Page:Anthology of Japanese Literature.pdf/40

36 On the occasion of the temporary enshrinement of Princess Asuka

Across the river of the bird-flying Asuka Stepping-stones are laid in the upper shallows, And a plank bridge over the lower shallows. The water-frond waving along the stones, Though dead, will reappear. The river-tresses swaying by the bridge Wither, but they sprout again.

How is it, O Princess, that you have Forgotten the morning bower And forsaken the evening bower Of him, your good lord and husband— You who did stand handsome like a water-frond, And who would lie with him, Entwined like tender river-tresses?

No more can he greet you. You make your eternal abode At the Palace of Kinohe whither oft in your lifetime He and you made holiday together, Bedecked with flowers in spring, Or with golden leaves in autumntide, Waflcing hand in hand, your eves Fondly fixed upon your lord as upon a mirror, Admiring him ever like the glorious moon.

So it may well be that grieving beyond measure, And morning like a bird unmated, He seeks your grave each morn. I see him go, drooping like summer grass, Wander here and there like the evening star, And waver as a ship wavers in the sea.

No heart have I to comfort him, Nor know I what to do.