Page:Tales from old Japanese dramas (1915).djvu/201

Rh ardent desire that you should both listen to my advice, and give each other up."

The young lovers shed bitter tears, and expressed sorrow for their misdeed, and promised to follow his admonition. But they made up their minds to commit suicide together, and communicated their melancholy decision to each other by means of secret signs. Kyūsaku was rejoiced to hear their promise, and highly admired their ready obedience. He then brought a bottle of saké and cups, with the intention of immediately making Hisamatsu and O-Mitsu exchange the nuptial cups.

"I say, O-Mitsu," he cried, "if you are ready, come here quickly!"

O-Mitsu slowly walked in with a watabōshi covering her head and face, and sat down before Hisamatsu.

"Oh, you have decided to wear a veil, O-Mitsu!" said Kyūsaku laughingly. "You are quite right to observe an old usage. And yet that looks too formal. You had better take it off."