[Pg 38]

The flames O-Shichi kindled were

From sea to Shiba fanned.

And it was learned a love-sick girl

Had charred a thousand homes.

Then were the fury-smitten folk like to a sea that foams.

XV

And so they seized her: but not in

The temple—O not there

Had she been led again by priests

In pity—led to share

Her lover's eyes; no, but her sin

Brought not one dear delight

To poor O-Shichi—who was now to look on her last rite.

XVI

For to the stake they bound her—fire

They lit—to be her fate....

[Pg 39]

O-Shichi, have I dreamt it all?

Your face, the temple gate,

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