He raised his voice so that every word rang clear and distinct
Nothing doubting but that Sadamasa wished to make terms of surrender, Katsuyori himself came forth, attended by his suite.
“Accept my best thanks for your arrow-letters,” began Sadamasa politely. “It was good of you to pass on my father’s communication and I am much obliged to you.” Then suddenly changing his tone, “Do you think,” he thundered, “that such a clumsy trick could deceive us or induce me to give up the stronghold of my ancestors? Fools! The laugh is on our side! Ha, ha, ha!”
“Ha, ha, ha!” roared the men behind him greatly enjoying the discomfiture of the men below.
Katsuyori was furious.
“Go, Katsutaka,” he shouted. “Go to the edge of the moat and tell them that no reinforcements are coming—that they must surrender!”
Guarded by two men, for he had not yet been set at liberty, Katsutaka stepped forward to the edge of the moat, and raising his voice so that every word rang clear and distinct:—
“Listen, my lord, and comrades,” he said. “What I tell you is the truth. Lord Tokugawa and the two Lords Oda, with an allied army of 70,000 men are hastening to your rescue. They will be here to-morrow without fail. The arrow-letters are utterly false. Rest assured!”
So wholly unexpected was this bold speech that no one thought of stopping it till the mischief was done. As a mighty cheer went up from the besieged, however, the infuriated soldiers of the investing army seized Katsutaka and in mad fury kicked and cuffed him mercilessly. Then at Katsuyori’s command they crucified him just opposite the main gate of the castle he had given his life to save.