"Are you mad? To linger in this palace, which will soon be entirely overrun! What have you yet to do? You will be unable to escape."
"Do not be anxious about me," said Iwakura, with a strange smile; "I shall escape, I promise you."
"Iwakura!" cried the Shogun, gazing at his friend in alarm, "you mean to die! I understand you; but I will not accept safety at such a price. I am master still, am I not? Very well; I command you to follow me."
"My beloved lord," said Nagato, in a firm voice, "if it be true that I have served you loyally, do not refuse me the first favor that I ask,—do not order me to leave this palace."
"I do not order, friend, I conjure you not to rob me of a companion such as you; I entreat you to fly with us."
"I join my supplications to those of my son," said Yodogimi; "do not send us forth with sorrow in our hearts."
"Illustrious Prince," said Omiti, in her sweet, shy tones, "it is the first time I have ever spoken to you; but I too would venture to entreat you not to persist in your cruel resolution."
Loo fell upon his knees. "Master!" he cried; but he could say no more, and burst into tears.
"I recommend this boy to you," said Nagato.
"Then you are deaf to our prayers?" said the Shogun. "Can nothing that we say move you?"