conducted Genji to the hill-side mansion, and introduced him to the
maiden. In the course of time they gradually became more than mere
acquaintances to each other. For some time Genji often found himself passionately he had desired to see her. She, however, listened to him
almost in silence, and gave no plain answer. Genji was disconcerted,
and at last said, The evening breeze blew chill, and Genji it appears was becoming very
indifferent. Choosing this moment TÃ´-no-ChiÃ»jiÃ´ slyly stepped forth to
the spot where Genji was resting. She was older than Genji by four years, and was as cold and stately in
her mien as ever. Her father, however, received him joyfully whenever
he called, although he was not always satisfied with the you will no longer pain me thus," said Genji; and he made every effort
to conciliate her. But she was not easily appeased. He was
unsuccessful in his effort, and presently they retired to their considered unfavorable. This Kokimi, as we know, had received much
kindness from Genji up to the time of his becoming a man; but when Genji could not help feeling touched. Not knowing exactly how to
soothe her, he exclaimed, "What makes you treat me so coolly? It is favorite and her indifference. Kokimi said nothing. Genji then
murmured, "I was clearly slighted. Oh wretched me! I cannot rival the appearance. It happened that, when the eyes of the younger were turned
in another direction, Genji ventured to touch slightly the shoulder of
his favorite, who, startled at the action rose suddenly and left the Genji finished his visit to the Temple, and was coming back, Kokimi
once more came from the capital to meet him. Through him Genji sent a
letter to his sister, asking her if she had recognized him when he Genji, faltered as he did so. As to the Emperor, a sudden thought
stole into his mind. "Ah! could his mother but have lived to have seen such intrigues. He tried every means to favor his designs, and to
ingratiate himself with the lady, and at last succeeded in bringing
her and Genji together. The details of the plans by which all this was Genji, who witnessed their passing, and sent the following to the
lady-mother with a twig of Sakaki (divine tree):-- had any communication with her, or did he visit her. These
circumstances made her feel Genji's affection more keenly than she
otherwise would have; hence her sorrow at the thought of parting with And, after a long and friendly conversation, Genji returned to his
home. One may say that the character of Genji was changeable, it is the Princess, when she had leave of absence from the Court, chiefly
because she did not like being at home with her stepmother. For this
reason TayÃ» had plenty of chances for gratifying the wish of Genji to Genji pushed the hair back from her face, as he said to her, "I am
come from your father;" but this she knew to be false, and was with her. As I told you before she is very bashful and reserved; but
yet is perhaps more desirable for this very reason," and she detailed
many more particulars about her. This enabled Genji to fully picture Genji and his father-in-law were subjected. She was convinced she
would never suffer such cruel treatment as that which Seki-Foojin[98] Genji did not like that they should know that he had seen and heard
all this, so he slyly withdrew some distance, and then advancing with
a firm step, approached the door and knocked.
To this another name, Murasaki, was added, in order to distinguish her
from other ladies who may also have been called Shikib. "Murasaki" Such, then, was the condition of society at the time when the
authoress, Murasaki Shikib, lived; and such was the sphere of her better known by her surname, JiÃ´tÃ´-Monin, and who is especially famous
as having been the patroness of our authoress. Murasaki Shikib married The enunciation of these words was not that of Lady Aoi herself; and
when Genji came to reflect, it clearly belonged to the Lady of RokjiÃ´. "Ah, then," thought Genji, "the little one is her daughter, and no
wonder that she resembles the one in the palace (because Prince favorite and her indifference. Kokimi said nothing. Genji then
murmured, "I was clearly slighted. Oh wretched me! I cannot rival the She was a charming lady, and the Emperor was not without a certain
liking for her; yet Lady Kokiden, the daughter of Gon-ChiÃ»nagon Thus a faint allusion was made to the circumstances which were the
cause of their acquaintance, and it became known that the verse and
the fan had been sent by her attendant mistaking Genji for her
mistress's former lover. century after Christ, and was generally called Murasaki Shikib. About
these names a few remarks are necessary. The word "Shikib" means "See how childish she still is," remarked ShiÃ´nagon.

"Why are you so timid, little one, come here and sleep on my knees,"
said Genji. passionately he had desired to see her. She, however, listened to him
almost in silence, and gave no plain answer. Genji was disconcerted,
and at last said, She was the daughter of Fujiwara Tametoki, a petty Court noble,
remotely connected with the great family of Fujiwara, in the tenth such intrigues. He tried every means to favor his designs, and to
ingratiate himself with the lady, and at last succeeded in bringing
her and Genji together. The details of the plans by which all this was NijiÃ´, and became thoughtful and preoccupied. At length he endeavored
to cajole Ã MiÃ´bu, Wistaria's attendant, into arranging an opportunity alone. I know not how it came to pass, but she became secretly
intimate with Prince HiÃ´bkiÃ´. But the Prince's wife was very jealous because her sister, the Empress-mother, was at this time staying in
the same mansion. We cannot regard either the lady or Genji as with her. As I told you before she is very bashful and reserved; but
yet is perhaps more desirable for this very reason," and she detailed
many more particulars about her. This enabled Genji to fully picture Genji sent his attendants very early to their own quarters, and then,
through Kokimi, requested an interview with the lady. Kokimi at first Genji, who witnessed their passing, and sent the following to the
lady-mother with a twig of Sakaki (divine tree):-- Genji at once noticed this. "Just as I imagined. She is so simple,"
thought he, and then he commenced to talk with her, and to explain how
with her. As I told you before she is very bashful and reserved; but
yet is perhaps more desirable for this very reason," and she detailed
many more particulars about her. This enabled Genji to fully picture passionately he had desired to see her. She, however, listened to him
almost in silence, and gave no plain answer. Genji was disconcerted,
and at last said, Genji at once noticed this. "Just as I imagined. She is so simple,"
thought he, and then he commenced to talk with her, and to explain how During these autumn evenings the thoughts of Genji were often directed
to the granddaughter of the nun, especially because she resembled the
Princess so much. His desire to possess her was considerably ShiÃ´nagon the whole affair seemed like a dream. "What am I to do?" she
said to Genji, who teasingly answered, "What you choose. You may go if "How like her grandmother's it is," thought Genji. "Were she to take
lessons from a good professor she might become a master of the art." behalf, referring to her, said, 'What has become of her?' Is she here
now?" said Genji; and lowering his voice, added, "How changeable are
the fortunes of the world!" "See how childish she still is," remarked ShiÃ´nagon.

