Page:Tales from old Japanese dramas (1915).djvu/406

328 The day appointed for the march arrived. General Yoshi-oki, accompanied by a large retinue, visited the Shrine of Hachiman, the God of War, to pray for the fortune of his army, and to parade his troops in the field adjacent to the Shrine. All his officers, including Yoshiminé and Kemmotsu, sat in state in the hall of worship.

When the prayers were ended, Yoshi-oki said to Kemmotsu: "I think we shall fight with Ashikaga Taka-uji, on the plain of Musashino. I suppose you who are a native of Musashi Province, are well acquainted with the topography of the plain. I therefore appoint you guide to our troops, and your regiment shall be the vanguard."

Kemmotsu bowed his head with reverence, and answered with a feigned air of gratitude:

"I cannot express my feelings of pleasure, my lord. I am only a new-comer, and therefore it is a great honour to be favoured with this important task. My abilities are poor, but I shall do my best to give you satisfaction."

Just at that moment, a sudden gust of wind blew out all the lights on the altar. All present were speechless with horror. Yoshi-oki took the