[16] Hero of the Tales of Ise.
[17] I.e., upon promotion at Court. Courtiers were called ‘men above the clouds.’
[18] Presumably the hero of the tale of Shō Sammi.
[19] Narihira, hero of the Tales of Ise.
[20] 898–930, a great patron of literature, and himself an important poet and calligrapher.
[21] Grandson of the great Kose no Kanaoka. Flourished about 960 a.d.
[22] Japanese zithern.
[23] Chinese zithern.
CHAPTER XVIII
THE WIND IN THE PINE-TREES
THE new quarters which Genji had built to the east of his palace were now ready and the lady from the Village of Falling Flowers was duly installed there. The western wing and connecting galleries of the Nijō-in had been arranged in offices for the clerks whom he employed in his capacity as Grand Minister. In the eastern wing he intended to establish the Lady of Akashi. The women’s quarters at the back of the palace he enlarged considerably, making several sets of very agreeable and comfortable apartments; these he destined for those ladies who having in the past received some mark of favour which, though fleeting, had generally been coupled with handsome promises, now looked to him for recognition and support. He kept the Grand Bedchamber of the Palace open, and though he lived chiefly in the new building, he continued to use the other from time to time and none of the necessary furniture was removed.