OSHIDORI

OSHIDORI

[1] From ancient time, in the Far East, these birds have been regarded

as emblems of conjugal affection.

[2] There is a pathetic double meaning in the third verse; for the

syllables composing the proper name _Akanuma_ (“Red Marsh”) may also

be read as _akanu-ma_, signifying “the time of our inseparable (or

delightful) relation.” So the poem can also be thus rendered:—“When

the day began to fail, I had invited him to accompany me...! Now,

after the time of that happy relation, what misery for the one who

must slumber alone in the shadow of the rushes!”—The _makomo_ is a

short of large rush, used for making baskets.