Page:Tales from old Japanese dramas (1915).djvu/240

178 "You must not go to the battle, Tamaori," said Atsumori, "your place is at my mother's side."

"Your words are unkind, Atsumori Sama! We have only just exchanged our marriage cups, which we looked forward to for so long. Now you are going to battle, and wish to leave me behind. Wherever you go, I will accompany you. If my presence is a trouble to you, please kill me, and then go."

So saying, she caught his saddle, clung to his stirrup, and wept bitterly. Fuji-no-Kata was filled with compassion for her.

"Atsumori," she said, "you would be quite justified in taking Tamaori with you. As you know, all the Tairas have taken their wives and children with them. You had better set out with her immediately."

Tamaori was overjoyed to hear this, and caught Atsumori's reins.

Atsumori found that it was now impossible to refuse her entreaty, and bade her follow him.

"Farewell, mother," he cried and departed gallantly for Ichi-no-tani with his bride.