Page:Brinkley - Japan - Volume 1.djvu/224



T was in this epoch that Japanese civilisation assumed many of the external features so much and so justly admired by foreigners in modern times. The nation's profound appreciation of natural beauties asserted itself in the embellishment of the new capital, though the prim mathematical regularity of the city's Chinese plan might well have deterred any exercise of Japanese taste, which abhors stiffness and formality. Along the sides of the streets willows and cherries were planted. Limpid streams flowed from green hills that held the city in their embrace. Every mansion had its park, and in every park the four seasons found well-devised opportunities for the display of their special charms. From temples whose colossal roofs looked down upon the dwellings of their parishioners, the sweet and sonorous voices of mighty bells tolled the hours, and the sound of chaunted litanies summoned people to bow before altars resplendent with gold and silver. Each month brought an opportunity for the city