Alameda High School - Acorn Yearbook (Alameda, CA)

Page 31 text:

“If you insist upon doing so, I will not delay you any long- But pray, my friend, when you happen to pass this way ain, do not forget to stop at our house, though ugly and uncomfortable. “And you, my master Sano, if you happened to visit Kama- a, forget not to call at my monastery. I may perhaps be Ip to you. Sayonaro!” So saying, the stranger monk left the Sano family cottage and passed away into the snow. Two months had passed since this incident, when suddenly a gathering was called upon all knights in the country by the Shippen of Kamakura. ‘A serious matter has arisen, arise and close in to Kama- kura!” The peace of the country was broken and what a stir was there! From every quarter of the country, the knights, eager to accomplish the deeds of reputation and honor, arose in arms and poured into Kamakura. Thus the great chance had arrived to our Genzaemon Sano, to prove his bravery. He clad himself in that torn armor, and taking his rusty spear under his arm, left his home on the back of his thin but faith- ful steed. He hurried over hills, through valleys, and across plains, and at last arrived at Kamakura. There were already gathered thousands of knights, all in beautiful suits of armor and on fiery steeds. Indeed the whole gathering presented a majestic scene. It had an appearance of a forest of long spears, intermixed with glittering helmets. But poor Sano! With torn armor, rusty spear, and thin horse, had an aspect of a copper cent among numerous shining gold pieces. As he joined the multitude, the knights who were near him laughed, ridiculed and made fun of his poor attire. However, he stood calmly and waited further order of the Shippen. Soon the officials were out on inspection of the gathered 29 Deis. knights. Upon noticing Sano, one of them approached near and demanded: “You are requested to the presence of Shippen Tokiyori.” “Sir, I am a poor knight of unworthy name. Is it mistake for some other knight?” with surprise. replied Sano, being “Hig request is to take to him that knight who comes here today clad in torn armor, holding a rusty spear, and riding on a thin “Not so, my knight,” said the deep voice of an official. —H AKAG|-