Page:Tales from old Japanese dramas (1915).djvu/227

Rh afterwards the sound of bells and drums and war-cries was again heard.

"Confound it!" he said to himself, sighing deeply. "Kagétaka must be coming again with a large army. If I were on the battle-field, I should not fear even thousands of foes, but how can I defend myself against such a large force when I am in so small a house? Alas! on the one hand I am not certain whether I shall ever realize my dearest wish concerning my poem; on the other, it seems that I am to die an inglorious death at the hands of a craven fellow! It is a pity beyond expression!"

Presently a warrior of commanding appearance came in sight. He was not in armour, as had been expected, but in full dress. This consisted of a suhō, a daimon, and a nagabakama. He was none other than Okabé Rokuyata, an officer of Geheral Yoshitsuné, who was referred to in the opening chapter. He saluted Tadanori politely, and with much grace.

"I am delighted to see you, Lord Tadanori," he began. "As the coming battle is to be fought in order to decide the destiny of the Tairas and the Minamotos, we ought to fight openly on the