"Speak," said the Kisaki.
"Light of the World!" said the man, "the embassy from the Shogun has arrived."
"Ah!" exclaimed the Kisaki. "And who are the princes that compose it?"
"The Princes of Nagato, Satsuma, Ouesougi, and Satake."
"It is well!" said the Kisaki, dismissing the messenger by a sign. "These gentlemen will weary of waiting for an audience," she continued, addressing the princes grouped about her. "The Mikado, my divine master, is at the summer-palace with all his wives and his Court; the Dairi is almost deserted. Tsusima, go, seek out these princes, and conduct them hither; they shall share our sports. Let pavilions be prepared for them within the limits of the residence," she added, turning to her women.
Her orders were transmitted to the interior of the house, and the Prince of Tsusima, bowing profoundly, withdrew.
The Dairi was not more than half-an-hour's journey away from the summer-palace, so that an hour was all-sufficient time to go and come.
"Prepare a fresh combat," said Kisaki. The fowlers cried aloud the names of the combatants:
"Gold Spur!"
"Rival of Lightning!"