NET Playhouse; 49; Tale of Genji. Part 1

National Educational Television presents any tea playhouse. Featuring the instrument They knew the truth. Put your ambition together. That was one of the great things in the forest...

where difficult or difficult things could happen. The Tale of Genji, an eight-program series, follows the life and times and amorous adventures of an irrepressible young man named Genji. The series is based on the novel The Tale of Genji, long considered one of the master pieces of Japanese fiction and one of the world's great novels. Written at the turn of the 11th century, almost 1,000 years ago, by the Japanese authorist Morasaki Shikibu, the huge six-part novel covers three generations and has more than 500 characters. The eight television programs focus specifically on Genji himself. The second son of the emperor, born to a concubine named Kiritsubu.

He grew to be an extraordinarily bright and handsome youth. The emperor gave him the name Genji and made him a commoner. At the age of 12, Genji had his coming of age ceremony and was married to his cousin, the princess Aoi, four years his senior. A year or two after this, Genji's father, the emperor, brought to the court a beautiful girl named Fujitsu Bo, and the emperor married her. Genji falls in love with his new stepmother, Fujitsu Bo, who was said to resemble his own late mother. The emperor apparently remains unaware that his new wife is having a clandestine affair with Genji. During the time of this story, in the eleventh century, the capital Kyoto was infested with contagious diseases and the poverty-stricken citizens were further threatened by the constant

fear of thieves and highway men. It was a terrible grim place to live for everybody except the nobleman, who spent their wealth solely for singing and music making. Their only aspiration was to improve their positions in the government. One spring evening when Genji was 17 years old. Are you angry with me? Yes you are. I wish I could. Will you forgive me? I want to die. You could have called someone. What a dreadful thing to say. Are you trying to shame me? As a matter of fact, even if you had called, no one would have come. I checked and learned that his majesty would not be here because he was spending the

night at Reike Hall. I've ordered the men at Takikuchi Gate to guard the place, and though the imperial guard not to come near here, even I seem to have that much authority. I'm at how influential you are. You still have no excuse to break social and religious codes. You know who I am, don't you? You're the wife of my father, the emperor. It doesn't seem to bother you at all. It has nothing to do with my feelings for you. The curse of Buddha will be upon you. However penitent you become. I have no regrets. How can you be sure no one knows that you are here? I have somebody. Are you trying to say it's all right as long as no one knows? What a horrible thing to say. Only one person is aware. Your lady in waiting, Miyobo, showed me in. That woman.

I have been waiting for this night for over a year. How will you face his majesty tomorrow? Who would have crossed this dangerous bridge if he had been afraid of his father? You entered court at my father's insistence. As a child, I often accompanied him when he visited you. He loved you, but somehow you always looked sad. You struck my hair and tied the court of my coat, even as a child I wanted to give you gifts of beautiful flowers and branches of autumn leaves. You were always foremost in my mind. I wasn't allowed in your room any longer when I came of age. How I wanted to be near you. The reason I make the court guard house my second home is to be near you. To hear your voice and the rustling of your clothes.

I ears prick whenever I hear the coat or the flute, thinking it may be you playing. I have waited a long time for this day. You feel so close to me because I resemble your dead mother, don't you? His majesty wanted me for the same reason. I am just a breathing ghost to you both. That's not true. I don't even remember my mother. Others have taught me that you closely resemble her. She died when I was three years old. As you know, my mother was a lowly person. I have heard that Kokiden was an extremely willful woman and openly intimidated my mother.

What I do remember is the house where my mother died, a dilapidated house with an neglected yard full of tall weeds, and at night when the cold wind blew, the moonlight cruelly exposed the inside of the crumbling house. So you are frightened after all. I have nothing to lose. Why should I be afraid? Tell the Emperor about this tomorrow. I don't want to think about the future. I hope you are exiled. I hope they give you the death sentence.

