter. As he suspected, there was Ukifune. She lay vaguely gazing into the light, her head pillowed on one arm. There was an unmistakable resemblance between the girl and his lady Nakanokimi. According to the talk of some women who were sewing, it seemed that the mother would come the next morning to take her sightseeing. One of them, called Ukon, said, "I’m sleepy. Leave the rest for tomorrow," gathering up the half-sewn garments and hanging them over the curtain rack.

Niou and Ukifune passed the night. On the following morning, he sent for an inkstand and drew some interesting pictures to amuse Ukifune. He sketched a most handsome couple lying together. "You must look at this and think of me when I am not able to visit you. If only we could be together always." And he shed a tear. Then they exchanged poems. He thought obedient and naïve Ukifune adorable.

Niou came back to see Ukifune again. This time he stayed three nights. On the last night, reluctantly he set out for Kyoto. "My soul," he whispered as he made ready to go, "does it linger on in your sleeve?" There was a message from Her Majesty that she was very angry, and so were the ministers at Kyoto, for his absence. He mounted his horse to try to return to her. His men hurried on their way. The two courtiers of the Fifth Rank who had come with him led his horse through the mountains.

After some interval, Ukifune came over to Uji. The hills were veiled in a mist and far down the river, faggot-laden boats were weaving in and out. Ukifune reminded him of Oigimi. He was lost in thoughts of the past. Ukifune was also lost in thoughts of her growing trouble with Niou. Her silence gave him an impression that she had matured over the months. Kaoru was very happy about that.

Niou appeared again at Uji. He took Ukifune by boat to a small hidden cottage. She clung to Niou, frightened by the distant shore. He was delighted. The moon in the early morning sky shone cloudless upon the waters. They were at the Islet of Orange, said the boatman, pulling up to a large rock over which trailed long branches of evergreen. They exchanged poems of everlasting love that compared their love to the pine trees.

Ukifune received letters from both Kaoru and Niou. One day, two messengers crossed paths. Kaoru’s messenger asked, "What brings you here into the country side?" "I deliver my own notes," answered the Niou’s messenger. Asked more severely, he said, "A governor Tokikata is in touch with someone here." Kaoru’s man was puzzled by this strange reply. Later, Kaoru found out the relationship between Ukifune and Niou.

Kaoru put out guards for surveillance of Ukifune’s house, to prohibit the approaches from Niou. Irritated by the strong desire to see Ukifune, Niou himself rushed off to Uji at the risk of his life. He tried the reed fence that had admitted him before, but the guards were more alert. Numbers of dogs came out barking fiercely. Niou asked his companion Tokikata to see Ukifune's maidservant. He was able successfully to take her out from the house and lead her to Niou. Tokikata spread a saddle at a spot that was backed by a woodcutter’s fence and protected by brambles and matted grasses. Niou dismounted. The woman explained the situation. He was in tears, realizing that it was impossible to see Ukifune. She comforted him saying, "I will do everything, even if it means ruining myself."