43. Songs by the Emperor and Princess Wodo

1On the day of this copious feast the Heavenly Sovereign, when Princess Wodo of Kasuga presented to him the great august liquor, sang again, saying:

2“Oh! the grandee’s daughter holding the excellent flagon! [If] thou hold the excellent flagon, hold it firmly! Hold it quite firmly, more and more firmly, child holding the excellent flagon ”

3This is a Cup Song. Then Princess Wodo presented a Song. That Song said:

4“Would that I were [thou,] the lower board of the arm-rest whereon our great lord who tranquilly carries on the government stands leaning at morn, stands leaning at eve! Oh! mine elder brother!”