Chap. XIV. STORY OF YURITOMO. 239 
From that time to the present, though they may 
have become more ' independent of the Spiritual 
Sovereign, they have degenerated into the se- 
cluded puppets of a council of state, and are 
seldom seen outside of the palace-gates. 
A romantic story in Yuritomo’s career has been 
handed down by historians. In the course of the 
civil war the rebel Prince Feki fell in battle, and 
his General, named Kakekigo, was taken prisoner. 
This General’s renown was great in Japan, and 
Yuritomo strove earnestly to gain the friendship 
and confidence of his captive. He loaded him 
with kindness, and finally offered him his liberty. 
But all was in vain. “ I can love none but my 
slain master,” said Kakekigo ; “ I owe you a debt 
of gratitude, but you have caused Prince Feki’s 
death, and never can I look upon you without 
wishing to kill you. My best way to avoid such 
ingratitude, and to reconcile my conflicting duties, 
is never to see you more, and thus do I insure it.” 
As he spoke he tore out his eyes, and presented 
them to Yuritomo on a salver. The Prince, struck 
with admiration, released him; and Kakekigo 
withdrew into retirement, and founded the second 
order of the blind. 
Yuritomo’s tomb is placed near the base of a hill 
in a charming situation. Behind it and on each 
side were trees and brushwood, while in front were 
green rice-fields extending down to the sea-beach, 
the little town of Kamakura, with its temples and 
avenues, lying between. It was approached by a 
