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KOKINSHIU
61
"O thou cuckooOf the ancient capitalOf Iso no Kami! [Nara]Thy voice aloneIs all that is left of the olden time."
Tsurayuki, having met with a cool reception at his native place, plucks a branch of flowering plum, and exclaims—
"Its people? Ah well!I know not their hearts,But in my native placeThe flowers with their ancientFragrance are odorous."
"The hue of the flowersMingles with the snow,So that it cannot be seen;But their presence may be knownWere it only by the perfume."
"I came and found thee not:Wetter far is my sleeveThan if I had threaded my way at mornThrough the bamboo-grassOf the autumn plain."
"This night of spring,Of formless gloom,The colour of the plum-flowersCannot, indeed, be seen;But how can their perfume be hidden?"
"What is it that makes me feel so desolateThis eveningWhile I waitFor one who comes not?Can it be the blowing of the [chill] autumn wind?"
"I would that thy heartWere melted unto me,As when spring comesThe ice thaws awayAnd leaves no remainder."
