MORAL LIFE OF THE JAPANESE. 



339 



Full twelve months passed without any noteworthy occur- 

 rence. The minister's daughter grew more subtly beautiful day 

 by day, and many noble lovers sought to win her favor. But the 



BHONZE BELL IN UYENO PARK, TOKYO. 

 About the bell are hung the straw sandals of devout pilgrims. 



maiden's heart was not unlocked ; her eyelids closed upon dream- 

 less slumbers, anther gentle soul knew no dawning thought of love. 

 Then one morning came, when a gold-bedecked rider with a 

 dazzling retinue drew up before the door of the mansion, and a 



