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THE CHRYSANTHEMUMS. 249
" Well, teacher, I am profoundly interested in
what you suggest doing by your quickening words,"
said Rai.
" To elevate the condition of our fellowmen
has become our chief ambition, since you came
among us. The teachers and preachers of the New
Learning who came up from Kyoto, some years ago,
and lectured here, stimulated many to live more
moral lives and revived the study of the sayings of
the sages in this stronghold of Buddhism, but none
touched the human side of duty as you do."
" Indeed, teacher Koba," said the doctor, " I half-
suspect that you have yourself a teacher even
greater than Confucius,, Pardon my horrible boldness,"
said the doctor as he saw a strange, startled
look of inquiry sweep across the face of Mr. Rai.
"
Yes," said Koba "
solemnly ; loyal and reverent as
I have been for years, and am to Confucius, there is
One whose name, defamed and denounced in the public
laws in every place where the government edicts
are hung, and made the symbol of sorcery to the
common people, whose teachings I honor."
" O master !
" cried Rai Goro with alarm, " how
can a sparrow understand the heart of a swan ? Yet
if you believe on Yasu [Jesus] and are a Kirishitan
[Christian] - Oh ! oh ! remember Takano Choyd,
and Watanab Noboru ! How could we who look
to you to reform our uncivilized customs live without
you ? Remember how merciless are our Yedo
rulers."
" I have but one life. I am not like either of the
noble martyrs you name a man of
family.
A