The Feast Of Laughter

’Tis the very first “day of the hare” In Wasa, the province of Kishu, And the breezes that sweep through the town Depart all a-ripple with laughter-- With light-hearted, musical laughter.

The month is the tenth in Japan, In Wasa, the province of Kishu, And the leaves of the bamboo are stirred, And the sugar-cane trembles with laughter-- With rustle and tinkle of laughter.

The brown baby smiles in his sleep, In Wasa, the province of Kishu; While the fathers ha-ha at their work, The mothers’ lips bubble with laughter-- With honey-sweet, mellow-toned laughter.

Shall I tell you why mirth is abroad In Wasa, the province of Kishu? Why the owls in the deep, gloomy shade, And the toad in his hole, shake with laughter-- With silver-shrill, jubilant laughter?

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Listen all who listen can, And hear this tale of old Japan! Ages ago the thing befell, But people still the story tell.

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’Twas in the misty long-ago, Ere yet this gray old earth Had grown too staid and sober To indulge o’ermuch in mirth. To the sacred shrines of Isè, Where Izumo’s walls appear Purple-clad, the gods assembled In the tenth month every year. All affairs of love and wedlock In the whole land of Japan There were mooted, there were settled, On a wise celestial plan.

At the first one of these meetings, Having half forgot the date, When the grand debate was over Certain gods arrived too late! Sympathy nor pity gave they-- Brother gods in parliament-- Ridiculed the tardy comers, Every one on laughing bent.

Since that time in all the district, On the “first day of the hare,” Ancient men and toddling children Unto Isè’s shrines repair. Journey ended, all the graybeards Face the curious, wond’ring throng: “Laugh, ye bright-eyes! Laugh, ye sweet-lips! Laugh and jest the whole day long!” Ready smiles break out in answer On each satin, dusky cheek; Hands are clapping, feet are dancing, Dimples playing hide-and-seek.

Laughing hear the feathered people, Laughs the sun as he looks down, And, the sweet contagion spreading, Laughter rings through all the town.