And who could be better suited for
the business? It was not without danger, but he was without
fear. It needed preparation and insight; and what had he
done since he was a child but prepare himself with the best
culture of Japan, and acquire in his excursions the power and
habit of observing?
He was but twenty-two, and already all this was clear in his
mind, when news reached Choshu that Commodore Perry was lying
near to Yeddo. Here, then, was the patriot's opportunity.
Among the Samurai of Choshu, and in particular among the
councillors of the Daimio, his general culture, his views,
which the enlightened were eager to accept, and, above all,
the prophetic charm, the radiant persuasion of the man, had
gained him many and sincere disciples. He had thus a strong
influence at the provincial Court; and so he obtained leave
to quit the district, and, by way of a pretext, a privilege
to follow his profession in Yeddo. Thither he hurried, and
arrived in time to be too late: Perry had weighed anchor, and
his sails had vanished from the waters of Japan. But
Yoshida, having put his hand to the plough, was not the man
to go back; he had entered upon this business, and, please
God, he would carry it through; and so he gave up his
professional career and remained in Yeddo to be at hand
against the next opportunity.
Pages:
170
171
172
173
174
175
176
177
178
179
180
181
182
183
184
185
186
187
188
189
190
191
192
193
194