Diaries of Court Ladies of Old Japan

Even in the highest society there are grades of courtesy, but these men were too humble

O worthless heart, that feels love only for those with whom it daily associates!

her figure and movement, when we caught a glimpse of it, was flower-like and dignified.

I was menaced with a dreary future. Before I went to Court I tried to avoid sadness by writing to those who were in the same state of mind, even to those with whom I was only slightly acquainted, and associating with them I consoled my heart in various ways.

one cannot talk thoughtlessly when one is young no longer

suggested one of the ancient dream-maidens descended from heaven.

wish I could be more adaptable and live more gaily in the present world — had I not an extraordinary sorrow — but whenever I hear delightful or interesting things my yearning for a religious life grows stronger. I become melancholy and lament.

Dayu-no-Miyobu neglected the ornamentation of her karaginu, but she adorned her train with silver dust representing sea-waves. It was pleasing to the eye, though not dazzling. Ben-no-Naishi showed on her train a beach with cranes on it painted in silver. It was something new. She had also embroidered pine branches; she is clever, for all these things are emblematic of a long life.

So I composed that poem — and there is nothing more to tell.

His personality was very excellent and he was not an ordinary man, but time passed, and neither called to the other.