Since in Karu lived my wife,

I wished to be with her to my heart's content;

But I could not visit her constantly

Because of the many watching eyes--

Men would know of our troth,

Had I sought her too often

So our love remained secret like a rock-pent pool;

I cherished her in my heart,

Looking to after-time when we should be together,

And lived secure in my trust

As one riding a great ship.

Suddenly there came a messenger

Who told me she was dead--

Was gone like a yellow leaf of autumn.

Dead as the day dies with the setting sun,

Lost as the bright moon is lost behind the cloud,

Alas, she is no more, whose soul

Was bent to mine like the bending seaweed!

 

 

When the word was brought to me

I knew not what to do nor what to say;

But restless at the mere news,

And hoping to heal my grief

Even a thousandth part,

I journeyed to Karu and searched the market-place

Where my wife was wont to go!

 

There I stood and listened.

But no voice of her I heard.

Though the birds sang in the Unebi Mountain;

None passed by, who even looked like my wife.

I could only call her name and wave my sleeve.