Blue trousers : $b Being the fourth part of 'The tale of Genji'
| Language | en |
|---|---|
| First published | 2025-12-05 |
| Rights | Public domain in the USA. |
| Gutenberg ID | #77408 |
Description
"The pneumatics of Hero of Alexandria" by of Alexandria Hero is a scientific treatise written in the 1st century AD. It explains principles of air, water, and steam pressure through descriptions of ingenious automata, fountains, temple mechanisms, and other devices that demonstrate practical hydraulics and the creation of marvelous effects. The opening of this work follows the Tale of Genji’s later arc, centering on Genji’s anxious plans for his ward Tamakatsura amid growing gossip. A dazzling imperial procession stirs her admiration for the young Emperor, while Genji wrestles with clan affiliations and finally reconciles with Tō no Chūjō by revealing Tamakatsura’s parentage; her coming‑of‑age ceremony proceeds in grand secrecy, even as household gossip (notably from the Lady of Ōmi) leaks the truth. Next, Tamakatsura wavers over becoming Lady‑of‑the‑Bedchamber, besieged by letters from suitors—Prince Higekuro, Prince Sochi, and Sahyōye—while Kashiwagi’s awkward “brotherly” visit underscores shifting ties. The narrative then turns when Higekuro prevails in secret, Tamakatsura conceives, and a discreet marriage is arranged; she begins assisting with palace duties from Genji’s residence, provoking jealousy and talk. Finally, attention shifts to Higekuro’s household: his estranged wife Makibashira (Murasaki’s sister) declines into instability as preparations for the newcomer advance, culminating in a shocking scene where, during a snowstorm, she overturns a brazier of ash onto Higekuro—an eruption that prompts night‑long exorcisms and lays bare the human cost of these alliances. (This is an automatically generated summary.)