Kité wa maü,
Futari shidzuka no
Kochō kana!
[Approaching they dance; but when the two meet at last they are very quiet, the butterflies!]
Chō wo oū
Kokoro-mochitashi
Itsumadémo!
[Would that I might always have the heart (desire) of chasing butterflies![1]]
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Besides these specimens of poetry about butterflies, I have one queer example to offer of Japanese prose literature on the same topic. The original, of which I have attempted only a free translation, can be found in the curious old book Mushi-Isamé (" Insect-Admonitions "); and it assumes the form of a discourse to a butterfly. But it is really a didactic allegory,—suggesting the moral significance of a social rise and fall:—
- ↑ Literally, "Butterfly-pursuing heart I wish to have always;"—i. e., I would that I might always be able to find pleasure in simple things, like a happy child.
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