Anthology of Japanese Literature: From the Earliest Era to the Mid-Nineteenth Century by Donald Keene (Editor)

Author:Donald Keene (Editor)
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub
ISBN: 9784805310144
Publisher: Tuttle Publishing
Published: 2000-01-01T05:00:00+00:00

THE CAPTAIN OF NATUTO

[Naruto Chūjō Monogatari]

This tale, which was probably written in the late thirteenth century, ostensibly relates an actual event at the court of the Emperor Gosaga, who reigned from 1242 to 1246. It was intended to edify, but the modern reader may find that it affords instead a rather sardonic insight into the court life of the time.

One year, in the spring, when the cherry blossoms were at their peak, there took place in a courtyard within the palace grounds a football match in which distinguished members of the court took part. Among the spectators were a number of ladies, one of whom attracted the Emperor's interest. His attention was diverted from the game, and he allowed his glance to wander repeatedly in the direction of this lady, who was so distressed by his gaze that she slipped away toward the Left Gate. The Emperor summoned a secretary, instructing him to follow and report the lady's destination. When the secretary had overtaken her, the lady who understood and meant to mislead him somehow, beckoned him to draw near, and with a smile said, "Tell His Majesty, Of the young bamboo.' I will wait here, I promise, until I receive his reply." The secretary, never dreaming that she might deceive him, assumed that she merely wished to arrange a rendezvous and hurried away. The Emperor, on receiving this report, felt certain that she had quoted a line from a poem and inquired what it might be. None of those in attendance, however, were familiar with it, and Lord Tameie1 was sent for. "It is an old poem," he said without hesitation.

"Tall though it be, what can one do with the useless lengths of the young bamboo with its one or two joints?"2

On hearing this, the Emperor became more and more intrigued, and without composing a reply he ordered the secretary to find out where the lady lived. When the secretary returned to the Gate, however, he found that she had quite vanished. He reported this to the Emperor, who with a terrible look told him that unless he discovered her whereabouts he would be held guilty of a crime. The secretary paled and withdrew. The Emperor, as a result of this, lost all interest in the football match and retired.

For some time afterward he wore a bitter scowl and caused everyone concern. One day Lord Konoe and others were in attendance at an Imperial entertainment. The Emperor was not his usual self. He seemed preoccupied and gazed listlessly about him. Lord Konoe had the wine cup presented and remarked, "Is it true that Your Majesty was not long ago 'singed by a smudge-fire at a house in some unknown quarter?' If it were looked for it wouldn't remain hidden long, I daresay. In China the search was carried as far as Paradise.3 Her house is within the capital; finding it should be a simple matter." He offered the cup to the Emperor who, though he smiled faintly, was not amused and, drawing himself up, retired.

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