Both attempted to enter, when the gate-keeper sought to prevent them; declaring they were much too bold to seek to enter the dwelling of Terute-Hime, only daughter of the renowned Yokoyama Choja,—the sacred child begotten through the favor of the deity of the Sun.
"You do but right to speak thus," the retainer made reply. "But you must learn that we are officers from the city in search of a fugitive.
"And it is just because all males are prohibited from entering this dwelling that a search therein must be made."
Then the guards, amazed, suffered them to pass, and saw the supposed officers of justice enter the court, and many of the ladies in waiting come forth to welcome them as guests.
And the Lady Terute, marvelously pleased by the coming of the writer of that love-letter, appeared before her wooer, robed in her robes of ceremony, with a veil about her shoulders.
Kane-uji was also much delighted at being thus welcomed by the beautiful maiden. And the wedding ceremony was at once performed, to the great joy of both, and was followed by a great wine feast.
So great was the mirth, and so joyful were all, that the followers of the prince and the maids of the princess danced together, and together made music.
And Oguri-Hangwan himself produced his flute, made of the root of a bamboo, and began to play upon it sweetly.
Then the father of Terute, hearing all this joyous din in the house of his daughter, wondered greatly what the cause might be.
But when he had been told how the Hangwan had become the bridegroom of his daughter without his consent, the Choja grew wondrous angry, and in secret devised a scheme of revenge.