Translation
On
the third day of the New Year, Empress Nijou, then known as the Mother of the
Crown Prince, summoned Yasuhide to receive her requests. As he bowed before her,
she saw snow falling on his head while the sun was shining. She ordered him to
compose a poem.
the third day of the New Year, Empress Nijou, then known as the Mother of the
Crown Prince, summoned Yasuhide to receive her requests. As he bowed before her,
she saw snow falling on his head while the sun was shining. She ordered him to
compose a poem.
Touched by the
light
light
Of a spring
day,
day,
I feel wretched
nonetheless
nonetheless
Wearing this crown
Of snowy white.
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Japanese
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Pronunciation
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文屋やすひで
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Funya no Yasuhide
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春の日の
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Haru no hi no
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ひかりにあたる
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Hikari ni ataru
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我なれど
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Ware naredo
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かしらの雪と
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Kashira no yuki to
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なるぞわびしき
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Naru zo wabishiki
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Translation Notes
Spring ’s day ’s
[=day of spring]
[=day of spring]
Bright/light
touch/contact/hit
touch/contact/hit
I/my but/however
Head/I-wonder/ka+white
’s snow and
’s snow and
Become
miserable/wretched/lonely/worried/pined-for
miserable/wretched/lonely/worried/pined-for
The Crown Prince’s residence was
also known as the Spring Palace. Thus, being touched by the light of a spring
day symbolizes his mother’s favor. “Kashira” contains “shira,” meaning “white,”
thus punning on “snow” to say that he has white hair (i.e., is getting old).
Thus the poem has a two meanings: “I am enjoying a spring day but feel sad
because of the snow” or “I am enjoying the Crown Prince’s favor but feel sad
because I am getting old.”
also known as the Spring Palace. Thus, being touched by the light of a spring
day symbolizes his mother’s favor. “Kashira” contains “shira,” meaning “white,”
thus punning on “snow” to say that he has white hair (i.e., is getting old).
Thus the poem has a two meanings: “I am enjoying a spring day but feel sad
because of the snow” or “I am enjoying the Crown Prince’s favor but feel sad
because I am getting old.”