Note 43 — COURT LADIES OF OLD JAPAN (continued 2)
Annie Shepley Omori translation
(The following poem, then composed, is made with words of two meanings. It is impossible to arrange it in poetic form in English, but we present the two meanings in separate phrases, which the reader may combine for himself.)
Japanese words with their meanings:
Mezurashiki hikari = uncommon light.
Sashi sou = { added. { pour more saké into.
Sakazuki wa = { waxing moon. { a cup.
Chiyomo = four a tousand ages.
{ circulate, O moon never waning! Megurame = circulate { circulate the cup to all persons { countless times.
Poem.
First meaning:
We pray that the waxing moon [i. e, the young Prince] may never wane, but shine for a thousand ages without change!
Second meaning:
May this cup [of joy] be full as soon as emptied and circulate freely to all!