Читать книгу A History of the Japanese People - Kikuchi Dairoku - Страница 121

In connexion with the Karano incident, Japanese historians record a tale which materially helps our appreciation of the men of that remote age. A portion of the Karano's timber having emerged unscathed from the salt-pans, its indestructibility seemed curious enough to warrant special treatment. It was accordingly made into a lute (koto),* and it justified that use by developing "a ringing note that could be heard from afar off." The Emperor composed a song on the subject:

"The ship Karano

"Was burned for salt:

"Of the remainder

"A koto was made.

"When it is placed on

"One hears the saya-saya

"Of the summer trees,

"Brushing against, as they stand,

"The rocks of the mid-harbour,

"The harbour of Yura." [Aston.]

*The Japanese lute, otherwise called the Azuma koto, was an instrument five or six feet long and having six strings. History first alludes to it in the reign of Jingo, and such as it was then, such it has remained until to-day.