Page:A History of Japanese Literature (Aston).djvu/77

Rh O thou cuckoo Of the ancient capital Of Iso no Kami! [Nara] Thy voice alone Is 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 place The flowers with their ancient Fragrance are odorous."

The hue of the flowers Mingles with the snow, So that it cannot be seen; But their presence may be known Were it only by the perfume."

I came and found thee not: Wetter far is my sleeve Than if I had threaded my way at morn Through the bamboo-grass Of the autumn plain."

This night of spring, Of formless gloom, The colour of the plum-flowers Cannot, indeed, be seen; But how can their perfume be hidden?"

What is it that makes me feel so desolate This evening While I wait For one who comes not? Can it be the blowing of the [chill] autumn wind?"

I would that thy heart Were melted unto me, As when spring comes The ice thaws away And leaves no remainder."