That bird is indeed a seagull, flying in from the wide ocean.
THE MOTHER [Words]
They may call it gull or plover, what they wish to by the sea,
But when standing here by Sumida with that white bird before us
Why did you not name it rightly, as the Bird of City Royal?
FERRYMAN [Song][62]
Yes, truly, truly, I have sadly erred.
This is the place far famed for that same bird.
I had in very truth the thing forgot
And though this is the place the thought came not.
THE MOTHER [Song]
The gull of the wide sea brings to thought
The waves of the evening tide.[63]
FERRYMAN [Song]
And the roll of the waves to our minds has brought
The past when Narihira cried.
THE MOTHER [Song]