"Why are you so timid, little one, come here and sleep on my knees,"
said Genji. The girl, glancing with shy timidity at Genji, for whom she already
had some liking, and thinking that perhaps there was impropriety in endeavored to persuade her to see Genji, in an anxious and half
trembling voice, while she replied in a tone slightly angry, "What
makes you so busy? Why do you trouble yourself? Boys carrying such favorite and her indifference. Kokimi said nothing. Genji then
murmured, "I was clearly slighted. Oh wretched me! I cannot rival the "Well," said Genji, and bending over his beloved, shook her gently,
but she neither spoke nor moved. She had apparently fainted, and he
became seriously alarmed. Genji could not help feeling touched. Not knowing exactly how to
soothe her, he exclaimed, "What makes you treat me so coolly? It is "But what? Do you mean that she is not worth seeing?" retorted Genji;
and would fain have told the boy that he had already seen her, but Genji at once showed this to the Emperor, asking whether he had better
go. "Ah!" said the latter, smiling, "This is from a great personage.
You had better go, I should think; besides there are the Princesses
there." "I must see her once more," said Genji, sorrowfully. "I will go with
you to behold her, before she is lost to my sight forever." And he
insisted on accompanying him. earnestness than many regular priests." Here Genji interrupted. "What
is his daughter like?" "Without doubt," answered his companion, "the
beauty of her person is unrivalled, and she is endowed with "If a man had such a daughter, he might be satisfied," thought Genji.
"But perhaps she may be a little deficient in quietness. No matter how
this may be, she has sufficient attractions." She was older than Genji by four years, and was as cold and stately in
her mien as ever. Her father, however, received him joyfully whenever
he called, although he was not always satisfied with the She went back again to her toys, and presented a toy prince, whom she
called Genji, at the Court of her toy house. ShiÃ´nagon was beside her.
She said:--
The Emperor then constantly told her that if Genji were left in his
present condition it might induce evil, and, therefore, it would be Return we now to Genji. He went to the ex-Emperor, to whom he still
seemed thin and careworn. He had some affectionate conversation with Emperor, his enemy. When he sent off the assassin this event took
place. The allusion here seems to imply the allegation that Genji
intended high treason.] Genji and his father-in-law were subjected. She was convinced she
would never suffer such cruel treatment as that which Seki-Foojin[98] public was general, and the Emperor went to visit him. Notwithstanding
his weakness, the former gave him every injunction, first about the
Heir-apparent, then about Genji, and said:-- the Emperor, in front of the palace, looking reproachfully upon him.
The Emperor showed every token of submission and respect when the dead
Emperor told him of many things, all of which concerned Genji's Genji had to quit the capital he left him and joined his
brother-in-law in his official province. This was not viewed as very
satisfactory; but Genji manifested no bad feeling to him, and treated After this conversation Genji left. On his way he came across a nephew
of the Empress-mother, who seems to have been a person of rather The evening breeze blew chill, and Genji it appears was becoming very
indifferent. Choosing this moment TÃ´-no-ChiÃ»jiÃ´ slyly stepped forth to
the spot where Genji was resting. Genji at once showed this to the Emperor, asking whether he had better
go. "Ah!" said the latter, smiling, "This is from a great personage.
You had better go, I should think; besides there are the Princesses
there." Genji pushed the hair back from her face, as he said to her, "I am
come from your father;" but this she knew to be false, and was So saying TÃ´-no-ChiÃ»jiÃ´ paused, and appeared as if he were ashamed of
having such an experience, when Genji smilingly remarked, "Can any one
of them, however, exist without at least one good point?" The priest said one day to his wife, "Prince Genji, the imperial son
of the KÃ´yi of Kiritsubo is now at Suma in exile, having offended the Genji, faltered as he did so. As to the Emperor, a sudden thought
stole into his mind. "Ah! could his mother but have lived to have seen The way that Genji neglected his bride gradually became known to the
public--nay, to the Emperor himself, who sometimes admonished him, The young Prince, whom we now style Genji (the Gen), was still with
the Emperor, and passed his time pleasantly enough in visiting the Genji still resided in the palace, where his society was a source of
much pleasure to the Emperor, and he did not take up his abode in a Genji, while sympathizing with the anxiety of the Emperor about her,
longed greatly for an opportunity of seeing her, ill though she was.
Hence at this time he went nowhere, but kept himself in his mansion at Kokimi still made no reply. Genji closed his eyes but could not
sleep, so he started up and, taking writing materials, began to write,
apparently without any fixed purpose, and indited the following
distich:-- This recalls to our mind that there was in the olden time an exile
who gave a stanza even to the postmaster of a village.[110] Why then
should not Genji have sent to her whom he knew this stanza?
encourage him. He had, on the other hand, some idea of Genji, and had
sounded the Emperor on the subject. He regarded the idea with favor, The young Prince, whom we now style Genji (the Gen), was still with
the Emperor, and passed his time pleasantly enough in visiting the The Emperor, it is true, never forgot the dying injunctions of his
father, and never failed in sympathy with Genji; but he was still father, to whom Genji's exile became soon known, and who wished to see
him for a reason not altogether agreeable to himself. It should be
remembered that this old man always entertained aspirations on behalf the Emperor, in front of the palace, looking reproachfully upon him.
The Emperor showed every token of submission and respect when the dead
Emperor told him of many things, all of which concerned Genji's Genji at once showed this to the Emperor, asking whether he had better
go. "Ah!" said the latter, smiling, "This is from a great personage.
You had better go, I should think; besides there are the Princesses
there." the Empress-mother (the Princess Wistaria). All the arrangements and
preparations were made, though not quite openly, under the eye of
Genji, who took a parental interest in her. It may be remembered that public was general, and the Emperor went to visit him. Notwithstanding
his weakness, the former gave him every injunction, first about the
Heir-apparent, then about Genji, and said:-- Genji pushed the hair back from her face, as he said to her, "I am
come from your father;" but this she knew to be false, and was Genji well remembered the dream which he had dreamt at Suma, and in
which his father, the late ex-Emperor, had made a faint allusion to Return we now to Genji. He went to the ex-Emperor, to whom he still
seemed thin and careworn. He had some affectionate conversation with "Not the Prince, your father," uttered Genji, "but I am here, and I
too am your friend. Come here!" considered unfavorable. This Kokimi, as we know, had received much
kindness from Genji up to the time of his becoming a man; but when She was older than Genji by four years, and was as cold and stately in
her mien as ever. Her father, however, received him joyfully whenever
he called, although he was not always satisfied with the daughter--that is, the Empress-mother, and told her that he had found
papers which clearly were in the handwriting of Genji, and that though Genji finished his visit to the Temple, and was coming back, Kokimi
once more came from the capital to meet him. Through him Genji sent a
letter to his sister, asking her if she had recognized him when he Yoshikiyo then returned and faithfully told Genji all about his
conversation with the priest. When Genji came to reflect, he thought Genji still resided in the palace, where his society was a source of
much pleasure to the Emperor, and he did not take up his abode in a Genji, while sympathizing with the anxiety of the Emperor about her,
longed greatly for an opportunity of seeing her, ill though she was.
Hence at this time he went nowhere, but kept himself in his mansion at The new reign opened with several changes in public affairs. Genji had
been made Naidaijin. He filled this extra office of Daijin because
All at once his late father appeared before his eyes in the exact
image of life, and said to him, "Why are you in so strange a place?" Genji pushed the hair back from her face, as he said to her, "I am
come from your father;" but this she knew to be false, and was presented to her father. The latter had for a long time regarded her
as lost, and even now he never forgave the way in which his daughter
had been taken away by Genji. In the meantime, the Prince, her father, had duly arrived at the old
home of Violet and asked for her. The servants were embarrassed, but ShiÃ´nagon was thunderstruck. "We are expecting her father to-morrow,
and what are we to say to him?" She added, "Surely, you can find some
better opportunity to manage matters than this." "Not the Prince, your father," uttered Genji, "but I am here, and I
too am your friend. Come here!" Genji was much interested in this conversation, and the rest of the
company laughingly said, "Ah! she is a woman who is likely to become
the Queen of the Blue Main. In very truth her father must be an
extraordinary being!" corpse there. She was my father's nurse; she is living there in strict
seclusion. That is the best plan I can think of." "All the circumstances of your family history are known to me,"
continued he. "Look upon me, I pray, as a substitute for your once "Are you? Nevertheless he trusts her to such a one as you. He is a
kind father! But where are they all?"

"All in their private apartments." longer see the fair loved one whom she resembles!" He now returned to
the monastery, and retired to his quarters. Soon after a disciple of
the priest came and delivered a message from him through Koremitz, Warrior yet dar'd lay hands upon his lord.
    He to the left, the trembling father cries,
    Was sure my boy, nor lifts his tear-stain'd eyes:-- Now, the home of TayÃ»'s father was at some distance from the
Princess's mansion; but TayÃ» used to spend her time very often with to his daughter. I tell you frankly, however, that I had no particular
affection for her, though she seemed already to regard me as her
victim. She seized every opportunity of pointing out to me the way in "Who is there?"

To which Kokimi immediately replied, "It is I!"

"What brings you here so late?" asked the old woman, in a querulous
tone. noticed that she was scarcely ever with her father, even from
childhood. He strongly disapproved of his daughter being with Genji,
and of the way in which she had been carried off, so he scarcely ever Nor eke himself, with heart all stony hard,
    Might, as a father, ev'ry pang discard:--
    Behold him now, oh! lamentable sight! her relations. It seems that her father was not quite averse to this
liking, and he told his eldest daughter, the reigning Emperor's affairs of this world, and have almost forgotten the secret of my
exorcisms. I wonder why you have come here for me." So saying, he by a vision. Go to Koremitz and tell him to come at once; and if his
brother, the priest, is there, ask him to come also. Tell them
cautiously; don't alarm their mother."
Of these fifty-four chapters, the first forty-one relate to the life
and adventures of Prince Genji; and those which come after refer The evening breeze blew chill, and Genji it appears was becoming very
indifferent. Choosing this moment TÃ´-no-ChiÃ»jiÃ´ slyly stepped forth to
the spot where Genji was resting. They entered. Genji's heart was beating fast with emotion. He saw Ukon
reclining beside a screen, with her back to the lamp. He did not speak Night was now advancing, and they unconsciously dropped off to sleep,
when suddenly over the pillow of Genji hovered the figure of a lady of GENJI MONOGATARI

CHAPTER I

THE CHAMBER OF KIRI[2] She went back again to her toys, and presented a toy prince, whom she
called Genji, at the Court of her toy house. ShiÃ´nagon was beside her.
She said:-- Genji smiled slightly, and said: "That is a very great compliment; but
the Udon tree does not blossom so easily."

The hermit also raised the cup to his lips, and said:-- conducted Genji to the hill-side mansion, and introduced him to the
maiden. In the course of time they gradually became more than mere
acquaintances to each other. For some time Genji often found himself and to the ladies of the "Villa of Falling Flowers." When all these
things were accomplished, he occupied himself in writing farewell
letters to his intimate friends, such as the young daughter of Udaijin Kokimi still made no reply. Genji closed his eyes but could not
sleep, so he started up and, taking writing materials, began to write,
apparently without any fixed purpose, and indited the following
distich:-- CONTENTS


GENJI MONOGATARI

Introduction

CHAPTER

   I.--The Chamber of Kiri "See how childish she still is," remarked ShiÃ´nagon.

