This song, also attributed to Emperor Ōjin, is generally interpreted as referring to the missed opportunities of love, with the water shield being a metaphor for a maiden.
水溜る 依網の池の 堰杙打ちが 插しける知らに 蓴繰り 延へく知らに 我が心しぞ いや愚にして 今ぞ悔しき
| midu tamaru yosami no ike no wigupi uti ga sasikeru sira ni nunapa kuri papeku sira ni wa ga kokoro si zo iya wokonisite ima zo kuyasiki |
Water flows and rises At Yosami Pond: Driving in the dam piles, Slipping in the stakes, I saw it not. A water shield Spread out its leaves, I saw it not. My heart, indeed, Was foolish And now fills with regret. |