Takegawa - The Bamboo River |
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Kaoru did not like being Lord Proper. Late in the month the plum blossoms were at their best. Thinking it a good time to show them the other side of his character, he went off to the mansion of Tamakazura. He saw that another young gentleman had preceded him. It was Yugiri’s son, the lieutenant. He was also in love with the oldest daughter of Tamakazura. Some women had started playing kotos and flutes, and asked the guests to join them. Tamakazura was in tears because Kaoru resembled her late brother Kashiwagi. Cups were changed on and on, the party became its best when people sang "Bamboo River" together.
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Kuniyoshi, 1845/46 |
It was now the Third Month. The cherries were full in bloom. Princesses were seated at a Go board making the disputed cherry tree their stakes. They had quarreled since their childhood over whom the tree belonged to. They came out to the veranda as evening approached. The blinds were raised. Some ladies also joined them. Yugiri’s son, the lieutenant, came again to visit the son of the house. Finding an open gallery door, he peered inside. The divine beauty of his princess dazzled him. The older girl was presented at the Reizei Palace, which disappointed the lieutenant. Kaoru, on the other hand, had not been in love with her strongly. Being at the palace from morning till night, Kaoru realized the loss of the girl and felt like being left alone. One evening, when he was strolling with her brother the chamberlain, they came to a five leafs pine tree before what he judged to be the curtains of the new lady. Hanging from it was a very fine wisteria. Kaoru recited regretfully, "These blossoms, were they more within our reach." |
The New Year came and there was caroling. Kaoru was named master of one of the two choruses and Yugiri’s son lieutenant was among the musicians. There was a cloudless moon when they were at the Reizei palace. The carolers felt the keen eyes of the audience peering from inside. On the following day, Kaoru was engaged in conversation with the new lady at a gallery door. "Bamboo River is not my favorite song, But somewhat striking, its effect last night." Responding to her, he was in tears, which brought him back to his lost love.
Resumed by Mary Nagase. Published by UNESCO.© UNESCO 2000