Ii Naotaka
井伊直孝
Ii Kamon-no-kami Naotaka, son of Naomasa, once received a visit from Hoshina Higo-no-kami Masayuki and gave him Tea in the course of which he brought out a utensil that he valued very much and observed: “This was sent me by a certain person, and though I refused it several times he would insist on my having it, and so I gave way in the end.
井伊掃部頭直孝は直政の次男、ある時、保科肥後守正之の訪問を受け。貴重な道具での茶の湯の接待をしました、席上。
「これはさる確かな方より私に贈られた道具です。たびたびお断りいたしておりましたが是非ともとおっしゃられて、終にはお受け取りすることになったのです。」
I don't suppose you have anything quite so rare, have you?”
「私はそんなに貴重な物とは思いませんが、どう思われますか？」
“I suppose people can see what is in my mind,” replied Masayuki, “and as there isn't any inclination for these things there they don't try to press them on me.
「人はそれぞれだと存じます」と正之は答え、「人の好き嫌いは誰かに強制されるものではござりませんな。」
And they evidently divine your real wishes too.”
「神様は信じる者にしかいないのと同じでござるよ。」