The Grateful Foxes. 45

As she walked home by the river side, all the
world seemed more beautiful to O Haru San.

The summer time came and the blossoms upon
the cherry trees became rich, ripe fruit. But there
was no joy in the emperor’s house.

His daughter, the gentle O Haru San, was ill.
She grew paler and weaker each day. Physicians
came from far and near, and shook their wise heads
gravely.

When the emperor’s magician saw her, he said, “No
one can heal such sickness. A-charm falls upon her
every night which steals away her strength. He
alone can break the spell, who, with sleepless eyes,
can watch beside her bedside until sunrise.”

Gray haired nurses sat by her until morning, but
a deep sleep fell upon them at midnight.

Next fourscore maidens of the court, who loved
her well, kept bright lights burning all the night,
yet they, too, fell asleep.

Five counselors of state watched with her father
at the bedside. Though they propped their eyes
open with their fingers, yet in the middle of the
night slumber overcame them.

All believed that the gentle maid must die.

The emperor was in despair, but Ito, a brave
soldier, said, “I shall not sleep; let me one night
guard the sweet O Haru San.”