she was the gift of the Kwannon at that place. They both reared her
with great care and tenderness, and the child grew in strength and
beauty.

When the little girl was five years old her mother fell dangerously
ill and all the doctors and their medicines could not save her. A
little before she breathed her last she called her daughter to her,
and gently stroking her head, said:

"Hase-Hime, do you know that your mother cannot live any longer?
Though I die, you must grow up a good girl. Do your best not to give
trouble to your nurse or any other of your family. Perhaps your
father will marry again and some one will fill my place as your
mother. If so do not grieve for me, but look upon your father's
second wife as your true mother, and be obedient and filial to both
her and your father. Remember when you are grown up to be submissive
to those who are your superiors, and to be kind to all those who are
under you. Don't forget this. I die with the hope that you will grow
up a model woman."

Hase-Hime listened in an attitude of respect while her mother spoke,
and promised to do all that she was told. There is a proverb which
says "As the soul is at three so it is at one hundred," and so Hase-
Hime grew up as her mother had wished, a good and obedient little
Princess, though she was now too young to understand how great was
the loss of her mother.

Not long after the death of his first wife, Prince Toyonari married
again, a lady of noble birth named Princess Terute. Very different
in character, alas! to the good and wise Princess Murasaki, this