"We are your submissive slaves!" said the Minister of the Left Hand.
"If you are my slaves, obey!" screamed the Son of the Gods. "I command that all shall come to an end; the war shall cease, and everything return to its accustomed order."
"Divine Lord! master of our destinies!" said the Prince of Nagato, "will you allow me to speak in your presence?"
"Speak!" said the Mikado.
"The monster whose name is Hieyas," said the Prince, "fears nothing, and insults the gods. But if the command which you have just issued were made known to him in the face of all Japan, he would be obliged to obey, and consent to peace."
"Explain yourself," said Go-Mitzou-No.
"It is with pain that I confess," continued the Prince, "that, in spite of the many defeats he has undergone, Hieyas is still the stronger; his allies increase daily. But they would rapidly diminish, and all would soon abandon him, if he should openly resist an order universally known to emanate from the Mikado."
"No doubt of that," exclaimed the ministers and nobles.
"What shall I do?" asked the Mikado, turning to the Prince of Nagato.
"Sublime master," said the Prince, "my opinion is that you should despatch a herald to proclaim your will in every city and village; at the same time addressing to Fide-Yori and Hieyas a large deputation, charged to inform them that the war is to cease, since such is your pleasure."