Page:Anthology of Japanese Literature.pdf/436

Waka of the Tokugawa Period

 

Hiku koto ni Koe mo oshimanu Hototogisu Kan ni taekane Ware mo oto ni naku

I played the koto— Unbegrudging of its voice A nightingale sang; I could not check my feelings, I too cried with the music.

Tada Mosui (1629–1706)

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Ura ura to Nodokeki haru no Kokoro yori Nioi idetaru Yamazakura hana

From the deep heart’s core Of the spring serenity, Splendid, resplendent, A perfume has arisen— The mountain cherry blossoms!

Kamo no Mabuchi (1697–1769)

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Hito mina wa Aki wo oshimari Sono kokoro Sora ni kayoite Shigurekemu kamo	Everybody hates To see the autumn go by. This feeling would seem To be shared by the heavens— See how it is drizzling now!
Kaku kite wa Mezurashimi kikedo Kono nami no Yo na yo na hibiku Ama no fuseya wa	I, as a stranger, Listen in wonderment, but What of fishermen By whose huts night after night Echoes the sound of the waves?

Tayasu Munetake (1715–1771)