Page:Tales from old Japanese dramas (1915).djvu/228

168 battle-field. General Yoshitsuné is, therefore, extremely sorry to hear of Kajiwam Kagétaka's mean deed in privately attacking you when you were in your defenceless condition. But now, as to my message. General Yoshitsuné admired your poem, selected by Lord Shunzei, very much. In accordance with your desire, he has ordered it to be included in the Senzai-Shū. But unfortunately you are branded as a 'rebel.' It is therefore considered improper that you should give your name, so your poem is inserted as 'anonymous.'"—With these words he offered Tadanori the tanzaku tied to a branch of cherry-blossoms.—"Here is a proof of the fact. General Yoshitsuné begs to present this to you, sir."

When Tadanori heard the news, his joy knew no bounds. He received the tanzaku with great reverence.

"I accept this gift," he, said, "from General Yoshitsuné, and am deeply grateful."

"To speak frankly," continued Tadanori, "I feared that my poem would probably be rejected from motives of hostility. It has been accepted, however, through the sympathy and magnanimity of General Yoshitsuné. This is the greatest