"Where have you been, my poor Sado?" said the Prince. "I had forgotten you."
"I have married; I am happy," said Sado.
"Ah! I remember, now,—the story of the princes disguised as blind men, and carrying off a whole family! You have a pretty wit. That adventure occupied many idle minds for weeks. But what do you want? Do you lack money?"
"Master, I came to tell you that I am ashamed of the life which I lead."
"What! Have you forgotten our agreement?"
"No, your Highness; I forget nothing. I was a criminal; I was about to be beheaded when you pardoned me, because your illustrious father exclaimed, as he saw me: 'That man looks like you, Iwakura!'"
"I pardoned you also," said the Prince, "because, in my eyes, your crime was slight; you killed your enemy to avenge an insult, nothing more. But what were the conditions of my pardon?"
"Blind obedience, devotion unto death. I came to remind you of that to-day."
"What?"
"Unto death...." repeated Sado, emphasizing each syllable.