Page:Tales from old Japanese dramas (1915).djvu/133

Rh "I am grateful to you for your kind words, Tsuboné," said Nobunaga resignedly. "I am, however, fully prepared to die. If I should be killed by an unknown soldier, in an attempt to escape, it would be an everlasting disgrace. But I am troubled about the safety of Sambōshi. I want you to take the child and hasten to Hidéyoshi's camp at Takamatsu, in the province of Bitchū. When you arrive there, tell him to take care of Sambōshi, and to revenge my death on the accursed traitor. I earnestly request you to do this for me."

The lady burst into tears. "Oh, my lord!" she sobbed. "You must forgive me if I disobey your orders. I cannot forsake you on the eve of your death. Permit me to share your fate, dear lord."

But Nobunaga turned a deaf ear to her entreaty, and peremptorily commanded her to leave his presence. At that moment Rammaru came back, after having cut down many of the enemy. He prostrated himself before Nobunaga.

"I have received a report," he said, "to the effect that Mitsuhidé has sent another army to the Nijō Castle. Lord Nobutada's retainers have