human
Where have you been, my poor Sado? said the Prince.
gpt
I had forgotten you.
human
I have married; I am happy,
gpt
Ah! I remember, now,--the story of the princes disguised as blind men, and carrying off a whole family! You have a pretty wit. That adventure occupied many idle minds for weeks. But what do you want? Do you lack money?
human
Master, I came to tell you that I am ashamed of the life which I lead.
gpt
What! Have you forgotten our agreement?
human
No, your Highness; I forget nothing. I was a criminal; I was about to be beheaded when you pardoned me, because your illustrious father exclaimed, as he saw me: 'That man looks like you, Iwakura!'
gpt
I pardoned you also, said the Prince,
human
Blind obedience, devotion unto death. I came to remind you of that to-day.
gpt
What?
human
Unto death....
gpt
Well, you still live; you are not released from your oath.
human
Master, said Sado, in a serious tone,
gpt
I am of noble origin; my ancestors were vassals of your ancestors, and until the day when indignation led me to commit a crime, no stain over dimmed the lustre of our name. You saved me from death; and instead of making me expiate my error by a laborious life, you made my existence an unending feast. In your name I have enacted a thousand mad freaks; I have displayed a reckless luxury; I have enjoyed life, fortune, honors, as if I were an all-powerful prince.
human
Well, you did me a favor by executing my orders; no more. Your resemblance to me served to deceive my enemies and cheat their spies.
gpt
You have driven your enemies away for the present, continued Sado;
human
Your noble origin is revealed by your words, said the Prince,
gpt
My life is yours,--do not forget that, master; and if chance destines me to die for you some day, the stain upon my name will be effaced.
human
Very well, said the Prince, hurriedly.
gpt
You will set off for my dominions; the neighboring lords threaten them seriously. You will put yourself at the head of my troops; you will defend the territory. But my supposed presence in my kingdom may attract around it many enemies. Remember, whatever happens, to uphold the honor of my name; remember that to all you are the Prince of Nagato.
human
By dint of imitating you I have acquired something of your spirit, said Sado.
gpt
I swear to be worthy of you!
human
I trust you, said the Prince.
gpt
I know how intelligently you have carried out the strange character which I confided to you; all the adventures performed by you in my name ended to my honor. That is why I give you full powers now. You will leave here, taking with you a numerous suite, and I will take the subterranean road. Tell me where it comes out.
human
There are two exits, master, said Sado,--
gpt
What will become of her if you die?
human
I leave her in your care, my lord.
gpt
Make all your arrangements in regard to her at once, said the Prince.
human
I too may be killed, and not return; my treasury is at your discretion.
gpt
Thanks, generous Prince, said Sado, kneeling at Nagato's feet.
human
Have you any further commands?
gpt
You will give the Shogun the letter which I am about to write.
human
Now, said he,
gpt
May happiness go with you!
human
Thanks for the wish,