human
Your letter reveals to me a terrible secret; and if what you imagine is true, the peace of the kingdom may be deeply affected.
gpt
That is why, Divine Sister of the Sun, I had the boldness to beg for your all-powerful intercession, said the Prince, unable completely to master the quiver in his voice.
human
If you grant my prayer, if I obtain what I ask, great misfortunes may be prevented.
gpt
You know, Iwakura, that the Celestial Mikado is favorable to Hieyas; would he believe in the crime of which you accuse his favorite I and would you be willing to maintain in public the accusation hitherto kept secret?
human
I would maintain it to Hieyas' very face, said Nagato firmly;
gpt
That affirmation would endanger your own life. Have you thought of that?
human
My life is a slight thing, said the Prince.
gpt
Besides, the mere fact of my devotion to Fide-Yori is enough to attract the Regent's hatred. I barely escaped assassination by his men a few days ago, on leaving Kioto.
human
What, Prince! is that indeed possible?
gpt
I only mention the unimportant fact, continued Nagato,
human
But how did you escape from the murderers?
gpt
The sharp blade of my sword and the strength of my arm saved my life. But why should you waste your sublime thoughts upon so trifling an incident?
human
Were the assassins numerous?
gpt
Ten or twelve, perhaps. I killed several of them; then I gave my horse the spurs, and he soon put a sufficient distance between them and me.
human
What! said the Kisaki meditatively,