When Motosuke’s daughter was in service to the Empress, we were not especially close, but then became most intimate with each other – a fact which remained unknown to the world at large; our relationship was enduring, but then for one reason or another I did not visit her for a lengthy period; then, when we were engaged in casual conversation, she leaned forward and said, ‘You’ve forgotten me, haven’t you!’

I left without reply, but promptly sent her:

忘れずよまたわすれずよかはらやの下たく煙したむせびつゝ