Ugetsu Monogatari or Tales of Moonlight and Rain (Routledge Revivals)

by Ueda Akinari

‘You mustn't speak in such a fainthearted manner,’ advised Samon. ‘Generally a fever like yours lasts a certain number of days. Then it's over, and it doesn't stop you from living to an old age. In the meantime, I'll come daily and take care of you.’

  Samon did just as he promised and devoted himself to saving the man. As a result, the illness gradually left his body. The sick man regained his strength and profusely thanked the master of the house. He praised Samon for his charity129 and asked about his occupation, and he also spoke of his own circumstances.

  ‘To begin with, my name is Akana130 Sōemon. I was born and raised in the village of Matsue,131 in the province of Izumo. Because I gained some knowledge of the military classics,132 the lord of Tomita Castle,133 Enya Kamonnosuke,134 made me his teacher and studied under my direction. Later, he chose me for a secret mission to Sasaki Ujitsuna,135 of Ōmi. During my stay in Ujitsuna's residence, the previous lord of Tomita, Amako Tsunehisa,136 together with the Yamanakas137 and their supporters stormed the castle by surprise on New Year's Eve.138 My lord, Kamon, was among those who perished in the battle.

  ‘Because the province of Izumo has been a Sasaki domain since earlier times,’ Akana continued, ‘and the Enyas were the constable's representatives, I urged Ujitsuna to help Mizawa and Mitoya139 destroy Tsunehisa. But Ujitsuna was an incompetent general; though he put on a brave front, he was really a coward at heart, and he gave no assistance. Instead, he kept me in his province. It was no use staying there any longer, so I stole away with my bare life, and on the way back to my province I came down with this sickness and had to put you to all this trouble. I owe you more than my life in turn for your kindness. Even if it takes me the rest of my days, I shall certainly repay you.’

  ‘Not to remain indifferent140 to what one sees,’ replied Samon, ‘is the essence of being human. I don't deserve any special thanks. Just stay here until you get better.’

  Encouraged by Samon's sincerity, Akana in a few days felt almost completely well, and meanwhile Samon discovered that he had found a good friend. In their conversations day and night Akana began to speak somewhat inarticulately of the classical philosophers and their schools, and Samon respected his swift and penetrating insight.141 Because of Akana's long familiarity with the military arts, here the two men found perfect agreement. Admiring each other and happy to be together, they swore vows of brotherhood. Akana, being the elder by five years, accepted the privilege of being senior.

  ‘I lost my father and mother long ago,’ he said. ‘But now your aged mother142 is my own. Please give me the honour of meeting her. Do you think that she would understand such a childish desire ?’

  Samon was overwhelmed with delight. ‘Mother has always been worried about my being so alone. When I tell her of what you've said, she'll feel that years have been added to her life.’ Together they visited his home.

  ‘My son has little talent,’ said the old mother, happy to meet him. ‘Nor are his studies in step with the times. He has lost all chance for a call from the blue clouds. I beg of you, do not leave him; teach him as an elder brother should.’

  ‘A gentleman values honour143 and gives no thought to fame or wealth,’ replied Akana, with a bow. ‘Today a mother has honoured me with love. A brother has honoured me with respect. Beyond this, what more could I ask for ?’ He remained in their home for some time amid joy and happiness.

  Yesterday and today144 they were blooming, but now the blossoms on the summit of Onoe145 have all fallen. Despite the chilling breeze that blew, and the sweeping waves,146 one could tell from all the signs that summer was drawing near. ‘The reason that I fled from Omi,’ said Akana to Samon and his mother one day, ‘was to find out what's happening in Izumo, so I'll go there and see and then presently return. Though I may slave on peas porridge and water,147 I'll be sure to repay you for your kindness. For now, please let me depart.’

  ‘If indeed you must leave, brother, when do you think that you'll be back ?’

  ‘Time passes so quickly,’ said Akana. ‘At the most, it won't be later than this autumn.’

  ‘What day then shall I pick to wait?’ said Samon. ‘By all means, let's name one for our meeting.’

  ‘Let us set the Chrysanthemum Festival, the Ninth Day of the Ninth Month,148 as the date for my return,’ said Akana.

