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?
- Meaning
- Because of you, I have come to know this feeling. In this world, do people call such a thing love, I wonder?
- Commentary
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Episode Thirty-Eight: "Because of you"
A certain man went out to the residence of Ki no Aritsune, but Aritsune was away and returned late.
The man composed this poem for Aritsune.
Having been made to wait while Aritsune was out, the man expresses his wish to have met him sooner. That he likens his feeling to love may have been said in jest by the one who was kept waiting.
- Source
- Ise Monogatari
- Other
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- 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 we two together knotted fast between us— alone, by myself, until I see you once again, I think I shall not loose it.
- Not having learned it, of the ways of the world, what could it be— that I should ask of others what it is they call love?
- If she should go forth, then all would be at an end— put out the torches; hear the voices that lament, saying her years were but a flame.