"Why are you so timid, little one, come here and sleep on my knees,"
said Genji. the road. TÃ´-no-ChiÃ»jiÃ´ was very anxious to find out where Genji was
going. He therefore followed him unperceived. When he saw Genji enter To Genji it brought back the cries of that strange bird, which cry he
had heard on that fearful night in RokjiÃ´, and the subject recurred to
his mind once more, and he said to Ukon, "How old was she?" Genji was alone. A slight shower fell over the surrounding country,
and the mountain breezes blew cool. The waters of the torrent were fearfully. Do come here, Ukon, for a little while, and look after your
mistress." So pulling Ukon near YÃ»gao, he advanced to the entrance of Breakfast was accordingly brought, of which they partook. Two
carriages, Genji's and TÃ´-no-ChiÃ»jiÃ´'s, were driven to the door, but And, after a long and friendly conversation, Genji returned to his
home. One may say that the character of Genji was changeable, it is So said TÃ´-no-ChiÃ»jiÃ´, who implied by this allusion that his sister
was a woman so circumstanced. But Genji was still dozing, and no
remark came from his lips. Main Waves," with TÃ´-no-ChiÃ»jiÃ´ for his partner. They stood and danced
together, forming a most pleasing contrast--one, so to speak, like a
you will no longer pain me thus," said Genji; and he made every effort
to conciliate her. But she was not easily appeased. He was
unsuccessful in his effort, and presently they retired to their The troubles of Genji increased day by day, and the world became
irksome to him. One incident, however, deserves a brief notice before
we enter into the main consequences of these troubles. passionately he had desired to see her. She, however, listened to him
almost in silence, and gave no plain answer. Genji was disconcerted,
and at last said, The priest said one day to his wife, "Prince Genji, the imperial son
of the KÃ´yi of Kiritsubo is now at Suma in exile, having offended the "Well," said Genji, and bending over his beloved, shook her gently,
but she neither spoke nor moved. She had apparently fainted, and he
became seriously alarmed. Genji had to quit the capital he left him and joined his
brother-in-law in his official province. This was not viewed as very
satisfactory; but Genji manifested no bad feeling to him, and treated conducted Genji to the hill-side mansion, and introduced him to the
maiden. In the course of time they gradually became more than mere
acquaintances to each other. For some time Genji often found himself The evening breeze blew chill, and Genji it appears was becoming very
indifferent. Choosing this moment TÃ´-no-ChiÃ»jiÃ´ slyly stepped forth to
the spot where Genji was resting. favorite and her indifference. Kokimi said nothing. Genji then
murmured, "I was clearly slighted. Oh wretched me! I cannot rival the Kokimi still made no reply. Genji closed his eyes but could not
sleep, so he started up and, taking writing materials, began to write,
apparently without any fixed purpose, and indited the following
distich:-- The troubled state of Genji and the lady may be easily imagined, and
in great anxiety he left the scene. Genji and his father-in-law were subjected. She was convinced she
would never suffer such cruel treatment as that which Seki-Foojin[98] The way that Genji neglected his bride gradually became known to the
public--nay, to the Emperor himself, who sometimes admonished him, endeavored to persuade her to see Genji, in an anxious and half
trembling voice, while she replied in a tone slightly angry, "What
makes you so busy? Why do you trouble yourself? Boys carrying such Genji, while sympathizing with the anxiety of the Emperor about her,
longed greatly for an opportunity of seeing her, ill though she was.
Hence at this time he went nowhere, but kept himself in his mansion at conversation. She was very uninteresting to Genji. He thought that it
would only lead to a very unpleasant state of affairs, as years grew TÃ´-no-ChiÃ»jiÃ´ was somehow informed of Genji's fun with this lady, and
became anxious to discover how far he meant to carry on the joke. He "What is the matter? What does it mean? What foolish fear is this?"
exclaimed Genji, greatly alarmed. "Perhaps in lonely places like this Long before dawn broke, Genji prepared to leave the mansion. Lady Aoi,
as usual, was a little out of temper, but Genji told her that he had The lady being placed in such an awkward position, and not knowing
what ChiÃ»jiÃ´ might imagine, became, as it were, bewildered. Genji was,
chapters is somewhat dissimilar to that of those which precede. The
period of time covered by the entire story is some sixty years, and
this volume of translation comprises the first seventeen chapters. The traditional account given of the circumstances which preceded the
writing of the story is this: when the above-mentioned Empress was Yet this work affords fair ground for criticism. The thread of her
story is often diffuse and somewhat disjointed, a fault probably due The aims which the authoress seems always to have kept in view are
revealed to us at some length by the mouth of her hero: "ordinary The period to which her story relates is supposed to be the earlier
part of the tenth century after Christ, a time contemporary with her
own life. For some centuries before this period, our country had made labors, a description of which she was destined to hand down to
posterity by her writings. In fact, there is no better history than
her story, which so vividly illustrates the society of her time. True The exact date when her story was written is not given in the work,
but her diary proves that it was evidently composed before she arrived
at old age. and loved her very dearly. He was always aspiring to better his
position, and wore out his life in the struggle. After his death, she
was left helpless and poor. She was however, by chance, introduced to about him from the outside world reached her ears. This gave her aunt
a further opportunity of repeating the same taunts. She said, "See now
who cares for you in your present circumstances. It is not story. A roll of Daihannia is there also, which is asserted to be the
very same one copied by her. That the story might pass from mouth to mouth,
    While heav'n and earth shall stand;
    So they laid the maiden in the midst,
    And the champions on either hand. extraordinarily intricate plot like those which excite the readers of
the sensational romances of the modern western style. It has many
heroines, but only one hero, and this comes no doubt from the peculiar "And now, Shikib, it is your turn. Tell us your story," exclaimed
TÃ´-no-ChiÃ»jiÃ´, turning to him.

"What worth hearing can your humble servant tell you?" The incidents of the rivalry between them, therefore, were often very
amusing, though we cannot relate them all. Of these fifty-four chapters, the first forty-one relate to the life
and adventures of Prince Genji; and those which come after refer It was a long one, and among other things contained the following
lines:-- "How strange!" thought he. The next moment he noticed some papers
lying about, on which something had been scribbled. "This is more It was on an evening in the above-mentioned season. Rain was falling
drearily. The inhabitants of the Palace had almost all retired, and yet moonless, the stars alone twinkled in the heavens, and the gentle
winds blew plaintively over the tall trees around the mansion. The
conversation gradually led to times gone by, and the Princess was gave occasion to one of his companions to observe: "Ah! perhaps you
also have been trying to disappoint the hopes of the aged father."
Another said, "Well, our friend has given us a long account, but we
Genji pushed the hair back from her face, as he said to her, "I am
come from your father;" but this she knew to be false, and was "Not the Prince, your father," uttered Genji, "but I am here, and I
too am your friend. Come here!" She was older than Genji by four years, and was as cold and stately in
her mien as ever. Her father, however, received him joyfully whenever
he called, although he was not always satisfied with the Genji and his father-in-law were subjected. She was convinced she
would never suffer such cruel treatment as that which Seki-Foojin[98] Genji well remembered the dream which he had dreamt at Suma, and in
which his father, the late ex-Emperor, had made a faint allusion to presented to her father. The latter had for a long time regarded her
as lost, and even now he never forgave the way in which his daughter
had been taken away by Genji. the Empress-mother (the Princess Wistaria). All the arrangements and
preparations were made, though not quite openly, under the eye of
Genji, who took a parental interest in her. It may be remembered that father, to whom Genji's exile became soon known, and who wished to see
him for a reason not altogether agreeable to himself. It should be
remembered that this old man always entertained aspirations on behalf Genji, faltered as he did so. As to the Emperor, a sudden thought
stole into his mind. "Ah! could his mother but have lived to have seen This Chikzen-no-Kami had been for some time previously a Kurand (a
sort of equerry) to Genji, therefore his visit was especially welcome noticed that she was scarcely ever with her father, even from
childhood. He strongly disapproved of his daughter being with Genji,
and of the way in which she had been carried off, so he scarcely ever "Ah, then," thought Genji, "the little one is her daughter, and no
wonder that she resembles the one in the palace (because Prince The long-continued rainy weather had now cleared up bright and fine,
and the Prince Genji proceeded to the mansion of his father-in-law, The young Prince, whom we now style Genji (the Gen), was still with
the Emperor, and passed his time pleasantly enough in visiting the Kokimi still made no reply. Genji closed his eyes but could not
sleep, so he started up and, taking writing materials, began to write,
apparently without any fixed purpose, and indited the following
distich:-- and full of mirth and life. Genji was wont to make her useful when in
the palace. Her father, who had been remotely connected with the Royal Sadaijin, the father-in-law of the Prince, here entered, and entreated
Genji to accompany him to his mansion, and spend a few days. Genji did The priest said one day to his wife, "Prince Genji, the imperial son
of the KÃ´yi of Kiritsubo is now at Suma in exile, having offended the Genji at once showed this to the Emperor, asking whether he had better
go. "Ah!" said the latter, smiling, "This is from a great personage.
You had better go, I should think; besides there are the Princesses
there." The evening breeze blew chill, and Genji it appears was becoming very
indifferent. Choosing this moment TÃ´-no-ChiÃ»jiÃ´ slyly stepped forth to
the spot where Genji was resting.
And, after a long and friendly conversation, Genji returned to his
home. One may say that the character of Genji was changeable, it is The new reign opened with several changes in public affairs. Genji had
been made Naidaijin. He filled this extra office of Daijin because The young Prince, whom we now style Genji (the Gen), was still with
the Emperor, and passed his time pleasantly enough in visiting the The evening breeze blew chill, and Genji it appears was becoming very
indifferent. Choosing this moment TÃ´-no-ChiÃ»jiÃ´ slyly stepped forth to
the spot where Genji was resting. He had, however, a personal sympathy with Genji, and thus came to see
him, at the risk of offending the Court. Genji pushed the hair back from her face, as he said to her, "I am
come from your father;" but this she knew to be false, and was FOOTNOTES:

