[Two firefly-catchers] having tried to seize it [at the same time], the poor firefly is trampled to death!
The Light of Fireflies
Hotarubi ya!
Mada kuréyaranu,
Hashi no uri.
Fireflies already sparkling under the bridge,—and it is not yet dark!
Mizu-gusa no
Kururu to miété
Tobu hotaru.
When the water-grasses appear to grow dark, the fireflies begin to fly.[5]
Oku-no-ma yé
Hanashité mitaru
Hotaru kana!
Pleasant, from the guest-room,[6] to watch the fireflies being set free in the garden!
Yo no fukuru
Hodo ōkinaru
Hotaru kana!
Ever as the night grows [deeper, the light of] the firefly also grows [brighter]!
Kusakari no
Sodé yori idzuru,
Hotaru kana!