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

Meaning

Other than me, do not loosen your lower cord. Even if you are like the morning-glory that does not wait for the evening light and quickly fades away.

Commentary

Episode Thirty-Seven: "Unloose not your lower cord"

A certain man met and shared affection with a woman who was amorous and full of feeling.
The poem was composed when the man grew anxious that she might be unfaithful with another.

The morning-glory of that time opened its blue blossoms in the early morning, but under the strong summer sun it withered, turned red, and shrank away. Returning from the woman’s dwelling at dawn, the man may have seen her in the image of such a flower.

Source

Ise Monogatari

Other

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.
The cord we two together knotted fast between us— alone, by myself, until I see you once again, I think I shall not loose it.
Because of you alone, I have learned this longing— in this fleeting world, do people call such a thing by the name of love, I wonder?

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

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