human
Let him go to Mikawa under the guise of peace, said the Prince,
gpt
I have come to make you a neighborly call,
human
I have always held you in high esteem, he said,
gpt
And what are those three things?
human
First, you travel with an army, which is strange in time of peace; second, you possess a fortress, which seems to threaten my provinces; third and last, you let your beard grow under your chin, contrary to the prevailing style.
gpt
I travel with an army to preserve myself from all danger, for I think the roads insecure; I have a fortress, of course, for the lodgment of that army. As for my beard, it is very useful to me; when I tie my helmet on, it makes a little cushion under my chin, and keeps it from being chafed.
human
Very good; keep your beard, but shave away your castle, said Hieyas, smiling;
gpt
If you insist upon it, I will ask Fide-Yori whether he will authorize me to yield the castle up to you. I shall soon return to my master. Have you no message to send him!
human
You may tell him that I am angry with him,
gpt
For what cause?
human
Because he has graven the characters composing my name on the bronze bell which he consecrated to the temple of Buddha, and they are beaten morning and night.
gpt
What do you mean? cried Kiomassa.
human
Fide-Yori had these words inscribed upon the bell: 'Henceforth my house shall be at peace.'
gpt
I tell you that all the characters in my name are used to make up that sentence; and it is upon my name the priest strikes with his bronze mallet, accompanying the blow with curses on my head.
human
I will inform the Shogun that this coincidence offends you,