Page:Anthology of Japanese Literature.pdf/86

  

[Tosa Nikki]&emsp;by Ki no Tsurayuki



Diaries are things written by men, I am told. Nevertheless I am writing one, to see what a woman can do.

Twenty-first day, twelfth moon (the year does not matter): Late at night we made our departure from the house. But I must set things down in a little more detail. A certain gentleman, after four or five years in the province, had finished his term of office as governor, and now, with all the usual round of business concluded and papers of release duly received, he set out from the official residence and moved to a place near the point of embarkation. Before he went, however, various people, acquaintances and strangers alike, came to take their leave. The farewells were particularly distressing for those who had been closely associated with him over these years. There was an endless coming and going all day long, and the commotion lasted well into the night.

Twenty-second day: We offered up prayers for a calm and peaceful voyage—“all the way to Izumi Province.” Fujiwara no Tokizane arranged a farewell celebration “for the road” (not very appropriate