Namiki Sōsuké

“ Suddenly from behind, Kojirō heard the clattering of hoofs, and Hirayama Suyéshigé appeared on horseback. When he saw Kojirō, he alighted. "Hello, Kojirō," he said. "I have come here with the intention of winning for myself the reputation of being the first fighter. But out of admiration for your brave purpose, I abandon the honour in your favour. You must, therefore, cut your way inside the gate without a moment's delay. If you hesitate, I will do so myself. You must be quick, young hero!" ”

“ As far as I am concerned, I am Kumagai Naozané, one of General Yoshitsuné's retainers."
"Your kindness fills me with gratitude," answered Atsumori in clear tones, indicative of satisfaction and peace of mind. "I am very fortunate to die by the sword of such a tender-hearted warrior as you! I am Atsumori, the son of Councillor Tsunémori. I fear that the news of my death will grieve my parents. ”

“ Shall we not fight each other on the battle-field? Do you think I am as mean a coward as Kagétaka?"
"Excuse my thoughtless words. Your generosity and that of General Yoshitsuné overwhelm me indeed. You are both noble samurai."
At this moment, the crowing of cocks proclaimed the dawn. Rokuyata rose to his feet.
"It will soon be morning," he said. "If you walk alone towards Ichi-no-tani, you may encounter further trouble. I shall conduct you to the camp. Please be in readiness." ”

“ A moment later, several soldiers with drawn swords sallied out of the gate, and surrounded him. A spirited combat at once ensued. Then Atsumori, gallantly clad in beautiful armour, rode forth, and cut at Suyéshigé. The latter found it impossible to fight any longer against such odds, so he spurred his horse, and beat a retreat. Atsumori alone galloped in hot pursuit of the fleeing warrior.
For some time Tamaori ran about along the beach in search of the young cavalier.
"Atsumori Sama! Atsumori Sama!" she cried. "It is dangerous for you to ride alone through the darkness of night. ”

“ Tamaori was overjoyed to hear this, and caught Atsumori's reins.
Atsumori found that it was now impossible to refuse her entreaty, and bade her follow him.
"Farewell, mother," he cried and departed gallantly for Ichi-no-tani with his bride.
Soon afterwards a number of hostile soldiers burst into the house.
"Our Lord Hirayama has sent us," they cried, "with orders to carry away Lady Tamaori. Deliver her to us at once. If you offer the slightest resistance, you shall all die!" ”

“ If he did not kill the real Atsumori, who could it have been that he had killed on the beach of Ichi-no-tani?
In front of Naozané's camp at Ichi-no-tani, there stood a young cherry-tree which was now in full bloom. Under the tree stood Yoshitsuné's notice board, "It is strictly prohibited to injure the cherry-blossoms. Any one cutting off one branch shall be punished by having one finger cut off." ”

“ Naozané drew himself up with dignity. "Madame," he said, "I will remind you that the present war is being conducted in accordance with an Imperial edict for the subjugation of the Tairas. It is not a private affair. We are not allowed to make any distinction of persons. You must not blame me if I have dared to kill Lord Atsumori. I did my best to spare his life, but——"
He thereupon gave them a detailed account of the circumstances under which he had been obliged to kill the young nobleman. After hearing it, Fuji-no-Kata quite understood the situation, and her anger was much pacified. ”

“ But you must remember that one's duty to one's father is far greater than one's duty to one's foster-father. This is even greater when your father is an Emperor,"—Tsunémori assumed a look of firm determination—"If you do not listen to my advice, I am bound to commit seppuku as a token of apology to His Majesty the ex-Emperor."
Hereupon Atsumori reluctantly gave his consent, and retired into an inner room with Fuji-no-Kata and Tamaori, saying that he would hasten to prepare himself for his journey. Tsunémori was thus freed from his anxiety regarding his family. ”

“ Any person breaking off one branch, shall be punished by having one of his fingers cut off.' I love and admire cherry-blossoms more than I can say. I have been told, that there are many beautiful cherry-trees at Ichi-no-tani, and I order you to set up this notice board under the cherry-trees before Atsumori's camp, and to take special care of them. I am sure, Naozané, that you fully understand my meaning. I am of the firm opinion that only a man of your thoughtfulness and mercy is equal to this task. ”

“ He proved to be none other than Tairano-Tadanori on his way back to Ichi-no-tani from calling on his master Lord Shunzei. Hayashi welcomed him heartily, and they chatted about what had happened to them since they had last met.
"Well," she said with sighs, "I have heard of your relations with Lady Kikuno-Mayé. If it had not been for the war between the Tairas and the Minamotos, your marriage would have already taken place. My hearty sympathy is with you!" ”

“ Why did you not proceed to the battlefield instead of surrounding me with so many troops when I am alone? I am not such a weakling as to allow myself to be easily caught by you! Approach, and I will show you in what direction my abilities lie! ”

“ Atsumori had pursued Suyéshigé, but to his disappointment, had lost sight of him. He therefore rode back to his camp to join in the embarkation. It was too late, however, and not a single ship remained. He thereupon dashed on his horse into the waves, and attempted to reach the retreating ships.
At that moment someone hailed him from the beach. It was Kumagai Naozané, mounted on horseback. "You are a General of the Taira army, are you not?" he asked, holding up an open fan. "Only a coward shows his back to the enemy. Come back, and try your skill in a fight against me." ”

“ The stronger always ruled Japan with the reigning Emperor on their side. The Tairas, who had predominated for the previous twenty-five years, were at last driven out of Kyōto by the Minamotos. Kyōto was then the Imperial capital, and the expelled clan had been forced to take refuge in far-off Kyūshū. Afterwards they regained some of their pristine power, and came back to the province of Settsu. They formed a strong camp at Ichi-no-tani, a village on the shores of the Inland Sea, about fifty miles to the south-west of the metropolis. ”

“ Kagétaka must be coming again with a large army. If I were on the battle-field, I should not fear even thousands of foes, but how can I defend myself against such a large force when I am in so small a house? ”

“ In accordance with your desire, he has ordered it to be included in the Senzai-Shū. But unfortunately you are branded as a 'rebel.' It is therefore considered improper that you should give your name, so your poem is inserted as 'anonymous.'"—With these words he offered Tadanori the tanzaku tied to a branch of cherry-blossoms.—"Here is a proof of the fact. General Yoshitsuné begs to present this to you, sir."
When Tadanori heard the news, his joy knew no bounds. He received the tanzaku with great reverence. ”

“ As the coming battle is to be fought in order to decide the destiny of the Tairas and the Minamotos, we ought to fight openly on the battle-field. General Yoshitsuné is, therefore, extremely sorry to hear of Kajiwam Kagétaka's mean deed in privately attacking you when you were in your defenceless condition. But now, as to my message. General Yoshitsuné admired your poem, selected by Lord Shunzei, very much. ”