Page:Tales from old Japanese dramas (1915).djvu/253

Rh "If I spare your life," he said, "it will make no difference to the victory of the Minamoto army. Fortunately nobody is looking at us. You had better make your escape as quickly as you can." So saying, Naozané prepared to take leave of Atsumori. Suddenly Hirayama Suyéshigé appeared on a hill behind them.

"Stay, Kumagai," he cried. "You are a double-hearted villain. You cannot really intend to save the life of a Taira General whom you have beaten down! Don't stir there!"

Naozané paused on hearing this cruel rebuke, and for a moment did not know what to do.

"Don't trouble yourself, sir," said the young nobleman in mild tones. "The Tairas are doomed to ruin. I am sure to meet a disgraceful death some day or other, even if I am saved here. I much prefer to die by your sword. Kill me quickly, and then you will be cleared from the suspicion of your associate."

With these words he bent his head forward, and calmly awaited decapitation. Naozané saw that he had no alternative, so wiping his tears he rose to his feet.