Pathway to Japanese Literature

One

In the forest.
Three thieves were fighting over treasures.
The treasures were these: long boots that could leap a thousand miles in a single bound, a cloak that hid one’s form when worn, a sword that sliced iron in two—yet to the eye, they all looked like nothing more than old tools.

“Hand over that cloak.”

“Don’t talk nonsense.”
“Hand over that sword!”
“Oh! You’ve stolen my long boots!”

Third Thief: "Aren't these long boots mine? You're the one who stole my things!"

First Thief: "Alright, alright. Then I'll take this cloak for myself."

Second Thief: “You bastard!”
“As if I’d hand it over to the likes of you!”

First Thief: “You actually hit me! — Hey, you stole my sword too?”

Third Thief: “What the—you cloak thief!”

The three men erupted into a massive brawl.

At that moment, a prince on horseback, alone, happened to pass along the forest path.

Prince: “Hey, what are you all doing here?”
(He dismounted from his horse)

First Thief: “What? He’s the one at fault.”
“After stealing my sword, he even demands I give up the cloak—”

Third Thief: “No, he’s the one at fault!”
“He stole my cloak!”

“No—these two are master thieves! All of these are mine, so—”
“Liar!”

Second Thief: “You big liar!”

The three men were about to start fighting again.

Prince: “Wait, wait!
They’re just an old cloak and some holey boots—wouldn’t it be fine if anyone took them?”

Second Thief: “No, that won’t do.
This cloak—the moment you put it on, it becomes a cloak that hides your form.”

First Thief: “No matter how tough the iron helmet, this sword can cut through it if you strike.”

Third Thief: “These long boots—as long as you wear them, you can fly a thousand miles in a single bound.”

Prince: “Ah, if these are such treasures, it’s only natural you’d fight over them. But if that’s the case, why not divide them one by one without being greedy?”

Second Thief: “Just try doing that. I have no idea when my neck might be cut by that sword.”

First Thief: “No—the real problem is that if someone puts on that cloak, we’d never know what might get stolen.”

Second Thief: “Even if you steal something, without wearing those boots, you won’t be able to get away as you please.”

Prince: “That does have some logic to it.”
“Well then, let’s discuss a deal—how about selling them all to me?”
“Then you wouldn’t have anything left to worry about.”

First Thief: “What do you say—shall we sell them to this lord?”

Third Thief: “Hm, that might not be a bad idea.”

Second Thief: “That depends on the price.”

Prince: “The price—yes.
‘In exchange for that cloak, I’ll give you this red one—it has an embroidered border too.’
‘Then for those long boots, I’ll give these jeweled boots.’
‘If I hand over this gold-worked sword, you’d lose nothing by giving me that one.’
‘How’s this offer?’”

Second Thief: “I’ll take that cloak in exchange for this one.”

First Thief and Third Thief: “We have no objections either.”

Prince: “I see.”
“Then let’s proceed with the exchange.”

After exchanging the cloak, sword, long boots, and other items, the prince once again mounted his horse and set off along the forest path.

Prince: “Is there an inn ahead?”

First Thief: “If you just get out of the forest there’s an inn called ‘Golden Horn’.”
“Then take care on your way sir.”

Prince: “I see.”
“Farewell.”
(Exited)

Third Thief: “We pulled off a slick deal.”
“I never thought those long boots would turn into such shoes.”
“Look!”
“There’s a diamond on the clasp.”

Second Thief: “Isn’t my cloak a splendid thing too?”
“If I put it on like this, I’d look just like a lord.”

First Thief: “This sword’s something else!”
“After all, both the hilt and sheath are gold—but to be deceived so easily, that prince must be a complete fool, no?”

Second Thief: “Shh! Walls have ears, and jugs have mouths. Well, let’s go somewhere and have a drink.”

The three thieves, laughing mockingly, headed off down the path opposite the prince’s.

Two

The tavern at the inn called the "Golden Horn".
In the corner of the tavern, the Prince was chewing on bread.
Besides the Prince, there were seven or eight other customers—all of whom appeared to be farmers from the village.

Innkeeper: “I hear the Princess’s wedding is finally happening.”

First Farmer: “That’s what they say.”
“Isn’t it said that the one who’ll become her husband is the Black King?”

