25. Death of Prince Karu and Princess So-tohoshi

1So Prince Karu was banished to the hot waters of Iyo. Again when about to be banished, he sang, saying:

2“The heaven-soaring birds, too, are indeed messengers. When thou hearest the voice of the crane, ask my name.”

3These three songs are of a Heaven-Soaring style. Again he sang, saying:

4“If they banish the Great Lord to an island, he will indeed make the remaining return voyage. Beware of my mat! Mat indeed in words,—beware of my spouse!”

5This Song is of a Partly Lowered Rustic style. Queen So-tohoshi presented a Song [to him]. That Song said:

6“Let not thy feet tread on the oyster-shells of the shore of Ahine with its summer herbs! Pass there [after] having made clear!”

7So when afterwards again, being unable to restrain her love, she went after him, she sang, saying:

8“Thy going has become long past. I will go, oh! to meet thee. Wait! I cannot wait.” (What is here called yama-tadzu is [what is] now [known by the name of] tatsuge.)

9So when in her pursuit she reached [the place where prince Karu was, he, who had been] pensively waiting, sang, saying:

10“Alas! beloved spouse, who settledst the whereabouts of our grave, setting up flags in the great vale, setting up flags in the little vale of Hatsuse the hidden castle! Alas! beloved spouse, whom I see after [our many troubles], prostrate like a tsuki bow, standing like an adzusa bow!”

11Having thus sung, they forthwith killed themselves together. So these two songs are Reading Songs.