XX.
KEICHIU
A.D. 1610–1701
A Priest whose reputation as a scholar attracted the attention of the famous Daimio of Mito, Mitsukuni, who caused a vast library to be collected and maintained scholars for researches which resulted in the compilation of the Dainihoushi = "History of Japan."
THE COMING OF SPRING
By Keichiu
The Spring hath bent its magic bow
The heavens eterne, the earth below
Rich with its hidden ore, are veiled
In mist-wreaths grey.
High on the mountain-ledge the snow
Melts, and once-frozen ponds o’erflow
This first Spring day.
The plum-trees’ branches gently sway
From the young blossoms’ fair array
The nightingale trills forth her song
So tender-sweet.
Now memories of the bygone year
Fade in our hearts, new joys appear
Our hopes to greet.
When can we to the meadows pass,
To pluck the herbs among the grass?
When will the budding willows flame
In living gold?
When will the cherry-blossoms glow?
To-day, in minds of high and low,
These thoughts unfold!