human
See, said the younger man with a smile,
gpt
I wanted to share with you, my favorite friend, the pleasure of this marvellous sight before any other eye rested on it. I was here yesterday: the grove was like a thicket of pearls; to-day all the flowers are open.
human
These trees remind me of what the poet says of peach-blossoms, said Iwakura;
gpt
Ah! cried the younger man sighing,
human
Far more beautiful blossoms were about to open in my dream, said he, stifling a yawn.
gpt
Master, why did you make me get up so early?
human
Come, Prince of Nagato, said the young man, laying his hand on his comrade's shoulder,
gpt
What? cried Iwakura;
human
Your pallor, friend, and your haggard eyes.
gpt
Am I not always so?
human
The dress you wear would be far too elegant for the hour of the cock.[2] And see! the sun has scarcely risen; we have only reached the hour of the rabbit.
gpt
To honor such a master as you, no hour is too early.
human
Is it also in my honor, faithless subject, that you appear before me armed? Those two swords, forgotten in your sash, condemn you; you had just returned to the palace when I summoned you.
gpt
But what ails your arm?
human
Nothing,
gpt
You are wounded, eh? One of these days I shall hear that Nagato has been killed in some foolish brawl. What have you been doing now, incorrigible and imprudent fellow?
human
When Hieyas, the regent, comes before you, you will know only too much about it, said the Prince;
gpt
What if I lose patience at last, Nagato, said the Shogun;
human
I should go, master, without a murmur.
gpt
Yes; and who would be left to love me? said Fide-Yori, sadly.
human
I am surrounded by devotion, not by affection like yours. But perhaps I am unjust, he added;
gpt
You feel that you are forgiven, don't you? said Fide-Yori, smiling.
human
But try to spare me the Regent's reproaches; you know how painful they are to me. Go and salute him; the hour of his levee is at hand; we will meet again in the council.
gpt
Must I smile upon that ugly creature?