The Evanescence Of All Earthly Things
『On the day destined for his self-immolation, Rikiu invited his chief disciples to a last tea-ceremony.Mournfully at the appointed time the guests met at the portio.
As they look into the garden path the trees seem to shudder, and in the rustling of their leaves are heard the whispers of homeless ghosts.
Like solemn sentinels before the gates of Hades stand the grey stone lanterns.
A wave of rare incense is wafted from the tea-room; it is the summons which bids the guests to enter.
One by one they advance and take their places.
In the tokonoma hangs a kakemono,-a wonderful writing by an ancient monk dealing with the evanescence of all earthly things.
The singing kettle, as it boils over the brazier, sounds like some cicada pouring forth his woes to departing summer.
Soon the host enters the room.
Each in turn is served with tea, and each in turn silently drains his cup, the host last of all.
According to established etiquette, the chief gust now asks permission to examine the tea-equipage.
Rikiu places the various articles before them with the kakemono.
After all have expressed admiration of their beauty, Rikiu presents one of them to each of the assembled company as a souvenir.
The bowl alone he keeps.
"Never again shall this cup, polluted by the lips of misfortune, be used by man."
He speaks, and breaks the vessel into fragments.』
（From the Book of the Tea; Tea-Masters, p.11 Book of the Tea; Tea-Masters, p.114-115, Charles E. Tuttle Co., Rutland, Vermont, Tokyo, Japan)
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