Hatsu-haru no
Ashita goto ni wa
Kitaredomo
Of Spring’s beginning
At each dawn
Though I come,
CHORUS.
Awade zo kaeru
Moto no sumika ni.
Thus first the nightingale,
And many birds and beasts thereto,
Sing “uta,” like the songs of men.
And instances are many;
Many as the myriad pebbles that lie
On the shore of the sea of Ariso.
“For among things that live
There is none that has not the gift of song.”
Truly the fisherman has the ways of Yamato in his heart. Truly, this custom is excellent.
FISHERMAN.
If we speak of the sports of Yamato and sing its songs, we should show too what dances we use; for there are many kinds.
CHORUS.