DEAR MR. NISHIDA,-- ... Last evening, the servant of
Governor Koteda came to the house with a curious-looking box, which
contained a present from Miss Koteda,--an uguisu: the bird which
sings "_Hokkekyō_," and ought, therefore, for its piety, according
to the _sutra_ of the good law, to be endowed with six hundred good
qualities of Eye, six hundred good qualities of Hearing, twelve hundred
good qualities of Smelling power, and twelve hundred supernatural
excellences of the tongue, or of Speech. I am almost ready to believe
the last compensation has been given it,--for its voice is superlatively
sweet.--But what to say or do in the way of thanking the giver I don't
know: this is really too kind.
So yesterday, despite the hideous weather, was a fortunate day:
it brought to my house the sacred bird and your delightful postal
news;--and for all things my grateful thanks and best wishes.
Most faithfully,
LAFCADIO HEARN.