Second Farmer: “But they say the princess can’t stand that Black King.”

First Farmer: "If she hates him so much, shouldn't she just call it off?"

Innkeeper: "But that Black King possesses three treasures. The first being long boots that can fly a thousand miles, the second a sword that can cut through iron, and the third a cloak that hides your form—since he offered all these, they say the greedy king of this country agreed to hand over the princess."

Second Farmer: "Poor thing—the Princess alone suffers."

First Farmer: "Isn't there anyone who can save her?"

“Well, I hear there are such princes from various lands,” said the Innkeeper, “but none can match that Black King, so they’re all left sucking their fingers.”

Second Farmer: “Moreover, they say the greedy king has placed dragon sentries to keep anyone from stealing the princess away.”

Innkeeper: “What? They’re not dragons—soldiers, they say.”

First Farmer: “If I knew any magic, I’d be first to save her myself, but—”

Innkeeper: “Naturally! If I knew magic myself, I wouldn’t entrust it to the likes of you.”
(Everyone burst into laughter)

“Don’t worry!” cried the Prince, suddenly bursting into the midst of the crowd. “I’ll save her—I swear it!”

Everyone: (in astonishment) “You?!”

“That’s right! Let those Black Kings come by the dozen.”
(Crossing his arms, he surveys the crowd.) “I’ll defeat every last one of them!”

Innkeeper: “However, His Majesty the Black King is said to possess three treasures.”
“First, long boots that fly a thousand miles; second—”

“A sword that can cut through even iron?”
“I have such things too.”
“Look at these long boots.”
“Look at this sword.”
“Look at this old cloak.”
“These are all treasures no different whatsoever from those the Black King possesses.”

Everyone: (again in astonishment) “Those boots?! That sword?! That cloak?!”

Innkeeper (doubtfully): “But there’s a hole in those long boots, isn’t there?”

Prince: “They have a hole. But even with a hole, they can still fly a thousand miles in one leap.”

“Is that true?”

Prince (pityingly): “To you, it may seem a lie.”
“Very well! Then I’ll fly and show you.”
“Keep the entrance door open.”
“Ready?”
“The moment I leap up, I’ll disappear!”

Innkeeper: “Before that, shall I have you settle the bill first?”

Prince: “What? I’ll be right back.”
“I’ll bring back a souvenir for you.”
“Should I bring Italian pomegranates, Spanish musk melons, or perhaps figs from far-off Arabia?”

Innkeeper: “Any souvenir will do.”
“Well then, please show us how you fly.”

“Then I’ll fly!” declared the Prince.
“One, two, three!”

He leapt up vigorously.
But before reaching the doorway, he crashed down onto his backside with a thud.

Everyone burst into uproarious laughter.

“I thought as much,” said the Innkeeper.

“Not a thousand miles—he didn’t even clear two yards!” scoffed the First Farmer.

The Second Farmer retorted, “What? He did fly a thousand miles.
Flew out a thousand and back another thousand—that’s why he landed right here!”

“Don’t talk nonsense,” snapped the First Farmer.
“What utter rubbish!”

Everyone burst into uproarious laughter.

The Prince, dejectedly rising to his feet, attempted to leave the tavern.

Innkeeper: “Hey! Leave your payment before going.”

The Prince wordlessly tossed down coins.

Second Farmer: “What about our souvenir?”

Prince (gripping his sword’s hilt): “What did you say?”

Second Farmer (shrinking back): “N-nothing! I’ve nothing to say.”
(muttering) “That blade might still sever a neck...”

Innkeeper (placating): “Now listen—someone your age ought to return to your father’s realm first.”
“However you rage, you’ll never rival His Majesty the Black King.”
“Mark this—prudence lies in remembering one’s place.”

Everyone: “Do as he says.”
“Do as he says.”
“We’re not giving you bad advice.”

Prince: “I thought I could do anything—anything at all—” (suddenly shedding tears) “Yet now I feel ashamed even before you all.” (hiding his face) “Ah, I wish I could just vanish like this.”

First Farmer: “Try puttin’ on that cloak.”
“Might make ya disappear.”

