Page:Tales from old Japanese dramas (1915).djvu/492

400 Kokusenya and Kanki looked with amazement at the horrible sight, and the old woman fell swooning to the ground.

"My husband!" the dying woman gasped. "I have killed myself! No one now can say that you have been influenced by a woman! Pray support my brother, and grant my parents' earnest request!"

"What a noble death!" exclaimed Kanki, turning aside to hide his fast falling tears. "Your death shall not be in vain, dear wife!" He then fell on his knees before Kokusenya. "Brother, I will gladly join you in your noble undertaking. Allow me to become an officer under your command. May I suggest that you assume the title of Kokusenya, Commander-in-chief, and King of Yempei."

So saying, Kanki crossed the room to a chest, from which he produced a complete suit of commander-in-chief's armour. This he presented to Kokusenya, who wore it thankfully. His mother looked at him with admiration. "My heart is filled with joy!" she said. "Now that General Kanki has joined you, you will doubtless succeed in your task. But if I live on after the death of