A Hundred Verses from Old Japan · 50 of 101
49. The Minister Yoshi-nobu, of Priestly Rank: Ōnakatomi no Yoshi-nobu Ason
49
The Minister Yoshi-nobu, of Priestly Rank
ŌNAKATOMI NO YOSHI-NOBU ASON
Mikaki mori Eji no taku hi no Yo wa moete Hiru wa kie-tsutsu Mono wo koso omoe.
MY constancy to her I love I never will forsake; As surely as the Palace Guards Each night their watch-fire make And guard it till daybreak.
The author was the son of the Minister Yorimoto, and he lived during the latter part of the tenth century. The illustration shows the watchman outside the Palace tending his fire.