Page:Tales from old Japanese dramas (1915).djvu/148

98 could not restrain her joy. But Jūjirō sat in melancholy silence. He brooded over the obvious fact that his father's army was doomed to extinction. He had therefore resolved to die fighting. It filled him with pity to see his grandmother and Hatsugiku, who were ignorant of his determination, in such high spirits. The old woman, Misao, and Hatsugiku went into the kitchen to prepare the saké and arrange the cups and other articles necessary for the marriage ceremony.

Jūjirō continued his meditations. His head drooped like a withering flower, unable to draw up water. After a time, he wiped away his tears and said to himself: "This is my last farewell in this life, to my dear mother and grandmother. My request has been granted, so I leave this world without any regrets. With what kindness they have brought me up during eighteen long years! Their favours are indeed 'deeper than the ocean and higher than the mountain!' I hope they will bear in mind that it is the common lot of every warrior to die in battle, and forgive me for leaving this life ere they do. And now my thoughts turn towards Hatsugiku. It is fortunate for us that we have not yet exchanged