The Dark Side of the Net

There is a darkness inside us. This site is a doorway to the dark... if what you find passing through here disturbs you, there is no need to return. If you can resist...

Sacred Texts Japan Index Previous Next

p. 92

92 SANUKI, IN ATTENDANCE ON THE RETIRED EMPEROR NIJŌ

NIJŌ IN SANUKI

Waga sode wa
Shiohi ni mienu
Oki no ishi no
Hito koso shirane
Kawaku ma mo nashi.

MY sleeve is wet with floods of tears
  As here I sit and cry;
’Tis wetter than a low-tide rock,--
  No one, howe’er he try,
  Can find a spot that 's dry!

The Lady Sanuki was one of the Minamoto family, and lived at the Court of the Emperor Nijō, who reigned A.D. 1159-1165. She was the daughter of the retired Emperor Goshirakawa, and died A.D. 1165.

Next: 93. The Minister of the Right District of Kamakura: Kamakura Udaijin