Page:Anthology of Japanese Literature.pdf/45

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Man’yoshu
41

As the stream that flows never returns,
And as the wind that blows is never seen,
My wife, of this world, has left me,
Gone I know not whither!
So here, on the sleeves of these clothes
She used to have me wear,
I sleep now all alone!


ENVOY

Cranes call flying to the reedy shore;
How desolate I remain
As I sleep alone!

Tajihi (Eighth Century)

• •

Oh how steadily I love you—
You who awe me
Like the thunderous waves
That lash the seacoast of Ise!

Lady Kasa (Eighth Century)

• •

More sad thoughts crowd into my mind
When evening comes; for then,
Appears your phantom shape—
Speaking as I have known you speak.

Lady Kasa

• •

If it were death to love,
I should have died—
And died again
One thousand times over.

Lady Kasa