Page:Anthology of Japanese Literature.pdf/41

Rh Only your name and your deathless fame, Let me remember to the end of time; Let the Asuka River, your namesake, Bear your memory for ages, O Princess adored!

Even the flowing water Of the Asuka River— If a weir were built, Would it not stand still?

O Asuka, River of Tomorrow, As if I thought that I should see Her name always lives in my mind.

My Princess on the morrow, After the death of his wife Since in Karu lived my wife, I wished to be with her to my heart’s content; But I could not visit her constantly Because of the many watching eyes— Men would know of our troth, Had I sought her too often. So our love remained secret like a rock-pent pool; I cherished her in my heart, Looking to aftertime when we should be together, And lived secure in my trust As one riding a great ship. Suddenly there came a messenger Who told me she was dead— Was gone like a yellow leaf of autumn. Dead as the day dies with the setting sun, Lost as the bright moon is lost behind the cloud,