26 The Japanese Floral Calendar. 



1. "A cloud of flowers! 



Is the bell Uyeno 

 Or Asakusa?" 



Or expanded: 



"The cherry flowers in Mukojima are blossoming in such profu- 

 sion as to form a cloud which shuts out the prospect. Whether the 

 bell which is sounding from a distance is that of the temple of Uyeno 

 or of Asakusa, I am unable to determine." (Aston's History of 

 Japanese Literature.) 



2. "Shikishima no 



Yamato-gokoro wo 

 Uito towaba 



Asahi ni niho 

 Yamazakura kana." 



"Isles of blest Japan ! 



Should your Yamato spirit 

 Strangers seek to scan, 



Say scenting morn's sunlit air 

 Blows the cherry wild and fair!" 



Nitobe's Soul of Japan. 



(Or) "If one should ask you concerning the heart of a true 

 Japanese, point to the wild cherry flower glowing in the sun." 



