Page:Tales from old Japanese dramas (1915).djvu/110

60 must fly for your lives at once. If you go along the north side of the valley you will reach Saga. I will stay here for some time, and delay any enemies who may be pursuing you, and afterwards I will overtake you; but you must hasten immediately,"

Urged by the priest, the young lovers fled along the road he had suggested.

After they had gone, the priest fought bravely against the rallying foes and succeeded in repulsing them. He then began to make preparations to start after his new friends, when Komachi's retainer Chikatada and Arihira's retainer Sadakagé came to the convent accompanied by their master and mistress. They had met them in the mountain some distance off, and having heard of the priest's kindness to them had come back to thank him and consult with him as to what they had better do next. After a consultation, they decided to visit a certain temple which was situated in Mount Atago, and beg the abbot to shelter Komachi and Arihira.

With this intention the party left for the temple.