Quotes from Sei Sh?nagon

How ever did I pass the time before I knew you? I think of that past time as now I pass each passing day in lonely sorrow, lacking you.

If writing did not exist, what terrible depressions we should suffer from.

Someone who butts in when you're talking and smugly provides the ending herself. Indeed anyone who butts in, be they child or adult, is most infuriating.

Sometimes a person who is utterly devoid of charm will try to create a good impression by using very elegant language; yet he only succeeds in being ridiculous.

There is nothing in the whole world so painful as feeling that one is not liked.

After all, the cherry blossom blooms every year, but does anyone find it the less lovely for that?

185. It Is Getting So Dark Whatever people may think of my book, I still regret that it ever came to light.

Lighting some fine incense and then lying down alone to sleep. Looking into a Chinese mirror that's a little clouded.

8. The Cat Who Lived in the Palace The cat who lived in the Palace had been awarded the head-dress of nobility and was called Lady Myobu.

A man you've had to conceal in some unsatisfactory hiding place, who then begins to snore.

I do wish men, when they're taking their leave from a lady at dawn, wouldn't insist on adjusting their clothes to a nicety, or fussily tying their lacquered cap securely into place. After all, who would laugh at a man or criticize him if they happened to catch sight of him on his way home from an assignation in fearful disarray, with his cloak or hunting costume all awry?

Women without prospect, who lead dull earnest lives and rejoice in their petty little pseudo-pleasures, I find quite depressing and despicable.

A palm-leaf carriage should move slowly, or else it loses its dignity.

Things That Give a Clean Feeling An earthen cup. A new metal bowl. A rush mat. The play of the light on water as one pours it into a vessel. A new wooden chest.

14. Hateful Things: Someone has suddenly fallen ill and one summons the exorcist. Since he is not home, one has to send messages to look for him. After one has had a long fretful wait, the exorcist finally arrives, and with a sigh of relief one asks him to start his incantations. But perhaps he has been exorcising too many evil spirits recently; for hardly has he installed himself and begun praying when his voice becomes drowsy. Oh, how hateful!

Sarusawa Pond is a very special place, because the Emperor paid it a formal visit when he heard how one of the Palace Maidens had drowned herself there. 1 Thinking of Hitomaro's marvellous words 'her hair tangled as in sleep', there is really nothing I can add.

25. Flowering trees The blossom of the pear tree is the most prosaic, vulgar thing in the world. The less one sees this particular blossom the better...