Classic Poem

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. "