Princess of the First Rank Sōshi 聡子[1] had as one of her attendants a daughter named Kishi 基子 of Minamoto no Motohira, an attendant consultant. It was heard that she was receiving the kind favors of Emperor Go-Sanjō. Indeed, she was spending considerable time by His Majesty’s side, one had just noticed, when it was discovered that she was with child. She certainly had not been a normal attendant, being treated with much care, just like the princess herself. At meals, rather than waiting upon Her Highness, she herself was served by others, since she, too, was a “princess.”[2] Now, with His Majesty’s child, she was treated with even more deference than before. Her horoscope had, after all, indicated that she would become the mother of an emperor. She had also dreamt of auspicious, rising purple clouds, some said. Others dismissed such talk: “These are exactly the kind of silly things people gossip about.” Yet with the emperor’s present affection, her dream was bound to come true, people exclaimed with excitement.
In the 7th month, Kishi left for the house of Tsunehira the former Owari governor. “After the birth, she would surely return to the palace as an imperial concubine,” people loudly speculated. The night before her departure, the emperor stayed with her until dawn, and the way her attendants were forced to wait nearby conveyed the atmosphere of an old romance. The emperor ordered his trusted courtiers to accompany her, in what turned out to be a splendid procession. Astounded by this turn of events, nobles told themselves that, indeed, one should have at least one daughter.
Kishi’s mother was the daughter of the Middle Counselor Yoshiyori (a son of Takaie), so her pedigree was quite impeccable all around. Her fall and rise reminded one again of an old romance. In the past, daughters of middle or lesser captains, or of provisional governors, entered the palace as ladies of the bedchamber or concubines, but nowadays, women of average background did not enter the palace as a rule, so Kishi’s example was astonishing. One had thought that empresses and emperors came from Novice Lord Michinaga’s lineage. Certainly, Regent Norimichi and the minister of the right had their daughters marry the emperor,[3] but since they did not bear any sons, it seemed that the ways of the past might be returning. The fate of even such exalted families was not set in stone, one was made to realize.
Kishi secretly continued to go and see the emperor at intervals when there were no rites for the kami. His Majesty’s messengers had no time to rest, delivering notes between the two. The manner in which esoteric rituals and sutra readings were held for the safe delivery of her baby was quite striking. On her mother’s side, she had an uncle, Yoshimoto, who was the provisional master of the crown prince’s household. Another relative was Tadatoshi, called the former lesser captain, who was the provisional master of the punishments ministry. There was also another relative, a provisional governor of some province. A holy teacher also went in and out with familiar ease, seeing to Consort Kishi’s needs in a suitable manner.[4]
The princess of the first rank, Sōshi, sent concerned inquiries about all matter of things. Whenever her attendants came to serve her, she sent then instead to Kishi, ordering them to spend the night there in watch over the consort’s needs. The princess must have been following the emperor’s stance in not leaving anything undone for Kishi. There was certainly no way His Majesty would disparage any of his children, but it was true that his affection for the princess was exceptional. Therefore, there was no one who did not go to attend upon Her Highness, and these were the ladies that then served Consort Kishi. Kishi’s aunts, the princesses of Retired Emperor Koichijōin, also gathered around their niece, harboring great expectations, as well as fears for what was about to happen.
As the time approached for the baby’s delivery, Kishi suffered greatly. All the nobles came, as well as emissaries from the emperor and the princess. They went busily back and forth, sometimes passing each other along the way. Monks, whom His Majesty had heard proved to have been particularly efficacious, were summoned and sent to her. For about four hundred to five hundred feet away from the Tsunehira’s residence, one could not make one’s way though the surrounding streets. Were she an empress, a daughter of a person of the highest rank like the regent, this clamor would have hardly been surprising, but this completely surpassed everyone’s expectations.
For four, five days after the birth was expected, nothing happened. Both the emperor and the princess, numb with worry, frantically wondered what was happening. Finally on the sixth day, a radiant boy was born.[5] All the concerned people that had gathered around could scarcely contain their joy. The emissaries rushed out, racing to beat the others, so that they could be the first to report the news. For all these years, that which eluded all of His Majesty’s consorts had been realized with this birth.[6] It would be foolhardy of me to try to describe the uncommon, overwhelming happiness this birth occasioned.
The feeling upon seeing Ietaka the lesser captain of the fourth rank, the son of Minamoto Middle Counselor Suketsune, deliver the ceremonial sword was beyond words. Even people with little connection to Kishi’s family looked on in awed astonishment that this must be the paragon of fortune, a kind of happening they had never seen before. The bathing ceremonies were magnificent, with twenty impressive chamberlains of the fifth rank twanging their bows.[7] In every aspect, words were insufficient to describe the splendor. The emperor even sent one of his attendants, Kojijū no Naishi, as one of the wet nurses. The other wet nurses were: the daughter of Kōzuke Governor Norikuni, the daughter of Owari Governor Koretsune, and the daughter of Master of the Ceremonial Koresuke, who was promoted from sixth-rank chamberlain.
On the 9th of the 3rd month, Kishi returned to the palace. The ceremonies and her appearance were marvelous. There were five or six carriages in the distinctively special procession. She entered the palace now as a consort. To become even a concubine was thought to be such a rare fortune that Kishi’s promotion as consort captured people’s imagination, becoming the talk of society as a dazzlingly extraordinary destiny with no precedent. Such talk could not be helped, for even offensive rumors always managed to stir people up, let alone such a wonderful turn of events.
As for the emperor, he did not think Kishi’s exalted treatment to be strange at all. After all, despite her low rank and status, her father, Attendant Consultant Minamoto no Motohira, was the half-brother of the present Kamo priestess, Princess Seishi 斉子,[8] and the son of Retired Emperor Koichijōin. His mother was the daughter of Horikawa Minister of the Right Yorimune. Naturally, the emperor treasured the mother of his adorable son, especially since he did not have, aside from Crown Prince Sanehito, any other boys. One of Kishi’s brothers served as an assistant of the military guards; another was a lesser captain.
Upon returning to the palace, Kishi and the young prince proceeded to the Seiryōden. The daughter of Consultant Sukefusa, Dainagon no Kimi, was carrying the prince, whereupon Jijū no Naishi entered with the ceremonial sword from the emperor. The way His Majesty came and took the prince into his arms, his gaze full of love and wonder at the baby’s beauty, was very moving and cause for much joy. Shortly, His Highness dirtied His Majesty’s clothing. Even as he changed, the emperor seemed positively happy about this accident. Since the young prince began crying a little, His Majesty returned the infant to Dainagon no Kimi, and proceeded to visit Consort Kishi’s room. As for what followed, will the reader please imagine what they must have said to one another?
