Document

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."