Page:The Awakening of Japan, by Okakura Kakuzō; 1905.djvu/55

 their incomes, if not greatly increased, were at least assured to them. This last must have been gratifying to those of them who remembered the disastrous days when they had to sell autograph poems for their sustenance. They were contented, and the Tokugawas kept them well disposed toward themselves by intermarriage and timely financial aid. All political power, however, was completely taken from the kuges, notwithstanding the high-sounding titles which they were still allowed to retain. The duty of the privy councilor would consist in debating on the merits of a love-ditty, and that of the high minister of state in presiding over a competition of nightingales. It was in those days of refined folly that the queen in our game of chess was solemnly abolished by imperial command.

Theoretically, next to the court