‘Song of proposal’ by Emperor Ōjin (c. 270-312)
This crab – where does it come from? From Tsuruga, a hundred towns away. Creeping sideways, how far did it crawl? It hurried to Ichiji Isle, to the Isle of Beauty. The dabchick plunges, Breathless and gulping: I plunged hurriedly Up and down the slopes Of the Sasanami Way. The maiden I met with On the Kohata Road – Seen from…