The Long Black Tresses女の黒髪
A man once enjoyed the love of two women, who lived together with him under one roof, without so much as a mean word passing between them.
Then late one night, the man checked in on his wives while they were sleeping only to see that their hair had transformed into a nest of serpents, and that these venomous tresses were engaged in a fierce struggle. For although the two women appeared get along famously in the light of day, in truth they harbored a bitter resentment towards one another. These ugly feelings brought on that terrible nocturnal transformation.
After having witnessed this scene, and with a heavy heart, the man parted ways with the two women and remained a bachelor for the rest of his life.
I'm a lucky man. Why, I hear you ask? Because I have not one but two wives, and both of them are as nice as pie.
They get along famously too, at least while I'm around. Once, I spied on them to see if they argued when I wasn't there, but no, it seems they have a genuine bond.
Ah, things are just perfect! I hope nothing ever comes between us!
俺は二人の妻と共に暮らしている。 どちらも器量よしで心優しい。 俺がいない間にケンカでもしていないかと様子を見たが、 こちらが嫉妬してしまいそうなほど仲良くやっている。 いつまでもこの関係が続けばいいな。
This morning, I awoke to the screams of my wives.
Their beds are in the room next to mine, so I rushed in to see what the matter was. Well, what a terrible sight! Their futons and robes were scattered around, the room in total disarray.
"It was like this when we awoke," they explained, their voices trembling with fear and shock.
How? Could this really have been an intruder? If so, I will have their guts for garters, I swear.
I searched every nook and cranny of their room, but there was no one hiding there. But what if they sneak in again under cover of darkness? Not with me standing guard at their door!
I stood there all night, and I am certain that no one dared to enter that room. But come the morning, it was a total mess once again! What the devil can be going on?
Have I finally lost my mind? Can I really have seen what I think I saw?
But there's no mistaking it—last night, when I peeked in to check that all was well with my wives, I saw the most horrendous sight. Their hair had transformed into a writhing mass of snakes locked in combat!
There is only one explanation for this appalling scene— it must have been a manifestation of their true feelings. My wives may appear to get along, but in truth they are bitter rivals, and it's me they are fighting over!
It's clear that the way we have been living is wrong. But I was blind, and just wanted it to go on forever. I have been terribly selfish and done terrible harm to those good women. I can only beg forgiveness...
- Where
- Gojo Street - West district
- Map
- Eastern Kyoto
- Region
- Eastern Kyoto
- Hand in to
- Lady Murasaki, Yasaka Shrine
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