Iwakura, having admired them, made a slightly disappointed grimace.
"Far more beautiful blossoms were about to open in my dream," said he, stifling a yawn. "Master, why did you make me get up so early?"
"Come, Prince of Nagato," said the young man, laying his hand on his comrade's shoulder, "confess. I did not make you get up, for you did not go to bed last night."
"What?" cried Iwakura; "what makes you think so!"
"Your pallor, friend, and your haggard eyes."
"Am I not always so?"
"The dress you wear would be far too elegant for the hour of the cock.[2] And see! the sun has scarcely risen; we have only reached the hour of the rabbit."[3]
"To honor such a master as you, no hour is too early."
"Is it also in my honor, faithless subject, that you appear before me armed? Those two swords, forgotten in your sash, condemn you; you had just returned to the palace when I summoned you."
The guilty youth hung his head, not attempting to defend himself.