APPENDICES. APPENDIX I. As the severely classical character of the Japanese poetical dramas is in practice relieved by the performance between every other metrical piece of a prose comedietta, it may not be out of place to give the English reader some idea of what the latter are like. The following specimens are two taken at random from among those which the translator has himself seen acted in Yedo. The technical name of these little plays is Nou Kiyau-Geñ, which might be almost literally rendered as "Folies Dramatiques." They possess in the original a philological interest out of all proportion to the lightness of their construction, as they are almost the only source of our knowledge of the spoken Japanese of the Middle Ages; the written and spoken languages of Japan, as of several other Eastern countries, having all within historical times differed very considerably from each other both in grammar and in vocabulary. Their date is the same as that of the Dramatic Poems. They are, of course, acted on the same platform, and derive as little adventitious aid from scenery and stage effect. Rector.-I am rector of this temple. I have to call my curate, to make a communication to him. there? are you there? halloo ! Curate are you Curate. Here am I! What is your reason for being pleased to call me? -- Rector. My reason for calling you is just simply this: I, unworthy priest, am already stricken in years, and the duties of the temple service weigh heavily upon me. So, do you please to understand that, from to-day, I resign this benefice in your favour. Curate. I feel deeply indebted [to your reverence]. But, as I am still deficient in learning, and as, moreover, no time, however late, would seem too late to me, I beg of you to be so kind as to delay this change. Rector.-Nothing could please me more than your most charming answer. But [you must know that], though retiring from the rectorship, I do not intend to leave the temple. I shall simply take up my abode in the back apartment; so, if there should be any business of any kind, please to let me know. Curate.-Well, if it must be so, I will act in accordance with your august desire. Rector. And mind (though it will carcely be necessary |