Page:Tales from old Japanese dramas (1915).djvu/487

397 yourself and to lay down your life for the sake of my loyalty?"

It gradually dawned upon Kinshō what her husband intended to do. "Well," she said with a resigned look, "I understand your reason, my husband. I am willing to be put to death, if by doing so I can be of service to the Imperial House. You may take my life."

She gently pushed the old woman to one side, and bared her breast to receive Kanki's sword. The mother, who was unable to use her hands owing to the cords, took Kinshō's sleeve between her teeth, and forced her away. Kanki then approached his wife with his naked sword; but the old lady, quick as thought, ran behind him and pulled him off with her teeth. Kinshō then again prepared to meet her fate, but the mother, almost choked with grief, cried out: "Stop! Stop! If I allow you to kill Kinshō, everyone will say that a Japanese stepmother has allowed a Chinese stepdaughter to be killed on account of her hatred of the latter! I should not only be shamed, but it would be an everlasting disgrace to Japan. I could never endure it. Kanki, if you are determined to kill Kinshō, you must kill me also."