“Ah, Gonshirō!” he called out genially. “I am mightily glad to see you again. You were too hasty in running away. I was but teasing you and you took my words in bitter earnest. I hope you will take your old place and serve me as faithfully as before.”
“Your kind words overwhelm me, your lordship,” said Gonshirō humbly. “I have no words in which to express my sense of your clemency. I will henceforth serve you to the uttermost of my ability.”
The good-natured Gonzaemon was delighted to witness this reconciliation between chief and vassal. The daimio ordered a feast to be prepared in honour of the occasion, and presently, over the good cheer, they all became very merry. It was not long before Ujisato began, as on a former occasion, to talk rather boastfully of his exploits and his prowess on the field.
“Gonshirō, when I wrestled with you that time, we all remember, I was beaten because I was half intoxicated,” he said. “Since then my health has much improved and I am much heavier and stronger than before. On the other hand, your many hardships have greatly reduced you and you are a mere shadow of your former self. Should we try a bout now, you would have no chance at all.”
It might have been thought that learning wisdom from bitter experience Gonshirō would have had the sense to agree with his lord’s words, and to have said “That is very true, your lordship. It was but by a fluke that I won before; I should have not the slightest chance now.” But foolish fellow that he was, he forgot everything but the supposed aspersion on his strength and skill which he could not allow to pass unchallenged.
“I am very thin as your lordship truly observes,” he said bluntly, “but my strength is unabated. It is fitting that a samurai should be stronger than his chief. My muscles were hardened in many a field of battle and in friendly contests—they are like wires. Excuse me, but I could not be thrown though five—nay ten—men of your weight should set upon me at the same time.”
“What, braggart! You still boast of your strength! Well, if you are so sure of yourself you shall wrestle with me again.”
“With pleasure, your lordship!” said the undaunted samurai.
“Get ready!”
“I am ready, your lordship.”