In the Seventh Month, Genji stayed very late in the Tamakazura’s room. Leaving his heart behind, he was about to leave, when he noticed that the lamps in the garden were low. Saying that an unlighted garden on a moonless summer night could almost be frightening, he sent a guard officer to stir and refuel them under a spindle tree far enough from the house so that the interior remained cool. In the soft light of the moderate flare, the lady was more beautiful than ever. The koto, Japanese zither, is seen against the spot where they had pillowed side by side a moment ago. Genji regards Tamakazura reluctantly.

Resumed by Mary Nagase. Published by UNESCO.© UNESCO 2000