Kishi’s happiness no doubt lay in the obvious fact that she was blessed with superior good fortune, preventing people from trying to hinder her relationship with the emperor. Nor did she restrain herself, aware of the dreams that pointed to just such a destiny. Though she had not been experiencing any particular hardships, she was carrying on quietly when she discovered that she was with His Majesty’s child. Because the emperor had no other sons, apart from the crown prince, there was no way that anyone would disparage Kishi, but one wonders if such would have happened in the reign of Emperor Go-Reizei. Even if there were no other princes, such a lady unrecognized by the regent’s family would never have garnered this kind of unrestrained, deferential reception. Were such a child to be born, people probably would not have known about him, with perhaps the emperor eventually hearing that “there was such a person.” How could the emperor not defer to Lord Yorimichi of Uji? In any event, such pomp as in the emperor’s gifting of the ceremonial sword, or the assembly of all the nobles, certainly would not have been possible. Potential wet-nurses also would not have come with such eagerness to compete, one assumes. Were that prince the only heir, the lord would probably have opposed even more vigorously his promotion as crown prince. Clearly, Emperor Go-Sanjō would not have been able to show so overtly, and with such fanfare, his love for his new son.
The emperor’s other wives, Empress Keishi and Consort Shōshi 昭子,[9] could not have been happy, but their faces did not show any tinge of their sadness, for proper women were, after all, expected to comport themselves in certain set ways. They were not like common wives, making a big deal over a trifle. Moreover, even among superior people, the empress especially was refined and pure. During Emperor Go-Reizei’s reign, Empress Shōshi 章子 found herself in a similar situation when other consorts entered the palace. Yet the emperor could not very well ignore her, for Retired Empress Shōshi 彰子 had raised them together since they were very small. Still, despite their intimacy, the empress apparently did not utter a word in complaint about the others. In this reign, Emperor Go-Sanjō had free rein in all matters to do as he pleased.
After the Lord Yorimichi of Uji introduced the late Empress Genshi to the court of Emperor Go-Suzaku, Retired Empress Yōmeimon’in [Teishi] ultimately never returned to the palace, whether out of the lord’s decision, or out of her own volition. In Novice Lord Michinaga’s time, he had all his daughters enter the palace, and no one else tried to have their daughters marry the emperor. Lord Yorimichi also married his daughter, Shijō Empress Kanshi, to Emperor Go-Reizei, but he remained very mindful of Empress Shōshi. Whenever there was an event which she wished to observe, the lord always placed priority on Her Majesty’s needs in making his decisions. His deferential attitude was to some extent quite natural, considering Grand Retired Empress Jōtōmon’in’s feelings for her grandchild, and the fact that the lord had forcibly put Kanshi in the palace, against the presumed will of Empress Shōshi’s father, the late Emperor Go-Ichijō.
Yet, because the Lord Yorimichi exercised complete control over the court, even the emperor himself could not remain unconcerned if the lord showed any sign of displeasure. Had someone else’s daughter tried to enter the palace, the lord would likely have been terribly angry, but this did not happen, and he did not seem upset if nobles gathered around Empress Shōshi, allowing for festive amusements of impressive splendor. Though such a state might have been Her Majesty’s birthright, it could not have been realized through her intentions alone.
Retired Emperor Go-Reizei had in his reign depended upon on Lord Yorimichi to take care of all things. It was in the latter part of this emperor’s reign that the lord ensconced himself at Uji, thinking, “No more of the court, no more will I memorialize to the throne.” It was as though he had renounced the vulgar world, yet when there were promotions, for instance, His Majesty would always consult with the lord first. And though he no longer sent memorials to the emperor, the lord made sure his people received the best posts possible, whether they were appointments in the provinces or regular offices in the capital. Indeed, regent though he was for most of his career, he had occupied this post from his twenties until reaching eighty.[10] No wonder people abided by his will with awed respect.
The present emperor, Go-Sanjō, had a very serious and strong personality. He wished to remedy some of the ills of this world, and some of the measures were quite severe.[11] People said that His Majesty was too impressive a ruler for this degenerate age. His Majesty did not allow others to lead him, possessing much learning to make his own decisions. One had thought Emperor Go-Suzaku was a strong ruler, yet His Majesty was decidedly of another, higher order. Naturally, everyone looked to His Majesty with fearful awe. His presence was, moreover, truly magnificent. Even if his mother, the Retired Empress Teishi, demanded something, His Majesty would not listen if her words were not reasonable.
Would there soon be another occasion for celebration in the near future? The current minister of the right, Minamoto no Morofusa, had a second son, Middle Counselor Akifusa, who was also a captain of the left military guards. Akifusa had a sister, Reishi 麗子, who was the wife of Minister of the Left Morozane. Reishi had adopted her niece, Akifusa’s daughter Kenshi 賢子, and people were saying that Kenshi would probably be married to Crown Prince Sadahito. Well, towards the end of the 2nd month, suddenly the emperor directed that Kenshi be sent to the crown prince as soon as possible.
Kenshi thus appeared before His Highness on the 9th of the 3rd month [1071]. It had not been even ten days since the emperor’s order, yet there was nothing lacking in the decorations of her rooms, or the wardrobe of her attendants. Indeed, her furnishings surpassed those of ladies preparing to enter the palace for many years. The finery in which she was able to proceed on such short notice spoke, of course, to the splendor of her everyday life, one could imagine. Still, where did she find the time to have made such fine blinds and curtains?
Since no one who was unconnected to the Uji lord would naturally be attending, all the courtiers there dutifully served him and his son like the grasses in the wind, bending to their wishes. Morozane was at this point second in command, after his uncle, Regent Norimichi, but he was not at all inferior to his father, the former regent. As for her real mother, the wife of Akifusa, the captain of the left military guards, she was the daughter of Middle Counselor Takatoshi, who was the son of Uji Major Counselor Minamoto no Takakuni. Full of learning and handsome, Takatoshi was an accomplished courtier, the master of the senior grand empress’s household as well as a middle counselor.
