Karakuni ni yukitarawashite kaerikomu masura takeo ni miki tatematsuru

唐国に行き足らはして帰り来む
ますら健男に御酒奉る

Roma-ji: Karakuni ni yukitarawashite kaerikomu masura takeo ni miki tatematsuru
English Translation: To the land of Tang
going forth to do your all,
then coming home again—
to you, man of valiant heart,
I offer this sacred wine
Meaning: To you, valiant man, who will go to the land of Tang, fulfill your mission, and come home again, I offer this sacred wine.
Commentary: Book Nineteen 4262

Headnote: "Two poems from a farewell, in the intercalary third month, at the house of Ōtomo no Sukune Kojihi, Captain of the Gate Guards, for the Vice-Ambassador to Tang, Ōtomo no Sukune Komaro, and others"
Composed at a farewell banquet at Ōtomo no Kojihi's house in the intercalary third month of 752 for the vice-ambassador to Tang, Ōtomo no Komaro, and others, it celebrates the vice-ambassador's noble journey: to the valiant man who will go to Tang, fulfill his mission, and return, I offer this sacred wine.
The left note says, "The above poem: Tajihi no Mahito Takanushi blessing the Vice-Ambassador Ōtomo no Komaro." Komaro is known for bringing the eminent Tang monk Jianzhen (Ganjin) to Japan aboard his own ship on the return voyage of this embassy. The left note says, "The above poems were transmitted by Ōtomo no Sukune Murakami, Ōtomo no Kiyotsugu, and others," so they were passed down by members of the Ōtomo clan.
The poet, Tajihi no Takanushi, was a Nara-period official said to have later joined the conspiracy of Tachibana no Naramaro.

First line, "Karakuni ni" (to the land of Tang), names the embassy's destination.
Second line, "yukitarawashite" (going and fulfilling your mission): "yukitarawasu" means to go and accomplish fully.
Third line, "kaerikomu" (who will return), speaks as if certain of a safe homecoming.
Fourth line, "masura takeo ni" (to the valiant man): praises the vice-ambassador Komaro.
Fifth line, "miki tatematsuru" (I offer sacred wine): "miki" is an honorific for sake, closing with a ritual offering.
Author: Tajihi no Takanushi
Source: Manyoshu
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