Left (Win).
夏の夜はなるゝ清水の浮き枕むすぶ程なきうたゝ寢の夢
natsu no yo wa naruru shimizu no ukimakura musubu hodo naki utatane no yume |
On a summer night Trickling water cools Beside my drifting pillow; No time to dip it In a brief dozy dream. |
239
Right.
夏の夜の數にも入れじ時鳥來鳴かぬさきに明るしのゝめ
natsu no yo no kazu ni mo ireji hototogisu kinakanu saki ni akuru shinonome |
Among summer nights’ Number I’ll not count this one: Before the cuckoo Can come calling Comes the dark before bright dawn. |
240
The Right wonder ‘whether “Trickling water beside my drifting pillow” (shimizu no ukimakura) is something that’s likely to occur?’ while the Right counter, ‘and what of “Among summer nights’ number I’ll not count this one” (natsu no yo no kazu ni mo ireji) – it seems somewhat excessive an expression.’ Shunzei states testily, ‘The gentlemen of the Right’s questioning of “drifting pillow” (ukimakura) is absurd, for has there not long been the image of pillowing on a flow? The Right’s “Among summer nights’ number I’ll not count this one”, unavoidably incurs criticism from the gentlemen of the Left. In addition, the Left’s final line is most fine. It should win.’