Though many huts
belong to the field-warden of death,
still I would rely—
if in the village where I dwell
your voice would never cease.
- Meaning
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Though the field-warden of death may have many huts and wander among them, still I would rely on you, if only your voice would not cease in the village where I dwell.
- Commentary
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Episode Forty-Three: "Cuckoo"
There was a prince known as Prince Kaya. He had taken a liking to a certain lady-in-waiting and found various pretexts to summon her. Another man also showed her favor, believing that he alone had ties with her. A third man, having heard that she was coquettish and inconstant, sent her a letter adorned with a painting of a cuckoo and wrote a poem likening her to that bird.
The lady replied, "In name alone stands the field-warden of death—this very morning it cries, for they have sung of many huts for it."
This poem is the third man’s answer to her reply.
The exchange continues by likening the woman to the cuckoo, the field-warden of death. Though he cannot wholly approve of a woman who has many lovers, he answers in a way meant to draw her heart, saying that if she will let her voice be heard in his village, he will accept being one among those who seek her.
- Source
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Ise Monogatari
- Other
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