With the coming of the dawn, they change into insects again,—these fireflies!
Hiru miréba,
Kubi-suji akaki
Hotaru kana!
Oh, this firefly!—seen by daylight, the nape of its neck is red!
Hotaru kōté,
Shiba shi-go-mai ni
Fuzeï kana!
Having bought fireflies, respectfully accord them the favour of four or five tufts of lawn-grass![14]
Song of the Firefly-seller
Futatsu, mitsu,
Hanashité misénu
Hotaru-uri.
Mitsu, yotsu wa,
Akari ni nokosé
Hotaru-uri.
Onoga mi wa
Yami ni kaëru ya
Hotaru-uri.
He will not give you the chance to see two or three fireflies set free,—this firefly-seller.
He leaves in the cage three or four, just to make a light,—this firefly-seller.
For now he must take his own body back into the dark night,—this firefly-seller.