Note 10 — Chapter XLI · THE RESTORATION

“They are fine enough, but lack in quality, I know. And this Maido, who is he, that my son, my Tetsutaisho, should so honour him as to take his daughter in marriage? Is this what I am to get? And that without a voice? Verily the hand of misfortune falls heavily. Beauty and treasure—rags and fiddlesticks! A joros[10] would have brought me good returns. And what is this I hear all the time? Goddess Benten?—Nehachibana! Hist! Better try your prayers on Kwannon. The goddess of mercy is more likely your need: the goddess of love, your wish.”