The ceremonies surrounding her entrance into the palace were extremely magnificent. The wife of Minister of the Left Morozane accompanied her adoptive daughter. Even without Reishi’s presence, not a single person excused himself from escorting Kenshi to the palace. The scene was a huge commotion. Consort Dōshi 道子,[12] the daughter of Master of the Crown Prince’s Household Yoshinaga, must have listened to this clamor with much distress. She seemed pitiful indeed, watching Kenshi from afar.
In the afternoon, the crown prince visited Kenshi. Palace Minister Nobunaga accompanied the prince. All the senior nobles, without exception, were there in attendance. Minister of the Left Morozane represented the head of the Fujiwara family, and Minister of the Right Morofusa represented the Minamoto. Many other nobles of close relationships, such as Captain of the Left Gate Guards Minamoto no Toshifusa, Minamoto Middle Counselor Takatoshi, and Consultant Middle Captain Takatsuna paid their respects. There were indeed far too many to count, for present were members of both her real family and her adoptive family.
When the blinds were raised to allow the crown prince to enter, the female attendants sitting in a row covered their faces with fans. It was delightful beyond words. The refreshingly beautiful colors of today’s wardrobe for the attendants were apparently chosen by the Uji lord and Uji Major Counselor Takakuni. There were actually not that many attendants; this was according to the lord’s instructions, but numerous ladies of impressive lineages were assembled. Since there were already large numbers of attendants in the regent’s household, and would only increase on this occasion, quite a few ladies decided not to enter service. Consort Kishi was fourteen or fifteen at the time. She was truly young and pretty. The prince’s affection for her was almost unbearable to see, and it was quite evident, even at this early stage, how deep His Highness’s love for her would be.[13]
The crown prince’s other consort, Dōshi, was the daughter of Yoshinaga, the master of His Highness’s household. She was about thirty years old. She was truly elegant and full of grace, as to make one embarrassed for oneself. Very mindful of what was proper, she never let down her guard, conducting herself with much thoughtfulness. Hearing her age, one might think her old, but when one met her first hand, she hardly looked her years. There was really no point on which she could be criticized, being a very nice person overall. Since her mother had already passed away, her father lamented by himself the distressing turn of events.
Yoshinaga was the adopted son of the former Master Yoshinobu, who had served Emperor Go-Sanjō when he was crown prince. So among Yorimune’s children, the emperor felt most intimate with Yoshinaga, and he received His Majesty’s special affection. Since people naturally would have matters which they wished to present to His Majesty, they crowded about Yoshinaga, hoping to rely on his good offices. In contrast, his elder brother, the Minister of Popular Affairs Toshiie, seemed downfallen, out of favor with the times. He had many wonderful daughters, but presently, he did not even think to present them either to the emperor or the crown prince.
The emperor told his son, “Look after your consorts gently, and do not favor one over another.” But he could not keep his newest bride, Consort Kenshi, out of his sight for even a moment, staying by her side day and night. This must be, the prince thought to himself, what it feels like to fall in love beyond reason for “someone I have scarcely met.”[14]
The fiftieth-day celebrations for the young Prince Sanehito happened after the 10th of the 4th month. There is no way to describe the events of that day. The attendants of both Princess Sōshi of the first rank and Consort Kishi displayed their sleeves from under the blinds. As the sun was setting, the emperor made his appearance. Accompanying His Majesty was a large group of nobles. Attendants who had from the start served the consort waited to welcome him. The scene as his attendants disembarked from the carriages was quite lively and felicitous. The emperor himself appeared magnificently in his prime. He was just thirty-seven or eight.
The female attendants were wearing an upper robe dyed in the color of pinks, under which they had layered dark purple, fulled robes. They sat with their sleeves displayed from beneath the blinds. (At this time, the number of robes was limited, and vermillion robes were not permitted.) A number of senior nobles served the young prince his trays of food. Usually, lower-ranking courtiers performed these various tasks, but the assignment of senior nobles must have been the emperor’s special doing.[15] Minister of the Left Morozane carried the young prince, as His Majesty inserted the felicitous pieces of rice cake into his son’s mouth. With both the lord and His Majesty present, the wet nurse to whom Morozane transferred the young prince, or the like who served on this occasion, could not be anyone ordinary. More so than the consort herself, who observed the ceremony from behind the blinds, one wondered what Consultant Motohira’s wife, the young prince’s grandmother, must be feeling. That evening’s felicitousness was beyond compare. When the ceremony ended and His Majesty departed, Consort Kishi immediately followed in his path. Their devotion to each other was quite impressive.
Because the crown prince spent all his time with Consort Kenshi, her adoptive father, Minister of the Left Morozane, wracked his young mind with worry. He remained ever vigilant of the jealousy the other consorts and their families were no doubt feeling.
Reconstruction having been completed, the emperor moved back to the palace.[16] Empress Keishi occupied the Kokiden; Princess Sōshi, the Fujitsubo. Consort Shōshi 昭子, the daughter of Yorimune the late minister of the right, resided in the Shōkyōden. The mother of the second prince, Consort Kishi, lived in the Umetsubo. As customary, the crown prince occupied the Nashitsubo, the northern wing of which was used by Consort Dōshi, the daughter of Yoshinaga the master of the crown prince’s household. She also used the Sen’yōden.[17] Consort Kenshi resided in the Reikeiden. With everyone living in their own respective halls, the palace was truly wonderful.
Empress Keishi also used the Tōkaden and the Jōneiden. The emperor acted with great deference to Her Majesty. She was superior in both mien and character. The Shōkyōden Consort Shōshi was also truly splendid, coming from a family renowned for their beauty.[18] Along the walkway between the Kokiden and the Tōkaden, one could see from under the blinds curtains the colors of bush clover, maidenflower, and various other hues. From across the apartments in the Seiryōden, the walkway looked as though it could have come from a delightfully charming painting. Before long, Umetsubo Consort Kishi again found herself in an irregular condition. Everyone was talking about this piece of wonderful news.
In realization of longstanding desires, the emperor made pilgrimages to the Gion and Hie Shrines.[19] But in the winter of that year, the Gion Shrine burned down.[20] It was truly shocking. There was also an ominous earthquake.[21] It was a troubling time.
The emperor expressed a wish that there be ladies of high-rank added to Prince Sanehito’s retinue. So the wife of Lesser Counselor Sanemune (the daughter of Sukeshige), the wife of Ōmi Governor Ienori (the daughter of Tango governor Kinmoto), and the wife of Tadatoshi, senior assistant minister of punishments, who was the uncle of Consort Kishi, were summoned to serve. There was also the daughter of Motofusa, the former Hitachi governor and the grandson of Kan’in Major Captain Asamitsu.
