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160 'anonymous.' Present him with this branch of cherry-blossoms, tied with his tanzaku, and tell him that it signifies my acceptance of his poem. Don't fail to obey me, Rokuyata."

Yoshitsuné then produced a notice board.

"As you observe," he said to Naozané, "this notice reads: 'It is strictly prohibited to injure the cherry-blossoms. Any person breaking off one branch, shall be punished by having one of his fingers cut off.' I love and admire cherry-blossoms more than I can say. I have been told, that there are many beautiful cherry-trees at Ichi-no-tani, and I order you to set up this notice board under the cherry-trees before Atsumori's camp, and to take special care of them. I am sure, Naozané, that you fully understand my meaning. I am of the firm opinion that only a man of your thoughtfulness and mercy is equal to this task."

"I understand, my lord," was Naozané's reply.

"I shall carry out your orders to the best of my ability."

Yoshitsuné's command to Naozané was a poetic conundrum, signifying that Atsumori, who might well be likened unto beautiful cherry-blossoms, should not be scattered to death by the storm of