Drawn by but the name,
I only plucked you, maiden-flower—
speak not, I implore,
tell no one that I have fallen
so low as to be thus ensnared.

Meaning

I plucked you only because I admired your name, maiden-flower; do not go telling others that I have fallen into such disgrace.

Commentary

Book Four Autumn Poems (Part One)

The maidenflower (ominaeshi) is often likened to a woman. Since the poet, Henjō, was a monk, he playfully asks the flower not to spread word that he has been moved by a “woman” and plucked it.

An old note in the kana preface says, “Composed after falling from a horse in Sagano,” suggesting that he may have fallen while trying to pick the flower and is humorously asking it to keep that mishap secret.

The poem thus carries a light, self-conscious tone, as if the poet is disguising embarrassment with wit.

Author

Sojo Henjo

Source

Kokin Wakashu

Other

Though bush clover blooms may be falling in the fields, through dew and white frost I will go on, drenched as I am, even though the night grows late.
On autumn fields lie drops of white dew—are they gems? threaded one by one upon the slender strands spun of a spider’s woven thread.
Maidenflower there— with distaste I pass it by, going on my way;— for it stands upon Mount Otoko, so it seems to me indeed.
In autumn fields now I shall take my lodging here— maidenflower blooms; dear its very name to me, though I am not on a journey.

Drawn by but the name, I only plucked you, maiden-flower— speak not, I implore, tell no one that I have fallen so low as to be thus ensnared.

Drawn by but the name,
I only plucked you, maiden-flower—
speak not, I implore,
tell no one that I have fallen
so low as to be thus ensnared.