Page:Tales from old Japanese dramas (1915).djvu/467

Rh dear husband's hand—but it is impossible for you to kill me with an oar. I must kill myself, for I cannot live another minute."

With these words she was about to throw herself into the sea, when Kokusenya seized her by the arm. "Dearest wife," he said kindly, "my admiration and love for you is beyond expression. This is a proof of your faithfulness. I will leave Her Highness in your charge. You will serve her with your utmost care while I am away. When I send a ship for her, you will accompany her to China. Always trust me, my dearest."

"Forgive me!" begged Komutsu, quite pacified by his reassuring words. "I will take Her Highness under my care, and will treat her with every respect. Don't trouble your mind about us. I hope you will have a successful voyage, and I shall await news of you. Farewell, dear husband!"

Then Kokusenya took leave of them all, and springing into the boat, set sail for the land of his father.