If I would speak it,
I cannot; if I speak not,
my breast is troubled,
and within a single heart
I grieve alone in these days.
- Meaning
- When I try to speak, I cannot; if I do not speak, my heart is disturbed within my breast, and so in my heart alone I grieve these days.
- Commentary
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Episode Thirty-Four: "If I would speak it"
A certain man sent this poem to a woman who did not in the least incline her heart toward him and was cold.
Though she was unfeeling, he could not give her up. Without shame or pride, and without thinking what might come of sending it, he could not restrain the desire simply to have her know his feelings.
- Source
- Ise Monogatari
- Other
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- From the reed-grown shore as the tide comes rising in and ever increases, so toward you my heart thinks and ever more swells on.
- In the hidden cove how could the heart that I hold be known in such wise, as with the punting pole one sounds and knows the depth below?
- The cord of the jewels, twisted of many strands and firmly knotted— though it should once be severed, still I think we shall meet again.
- The valley being narrow, the jeweled vine climbs on up to the high peak; never have I thought to break my bond with you and let it cease.