At Yamashiro,
the jewel water of Ide
I cupped in my hands—
yet the trust I placed in you
has come to nothing at all.

Meaning

At Ide in Yamashiro, I cupped the clear, jewel-like water in my hands and made a vow, yet the trust I placed in you has come to nothing at all.

Commentary

122 The Jewel Water of Ide

A certain man made a promise of marriage with a woman. Yet the woman did not keep that promise.
The poem was composed by the man and sent to her, and she could give no reply.

Ide in Yamashiro is a place where clear water flows. As with that pure water, they must have exchanged their promise in a spirit of purity. Yet the woman cast aside that promise without mercy.
The man, in resignation, disappointment, and a sense of emptiness, composed this poem.

Source

Ise Monogatari

Other

Oh, for a hat woven of plum blossoms by the bush warbler— I would place it on the one drenched with rain and send them home in warmth.
That blossom hat sewn by the bush warbler—no, I have no need of it; place your thought upon me, and I will dry and return.
Through passing years in this village I have dwelt— should I now depart, will it become even more a deep grass field of neglect?
If it becomes a field, I will turn into a quail and cry there in grief— would you not come, even then, if only for the hunt?

At Yamashiro, the jewel water of Ide I cupped in my hands— yet the trust I placed in you has come to nothing at all.

At Yamashiro,
the jewel water of Ide
I cupped in my hands—
yet the trust I placed in you
has come to nothing at all.