Together with Prince Atsumichi, she went to the house of former Major Councillor Kintô and, on the following day, sent this via the messenger sent by the Prince.
おる人のそれなるからにあぢきなく見しわがやどの花のかぞする
oru hito no
sore naru kara ni
ajikinaku
mishi wa ga yado no
hana no ka zo suru
The one who plucked it
Was you, so
As something trifling
Was it seen at my house
Scented with the flowers’ fragrance.
Composed at the Imperial Bodyguards’ Headquarters, when the gentlemen of the court went blossom viewing at the palace, after the new year had been here for some time.
春をへてみゆきになるゝ花のかげふりゆく身をもあはれとや思
haru o hete
miyuki ni naruru
hana no kage
furiyuku mi o mo
aware to ya omou
Spring passes and
The royal visit’s here – a blizzard
Of blossom shading,
Falling – and me ageing –
Do you think of me kindly?