JAPANESE PRINTS

O little lady with the yellow fan

Why are you so sad?

Why does a tear stand

Like a tea-flower bud upon your cheek?

Your dress is of blue and scarlet silk,

Your slippers are embroidered with gems,

A gold and emerald butterfly has lighted in your hair,

Your serving-maid stands near

Awaiting your command,

And if you lifted but one slender finger

A chariot would come and carry you away to your father's palace.

Why are you so sad?

It is because the ships beside the shore

Spread their dark sails to the sea-blowing breeze;

The tide is high, and soon will set toward the distant islands,

And there is a gleam of swords and armour,

For the soldiers go to war beyond the seas.