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356 suddenly into a boisterous laugh, he said, 'An art requires months and years of hewing and polishing before it reaches perfection. Even if you had practised since your babyhood, you are little over ten years of age. Bethink yourself. Men are not wooden figures. If you try to shoot them, they will try to shoot you. Those who are skilled in shooting should also learn to ward off the shafts. Are you prepared to catch the arrows shot at you?' Tametomo, without waiting for him to finish his speech, replied, 'Hoi, in his eighth year, acted as general for the Chinese Emperor Shun; Duke Yeki, in his fifth year, had the direction of fire. Wisdom and folly, skill, and the want of it, are not to be reckoned by years. Be pleased to summon archers the most nimble-handed. Even though it were the arrows endued with understanding of the goddess Kwannon, I will show you how easily I shall catch them.' Shinsei, who from the first had intended to give him a sharp lesson, at the unflinching attitude of Tametomo became highly exasperated. Probably thinking it an opportunity for making a display of his own influence, he stood up abruptly and called out, 'Who are in attendance? Let them bring bows and arrows.' 'Your will shall be obeyed,' was the answer. Two of the Imperial Guards, named Norishige and Norikazu, now advanced with bows and arrows to the foot of the stairs [leading from the courtyard up to the hall where the Mikado held his court]. Shinsei, turning to them, explained the circumstances, and told them to have a shot at this youngster.

"Now, these two guards were originally soldiers of the Emperor Shirakawa, and skilled archers. When Gotoba no In came to the throne they were enlisted in the Imperial Guards. Once the Mikado gave them