Page:Tales from old Japanese dramas (1915).djvu/126

76 thither to help Hidéyoshi and fight under him to the best of your ability. If your achievement should prove noteworthy, on you shall be conferred the provinces of Izumo and Iwami. In the meantime, you shall be deprived of your fiefs of Tamba and Ōmi. This is the command of his Excellency Lord Nobunaga."

There was a dead silence. Mitsuhidé and Shiōden looked at each other in amazement. Then Mitsuhidé answered that he respectfully accepted the command, and the messenger departeddeparted. [sic]

Mitsuhidé folded his arms and stood for a few moments buried in reverie. Shiōden was filled with an inexpressible anger.

"What do you think of this command, my lord?" he asked, his hair bristling with wrath. "It is obvious that the merciless Nobunaga intends to destroy you. It is not the time to think of loyalty. Your lordship must raise the banner of chastisement against the cruel tyrant, and conquer Japan, and leave an undying fame to future generations. Such is my earnest wish."

Misao, on hearing these words, approached Mitsuhidé and remonstrated with tears:

"Oh, do not listen to such treasonable words!