Page:The Awakening of Japan, by Okakura Kakuzō; 1905.djvu/109

, of his triumphs over the enemy, and of his fastness in the mountain of Yoshino, where he held his court until the time when the cherry-blossoms covered his mausoleum with their tribute of tender homage.

The gaunt image of Masashige rose before them, that hero who fought for the Emperor Godaigo knowing that his cause was already lost. They read how he it was who first dared answer the imperial summons to fight the usurper, how he planned and carried out the guerrilla warfare which led to a temporary restitution of the Mikado’s power, and claimed no reward when his work was accomplished. “What is thy last wish?” said he to his brother as, wounded unto death, they both emerged