Page:Tales from old Japanese dramas (1915).djvu/481

Rh But she shook him off saying: "Have patience, my son! If we wish to seek the assistance of another in a matter of great moment, we must put up with affronts and hardships. If our request is granted, I am willing to be bound with cords, nay, even to be fettered and handcuffed. Pray bind me securely, at once, my husband, without another moment's hesitation."

Tei Shiryō was moved by her words, and he bound her, very reluctantly, hand and foot. The sentinels then opened the gate, and permitted her to enter. Kinshō burst into tears again when she saw this.

"O dear father, and brother!" she cried. "Forgive the apparent unkindness of the soldiers. They may not disobey the decree. I shall take my mother in my charge, so you need not be anxious about her safety. She will tell me about your request, and I will inform my husband, and do my best to gain his consent."

She added that, in the event of her husband consenting, she would pour a solution of face powder into the moat. If he refused, she would pour a solution of rouge. If the river should turn white the visitors would know that the answer