We start this week with some poems written by Ôtomo no Tabito's retainers, on their way back to the capital after his promotion to Major Councillor.

In the winter, Eleventh Month, 2nd year of Tempyô, the Governor-General of the Dazifu, Lord Ôtomo, was made a Major Councillor concurrently with his position as Governor-General; on his return to the capital, his retainers set sail and returned to the capital with him. Here are ten poems they composed in their sensitivity, suffering from the hardships of the journey.

wa ga seko wo a ga matubara yo miwataseba amawotömedömo tamamo karu miyu

My friend, I pine and from this field Gaze out upon The diver girls Seeing them cutting jewelled seaweed.

The above poem is by Isomori, Lord Mino.

MYS XVII: 3890