Page:A History of Japanese Literature (Aston).djvu/341

Rh a spirit of self-reliance and patriotism which at a subsequent period became translated into political action. Though he was himself loyal to the Shōgunate, he contributed indirectly, but most effectively, to the national movement which in 1867 brought about its downfall, and restored the descendant of the Sun Goddess to the sovereign position which was the logical result of the principles advocated in his works.

Motoöri's efforts on behalf of the Shinto religion produced little tangible result. It was too late to call back the deities of the old pantheon from the Hades to which the neglect of the nation had consigned them. In his own lifetime nothing was done, and although a half-hearted, perfunctory attempt to re-establish the ancient faith was made in 1868, the efforts of its supporters were soon relaxed. The Buddhist priests ceased to be the guardians of the Shinto shrines, and a so-called Shinto form of burial was introduced, but little more was effected that was not soon afterwards allowed to fall into abeyance. At the present day this religion is practically extinct.

All the Wagakusha considered themselves bound to compose poetry in the old style. Motoöri acquitted himself of this obligation more creditably than most of his fellows. The following Tanka is much admired:—

In other words, "The Japanese are instinctively and naturally noble and virtuous—not like the Chinese, who