Page:Tales from old Japanese dramas (1915).djvu/113

Rh but has committed the foul crime of murder, and yet he has not only been pardoned, but has been restored to his former rank and position. But why was the Imperial favour not extended to Lord Arihira and Lady Komachi? They have committed no offence whatever. It is terribly unjust. Therefore I carry a grudge in my heart against the Imperial Court, and have endeavoured to terrify them by causing spectres frequently to appear."

"Komachi and Arihira have committed no offence?" retorted the priests. "They have committed the great crime of disobeying the ex-Emperor's command and eloping together!"

"No, you are mistaken," exclaimed the spectre. "Both Lady Komachi and Lord Arihira had exchanged vows of eternal fidelity, long before the ex-Emperor appointed her Crown Princess. They were only waiting for their wedding. So, although they had commands from the Emperor, they could not break their vows without violating their duties as a faithful man, and a virtuous woman. Their step was quite unavoidable, and therefore was not a crime. Their only course was to steal out of the palace, and run away.