LOVE SONGS. Song COMPOSED BY THE COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF ON BEHOLDING THE MOUNTAINS, WHEN THE MIKADO MADE A PROGRESS TO THE DISTRICT OF AYA IN THE PROVINCE OF SANUKI.* The long spring day is o'er, and dark despond My heart invades, and lets the tears flow down, As all alone I stand, when from beyond The mount our heav'n-sent monarch's throne doth crown There breathes the twilight wind and turns my sleeve. Ah, gentle breeze! to turn, home to return, Is all my prayer; I cannot cease to grieve On this long toilsome road; I burn, I burn! The This commander-in-chief's name is not to be ascertained. Mikado mentioned would seem to be Zhiyomei, who, according to the history, made a progress to the hot baths of Aya in the winter of A.D. 639-640. Sanuki is one of the four provinces forming the island of Shikoku, which lies between the Inland Sea and the Pacific Ocean. Tsunu is a village on the coast. Salt-burning, as it is called, is still a considerable industry in the maritime districts of Japan. Yes! the poor heart I used to think so brave (ANON.) Lines SENT TO HIS MISTRESS WHEN THE POET WAS LEAVING THE * PROVINCE OF IHAMI TO GO UPON IMPERIAL SERVICE TO Tsunu's shore, Ihámi's brine, To all other eyes but mine Seem, perchance, a lifeless mere, And sands that ne'er the sailor cheer. Ah, well-a-day! no ports we boast, And dead the sea that bathes our coast; And the waves at eventide The deep-green seaweed, rich and fair; And crowned my love with thy consent. * On the north-west coast of the main island of Japan. There is no rise and fall of the tide in this portion of the Japan Sea,—a fact all the more remarkable, as the tides are particularly strong on the opposite shores of the Corea. Tsunu and Watadzu are the names of villages, the former not to be confounded with Tsunu in Sanuki. It was at Tsunu that the poet's mistress dwelt. But, dear heart! I must away, As fades the dew when shines the day; And hills on hills between us rise. (HITOMARO.) Love is Pain. "Twas said of old, and still the ages say, "The lover's path is full of doubt and woe." Of me they spake: I know not, nor can know, If she I sigh for will my love repay. My head sinks on my breast; with bitter strife My heart is torn, and grief she cannot see. All unavailing is this agony To help the love that has become my life. (ANON.) No Tidings. The year has come, the year has gone again, And still no tidings of mine absent love : Through the long days of spring all heaven above And earth beneath re-echo with my pain. |