By this behaviour he put
himself into an attitude towards his superior, the Daimio of
Choshu, which I cannot thoroughly explain. Certainly, he
became a RONYIN, a broken man, a feudal outlaw; certainly he
was liable to be arrested if he set foot upon his native
province; yet I am cautioned that "he did not really break
his allegiance," but only so far separated himself as that
the prince could no longer be held accountable for his late
vassal's conduct. There is some nicety of feudal custom here
that escapes my comprehension.
In Yeddo, with this nondescript political status, and cut off
from any means of livelihood, he was joyfully supported by
those who sympathised with his design. One was Sakuma-
Shozan, hereditary retainer of one of the Shogun's
councillors, and from him he got more than money or than
money's worth. A steady, respectable man, with an eye to the
world's opinion, Sakuma was one of those who, if they cannot
do great deeds in their own person, have yet an ardour of
admiration for those who can, that recommends them to the
gratitude of history. They aid and abet greatness more,
perhaps, than we imagine. One thinks of them in connection
with Nicodemus, who visited our Lord by night. And Sakuma
was in a position to help Yoshida more practically than by
simple countenance; for he could read Dutch, and was eager to
communicate what he knew.
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