Prince: “Damn it!”
(stamping his feet) “Fine! Mock me all you want!”
“I’ll save that poor Princess from the Black King for sure!”
“The long boots hadn’t flown a thousand miles, but he still had the sword.”
“The cloak too—” (desperately) “No—I’ll save her barehanded if I must!”
“Make sure you don’t regret this then.”

(He rushed out of the tavern like a madman.)

“What a troublesome situation. Let’s just hope he isn’t killed by His Majesty the Black King—”

Three

The castle garden.

A fountain rose amidst the roses.

At first, no one was there.

A short time later, the Prince wearing the cloak emerged.

Prince: As expected when I put on this cloak, my figure vanished instantly.
Since entering through the castle gate, I encountered both soldiers and maids.
Yet none challenged me.
As long as I wore this cloak, I could slip into the Princess's chamber like wind through these roses—Oh! Wasn't that very Princess from the rumors approaching?
After hiding somewhere briefly—No need—even standing here plain as day shouldn't have made me visible to her eyes.

The Princess approached the fountain's edge and sighed sadly.

Princess: How unfortunate I am.
Within less than a week, that hateful Black King will drag me off to Africa.

To Africa, where lions and crocodiles dwell—(sitting there on its grassy plains)—I want to stay in this castle forever. I want to stay here among these roses, listening to the sound of the fountain…

What a beautiful Princess she was.
Even if I had to give up my life, I would save this Princess.

The Princess looked at him in surprise. "Who are you?"

"Damn it!" the Prince muttered to himself.
"I shouldn't have made a sound!"

"Was it wrong to make a sound?" she asked.
"Are you mad?
You have such a lovely face, but—"

"My face?" he blurted out.
"Can you see my face?"

"I can," she replied.
"My, what are you looking so puzzled about?"

Prince: "Can you see this cloak as well?"

Princess: "Yes, isn't that a rather old cloak?"

Prince (disappointedly): "But my figure shouldn't be visible..."

Princess (surprised): “Why?”

Prince: “This cloak should make you invisible once you put it on.”

Princess: “That must be the Black King’s cloak.”

Prince: “No—this one is also his.”

Princess: “But it isn’t hiding you at all, is it?”

Prince: “When I encountered soldiers and maids, my figure was indeed hidden.
As proof of that, no matter who I encountered, I was never challenged.”

“That’s precisely why,” the Princess laughed. “Wearing such a tattered cloak would make anyone think you’re a servant or the like.”

“Servant!” The Prince sat down dejectedly. “It’s just like these long boots.”

“Did something happen to those long boots as well?”

“These are also supposed to be thousand-mile flying boots.”

“Like the Black King’s long boots?”

“Yes—but when I tried flying the other day, I couldn’t even manage a few meters. Look.” He produced another item. “There’s still the sword. This should be able to cut through even iron, but—”

“Why don’t you try cutting something?”

“No, I don’t intend to cut anything until I’ve taken the Black King’s head.”

“Oh, did you come to have a contest of strength with the Black King?”

“No, I did not come for something like a contest of strength.
I came to save you.”

“Really?”

“It’s true.”

“Oh, how wonderful!”

Suddenly, the Black King appeared.

The Prince and the Princess were startled.

“Good day,” said the Black King. “I’ve flown here from Africa in one leap. What do you think of my long boots’ power?”

The Princess responded coldly, “Then go back to Africa again.”

Black King: "No—today I want to have a proper talk with you."
(looking at the Prince) "Who is that servant?"

Prince: "Servant?!" (He stood up indignantly.) "I am the Prince."
"The Prince who came to save the Princess."
"As long as I am here, I won’t let you lay a finger on the Princess."

Black King (with deliberate courtesy): “I possess three treasures. Do you know that?”

Prince: "The sword, long boots, and cloak? True, these long boots can't even fly a hundred meters. But with the Princess beside me, I'd brave a thousand—no, two thousand—miles in them without hesitation! And look at this cloak! It let me reach the Princess despite being mistaken for a servant. Didn't it at least hide the Prince's figure?"

Black King (sneering): "Impudent whelp! Witness my cloak's true power!" (He dons the cloak and vanishes instantly.)

Princess (clapping her hands): “Ah, he’s already vanished!”
“I’m truly so happy that he’s vanished.”

