Page:Tales from old Japanese dramas (1915).djvu/262

198 in this life." Fuji-no-Kata added her entreaties for a glance at the head.

"I deeply regret that I cannot obey your orders," Naozané said sternly. "An official identification of the head must be made before I can show it privately to anyone." He pushed both women aside, and stepped outside. At that moment a voice was heard.

"Naozané," it said, "you will be spared the trouble of taking Lord Atsumori's head to the headquarters. Yoshitsuné will inspect it here." Yoshitsuné himself then appeared on the scene. Naozané respectfully prostrated himself before him.

"I thought it strange and suspicious," said Yoshitsuné, "that you have not only delayed to present the head for my inspection, but you also abruptly asked to be allowed to retire from the army before the end of the battle. I therefore stealthily came here, and saw all that has just happened. I will now make haste to inspect the head."

Naozané ran out, and pulled out the notice board under the cherry-tree. He then placed Atsumori's head on it, and set it before Yoshitsuné, saying in tremulous tones: