[7] An allusion to the poem (Kokinshū 701) ‘Can even the God of Thunder whose footfall echoes in the sky put those asunder whom love has joined?’

[8] In reality an appeal to the Virgin (representative of the Gods) to dissuade her mother from accompanying her.

[9] Before departing for Ise the Virgin was presented to the Emperor and formally invested.

[10] 4 p.m.

[11] Prince Zembō, her father, was at that time Heir Apparent.

[12] A river in the Province of Ise.

[13] ‘Ōsaka’ means Hill of Meeting; a gentle slope on the road from Kyōto to Ōtsu.

[14] I.e. to Murasaki.

[15] Genji’s son by Fujitsubo; supposed to be the Emperor’s child. He was now four years old.

[16] In which they packed the costumes they wore while on duty at the palace.