In earlier times, wives of average rank came to serve as imperial wet nurses. There were also examples of daughters of senior nobles serving as attendants, directly becoming wet nurses when the need arose. But there truly were no precedents of a senior noble’s wife going to serve immediately as a wet nurse. This seemed to be the trend for this later age. One may wonder why I noted down these ladies’ names, for they were neither particularly brilliant nor distinguished, but they were simply daughters of senior nobles. When the Novice Lord [Michinaga] tried to summon the wife of Tanba Middle Captain Masamichi to serve as the wet nurse for the young Emperor Go-Ichijō, she said she could not bear the insufferable humiliation and left for her grandfather’s Ichijō residence with all of their children. Needless to say, she did not end up going to the palace as a wet nurse. Yet in this later age, there has been such progress that even wet-nurses were high-ranking women.
In any case, Kishi alone among all the consorts found herself in the most marvelous position. Princess Sōshi often came to visit, embracing the young prince, whom she found to be adorable. Kishi had four or five sisters, who came to the palace, not necessarily to serve at court, but to be by their sister’s side, along with the princess. Her Highness had one maternal uncle, Sanesue, the secretary middle captain and the son of Superintendent Kinnari. He did not frequently visit the princess, yet was on friendly terms. Her brother, Suemune, was promoted to middle captain. Quite handsome, he had a dignified presence. He played the flute extremely well.
The present emperor’s second princess, Shunshi 俊子, was selected as the Ise priestess, and she was to travel down to Ise in the 9th month.[22] There were many poignant scenes. The ceremony at the Daigokuden in which the emperor placed the comb of parting in his daughter’s hair was deeply affecting. The priestess put up her hair, and was appropriately attired in holy garments. She looked refreshingly pure and truly beautiful. Hard as it was, not to have been able to see her for these three years filled with concern and dissatisfaction, His Majesty felt an even greater, almost unbearable pain, when he realized that he did not know when he would ever see her again after today.[23] When the ceremony was over, the priestess could not immediately get up and depart. Seeing her there, sobbing, how awful the emperor must have felt. It was raining heavily, so the procession looked forlornly lackluster. The emperor and the princess provided a carriage for each of the priestess’s attendants. Upon returning to his room, the emperor still could not stop thinking about the sadness of Shunshi’s fate.
About this time, Umetsubo Consort Kishi suffered a miscarriage. Everyone lamented this regrettable outcome, but since there was the second prince, she did not feel she had to deliver a baby by any means. “If she gives birth to many children, her twenty-fifth year will be a dangerous one,” a diviner had foretold. The mother came through safely, so that was very fortunate.
As for the Kamo Shrine, the present priestess (Princess Kashi 佳子) fell ill, and thus resigned.[24] The fourth princess, Tokushi 篤子, who used to reside with Retired Empress Teishi, was selected to be the new Kamo priestess.[25] There were rumors that the Takakura princess, Yūshi 祐子, was going to become the Kamo priestess, but she must have thought, “Why now?” For she then began preparations to become a nun, with people declaring the 8th of the 12th month as the day of her taking of the Buddhist precepts.[26] Others said, though, “She can’t possibly become a nun,” so one did not know whom to believe. The emperor was furious with the Takakura princess and people speculated that he was going to revoke her income from the annual offices and ranks over which she had rights.[27]
Emperor Go-Sanjō could only think about his desire to abdicate soon. In the 4th month, the repairs of the Daigokuden were finally completed,[28] but His Majesty must have thought it would be inconvenient for the new hall to be first used for ceremonies involving a change in reign, people said. Perhaps this was true, for the emperor’s abdication came on the 8th of the 12th month, Enkyū 4. Recently, it became customary for emperors to abdicate only upon a grave illness, so Emperor Go-Sanjō’s voluntary act during his prime was quite moving.[29] One was reminded of the time Ise scribbled on the wall of the Kokiden, “with no thought of return.”[30] Everything caught the eyes of those departing—for one last look. The retired emperor stayed in the Kokiden until the 16th, when he moved to Regent Norimichi’s Nijōdono. The second prince, Sanehito, became the crown prince.
The mother of the crown prince, Consort Kishi, received the status of equality with the three empresses, and the income from the associated annual offices and ranks. This promotion was truly worth celebrating. On top of that, she again found herself in an irregular condition.
At the regent’s residence, Empress Keishi and Princess Sōshi of the first rank were lost in nostalgic thoughts of the past, since they grew up as children there. It was quite moving. as for the retired emperor, though nothing particularly serious, he did not feel so well, drinking large amounts of water. His Eminence had Crown Prince Sanehito come for a visit.
Eventually, Umetsubo Consort Kishi again gave birth to a lovely boy, Prince Sukehito. There truly was no end to her splendid fortune. Since the retired emperor was not feeling well, the festivities were not very elaborate.
Tango Governor Kinmoto[31] offered his residence on Rokujō to the retired emperor. Because of a directional taboo, His Eminence moved there in the afternoon.[32] Courtiers accompanied as though the procession were a formal pilgrimage. It was magnificent. Many carriages lined to route to take a look at the procession. Despite his thirst, His Eminence occasionally felt reinvigorated. The Umetsubo consort also went to the Rokujō residence.
On the 20th of the 2nd month, the retired emperor went on a pilgrimage to Tennōji. (People called His Eminence the premier retired emperor [ichiin]. Apparently they also called him Retired Emperor Go-Sanjō.) Retired Empress Teishi and Princess Sōshi of the first rank joined the pilgrimage. Their retinue was not large: full of senior nobles, but consisting of just a few intimate people and musicians. At the very head of the procession was the retired empress’s carriage, followed by the retired emperor’s, then the princess’s. Their attendants rode in two carriages each, for a total of six. The retired empress’s attendants wore cherry-blossom and brown, fulled robes, while the retired emperor’s had fulled, globeflower ones over their cherry-hued robes. The princess’s attendants not only layered their globeflower robes from light to dark on top, but they also divided the members so that the darker colors were in the first carriage, the lighter colors in the second. The scene as their procession made its way through the streets was truly delightful.
