Hima mo naku furikuru ame no ashi yori mo kazu kagiri naki kimi ga miyo kana

隙もなく降り来る雨の脚よりも
数限りなき君が御代かな

Roma-ji: Hima mo naku furikuru ame no ashi yori mo kazu kagiri naki kimi ga miyo kana
English Translation: More than all the streaks
of the rain that falls and falls
without any pause,
beyond count and without end,
the reign of our lord shall be.
Meaning: More countless than the streaks of rain that fall without a pause is the reign of our lord, without limit.
Commentary: Miscellaneous Poems 1170

Headnote: "Congratulations"
A poem of congratulation. Countless beyond even the streaks of rain falling without pause is the reign of our lord, the poet says.
The streaks of rain are used as an image of the uncountable to celebrate the endurance of the sovereign's reign. Poems of congratulation follow under this heading, praising the lord's long life and enduring reign through many images.

First line, “hima mo naku”: without a pause.
Second line, “furikuru ame no”: of the rain that comes falling.
Third line, “ashi yori mo”: ame no ashi is rain falling in streaks; more than their number.
Fourth line, “kazu kagiri naki”: without limit in number.
Fifth line, “kimi ga miyo kana”: miyo is the reign; kana closes with celebration.
Author: Saigyō
Source: Sankashu
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