also in tears; and since it is not possible for them to keep the body long, I have arranged with a very respectable aged priest who is my friend that the ceremony shall take place tomorrow, since tomorrow chances to be a good calendar day.” “And what of her gentlewoman.?” asked Genji. “I fear she will not live,” said Koremitsu. She cries out that she must follow her mistress and this morning, had I not held her, she would have cast herself from a high rock. She threatened to tell the servants at my lady’s house, but I prevailed upon her to think the matter over quietly before she did this.” “Poor thing,” said Genji, “small wonder that she should be thus distracted. I too am feeling strangely disordered and do not know what will become of me.” “Torment yourself no more,” said Koremitsu. “All things happen as they must. Here is one who will handle this matter very prudently for you, and none shall be the wiser.” “Happen as they must. You are right,” said Genji, “and so I try to persuade myself. But in the pursuit of one’s own wanton pleasures to have done harm and to have caused someone’s death—that is a hideous crime; a terrible load of sin to bear with me through the world. Do not tell even your sister; much less your mother the nun, for I am ashamed that she should even know I have ever done that kind of thing.”[1] “Do not fear,” answered Koremitsu. “Even to the priests, who must to a certain extent be let into the secret, I have told a long made-up tale,” and Genji felt a little easier in his mind.
The waiting-women of his palace were sorely puzzled: “First he says he has been defiled and cannot go to court, and now he sits whispering and sighing.” What could it all mean? “Again I beg you,” said Genji at last, “to see that everything is done as it should be.” He was thinking all the time of the elaborate court funerals which he had witnessed (he had, indeed, seen no others) and imagined Koremitsu directing a complicated succession of rituals. “I will do what can; it will be no such great matter,” he answered and turned to go. Suddenly Genji could bear no longer the thought that he should never see her again. “You will think it very foolish of me,” he said, “but I am coming with you. I shall ride on horseback.” “If your
- ↑ I.e. pursued illicit amours.
