Page:Anthology of Japanese Literature.pdf/377

Rh were prostitutes from Niigata. They were on their way to visit the shrine at Ise, and the man had escorted them here, as far as the Barrier of Ichifuri. He was to return the next day, and the women were writing letters and giving him little messages to take back.

“We are wandering by the shores that the white waves wash. Daughters of fishermen, we have fallen to this miserable state. What retribution awaits us for our inconstant vows, the sins we daily commit? We are wretched indeed….” These were the words I heard as I fell asleep.

The next morning, when we were about to start on our journey, the two women approached us in tears, saying, “The sadness of a journey to an uncertain destination leaves us very uneasy and depressed—may we follow behind you, even if out of sight? Grant us this great favor, you who wear priest’s garments, and help us to attain the way of the Buddha.”

I answered, “I am very sorry, but we have a great many places to visit. You would do much better to go along with some ordinary travelers. You are under the protection of the gods, and I am sure that no harm will come to you.” With these words we left, but I could not help feeling sorry for them.