hidesato was astonished at the feast that was spread for him. the dishes were crystallized lotus leaves and flowers, and the chopsticks were of the rarest ebony. as soon as they sat down, the sliding doors opened and ten lovely goldfish dancers came out, and behind them followed ten red-carp musicians with the koto and the samisen. thus the hours flew by till midnight, and the beautiful music and dancing had banished all thoughts of the centipede. the dragon king was about to pledge the warrior in a fresh cup of wine when the palace was suddenly shaken by a tramp, tramp! as if a mighty army had begun to march not far away.