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Of a Promise Kept

By : Lafcadio Hearn

for true gentlemen”

“Promises are

considered a test

“I Shall return in the Early Autumn”, said Akana Soyomon several hundred years ago – when bidding goodbye to his brother by adoption, Hasebe Semon.

Akana was an Izumo samurai. He wanted to visit his birthplace, “Izumo”.

They agreed that he will be back in a particular day of the festival Choyo and that was the ninth day of the ninth month, when the chrysanthemums will be bloom and they can go there together to look at them.

The autumn came, Hasebe prepared to welcome his adopted brother.

He made ready a feast of good things, bought wine, decorated the guestroom, and fulfilled the vases of the alcove with chrysanthemums of two colors.

Hasebe’s mother said that it will be difficult for Akana to come on that day but Hasebe has faith in him so he watched and waited in vain.

In the morning, many travelers

pass through the village.

The sunset came and still there no sign of Akana

The night came and Hasabe’s

Mother said that “Better now to

sleep, and in the morning, you can watch again for

Akana if you wish” but Hasabe is still

believe that he will come..

Then the mother went

to her own room, and

Hasabe lingered at the

gate.

Just as Hasebe was about to enter their

house, he perceived a tall

man approaching and quickly. He

recognized Akana. Akana fulfilled his

promise to his adopted brother, Hasebe Semon.

Akana explained why he was late and told what

happened on his journey to his

birthplace, Izumo. He also told the cruelty of Lord

Tsunehisa, the new ruler. Hasebe was

so delighted for his return. Then, he

instantly disappeared.

Hasebe knew that Akana killed himself in order to fulfill his promise. He set out of Castle Tonda. He sacrificed his own life so that his brother will not be disappointed.

He learned that, on the night of the ninth day of the ninth month, Akana had performed Harakiri in the house of his cousin, Akana Tanji and reproached Akana Tanji for the treachery done, and slew him in the midst of his family.

Akana escaped without hurt. Lord Tsunehisa heard the story and gave commands that Hasebe not be pursued. Although he was an unscrupulous and cruel man, Lord Tsunesa could respect the love of trurth in others, and could admire the friendship and courage of Hasebe Semon.

THE END !

Group 2

BSIT-3B

Literature