“In compliance with an Imperial Edict, Iyeyasu and Hideyori agree to
make peace, on the sole condition that Hideyori fill up the outer moat
of his castle as a token of his peaceful intentions. Either of the
parties concerned who first appeals to arms henceforth, shall
be guilty of disobeying the Imperial Mandate and shall be treated
accordingly.
“Keichō 19, 12th month, 27th day.”
As he read Shigenari’s face grew darker and darker, and when he came
to the end he started to his feet and exclaimed indignantly:—
“Are these your terms of peace, Your Highness? If so you have already
disobeyed the Imperial command! Prepare!”
Sword in hand it seemed as if he were about to attack the old
statesman. All present started up and sought to intercept the thrust.
Iyeyasu, alarmed, raised both hands in deprecation and bade the young
man resume his seat.
“Calm yourself, I pray you,” he said hastily. “Old age makes me
forgetful. By mistake I have shown you the wrong paper—here is the
right one.”
The crafty statesman produced another document from the case he held
and handed it to Shigenari. It is hardly necessary to explain that this
was an artifice. Iyeyasu had caused to be prepared two documents in
different terms. Should the envoys accept the first in which all the
advantage was on his side his intention was to keep back the other in
which were stated the real conditions of the treaty. Shigenari had
been too astute for him. He now examined the new document which read
thus:—
“VOWS OF PEACE
“Article I.—In compliance with an Imperial Command, Iyeyasu and
Hideyori vow to make peace and to enter into friendly
relations.
“Article II.—Hideyori shall destroy the outer moat of his Castle, and
Iyeyasu shall in return cede to him the provinces of Kii and
Yamato by January next.
“Article III.—Immediately on the signing of the Vows of Peace, Iyeyasu
shall disband his army and depart for Yamato.
“Article IV.—Either of the parties who violates the above vows and
resorts to arms shall be found guilty of disobedience to the
Imperial Command and shall be punished by the gods.
“Keichō 19, 12th month, 27th day.”
Shigenari read the paper carefully several times.
“This is correct, Your Highness. Be pleased to put your signature and
seal.”
Iyeyasu complied. The envoy receiving it back put it into a bag
made of rich brocade. Then bowing courteously, he said gravely though
not without a touch of sarcasm:—
“I beg to congratulate Your Highness.”