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The Parsley Queen.
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Shotoku, the great Buddist teacher,"[1] was making a progress to his palace, and all the inhabitants of the country-side flocked to the road along which the procession was passing, in order to behold the gorgeous spectacle, and to show their respect for the Mikado's son. The filial girl, alone, pay-
Imitating the Procession to the Temple.
ing no heed to what was going on around her, continued picking her parsley. She was observed from his carriage by the Prince, who, astonished at the circumstance, sent one of his retainers to inquire into its cause.
- ↑ Prince Shotoku Taishi', a great patron of Buddhism, who, though a layman, is canonized (see "The Religions of Japan," p. 180). A story much like that of "The Parsley Queen" is told in the province of Echizen. Yamato is the old classic centre of ancient life and history.
