Spring is the Dawn (The Pillow Book)

In spring, the time when the night is just beginning to give way to the dawn is delightful. As the day gradually brightens, the slightly illuminated edges of the mountains and the long, horizontal streaks of purplish clouds are especially pleasing. In summer, the night is wonderful. It goes without saying that the moonlit nights are beautiful, but even the dark nights, when countless fireflies flit about, are lovely. And even just one or two fireflies, faintly glowing as they fly, are charming. The rain, too, is delightful. In autumn, the evening is the best time. When the setting sun casts its rays close to the mountain's edge, even the sight of crows hurrying to their nests in groups of three or four, or two or three, is deeply moving. Needless to say, the sight of geese flying in formation, appearing as tiny specks in the distance, is exceptionally beautiful. And of course, the sound of the wind and the chirping of insects after the sun has completely set are also wonderful. In winter, the early morning is the most appealing. It is needless to say how wonderful it is when snow is falling (and piling up). The frost, so white, is also beautiful. Even on mornings when it isn't snowing or frosting, the hurried lighting of fires and the carrying of charcoal through the corridors are very fitting for a winter morning. As daytime arrives and the air gradually warms, the sight of the charcoal in the brazier turning to white ash is not so appealing.