Vocabulary

(falling into a) continuous decline; being on the wane

chaste (usu. to one's husband); faithful

safe journey

O Great God of Arms, I beseech your aid against my enemy

overcoming a difficulty; breaking through a barrier; clearing a hurdle

everything turning out fine; the whole thing being settled

act of ingratitude

show one's real ability; illustration of the distinctive character of (something)

comical pair; pair of buffoons

abduction and confinement (esp. unlawful)

land-tax rate during the Edo period (the government took 60 percent of the year's rice crop and the farmers kept 40 percent)

indicates concession or compromise

auspicious date

to be emaciated; to become gaunt; to waste away

decrease in income and profit

serenity

soluble coffee

withering; dying (plants)

security police

ancon; bracket; corbel piece

foxtail millet (Setaria italica); Italian millet (also Hungarian, German)

fleeting nature of riches and honour (honor)

spiritual enlightenment only comes through personal experience

the four signs of orthodox Buddhism

enlightenment leads to serenity

all things are causes of sufferings

idea that all things in the universe lack their own unchangeable substances

common talk; talk of the town; words of many people

speaking with one voice; being unanimous

decline of energy and vigour (vigor)

water shoes; aqua socks

how could I (you, etc.) ...?; how dare you (they, etc.) (have the nerve to) ...?

under-the-table payoff; offer of an illegal profit

moderate-temperature burn; cold burn

spherical harmonics

steamed chicken

sales; amount sold; proceeds

downtown high-rise area; street of office buildings; area of medium to tall business buildings

roundabout; traffic circle; rotary

common soldier