"Taiko was interrupted by death in the execution of his task, which was but just begun; the princes are still powerful and rich. Continue this work after me; parcel out the kingdoms, sow discord between the nobles. If two friends hold neighboring principalities, forbid them to reside within their domains at one and the same time; if they are foes, on the contrary, let them dwell together. War will break out between them, and one at least will be enfeebled. Always keep their wives at Yeddo. Bring into fashion a ruinous luxury; the women will help you in this. Empty the coffers of their husbands, that they may be forced to sell their estates. But if one of them be rich enough to provide for all these outlays, pay him a visit, and oblige him to spend his last bit of gold to receive such an honor fitly. Be careful to close Japan strictly against all strangers: the princes might make formidable alliances with them. Therefore let no ship coming from distant countries enter our ports. Seek out the Christians and massacre them remorselessly: they are capable of fomenting revolt and insubordination. You understand me fully, my son? You must strive to make of Japan a single empire, subject to but one master. But this end will be long and difficult of attainment, and man's life is brief; wherefore, when time has blanched your hair, you must summon your son, as I summoned you to-day, and transmit my words to him. I have finished." "Father," said Fide-Tadda, kneeling before Hieyas, "I swear to fulfil your wishes to the letter." "Good, my child; but send for the doctor," said Hieyas, who breathed laboriously, exhausted by his long discourse. The doctor was brought. "Illustrious scholar," said Hieyas, looking fixedly at him, "am I very ill?" "No, master," said the doctor, with some hesitation. "I command you to speak nothing but the truth. Am I very ill? "Yes," said the physician. "In danger of death?" "Not yet; but the life of fatigue which you lead may hasten your end." "Could I live to see the end of the war which I am undertaking, supposing that it should last six moons?" "Oh, yes!" said the doctor; "you might oven prolong the war considerably beyond that time." "Well! then I am rich," cried Hieyas, laughing. "I need not be in haste; I will take a few days of rest." CHAPTER XVI. THE FISHERMEN OF OSAKA BAY. A strange commotion reigned in the castle of Fide-Yori. Military leaders, clad in ponderous cuirasses, constantly passed through the gate in the outer wall; the tread of their horses' hoofs re-echoed from the lofty vaulted roof. They hurriedly entered the third enclosure, and reached the Shogun's palace. Fide-Yori, in a room opening from the Hall of a Thousand Mats, was holding council, surrounded by the chiefs of his army and those princes who were most loyal to him.