Page:Tales from old Japanese dramas (1915).djvu/285

Rh government of the Kanryō or Vice-Shogun, had abandoned himself to indulgence in wine and loose women. Deaf to all expostulations of his retainers, he had, in an access of rage, killed one of them who had remonstrated too strongly. The letter further stated that as Asojirō's uncle distrusted his own tact and ability to cope with this crisis, it was his intention to adopt Asojirō as heir to his estates, and to resign his office in his favour. He enjoined the young man to proceed to Kamakura and to do his utmost, in virtue of his office as Chief-Councillor, to win back Yoshioki, his lord, to sobriety and decorum, but before leaving for Kamakura, he was to make all haste to his native town and there confer with his uncle as to further details.

It was clear that the situation did not admit of a moment's delay on the part of Asojirō who owed everything to his uncle. In spite of the promptings of his heart, which urged him to linger in his sweetheart's company, in spite of the maiden's entreaties that he would prolong his stay, he forced himself to say, with a sigh:

"It grieves me more than I can tell to leave your side so soon, but it is out of my power to