In Kanpyō-Shōhō 2 [750], on the 24th day of the Third Month, it would be near to the beginning of summer in the Fourth Month, so he composed these two poems when, on the evening of the 23rd day, he suddenly thought of a cuckoo calling at dawn.
霍公鳥来鳴き響めば草取らむ花橘を宿には植ゑずて
pototogisu kinaki toyomeba kusa toramu panatatibana wo yado ni wa uwezute |
When the cuckoo Arrives, his resounding song Sends me gathering grasses, For orange blossom Has not been planted in my grounds… |
Ōtomo no Yakamochi