Of these domains that own th' imperial pow'r, Yet such might please thee not, nor many a bow'r But in this spot, at Sahoyáma's* base, And here with aliens thou didst choose to dwell, But ah! what living thing mote yet avoid So, while the morn lit up Kasúga's crest, No words, alas! nor efforts can avail: * A mountain in the province of Yamato. The river Sahogáha, mentioned a little farther on, runs past its base. This line is an adaptation of the Japanese term Kusa-makura, literally " a pillow of herbs," itself the "pillow-word" for the word journey. F Nought can I do but make my bitter wail, Ceaselessly weeping, till my snowy sleeve Is wet with tears. Who knows? Perchance again Wafted they're borne upon the sighs I heave On 'Arima's far distant heights to rain. (SAKANOUHE.) MISCELLANEOUS POEMS. Lines COMPOSED BY THE EMPEROR ZHIYOMEI ON THE OCCASION OF HIS ASCENDING MOUNT KAGU, * AND CONTEMPLATING THE SURROUNDING COUNTRY. Countless are the mountain-chains Tow'ring o'er Cipango's plains; But fairest is Mount Kagu's peak, Whose heav'nward soaring heights I seek O'er many a cot; gaze on the sea, * Near Nara. + One of the ancient names of Japan, given to the country on account of a supposed resemblance in shape to that insect. The dragon-flies of Japan are various and very beautiful. |