Chikamatsu Hanji

“ The loyal O-Shō called at the oil-shop and met Hisamatsu. She told him her glad news, and eagerly talked of the good future that lay in wait for him. He would rise with one bound from the lowly position of a mere clerk to that of a samurai. The old woman's son was at that time visiting the oil-shop, and was greatly delighted to hear the news. The mother and son urged Hisamatsu to leave that day with them for the Ishizu Clan, which he reluctantly did. ”

“ Sashirō was by no means reassured by O-Katsu's consent. He wanted so keenly to win the heart of O-Somé, that he prayed the gods and Buddha for the fulfilment of his desire. Every day he visited different temples and shrines to repeat his foolish prayer. One day he went to a great shrine called the Zama Myōjin in the city, not far from O-Somé's house, and was earnestly making hyakudo-mairi, or the "hundredfold penance," walking up and down on the long pavement between the sanctuary and the torii. Kosuké, the head clerk of the oil-shop, chanced to discover him wrapped in devotion. ”

“ The time passed on, and the love between Hisamatsu and O-Somé became more and more intense; and many weeks had not passed before O-Somé's health became delicate. The prospects of their future filled them with anxiety. When the widow perceived her daughter's condition, she was inclined to wed the young couple. But as her circumstances had not in any way improved, she dared not withdraw her promise to Sashirō on the ground of O-Somé's disinclination. Sashirō in the meantime was becoming impatient at the delay in his go-between's negotiations. ”

“ The wife had been ailing a long time, and consequently O-Mitsu was so busy nursing her mother, cooking for the family, and with other matters, that she had little or no time for her own toilet, though she was now at the attractive age of sixteen. O-Mitsu was the daughter of Kyūsaku's wife by her former husband, but being of a sweet disposition, she regarded Kyūsaku with as much affection as was due to a real father. The old man in return loved her with a more than parental affection. He and his wife had early made up their minds to marry her to Hisamatsu. ”

“ Ha!" said Kyūsaku laughing. "How could I, an old man, throw you down, even if I try my hardest? You fell down accidentally! Well, I started this afternoon for Ōsaka by a short route, intending to call at your shop. When I had reached the outskirts of my village, I heard that Hisamatsu and a gentleman had passed there a little while before. I therefore abandoned my journey, and have come back to meet you, sir, I beg to thank you for having come from such a distance. O-Mitsu, serve tea to our honourable guest and also prepare some food or other for him. ”

“ Unfortunately for the devoted lovers, an obstacle arose in their way. There was a young millionaire named Yamagaya Sashirō living in the same city, and he was passionately enamoured of O-Somé. One day he impetuously asked O-Somé's mother for her daughter's hand in marriage. The mother disliked him, and had a certain amount of sympathy for her daughter's affection for Hisamatsu. She therefore was unwilling to accept his proposal. But she owed Sashirō's father thousands of ryō, so she dared not give him a direct refusal. ”

“ Impossible!" exclaimed the girl. "Hisamatsu is incapable of such a thing! The charge must be false! Oh, Hisamatsu, plead your innocence!"
"If he could have explained away his charge, I would not have taken the trouble to bring him back," said Kosuké smiling bitterly. "Come. Is Kyūsaku in? If he is in, let him appear. He seems to be a poor peasant, living from hand to mouth. It is clear that he cannot pay such a large amount. But nevertheless I want to see him. Call him at once, girl!"
"Father is not at home, sir," answered O-Mitsu.
"He started for Ōsaka some time ago. ”

“ To tell the truth, I have always had the money ready in case of need. Don't let that matter trouble you, my son. I am very glad that you have come well and sound! Fortunately today is a lucky day, so I think it would be a suitable occasion on which to celebrate your nuptials with O-Mitsu, according to our arrangement. It will make your sick mother and myself happy. I am sure you will both agree."
Hisamatsu was greatly perplexed. He remained silent, thinking of his binding vows with
Mr. Baikō as O-Mitsu
O-Somé. ”

“ Both nurse and child were taken to the house of the former's elder brother Kyūsaku, a farmer in the village of Nozaki several miles from Ōsaka. Kyūsaku brought the boy up among the children of the coarse peasants until he was ten years old, when he was sent to the shop before mentioned with a view to his learning good manners and refined ways.
The shop was kept by a middle-aged widow called O-Katsu, who had many clerks and servants besides Hisamatsu in her employment. Her only daughter and heiress, O-Somé, had been brought up tenderly, and in great luxury. ”

“ He must keep his promise to O-Somé to the end.
Whilst they were on their way to the Ishizu Clan, Hisamatsu forsook his fellow travellers unknown to them, and retraced his steps to the oil-shop. When he arrived, it was midnight, so he climbed over the wall into the courtyard. Suddenly he was startled to hear the sound of footsteps approaching, so he hastily hid himself in the warehouse close by. The black-hearted Kosuké had observed him; so creeping stealthily up, the ruffian rapidly shut and locked the door of the warehouse, and Hisamatsu was "caged like a bird" inside. ”

“ The young lovers shed bitter tears, and expressed sorrow for their misdeed, and promised to follow his admonition. But they made up their minds to commit suicide together, and communicated their melancholy decision to each other by means of secret signs. ”

“ These words inspired Sashirō with an absolute confidence in the powers of the fortune-teller, and he decided to invite him to his house, in order that he might offer prayers for seven days and seven nights for the death of Hisamatsu. In return he promised to pay a large quantity of silver and gold coins. These arrangements were concluded, and the three of them took leave of each other.
To return to Hisamatsu. On the afternoon of the same day, he went on an errand in order to collect a sum of 150 ryō from his mistress' customers. ”