Amy Lowell

From “Lacquer Prints”

THE GREAT painter, Hokusai,

In his old age,

Wrote these words:

“Profiting by a beautiful spring day,

In this year of tranquillity,

To warm myself in the sun,

I received a visit from my publisher

Who asked me to do something for him.

Then I reflected that one should not forget the glory of arms,

Above all when one was living in peace;

And in spite of my age,

Which is more than seventy years,

I have found courage to draw those ancient heroes

Who have been the models of glory.”