And you, O purple iris with the golden bands,
Are the soul of the Great Prince;
And you, O slender one,
Blue as lapis lazuli,
Are the soul of the little dancing-girl;
And you nestle at last
Beside your stately purple Prince,
Here in the sunshine of my northern garden.
JAPANESE LOVE-SONGS
(In the Hokku manner)
I.
The white lotus-flower
Grows in the depths of the pool,
Love grows in my heart.
II.
The peony flames crimson.
My heart's blood is far redder
Than its flame.
III.
Sere iris leaves and dead blossoms.
Mist and drizzle of rain.
Where art thou?