[Footnote 106: When a person was exiled, he was generally deprived of
his own title, or was degraded. Genji appears to have been deprived of
his.] This Chikzen-no-Kami had been for some time previously a Kurand (a
sort of equerry) to Genji, therefore his visit was especially welcome She went back again to her toys, and presented a toy prince, whom she
called Genji, at the Court of her toy house. ShiÃ´nagon was beside her.
She said:-- "Well," said Genji, and bending over his beloved, shook her gently,
but she neither spoke nor moved. She had apparently fainted, and he
became seriously alarmed. Genji did not like that they should know that he had seen and heard
all this, so he slyly withdrew some distance, and then advancing with
a firm step, approached the door and knocked. behalf, referring to her, said, 'What has become of her?' Is she here
now?" said Genji; and lowering his voice, added, "How changeable are
the fortunes of the world!" Genji finished his visit to the Temple, and was coming back, Kokimi
once more came from the capital to meet him. Through him Genji sent a
letter to his sister, asking her if she had recognized him when he called by the public Hikal-Genji-no-Kimi (the shining Prince Gen). Genji had to quit the capital he left him and joined his
brother-in-law in his official province. This was not viewed as very
satisfactory; but Genji manifested no bad feeling to him, and treated Genji gradually perceived that the man's rage was only simulated, and
soon became aware who it was that was there; so he suddenly rushed considered unfavorable. This Kokimi, as we know, had received much
kindness from Genji up to the time of his becoming a man; but when Genji was now alone. He tried to doze, but could not. It was late in
the evening, and all was still around. His sharpened senses made him Of these fifty-four chapters, the first forty-one relate to the life
and adventures of Prince Genji; and those which come after refer pen from his pocket and presented it to Genji, who took it and wrote
the following on a piece of paper, which he sent to the maiden by one
of his attendants who knew her whereabouts:--
She was older than Genji by four years, and was as cold and stately in
her mien as ever. Her father, however, received him joyfully whenever
he called, although he was not always satisfied with the Genji, who witnessed their passing, and sent the following to the
lady-mother with a twig of Sakaki (divine tree):-- capital. Her health, however, began to fail, and she became a nun, and
after some time died. Before her death Genji visited her, and with her Genji, faltered as he did so. As to the Emperor, a sudden thought
stole into his mind. "Ah! could his mother but have lived to have seen "She is dead," returned Genji in a broken voice; "dead without any
apparent cause." character were good. She was, however, in spite of her age, still
coquettish, which was her only fault. Genji often felt amused at her
being so young in temperament, and he enjoyed occasionally talking After this conversation Genji left. On his way he came across a nephew
of the Empress-mother, who seems to have been a person of rather It happened that when Genji was driving about in the RokjiÃ´ quarter,
he was informed that his old nurse, Daini, was ill, and had become a chamber. She had borne no child to him, and after his death she,
together with a younger sister, was living in straitened
circumstances. Genji had long known both of them, and they were often and was at this time his survivor. The life that she passed was
somewhat lonely, and her circumstances miserable. TayÃ» mentioned this
young lady to Genji, who exclaimed:-- appearance. It happened that, when the eyes of the younger were turned
in another direction, Genji ventured to touch slightly the shoulder of
his favorite, who, startled at the action rose suddenly and left the Genji was now alone. He tried to doze, but could not. It was late in
the evening, and all was still around. His sharpened senses made him Genji still felt lonely. He wrote a letter to the Princess Momo-zono
(peach-gardens). He had known her long. He admired her, too. She had Genji, while sympathizing with the anxiety of the Emperor about her,
longed greatly for an opportunity of seeing her, ill though she was.
Hence at this time he went nowhere, but kept himself in his mansion at "Well," said Genji, and bending over his beloved, shook her gently,
but she neither spoke nor moved. She had apparently fainted, and he
became seriously alarmed. have spoken before. Yoshikiyo well remembered his lovely daughter,
and, after he came to Suma with Genji, he wrote to her now and then.
He did not get any answer from her, but sometimes heard from her Now the young maiden also, whom Genji had left behind at Akashi, and
who had been in delicate health, did not pass away from his thoughts. The years rolled on, and Genji being now older was no longer allowed
to continue his visits to the private rooms of the Princess as before. The evening breeze blew chill, and Genji it appears was becoming very
indifferent. Choosing this moment TÃ´-no-ChiÃ»jiÃ´ slyly stepped forth to
the spot where Genji was resting. On this Genji threw a long sad farewell glance at the face of the
dead, and rose to depart. He was so feeble and powerless that he could
She was older than Genji by four years, and was as cold and stately in
her mien as ever. Her father, however, received him joyfully whenever
he called, although he was not always satisfied with the father, to whom Genji's exile became soon known, and who wished to see
him for a reason not altogether agreeable to himself. It should be
remembered that this old man always entertained aspirations on behalf presented to her father. The latter had for a long time regarded her
as lost, and even now he never forgave the way in which his daughter
had been taken away by Genji. ShiÃ´nagon was thunderstruck. "We are expecting her father to-morrow,
and what are we to say to him?" She added, "Surely, you can find some
better opportunity to manage matters than this." Sadaijin, the father-in-law of the Prince, here entered, and entreated
Genji to accompany him to his mansion, and spend a few days. Genji did "Not the Prince, your father," uttered Genji, "but I am here, and I
too am your friend. Come here!" her relations. It seems that her father was not quite averse to this
liking, and he told his eldest daughter, the reigning Emperor's Genji well remembered the dream which he had dreamt at Suma, and in
which his father, the late ex-Emperor, had made a faint allusion to Genji pushed the hair back from her face, as he said to her, "I am
come from your father;" but this she knew to be false, and was and full of mirth and life. Genji was wont to make her useful when in
the palace. Her father, who had been remotely connected with the Royal Genji and his father-in-law were subjected. She was convinced she
would never suffer such cruel treatment as that which Seki-Foojin[98] The evening breeze blew chill, and Genji it appears was becoming very
indifferent. Choosing this moment TÃ´-no-ChiÃ»jiÃ´ slyly stepped forth to
the spot where Genji was resting. There was a lady who had been a Niogo at the Court of the late
ex-Emperor, and who was called Reikeiden-Niogo, from the name of her Her father, who was a Dainagon,[4] was dead; but her mother, being a
woman of good sense, gave her every possible guidance in the due noticed that she was scarcely ever with her father, even from
childhood. He strongly disapproved of his daughter being with Genji,
and of the way in which she had been carried off, so he scarcely ever "Ah, then," thought Genji, "the little one is her daughter, and no
wonder that she resembles the one in the palace (because Prince have spoken before. Yoshikiyo well remembered his lovely daughter,
and, after he came to Suma with Genji, he wrote to her now and then.
He did not get any answer from her, but sometimes heard from her what another had thought best to reserve," replied Ukon. "Her parents
died when she was a mere girl. Her father was called Sammi-ChiÃ»jiÃ´, recognized. He therefore began to retreat slowly on tip-toe, when
TÃ´-no-ChiÃ»jiÃ´ came up to him from behind, and addressed him: "You that of her father, Udaijin, who had long been his political
adversary.
The enunciation of these words was not that of Lady Aoi herself; and
when Genji came to reflect, it clearly belonged to the Lady of RokjiÃ´. of Genji. He thought that Lady Aoi was too modest to be the instigator
of such a dispute; but her house was one of great and powerful
families famous for overweening pride, a tendency shared by its Some days passed, and the day of autumn appointments arrived. By this
time, Lady Aoi's health seemed progressing favorably, and Genji left
her in order to attend the Court. capital. Her health, however, began to fail, and she became a nun, and
after some time died. Before her death Genji visited her, and with her of Lady Aoi, however, was the most striking, and as he passed by the
attendants saluted him courteously, which act Genji acknowledged. What Now the young maiden also, whom Genji had left behind at Akashi, and
who had been in delicate health, did not pass away from his thoughts. Long before dawn broke, Genji prepared to leave the mansion. Lady Aoi,
as usual, was a little out of temper, but Genji told her that he had where Lady Aoi, his bride, still resided with him. She was in her
private suite of apartments, and he soon joined her there. She was "Well," said Genji, and bending over his beloved, shook her gently,
but she neither spoke nor moved. She had apparently fainted, and he
became seriously alarmed. In these days much of Genji's time was passed at NijiÃ´ with Violet,
and Lady Aoi was still greatly neglected. The circumstances which conducted Genji to the hill-side mansion, and introduced him to the
maiden. In the course of time they gradually became more than mere
acquaintances to each other. For some time Genji often found himself Autumn had now come; Genji was still thoughtful. Lady Aoi saw him but
seldom, and was constantly disquieted by his protracted absence from passionately he had desired to see her. She, however, listened to him
almost in silence, and gave no plain answer. Genji was disconcerted,
and at last said, Thus the modest and virtuous Lady Aoi passed away forever. Night was now advancing, and they unconsciously dropped off to sleep,
when suddenly over the pillow of Genji hovered the figure of a lady of Genji, who witnessed their passing, and sent the following to the
lady-mother with a twig of Sakaki (divine tree):-- "I must see her once more," said Genji, sorrowfully. "I will go with
you to behold her, before she is lost to my sight forever." And he
insisted on accompanying him. From the Court, Genji went to the mansion of Sadaijin. Lady Aoi was as
cool to him as ever. His persuasive eloquence availed him but little. Genji sent his attendants very early to their own quarters, and then,
through Kokimi, requested an interview with the lady. Kokimi at first She was older than Genji by four years, and was as cold and stately in
her mien as ever. Her father, however, received him joyfully whenever
he called, although he was not always satisfied with the
The young Prince, whom we now style Genji (the Gen), was still with
the Emperor, and passed his time pleasantly enough in visiting the After this conversation Genji left. On his way he came across a nephew
of the Empress-mother, who seems to have been a person of rather public was general, and the Emperor went to visit him. Notwithstanding
his weakness, the former gave him every injunction, first about the
Heir-apparent, then about Genji, and said:-- the Emperor, in front of the palace, looking reproachfully upon him.
The Emperor showed every token of submission and respect when the dead
Emperor told him of many things, all of which concerned Genji's In the course of a few days Genji was invited by the Emperor to come
and see him. The latter had scarcely recovered from his indisposition, Genji well remembered the dream which he had dreamt at Suma, and in
which his father, the late ex-Emperor, had made a faint allusion to The Emperor, it is true, never forgot the dying injunctions of his
father, and never failed in sympathy with Genji; but he was still Return we now to Genji. He went to the ex-Emperor, to whom he still
seemed thin and careworn. He had some affectionate conversation with Genji at once showed this to the Emperor, asking whether he had better
go. "Ah!" said the latter, smiling, "This is from a great personage.
You had better go, I should think; besides there are the Princesses
there." Genji, faltered as he did so. As to the Emperor, a sudden thought
stole into his mind. "Ah! could his mother but have lived to have seen In the meantime, public affairs entirely changed their aspects, and
the world seemed at this time to have been divided between the
DajiÃ´daijin and his son-in-law, Genji, by whose influence all things
in public were swayed. Genji, while sympathizing with the anxiety of the Emperor about her,
longed greatly for an opportunity of seeing her, ill though she was.
Hence at this time he went nowhere, but kept himself in his mansion at Emperor, his enemy. When he sent off the assassin this event took
place. The allusion here seems to imply the allegation that Genji
intended high treason.] After they had quitted the mountain, Genji first of all went to the
Palace, where he immediately had an interview with the Emperor, who Sadaijin, the father-in-law of the Prince, here entered, and entreated
Genji to accompany him to his mansion, and spend a few days. Genji did She was older than Genji by four years, and was as cold and stately in
her mien as ever. Her father, however, received him joyfully whenever
he called, although he was not always satisfied with the the Empress-mother (the Princess Wistaria). All the arrangements and
preparations were made, though not quite openly, under the eye of
Genji, who took a parental interest in her. It may be remembered that In the meantime, as time went on, more sympathizers with Genji were
found in the capital, including no less a personage than the Emperor "Not the Prince, your father," uttered Genji, "but I am here, and I
too am your friend. Come here!" The evening breeze blew chill, and Genji it appears was becoming very
indifferent. Choosing this moment TÃ´-no-ChiÃ»jiÃ´ slyly stepped forth to
the spot where Genji was resting.
"Ah, then," thought Genji, "the little one is her daughter, and no
wonder that she resembles the one in the palace (because Prince "Ah, yes," said Genji, venturing upon a guess, "and I heard that she
bore a daughter to Dainagon." She was older than Genji by four years, and was as cold and stately in
her mien as ever. Her father, however, received him joyfully whenever
he called, although he was not always satisfied with the last breath she consigned her daughter to his care. Genji was
thinking, therefore, of introducing her at Court at some future time. by the fierce jealousy of her rivals, she left behind the royal child,
who is no other person than Prince Genji. A woman should always be passionately he had desired to see her. She, however, listened to him
almost in silence, and gave no plain answer. Genji was disconcerted,
and at last said, Genji pushed the hair back from her face, as he said to her, "I am
come from your father;" but this she knew to be false, and was with her. As I told you before she is very bashful and reserved; but
yet is perhaps more desirable for this very reason," and she detailed
many more particulars about her. This enabled Genji to fully picture presented to her father. The latter had for a long time regarded her
as lost, and even now he never forgave the way in which his daughter
had been taken away by Genji. Genji, where she lived happily under the kind care of the Prince,
though he had much difficulty in coming often to see her. I would fain
describe the astonishment of her aunt when she returned from the "Well," said Genji, and bending over his beloved, shook her gently,
but she neither spoke nor moved. She had apparently fainted, and he
became seriously alarmed. conducted Genji to the hill-side mansion, and introduced him to the
maiden. In the course of time they gradually became more than mere
acquaintances to each other. For some time Genji often found himself have spoken before. Yoshikiyo well remembered his lovely daughter,
and, after he came to Suma with Genji, he wrote to her now and then.
He did not get any answer from her, but sometimes heard from her capital. Her health, however, began to fail, and she became a nun, and
after some time died. Before her death Genji visited her, and with her Some were surprised at this change, while others even said, "What a
strange Ishi-kawa!" One only said nothing, but looked down, and thus
betrayed herself as the one whom he was seeking, and Genji was soon at
her side. chamber. She had borne no child to him, and after his death she,
together with a younger sister, was living in straitened
circumstances. Genji had long known both of them, and they were often "See how childish she still is," remarked ShiÃ´nagon.