If only I could stay with you like this. Why do you hate yourself so much? Are you crying? It despises me. Are you dissatisfied with what his majesty has done for you? Of course I appreciate my father's consideration. After all, I have no powerful supporters at the court. That's why he has purposely given me the freedom of a commoner rather than keep me as a member of the imperial family who has no influence. At a time when other noble men and government officials are desperately seeking higher positions, you are already obviously destined to become a minister. Yes, that's true.

No matter how idly I spend my time, the trouble is that I won't get the highest position. His majesty stands behind you, doesn't he? Yes, he does. Even if I should make mistakes, I won't be severely punished. There's little chance of drastic change in my life. You are taking your position too much for granted. The whole nation has been suffering from famine. I hear people are literally fighting over food on the streets of the capital. In a word like this, your selfish conduct is really intolerable. Is it really? Where do you propose I find an outlet for my dissatisfaction? How do you suggest I free myself from low onliness? Your beauty is unsurpassed.

I will never find another woman like you. I wish you could become my wife. If I might welcome a woman like you into my household, this has been my desire for many years. You have a fine wife? You mean how are you? How? She is the daughter of Sadijan, the minister of the left. I can't imagine a fine or wife. How father gave her to me because he wants to become prime minister. I hear you seldom go to see her. Our wife is always so prim and proper. She is almost like a painted doll. All the same, she is your wife, isn't she? That's because you're older, don't be so mean.

You are the mean one. Why did you have to bring up my age? Have you been seeing me as a local or lately? I hear you have many other close women friends. I really don't understand what I'm doing myself. I have never been satisfied. Poor boy. Poor woman. I? Yes, you, my aged father's wife. You have to struggle among all the ladies of the court. I wish I could take you to some distant hill, free you from the confines of the palace. I wish I could live alone with you, don't you? What do you really want? Can you, right now, take me to your hill? If that is really what you mean, I will come with you any time.

You wouldn't mind if I came back again tomorrow, would you? You mustn't. I will come anyway. Please listen to me. I am your mother, so to speak. Then you will have forgiven me for my behaviour tonight, won't you? I will leave you now. Is that all? This was the beginning of the affair between Genji and Lady Fujitsubo.

They are to be bound by a thread of fate for a long time to come. One night during the interminable reign of May, several men on night duty at the palace drifted into Genji's quarters. When it's this light, we have nothing to do. What is the purpose of night duty, I wonder? This is just another job to me. You must have plenty to do, being in charge of the horses. Yes, the horses present a different set of problems than humans. For me, this is a rare opportunity to talk intimately with noblemen like yourselves. It's no fun to be on night duty after a full day's work. That's a curious thing to say. Well, are you having a pleasant time? I've never thought of this duty in terms of pleasant or unpleasant. I think of it in the same way as the rising and setting of the sun.

Well, that's a thought. You may be right. You don't sound convinced. Yes, I am. I've learned something new. Genji, what you regard as enjoyment is visiting the ladies, isn't it? I don't think of that in terms of pleasant or unpleasant. You are lying, aren't you? Hidari, you must have had some adventures that we younger men cannot even imagine. You mean with the ladies? No, no. Unlike men of your and Prince Genji's rank, I can hardly keep one wife. Only one wife? Yes, I am. Shikibu, you also let that strong-minded wife of yours control you, don't you? On the surface, yes. Well, aren't you clever? So you handle her differently in public than at home?

I hope you'll tell us your secret. It may be very useful to us, too. It's really not worth your attention. How about something to drink? You mean sake? Are we allowed to have it while on duty? Don't worry. This has been offered to the gods. Well, I have no objection. I have a feeling that middle-class women display a more distinct personality than well-bred and well-educated upper-class women. People tend to overlook the defects of upper-class women, whereas middle-class women's defects are more obvious. And lower-class women are simply out to the question. How do you distinguish upper-class from middle-class women? A downtrodden and unfortunate young lady could have come from a formally highly respected family, and conversely some of the rich ones could be daughters of a man who, riding the main current of the days, suddenly rises to prominence?