On the way, the retired emperor, empress, and the princess paid their respects at Iwashimizu Hachiman Shrine. Minamoto no Morotada, the head chamberlain middle captain, soon arrived as Emperor Shirakawa’s emissary. After receiving an answer, he headed back to the capital. The princess expressed a wish to worship at the principal shrine on the summit, so Their Eminences and Her Highness went up, accompanied by dancers. Halfway up the mountain, by the Iwashimizu Gongen Shrine, they performed a ritual purification. The dancers were given gifts and sent back, except for Lesser Captain Ietaka of the fourth rank, Attendant Michiyoshi, and Assistant of the Military Guards Asazane, who stayed to accompany the Their Eminences and Her Highness.
On the 21st, everyone was wearing casual hunting attire, with everyday hats—an unusual sight, which the retired emperor viewed with curiosity. The senior nobles, too, were attired in this fashion. They had come to a place called Hashimoto harbor, where His Eminence could see, as far as the eye could reach, ships from the various provinces, as well as the ones upon which they were about to embark. They all boarded the boats at this point. The extraordinary craftsmanship of these vessels had never been seen before, and would probably never be attained in the future. Various courtiers took responsibility for each ship and decorated them in competition with one another. Although there had been austerity measures in place, on this occasion in the new reign, everything climbed the heights of extravagance. For example, the female attendants wore five layers of robes. The senior nobles rode on their own boats, while some joined the retired emperor. The other courtiers rode on their own ships, playing music as they went down the river.
About eight o’clock in the morning on the 22nd, two boats full of courtesans came up to the imperial vessels at Eguchi, along the Yodo River. They were given various gifts, but the retired emperor did not, this time, take off his robes, as was sometimes done for such rewards. Major Controller of the Left Tsunenobu played the lute, Provisional Middle Captain Suemune the reed pipes, Senior Assistant Minister of Popular Affairs Masanaga the flute, and Controller Morotaka sang. The sounds of the flute reverberated among the sounds of the lapping waves along the rapids. It was quite enchanting.
“Where are we now?” the retired emperor asked. The master of the crown prince’s household, Yoshinaga, conveyed the question, to which the answer came, “We are at a place called Nagara.” “Does the famous bridge of Nagara still stand?” His Eminence then inquired. Upon hearing that it was still here, His Eminence had the boats stopped to take a look. Only a single post from the original bridge was there to be seen. Recalling the poem, “To what then shall I henceforth compare my aging body?” His Eminence was moved to think that even then, during Ise’s time long ago, the bridge had already been quite old.[33]
They then reached Nakatsu River. The blue of the sky and the seas were indistinguishable in what was captivating scenery. It was delightful beyond words to see in the far off distance other ships with their sails raised. Meanwhile, the Settsu governor distributed various cypress boxes that had been decorated with pictures and were filled with fruit. The sun began to set gradually. From between the gaps in the mist, cranes playing by the edge of the water could be seen. The sounds of the waves and the cries of the cranes moved everyone. The torches cast their light all the way to the bottom of the water. While the scenery was captivating, it was also slightly lonesome. The song of the warbler and the cries of the returning geese could also be heard. All in all, the moving scenery seemed expressly prepared for a journey of this kind.
On the 23rd, as the sun tilted into the horizon with mists hovering along the coast, carriages awaiting His Eminence approached the imperial ships. The welcoming retinue had on various colored attire. The procession was to visit first the Sumiyoshi Shrine. “The regent’s attire, his green willow cloak and vermillion robe hanging out above his trousers, was most delightful. His image will be a precious memory,” people commented. I cannot possibly go into everyone else’s wonderful fashion.
After the purification ritual, the retired emperor and empress, as well as the princess, paid their respects at the shrine. They left after a musical performance before the gods. The attendants of the retired empress had on many layers of white robes, under a fulled, dark purple robe. The combination looked refreshingly clean and beautiful. The princess’s ladies had on robes the hue of spring leaves under a fulled, reddish brown robe. The attendants of the retired emperor had on various colored robes with a fulled, dark purple upper robe.
At dusk, the imperial procession arrived at Tennōji. It was raining torrentially, so things were subdued. The carriages were pulled up to the main hall, where Their Eminences and Her Highness disembarked. Chamberlain Minor Captain Kinsane then arrived as the emperor’s emissary. On the 24th, the imperial personages took a thorough tour of the main hall, as well as of the Turtle Well on the temple’s grounds.
About eight o’clock in the morning of the 25th, their boats were launched in departure. About noon, the provisional assistant of the left-gate guards, Ōe no Masafusa, arrived. Clothed in a red formal cloak, he entered ceremoniously among the courtiers all dressed informally in various colors. It was a strikingly unusual scene.
The middle counselor of the left, Sanemasa, proposed some topics for the making of poetry. They were at a spot called Mitegurajima. While viewing the area, the retired emperor summoned Sanemasa aboard his vessel, and had people compose poems.[34]
His Eminence
Even the gods of Sumiyoshi must have been moved
to see this arrival of the unburdened one rowing the empty ship.[35]
住吉の神もあはれと思ふらんむなしき船をさして来たれば
Regent Norimichi
This pilgrimage by one who has stepped down and risen again—
surely pleases the gods to grant our sovereign a thousand years.[36]
おりのぼるみゆきを神もうれしとや千歳を君に奉るらん
Master of the Crown Prince’s Household Yoshinaga
Throughout the many years, many imperial pilgrimages have I seen,
but none have had as remarkable a journey.
年を経て多くの御幸見つれどもかくめづらしきたびはなかりき
Captain of the Left Military Guards Sukenaka
As a sound, Nagara Bridge, I had heard: but no longer was it there—
only plovers, crying, flew by.
音に聞く長柄の橋はなかりけり千鳥ばかりぞ鳴き渡りける
Major Controller of the Left Tsunenobu
In the offing, winds must be blowing—
the low branches of the Sumiyoshi pines, washed by the white waves.
沖つ風吹きにけらしな住吉の松の下枝を洗ふ白波
Consultant Middle Captain Takatsuna
In joy over our sovereign’s unparalleled pilgrimage,
grant him a thousand years—oh, pines of Sumiyoshi!
たぐひなき君が御幸のうれしさに千歳をゆづれ住吉の松
Major Controller of the Right Korefusa
Long ago, for today’s pilgrimage,
from the heavens must they have descended here: the gods of Sumiyoshi!
