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.

Meaning

The cord on which the jewels are strung is twisted of many strands and tied fast; even if it should be cut, I believe we shall surely be joined again.

Commentary

Episode Thirty-Five: "The cord of the jewels"

Long ago, a man sent this poem to a woman from whom he had been parted against his will, not by his own desire.

He likens their broken relationship to the cord on which jewels are strung.
It is not a frail string from which the jewels would scatter and be lost once cut, but a cord twisted firm, which may be joined again; so too, he implies, they will be together once more.

A similar poem appears in Book Four of the Man'yoshu.

Source

Ise Monogatari

Other

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?
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.
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.
Other than myself, unloose not your lower cord— the morning-glory that will not wait for evening shade, though it should fade so swiftly.

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 cord of the jewels,
twisted of many strands
and firmly knotted—
though it should once be severed,
still I think we shall meet again.