There was no use at all;
worn out with grief to the end,
this dying life—
will you not save it,
if you can?

Meaning

Since there was, in truth, no Cowry at all, will you not save this life of mine that is worn out with grief and dying?

Commentary

This is the reply poem composed by the Middle Counselor Isonokami no Marotari to Princess Kaguya’s poem of concern, “Over the years, no waves ever come ashore at Sumi-no-e; I hear there is no use in waiting—is that truly so?”
After composing this poem, Isonokami no Marotari breathed his last.

Unlike the other suitors, he was loved and respected by his household and retainers, and even in the face of the impossible task he received their cooperation. (The other suitors relied on wealth or tried to deceive with counterfeits.) This portrayal may reflect the historical reputation of Isonokami no Maro as a man of virtue.

Source

Taketori Monogatari

Other

Hearing it as true, I went to look—and found: words, ornamented— a jeweled branch.
Over the years, no waves ever come ashore at Sumi-no-e; I hear there is no use in waiting— is that truly so?
The homeward royal return weighs heavy on my heart, for she turns away and stays behind— Kaguya-hime.
Beneath tangled weeds, years have passed for one like me— how could I ever behold a jeweled dais?

There was no use at all; worn out with grief to the end, this dying life— will you not save it, if you can?

There was no use at all;
worn out with grief to the end,
this dying life—
will you not save it,
if you can?