when the emperor was told of her persistence in refusing to obey his summons, and that if pressed to obey she would disappear altogether from sight, he determined to go and see her. so he planned to go on a hunting excursion in the neighborhood of the bamboo-cutter's house, and see the princess himself. he sent word to the old man of his intention, and he received consent to the scheme. the next day the emperor set out with his retinue, which he soon managed to outride. he found the bamboo-cutter's house and dismounted. he then entered the house and went straight to where the princess was sitting with her attendant maidens.