I don't know much about the upper-class people, but I can say this. It is a truly pleasant surprise to find a nice girl that neglected and lonely home. I guess men must like to be surprised. It's one thing to find a companion, but it's quite another to find a spouse with whom one can share the lifelong experiences of both happiness and hardship. It's the same with men. For example, it's not an easy task to choose the prime minister of a nation. However, a prime minister, no matter how clever, doesn't rule by himself. His work is facilitated by the entire nation, therefore it cannot be too difficult. On the other hand, a housewife must mind her household all by herself. That's the very reason we men cannot be too careful in choosing our wives.

You might think if you compromise a little, perhaps you'll find a suitable spouse, but not always. The most important qualification in a wife is the ability to run a household. We can almost ignore her ability to write or even her wit. Almost that is. On the other hand, I wouldn't be able to like a woman who is too serious and pays no attention to her appearance. For example, one of those women who has a habit of pushing her hair behind her ears. It might be very good at taking care of my material needs, but that's not enough. A too feminine or a too quiet woman is not much fun either. A too clever woman makes a man feel as though he is controlled by her and worries him constantly lest she take a lover.

A too lenient woman is not particularly commendable, even though she makes a man feel free. Don't they say an untied boat just floats around? A man is always out in the world meeting many people and experiencing anger and sadness as well as pleasure. A wife is valuable to a man because she listens to his inner feelings, which he wouldn't dare tell anyone else. However, some women won't listen to what you say, and when urged to reply, they ask curtly, what did you say? I can't bear that kind of woman. In the case of a helpless and quiet wife, a husband may try to educate her to correct various faults. However, she won't be of much use if she can't manage anything on her own while her husband is away on a trip.

An argumentative and unattractive woman is often more useful under such circumstances. For a man with just one wife, your study of women is quite thorough. Please don't pull my leg. I'm a very poor talker. I wish I could talk as well as you. It's due to the alcohol I had. Don't be so modest. Only an expert can make these observations. Thank you. To tell the truth, I have experienced my share of troubles with women. A long time ago, when I was still a petty official, I was involved with an extremely jealous woman. Once, no sooner had she shouted, oh, I hate you. Then she took a bite out of my finger. Did that hurt? I thought I lost a finger. Look, you can still see the scar. So to punish her a little, I left her. And she died of sorrow. I then married my present wife. This one never gets jealous.

Has no ambition, causes no difficulties, a very common person. Yet, strangely enough, I sometimes miss that other irresistible woman. I enjoy your story. Shikubu, you are sly. Why do you just drink and never say a word? I belong to the lower, lower class. Just hear about these lower, lower class people. If you insist, I will tell a story about my younger days. Now don't laugh at me. When I was a law student, I married the daughter of my teacher. This woman was extraordinarily erudite. And regardless of the time or place, she always talked about studies and the proper attitude of a government official than nothing else. She never stopped even when we were in bed. She made me feel like an idiot. Well, is there such a woman? It is about time we heard some of your amorous adventures, Chujo.

Listen as far as women are concerned, you're the expert. I understand women swung just hearing your name. I am still very inexperienced. You are being modest. I am jealous of you. Chujo, I hear you are Prince Genji's rival. Well, what else can one be? That's marvelous. I am also an adventurous sort. A long time ago, I used to visit a woman secretly. My wife found out about our relationship and sent a message without my knowledge, telling the woman to end the relationship or else. She was frightened and obviously didn't know what to do, but we had a child. She sent me a letter tied to a pink blossom. What did it say?

It was quite ordinary. It said, even though you may forget me, please think of our child occasionally. After that, she disappeared. She is an example of a typically shy woman who does not seek man's eternal love. She could never be a perfect wife. You yourself could have tried to be a little more aggressive. How? Well, for example, her story is too sad, isn't it? You are very kind-hearted. There is no one who has all the virtues of women and none of her defects. An extreme case may be the goddess Kichijo, but she is too perfect and beyond our reach. It could be that someone else has already married this ideal woman. I have heard that the most interesting partner is someone else's wife. She will be absolutely silent about the adventure, and there is the added thrill of sneaking

in what her husband is out. Prince Kenji, you must have a large collection of love letters of this nature, don't you? I have already shown them to you. Seasons, greetings, inquiries about your health. You have shown us only the innocuous ones. Won't you let us read the more interesting ones? You don't have to worry about me, just because I am your wife's brother. It shouldn't interfere with our conversations. I am afraid my sister tends to be prim and not very warm. It may be that she feels awkward about being four years older than you. You marry at the age of twelve. Tell us. What did you think about women at that time? We just slept side by side. I didn't even know what it was all about.

