With inward groans, their teeth chattering and their bodies shivering, they followed this merciless fellow. "Ha! Ha! For tobacco there will be fire in the braziers. At least one's fingers are assured of warmth." They smirked at the anticipated pleasure. Warm fingers and the heated _saké_! But--Oya! Oya! Bare were swept and wide open thrown the rooms. Screens (inner and outer) had all been taken away. From the garden came the cold blast, blowing icily through this wide bare space. For cushions--the straw _zabuton_; for fire in the braziers--punk! Explained Shu[u]zen in all kindness and suavity--"Fires in the braziers in this heat were too terrific even to think of; so punk (_hinawa_) has been substituted.... No need for thanks; the mere duty of the host. And now--no ceremony: off with the garments of all. A middle cloth answers purposes of decency. Deign the trial. Here is cold water to cool the heated body." Promptly he stripped to the skin. The _kerai_ were bringing to the verandah black lacquered basins filled with water in which ice floated. Before this terrific fellow there could be no hesitation. They followed his example in being soused from head to foot. In the wiping--"Let the rag hang loose. Don't wipe with knotted towel. Stupid fellows! The cool wetness clinging to the skin gives a shiver of delight." Thus shouted Shu[u]zen to his officiating satellites. Then all the guests took seats. The mucous was running from the noses of the old fellows who had fought campaigns at Odawara, Sekigahara, O[u]saka. Aoyama noted it with delight; and even Kondo[u] felt a grudge against him, yet was compelled to laugh.
The viands were brought--to send a chill down the spines of all; macaroni in cold water (_hiyamugi_), and the equally heating sea ear in frozen salt water (_mizugai_). Shu[u]zen urged the latter, as better fitted for the season. As piles of _sashimi_ (sliced raw fish), resting on neat beds of shaven ice, were brought eyes looked to heaven--to hide the expression. When the wine appeared, the bottles immersed to the neck in tubs filled with salted ice, the more recondite parts of the room echoed groans. Even Shu[u]zen smiled with complacence. He felt he had scored success. It was Endo[u] Saburo[u]zaémon who showed no sign of discomfiture. "Naruhodo! Aoyama Uji, in this great heat how explain a thing so strange? Deign, honoured sir, to look. This white substance falling from the sky; if it were not so hot, one would call it snow." Said Aoyama undisturbed--"Not so, Endo[u] Uji. It is but from wild geese fighting in the sky, their feathers; or perchance _kanro_--the sweet dew which falls from heaven when a virtuous lord condescends to rule. Who more virtuous than the honoured suzerain?" All bowed in heartfelt enthusiasm and respect. Then said Saburo[u]zaémon--"'Tis a thing to note closer at hand; a stroll in the garden, to seek its coolness in this heat." He leaped down into the fast accumulating snow.