"The little island of Déshima, well and prophetically signifying
Fore-Island, was Japan's window, through which she looked at the
whole Occident ... We are under obligation to Holland for the
arts of engineering, mining, pharmacy, astronomy, and medicine
... 'Rangaku' (i.e., Dutch learning) passed almost as a synonym
for medicine," [1615-1868].--Inazo Nitobé.

"The great peace, of which we are so proud, was more like the
stillness of stagnant pools than the calm surface of a clear
lake."--Mitsukuri.

"The ancestral policy of self-contentment must be done away
with. If it was adopted by your forefathers, because it was wise
in their time, why not adopt a new policy if it in sure to prove
wise in your time."--Sakuma Shozan, wrote in 1841, assassinated
1864.

"And slowly floating onward go
Those Black Ships, wave-tossed to and fro."
--Japanese Ballad of the Black Ship, 1845.

"The next day was Sunday (July 10th), and, as usual, divine
service was held on board the ships, and, in accordance with
proper reverence for the day, no communication was held with the
Japanese authorities."
--Perry's Narrative.

"Praise God, from whom all blessings flow,
Praise Him, all creatures here below,