Kenji is thinking of his stepmother Fujitsu-bu. He is anguished by this impossible love affair. There was no conclusion on that reign-inite as to what type of woman is ideal. They just went on talking, inconclusively. Soon after the reign stopped, Prince Kenji decided to return home after a long stay at court. However, in order to return to his estate, Ethni Jo from the palace, he had to observe the rule called changing of directions. Among the gods, there is one called Lord of the Center, who circles the world once every forty-four days, one must avoid the direction of this god, and so the night before a trip, one must start out in a different direction and spend the night somewhere else before heading for the final destination.

To observe the changing of directions, Prince Kenji decided to go to the house of the deputy governor, Io, in Nakagawa. For it was said that in this house there lived his beautiful second wife and his equally beautiful daughter. Now when the ladies of this household heard of Kenji's visit, their preparations of course were pains taking. All the women working in the palace or the household of a prominent person are called ladies.

It is one evening late in June. The host Io is away. His son, a capable young man holding an important position in the central government, welcomes Kenji and his retainer Kore Mitsu. This is such a humble place. We don't know whether it is satisfactory for your lodging. Even though this is a custom, I hope I have not caused you too much trouble. Not at all. There is a poem that says, come, Emperor, we'll welcome you as a bridegroom. Your whole estate exudes the air of prosperity. You flatter me. It is really quite rustic here. Besides, nowadays we can't take care of the place adequately. Look at that brook running through the yard.

It is exquisite. It's such a small place to begin with, and now it is especially bad because my father is away, and his family is with us. I hope we won't be negligent. Speaking of your family, I hear you have a very attractive sister. A rumor often exaggerates the fact. They say she is a real poet. She must have many suitors. She is still a child. Does she also live here? Yes. Except she went to our mother's home today. Then she isn't here today. Oh, these women. Ever since they heard Prince Genji was coming, they've been all excited. Some are so imprudent as to suggest they would like to have a glimpse of you. Please forgive us if they ignore you. I love a family with many people. I would be frightened at night if this place had no women.

Who lives in that building over there? I thought you told us that your sister is away. My stepmother lives there. My father's second wife. And which family did she come? She is the daughter of the late and more knock on me. She is from a very distinguished family. And she's still quite young. About the same age as you, isn't she? Yes. I heard her father really wanted her to serve at the palace. I don't understand what made her become my father's second wife. Her life is unpredictable. Your father, Io, must be very fond of her. He seems to be quite incratuated. We children have some misgivings about his conduct.

Is this dear? Were you still up, brother? You too, sister. The ladies were so excited about our extraordinary guest. It's quieted down finally. Has he gone to bed? He seems to have gone to bed in the Eve's room. A short while ago, I went to greet him. I took a chilled melon to him. Good for you. All right, now to bed. Good night. It's dark. I have closed all the doors and windows.

I'm going to take a bath now. Good night, madam. Good night. Good night, madam. Good night, madam.

Good night, madam. Do you recognize me?

Let them know if you want. I won't mind. Return for your mistress and don't. I'm going to revive you now. Please don't be alarmed due to semi. I did not act on impulse. You must have come to the wrong person. I understand your husband has been stationed at the EO for a long time. Have you ever been to EO? Does he write you sometimes? You don't have a child yet, do you?

Do you? Must be a big responsibility to run a household on your own. You are perspiring. Here, let me wipe your face. Please let me go. Why did you give up your wish to work in the palace and marry you? Was it because you loved him? Or did it just happen? What will my husband say if he finds out about this? Why does a man of your rank pay attention to such a humble woman? Rank? My rank is almost nominal. I assume you've heard about me. Believe me, I have never acted so rudely before.

