When the emperor’s magician saw her, he said, “No one can heal such sickness. A charm falls upon her every night which steals away her strength. He alone can break the spell, who, with sleepless eyes, can watch beside her bedside until sunrise.”
Gray haired nurses sat by her until morning, but a deep sleep fell upon them at midnight.
Next fourscore maidens of the court, who loved her well, kept bright lights burning all the night, yet they, too, fell asleep.
Five counselors of state watched with her father at the bedside. Though they propped their eyes open with their fingers, yet in the middle of the night slumber overcame them.
All believed that the gentle maid must die.
The emperor was in despair, but Ito, a brave soldier, said, “I shall not sleep; let me one night guard the sweet O Haru San.”
Her father led him to the chamber. Just at midnight Ito felt his eyes grow heavy.
He rose and held his sword above his head. “Rather will I die than sleep,” he said.
Then came a great struggle. Often his head nodded, but by his love and strength Ito conquered sleep.
Suddenly he heard a voice which said, “Grate foxes’ livers in the princess’ rice broth and all her ills will disappear.”