THREE KICHŌ PUT TOGETHER — The curtains of the screen, or kichō, varied with the seasons. This is a summer one with decorations of summer grasses and flowers
Those who were familiar with the court life seemed to be at home there, but I, who was not very young, yet did not wish to be counted among the elderly, was rather neglected, and made to usher guests. However, I did not expect too much of court life, and had no envy for those who were more graceful than I. This, on the contrary, set me at ease, and I from time to time presented myself before the Princess; and talked only with congenial friends about lovely things. Even on smile-presenting, interesting occasions I shrank from intruding and becoming too popular, and did not go far into most things.
Sleeping one night before the Princess, I was awakened by cries and fluttering noises from the waterfowl in the pond.
Like us the water jowl pass all the night in floating sleep,
They seem to be weary
With shaking away the frost from their feathers.
My companions passed their leisure time in talking over romances with the door open which separated our rooms, and they often called back one who had gone to the Princess's apartment. She sent word once, "I will go if I must" [intending to give herself the pleasure of coming].
The long leaves of the reed are easily bent,
So I will not forcibly persuade it,
But leave it to the wind.