In spite of that I beg of you to make me one. There is a good reason for my asking.
HATMAKER.
Well, as you are so young there cannot be much harm in your wearing it. I will make you one.
(He begins to make the hat.)
There is a fine story about these left-folded eboshi and the luck they bring. Shall I tell it you?
USHIWAKA.
Yes, pray tell me the story.
HATMAKER.
My grandfather lived at Karasu-maru in the Third Ward.
It was the time when Hachimantarō Yoshi-iye, having routed[50] the brothers Sadatō and Munetō,
Came home in triumph to the Capital.
And when he was summoned to the Emperor’s Palace, he went first to my grandfather and ordered from him
A left-folded eboshi for the Audience. And when he was come before the Throne
The Emperor welcomed him gladly
And as a token of great favour made him lord
Of the lands of Outer Mutsu.
Even such an eboshi it is that I am making now,
A garment of good omen.
Wear it and when into the world