Page:Tales from old Japanese dramas (1915).djvu/464

376 younger sister of the Chinese Emperor of whom my father has so often told us. A horrible thing has happened. China has been invaded by barbarians, the Emperor has been cruelly murdered, and Her Highness has come over to Japan in that wretched boat, to seek shelter. I should very much like to conduct Her Highness at once to our home; but if I did so, the Governor of the county and the village headman would send policemen to capture her. I must see my father, and ask his advice about the matter. So you must hasten home, and bring him here immediately."

Komutsu was greatly ashamed at her hastiness, and made a most respectful obeisance to the Princess, and after apologizing very profusely, hurried home.

Kokusenya's father and mother, who had been on a visit to the shrine of the tutelary god, happened to pass along the sea-shore on their way home. Kokusenya was delighted to see them, and calling them to him, gave them a brief account of what the Princess had told him.

Afterwards he presented his parents to her. When Tei Shiryō heard of the death of the Emperor, he burst into tears.