At the time when Narihira often visited Prince Koretaka, the Prince became a monk and went to a place called Ono. In the First Month, Narihira went there, intending to call on the Prince; it was at the foot of Mount Hiei, so the snow was very deep. He forced his way up to the Prince’s hut and paid his respects, finding the Prince with nothing to do and in low spirits; on his return home, he composed this and sent it to him.
わすれては夢かとぞ思おもひきや雪ふむわけて君を見むとは
wasurete Fa yume ka to zo omoFu omoFiki ya yuki fumiwakete kimi wo mimu to Fa |
I forget And it seems a dream somehow Or one I never had? Forging through the snow, To see my Prince. |
Ariwara no Narihira
有原業平