[Katsumoto has been granted an audience with the Emperor during a truce, in which he begs him to stop letting the new merchant-class of tycoons dominate his government, and accept the samurai back]

You rise against me, my teacher.

No, Highness. I rise against your enemies.

They are my advisors, like you.

They advise in their own interest!

I need advisors who know the modern world.

If I am no use, I will happily end my life.

No, I need your voice in the Council.

It is your voice we need, Highness. You are a living god. Do what you think is right.

[ruefully]

I am a living god - as long as I do what *they* think is right.

[stunned beyond words, sorrowful]

...What sad words you speak...