古は今日の御幸のためにとや天降りけん住吉の神
Captain of the Right Military Guards Sanesue
As a sign of the Sumiyoshi gods’ power, the thousand years
of the ancient pines have been given to our sovereign.
住吉の神のしるしに古の松の千歳は君にゆづれり
Former Tango Governor Kinmoto
To the god of Sumiyoshi, I’d like ask—for in the past,
a pilgrimage like this could not have ever occurred.
住吉の神に問はばや古もかかる御幸はあらじとぞ思ふ
Bitchū Governor Nobumune
In the pines of Sumiyoshi, I see the thousand years of our sovereign
with only joy—oh, the banks of Mishima Bay.[37]
住吉の松に千歳を君が代のうれしくのみぞ三島江の岸
Director of the Imperial Storehouses Tsunehira
In the past, has there ever been such a pilgrimage?
Tell me even in a dream—oh, the gods of Sumiyoshi!
古もかかる御幸はありやせし夢にも語れ住吉の神
Middle Controller of the Left Sanemasa
The prayers on this voyage must have reached the sky,
for descended from the heavens: the gods of Sumiyoshi.
このたびの祈りは空に知りぬらん天降ります住吉の神
Director of the Right Imperial Stables Sukemune
Growing thickly from the primal age of the gods, these pines
surely must have long known of today’s pilgrimage to Sumiyoshi.
神代より生ひ添う松は住吉の今日の御幸をかねてこそ知れ
Lesser Captain of the Fourth Rank Iekata
Drawn to Naniwa Bay with its reeds, my heart is stuck,
with no desire to turn around.[38]
難波江に心とまりて葦の葉にうらがへるべき心地こそせね
Senior Assistant Minister of Popular Affairs Masanaga
Where the reeds bud with new leaves by the shore met by waves—
this must be around Mishima Bay.
若葉さす葦の汀に浪寄るはこや三島江のわたりなるらん
Master of the Capital’s Right Sector Michiie
As a sign of the Sumiyoshi god’s power, may our sovereign live
as long as these pines grow anew ten times!
住吉の神のしるしに君が代は松の十かへり生ひかはるまで
Minamoto Middle Captain Suemune
However long one views this scenery in Tsu province,
Naniwa Bay, one never tires of its spring dawn.
うるはへて見るとも飽かじ津の国の難波の浦の春の曙
Tanba Governor Tsunenari
Could there have ever been such an imperial pilgrimage—
I would ask of someone older than the Sumiyoshi pines.
あらじかしかかる御幸は住吉の松よりさきの人に問はばや
Lesser Controller of the Left Morokata
More so than the capital’s flowers’ colors, of which I never tired,
the pines of Sumiyoshi capture my heart.
飽かざりし都の花の色よりも心ぞとまる住吉の松
Lesser Controller of the Right Masafusa
Sumiyoshi of a thousand ages: to be able to meet this once—
this was a journey worth “pining” for.
住吉の千代に一度あひぬれば松のかひある旅にもあるかな
Junior Assistant of the Ministry of Military Affairs Michitoshi
Now do we hurry for today’s return,
yet how our hearts linger on this journey.
今はとて今日帰るさを急げども心はとまる旅にもあるかな
Assistant to the Right Military Guards Akizane
For our sovereign to carry on these pilgrimages for a thousand ages,
may the pines of Sumiyoshi impart their years.
よろづよの君が御幸に行く末の年をばゆづる住吉の松
Inaba Governor Tadasue
Distinctive did their color appear today at Suminoe:
white waves splashing the pines’ low branches.
色ことに今日は見えけり住の江の松の下枝にかかる白波
Master of the Left Gate Guards Sukekiyo
The fence around the Sumiyoshi gods passed through many generations
also waiting for our sovereign’s pilgrimage.
住吉の神の御垣も世々を経て君が御幸をまつにやあるらん
Third-Ranking Officer of the Punishments Ministry Toshinori
The Sumiyoshi pines’ green this spring
appears distinct for our sovereign’s procession.
住吉の松の緑もこの春は君が御幸に色ことにみゆ
Third-Ranking Officer of the Left Imperial Bodyguards Tamefusa
This pilgrimage of two sovereigns to Sumiyoshi:
how special must it appear even to the gods among its pines.
ふたかたにかかる御幸を住吉の松めづらしく神も見るらん
Third-Ranking Officer of the Left Gate Guards Toshimune
Proof our eternal sovereign’s pilgrimage will resound a thousand years:
auspicious mists hover among the pines of Sumiyoshi.
千歳経む君が御幸のためしには霞たなびく住吉の松
Female Attendants
The never ceasing sound of the wind among the Sumiyoshi pines
mingles with the voices of the waves hitting the shore.
住吉の松に絶えせぬ風の音に岸打つ浪の声通ふなり
Even the winds favor our sovereign’s reign,
letting the branches of the Sumiyoshi pines remain at peace.
君が代は風も心をよせつれば枝のどかなる住吉の松
By the waters of Mishima Bay, my heart has been washed clean,
where I now, in peace, see the transferred shadows dwelling within.
三島江の水に心のすみぬれば影を宿してのどかにぞ見る
Though they were, they did not appear to be the pillars of Nagara Bridge:
vestiges marking the ancient past.
それながらそれとも見えぬ橋柱久しき跡のしるべなりけり
Attendants of the Princess of the First Rank
From so far away did our sovereign make this pilgrimage to Sumiyoshi—
see how the pines burst forth in flower![39]
はるかなる君が御幸に住吉の松に花咲くたびとこそ見れ
Akin to the flowing water that leaves no trace, the NagaraBridge
remains only in name, which people have heard passed down.
行く水に長柄の橋は通ひけり人は名をのみ聞きわたりつつ
The deep green pines, growing without a gap on the banks of Mishima Bay—
surely they were waiting for our sovereign’s pilgrimage.
三島江の岸に隙なき深緑君が御幸を待つにざりける
With only the bridge’s pillars as our guide,
we look at the vestige straight from the past.
橋柱それとばかりをしるしにて昔ながらの跡を見るかな
Though the white waves lapping at the reeds of Mishima Bay
return to the sea, I do not feel like returning.
三島江の葦間に寄する白波のたち帰るべき心地こそせね
As a sign of our sovereign’s longevity,
the gods must have planted these pines of Sumiyoshi.
君が世の久しかるべきためしにや神も植ゑけん住吉の松
Though I asked, there was no Nagara bridge from the past—
these traces were it, I heard, only to cross by boat.
