“Honorably the emperor will reward you,” said the head man bowing low, but O Nitta San shook his head.
“I desire no reward,” he said. “Do you hear the chirp of that bird? In a land where even the wild songsters of the forest cry ‘Chiu,’[14] do not think a Samurai needs a reward.”
O Nitta San turned him to the cliffs, and he raised his hands to the sea god and prayed long and earnestly. Then he drew from its scabbard his sword, and lovingly he gazed upon its keen and shining blade. He raised it toward the clouds and it gleamed in the moonlight like a shimmering serpent.
“Beloved comrade, Soul of the Samurai,”[15] he cried. “Well have you served me in many a fierce battle. You are a friend as well as a servant. Now serve me once again and appease the wrath of the sea god!” For a moment he lovingly laid the sword against his breast, then “God of the Sea,” he cried aloud, “accept my sacrifice and care for the Soul of the Samurai.” And so saying he cast far from him the sword.
“HE LAID HIS SWORD AGAINST HIS BREAST”
It screamed through the air and smote the water, and a myriad sparkling crystals rose into the air. They leaped to encircle the sword, as if lovingly encrusting it with diamonds. It rose upon a wave, it fell, the pearl-like foam covered it, and O Nitta San saw it no more.
But from the sea came a dull murmuring sound, and the waters rolled back from the cliffs and a passageway appeared.
“Kompira has accepted my sacrifice,” cried O Nitta San. “We may pass over in safety to conquest and glory.”
Then the army passed over at the edge of the cliff, and they fought a mighty battle with the Hojo and took the city.