A wreath of cloud

This is the last volume but one of The Tale of Genji proper. Between volumes IV and V there is a gap of eight years, during which Genji has died. Volumes V and VI contain the sequel, ‘the ten Uji chapters,’ as they are called in Japan, which deal with the fortunes of Genji’s supposed son Kaoru, and his grandson (the Akashi Princess’s child) Niou. The name ‘Genji’ (member of the Minamoto clan) applies equally to his descendants, so that in Japanese the sequel too can be called The Tale of Genji. But in English it needs a new name, and I have called it The Tale of Kaoru. Thus The Tale of Genji itself will be complete in four volumes, and will be followed by a sequel in two volumes.

I wish here to thank Mr. R. C. Trevelyan and Miss Sybil Pye for the care with which they have read the proofs of the present volume. The fact that the heroine of the story and the writer of it are both called Murasaki is somewhat confusing. I will therefore here point out that the name ‘Murasaki’ was given to the authoress as a nickname, in allusion to the heroine of her book. Her real name is unknown to us. For the origin of the nickname, see below, p. 23.

CONTENTS

PAGE PREFACE 7 LIST OF MOST IMPORTANT PERSONS 11 SUMMARY OF VOLUMES I AND II 13 INTRODUCTION 15

CHAPTER I. A WREATH OF CLOUD 35 II. ASAGAO 68 III. THE MAIDEN 91 IV. TAMAKATSURA 147 V. THE FIRST SONG OF THE YEAR 200 VI. THE BUTTERFLIES 218 VII. THE GLOW-WORM 240 VIII. A BED OF CARNATIONS 264 IX. THE FLARES 291 X. THE TYPHOON 296

LIST OF MOST IMPORTANT PERSONS

(alphabetical)

Akashi, Lady of Whom Genji courted during his exile.

Akashi, Princess from Daughter of the above by Genji.

Akikonomu, Empress Daughter of Rokujō.

Aoi Genji’s first wife.

Asagao, Princess Daughter of Prince Momozono Shikibukyō, courted by Genji since his boyhood, without success.

Ateki Daughter of Tamakatsura’s old nurse.

Bugo no Suke Brother of the above.

Chūjō, Lady Tō no Chūjō’s eldest daughter (called Kōkiden in the original, but this renders her liable to confusion with Genji’s step-mother).

Emperor, The Old Genji’s father.

Falling Flowers, Lady Sister of one of the Old Emperor's Sister from the Village of of one of the Old Emperor's Court-ladies under Genji’s protection.

Fujitsubo Consort of the Old Emperor; loved by Genji.

Genji Son of the Old Emperor by a lady-in-waiting.

Higekuro Brother of Suzaku’s consort Lady Jōkyōden.

Hyōbukyō, Prince Murasaki’s father.

Kashiwagi Eldest son of Tō no Chūjō.

Kōbai Brother of the above.

Kōkiden Consort of the Old Emperor; Genji’s wicked ‘step-mother.’

Koremitsu Genji’s retainer.

Koremitsu’s Daughter Gosechi dancer, admired by Yūgiri.

Kumoi Younger daughter of Tō no Chūjō.

Momozono, Prince. Brother of the Old Emperor. Father of Asagao.

Murasaki Second ‘wife’ of Genji (never, technically speaking, his kita no kata or formal wife).

Nyogo, Princess Younger sister of the Old Emperor.

Oborozuki Consort of the ex-Emperor Suzaku. Loved by Genji.

Ōmi, Lady of Bastard of Tō no Chūjō, reclaimed by him in error while searching for Tamakatsura.

Ōmiya, Princess Mother of Aoi and Tō no Chūjō. Sister of the Old Emperor.

Rokujō Widow of a brother of the Old Emperor.

Ryōzen, The Emperor Reputed son of the Old Emperor, but really son of Genji and Fujitsubo.

Sanjō Yūgao’s maid.

Shōni Husband of Tamakatsura’s nurse. Father of Ateki and Bugo no Suke.

Sochi, Prince Genji’s step-brother.

Suyetsumu Fantastic lady with red nose, daughter of Prince Hitachi.

Suzaku, The Ex-Emperor Genji’s step-brother; son of Kōkiden.