in the sun-light, I saw the very one the princess had described, from which I plucked this branch, although there were many others more beautiful and more wonderful.
In such a fairy land one could well wish to remain forever, but the moment I had obtained the branch my heart beat to return, so hastening to the ship, with fair winds, we arrived within four hundred days and waiting not to change my robes all wet with the salt sea spray here I am come.”
Old Taketori was so affected by the story of the prince's woes that he could hardly keep back the tears, but just then, six men entered the garden bearing a letter held in a split stick.
One of them came near and, making a profound bow, begged that they might receive the payment for working a thousand |
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days on the jewel-branch.
The old man could not speak for astonishment and, on looking towards the prince, saw him pale and trembling not daring to meet his eye.
As the rooms of the princess opened on the garden, she had seen the men enter and, overhearing something of what they said, sent one of her women to summon them before her.
Their story was soon told.
It appeared that the prince, who had just given such a pathetic tale of his voyage, had in reality returned in three days after setting sail, but very secretly, and went to a house he had prepared with three thick walls so that no prying eye might know what was going on within.
Here he had lived for three years with six skilful workmen, to whom he had |
