54. The Mother of the Minister of State: Gidō-sanshi no Haha
54
THE MOTHER OF THE MINISTER OF STATE
GIDŌ-SANSHI NO HAHA
Wasureji no
Yukusue made wa
Katakereba
Kyō wo kagiri no
Inochi tomo gana.
Yukusue made wa
Katakereba
Kyō wo kagiri no
Inochi tomo gana.
HOW difficult it is for men
Not to forget the past!
I fear my husband's love for me
Is disappearing fast;
This day must be my last.
The real name of this lady was Taka, and her son's name was Korechika Fujiwara. She lived about A.D. 1004, and it is supposed that this verse was written in a fit of jealousy against her husband; she is shown in the picture all alone at home bewailing her lot.