03Tsurezuregusa (Essays in Idleness) Section 3

Trs. Kenneth L. Richard, July, 2004

No matter how wonderful a man may seem, he is sad and lonely if he does not love love. His jeweled wine cup has a leaky bottom. How else would one feel?

But to fall under the spell of dew and frost or any matter of moistened tissue, to wander about, lost in the search, preoccupied in his heart though on the watch for the reprimands of his parents or by people’s approbation; to be in constant pursuits of new beginnings, going on though he rarely sleeps alone or spends a night of sound slumber, that is truly a wonder!

Though I say this, it is still desirable that a man not be too singular in his pursuit, nor be thought badly of by women.