THE CHERRY. 23 



would figure largely in Japanese literature. The famous ''Hundred 

 Poems" contain five on that subject; and several are included in 

 the Manyoshiu. But we have room for only two, of which the first 

 is remarkable for its brevity, and the second is Motoori's famous 

 one, dear to all Japanese : 



1. "A cloud of flowers! 



Is the bell Uyeno 

 Or Asakusa?" 



Or expanded : 



"The cherry flowers in Mukojima are blossoming in such profusion 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 

 Hito toivaba 



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/' 



