[Nathan Algren appears and kneels before Emperor Meiji, just as he is about to sign a new US-Japan pact]
Nathan Algren:
[presents a sword] This is Katsumoto's sword. He would have wanted you to have it, that the strength of the Samurai be with you always.
Omura:
Enlightened One, we weep for Katsumoto, but...
Algren:
He hoped with his last breath that you would remember the ancestors who held this sword and what they died for.
Omura:
[as Emperor Meiji receives the sword] Your Highness...
Emperor Meiji:
You were with him, at the end?
Algren:
Hai. [bows]
Omura:
[in English] Emperor. This man fought against you!
Algren:
Your Highness, if you believe me to be your enemy, command me and I will gladly take my life.
Meiji:
[ponders Algren's words and stands up] I dreamed of a unified Japan, of a country strong and independent and modern. And now we have railroads and cannon, Western clothing. But [looks at sword] we cannot forget who we are, or where we come from. Ambassador Swanbeck, I have concluded that your treaty is NOT in the best interests of my people.
Ambassador Swanbeck:
Sir, if I may...
Meiji:
So sorry, but you may not.
Swanbeck:
This is an outrage! [angrily storms out of the room. His aide bows to the emperor before leaving]
Omura:
[in Japanese] Enlightened One, we must discuss this-
Meiji:
Omura, you have done quite enough.
Omura:
Everything I have done, I have done for my country.
Meiji:
[disbelieving Omura] Then you will not mind when I seize your family's assets and present them as my gift to the people. [Algren is seen pleased at Omura's downfall.]
Omura:
[furious] You disgrace me!
Meiji:
If your shame is too unbearable, [holds up Katsumoto's sword in front of Omura] I offer you this sword! [Omura backs down. to Algren] Tell me how he died.
Algren:
I will tell you how he lived.
