human
Alas, alas! exclaimed Yodogimi,
gpt
I may die, said the General,
human
Die! Have you no heart, that you can talk to me of death I Men are cruel; they swear devotion, and then, for a mere nothing, they forsake us.
gpt
It is not my fault. War has broken out; I must start for Yamashiro with my men.
human
And if I command you to stay?
gpt
I must disobey, Princess.
human
You confess it unblushingly! Well, I forbid you to leave me!
gpt
So be it, said the General.
human
I cannot resist your wishes; but this very evening I shall commit suicide.
gpt
Because you are tired of my society?
human
No; because I should be dishonored; and no one should ever outlive dishonor.
gpt
Oh, I am mad! said Taiko-Sama's widow, wiping her eyes.
human
I speak like a child; I counsel you to play a coward's part. Go; do not spare your blood. If you die, I too will die. How handsome you are in fighting dress! she added, looking admiringly at him.
gpt
Is it for the enemy's eyes that you adorn yourself thus?
human
It is the custom, said Harounaga;
gpt
Do not talk so; I seem to see you in the thick of the fight, cried Yodogimi.
human
I see the arrows fly, I hear the clash of steel. What will become of me during these long days of agony and alarm?
gpt
Yamashiro is not far from Osaka, said the General;
human
I will send you frequent news from the camp.
gpt
Yes, promise me you will. Send a messenger every day.
human
You shall hear from me every day. Farewell, most beautiful of princesses!
gpt
Farewell, bold warrior! Hay Heaven grant us a speedy meeting!