50 The Japanese Floral Calendar. 



the ground with the autumn glory. One morning the un- 

 poetical gardeners swept the fallen leaves, and the officers 

 of the imperial household were perfectly awestruck as 

 they were sure their master would come to his hill to see 

 the red leaves which might have been cast down by the 

 night wind. He went to the hill presently; the officers 

 appealed to his pity for the gardeners' ignorance. 'It re- 

 minds me/ the Emperor said, 'of the famous verse by Haku 

 Raku Ten which runs thus: 



"We will warm the wine under the trees; 

 We will burn up the maple leaves." 



''' 'Such is the autumn song; how lovely the gardeners' 

 heart in gathering the fallen leaves to warm their hearts 

 and wine.' Not only the gardeners' stupidity was excused, 

 but their action was approved happily. Had the gardeners 

 such a poetical heart? How sweet was the emperor's!" 



Here is one more poem: 



"The peak is already desolate ; 

 The base is a scarlet flame ; 

 Yet the leaves in the garden 

 Have scarcely turned." 



That is to say, the leaves on the top of the mountain 

 are already scattered, while those at the base are at their 

 best, and those on the plain are just changing their color. 