Prince: “That kind of cloak is quite convenient, isn’t it?”
“It seems almost made for us.”

Black King (suddenly appears again):
(Irritated) “That’s right.”
“It’s as if it were made for your sake.”
“It’s utterly useless to me.”
(throws off the cloak) “But I still have my sword.”
(Suddenly glaring at the Prince) “You are the one who steals my happiness.”
“Let’s have a fair duel.”
“My sword can cut through even iron.”
“Your head is nothing.”
(draws his sword)

The Princess sprang to her feet and shielded the Prince. “If your sword can cut through iron,” she declared, “then it should pierce my chest too. Go on—try stabbing me in one thrust!”

The Black King recoiled. “No...I cannot strike you down.”

“My,” she mocked, “can’t even pierce this chest? And you boasted it could slice through iron!”

“Wait,” interjected the Prince. While restraining the Princess, he continued, “The King speaks truth. Since I am his enemy, we must duel properly.” He turned to face the King directly. “Let us settle this now.” His sword rang free from its scabbard.

“You’re quite an admirable man for your youth.”
“Listen well.”
“If you touch my sword, you’ll lose your life!”

The Black King and the Prince crossed swords.
In an instant, the Black King’s sword sliced through the Prince’s blade as if cutting through a staff or the like.

“How’s that?!”

“The sword had undoubtedly been cut,”
but I stood here laughing before you all the same.

“Do you still mean to continue this duel?”

“Of course.”
“Come—bring it!”

“There’s no need to continue this duel.”
(Suddenly throwing down his sword) “You’re the one who won.”
“My sword is worthless.”

Prince (looking at the King with a puzzled look): “Why?”

Black King: “Why? If I were to kill you, the Princess would only despise me all the more. Don’t you understand that?”

Prince: “No—I do understand. But I felt that you didn’t seem to understand even that.”

Black King (sinking into thought): “I thought if I had the three treasures, I could obtain the Princess.” “But that seems to have been a mistake.”

Prince (placing a hand on the Black King’s shoulder): “I too thought that if I had the three treasures, I could save the Princess.”
“But that too seems to have been a mistake.”

Black King: “That’s right.”
“We were both mistaken.”
(Taking the Prince’s hand) “Now let us make a proper reconciliation.”
“Please forgive my discourtesy.”

“Please forgive my rudeness as well.”
“Now that I look back, it seems unclear whether I won or you did.”

“No—you have defeated me.
I have conquered myself.”

“I shall return to Africa.”
“Please set your mind at ease.”
“The Prince’s sword—though it failed to cut iron—pierced this heart of mine, harder than any iron.”
“For your wedding, I shall bestow these three treasures: the sword, the long boots, and that cloak.”
“With these treasures, I believe no enemy in this world could harm you both. Yet should vile men trouble you again, send word to my realm.”
“I shall forever ride from Africa with a million black cavalrymen to crush your foes.”
(Sadly) “In Africa’s capital, I built a marble palace at its very heart to receive you.”
“Lotus flowers bloom across every inch around that palace.”
(To the Prince) “When you don these long boots, pray visit my land from time to time.”

“I will surely come for the feast.”

Princess (while placing a rose on the Black King’s chest): “I have done something inexcusable to you.”
“I never even dreamed that you were such a kind person.”
“Please forgive me.”
“I truly did something inexcusable.”
(Clinging to the Black King’s chest, she begins to cry like a child.)

Black King (stroking her hair): “Thank you.”
“It was kind of you to say that.”
“I am no demon.”
“A demon-like Black King exists only in fairy tales.”
(To the Prince) “Don’t you agree?”

Prince: “Indeed.”

(turning to the spectators) “Everyone! We three have awakened. A demon-like Black King and a prince with three treasures exist only in fairy tales. Now that we have awakened, we cannot remain living in the land within fairy tales. Before us, from the depths of the mist, a wider world emerges. Let us depart together from this world of roses and fountains to that world. An even wider world! A world of fairy tales that’s uglier, more beautiful—and grander still! What awaits us in that world—whether suffering or joy—we know nothing of. Yet we know only this—to march into that world like a brave troop of soldiers.”

(December 1922)