Chương Chương 12 · The Story Of Aoyagi

(1) An ancient province corresponding to the northern part of

present-day Ishikawa Prefecture.

(2) An ancient province corresponding to the eastern part of

present-day Fukui Prefecture.

[1] The name signifies “Green Willow;”—though rarely met with, it is

still in use.

[2] The poem may be read in two ways; several of the phrases having a

double meaning. But the art of its construction would need

considerable space to explain, and could scarcely interest the Western

reader. The meaning which Tomotada desired to convey might be thus

expressed:—“While journeying to visit my mother, I met with a being

lovely as a flower; and for the sake of that lovely person, I am

passing the day here... Fair one, wherefore that dawn-like blush

before the hour of dawn?—can it mean that you love me?”

[3] Another reading is possible; but this one gives the signification

of the _answer_ intended.

[4] So the Japanese story-teller would have us believe,—although the

verses seem commonplace in translation. I have tried to give only

their general meaning: an effective literal translation would require

some scholarship.