| A Boat upon the Waters |  |
| |
Kaoru put out guards for surveillance of Ukifune’s house, to prohibit the approaches from Niou.
Irritated by the strong desire to see Ukifune, Niou himself rushed off to Uji at the risk of his life. He tried the reed fence that had admitted him before, but the guards were more alert. Numbers of dogs came out barking fiercely. Niou asked his companion Tokikata to see Ukifune's maidservant. He was able successfully to take her out from the house and lead her to Niou. Tokikata spread a saddle at a spot that was backed by a woodcutter’s fence and protected by brambles and matted grasses. Niou dismounted. The woman explained the situation. He was in tears, realizing that it was impossible to see Ukifune. She comforted him saying, "I will do everything, even if it means ruining myself."
|
|
