s of any
passer-by to give a cut. The punishment had lapsed since the days of the
third Sho[u]gun, and was no more successful in Iemon's case. Placed in
the cangue at the execution ground of Shinagawa a cut was made in each
side of his neck. Smeared with blood the bamboo saw was placed on the
cangue in inviting proximity to the head. For five hours people passed,
with curious glances, but no movement to release the criminal. An Eta
(outcast) butcher sidled up. The guards watched him with curiosity.
Picking up the saw he made one pass. At the yell given by Iemon he
dropped the implement and fled in terror, amid the laughter of guards
and by-standers. Toward the hour of the sheep (1 P.M.) a _yoriki_ with
his _do[u]shin_ appeared. On signal the cangue was removed. Inert limbs
feebly twitching Iemon was bound tight to the double cross, his legs and
arms stretched wide apart. This was raised, and again the hours passed
in miserable waiting for a death which seemed to recede. If
unconsciousness threatened he was given vinegar to drink as restorative.
His fevered lips eagerly sought the fluid and prolonged his torture. In
the spring light the days were long. As the sun was about to set the
officer gave command. A _do[u]shin_ came forward to the cross and made a
sign. A guard thrust his spear upward into the belly of Iemon. The limbs
made a movement, as in attempt to be drawn up. A guard on the other side
in turn made a thrust. Others followed. For some moments they continued
their sport, the reward of long waiting. The man was not yet dead.
Impatient the _do[u]shin_ gave the shaft of a spear a violent upward
thrust. Its point appeared through the left shoulder. The head fell
forward on the breast and hung limp. Iemon was dead.

* * * * *

These events could not be let pass without notice from either the pious
or the timorous. Kyo[u]ho[u] 2nd year 2nd month 22nd day (3rd April,
1717) the Inari shrine built to propitiate the fearful Lady of Tamiya
was opened to worship with due ceremonies. It had been erected on the
ground of the house once occupied by Matazaemon, facing on Teramachi and
on the narrow street paralleling Samoncho[u] to the East. It was almost
opposite the entrance to the Sho[u]gwanji. At the family temple, the
Myo[u]gyo[u]ji, on the Samegabashi side, a grave and stela was set up.
With time, however, the opposition made itself felt. It was asserted
that the Lady O'Iwa still walked t