Left (Win).
けふ祭る神の恵みはかねてより卯月の忌のさして知りにき
| kyō matsuru kami no megumi wa kanete yori uzuki no imi no sashite shiriniki |
Today we celebrate The blessings of the god; For days of Seclusion the Fourth Month Known. |
205
Right.
あすは又加茂の河波たちかへり紫野にや色をそふべき
| asu wa mata kamo no kawa nami tachikaeri murasakino ni ya iro o soubeki |
Tomorrow, once more, The waves on Kamo River Will rise, borne on strains of song, returning Through the violet plains With the touch of colour. |
206
The Right question, ‘Whether saying “known for days” (kanete shiriniki) implies whether the god’s blessings are only provided on the day of the festival?’ The Left reply, ‘The blessings provided on the day of the festival are different from those given at other times. Where is there a problem with this?’ Somewhat testily, they then continue, ‘The initial section of the Right’s poem is about the river, but it then continues to with the violet fields. The subject changes. Furthermore, “violet fields” (murasakino ni ya) is a displeasing expression.’
Shunzei says simply, ‘Both poems seem to be of the same quality [ryōshu no utazama wa dōka narubeshi]. However, the Right passes over the festival day to focus on the violet fields the following day, while the Left remains focussed on the day of the festival. It should win.’