Left (Win).
花はみな散りはてにけり夏木立みどりも春の色ならぬかは
| hana wa mina chirihatenikeri natsu kodachi midori mo haru no iro naranu ka wa |
The blossoms have all Finished falling, but The summer clustered trees’ Green – of spring Is it not, too, a shade? |
183
Right.
夏衣うすもへぎなるわかゝえで秋染めかへむ色ぞゆかしき
| natsu koromo usu moeginaru waka kaede akizome kaemu iro zo yukashiki |
The summer garb of Pale grass-green Young maple trees To autumn shades will change; How I long to see those hues! |
184
The Right state, ‘In the previous round there was an assessment that our poem was inappropriate: if so, this poem of the Left’s seems to contain a concealed longing for Spring.’ The Left reply, ‘The previous poem concluded with “sacred groves” (kamunabi no mori). This poem has “Is it not, too, a shade?” (iro naranu ka wa), and so a spirit of appreciation of summer. It is the same as Right’s poem in the previous round.’
Shunzei’s judgement is, ‘Although I have little liking for “summer clustered trees” (natsu kodachi), “green – of spring” (midori mo haru no) seems particularly fine. The Right’s poem does not appear to be appreciating new trees and, saying “To autumn shades will change; How I long to see those hues!” (akizome kaemu iro zo yukashiki) is contrary to the central meaning of the topic. Furthermore, “how I long” (yukashiki) is an unsuitable expression. The Left must win.’