"I, the direct descendant of the Gods who founded Japan, I lower my eyes to the earth, and I see that much time has elapsed since the death of that faithful servant of my dynasty, Taiko-Sama, whom my predecessor named General-in-chief of the kingdom. The son of that illustrious leader, who rendered great services to the country, was six years old when his father died; but time has sped for him as for all men, and he is now of an age to succeed his father; wherefore I name him in his turn General-in-chief of the kingdom. "In a few days the knights of Heaven shall solemnly announce to him my will and pleasure, that none may be ignorant of it. "Now, trusting to Fide-Yori the cares of government, I replunge myself in the mysterious absorption of my superhuman dream. "Given at the Dairi, in the nineteenth year of Nengo-Kai-Tio (164). "GO-MITZOU-NO." "That is unanswerable," said Hieyas, bowing his head; "the supreme master has ordered,--I obey. I lay down the powers which were confided to me; and after the insults to which I have submitted, I know what remains for me to do. I hope that those who have managed this matter may not repent their success some day, and that the country may not have cause to groan under the weight of misfortune which may befall it." He went out, after uttering these words, and all the lords rejoicing, gathered around the young Shogun and congratulated him. "You should congratulate my friend and brother, Nagato," said Fide-Yori; "it was he who accomplished everything." "All is not ended yet," said Nagato, who seemed thoughtful; "you must instantly sign Hieyas' death-warrant." "But you heard what he said, friend; he said that he knew what remained for him to do. He is even now about to perform the hara-kiri." "Certainly," said the Prince of Satsuma. "He knows the code of nobility," said the Prince of Aki. "Yes; but he despises its customs, and will not conform to them," said Nagato. "If we do not promptly condemn that man, he will escape us; and once free, he is capable of daring anything." The Prince of Nagato had unfolded a roll of white paper, and offered a brush dipped in ink to the Shogun. Fide-Yori seemed to waver. "To condemn him thus without a trial!" he said. "A trial is of no avail," replied Nagato. "He has perjured himself, and failed in respect to you before the whole Council; moreover he is an assassin." "He is my wife's grandfather," murmured the Shogun. "You can repudiate your wife," said Nagato. "While Hieyas lives, there can be no peace for you, no safety for the country." Fide-Yori seized the brush, wrote the warrant, and signed it. Nagato handed the order to General Sanada-Sayemon-Yoke-Moura, who instantly left the room.