V. THE POISONING
The next day Yokoyama sent to Prince Kane-uji a message, inviting him to come to his house, there to perform the wine-drinking ceremony of greeting each other as father-in-law and son-in-law.
Then the Princess Terute sought to dissuade the Hangwan from going there, because she had dreamed in the night a dream of ill omen.
But the Hangwan, making light of her fears, went boldly to the dwelling of the Choja, followed by his young retainers. Then Yokoyama Choja, rejoicing, caused many dishes to be prepared, containing all delicacies furnished by the mountains and the sea(1), and well entertained the Hangwan.
At last, when the wine-drinking began to flag, Yokoyama uttered the wish that his guest, the lord Kane-uji, would also furnish some entertainment(2).
"And what shall it be?" the Hangwan asked.
"Truly," replied the Choja, "I am desirous to see you show your great skill in riding."
"Then I shall ride," the prince made answer. And presently the horse called Onikage(3) was led out.
That horse was so fierce that he did not seem to be a real horse, but rather a demon or a dragon, so that few dared even to approach him.
But the Prince Hangwan Kane-uji at once loosened the chain by which the horse was fastened, and rode upon him with wondrous ease.