Page:Tales from old Japanese dramas (1915).djvu/244

182 At that moment the sound of a flute and a koto or zither was heard from the inner part of the camp. As the wind had abated, and the waves subsided, the plaintive yet captivating strains were clearly audible. Kojirō unconsciously paused and listened intently for a while. "Those people have good taste," he thought to himself. "My parents told me that all the Tairas were tender-hearted, refined nobles. I find now that their words were not in any way exaggerated. The Tairas' refinement must be great for they keep quiet to-night on the eve of battle, and enjoy themselves with music,"—he burst into tears—"what an evil lot is mine, that I was born a rough warrior, and have to fight against such elegant men!"

Suddenly from behind, Kojirō heard the clattering of hoofs, and Hirayama Suyéshigé appeared on horseback. When he saw Kojirō, he alighted. "Hello, Kojirō," he said. "I have come here with the intention of winning for myself the reputation of being the first fighter. But out of admiration for your brave purpose, I abandon the honour in your favour. You must, therefore, cut your way inside the gate without a moment's