  In AshinÓya village dwelt The Maiden of UnÁhi, On whose beauty the next-door neighbors e'en Might cast no wandering eye; For they locked her up as a child of eight, When her hair hung loosely still; And now her tresses were gathered up, To float no more at will. And the men all yearned that her sweet face Might once more stand reveal'd, Who was hid from gaze, as in silken maze The chrysalis lies concealed. And they formed a hedge round the house, And, "I'll wed her!" they all did cry; And the Champion of Chinu he was there, And the Champion of UnÁhi. With jealous love these champions twain The beauteous girl did woo, Each had his hand on the hilt of his sword, And a full-charged quiver, too, Was slung o'er the back of each champion fierce, And a bow of snow-white wood Did rest in the sinewy hand of each; And the twain defiant stood. Crying, "An 'twere for her dear sake, Nor fire nor flood I'd fear!" The maiden heard each daring word, But spoke in her mother's ear:— "Alas! that I, poor country girl, Should cause this jealous strife! As I may not wed the man I love What profits me my life? "In Hades' realm I will await The issue of the fray." These secret thoughts, with many a sigh, She whisper'd and pass'd away. To the Champion of Chinu in a dream Her face that night was shown; So he followed the maid to Hades' shade, And his rival was left alone; Left alone—too late! too late! He gapes at the vacant air, He shouts, and he yells, and gnashes his teeth, And dances in wild despair. "But no! I'll not yield!" he fiercely cries, "I'm as good a man as he!" And girding his poniard, he follows after, To search out his enemy. The kinsmen then, on either side, In solemn conclave met, As a token forever and evermore— Some monument for to set, That the story might pass from mouth to mouth, While heav'n and earth shall stand; So they laid the maiden in the midst, And the champions on either hand. And I, when I hear the mournful tale, I melt into bitter tears, As though these lovers I never saw Had been mine own compeers. Mushimaro. |
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