A Wandering Soul from The Tale of Genji

なげきわび　そらにみだるる　わがたまを むすびどめよ　したがへのつま I never meant to come to you this way. And yet the soul of one consumed by longing truly drifts beyond the body. “My grieving soul, scattered and wandering through the empty sky— bind it gently to you, with the hem of your robe.” I never wished to wander to your side like this. Yet the soul of one who grieves in love slips softly from the flesh. Have pity on me. My longing for you grew too deep. My jealousy of the one beside you loosened my soul from its resting place. “My grieving soul, scattered and wandering through the empty sky— bind it gently to you, with the hem of your robe.” You must think me frightening. You must think me cruel. And perhaps you are right. Yet somewhere in your heart, if only for a moment, think of me as a woman to be pitied— the ruin left behind by loving you too deeply. なげきわび　そらにみだるる　わがたまを むすびどめよ　したがへのつま “My grieving soul, scattered and wandering through the empty sky— bind it gently to you, with the hem of your robe.” Your incense still lingers in my robes. My poems still carry the memory of our nights. And in my eyes remains your face, silver beneath the moonlight. “My grieving soul, scattered and wandering through the empty sky— bind it gently to you, with the hem of your robe.” You must think me frightening. You must think me cruel. Yet somewhere in your heart, if only for a moment, think of me tenderly. For I am only the final shape of a woman who loved you too much なげきわび　そらにみだるる　わがたまを むすびどめよ　したがへのつま