Gods and Heroes of Old Japan (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1906 Excerpt: ...priest accosted hiin--a loyal Minamoto in disguise--who unfolded a great scheme for the rising of the clan. When he had ended, he asked abruptly: 'How is thy heart, my Prince, wilt be a priest or warrior?' Yoshitsune answered gravely: 'Nay, my father, one desire have I, to follow Buddha the Compassionate, and lead a life of piety ' 'Alas that I who served my lord should see this day ' said the priest sorrowfully. 'Is thy heart stone, O Yoshitsune? knowest thou thy brother Yoritomo lives, and Minamoto are arming in the hills?' Seeing the lad still silent, the priest drew forth his sword from under his robe, and tried to pierce his body. 'Life is a flame before the wind ' cried Yoshitsune, and stayed his hand. 'Wait and die with me a warrior's death. Tell me quickly thy tale ' Ardently he listened, his eyes like glow-worms in the dark: and his destiny seemed calling--calling--across moon-flecked fields and swelling hill-sides. Weary with waiting, Yoshitsune once prayed the gods for a sign that they remembered his cause. One night, on his wanderings, a huge rock barred the way; he raised high his sword, and with one strong sweep cut the boulder through, as a child might slice a melon, and the two sides gaped and fell apart When he felt the blade his wonder deepened, for the edge was keen as ever As he leapt joyfully between, a sudden mocking laugh rang through the forest, and turning wrathfully he spied a wonderful and quaint procession. It was a King-Tengu--a bird-like elf--with nose three hands-breadth long, strutting proudly towards bim; while on either side attendant elves guarded the royal nose from knocks. 'I laughed, ' cried the Tengu, 'to see thy play; a mighty warrior art thou to war with rocks and stones Wilt thou see me fight? I can show thee gre...