Page:A History of Japanese Literature (Aston).djvu/54

38 Gentle is the rise of the hills, Bearing hundreds of trees; Pleasant is the murmur of the rapids As downward they rush.

So long as in the spring-time (When the nightingale comes and sings) On the rocks Brocade-like flowers blossom, Brightening the mountain-foot; So long as in the autumn (When the stag calls to his mate) The red leaves fall hither and thither, Wounded by the showers, The heaven be-clouding—

For many thousand years May his life be prolonged, To rule over all under heaven In the great palace Destined to remain unchanged For hundreds of ages."