Sudden a cry was heard—the cry that should O-Shichi doom.

V

For following the cry came flame,

A Chaya's roof a-blaze.

And quickly was the street a stream

Of stricken folk, whose gaze

Knew well that when the morning came

Their homes would be but smoke

Vanished upon the winds: now had O-Shichi's fate awoke.

VI

And waited. For at morning priests

In pity of her years

[Pg 34]

And desolation led her back

Behind the great god's spheres;

The great god Buddha, who of beasts

And men all mindful was.

O Buddha, in thy very courts O-Shichi learned love's laws!

VII

Love of the body and the soul,

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