Many months had passed in lamenting the World,[1] more shadowy than
a dream. Already the tenth day of the Deutzia month was over. A
deeper shade lay under the trees and the grass on the embankment was
greener.[2] These changes, unnoticed by any, seemed beautiful to
her, and while musing upon them a man stepped lightly along behind
the hedge. She was idly curious, but when he came towards her she
recognized the page of the late prince.[3] He came at a sorrowful
moment, so she said, "Is your coming not long delayed? To talk over the
past was inclined." "Would it not have been presuming?--Forgive me--In
mountain temples have been worshipping. To be without ties is sad, so
wishing to take service again I went to Prince Sochino-miya."
"Excellent! that Prince is very elegant and is known to me. He cannot
be as of yore?" [i.e. unmarried.] So she said, and he replied, "No,
but he is very gracious. He asked me whether I ever visit you
nowadays--'Yes, I do,' said I; then, breaking off this branch of
tachibana[4] flowers, His Highness replied, 'Give this to her, [see]
how she will take it.' The Prince had in mind the old poem:
_The scent of tachibana flowers in May_
_Recalls the perfumed sleeves of him who is no longer here._