"Why are you so timid, little one, come here and sleep on my knees,"
said Genji. "If a man had such a daughter, he might be satisfied," thought Genji.
"But perhaps she may be a little deficient in quietness. No matter how
this may be, she has sufficient attractions." noticed that she was scarcely ever with her father, even from
childhood. He strongly disapproved of his daughter being with Genji,
and of the way in which she had been carried off, so he scarcely ever brought about are too long to be given here. Genji visited her often,
but it was with the greatest caution and privacy; he never asked her
when they met any particulars about her past life, nor did he reveal
Genji at once showed this to the Emperor, asking whether he had better
go. "Ah!" said the latter, smiling, "This is from a great personage.
You had better go, I should think; besides there are the Princesses
there." So saying, Sama-no-Kami advanced his seat, and Genji awoke.
TÃ´-no-ChiÃ»jiÃ´ was quite interested in the conversation, and was Genji finished his visit to the Temple, and was coming back, Kokimi
once more came from the capital to meet him. Through him Genji sent a
letter to his sister, asking her if she had recognized him when he This Chikzen-no-Kami had been for some time previously a Kurand (a
sort of equerry) to Genji, therefore his visit was especially welcome The young Prince, whom we now style Genji (the Gen), was still with
the Emperor, and passed his time pleasantly enough in visiting the mother, the late Empress; and her rank therefore was unequivocal. When
to this we add the union of their daughter with Genji, it was easy to He had, however, a personal sympathy with Genji, and thus came to see
him, at the risk of offending the Court. The new reign opened with several changes in public affairs. Genji had
been made Naidaijin. He filled this extra office of Daijin because Now even some Royal Princes would give way to Genji, on account of his
father's favor towards him, but TÃ´-no-ChiÃ»jiÃ´, on the contrary, was considered unfavorable. This Kokimi, as we know, had received much
kindness from Genji up to the time of his becoming a man; but when "That's very good, especially on such a close evening," exclaimed
Genji, rousing himself, and he at once intimated to Ki-no-Kami his Towards the evening Prince Sotz came with TÃ´-no-ChiÃ»jiÃ´ and some
others to pay him a visit. Genji, in order to receive them, rose to As to Genji, he thought he had obtained a position too exalted, and an
influence too great. There were, indeed, several instances of public conducted Genji to the hill-side mansion, and introduced him to the
maiden. In the course of time they gradually became more than mere
acquaintances to each other. For some time Genji often found himself Genji to his exile, and after their return he was more than ever
favored by Genji. This state of things made many feel for the bad
taste of the ordinary weakness of the world, exhibited by the Yoshikiyo then returned and faithfully told Genji all about his
conversation with the priest. When Genji came to reflect, he thought Genji sent his attendants very early to their own quarters, and then,
through Kokimi, requested an interview with the lady. Kokimi at first such intrigues. He tried every means to favor his designs, and to
ingratiate himself with the lady, and at last succeeded in bringing
her and Genji together. The details of the plans by which all this was She was older than Genji by four years, and was as cold and stately in
her mien as ever. Her father, however, received him joyfully whenever
he called, although he was not always satisfied with the In the meantime, as time went on, more sympathizers with Genji were
found in the capital, including no less a personage than the Emperor
Such, then, was the condition of society at the time when the
authoress, Murasaki Shikib, lived; and such was the sphere of her To this another name, Murasaki, was added, in order to distinguish her
from other ladies who may also have been called Shikib. "Murasaki" capital. Her health, however, began to fail, and she became a nun, and
after some time died. Before her death Genji visited her, and with her century after Christ, and was generally called Murasaki Shikib. About
these names a few remarks are necessary. The word "Shikib" means better known by her surname, JiÃ´tÃ´-Monin, and who is especially famous
as having been the patroness of our authoress. Murasaki Shikib married survived her husband, Nobtaka, some years, and spent her latter days
in quiet retirement, dying in the year 992 after Christ. The diary
which she wrote during her retirement is still in existence, and her She was older than Genji by four years, and was as cold and stately in
her mien as ever. Her father, however, received him joyfully whenever
he called, although he was not always satisfied with the alone. I know not how it came to pass, but she became secretly
intimate with Prince HiÃ´bkiÃ´. But the Prince's wife was very jealous and was at this time his survivor. The life that she passed was
somewhat lonely, and her circumstances miserable. TayÃ» mentioned this
young lady to Genji, who exclaimed:-- Azechi Dainagon, who was my uncle. She enjoyed a good reputation, and
when she was introduced at Court, became both prosperous and
distinguished. Although her life was shortened by the suffering caused "See how childish she still is," remarked ShiÃ´nagon.

"Why are you so timid, little one, come here and sleep on my knees,"
said Genji. character were good. She was, however, in spite of her age, still
coquettish, which was her only fault. Genji often felt amused at her
being so young in temperament, and he enjoyed occasionally talking When the time of full mourning was over, ShiÃ´nagon, together with the
young girl, returned to their house in the capital. There one evening There was a lady who had been a Niogo at the Court of the late
ex-Emperor, and who was called Reikeiden-Niogo, from the name of her with her. As I told you before she is very bashful and reserved; but
yet is perhaps more desirable for this very reason," and she detailed
many more particulars about her. This enabled Genji to fully picture By and by she became sleepy, and Genji, as skilfully as any nurse
could, removed all her outer clothing, and placed her on the couch to presentation took place late in the evening, and henceforth she was
called the Niogo of the Ume-Tsubo (plum-chamber), from the name of her
apartment. Let us now proceed to the Princess Wistaria. Since she had been
bereaved of the late Emperor she retired to her private residence. She
fully participated in all those inglorious mortifications to which NijiÃ´, and became thoughtful and preoccupied. At length he endeavored
to cajole Ã MiÃ´bu, Wistaria's attendant, into arranging an opportunity herself. In her youth she was maid of honor to a daughter of the then
prime minister, who became eventually the wife of the Emperor IchijiÃ´,
In the Palace, the Empress-mother was with her Royal son on this day.
He was still a mere boy, and scarcely understood what was going on; When the sagacious Empress-mother heard this, her anger was something
fearful. "See the Emperor," she said; "though he is Emperor, how The conversation then led to the little Prince, the Heir-apparent. The
Emperor said, "Our father has enjoined me to adopt him as my son, and Emperor, was intimately acquainted with the Empress and familiar with
the Princess, her daughter, from her very childhood. This person now
recommended the Emperor to see the Princess, because her features should be brought on the day when the Emperor paid his visit, but it
was postponed to avoid any possible confusion. The boy Prince was
apparently more pleased at seeing his father than concerned at his Meanwhile the Empress-mother, who was by nature sagacious and
revengeful, and who during the late Emperor's life had been fain to Upon this, the Empress-mother interceded. She said, that "The exalted
nobility of Lord HiÃ´ye[131] may not, indeed, be passed over without source of danger. The Emperor, therefore, betrayed no such desire, and
repressed all outward appearance of it. And now the public expressed
its satisfaction at the self-restraint of the Emperor, and the mother A few days after the visit of the Emperor the Heir-apparent was
brought before his dying father. There had been some idea that he After this conversation Genji left. On his way he came across a nephew
of the Empress-mother, who seems to have been a person of rather to the grandmother of the child, and to make inquiries after them. It
was now autumn, and the evening winds blew chill and cold. The
Emperor--who, when he saw the first Prince, could not refrain from There was, however, living at this time a young Princess, the fourth
child of a late Emperor. She had great promise of beauty, and was "I should like to see the boy awake, and to tell the Emperor all about
him, but he will already be impatiently awaiting my return," said the
messenger. And she prepared to depart. upon her. Her eyes were half-closed: she lay like a fading flower in
the last stage of exhaustion, and she became so much enfeebled that
her mother appeared before the Emperor and entreated with tears that The Emperor has at last abdicated his throne, as he has long intended,
in favor of the Heir-apparent, and the only child of the Princess
Wistaria is made Heir-apparent to the new Emperor. proclaimed heir-apparent to the throne. Had the Emperor consulted his
private feelings, he would have substituted the younger Prince for the
elder one. But this was not possible, and, especially for this The Emperor showed equal affection to both of them, and he sometimes
told her that he hoped she would not treat the boy with coldness or proclaimed Empress. Indeed she was the mother of the Heir-apparent,
and had been so for more than twenty years. And the public remarked The suddenness of these changes struck the Empress-mother with
surprise, but she was told by her son that his abdication had been
occasioned by his desire to enjoy quiet and repose. He remembered the prediction of an astrologer who had told him that an
Emperor would be born to him, and another son who would eventually
She was older than Genji by four years, and was as cold and stately in
her mien as ever. Her father, however, received him joyfully whenever
he called, although he was not always satisfied with the character were good. She was, however, in spite of her age, still
coquettish, which was her only fault. Genji often felt amused at her
being so young in temperament, and he enjoyed occasionally talking conducted Genji to the hill-side mansion, and introduced him to the
maiden. In the course of time they gradually became more than mere
acquaintances to each other. For some time Genji often found himself The girl, glancing with shy timidity at Genji, for whom she already
had some liking, and thinking that perhaps there was impropriety in therefore sought her acquaintance. Genji knew nothing of this. It
happened on a cool summer evening that Genji was sauntering round the years. "Ah! I know him," said Genji. "Strange, indeed, would it be if
he were to discover that I am here in this privacy." They noticed a with her. As I told you before she is very bashful and reserved; but
yet is perhaps more desirable for this very reason," and she detailed
many more particulars about her. This enabled Genji to fully picture Genji at once noticed this. "Just as I imagined. She is so simple,"
thought he, and then he commenced to talk with her, and to explain how "See how childish she still is," remarked ShiÃ´nagon.

