People who mumble a prayer when they sneeze.
N.B.—Loud sneezing is detestable, except in the case of the gentlemen of the house.
Fleas are very detestable, especially when they get under your clothing and jump about.
As a contrast to "Detestable Things" a few "Things which give one a Thrill" may be added:—
To see sparrows feeding their young.
To pass by where infants are playing.
To find that your Chinese (metal) mirror is beginning to get dim.
To be asked the way by a handsome man who stops his carriage for the purpose.
Among "Things which Excite Regrets for the Past," Sei Shonagon enumerates:—
Withered hollyhocks. (Reminding one of the festivals they have been used for.)
On a wet day to turn over the letters of a person once loved by us.
Last year's fans. (No doubt with sentimental Tanka written on them.)
Bright moonlight nights.
Here are a few "Cheerful Things":—
Coming home from an excursion with the carriages full to overflowing, to have lots of footmen who make the oxen go and the carriages speed along.
A river boat going down stream.
Teeth nicely blackened.
To hear a well-voiced professor of magic recite his purification service on a river bank.
