Sémi
I
A CELEBRATED Chinese scholar, known in Japanese literature as Riku-Un, wrote the following quaint account of the Five Virtues of the Cicada:—
"I.—The Cicada has upon its head certain figures or signs.[26] These represent its [written] characters, style, literature.
[26] ] The curious markings on the head of one variety of Japanese sémi are believed to be characters which are names of souls.
"II.—It eats nothing belonging to earth, and drinks only dew. This proves its cleanliness, purity, propriety.
"III.—It always appears at a certain fixed time. This proves its fidelity, sincerity, truthfulness.
"IV.—It will not accept wheat or rice. This proves its probity, uprightness, honesty.