73. The Assistant Imperial Adviser Masafusa: Gon Chū-nagon Masafusa
73
THE ASSISTANT IMPERIAL ADVISER MASAFUSA
GON CHŪ-NAGON MASAFUSA
Takasago no
Once no zakura
Saki ni keri
Toyama no kasumi
Tatazu mo aranan.
Once no zakura
Saki ni keri
Toyama no kasumi
Tatazu mo aranan.
THE cherry trees are blossoming
On Takasago's height;
Oh may no mountain mist arise,
No clouds so soft and white,
To hide them from our sight.
This poet was the son of Chika-nari Ooi, and died in the year 1112. Takasago is on the sea-coast in the Province of Harima, and is also mentioned in verse No. 34.
Masafusa with his attendant appears in the illustration admiring the cherry trees on the mountains, over which, however, the clouds are already beginning to gather.