In the wild province of Yamato, or very near to its borders, is
a beautiful mountain known as Yoshino yama. It is not only known
for its abundance of cherry blossom in the spring, but it is
also celebrated in relation to more than one bloody battle. In
fact, Yoshino might be called the staging-place of historical
battles. Many say, when in Yoshino, 'We are walking on history,
because Yoshino itself is history.' Near Yoshino mountain lay
another, known as Tsubosaka; and between them is the Valley of
Shimizutani, in which is the Violet Well. At the approach of
spring in this valley the grass assumes a perfect emerald green,
while moss grows luxuriantly over rocks and boulders. Towards
the end of April great patches of deep-purple wild violets show
up in the lower parts of the valley, while up the sides pink and
scarlet azaleas grow in a manner which beggars description. Some
100 years ago a beautiful girl of the age of seventeen, named
Shingé, was wending her way up Shimizutani, accompanied by four
servants. Al