  8 ‘In the hedges the wild chrysanthemums burst into bloom’ (p. 113). Painting by Yosa Buson (1716-1784), ‘The Pleasures of Autumn,’ from an album made in 1771, in collaboration with Ike Taiga, ‘Ten Conveniences and Ten Pleasures’ (Jūben jūgi). (In the collection of the late Kawabata Yasunari; from Buson ihō; National Treasure.)

  9 ‘He left and hurried toward the capital’ (p. 122). Painting by Yosa Buson. (Formerly in the collection of Mutō Sanji; from Buson gashū.)

  ‘Brother, on that day don't forget me,’ said Samon. ‘A sprig of chrysanthemums and some thin wine will be ready and waiting for you.’ After they exchanged their faithful promises, Akana left to go West.

  Each fresh month and day149 slipped quickly by. The holly berries on the lower branches began to change their colour. In the hedges the wild chrysanthemums burst into bloom, as the Ninth Month arrived. On the Ninth Day Samon arose earlier than usual.150 He cleaned the matting in the thatched hut, placed two or three stems151 of yellow and white chrysanthemums in a small vase, and emptied his purse to buy wine and rice.

  ‘The province of Izumo,152 where he set out from,’ said his aged mother, ‘lies far beyond the mountains.153 I have heard that it is a hundred leagues away.154 You cannot be certain that he will arrive today, and after he appears it will hardly be too late to get things ready.’

  ‘Akana is a warrior155 true to his word,’ replied Samon. ‘He would never forget our meeting. I'd be ashamed of what he'd think if he saw me bustling about after his arrival.’ The wine was the best, the fish was fresh, and everything was ready in the kitchen as he waited for his friend.

  There was not a cloud in the sky, and it was clear for miles around. Travellers, who used the grass for their pillow, spoke to one another as they passed.

  ‘Today is a splendid day for so-and-so to reach the capital,’ said one.

  ‘It's a sign that business is bound to be good,’ replied his fellow.

  A warrior of fifty or more years was talking to one of about twenty, similarly attired. ‘Since the day has turned out to be so nice,’156 he complained, ‘if we had caught a boat at Akashi157 and left on the first sailing this morning,158 we'd be almost to the stopover at the Ushimado159 straits. You young people are too timid, and you're always wasting a great deal of money.’

  ‘But when our lord went to the capital,’ replied the younger man to console him, ‘and crossed from Azukijima160 to Murozu,161 he ran into all kinds of trouble – at least according to what the people in his party said. So when you stop to think about it, ferry crossings around here162 are always something to avoid. Don't be angry. In Uogahashi163 I'll treat you to buckwheat noodles.’

  A packhorse driver lost his temper, ‘Hey, you dead nag! Open your eyes,’ and he pushed the packsaddle back into place and drove the beast forward.

  Although the afternoon gradually drew to a close, the man Samon was waiting for still had not come. The sun sank in the west. Feeling tense and upset, Samon watched the hurry-scurry of legs hastening to find a lodging place, his eyes constantly fixed on the distance.

  His mother called him and said, ‘Don't think him fickle, like the autumn sky;164 after all, the chrysanthemum's deep hue lasts for more than a day. What right would you have to complain so long as he keeps his word and comes back, even though it might be the season for the late autumn rains to begin ? Come in and lie down for a while, and then wait again tomorrow.’

  Samon found it hard to refuse, but he induced his mother to go to bed first. Hoping against hope, he stepped outside the door and looked about. The Milky Way shimmered165 with a pale light. The moon's icy wheel shed its glow on him, aggravating his loneliness. A watchdog's bark rang out through
the clear air, and the sound of the waves in the bay seemed as if surging round the very place where he stood.166 The moon presently disappeared behind the mountain peaks, and about to give up, Samon decided to go back in and close the door, when he happened to take a last look.167 Out of the dim shadows a man emerged, as if mysteriously borne on the wind. It was Akana Sōemon!

  Samon's heart leaped for joy. ‘I have been waiting for you since early this morning,’ he exclaimed. ‘True to your promise, you've returned, and how happy I am. Please come in.’

  The figure, however, merely nodded and said nothing. Samon led him in, showed Akana to a cushion facing the southern window,168 and bade him sit down.

  ii Chrysanthemum Tryst: In one stroke Samon avenges the death of his brother Sōemon

  ‘You were so late in getting here’, said Samon, ‘that mother grew tired of waiting; thinking that you'd come tomorrow, she has gone to bed. Shall I wake her up ?’