Among the ladies of this household, there must be some who hearing your kind words would weep for joy. Why don't you visit them? Fate must have drawn me to you. Is it because you are someone else's wife? What do you think? My understanding is limited. I believe it is most important for a woman to follow and obey her husband. Perhaps I am not a warm woman. If you had visited me when I was still living with my parents, I would have been such a dream is beyond my reach now. Please forgive me. Please have pity on me and let me go. Please forgive me.

Talk to me. I want to know about you. Please forget about me. Please. Creamy? How did you back yet? When Genji returns home, he brings Utsu Semi's brother with him. Well, what happened? Where's her answer? Did you fail to get an answer again? My sister told me to tell you she had no acquaintance who would send her that kind of letter. Did you tell her that I must receive an answer? Yes, I did.

She does read my letters, doesn't she? Yes, she does. Listen, I brought you into this household because your sister wishes to send you to the palace as a page. Why is she so cold to me? What can I do? A child should obey an adult. My sister told me the same thing. You may not know this, but I was your sister's lover before that old man Eo married her. Because she is such an honest person, she left me when she discovered I was a married man. And ever since she married that man, she keeps pretending she never knew me. Is that true? But Utsusemi, alone with Genji's letters, cannot forget that early morning with the white moon still in the sky, and the faint light of dawn gradually ushering in the new day when Prince Genji walked her back to her room.

She feared breaking a social code. The secret love keeps her pensive all day long and sleepless at night. Anguished by this cruel situation, Utsusemi cannot contain her tears and weeps. Mother, you're cruel. If you put that one there, I'll be finished. What? My goodness, you're right. You mean you didn't realize? Of course I did. You didn't seem to be aware of it. Utsusemi plays gold with her adopted daughter, Ugi, and tries to ignore Genji. Yet the more stubbornly she rejects his love, the more Genji finds himself attracted to her. She is not an extraordinary woman, but she has many qualities.

Genji tries to forget her by telling himself there is no woman as heartless as she. But he finds himself thinking of her in spite of himself. He has never met a woman who does not reply to his letters, who does not want to see him again. She is like the legendary plant, the broom tree, which one can see clearly from a distance, but disappears as one approaches. I give up. It's too hot. I am not very sharp tonight. How many did I lose? One, two, three, four, five, six, seven. Now, shall we go to bed?

Mother, may I sleep in your room tonight? Are you scared to sleep alone? Or it's sleeping by myself? Who are you?

You were so sound asleep, I hesitated to wake you. Oh, who are you? You are not one of my brother's colleagues, are you? Well, practically. Where is my mother? Well, I came here because you were alone. How did you get in? Don't you remember a while ago I stayed in this house for the changing of direction? I studied the plant carefully at that time. Are you by any chance? Yes, you are Prince Genji, aren't you? I've heard a lot about you for a long time. That you write fine poems and that you are famous for your beauty. Prince Genji comes to me. It's impossible.

Why are you being so kind to me? I told you before. I have been waiting for this opportunity for a long time. And now I finally succeeded in seeing you alone. Here you are fully grown and still sleeping by yourself. What a pity. Listen to me, Yogi. I am not a free person and won't be able to visit you as often as I would like. Now, at the right time, I'll talk to your parents. But for now, let's keep it between the two of us. I've never met an experienced man like you. Are you saying I'm your first man? Yes. What a charming girl you are. Oh, madam, why are you sleeping in the hallway?

Why are you sleeping in the hallway? Prince Genji is known to some people as a fickle man. But he is really quite a serious person. The reason he made love to Ogi is because he did not want to embarrass her. It's because of softheartedness that brings him difficulties. It was an honor to have you in our humble house for the changing of directions. Upon my return from EO, my wife and daughter told me all about your visit. I meant to come to express my gratitude to you immediately. But I had to postpone my visit to your house until today. Because I had report to the central government.

