The Empress Sang In Reply Poem by Empress Iwanohime

Oath of a noble,
Hear the words now lifted high:
For an extra string
To string my bow in case of need
I'd lay her in beside you.

The Empress sang in reply, saying:


To have your wardrobe
Double layered would be fine,
No doubt of that -
But you frighten me, my lord,
Who would line up beds at night!

The Emperor sang again, saying:


Out on the cape
Of far-shining Naniwa
The double dunes:
To be doubled up with you
Must be why that child was born.

The Empress sang in reply, saying:


Summer crawlers,
Silkworms that make double clothes:
Wearing two layers,
Sleeping snug and bundled up -
Oh, no, that can't be right!

The Emperor sang again saying:


Puffing her way,
Sniffing up the Hika slope
At Asazuma -
Of a morning a wife'd be
Better off with company.


The Empress was silent and did not reply again,
for she had no intention of ever giving in.