Evening star., 1928-04-15
of Cherry Bloom Had Origin in Tragic Japanese Romance

Masa could not bear the thought Of
parting from him, for she loved him
dearly. But she believed she was
serving the nation, and stood notion
less, watching Makito until he passed
out of sight.
A LONE she stood on the hill, with
"A the night far advanced and still
ness pervading all After time she
took out knife and planed the cherry
tree as smooth as marble, then. prick
ing finger with the tip Of her knife,
wrote in blood:
"Earth's tears and sorrows shall pass
away.
My glorious Kingdom, in this thy day;
In Infinite Life my sleep shall be,
And Joy shall come to thee and me-"
Then she lay with face downward on
the root Of the cherry tree, beneath
the heavens, with the beautiful stars
shining down, and the night passed ON.
The following morning the sun shone
on the Silver-eye village from cloud
less sky. Softly the pefumed breezcs
famed the green fields playing amidst
the cherry blossoms. What a calm day
our Masa has joined the majority.
Her remains we're set before the image
Of Buddha in the temple covered with
silk cloth. There she lay ike to an
angel. BaiSen was sitting near the
body. for he felt his loss deeply. Next
TO him sat Makito. like to stone. A
few villagers were there. All was silent.
Priest Ryonen came down from the
Buddhist altar aftt~ conducting service
for the girls soul, and took seat beside
Baisen. How regrettable that she
should be cut OF in the prime Of her
girlhood," said the priest. Il have
known Masa since childhood. What a
tender girl she was. She was wont to
call on me here. I believe she has had
presentiment."
The priest left of speaking and the
people wept. What a disgraceful
Samurai to stab a girl, even though in
great confusion he may have made the
mistake"
Makito TUNED to the priest anc,
speaking in a faint voice. said:
''Kurondo is not the only one TO blame
for this tragedy. /. too, must share X,
for failed in my duty. Only last night
/ knew change had come. / felt
something strange as she spoke to me-
how hard 1t was to part. was so
upset over it did not fully realize her
suffering. Had understood as I do
now, I might have been able to help
her"
"And what did she say to you, Makito7
viii you not tell her father" said
Baisen.
"Yes, will tell you all. She looked
grave and said: Never forget to call
upon this hill once year when the
blossoms are in full bloom"
Makito buried his hands and sobbed
gently.
Kurondo entered, looking pale and
| exhausted and bowed to those present
| He then walked to the bier. offered up
prayer for her souls repose. and took
| a seat between Makito and Baisen. in
| front of the priest. II am weak and
weary or / should have been here
sooner" said Kurondo. Then he
turned to Baisen and Makito. and
| gazing upon them said, 'One of you
! gentlemen take my life now. for the
| sake Of the girls soul I here give
myself up. All night have struggled.
| intending to kill myself. and would
/ have done 1t, but ! am a Samurai."
/ Soon Makito lifted his face toward
Kurondo and his lips moved gently.
'Kurondo. do you want me to kill you--
| what for? could easily do it. That
| would only be the measure Of man of
| your degree. No. no, it is great mis-
| take, Kurondo. You have never known
real Samuraihood. Now MaSa has
taught me what real love was for pure
hearted girl. Death has not taken he
away: her soul still remains with US.
As close my eyes. can hear her"
He then turned to the priest and
said: Il intend to enter the priesthood,
that may solace the spirit of the de-
parted girl. VIII you not count me as
one Of your pupils from now onF~ All
T. h<s~n kr1 Nrn Hea ~
light. The aged priest nodded his head
and answered: VERY well. Makito."
The following year, IN the season Of
cherry blossoms. the villagers saw
youthful priest climbing up the hin to.
ward MaSa'S tomb. and If the tradition
Of the villagers is 10 be credited. the
cherry blossoms have changed in color
| 70 deep pink. for they have sprung
from the girl who wrote q poem in ner
own blood. We may see those cherry
blossoms on the Potomac River side,
and they are supposed to have come
from the tree which absorbed the blood
of the young girl.
Time has swiftly passed. MaSa 5
beautiful body has returned TO the dust.
and a violent battle was to have been
fought on Jedos front. But thinSs
have changed those past is years. It
is now early Spring. April. 1874, on the
hill of the Siiver-eye village. A new
tombstone has been erected alongside
| that Of MaSa, and those who pass by
may read the inscription:
In memory Of Hurcndo Yaiiemcn
The man who fell for the colors at
| Jedo;
No braver hero could be found.
| Life'S battles Ger, the victorS