  Akana once again shook his head negatively, still remaining silent.

  ‘After pressing on through the night,’ said Samon, ‘surely you're worn out, and your legs must be tired. Please relax and let me pour you a cup of wine.’ So saying, he warmed the wine, arranged the fish, and invited Akana to eat. But Akana covered his face with his sleeve,169 as though he were trying to avoid the smell.

  ‘Perhaps my poor efforts170 are unworthy to entertain you,’ said Samon, ‘but I have tried my best. Please don't think ill of me.’

  Although Akana again made no answer, he breathed a long sigh. Shortly thereafter he spoke saying, ‘How could I ever refuse your sincere hospitality?171 I shall not deceive you. I'll tell you the truth. But you mustn't let yourself be surprised. I am not a being of this mortal world;172 my ghost has appeared to you in human form.’

  ‘How can you say such a terrible thing?’ said Samon in astonishment. ‘And yet, I can't be dreaming.’

  ‘After we parted,’ said Akana, ‘I went back to my province. Most of my countrymen had submitted to Tsunehisa's power, and no one spoke about the good old days under Enya. I have a cousin named Akana Tanji, who was in Tomita Castle. I called on him, and after convincing me of the advantages,173 he arranged for me to meet Tsunehisa. I pretended to agree with Tsunehisa's views, and I carefully observed his actions. He was an exceedingly brave man, and he trained his troops carefully; still, he was as suspicious as a fox of anyone who showed intelligence, and I found no retainers who were of faithful heart and served as his claws and fangs.174 Knowing that there was little sense in my staying any longer, I told him of our chrysanthemum tryst, and I was about to leave, when Tsunehisa expressed displeasure at this and ordered Tanji to confine me in the castle,175 where I remained until today.176

  ‘ “Should I fail to keep my promise,” I thought, feeling utterly despondent, “what would dear brother think of me ?” But there was no way to escape. In ancient times someone said, “A man cannot cover177 a thousand leagues in a day, but a spirit in such a period can easily travel the distance.” Yes, this was the answer. I threw myself on my sword, and astride the dark night winds I have come all this way to keep our chrysanthemum tryst. Take pity on my soul.’

  As he finished speaking, his eyes grew dim with tears. ‘Now we must part forever,’ he added. ‘Be sure to take care of mother.’ He appeared to rise from his seat, and thereupon he vanished, without a trace.

  Samon desperately tried to stop him, but a chill wind blinded him for a moment, and he could not tell which way the spirit went. He stumbled and fell on his face and lay there, crying in grief. His mother awoke with a start, and upon looking to see where Samon was, she found that he had collapsed by the alcove, where the wine jar and the plate of fish178 had been set.

  ‘What happened ?’ she asked, as she struggled to help him to his feet, but Samon wept convulsively, and he was unable to answer.

  ‘If you're upset because Akana didn't keep his promise,’179 said the mother, upbraiding him firmly, ‘how can you ever apologise if he should come tomorrow ? Don't be so childish.’

  ‘He has already come, tonight,’ Samon finally replied, ‘expressly for our chrysanthemum tryst. I tried to offer him fish and wine, but he kept refusing me. Then he explained that because he had been unable to observe his promise, he had thrown himself on his sword and that his ghost had covered the hundred leagues. Finally, he disappeared. That's what made me disturb your sleep. Please forgive me,’ and he began to weep bitterly.

  ‘A man confined in prison,’180 the mother said, ‘even in his dreams thinks of amnesty; a thirsty person dreams of drinking fresh water, as the proverb goes. You were in similar circumstances. Now calm yourself.’ Samon shook his head.

  ‘But really, it was no dream or fantasy. He was right here in front of me,’ and once again he burst into tears and fell down in lamentation. The mother now ceased to doubt him; she comforted him and mourned with him all through the night.

  The next day Samon bowed to his mother saying, ‘Ever since I was a boy, I've devoted myself to studying, but I'm known neither for loyalty181 to my country nor for devotion to my parents. I've spent my life in vain. My brother, Akana, gave his life for the sake of duty. Today I'm going to go to Izumo and at least by gathering his remains try to show my faithfulness. Please take care of yourself and let me leave you for a while.’

