The River of Yamashiro
(—Peak upon peak—)
Nara I pass
Of fertile soil;
Yamato I pass,
Shielded by its mountains;
The land I long to see
Is Takamiya of Katsuraki,
For there is my home.[1]
Returning again to Yamashiro, she built a Palace on the south side of the Hill of Tsutsuki, and dwelt there.
Winter, 10th month, 1st day. Kuchi no Omi, ancestor of the Omi of Ikuba, was sent to fetch the Empress.
One version says:—"Kuchi no Omi, ancestor of the Omi of Wani."
Now Kuchi no Omi went to the Palace of Tsutsuki, and wished to have audience of the Empress, but she remained silent and answered not. Then Kuchi no Omi prostrated himself before the Empress's hall, and remained there day and night drenched by the rain and snow, and did not move. Hereupon Kuchi no Omi's younger sister, Kuniyori-hime, who was in the service of the Empress, and happened just then to be in attendance upon her, saw her elder brother wet with the rain, and shed tears and made a song, saying:—
In the Palace of Tsutsuki,
In Yamashiro,
When I see my elder brother
Delivering his message,
My eyes fill with tears.
Then the Empress addressed Kuniyori-hime, saying:—"Why weepest thou?" She answered and said:—"He that lies prostrate in the courtyard and begs an audience is thy (XI. 20.) handmaiden's elder brother. He is wet with the rain, and does not flinch, but still lies prostrate in the hope of an audience of thee. This is why I weep and am sorrowful." Then the Empress addressed her, saying:—"Tell thy elder brother to return with all speed. I will never go back." Kuchi accordingly returned, and made his report to the Emperor.
11th month, 7th day. The Emperor made a progress by
- ↑ Much of this poem is of doubtful interpretation. Compare Ch. K., p. 275.