Who are two polite? I should thank you for all the trouble your family went to. I have been away from the capital for so long. It is really nice to be back in this city. You think so? I walk around the city occasionally. It's so full of dust. Perhaps. But the capital is also full of life. In the country, you see nothing but ocean and mountains. My wife Utsusemi insists that I take her to the province of EO with me this time. But I don't see how a woman brought up in a city can stand there for more than a few days. Your wife is going to EO? Yes. According to the decision made at the conference at the palace the day before yesterday. I have been reassigned to EO and must return very shortly. Since she insists I have no choice but to take her with me. Is that right?

I have a few children but fortunately all of them have found their careers except one daughter. And I am hoping to marry her off. However since I have been away in the country for so long, my friends and acquaintances are few. Please keep this in mind. If you hear of someone among your detainers, please take care of her. Please. I am afraid I took too much of your time on such a hot day. Oh no, I don't mind at all. When do you expect to leave? The day after tomorrow. I understand you are also helping my wife's younger brother to get a position in the palace.

My wife is extremely pleased and expressed her gratitude to you. Mother, do you really want to go to EO? Yes, I have promised your father that I would go. They say it takes two months just to get there. They also talk about dangerous highway men. Why don't you tell father that you changed your mind? My brother said you were going in spite of yourself. He said that? There's something I would like to ask you about, mother. What is it? Do you remember the night I slept in your room? That night Prince Genji visited me. I am embarrassed.

Mother, you knew that he was coming, didn't you? No, I didn't. Otherwise, I don't see why such a noble person would come to me. Oh, well, it doesn't matter. I am not very serious about him. He is married and has many lady friends to visit. I wouldn't like to be just another one of his ladies. Wait for him patiently night after night. How about you? What? What do you mean? If you were in my place, what would you do? I am a man's wife. I cannot even imagine such a thing. Ladies say Genji is lonely because he married too young. I wonder if that is true.

When Utsusemi was about to leave for Io with her husband, she received a number of farewell gifts from Genji. Among them was that thin night gown, like the shell of a cicada. The gown taken by Genji that night Ogi slept in the room of Utsusemi. Genji, to console himself after this unsuccessful affair, decided to visit one of his less known loves, the widow Mia Sondocoro, who is older than Genji. And so, one evening in late summer, he sets out along with his personal attendant, Kore Mitsu, on his way to see Mia Sondocoro. And he notices an unusual house.

He asks the head of the house for the large white flower blooming on the hedge. It's called evening flower, and it is often seen blooming on the hedges of poor houses like this one. Poor flower. Isn't there a palm written on the fan?

Expecting to find white dew. Can we go now? Wait a minute. Are you going to answer the letter? The mistress of the household might be a white haired old woman. I don't know who sent that letter. This is an area where the poor live. It is interesting that a fan was sent. I suppose you want me to find out about her, don't you? Very well. I will investigate. Thank you for coming. What is your work? I am a weaver. You have been living in this area for some time, haven't you? Yes. I was born here. I want to know who lives in this house. I really don't know.

Why not? I am sorry. Do you know who I am? You have heard of the Kabishi who keeps peace in the capital, haven't you? I am sorry. I don't know anything. Do you know what can happen to you if you hide anything from me? Do you? Will you promise not to tell anyone that I told you? Who would care what an unimportant man like you said? Right. Yes. Well, this house belongs to a government officer who is off working in the provinces. For someone rented the house last May. But I don't know who it is. The person seems to avoid going out. Is this person a man or a woman? It's all I know. Please, excuse me. Don't try to put anything over on me. You must have seen the person. It's a lady. Very beautiful.

I see. Please, don't tell anyone I told you. What makes you so worried? She seems to avoid meeting anyone. I knew from the beginning that she was hiding from the law. Are you going to take care of me? You fool. Genji continues his trip to see Mia Sondokoro, the widow of the Crown Prince, who was one of Genji's uncles. Mia Sondokoro's estate is elegant and well-appointed. Prince Genji is always very attentive to the proud and extremely sensitive Mia Sondokoro. This morning, he is too occupied to remember the evening flower he saw on his way here last night. You should leave now.

