Page:Tales from old Japanese dramas (1915).djvu/374

298 Ten long years had passed since he had left his home. Thoughts of his brother's enemy were constantly in his mind. Kōzuké it seemed was protected by the powerful daimyo Hōjō Ujimasa and was aided by the authorities of the eight provinces under Ujimasa's rule. Therefore, even if Katsugorō had been in sound health, it would be almost impossible for him to avenge himself. His present plight made it still more difficult. When he thought of these things he was filled with regret and despair.

Hatsuhana carefully and tenderly nursed her sick and lame husband, and encouraged him by saying that he would recover in time, and be able to accomplish his long-cherished purpose. The faithful young wife was compelled to lead a beggar's life, and suffered indescribable hardships and insults.

It was early one night, and the bright moon was hanging over the mountains, when the daikwan or governor of the seven neighbouring villages, a haughty tyrant named Mizoguchi, happened to pass Hatsuhana's hovel. She ran out, and asked him for alms. The governor paused, and looked intently at her face, upon which the moon was shining.