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02/09/09(Mon)01:12:26 No.3083770Part 3 "Once
when Fukuchi Rokurouemon was leaving the castle, the palanquin of what
appeared to be a rather upper class woman was passing in front of
Master Taku's mansion, and a man who was standing there made the proper
salutation. A halberd carrier who was with the palanquin procession,
however, said to the man, "You didn't bow low enough," and struck him
on the head with the handle of his halberd. When the man wiped his
head, he found that he was bleeding. In just that condition he stood up
and said, "You have committed an outrageous act, even though I was
courteous. A regrettable piece of luck." So saying, he cut the halberd
carrier down with a single blow. The palanquin continued on to wherever
it was going, but Rokurouemon unsheathed his spear, stood before the
man, and said. "Put away your sword. Within the castle grounds it is
forbidden to go about holding a naked blade.'' The man said, "What
happened now was unavoidable, and I was compelled by the circumstances.
Certainly you could see that this was so. Although I would like to
sheathe my sword, it is difficult to do so due to the tone of your
words. It is unpleasant, but I shall be glad to accept your challenge.'' cont'd... |