A poem composed by Lord Ōtomo, Governor General of Dazai, on hearing some ill news.
世間は空しきものと知る時しいよよますます悲しかりけり
yo no naka pa munasiki mono to siru toki si yoyo masumasu kanasikarikeri |
This world of ours Is a fragile thing, indeed – When I realise this Ever ever greater Is my sorrow! |
Ōtomo no Tabito
大伴旅人