Shuntoku

I am the son of a rich and well-famed man in Kawachi, and I am called Shuntoku-maru. "

Kokoro Japanese Inner Life Hints Lafcadio Hearn 1877

Whether the versions of the ballads I obtained in Izumo were composed there or elsewhere I am quite unable to say; but the stories of Shuntoku-maru, Oguri-Hangwan, and Yaoya O-Shichi are certainly well known in every part of Japan.

Kokoro Japanese Inner Life Hints Lafcadio Hearn 1877

Shuntoku also was traveling in a kago; and the two kago moved side by side along the way.

Kokoro Japanese Inner Life Hints Lafcadio Hearn 1877

Gazing on the girl, Shuntoku fell in love with her.

Kokoro Japanese Inner Life Hints Lafcadio Hearn 1877

When Shuntoku became sixteen years old, he went to Kyoto, to the temple of Tenjin-Sama, to make offerings to the god.

Kokoro Japanese Inner Life Hints Lafcadio Hearn 1877

And saying, "Farewell, father; farewell, mother," poor Shuntoku started on his journey.

Kokoro Japanese Inner Life Hints Lafcadio Hearn 1877

And once in the darkness of the morning, before the breaking of the day, in the hour when the crows first begin to fly abroad and cry, the dead mother of Shuntoku came to him in a dream.

Kokoro Japanese Inner Life Hints Lafcadio Hearn 1877

Since we are bidden to your august house to relate a story, we shall relate the story of Shuntoku.

Kokoro Japanese Inner Life Hints Lafcadio Hearn 1877

Hearing from his father these kind words of farewell, Shuntoku felt much happier, and covering his face with the great rush hat, so as not to be known to the neighbors, he went on alone.

Kokoro Japanese Inner Life Hints Lafcadio Hearn 1877

When Shuntoku-maru, that eldest son, was only three years old, his mother died.

Kokoro Japanese Inner Life Hints Lafcadio Hearn 1877