bosom of her petitioner, and closing Her eyes
returned into Her divine dream, whilst the woman awoke, weeping for joy.

"But when she sought in her bosom for the Lotos it was gone. Of all this
she boasted loudly to her folk and kin, and the more so, when in due
time she perceived herself to be with child, for, from that august
favour she looked for nothing less than a son, radiant with the Five
Ornaments of riches, health, longevity, beauty, and success. Yet, when
her hour was come, a girl was born, and blind."

"Was she welcomed?" asked the dreaming voice of the Emperor.

"Augustness, but as a household drudge. For her food was cruelty and her
drink tears. And the shrine of the Senju Kwannon was neglected by her
parents because of the disappointment and shame of the unwanted gift.
And they believed that, lost in Her divine contemplation, the Great Lady
would not perceive this neglect. The Gods however are known by their
great memories."

"Her name?"

"Majesty, Tsuyu-Morning Dew. And like the morning dew she shines in
stillness. She has repaid good for evil to her evil parents, serving
them with unwearied service."

"What distinguishes her from others?"

"Augustness, a very great peace. Doubtless the shadow of the dream of
the Holy Kwannon. She works, she moves, she smiles as one who has tasted
of content."

"Has she beauty?"

"Supreme Master, am I not blind? But it is said that she has no beauty
that men should desire her. Her face is flat and round, and her eyes
blind."

"And yet content?"

"Philosophers might envy her calm. And her blindness is without doubt
a grace from the excelling Pity, for could she see her own exceeding
ugliness she must weep for shame. But she sees not. Her sight is inward,
and she is well content."

"Where does she dwell?"

"Supreme Majesty, far from here--where in the heart of the woods the
river breaks through the rocks."

"Venerable One, why have you told me this? I asked for a royal maiden
wise and beautiful, calm as the dawn, and you have told me of a
wood-cutter's drudge, blind and ugly."

And now Semimaru did not answer, but the tones of the biwa grew louder
and clearer, and they rang like a song of triumph, and the Emperor could
hear these words in the voice of the strings.

"She is beautiful as the night, crowned with moon and stars for him
who has eyes to see. Princess Splendour was dim beside her; Prince
Fireshine, gloom! Her Shining Majesty was but a darkene