When Ki no Toshisada was sent to Awa as Vice-Governor, Narihira planned a farewell banquet for him. On the day he was due to depart, Toshisada kept rushing about here and there and, when he did not appear, even though it was late at night, Narihira sent this to him.
今ぞ知るくるしき物と人またむ里をば離れず訪ふべかりけり
| ima zo siru kurusiki mono to Fito matamu sato woba karezu toFubekarikeri |
Now I know well The pain of it; When someone awaits me At their home, I’ll not stay away But pay my call, as I should. |
Ariwara no Narihira
有原業平