Page:Tales from old Japanese dramas (1915).djvu/239

Rh have gone to the battle without telling us! Oh, what shall I do? What shall I do?"

Tamaori, hearing her cries, rushed in. They both looked at each other in amazement and sorrow. Suddenly a loud neigh and a clattering of hoofs were heard.

The next moment Atsumori appeared on horseback, clad in red armour, and carrying a bow and arrows. On seeing him, Tamaori took a halberd down from the wall.

"Farewell, mother!" she said, springing down into the courtyard and standing beside Atsumori's horse.

"I cannot understand this," said Fuji-no-Kata to Atsumori. "What is the meaning of your attire, my son? Your father commanded you to return to the Capital."

"Yes, that is so," replied Atsumori, bowing his head. "But all the Tairas are determined to fight to the last. How, then, can I be so disloyal as to return to the Capital alone? I am determined to go to Ichi-no-tani, and die a warrior's death."

"Oh, that is indeed well spoken!" said Fuji-no-Kata, her spirits rising. "Your brave words fill me with delight! You are indeed my son!"