Page:Tales from old Japanese dramas (1915).djvu/160

106, with inflexible determination written upon his fierce countenance. "Cease to talk such nonsense! Have you forgotten how often that tyrant of Oda Nobunaga insulted me? I was under no great obligations to him. In spite of my faithful remonstrances, he destroyed Shinto and Buddhist temples. His evil deeds increased day by day, so I took his life in accordance with a warrior's duty and for the sake of the Empire. My deed covers me with honour and glory. King Bu of China slew the tyrant Chū and in our own country Hōjō Yoshitoki exiled an Emperor. These illustrious examples show that it is the desire of all Japanese and Chinese heroes to relieve the people of their grievances, by destroying their tyrants. What can women such as you know about such matters? You had better keep away."

There suddenly arose a deafening sound of battle drums. Mitsuhidé and the others strained their eyes to see what was happening. At this moment Jūjirō returned, and tottered up to the house, leaning on his sword, with the blood flowing like a torrent from his wounds.

"My parents! Are you here?" he gasped, in the agony of approaching death. Misao and