The chrysanthemums,
so like the auspicious clouds
of purple—I take
them for the very stars of
a reign without a stain
- Meaning
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These chrysanthemums, so like the purple clouds of good omen, I take for the very stars of a reign without a stain.
- Commentary
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Part One: Fujiura
This is the Chancellor's reply. He recalled that at that Festival of the Maples he had stood beside Genji in the same dance; and though he was himself a man above the common run, he saw anew that this one's distinction was beyond all comparison. Just then a passing shower fell, as if it knew the hour. Adding the words that now indeed was the time of Genji's glory, the Chancellor made this poem and offered it to him.
"The purple clouds" are the clouds of good omen, said to trail across the reign of a virtuous sovereign. "Magaeru" is: so like as to be mistaken for. "The chrysanthemums" are Genji; "a reign without a stain" is the pure rule of a sage sovereign; and "the stars" are Genji again. Drawing on an old poem that mistakes chrysanthemums seen from above the clouds for the stars of heaven, it likens the flowers to stars. Standing between the two luminaries—the Emperor and the Retired Emperor—Genji is set among the auspicious clouds as a star, and his matchless glory is praised. Where Genji had addressed him with a private memory, the Chancellor answers with words of public congratulation; the difference of their stations and the constancy of their friendship exist together in the exchange. The Korean's boyhood prophecy is fulfilled here, and Genji stands at the very height of his glory. Part One closes on this poem of blessing.
- Author
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Murasaki Shikibu
- Source
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Genji Monogatari
- Other
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