When he crossed the threshold of the first of the thirty-three rooms, twelve very noble and most beautiful damsels received him. They alone were entitled to wait upon him. Their hair, in the presence of their lord, must be undone, and hang dishevelled in the folds of their trailing garments.
The Mikado had seated himself on a mat before the dinner of his choice, and had begun to eat, when the Kisaki entered, unannounced. She, too, when appearing before the supreme master, was obliged to wear her hair flowing loosely. Her superb black tresses were therefore unconfined, and fell in waves to the very ground.
The Mikado raised his eyes to her in amazement, and hurriedly swallowed the morsel that he had in his mouth.
"My beloved companion," said he, "I did not expect to see you!"
"My divine lord," she replied, "I have come to inform you that I shall very soon lose one of my women; the fair Fatkoura is about to marry."
"Very good! very good!" said the Mikado; "and whom?"
"The Prince of Nagato."
"Ah-ha! I consent to the marriage."
"And what princess do you name to take the place of the one who is to leave me?"
"I will name any one whom you may select."