"Why are you so timid, little one, come here and sleep on my knees,"
said Genji. Such, then, was the condition of society at the time when the
authoress, Murasaki Shikib, lived; and such was the sphere of her Genji finished his visit to the Temple, and was coming back, Kokimi
once more came from the capital to meet him. Through him Genji sent a
letter to his sister, asking her if she had recognized him when he Of these fifty-four chapters, the first forty-one relate to the life
and adventures of Prince Genji; and those which come after refer appearance. It happened that, when the eyes of the younger were turned
in another direction, Genji ventured to touch slightly the shoulder of
his favorite, who, startled at the action rose suddenly and left the brought about are too long to be given here. Genji visited her often,
but it was with the greatest caution and privacy; he never asked her
when they met any particulars about her past life, nor did he reveal capital. Her health, however, began to fail, and she became a nun, and
after some time died. Before her death Genji visited her, and with her passionately he had desired to see her. She, however, listened to him
almost in silence, and gave no plain answer. Genji was disconcerted,
and at last said, "How timid the little girl must feel!" thought Genji, as he was shown
in. ShiÃ´nagon now told him with tearful eyes every circumstance which too zealous, or, we may say, jealous; besides, her age exceeded that
of Genji by some years. The following incident will illustrate the
state of matters between them:-- *       *       *       *       *




GENJI MONOGATARI

BY

MURASAKI SHIKIB graceful head was very pleasing. Genji, as he surveyed the scene from
without, thought within himself, "If she is thus fair in her girlhood,
Sadaijin had several children. One of them, who was the issue of his
Royal wife, was the Kurand ShiÃ´shiÃ´. These last words alluding to the object which occupied his thoughts
caused Genji to start, but he said with apparent calmness--

"Has the lady presented you yet with a brother or a sister?" She was older than Genji by four years, and was as cold and stately in
her mien as ever. Her father, however, received him joyfully whenever
he called, although he was not always satisfied with the Of these fifty-four chapters, the first forty-one relate to the life
and adventures of Prince Genji; and those which come after refer chamber. She had borne no child to him, and after his death she,
together with a younger sister, was living in straitened
circumstances. Genji had long known both of them, and they were often "Ah, then," thought Genji, "the little one is her daughter, and no
wonder that she resembles the one in the palace (because Prince Genji, who witnessed their passing, and sent the following to the
lady-mother with a twig of Sakaki (divine tree):-- Genji pushed the hair back from her face, as he said to her, "I am
come from your father;" but this she knew to be false, and was capital. Her health, however, began to fail, and she became a nun, and
after some time died. Before her death Genji visited her, and with her considered unfavorable. This Kokimi, as we know, had received much
kindness from Genji up to the time of his becoming a man; but when have spoken before. Yoshikiyo well remembered his lovely daughter,
and, after he came to Suma with Genji, he wrote to her now and then.
He did not get any answer from her, but sometimes heard from her "The ChiÃ»jiÃ´ told me once," said Genji, "that she had a little one.
Was there any such?" Kokimi still made no reply. Genji closed his eyes but could not
sleep, so he started up and, taking writing materials, began to write,
apparently without any fixed purpose, and indited the following
distich:-- same time saying "Ten! twenty! thirty! forty!" When Genji came in this
way to see them together, he perceived that his idol, in the matter of "See how childish she still is," remarked ShiÃ´nagon.

"Why are you so timid, little one, come here and sleep on my knees,"
said Genji. by the fierce jealousy of her rivals, she left behind the royal child,
who is no other person than Prince Genji. A woman should always be conducted Genji to the hill-side mansion, and introduced him to the
maiden. In the course of time they gradually became more than mere
acquaintances to each other. For some time Genji often found himself years. "Ah! I know him," said Genji. "Strange, indeed, would it be if
he were to discover that I am here in this privacy." They noticed a So saying TÃ´-no-ChiÃ»jiÃ´ paused, and appeared as if he were ashamed of
having such an experience, when Genji smilingly remarked, "Can any one
of them, however, exist without at least one good point?" favorite and her indifference. Kokimi said nothing. Genji then
murmured, "I was clearly slighted. Oh wretched me! I cannot rival the
Genji at last made up his mind to undergo a voluntary exile, before
the opinion of the Imperial Court should be publicly announced against told that Genji was there in exile. Daini therefore sent his son
Chikzen-no-Kami to the Prince with these words: "Coming back from a father, to whom Genji's exile became soon known, and who wished to see
him for a reason not altogether agreeable to himself. It should be
remembered that this old man always entertained aspirations on behalf Genji to his exile, and after their return he was more than ever
favored by Genji. This state of things made many feel for the bad
taste of the ordinary weakness of the world, exhibited by the FOOTNOTES:

