I spoke out solely because I had long known that the people of Japan would meet
with great suffering, and I felt pity for them. Thoughtful persons should
therefore realize that I have met these trials for their sake. If they were
people who understood their obligations or were capable of reason, then out of
two blows that fall on me, they would receive one in my stead.
(WND, 828)
Reply to Yasaburo
Written to Saito Yasaburo on August 4, 1277
with great suffering, and I felt pity for them. Thoughtful persons should
therefore realize that I have met these trials for their sake. If they were
people who understood their obligations or were capable of reason, then out of
two blows that fall on me, they would receive one in my stead.
(WND, 828)
Reply to Yasaburo
Written to Saito Yasaburo on August 4, 1277