九 3

It would be rude of me; please, do not stand on ceremony—yet there was no moving scenery to behold. What is there to mind? If it is a farewell party, then let it be a proper farewell party. Just look at that spectacle. It is a madhouse. Come, let us go, he said, forcing those who would not advance, and just as they were about to leave the parlor, Noda came marching in swinging a broom. "For the master to go home ahead is too much. This is the Japan–Qing negotiation. I shall not let you leave," he said, and held the broom sideways to block the way. I had been in a foul temper since earlier, so I said, if this is the Japan–Qing negotiation, then you must be the clown, and at once struck Noda square on the head with my fist. For two or three seconds Noda stood dazed, as if drained of all spirit, blankly staring, then cried, "Oh, this is too much. To be struck is a shame. That you should strike this Yoshikawa—I am impressed. This is all the more a Japan–Qing negotiation." While he was spouting such nonsense, Yamarashi, seeing from behind that some commotion had broken out, stopped his sword dance and came flying over; but at the sight of this state of affairs, he instantly grabbed Noda by the nape and yanked him back. "Japan–Qing… it hurts. It hurts. This is rather violent," Noda struggled, twisting aside, and toppled over with a thud. What became of things after that, I do not know. Parting with Uranari on the way, I returned home past eleven o'clock.

“Stories of the world, in your language.”