Yes, I should. You are not here for the change of directions. People will laugh at you if they find you in a woman's room after sunrise. You always try to chase me out like that. I will be ashamed of myself if you are laughed at. If I were visiting you secretly, I might have to worry about other people. But even as Majesty knows about us now, I don't think you should be so overly sensitive. It still does not justify our relationship. I am not your legal wife. People do not care. You don't care because you have known so many different ladies. I am different. I only knew one man. My husband, the crown prince. Well, don't forget me. Are you angry because I haven't come to see you for some time? What a fog away to talk. Did you learn that from your other women?

Even in my dreams, I have never wished to have you here every day. It is true that official businesses kept me away from you. And today you must attend an early morning conference at the palace. Please, don't blame me for that. I am not only six years older than you. But I also have a daughter whose father was the late crown prince. I know I can never be your wife. I have no official standing in your life. How could I issue you orders? I was ready to become a nun after my husband died. But I didn't. I yielded to you. And I have tried not to interfere in your life. Nevertheless, I have been a burden to you. You are angry with me for being so complaining I know you are. If I were younger, I would be allowed to say whatever came to my mind.

But I would be detested if I do that at my age. Please go before I hurt you. I will come to see you again. No. You will never come here again. I don't see how you can be interested in a spiteful woman like me. I have to leave now. Just as I said, you are anxious to leave me. That's not true. I don't wish to agitate you further. You don't love me. I hate myself for talking like this. I wish in my heart that you would come back tomorrow. But what comes out of my mouth is the exact opposite of that wish. I will hate myself well before you hate me. Please don't worry about me.

Treat me as casually as you would your other women. Treat me as casually as you would your other women. Your attendance is ready. Waiting for you. Good-bye. You are as pretty as a morning glory. I cannot pass you by. What shall I do with you? I only hope you will visit Lady Miyasunda Koro every day. Is that your true wish?

Yes. You are a very loyal girl. She is renting that house. But I couldn't find out where she came from or what class she belongs to. However, she seems to be hiding from the law. Are you listening? What are you talking about? The evening flower. I got the information from a commoner. Since I didn't know how reliable he was, I immediately wrote a letter to the woman's maid called Ukon. She sent a reply in a very handsome handwriting. I was pleasantly surprised to find such a refined woman, especially a maid, living in a district like that. I have to write her an answer. It's not easy for me to write a good letter. I am sleepy. How was Miyasunda Koro? You have enough troubles of your own, don't you?

I don't have much free time because I have so much to do. My mistress needs me all the time. You must understand how difficult it is for me to meet you here. It's hot in this storage room. You write such beautiful letters and you are so good looking. Why do you have to live in a place like this? I am a servant. What kind of a person is your servant? I am a servant. What kind of a person is your mistress? Why discuss my mistress? Since a fine woman like you waits on her, she must be a lady of distinction. You called me to find out about her, didn't you? No, I didn't. How about you? What do you do? Who cares about that? I see. You don't want to reveal your identity either. Come, let's talk while we eat. What are you talking about? I don't know. I don't know.

I don't know. I don't know whether I can take you seriously or not. Anywhere you make me happy. To tell you the truth, my master who is not particularly well known has been in love with your mistress ever since she sent him that evening flower on the fan. In love with her, he hasn't even seen her. Apparently he was impressed by the poem she wrote on the fan. He is very sensitive and romantic. That's why he wants to know about your mistress. Are you allowed to do this? I thought you came here as your master's messenger. Yes, but I've got some messages of my own.

Are you going out? Yes. Yes. Where, if I may ask, to Lady Awee's estate? No, that's not where I'm going.

