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whether it has not constituted a serious obstacle to the development of higher qualities in their literature.

In quite recent times a popular kind of lyrical poetry has come into fashion which somewhat resembles the ancient Naga-uta in form. The following may serve as a specimen:—

"Vain has been the dreamIn which I thought that we met;Awake, I find myself againIn the darknessOf the wretched reality.Whether I try to hopeOr give way to gloomy thought,Truly for my heartThere is no relief.

If this is such a miserable world that I may not meet thee,Oh! let me take up my abodeDeep in the far mountains,And deeper stillIn their furthest depths,Where, careless of men's gaze,I may think of my love."