Murasaki Shikibu Diary, Chapters 1-3: The Song of the Woman Rose

As I gazed outside from my room near the entrance to the covered walkway, I noticed the faint morning mist lingering in the air, with dew still untouched.

Despite the early hour, His Lordship was strolling through the garden, calling for his attendants to clear debris from the stream.

Approaching the southern side of the bridge, where the valerian was in full bloom, he gracefully broke off a branch and, through the screen, showed it to me. His dignified presence was so striking that I couldn’t help but feel embarrassed by the disheveled state of my own morning appearance.

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“It wouldn't do to delay composing a poem for this flower, now would it?” he remarked, taking advantage of the moment. Moved by his words, I drew closer to my inkstone.

“When I see the bright color of the valerian in full bloom, I am reminded of how time has not spared my own fading beauty, which the dew, so impartial, reflects.”

“You’re quite swift,” he smiled warmly as he reached for the inkstone.

“The dew doesn't discriminate at all. The valerian blooms so beautifully because it desires to do so from its heart. A woman, too, can become beautiful if she nurtures her heart.