Are you going to the Widomias on Dockoro then? I work for his majesty. Where else do I go, except to the palace? I see. Kuremi-su. What did you find out about her? Excuse me? Eveningflower. Oh, yes. I made a contact with her maid, Bukon. She will let you meet her mistress whenever you wish. Are you going to visit her? Perhaps I will. Have you found out what kind of woman she is? The maid refuses to tell. She must have good reason to hide it. Yes, she must. You'd better go to see her after dark to avoid attention. If Lady Kokiden finds out that you have been to such a humble and nondescript house, I don't know what she will say. She has always been jealous of you because his majesty gives you special attention. And I have an idea. Why don't you wear the costume made for the hunt the other day? That and the little disguise will do.

My mistress admired your handwriting the other day. When you sent her a poem and returned for the evening flower, I have convinced her that she should make your acquaintance. Or she leads such a lonely life. She is here.

Do I have to see him? Why? It's too late to refuse now. Besides, even in semi-darkness, he seems to be elegant and dignified gentlemen. But it started when you attached a message to the evening flower he asked for. That's what worries me. I'm already here. Ah, beautiful. I've made a mistake. What mistake? Oh, yes, I forgot to bring you a present. I am disgusted by my own stupidity. Your master looks like a kind person. Yes, he is.

He is so kind that he keeps accumulating troubles. Although he is very serious by nature. The spruce hedge and twined with ivy and evening flowers and the sound of flying geese announce the coming of autumn. Genji knows very well that he will be criticized for his imprudence. But he cannot help being attracted to you, Gao. She must belong to the lower class since she lives in the Gojo area. Even though it is her temporary home. Nonetheless, Genji keeps visiting this woman about whom he knows practically nothing. She too is apprehensive of the man who comes late at night and leaves before daybreak, never revealing his identity. But this uncertainty strangely increases her longing for him.

Can't you sleep? I thought it was about time I woke up. What is that sound? Someone is pounding the grain. They must be husking rice. I thought it was thunder. I thought so myself when I first moved here. You hear all kinds of sounds in this area.

They used to wake me, but now I am accustomed to them. You have let a difficult life. I sometimes think that you may be the legendary guard of Miyayama Hill. It is dreamlike, meeting a man about whom I know nothing. But it is reality that you are here with me like this. I am afraid that I shall awake and find this all a dream. Once upon a time, in Pergen and in Prasyorki, swore to each other that they would never part. That they would be like a pair of birds with one body or a pair of trees with common branches. I also would like to take your love with me to the world of the dead. Who haven't told me who you are or what you do? No. You haven't either.

When we finally must part from each other, I would like to have something with which to remember you. You are right. This kind of meeting leaves one with uncertainty. I wish I could take you to a place where we could live as man and wife. You know you can't do that. I cannot bear to leave you always before daybreak. I am frightened. Of me? I have been leading a secluded life. I don't wish to attract attention. Will you tell me why? I cannot tell you now. I do know of a quiet and restful house. No one could possibly find you there. Tell me you will come with me. Please. I am afraid they say if you go out on a moonlit night, the moon will lead you astray and you will not find your home again.

I feel frightened for some reason. There it goes again. Does it bother you? No. If you are not bothered, I am not either. We had a short summer this year. Oh, it's cold. Business is so disappointingly slow. I haven't done so well in the country either. I had a man follow them this morning,

but they gave him the slip again. I am sorry. Perhaps they noticed they were being followed. His soft hands tell me that he is a man of high position. I shouldn't be so curious, because I haven't told him anything about myself. Please be very careful. I just heard the maid say that a suspicious looking character was inquiring about us both. Really? He could have been one of Chujo's subjects. He must be. I'm certain he is Chujo's servant. What shall we do, you can? If he is Chujo's man, we are in trouble. I will never see him again under any circumstances. What shall we do? Let's move right away. How can we? It's too sudden.

Chujo will surely find me here. What shall I do? Take courage, Madam. I'll see what we can do. But please, don't go anywhere until I come back. What's the matter? It's I. What's the matter? It's I. You once said you would take me somewhere, didn't you?

Please, take me. What's the matter? What's the matter?

This is MET. The National Educational Television Network. The National Educational Television Network.