MYS IV: 679

A poem sent by the Elder Maiden of Nakatomi to Ōtomo, sukune Yakamochi.

いなと言はば強ひめや我が背菅の根の思ひ乱れて恋ひつつもあらむ

ina ipaba
sipime ya wa ga se
suga no ne no
omopimidarete
koitutu mo aramu
Should you tell me no,
Should I pointlessly implore you?
As the sedge-roots
In a tangle of passion
Will I ever love you!

The Elder Maiden of Nakatomi
中臣郎女

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