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[Illustration: THE MOON MAIDEN _Frontispiece._]
These tales and legends have been collected from many sources. Some of them have been selected from the _Ko-ji-ki_, or _Record of Ancient Matters_, which contains the mythology of Japan. Many are told from memory, being relics of childish days, originally heard from the lips of a school-fellow or a nurse. Certain of them, again, form favourite subjects for representation upon the Japanese stage. A number of the stories now gathered together have been translated into English long ere this, and have appeared in this country in one form or another; others are probably new to an English public.
Thanks are due to Marcus B. Huish, Esq., who has allowed his story, “The Espousal of the Rat’s Daughter,” to be included in this collection; and to Mrs. T. H. James for permission to use her version of “The Matsuyama Mirror.”
22. THE ESPOUSAL OF THE RAT’S DAUGHTER 171
24. THE SPRING LOVER AND THE AUTUMN LOVER 185
25. THE STRANGE STORY OF THE GOLDEN COMB 191
38. THE SAD STORY OF THE YAOYA’S DAUGHTER 276
Tomodata, the young _samurai_, owed allegiance to the Lord of Noto. He was a soldier, a courtier, and a poet. He had a sweet voice and a beautiful face, a noble form and a very winning address. He was a graceful dancer, and excelled in every manly sport. He was wealthy and generous and kind. He was beloved by rich and by poor.
Now his _daimyo_, the Lord of Noto, wanted a man to undertake a mission of trust. He chose Tomodata, and called him to his presence.
“My lord, you know it,” answered Tomodata.
“Do you love me, then?” asked the _daimyo_.
“Ay, my good lord,” said Tomodata, kneeling before him.
“Then carry my message,” said the _daimyo_. “Ride and do not spare your beast. Ride straight, and fear not the mountains nor the enemies’ country. Stay not for storm nor any other thing. Lose your life; but betray not your trust. Above all, do not look any maid between the eyes. Ride, and bring me word again quickly.”