Upon receipt of her declaration, Ieyasu forthwith charged Yodogima with unfaithfulness; he believed now that Hideyoshi had found it possible only through her to checkmate his every move to reach and liberate her, had moved upon him thus prematurely but to satisfy a wavering ambition of hers. Esyo seemed not of sufficient consequence to arouse in him any apprehension from that source; her last protestations appeared to be reasonable enough in view of Jokoin's passive assent, and without looking behind the scenes to discern any better reason further for assuming individual risk, at once set himself about to exact the best terms obtainable. Love had been the one thing to swerve him, and to disturb the plan that he had evolved earlier in life to build up and round out an existence both useful and to the purpose: he would have no more of it. Hideyoshi, on the other hand, had indulged only as convenience or policy dictated, hence came to look upon virtue as a ruling passion: made it the goal and not his guide. "You are at liberty to name the terms," urged Hideyoshi, upon Ieyasu, more in irony than of earnest; no longer doubtful about the latter's attitude, toward Yodogima. "I want neither women nor wealth; they are alike fatal to government," retorted Ieyasu, neither heedless nor unready. "Oh, very well; we shall omit the latter, if you like, but the former are indispensable, I take it; however, one or so more or less doesn't matter much, to me; besides, you may change your mind: Hideyoshi can then the better supply you: my collection is not a mean one--" "And your mother a good enough security. What say you to that, bickerer?" "It is agreeable: you can have her, as hostage, of course." "Hardly for another purpose, as a matter of choice; knowing her son, as I do." "There are worse mothers--you will not deny her the comfort of a daughter, my sister Saji?" "I can relieve you as well of her support, if that is any object." "Thanks. She may not seem extravagant to Ieyasu. And, you might not dislike, also, Jokoin, my recently adopted daughter?" "Perhaps I had better take, instead, Esyo, and make an end of it." "As you like; Hideyoshi is not over nice, or particular, or exacting." "And Ieyasu wants nothing not bargained for, and takes no less." "We shall see," replied Hideyoshi, satisfied with the deal, and anxious to put it to the test without further parley or encumbrance. Hideyoshi forthwith produced as hostage his mother, Naka, accompanied by her daughter, Saji, apparently to keep her company, and by Esyo, whose presence, already assured, served no better her purpose than Hideyoshi's pleasurable riddance if not her sister Yodogima's more respectful quest. In consideration of the security tendered, Ieyasu agreed henceforth only to recognize Hideyoshi as supreme at Kyoto, the capital: Hideyoshi, as usual, made no promises.