unsupported by human experience, the sudden revelation of facts
totally opposed to existing convictions, might evoke some frantic
revival of superstitious terrors,--some religious panic-fury that
would strangle science, and replunge the world in mental darkness
for a thousand years.




THE MIRROR MAIDEN


In the period of the Ashikaga Sh[=o]gunate the shrine of
Ogawachi-My[=o]jin, at Minami-Isé, fell into decay; and the daimy[=o]
of the district, the Lord Kitahataké, found himself unable, by reason
of war and other circumstances, to provide for the reparation of the
building. Then the Shint[=o] priest in charge, Matsumura Hy[=o]go,
sought help at Ky[=o]to from the great daimy[=o] Hosokawa, who was
known to have influence with the Sh[=o]gun. The Lord Hosokawa received
the priest kindly, and promised to speak to the Sh[=o]gun about the
condition of Ogawachi-My[=o]jin. But he said that, in any event, a
grant for the restoration of the temple could not be made without
due investigation and considerable delay; and he advised Matsumura to
remain in the capital while the matter was being arranged. Matsumura
therefore brought his family to Ky[=o]to, and rented a house in the
old Ky[=o]goku quarter.

This house, although handsome and spacious, had been long unoccupied.
It was said to be an unlucky house. On the northeast side of it there
was a well; and several former tenants had drowned themselves in