were ill-disposed toward Tadamori. Though a mere warrior, he was permitted near the imperial dais, the only warrior singled out for such honor, and the jealous courtiers resented him. They feared that the Squint-Eyed One would usurp their privileges, and distrusted him, believing that Tadamori knew the secret of ingratiating himself with the ex-Emperor. In spite of the years that Tadamori had held aloof from the Palace and refused invitations to the seasonal entertainments and observances, the ex-Emperor's regard for him had not diminished. Not only did Tadamori continue to receive tokens of the abdicated monarch's attachment, but further honor was shown him by Toba's eagerness to accept Tadamori's opinions as final. Tadamori's reinstatement at the Palace once more roused the suspicions and distrust of the courtiers.
On returning home, Tadamori stood by the black colt stroking its nose, saying: "Ah, what pettiness! Nothing has changed in that old pond where those courtiers croak."
"Father, there's no way to live in this capital except by ignoring the slander. Just laugh at the fools."
"Heita! Back already?"
"I saw you leave the Palace and followed you, since I'm not on duty tonight."
"Heita, never show your resentment."
"No, but I'm waiting for my revenge, and I haven't forgotten your words about starting a new life. We are much happier here at home now."
"I'm afraid you've been lonely since your mother left."
"Remember, Father, we promised not to talk of that. . . . Now about that colt—"
"Hmm—a fine horse. Better exercise him morning and evening."
"I have that in mind. To tell you the truth, Wataru of the Genji who is with me in the Guards, tells me he wants to train the colt. He's been begging me to ask you to obtain his majesty's consent, for he wants to ride that colt in the Kamo races."
Tadamori thought for a moment and then said: "Wataru— but don't you want to ride him yourself? You, rather than Wataru?"
"Those four white fetlocks—if it were not for them—-" Kiyomori hesitated, drawing his thick brows into a nervous frown that startled his father. Tadamori was surprised by the discovery that this careless son of his had ideas of his own.
"I'm sure Wataru can be trusted. I can't say how his majesty will feel about this, but I shall ask—that is, if you still have no intention of riding the colt yourself," Tadamori said, a little disappointed. Calling some retainers, he gave them directions for the feeding and grooming of the four-year-old, and shortly after went to his rooms, now empty of his wife and her reproaches. Resting in the lamplight, he called his young sons to him and played with them, as had now become his habit.
Several days later Tadamori told Wataru himself of the ex-Emperor's consent, and later instructed Kiyomori to take the colt to Wataru's home. Leading the horse by its reins, Kiyomori started on his way to Iris Lane on Ninth Avenue. Passers-by turned to remark: "A magnificent horse—for the Court or the Palace?" But Kiyomori spoke to no one, glad to be rid of an ill-omened horse.
Wataru was expecting Kiyomori and was cleaning out the stable when his friend arrived. He was beside himself with joy.
"It's almost dark. I'm sorry my wife hasn't returned yet, but you must stay and drink with me. This is an occasion to celebrate. We shall drink to it in imperial wine!"
Kiyomori stayed until the lamps were lit and the wine made him tingle to his fingertips. Looking round, he found himself comparing his surroundings with his own home, and noted that the house had little in the way of furnishings, but was exquisitely clean. The polished beams gave out a dark gleam; comfort pervaded the air; a sheen lay over everything—undoubtedly the industry of the young wife whom Wataru had married at the end of the past year. Kiyomori was envious. He listened to Wataru and his praises of his wife. When he finally left, Wataru
On returning home, Tadamori stood by the black colt stroking its nose, saying: "Ah, what pettiness! Nothing has changed in that old pond where those courtiers croak."
"Father, there's no way to live in this capital except by ignoring the slander. Just laugh at the fools."
"Heita! Back already?"
"I saw you leave the Palace and followed you, since I'm not on duty tonight."
"Heita, never show your resentment."
"No, but I'm waiting for my revenge, and I haven't forgotten your words about starting a new life. We are much happier here at home now."
"I'm afraid you've been lonely since your mother left."
"Remember, Father, we promised not to talk of that. . . . Now about that colt—"
"Hmm—a fine horse. Better exercise him morning and evening."
"I have that in mind. To tell you the truth, Wataru of the Genji who is with me in the Guards, tells me he wants to train the colt. He's been begging me to ask you to obtain his majesty's consent, for he wants to ride that colt in the Kamo races."
Tadamori thought for a moment and then said: "Wataru— but don't you want to ride him yourself? You, rather than Wataru?"
"Those four white fetlocks—if it were not for them—-" Kiyomori hesitated, drawing his thick brows into a nervous frown that startled his father. Tadamori was surprised by the discovery that this careless son of his had ideas of his own.
"I'm sure Wataru can be trusted. I can't say how his majesty will feel about this, but I shall ask—that is, if you still have no intention of riding the colt yourself," Tadamori said, a little disappointed. Calling some retainers, he gave them directions for the feeding and grooming of the four-year-old, and shortly after went to his rooms, now empty of his wife and her reproaches. Resting in the lamplight, he called his young sons to him and played with them, as had now become his habit.
Several days later Tadamori told Wataru himself of the ex-Emperor's consent, and later instructed Kiyomori to take the colt to Wataru's home. Leading the horse by its reins, Kiyomori started on his way to Iris Lane on Ninth Avenue. Passers-by turned to remark: "A magnificent horse—for the Court or the Palace?" But Kiyomori spoke to no one, glad to be rid of an ill-omened horse.
Wataru was expecting Kiyomori and was cleaning out the stable when his friend arrived. He was beside himself with joy.
"It's almost dark. I'm sorry my wife hasn't returned yet, but you must stay and drink with me. This is an occasion to celebrate. We shall drink to it in imperial wine!"
Kiyomori stayed until the lamps were lit and the wine made him tingle to his fingertips. Looking round, he found himself comparing his surroundings with his own home, and noted that the house had little in the way of furnishings, but was exquisitely clean. The polished beams gave out a dark gleam; comfort pervaded the air; a sheen lay over everything—undoubtedly the industry of the young wife whom Wataru had married at the end of the past year. Kiyomori was envious. He listened to Wataru and his praises of his wife. When he finally left, Wataru
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