Translation
By Lady Sei Shonagon (~ 966-1017)
Late into the night
A cock’s mimicked cry
Attempts to deceive a friend:
But the rendezvous gate
Will not open
Original Japanese | Pronunciation |
清少納言 | Sei Shonagon |
夜をこめて | Yo o komete |
鳥の空音は | Tori no sorane wa |
はかるとも | Hakaru tomo |
よにあふさかの | Yo ni Osaka no |
関はゆるさじ | Seki wa yurusaji |
Literal Notes
Night [crowded/packed/go into/do intently/advanced]
Cock ’s [imitated crow/lie]
[Night/world] [Osaka/rendezvous] ’s
[Gate/barrier] [loosen/shake/allow not]
Lady Sei Shonagon is also the author of the classic “Pillow Book.” This poem makes reference to a Chinese story where a prince was held captive in hostile territory. He and his retainers managed to escape in the middle of the night. When approaching the barrier gate, one of his retainers imitated a cock’s cry so well that the other cocks began to cry out as well. The guards, being fooled by the cries into thinking morning was beginning, threw open the gates, allowing the prince and his retainers to escape.
This allusion is said to be a reply to the poet’s lover when he left in the middle of the night, claiming that he heard the cocks crowing and so couldn’t be seen while his master, the Emperor, was in seclusion. Also of note is that the pronunciation for Osaka’s gate was the same for “rendezvous gate.”
Year:
2012
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