attempt to lie to the priest.... You don't know? Ah! you would be
obstinate in your grudge. The charm shakes and quivers; it possesses
O'Iwa.... You would rest in Samoncho[u] ground? That is much to ask;
particularly when the body is not in hand.... A substitute will do? Ah!
Prayers?... For a year, at morn and night of each day? That is terrific.
Consider the cost.... You care not for the cost! Only then will you
cease to afflict the ward?... Very well: humbly this Daiho[u]-in
transmits the will of the dead."

Thus did the priestly mediator interpret to his gaping auditors the
mumbling and cries given forth by O'Hana. The wild look faded from her
eyes. She rolled over as in a faint. The priests raised her up. The
Daiho[u]-in turned to Iemon and the assembly--"The words of O'Iwa have
been heard through this woman. O'Hana has been possessed by O'Iwa. Hence
her trance.... Heigh! Water!" He began making passes over his
patient--"The stage has passed. O'Hana no longer is possessed by O'Iwa.
The wronged lady leaves O'Hana to peace. O'Hana is completely herself
again. O'Iwa is all delusion. O'Hana believes this. She believes firmly.
The Daiho[u]-in tells her to believe. O'Iwa does not haunt O'Hana. O'Iwa
has no ill will against O'Hana." He looked fixedly and with command into
the eyes of O'Hana. His voice rang clear and authoritative. Then he
began gently to stroke the back of her head, her neck and spine. "All is
well?" "Hai! Hai! This Hana is completely restored. All is well." With a
little sigh she sank back, to be laid on the cushions in a sleep which
all wondered to see was most natural. Those present were in transports
of delight. They buzzed approval as the Daiho[u]-in addressed Iemon.
"The Daiho[u]-in has done his part. All have heard the words of O'Iwa
San. The rest lies with the temple. Deign to receive these words. The
Daiho[u]-in returns." With his pack voicing loudly at his tail he left
the entrance gate. The assembly streamed after. Iemon was left alone,
biting his thumbs in helpless rage. He was aghast. "The old fox! What is
to be done, pressed as Iemon is for funds? How is this Iemon to act?
Refusal means the open hostility of the whole ward. It will turn against
him. Ah! What a miserable old scamp. He did it all himself; he and his
confederates. The gods descend from above; the Daiho[u]-in shakes the
_gohei_ from below--and those fools believe, to the ruin of Iemon!"

Hence he would have postponed the costly a