Page:Tales from old Japanese dramas (1915).djvu/121

Rh crying: "You are insolent to protest against Rammaru's words. His authority is as great as my own. Wretch! Beat him on the face, Rammaru! Be quick! Quick!"

On hearing this peremptory order, Rammaru uplifted an iron fan which he chanced to carry in his hand.

"This is my lord's command," he cried, beating Mitsuhidé on the forehead with it. His blows were so violent that the other's head was bruised, and his eyes were blinded with the flowing blood. But Mitsuhidé bore the pain with great fortitude, compressing his lips and drawing in his cheeks. Nobunaga looked into his face with a sarcastic smile.

"How do you like it, Mitsuhidé? Don't Rammaru's blows fill you with resentment? He is chastising you in my stead, and at my commands."

"I feel no such resentment, my lord," replied Mitsuhidé calmly. "My life is devoted to the service of your lordship. If my bones are crushed, or my flesh mangled by your wishes, I shall never utter complaints against you. My obligations to you are too great. But my sorrow is unbounded when I hear people call you a cruel, unfeeling