[12] Tsunenori was a famous painter, c. 950 a.d. So presumably was Chiyeda. Some people say Chiyeda was a name used by Tsunenori.
[14] The great statesman Sugawara no Michizane, 845–903.
[15] Chao Kao was plotting to overthrow the Second Emperor (3rd cent. b.c.). He brought his majesty a stag, telling him it was a horse. The Emperor laughed, but some of the Courtiers were so much afraid of Chao Kao that they sided with him and insisted that it was indeed a horse. Then Kao knew that they feared him more than the Emperor and definitely decided to revolt.
[16] See vol. i, p. 138.
[17] There is here a play on words. The other meaning is: ‘That life was indeed worth living.’
[18] ‘Sweet is the shade, the lapping waters cool, and good the pasture for our weary steeds. By the well of Asuka, here let us stay.’ See vol. i, p. 46.
[19] I.e. You have access to the Emperor, put in a word on my behalf.
[20] The third day of the third month.
[21] Zeshō, a screen or in some cases curtain with a pine-tree painted on it used as a background to sacred performances.