[67] These dainty white wooden boxes of food arranged in a way pleasing to the eye are still a feature of Japanese life. They are distributed, with varying contents, at weddings and funerals, sold at railway stations, and carried on picnics.
[68] At banquets a great cup was used which could contain one or two quarts of liquor. When this was circulated among the guests each was expected to empty the cup, and it was the pride of the drinker to toss it off in one draught.
[69] The hero of Genji Monogatari.
[70] The Queen desired a literary Court to rival that of the first Queen. See note on p. 131.
[71] A special kind of wild duck called oshidori which is always seen in couples.
[72] Kokiden: residence of the first Queen.
[73] The World; i.e. matrimonial affairs.
[74] Three anthologies, of Ancient and Modern Poems, Later Selections of Poems, and Miscellaneous Poems, respectively.
[75] These men were famous calligraphers.
[76] This famous dance, whose origin is given below, was performed at the present Emperor's coronation at Kioto in 1915, by five daughters of ancient noble families selected for their beauty. It is said that these young ladies immediately thereafter received a great many offers of marriage.