Page:Tales from old Japanese dramas (1915).djvu/453

Rh with loud cries. A brilliant spectacle was provided by the gay clothes of the young ladies fluttering in the air, and the beautiful petals of the flowers scattering around. Go Sankei heard the sound of the battle, and dressed from head to foot in a suit of mail, rushed in and was astonished at the sight. He seized the plum and cherry branches from the hands of the combatants, broke them to pieces, and drove off both squadrons. Then he knelt before the Emperor and fearlessly remonstrated, with him: "This is not the time for Your Majesty to fight a 'battle of flowers.' The Northern barbarians are, even at this moment, eagerly watching for an opportunity to invade our country."

The Emperor flew into a violent and unreasonable rage, and raising his foot, he dealt the General a kick on the forehead.

Suddenly a confused sound of conches, drums, and deafening battle-shouts was heard from all sides. Go Sankei sprang to his feet, and rushing up the tower, looked eagerly about him. To his horror, he saw that the fields, mountains, and forests were covered with soldiers. Swarms of Tartars had arrived and were surrounding the palaces.