the story is mainly followed.
Ryuo[u] slurs the marriage, but describes the persecution with great
effect. The lines of treatment only diverge subsequently. Ryuo[u] is to
be preferred.

[24] The monetary _bu_ was one-fourth the _ryo[u]_; the _shu[u]_ was
one-fourth the value of the _bu_. A hundred _mon_ = one _sen_. To-day
there are blind shampooers (and for massage) at 500 _mon_ = 5 _sen_.

[25] Of the Nichiren sect. The characters of the "Yotsuya Kwaidan" move
within the circle of this Presbyterian cult: _i.e._, Presbyterian in its
stiff attitude of hostility and superiority to all other sects. There is
another Myo[u]gyo[u]ji, neighbour to the Ten-o[u] shrine.

[26] High sounding titles given to the _great hetairae_. The difference
from the Greek world lay in their not being independent. They were
confined to the houses of their owners. But these noted women were
ransomed at times--even by great nobles. Thus Date Tsunamune the 3rd
_daimyo[u]_ of Sendai bought the famous Oiran Takao, weighing in the
scales the woman against gold. In a fit of passion he killed her soon
after, and had her body cast into the Edogawa.

[27] "_Hagurete mo mata afu michi ya hana no yama._"

[28] The _aodaisho[u]_ is something of the nature of a black snake. Says
Brinkley's Dict. "_elaphis virgatus_."

[29] The term "Inkyo[u]," already several times used, applies to a man
who has retired from active life, leaving the management of the affairs
of the House to the duly appointed heir and successor. A specified
portion of the income is usually assigned for his maintenance, and forms
a first lien, so to speak, on such return. The modernized law of Nippon
does not permit assumption of this state before the age of fifty years,
unless there be incapacitation such as necessitates retirement. In
ancient days (pre-Meiji) there was no such limitation. Men often retired
very early in life--from caprice, family intrigue, or for the freer
management of their affairs. In the latter case they had more power and
less responsibility; the latter falling on the heir and successor,
perhaps still a mere child. _Go_ is merely honorific.

[30] "Awarase ya: Byo[u]bu wa koi no taki sagari." The living carp
strives to ascend the fall.

[31] The old hag who lurks in the River of Souls, waylaying little
children, robbing them of their clothes, and compelling them to
construct huge piles of stones. Her counterfeit presentment (by Unkei)
can be well seen at the En