たづぬれど昔ながらの橋もなし跡をぞそれと聞きわたりける
Rather than by the waves striking upon Naniwa Bay,
my heart is swayed by the reeds’ young shoots.
うち寄する難波の浦の浪よりも心ぞかかる葦の若葉に
As a sign of the power of the gods descended from the heavens, to our sovereign
impart your longevity—oh, Sumiyoshi pines!
天降る神のしるしに君に皆よはひはゆづれ住吉の松
Only the traces did we see, but this must then be
where the Nagara Bridge used to cross.
跡ばかり見えしなりけりこれやさは長柄の橋の渡りなるらん
Turning back, I look, but never tire: Mishima Bay—
the white waves flowing back and forth through its reeds.
立ち帰り見るとも飽かじ三島江の葦間をわくる水の白波
Despite having pined so long for Sumiyoshi,
so soon after viewing do we return.
待つほどは久しかりしを住吉の見てはほどなく帰りぬるかな
Having only heard about it for so long—like our sovereign’s reign,
to see Nagara Bridge at last—how joyful!
音にのみ聞くわたりしを君が世の長柄の橋を見るぞうれしき
There is no way to count the years of our sovereign,
for the thousand years of the Sumiyoshi pines number surpass one tree.
かずへやる方こそなけれ住吉の 松の千歳は一木ならねば
On the 26th, it rained heavily, but since they could not stay there forever, they set off in their ships. On the senior nobles’ ship, lower-ranking courtiers mingled, playing music on the river on their last day of travel. They soon reached a placed called Amanogawa. On the 27th, realizing that they would be arriving in the capital that day, people changed into more formal wear, according to their own tastes. They were close to Iwashimizu Hachiman Shrine. The verdant pines seemed particularly special that day, and the bursts of floral color from gaps between the mists, or the horses gazing by the mountain stream—these scenes all enchanted one’s heart. All too soon, while watching the delightful landscape, they arrived at the Yodo River. There, Minister of the Left Morozane came to welcome back Their Eminences and Her Highness. He looked quite dignified, and was magnificent in his proper formality.
Since I have written down directly what people had been saying, there may be mistakes or fabricated stories within this account.
Upon his return, the retired emperor thought back longingly on the several days of travel. For some reason, he began to feel unwell again—his illness acting up quite a bit. By the 4th month, His Eminence was in a truly poor state. Everyone, truly everyone, worried what could, what might happen. “In any event, take me to the temple hall,”[40] His Eminence said, but he could not even climb into the carriage, so the move was delayed, one day to the next. Meanwhile, it was soon the 29th of the 4th month, when there was the earth-shattering news that His Eminence had taken the full tonsure. Empress Keishi, too, became a nun, thinking she could not remain in her regular state for even a day. For Retired Empress Teishi as well, this was a very trying time. It all seemed like a dream to her, and she looked pitiful indeed.
On the 7th of the 5th month, Retired Emperor Go-Sanjō ultimately passed away. His children and the retired empress were dazed in a state of complete shock. Though almost unconscious in grief, Princess Sōshi 聡子 of the first rank [his daughter] and Consort Kishi each eventually became nuns, taking formal vows at a later date. His sister, the former Kamo priestess, Princess Ryōshi, also became a nun. To say that their taking of the tonsure was shockingly sad hardly does justice to what everyone felt upon this news. They shaved off their hair, still sumptuous in their youth—how beautiful they must have looked.[41] Even people in their forties and fifties seem young upon shaving off their hair, much less someone in their twenties, so one wonders how they appeared. During the initial forty-nine days of mourning, Horikawa Consort Shōshi 昭子 turned into a nun as well. It was very moving to see her performing Buddhist devotions at the Horikawa-in. During the retired emperor’s illness, all possible Buddhist services were commissioned, including the hundred-platform rite, yet such must have been fate.
As customary, the palace was filled with somber figures in gray, and nothing flowery took place. The long rains of the 5th month further provoked many tears. Retired Emperor Go-Reizei had also passed away during the same rainy season, so Shōshō no Naishi sent a poem to Daini no Sanmi, the wet-nurse to the late retired emperor.
Still more tears were left, though with the long rains of the fifth month,
I thought I had exhausted all my dripping tears.
またもなほ残りありけり五月雨に降りつくしてし涙と思ふに
In response:
The long rains of the fifth month, past and present, are a river of tears,
its streams converging from all those in mourning.
五月雨は昔も今も涙川同じ流れと水まさりけり
Archbishop Jōen of Kohata sent a poem to Minamoto Middle Counselor Suketsuna:
Though our robes have turned to ink-stained grays,
what defies any consolation is our hearts.
墨染に衣はなりぬ慰むるかたなきものは心なりけり
In response:
Were it possible to dye one’s robes with tears,
it would surely not be inferior in color to wisteria robes.[42]
涙して衣を染むるものならば藤の袂に劣らざらまし
In mourning, the Ninnaji Prince Moroakira[43] uttered on a bright, moonlit night:
Into the mountainside did I think the moon had set,
only to see it rise again—yet whither has our sovereign gone?
山の端に入りぬと思ひし月影も また出でけるはいづらわがきみ
[1] The narrator moves into the reign of Emperor Go-Sanjō, the father of Princess Sōshi. Her mother was Moshi, Kinnari’s daughter and Yoshinobu’s adopted daughter.
[2] Motohira was the son of Koichijōin, so Kishi was technically a granddaughter of an emperor.
[3] Norimichi had Seishi marry Emperor Go-Suzaku, and had Kanshi wed Emperor Go-Reizei. The minister of the right at this time was Minamoto no Morofusa, but he did not have a suitable daughter. The narrator may be referring to Yorimune, who was the minister of the right until his death in 1065. His daughter Enshi married Emperor Go-Suzaku.
[4] The narrator suddenly refers to Kishi as a consort. She did in fact become a consort on the 27th of the 3rd month, Enkyū 3 (1071), after the birth of Prince Sanehito.
[5] The second prince, Sanehito, was born on the 10th of the 2nd month, Enkyū 3 (1071).
[6] Consort Moshi had given birth to Prince Sadahito in 1053, but it was eighteen years ago. Consort Keishi had also given birth to a boy in 1062, yet the baby died shortly after birth.
[7] A practice termed meigen, which purportedly worked to ward off evil spirits.
