No depth lies there
Though the meadow is flooded.
Words are not enough.
In these words she replied to him; and his High-
ness made up his mind to come, and ordered per-
fumery for himself. Just then his old nurse, Jiju-no-
Menoto, came up: "Where are you going?" she said,

IS8



Of Old Japan

"People are talking about it. She is no lady of high
birth. If you wish her to serve you, you may summon
her here as a servant. Your undignified goings-out
are very painful for us. Many men go to her, and
some awkward thing may happen. All these improper
things are suggested by Ukon-no-Zo.^ He accom-
panied the late Prince also. If you wander out in the
depths of night no good can come of it. I will tell the
Prime Minister ^ of the persons who accompany you
in these night visits. In the world there may be
changes. No one can tell what will happen to-morrow.
The late Minister loved you much and asked the
present one to show you favour. You must keep
yourself from these indiscretions till worldly affairs
are quite settled."

The Prince said: "Where shall I go? I am so bored,
and am seeking temporary recreation. People are
foolish to make much of it."

He said this, although much hurt by the necessity
for it. Besides that, he thought her not unworthy of
him and even wished to bring her to the palace [as a
concubine]. On the other hand, he reflected that in
that case things even more painful to hear would be
said, and in his trouble of mind days were passed.
At last he visited her. "I could not come in spite
of my desires. Please do not think that I neglect you.
