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 But fairest is Mount Kagu's peak, Whose heav'nward soaring heights I seek 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, The Mikado's Bow.* When the dawn is shining, He takes it up and fondles it with pride; When the day's declining, He lays it by his pillow's side. Hark to the twanging of the string! This is the bow of our Great Lord and King! Now to the morning chase they ride, Now to the chase again at eventide : Hark to the twanging of the string ! This is the bow of our Great Lord and King! (HASHIBITO.) Spring and Autumn. (AN ODE COMPOSED IN OBEDIENCE TO THE COMMANDS OF THE MIKADO TEÑJI.) When winter turns to spring, Birds that were songless make their songs resound, I cannot walk, so tangled is cach hill; I cull the scarlet leaves and love them dear, * The Mikado referred to is Zhiyomel, who died in A.D. 641. No time so sweet as that. Away! away! (OHOGIMI.) Spring. When winter turns to spring, With the sweet notes the nightingale doth sing. (ANON.) The Brook of Hatsuse. Pure is Hatsuse's mountain-brook,- When sailing home at even: "Tis that there are no sandy reaches, Where the frail craft might find some shelt'ring nook. Ah, well-a-day! we have no sandy reaches: But heed that not; Nor shelving beaches: |