  ‘Go, my son,’ the mother replied, ‘but come back soon and set my old heart at rest. Don't stay long or make this our day of final parting.’

  ‘Life is like a floating bubble,’ said Samon. ‘Morning and evening, destiny remains uncertain; but I'll do my best to return quickly,’ and still in tears, he left the house and went to the Sayos, begging them to look after the mother.

  Along the way to the province of Izumo, though he was hungry, he did not think about food; though he was cold, he did not think about clothing. He would spend the night weeping, even when he dozed off, even while he dreamed, and in ten days he reached the great castle of Tomita.

  First, he went to Akana Tanji's house and identified himself by name. Tanji received him and said, ‘Unless you got the news about my cousin from some winged creature, how could you have learned ? It's preposterous.’ He questioned him closely, but Samon rebuked him.182

  ‘A warrior ought not to show concern for material things.183 For him loyalty alone counts. My brother, Akana Sōemon, was faithful to his word, and his poor ghost travelled a hundred leagues to keep a promise. The least I could do in return was to push on day and night to come here. There is something in my studies about which I wish to ask you. I pray you, answer me clearly.

  ‘Long ago, when Kung-shu Tso, of Wei,184 was lying ill in bed, the King of Wei, in person, came to visit him and took his hand, saying, “If anything should happen to you, who could protect the country for me? For my sake, leave me your instructions.”

  ‘ “Shang Yang185 may be young,” replied Tso,186 “but he has rare talent. In case your majesty does not wish to use him, you must never permit him to leave the country, even if you have to resort to murder. Should he be allowed to go to another state, misfortune is sure to befall later.’”

  ‘After faithfully telling him this, Tso secretly summoned Shang Yang and said, “I recommended you to the king, but he appeared not to accept the idea. I told him, then, that if he would not use you, he should destroy you. This is putting the lord first and the vassal second. You must quickly flee to another country in order to avoid harm!”187

  ‘How can one compare this incident with that of you and Sōemon ?’

  Tanji bowed his head and said nothing. Samon moved closer to him.

  ‘My brother Sōemon, by cherishing his relations with Enya and not serving Amako, acted as a loyal samurai. You, however, by forsaking your former master, Enya, and submitting to Amako, failed to behave as a warrior should. My brother regarded his chrysanthemum tryst as a matter of honour. By giving up his life and travelling a hundred leagues, he showed the height of faithfulness.

  ‘You, however, to curry favour with Ama
ko, tortured a man of your own flesh and blood and caused him to die a violent death. That was hardly the conduct of a comrade in arms. Even though Tsunehisa may have held him by force, you should have remembered your old relations and secretly treated him as Tso did to Shang Yang. To run only after profit and advantage is not customary for a samurai family, though this does seem to be the style of the Amako house. Oh, why did my brother ever return to this country!

  ‘I believe in loyalty and love. That's why I came here. And you. You, for your action, leave a foul name!’

  Hardly had Samon finished speaking, when he drew his sword, and attacked the man, and cut him down with one stroke. Before the retainers could recover from their alarm, Samon fled, leaving no trace.

  Amako Tsunehisa,188 upon hearing of what happened, was so impressed by how deeply faithful the two brothers were, that he ordered no one to pursue Samon.

  Ah, indeed, one should not attach himself to a falsehearted man.

  VOLUME TWO

  III THE HOUSE AMID THE THICKETS

  (Asaji ga yado)189

  In the province of Shimōsa,190 district of Katsushika, village of Mama, during the Kyōtoku Era, there once lived a man named Katsushirō. Ever since his grandfather's time the family had dwelled here in prosperity, owning many fields and much rice land. But the youthful Katsushirō was lazy; he disliked working the land and regarded such labour as a dreary task. In consequence, his wealth declined; his relations had less and less to do with him. Eventually he grew ashamed of himself and longed to find some means or other by which he might restore his family's fortunes.

  Around this time, a man named Sasabe no Sōji, who travelled each year from the capital to buy Ashikaga dyed silk,191 happened to make one of his frequent visits to the village of Mama, where his kinsfolk lived. Having met him on previous occasions, Katsushirō asked Sasabe to take him to Kyoto as a merchant. Sasabe agreed quite readily192 and said, ‘We can leave whenever you're ready.’