316 "The 'Positive II' says, 'Draws back the wheel, constant and lucky,' This element is at the weak position and at its proper position, so that its merit can go on obediently at the time of dangers. But as water always strives to vanquish fire, it warns it of its being too strong, as the lineation goes, which means to weaken itself and to decrease its speed. Again, 'Kise' has fire over water, and wheel in I, and ‘Bisei' water over fire, and wheel in II; both are representative of steamers. Now, the Positive II' of 'Bisei's' drawing back the wheel is the representation of steamships' going home. Corea will not be punished, this year. I take the second element as this year as our change is in it. "The Negative III' says, 'not yet remedied and will be unlucky, if he advances. Advantageous to wade a large river.' Next year, Corea will be invaded. We must however keep our army, as navy only will be successful. For 'unlucky if he advances' refers to the former, and advantageous to wade a lage river' to the latter. "The 'Positive IV' says, 'Lucky if just, and remorse disappears. He displays power and attacks Kihô. In three years, he is rewarded with a large country,' or 8th. to 10th. in three years. Then in the 10th. of Meiji, Corea will be completely subjugated and she will be rewarded to those who achieved the eminent deeds. Moreover, the change in the 'Positive VI' gives 'Shin (), which represents a line of advance and flourish. The Negative VI of ‘Shin' says, 'Negative V is without any remorse. Do not concern yourself about loss or gain. You will be lucky to advance, and will have advantage in every way,' and the 'Positive VI' 'Advances the horn and uses it in attacking the territory. Lucky though dangerous, and free from remorse. Inauspicious, even if just.' These are all symbols of success. If we go on along this divination, the subjugation war will be greatly successful." The affair of Corea ended in peace, without any war. Then the same Colonel came to me and demanded me of the failure of the Divination; but he was assured of its truth by the answer which I gave him, as the following "The divination was exact throughout, only that the Government did not follow it. The words of 'Eki' are obtained by communcating with the Almighty, and through the will of Providence. As Corea was impolite to us, we have had the time ordered by Providence of subjugating her. We, with our 'strongness,' bent before her 'weakness,' so that the peaceful end is a matter of no doubt. We are however swerving from the will of Providence in this conduct. The 'Interpretation' to 'Positive VI' of 'Shin' which says, 'That his course of action is not yet spotless' refers to this effect." THE END. |