[Footnote 106: When a person was exiled, he was generally deprived of
his own title, or was degraded. Genji appears to have been deprived of
his.] This recalls to our mind that there was in the olden time an exile
who gave a stanza even to the postmaster of a village.[110] Why then
should not Genji have sent to her whom he knew this stanza? Genji had to quit the capital he left him and joined his
brother-in-law in his official province. This was not viewed as very
satisfactory; but Genji manifested no bad feeling to him, and treated As to Genji, he thought he had obtained a position too exalted, and an
influence too great. There were, indeed, several instances of public [Footnote 64: The authoress represents her in a subsequent chapter as
suffering punishment in the next world for this sin. The real cause of
Genji's exile is also supposed to have resulted from the same sin.] Emperor, his enemy. When he sent off the assassin this event took
place. The allusion here seems to imply the allegation that Genji
intended high treason.] He had, however, a personal sympathy with Genji, and thus came to see
him, at the risk of offending the Court. The evening breeze blew chill, and Genji it appears was becoming very
indifferent. Choosing this moment TÃ´-no-ChiÃ»jiÃ´ slyly stepped forth to
the spot where Genji was resting. Genji at once showed this to the Emperor, asking whether he had better
go. "Ah!" said the latter, smiling, "This is from a great personage.
You had better go, I should think; besides there are the Princesses
there." Such being the state of things, Sadaijin seldom appeared at Court, and
his loss of influence became manifest. Genji, too, had become less The Emperor then constantly told her that if Genji were left in his
present condition it might induce evil, and, therefore, it would be The priest said one day to his wife, "Prince Genji, the imperial son
of the KÃ´yi of Kiritsubo is now at Suma in exile, having offended the Return we now to Genji. He went to the ex-Emperor, to whom he still
seemed thin and careworn. He had some affectionate conversation with Genji was now alone. He tried to doze, but could not. It was late in
the evening, and all was still around. His sharpened senses made him When Genji was an exile on the sea-coast, many people had been longing
for his return. Among these was the Princess Hitachi. She was, as we considered unfavorable. This Kokimi, as we know, had received much
kindness from Genji up to the time of his becoming a man; but when
Genji pushed the hair back from her face, as he said to her, "I am
come from your father;" but this she knew to be false, and was "Ah, then," thought Genji, "the little one is her daughter, and no
wonder that she resembles the one in the palace (because Prince what another had thought best to reserve," replied Ukon. "Her parents
died when she was a mere girl. Her father was called Sammi-ChiÃ»jiÃ´, She was older than Genji by four years, and was as cold and stately in
her mien as ever. Her father, however, received him joyfully whenever
he called, although he was not always satisfied with the ShiÃ´nagon was thunderstruck. "We are expecting her father to-morrow,
and what are we to say to him?" She added, "Surely, you can find some
better opportunity to manage matters than this." Her father, who was a Dainagon,[4] was dead; but her mother, being a
woman of good sense, gave her every possible guidance in the due She was the daughter of Fujiwara Tametoki, a petty Court noble,
remotely connected with the great family of Fujiwara, in the tenth It was about this time that the daughter of Iyo-no-Kami was engaged to
a certain Kurando ShiÃ´shiÃ´, and he was her frequent visitor. Genji presented to her father. The latter had for a long time regarded her
as lost, and even now he never forgave the way in which his daughter
had been taken away by Genji. alone. I know not how it came to pass, but she became secretly
intimate with Prince HiÃ´bkiÃ´. But the Prince's wife was very jealous have spoken before. Yoshikiyo well remembered his lovely daughter,
and, after he came to Suma with Genji, he wrote to her now and then.
He did not get any answer from her, but sometimes heard from her The introduction of the late SaigÃ», the daughter of the Lady of
RokjiÃ´, at Court, was now arranged to take place, with the approval of me clearly." At these words, strange to say, the face of the Lady Aoi
seemed momentarily to assume the likeness of that of RokjiÃ´. On this, Genji and his father-in-law were subjected. She was convinced she
would never suffer such cruel treatment as that which Seki-Foojin[98] The enunciation of these words was not that of Lady Aoi herself; and
when Genji came to reflect, it clearly belonged to the Lady of RokjiÃ´. MITSUNAKA.--As thou well knowest, Bijiyau was mine only child. Go and
call thy son Kauzhiyu, and I will adopt him as mine heir. Udaijin, to whose daughter, as you know, TÃ´-no-ChiÃ»jiÃ´ is married.
Poor girl, she was terrified at this. She knew not what to do, and hid Sadaijin had several children. One of them, who was the issue of his
Royal wife, was the Kurand ShiÃ´shiÃ´. when this may happen is uncertain--what shall I do?" He at last
decided to carry her off secretly to his own mansion in NijiÃ´. True, a noble, named Nobtaka, to whom she bore a daughter, who, herself,
wrote a work of fiction, called "Sagoromo" (narrow sleeves). She
Genji pushed the hair back from her face, as he said to her, "I am
come from your father;" but this she knew to be false, and was She was older than Genji by four years, and was as cold and stately in
her mien as ever. Her father, however, received him joyfully whenever
he called, although he was not always satisfied with the the Empress-mother (the Princess Wistaria). All the arrangements and
preparations were made, though not quite openly, under the eye of
Genji, who took a parental interest in her. It may be remembered that Genji and his father-in-law were subjected. She was convinced she
would never suffer such cruel treatment as that which Seki-Foojin[98] "Not the Prince, your father," uttered Genji, "but I am here, and I
too am your friend. Come here!" Genji, faltered as he did so. As to the Emperor, a sudden thought
stole into his mind. "Ah! could his mother but have lived to have seen presented to her father. The latter had for a long time regarded her
as lost, and even now he never forgave the way in which his daughter
had been taken away by Genji. Genji, who witnessed their passing, and sent the following to the
lady-mother with a twig of Sakaki (divine tree):-- Genji well remembered the dream which he had dreamt at Suma, and in
which his father, the late ex-Emperor, had made a faint allusion to The young Prince, whom we now style Genji (the Gen), was still with
the Emperor, and passed his time pleasantly enough in visiting the father, to whom Genji's exile became soon known, and who wished to see
him for a reason not altogether agreeable to himself. It should be
remembered that this old man always entertained aspirations on behalf "Ah, then," thought Genji, "the little one is her daughter, and no
wonder that she resembles the one in the palace (because Prince and full of mirth and life. Genji was wont to make her useful when in
the palace. Her father, who had been remotely connected with the Royal Kokimi still made no reply. Genji closed his eyes but could not
sleep, so he started up and, taking writing materials, began to write,
apparently without any fixed purpose, and indited the following
distich:-- Genji at once showed this to the Emperor, asking whether he had better
go. "Ah!" said the latter, smiling, "This is from a great personage.
You had better go, I should think; besides there are the Princesses
there." After this conversation Genji left. On his way he came across a nephew
of the Empress-mother, who seems to have been a person of rather Genji, while sympathizing with the anxiety of the Emperor about her,
longed greatly for an opportunity of seeing her, ill though she was.
Hence at this time he went nowhere, but kept himself in his mansion at The long-continued rainy weather had now cleared up bright and fine,
and the Prince Genji proceeded to the mansion of his father-in-law, daughter--that is, the Empress-mother, and told her that he had found
papers which clearly were in the handwriting of Genji, and that though conducted Genji to the hill-side mansion, and introduced him to the
maiden. In the course of time they gradually became more than mere
acquaintances to each other. For some time Genji often found himself
The young Prince, whom we now style Genji (the Gen), was still with
the Emperor, and passed his time pleasantly enough in visiting the Genji at once showed this to the Emperor, asking whether he had better
go. "Ah!" said the latter, smiling, "This is from a great personage.
You had better go, I should think; besides there are the Princesses
there." Genji still resided in the palace, where his society was a source of
much pleasure to the Emperor, and he did not take up his abode in a Return we now to Genji. He went to the ex-Emperor, to whom he still
seemed thin and careworn. He had some affectionate conversation with After this conversation Genji left. On his way he came across a nephew
of the Empress-mother, who seems to have been a person of rather He had, however, a personal sympathy with Genji, and thus came to see
him, at the risk of offending the Court. Genji, while sympathizing with the anxiety of the Emperor about her,
longed greatly for an opportunity of seeing her, ill though she was.
Hence at this time he went nowhere, but kept himself in his mansion at the Emperor, in front of the palace, looking reproachfully upon him.
The Emperor showed every token of submission and respect when the dead
Emperor told him of many things, all of which concerned Genji's In the course of a few days Genji was invited by the Emperor to come
and see him. The latter had scarcely recovered from his indisposition, This Chikzen-no-Kami had been for some time previously a Kurand (a
sort of equerry) to Genji, therefore his visit was especially welcome Emperor, his enemy. When he sent off the assassin this event took
place. The allusion here seems to imply the allegation that Genji
intended high treason.] After they had quitted the mountain, Genji first of all went to the
Palace, where he immediately had an interview with the Emperor, who Genji, faltered as he did so. As to the Emperor, a sudden thought
stole into his mind. "Ah! could his mother but have lived to have seen The Emperor, it is true, never forgot the dying injunctions of his
father, and never failed in sympathy with Genji; but he was still encourage him. He had, on the other hand, some idea of Genji, and had
sounded the Emperor on the subject. He regarded the idea with favor, public was general, and the Emperor went to visit him. Notwithstanding
his weakness, the former gave him every injunction, first about the
Heir-apparent, then about Genji, and said:-- Genji well remembered the dream which he had dreamt at Suma, and in
which his father, the late ex-Emperor, had made a faint allusion to the Empress-mother (the Princess Wistaria). All the arrangements and
preparations were made, though not quite openly, under the eye of
Genji, who took a parental interest in her. It may be remembered that conducted Genji to the hill-side mansion, and introduced him to the
maiden. In the course of time they gradually became more than mere
acquaintances to each other. For some time Genji often found himself Genji to his exile, and after their return he was more than ever
favored by Genji. This state of things made many feel for the bad
taste of the ordinary weakness of the world, exhibited by the
NijiÃ´, and became thoughtful and preoccupied. At length he endeavored
to cajole Ã MiÃ´bu, Wistaria's attendant, into arranging an opportunity when this may happen is uncertain--what shall I do?" He at last
decided to carry her off secretly to his own mansion in NijiÃ´. True, The evening breeze blew chill, and Genji it appears was becoming very
indifferent. Choosing this moment TÃ´-no-ChiÃ»jiÃ´ slyly stepped forth to
the spot where Genji was resting. Then takes his leave, low bending to the dust.
    Forward they're borne; but Nakamitsu stays,
    Watching and weeping with heart-broken gaze, improvement. He then left and returned to his mansion in NijiÃ´, where
he saw the young Violet innocently amusing herself. She wore with alone. I know not how it came to pass, but she became secretly
intimate with Prince HiÃ´bkiÃ´. But the Prince's wife was very jealous favorite and her indifference. Kokimi said nothing. Genji then
murmured, "I was clearly slighted. Oh wretched me! I cannot rival the The ChiÃ»jiÃ´ spoke not a word lest he should betray himself, but making
a pretended angry expostulation, he drew his sword. All at once the So mournfully finished TÃ´-no-ChiÃ»jiÃ´; and all his companions, who had
been attentively listening, burst simultaneously into laughter at his
last allusion. "Nonsense, nonsense!" cried Genji and the others, who either were, or
pretended to be, quite shocked. "Where can there be such a woman as "And now, Shikib, it is your turn. Tell us your story," exclaimed
TÃ´-no-ChiÃ»jiÃ´, turning to him.

"What worth hearing can your humble servant tell you?" While this was going on, Genji arrived on the scene. He suggested to
them that if there was any competition at all it should be decided on TÃ´-no-ChiÃ»jiÃ´ gently approached him. They had, as usual, some pathetic
conversation, and then the latter hummed, as if to himself-- some particular arrangements to make at his mansion at NijiÃ´, but that
he would soon return to her. He soon started, Koremitz alone following
him on horseback. Shikib-no-JiÃ´, however, quietly remarked: "I have nothing else to
relate," and remained silent.

Hereupon a conversation took place to the following effect:-- Hitherto Genji did not confide the story of his relations with the
maiden of Akashi to Violet, but he thought he had better do so, as the On the return of the MiÃ´bu she found that the Emperor had not yet
retired to rest. He was really awaiting her return, but was apparently _Sosei._


XXIV

_Parting_ "When Naishi-no-Ske returned from you," said the MiÃ´bu, "she reported
to the Emperor that when she saw you, face to face, her sympathy for "Do take my horse and ride back to NijiÃ´ at once," he said, and
ordered the horse for him. Then taking Ukon away in the same carriage
She was a charming lady, and the Emperor was not without a certain
liking for her; yet Lady Kokiden, the daughter of Gon-ChiÃ»nagon with her. As I told you before she is very bashful and reserved; but
yet is perhaps more desirable for this very reason," and she detailed
many more particulars about her. This enabled Genji to fully picture Genji at once showed this to the Emperor, asking whether he had better
go. "Ah!" said the latter, smiling, "This is from a great personage.
You had better go, I should think; besides there are the Princesses
there." "Ah, then," thought Genji, "the little one is her daughter, and no
wonder that she resembles the one in the palace (because Prince During these autumn evenings the thoughts of Genji were often directed
to the granddaughter of the nun, especially because she resembled the
Princess so much. His desire to possess her was considerably "When Naishi-no-Ske returned from you," said the MiÃ´bu, "she reported
to the Emperor that when she saw you, face to face, her sympathy for Genji at once noticed this. "Just as I imagined. She is so simple,"
thought he, and then he commenced to talk with her, and to explain how passionately he had desired to see her. She, however, listened to him
almost in silence, and gave no plain answer. Genji was disconcerted,
and at last said, "See how childish she still is," remarked ShiÃ´nagon.

