So-Kin of Rakuho, ancient friend, I now remember
That you built me a special tavern,
By the south side of the bridge at Ten-Shin.
With yellow gold and white jewels we paid for the songs and
laughter,
And we were drunk for month after month, forgetting the kings and
princes.
Intelligent men came drifting in, from the sea and from the west border,
And with them, and with you especially, there was nothing at cross-
purpose;
And they made nothing of sea-crossing or of mountain-crossing
If only they could be of that fellowship.
And we all spoke out our hearts and minds… and without regret.
And then I was sent off to South Wei, smothered in laurel groves,
And you to the north of Raku-hoku,
Till we had nothing but thoughts and memories between us.
And when separation had come to its worst
We met, and travelled together into Sen-Go
