he wardsmen, and treated them with scorn, and
tried to put to shame Chobei and his brave men; but the nobles'
weapons recoiled upon themselves, and, whenever they tried to bring
contempt upon Chobei, they themselves were brought to ridicule. So
there was great hatred on both sides.

[Footnote 21: See the story of Kazuma's Revenge.]

One day, that Chobei went to divert himself in a tea-house in the
Yoshiwara, he saw a felt carpet spread in an upper room, which had
been adorned as for some special occasion; and he asked the master of
the house what guest of distinction was expected. The landlord replied
that my Lord Jiurozayemon, the chief of the Otokodate of the
Hatamotos, was due there that afternoon. On hearing this, Chobei
replied that as he much wished to meet my Lord Jiurozayemon, he would
lie down and await his coming. The landlord was put out at this, and
knew not what to say; but yet he dare not thwart Chobei, the powerful
chief of the Otokodate. So Chobei took off his clothes and laid
himself down upon the carpet. After a while my Lord Jiurozayemon
arrived, and going upstairs found a man of large stature lying naked
upon the carpet which had been spread for him.

"What low ruffian is this?" shouted he angrily to the landlord.

"My lord, it is Chobei, the chief of the Otokodate," answered the man,
trembling.

Jiurozayemon at once suspected that Chobei was doing this to insult
him; so he sat down by the side of the sleeping man, and lighting his
pipe began to smoke. When he had finished his pipe, he emptied the
burning ashes into Chobei's navel; but Chobei, patiently bearing the
pain, still feigned sleep. Ten times did Jiurozayemon fill his
pipe,[22] and ten times he shook out the burning ashes on to Chobei's
navel; but he neither stirred nor spoke. Then Jiurozayemon, astonished
at his fortitude, shook him, and roused him, saying--

"Chobei! Chobei! wake up, man."

"What is the matter?" said Chobei, rubbing his eyes as though he were
awaking from a deep sleep; then seeing Jiurozayemon, he pretended to
be startled, and said, "Oh, my lord, I know not who you are; but I
have been very rude to your lordship. I was overcome with wine, and
fell asleep: I pray your lordship to forgive me."

"Is your name Chobei?"

"Yes, my lord, at your service. A poor wardsman, and ignorant of good
manners, I have been very rude; but I pray your lordship to excuse my
ill-breeding."

"Nay, nay; we have all heard the fame of