The foe that strikes thee,
For thy country’s sake
Strike him with all thy might;
But while thou strikest,
Forget not still to love him. (Text.)
—His Majesty the Emperor Mutsu Hito of Japan.
Translated by Arthur Lloyd.
(2317)
A Japanese mother had given her three sons to the war. The first was reported slain. She smiled and said, “It is well. I am happy.” The second lay dead upon the field. She smiled again and said, “I am still happy.” The third gave up his life and they said to her, “At last you weep!” “Yes,” she said, “but it is because I have no more sons to give to my beloved country!”—Marshall P. Wilder, “Smiling ’Round the World.”