If length be the criterion, the poems of Japan should not be difficult to remember. They have the art of comprising more beauty in fewer words than any other poems in the world, only excepting those of the Greek Anthology, which they some- times resemble. What other people could sun: up a whole tragedy in eight words?!

“Two butterflies. Last year my dear love died.”

The interpretation of that brevity might almost be made a test of poetic vision.

There is an enchanting story told by the Lacijr Sei of the Emperor’s favorite catAa spoilt beauty. She had received a cap of honor and had bee: raised to the third rank of nobility, with the title of Miyobn-no-Ototo, or “Chief of the Female At» tendants”, and was a eat of many graces. Unfortu- nately, on a day of disobedience, her lady-in-\\‘aif- ing summoned the Emperor’s dog, Okinamaru. i: startle her into good behavior. He barked obedier: ~ ly, and the cat dashed madly behind the scree:-: where His Majesty sat at breakfast, and sought ' uge in his arms. The Emperor, much shocked. for the Lord High Chamberlain, and pronour. sentence on poor Okinamaru. A thrashing LI‘ " exile! The Lady Sei describes him as hithert: 2. happy dog and much esteemed. But a short t‘ before he had been carried in procession in a W; litter, with peach—blossoms and hollyhocks or. head! He was now an outcast on Dog Island, . none so poor to do him reverence.” He may pC~=< — bly have found life easier without the hollyhocx-:: but it is interesting to see that the Eternal C2’. victorious as ever. The dog is vanquished: lady-in-waiting ruined, and the cat lies in . _ Emperor’s lap and purrs. So was it always: .-' will it ever be.

i The Lady Sei has a charming way of classi:".-2.‘ 1 the things that please or displease her fastic: ness. Here is a little list (given by Mr. Sans in which she tabulates “things hateful”.

“Bad writing on pink-tinted paper.

“A quite ordinary person talking in a boas’: . way.

“A baby that cries when you want to lister: ‘ something.

“A dog who barks in recognition of your '.:v -I“ when he comes to pay you a clandestine vs‘

“And rats running about are also very he _ ‘ . .

Here are a few of the “things that make heart beat”. They do so still!

“When your lover takes out a letter and ':;.‘; it to you.

“Watching horse races.”

And among “things that do not look ing” figures “A flighty and fickle husb2:i :» takes to staying out all night.” That :;-:"-. :.. evidently ancient as well as modern!

She has a very human list of “things er.'.'_;* ~

“People who learn their prayers witlzcvgi I ble, while you have to repeat the same ;;_~:. over and over again, and still forget it.

“People who overtake you Without eficr’ you are panting uphill to a shrine.”

Everyone who knows the ascent to the TA“ punt!‘

ll TO THE COURT LADIES OF OLD JAPAN, ETIQUETTE WAS THE ONLY REALITY OF LIFE; ALL ELSE WAS BUT PRETENSE

“On Waka’s shore The tide is flowing. No resting-place Above the waters showing.

Toward the reeds The cranes are flying,

All the night sky Re-echoes with their crying.”

7.. _ H41‘

i , .r4? .

THEY WERE NOT CRUEL TO THEIR LOVERS; THE MANNERS OF THE TIMES DID NOT DEMAND THAT THEY SHOULD BE SO

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