Thus it was that two years after the Emperor abdicated, he took the tonsure and went to live at a place called Ninna-ji. Occasionally, he would come to visit the Empress. Her Majesty felt a sorrow unlike any other in the world. When the Emperor came to the place where he had lived before, he would have a meal. The ladies who had served him would be summoned to him and, when they were leaving his presence, the Empress:
言の葉に絶えせぬ露はおくらんやむかしおぼゆる團居したれば
| koto no Fa ni taesenu tuyu Fa okuran ya mukasi oboyuru madowi sitareba |
Upon the leaves that are our words Never-ending dew Falls, does it not? When as in times long gone We sit around together… |