without knowing anything about what the abbot said, and
hence had all the greater respect for the immense truth which he could
see and not understand. Appreciation is as good as knowing--for the one
who would pose--and soon Shu[u]zen and the cleric stood at the house
entrance, waiting the production of the horse. Isuke in haste had
carried the message to Kakunai. Kakunai, assured of his master's
forbearance and Kage's accomplishments, had been none too sober since
that happy day. Said he aloud--"A horse is not an ass; and a talking
horse is one of his kind. Tip money to see the wondrous beast has flowed
into the stable; and wine has flowed into Kakunai. For Kage there has
been soft rice paste (_mochi_) and dumpling (_dango_) in unstinted
quantities. The pastry cook has been overworked. Kage, now seize the
opportunity. Speak with fluency and argument. Ah! If you had but the
taste of this Kakunai! Wine would be an inspiration."--"Just try me!"
chimed in the brute's voice. "Follow up the wine with rice cakes in
syrup (_shiruko_). Otherwise Kage opens not his mouth, except to bite.
Grievous is it to exercise speech, and to witness the benefits accruing
to the human hog. Henceforth Kakunai must share alike with Kage." At
this rebellion Kakunai was dumbfounded--"Nay, Kage! _Shiruko_ and _sake_
for a beast? Never would such come to the inside of the belly (mind) of
Kakunai. If you did but know its content...."--"Shut up!" was the nag's
discourteous response. "Kage knows it well. You have eaten _takuan_
(pickled radish), and it smells none too sweet. A little further off,
good Sir: now--who is this would be interviewer?"

Reduced to proper proportion Kakunai made humble reply. "Most fitting
company for the honoured Kage Sama. The abbot Bankei deigns his
presence." The horse gave a violent snort, and plunged back to the limit
of his halter. "Kage talks not with a priest, nor henceforth with
anyone." Kakunai was all consternation--"But Kage Dono ... the tips!
This refusal is terrific. Why not favour the curiosity of the Osho[u]
Sama? Deign to reconsider. The dainties of Kage, the wine of Kakunai,
are at stake. Silent before the Osho[u], the Danna Sama in anger will
strike off the head of Kage. Kakunai loses friend and fortune at a
blow." The animal duly mused. "It is so. Shu[u]zen Dono of late has been
short tempered. It cannot be avoided. Better had it been for Kakunai to
take this Kage and depart to country fairs and towns; to