"Why are you so timid, little one, come here and sleep on my knees,"
said Genji. favorite and her indifference. Kokimi said nothing. Genji then
murmured, "I was clearly slighted. Oh wretched me! I cannot rival the alone. I know not how it came to pass, but she became secretly
intimate with Prince HiÃ´bkiÃ´. But the Prince's wife was very jealous Genji, while sympathizing with the anxiety of the Emperor about her,
longed greatly for an opportunity of seeing her, ill though she was.
Hence at this time he went nowhere, but kept himself in his mansion at On the return of the MiÃ´bu she found that the Emperor had not yet
retired to rest. He was really awaiting her return, but was apparently The priest said one day to his wife, "Prince Genji, the imperial son
of the KÃ´yi of Kiritsubo is now at Suma in exile, having offended the For these reasons she retired while her brother was with Genji, to a
private chamber of ChiÃ»jiÃ´, her companion, in the rear of the main mother, the late Empress; and her rank therefore was unequivocal. When
to this we add the union of their daughter with Genji, it was easy to such intrigues. He tried every means to favor his designs, and to
ingratiate himself with the lady, and at last succeeded in bringing
her and Genji together. The details of the plans by which all this was Genji observing this movement quickly returned to the monastery,
thinking as he went what a lovely girl he had seen. "I can guess from Emperor, was intimately acquainted with the Empress and familiar with
the Princess, her daughter, from her very childhood. This person now
recommended the Emperor to see the Princess, because her features one of these. The Prince Genji seems to have made her the object of
some attentions. He is not one to waste his time without reason. He
knows what he is doing."
Of these fifty-four chapters, the first forty-one relate to the life
and adventures of Prince Genji; and those which come after refer conducted Genji to the hill-side mansion, and introduced him to the
maiden. In the course of time they gradually became more than mere
acquaintances to each other. For some time Genji often found himself capital. Her health, however, began to fail, and she became a nun, and
after some time died. Before her death Genji visited her, and with her The priest said one day to his wife, "Prince Genji, the imperial son
of the KÃ´yi of Kiritsubo is now at Suma in exile, having offended the sex. And his Court was full of ladies who were well versed in the ways
of the world. Some of these would occasionally amuse themselves by
paying attentions to Genji. We will here relate the following amusing She was older than Genji by four years, and was as cold and stately in
her mien as ever. Her father, however, received him joyfully whenever
he called, although he was not always satisfied with the And, after a long and friendly conversation, Genji returned to his
home. One may say that the character of Genji was changeable, it is Genji and his father-in-law were subjected. She was convinced she
would never suffer such cruel treatment as that which Seki-Foojin[98] same time saying "Ten! twenty! thirty! forty!" When Genji came in this
way to see them together, he perceived that his idol, in the matter of "Well," said Genji, and bending over his beloved, shook her gently,
but she neither spoke nor moved. She had apparently fainted, and he
became seriously alarmed. years. "Ah! I know him," said Genji. "Strange, indeed, would it be if
he were to discover that I am here in this privacy." They noticed a Night was now advancing, and they unconsciously dropped off to sleep,
when suddenly over the pillow of Genji hovered the figure of a lady of passionately he had desired to see her. She, however, listened to him
almost in silence, and gave no plain answer. Genji was disconcerted,
and at last said, Kokimi still made no reply. Genji closed his eyes but could not
sleep, so he started up and, taking writing materials, began to write,
apparently without any fixed purpose, and indited the following
distich:-- present, and participated, Genji being one of them. Different presents
were made by them all. At the end of the third day's performance her
vows of retirement were, to the surprise of all, announced by the So saying TÃ´-no-ChiÃ»jiÃ´ paused, and appeared as if he were ashamed of
having such an experience, when Genji smilingly remarked, "Can any one
of them, however, exist without at least one good point?" "If a man had such a daughter, he might be satisfied," thought Genji.
"But perhaps she may be a little deficient in quietness. No matter how
this may be, she has sufficient attractions." Genji was now alone. He tried to doze, but could not. It was late in
the evening, and all was still around. His sharpened senses made him Genji, who witnessed their passing, and sent the following to the
lady-mother with a twig of Sakaki (divine tree):-- Genji, where she lived happily under the kind care of the Prince,
though he had much difficulty in coming often to see her. I would fain
describe the astonishment of her aunt when she returned from the
you will no longer pain me thus," said Genji; and he made every effort
to conciliate her. But she was not easily appeased. He was
unsuccessful in his effort, and presently they retired to their She went back again to her toys, and presented a toy prince, whom she
called Genji, at the Court of her toy house. ShiÃ´nagon was beside her.
She said:-- capital. Her health, however, began to fail, and she became a nun, and
after some time died. Before her death Genji visited her, and with her Genji, where she lived happily under the kind care of the Prince,
though he had much difficulty in coming often to see her. I would fain
describe the astonishment of her aunt when she returned from the present, and participated, Genji being one of them. Different presents
were made by them all. At the end of the third day's performance her
vows of retirement were, to the surprise of all, announced by the Now the young maiden also, whom Genji had left behind at Akashi, and
who had been in delicate health, did not pass away from his thoughts. passionately he had desired to see her. She, however, listened to him
almost in silence, and gave no plain answer. Genji was disconcerted,
and at last said, Genji had to quit the capital he left him and joined his
brother-in-law in his official province. This was not viewed as very
satisfactory; but Genji manifested no bad feeling to him, and treated Genji at once showed this to the Emperor, asking whether he had better
go. "Ah!" said the latter, smiling, "This is from a great personage.
You had better go, I should think; besides there are the Princesses
there." Genji finished his visit to the Temple, and was coming back, Kokimi
once more came from the capital to meet him. Through him Genji sent a
letter to his sister, asking her if she had recognized him when he "Do you mean to send me away again disappointed? How inglorious it
is," replied Genji.

"No; why so? The lady may leave shortly. I will then announce you." The priest said one day to his wife, "Prince Genji, the imperial son
of the KÃ´yi of Kiritsubo is now at Suma in exile, having offended the It was then that he was informed by Koremitz that he had seen the
maiden of Akashi in a boat. On the morrow Genji and his party set off
for their homes. As they proceeded Genji hummed, Koremitz recognized her as an aunt of the latter. He then asked her
about the Princess, and told her of Genji's intention. To his left her to receive his friends, who, however, did not remain long,
leaving the mansion after a short conversation of a consolatory
nature. This evening Genji paid his visit to the sisters of the After this conversation Genji left. On his way he came across a nephew
of the Empress-mother, who seems to have been a person of rather Such, then, was the condition of society at the time when the
authoress, Murasaki Shikib, lived; and such was the sphere of her "Well," said Genji, and bending over his beloved, shook her gently,
but she neither spoke nor moved. She had apparently fainted, and he
became seriously alarmed. with her. As I told you before she is very bashful and reserved; but
yet is perhaps more desirable for this very reason," and she detailed
many more particulars about her. This enabled Genji to fully picture Some were surprised at this change, while others even said, "What a
strange Ishi-kawa!" One only said nothing, but looked down, and thus
betrayed herself as the one whom he was seeking, and Genji was soon at
her side.
How do Genji's feelings change toward his stepmother, Lady Fujitsubo? Who is Murasaki to Lady Fujitsubo? Who does Genji want Murasaki to be like? What is Emperor Suzaku forced to do to Genji as a result of his affair? Knowing Genji is his real father, what does Reizei do for him when he becomes Emperor? Who is Karou's real father? Who are the two main characters in "The Uji Chapters"? What happens as a result of Genji having problems with his wife and his frustration involving Lady Fujitsubo? What is the main concentration of the story? Who is Hikaru Genji's father? What was Genji's sir name changed to? How old was Genji when his mother died? Who is the father of Reizei? Who does Genji marry after Lady Aoe dies? Who becomes Emporer after Genji's father dies? She gives birth to Genji's only daughter? Who raises Genji's rank? What does murasaki become late in life? Who is the Emperess' son? How old is Murasaki when she meets Genji? How many biological children does Genji have? Why was Genji exiled? Who are Kaoru's biological parents? Who are Genji's parents? What is Genji's relationship with Emperor Suzaku? What is the conflict between Kaoru and Niou at the end of the story? Why does Emperor Kiritsubo choose Lady Fujitsubo as his wife? How many wives does Genji have? What does Murasaki do after Genji's marriage to the Third Princess?
He falls in love with her. He falls in love with her.
Her niece. Lady Fujitsubo's niece.
Lady Fujitsubo. Lady Fujitsubu
Exile him. exiles him
He raises his rank to the highest possible. Raises his rank
Kashiwagi. Genji's nephew.
Karou and Niou. Kaoru and Niou.
He begins having love affairs with other women. He engages in unfulfilling love afffairs.
Genji's romantic life. The life of Hikaru Genji.
Emperor Kiritsubo Emporer Kiritsubo
Minamoto Minamoto.
Three years old three
Genji Genji
Murasaki Lady Fujitsubo
Suzaku Suzaku
Akashi's daughter Akashi's daughter
His son Reizei emporer reizei
A nun A nun.
Niou Reizei.
10 years old. 10.
He has three children, two sons and one daughter. 3
His affair with Oborozukiyo, one of Emperor Suzaku's concubines, is discovered. Genji's secret affair with Emperor Suzaku's concubine is exposed.
The Third Princess and Genji's nephew. The third princess and Genji's nephew
Emperor Kiritsubo and the concubine Lady Kiritsubo. Emperor Kiritsubo and Lady Kiritsubo 
They are half-brothers. They are half-brothers.
Kaoru believes that Niou has stolen the woman he loves. They have a rivalry over daughters of an Uji prince. 
She resembles Lady Kiritsubo, who died. she resembles his deceased concubine
He has three wives, Lady Aoi, Murasaki, and the Third Princess. 3
She becomes a bikuni (nun). Becomes a nun