“It is a rule with a samurai never to leave his sword behind when he
goes into an enemy’s camp, on any pretext whatever.”
This being an indisputable fact, the ushers could say no more, but
led them armed as they were to the spacious apartment which had been
prepared for the ceremony. A large number of daimios already occupied
their places on two sides of the room. With a manner composed and
dignified, Shigenari strode into the assembly in no wit daunted by
the many hostile looks cast upon him, and took the seat to which he was
directed in the centre, facing at a short distance the dais prepared
for Iyeyasu when he should make his appearance.
Shumenosuké closely followed the deportment of his chief, and took his
seat beside him.
Two Masters of the Ceremonies informed them that His Highness would be
there presently. “And,” they added, “as it is disrespectful to carry
swords in his august presence you will kindly take them to the ante
chamber and leave them there.”
“Disrespectful!” thundered Shigenari in tones that reverberated through
the hall. “To whom do you address such a word. Recollect that we are
the honourable representatives of the Minister of the Right! The
disrespect is on your side and if you repeat your insolence you will
have to answer for it!”
And he glared so fiercely on the two officials that they withdrew in
consternation.
In a short time Iyeyasu, accompanied by many attendants, made his
appearance and with impressive solemnity took his seat. All the daimios
bowed reverently, and awed by his majestic demeanor and the
example of others, Shumenosuké did the same. But Shigenari deigned to
give the great statesman but the slightest acknowledgment and calmly
looked him straight in the face.
“I am glad to see you, Shigenari,” said Iyeyasu mildly. “Thank you for
coming on this important mission. Your father Hitachi-no-suké and I
were intimate friends and I am much indebted to him.”
“Pardon me, your Highness,” replied Shigenari, “but to-day I am the
messenger of the Minister of the Right and private matters are out of
place.”
The tactful Iyeyasu, though put in the wrong, showed not the slightest
trace of embarrassment. Producing a document from a receptacle in his
hand, he passed it to Shigenari by an attendant and said quietly:—
“Kindly see that this is correct, Shigenari.”