[8] Seishi became the saiin in late 1074. At the time of the events narrated here, Princess Kashi 佳子, a daughter of Go-Sanjo and Moshi, was the Kamo priestess.
[9] Consort Shōshi was the daughter of Yorimune and Korechika’s daughter. She wedded Emperor Go-Sanjō when he was still a crown prince in 1066, and she was promoted to consort in 1069.
[10] Yorimichi became sesshō when he was twenty-six (1017) and occupied this post until 1067, when he was seventy-six.
[11] For a discussion of Emperor Go-Sanjō’s active rule, see Cameron Hurst, “Insei,” in The Cambridge History of Japan, 2:585–92.
[12] Dōshi had married the crown prince in 1069. This is her first appearance in Eiga.
[13] These words anticipate the great love Shirakawa would end up devoting to Kenshi. Her death in 1084 caused him great anguish and his behavior was seen as excessive by many at the time.
[14] Sadahito has in mind a love poem in the Kokinshū: “I will always love / someone I have scarcely met – / someone fair to see / as an Asaka marsh iris / blooming in Michinoku” 陸奥の安積の沼の花かつみかつ見る人に恋ひやわたらむ (Trans. McCullough, 151).
[15] The emperor may have been considering the low rank of Kishi’s family members.
[16] On the 28th of the 8th month, Enkyū 3 (1071), the emperor moved from the Shijōmiya to the palace, finally rebuilt after the fire of 1058.
[17] The text here is not clear. It could be that the crown prince was using the northern wing, and Dōshi was occupying just the Sen’yōden.
[18] In Book 36, Shōshi’s father Yorimune is praised for his handsome looks.
[19] The pilgrimage to the Gion Shrine occurred on the 26th of the 3rd month, Enkyū 4 (1072). Emperor Go-Sanjō went to the Hie Shrine on the 29th of the 10th month, Enkyū 3 (1071). In conjunction with his visit to the Gion Shrine, Go-Sanjō also paid his respects at the Inari Shrine (Fusō ryakki). His visits were the first by an emperor to these three shrines.
[20] In fact, the fire had occurred in 1070, before the imperial pilgrimage.
[21] The earthquake also happened in 1070, on the 20th of the 10th month, six days after the fire at Gion Shrine.
[22] Shunshi left for Ise on the 23rd of the 9th month, Enkyū 3 (1071).
[23] Divination confirmed Shunshi as the new Ise Priestess three years earlier. Since then, she was in ritual seclusion at Nonomiya, preparing for her post in Ise. She would be able to come back to the capital only upon resignation, either because of extreme illness, or the death of a close relative, namely her father, the emperor, whereupon the change in reign would necessitate the selection of a new priestess.
[24] Her resignation came on the 6th of the 7th month, Enkyū 4 (1072).
[25] Tokushi was the fourth daughter of Emperor Go-Sanjō and Consort Moshi, but was adopted by Retired Empress Teishi. The divination nominating her for the position happened on the 11th of the 3rd month, Enkyū 5 (1073), so Tokushi actually became the priestess after Emperor Go-Sanjō’s abdication.
[26] Princess Yūshi was the daughter of Emperor Go-Suzaku and was thirty-five.
[27] From the gap between Kashi’s resignation to Tokushi’s selection, it seems that Yūshi was initially chosen to be the Kamo priestess, but she then took the tonsure. The 8th of the 12th month is probably an error, since it is, as later mentioned, the day of Emperor Go-Sanjō’s abdication. According to Hennen zanpen, Yūshi did take the tonsure in the 12th month of Enkyū 4 (1072).
[28] These repairs were of the damage incurred during the Kōhei fire (1058).
[29] Since the reign of Ichijō, emperors abdicated close to their deaths. Sanjō lived the longest after abdication, a little over a year. Emperor Go-Sanjō was thirty-seven at the time of his abdication, which ushered in the new style of government, rule by retired emperors, known as the insei.
[30] The narrator is referring to a celebrated episode recorded in Ise shū, Kanpyō gyoshū, Gosenshū, Yamato monogatari, and Ōkagami. When Emperor Uda abdicated, Ise wrote on the walls of the Kokiden: “I take my leave / With no thought of return / To the Hundred Stones Palace – / Yet how poignant the grief / Never to see it more” わかるれどあひもあもはぬももしきを見ざらぬ事やなにかかなしき (Trans. McCullough, Ōkagami, 217).
[31] One of the crown prince’s wet-nurses was Kinmoto’s daughter.
[32] According to Fusō ryakki, the move happened on the 11th of the 1st Month, Enkyū 5 (1073).
[33] By Ise, the poem in the Kokinshū reads: “They say that even / Nagara Bridge in Naniwa / is to be rebuilt. / To what then shall I henceforth / compare my aging body?” 難波なる長柄の橋も作るなり今はわが身を何に譬へむ (Trans. McCullough, 235).
[34] Many of these poems rely on the pun with tabi (“occasion” and “journey”) and matsu (“pine” as well as “to pine”). Sumiyoshi was famous for its pines, in which the Sumiyoshi god dwelled. The evergreens were also a symbol of longevity. The chapter’s title alludes to their branches, swooping low and long to the ground and into the sea, as featured in a few of the poems.
[35] The “empty ship” is a symbol for the retired emperor, who had relieved himself of his position’s burden. Toshiyori zuinō gives one explanation for its usage, quoting this poem as an example (NKBZ 50:250).
[36] The first line “stepped down and risen again” (ori noboru) refers to Go-Sanjō’s abdication and his assumption of the office of the retired emperor.
[37] The phrase, “the banks of Mishimae,” does not serve a semantic purpose. It is place name along the Yodo River, but it is here used as a pun for “to see” in mishimae.
[38] “Ashi no ha” is a preface to “uragaeru,” as well as a related image for Naniwa. “Urageru” means “to turn inside out,” or “to return from the bay.”
[39] Pines were said to bloom once every one hundred years. This poem is also found in Shoku Gosenshū, though attributed to Fujiwara no Sanemasa, the senior assistant general of Dazaifu. He could have been the surrogate poet.
[40] “Midō” might refer to Hōjōji, or Enshūji, the temple established by Go-Sanjō.
[41] Princess Sōshi was twenty-four; Kishi was twenty-seven.
[42] Originally, wisteria robes referred to clothing made out of wisteria-fiber weaves, but by this time, it referred to mourning.
[43] A son of Sanjō and Seishi, thus a half-brother to Retired Empress Teishi.