On the day destined for his self-immolation, Riku invited his chiefdisciples to a last tea-ceremony. Mournfully at the appointed time theguests met at the portico. As they look into the garden path the treesseem to shudder, and in the rustling of their leaves are heard the whispersof homeless ghosts. Like solemn sentinels before the gates of Hadesstand the grey stone lantens. A wave of rare incense is wafted from thetea-room; it is the summons which bids the guests to enter. One by onethey advance and take their places. In the tokonoma hangs a kakemonoa wonderful writing by an ancient monk dealing with the evanescence ofall earthly things. The singing kettle, as it boils over the brazier, soundslike some cicada pouring forth his woes to departing summer.

Soon thehost enters the room Each in turn is served with tea and each in turnsilently drains his cup, the host last of all. according to establishedetiquette, the chief guest now asks permission to examine the tea-equipageRikiu places the various articles before them, with the kakemono. Afterall have expressed admiration of their beauty, Riku presents one of themto each of the assembled company as a souvenir. The bowl alone hekeeps. " Never again shall this cup, polluted by the lips of misfortune, beused by man. He speaks, and breaks the vessel into fragmentsThe ceremony is over; the guests with difficulty restraining their tears,take their last farewell and leave the room. One only, the nearest anddearest, is requested to remain and witness the end. Riku then removes histeagown and carefully folds it upon the mat, thereby disclosing theimmaculate white death robe which it had hitherto concealed Tenderlyhe gazes on the shining blade of the fatal dagger, and in exquisite versethus addresses itWelcome to thee,o sword of eternity !/ Through Buddha/ Andthrough Daruma alike/ Thou hast cleft thy wayWith a smile upon his face Riku passed forth into the unknown.