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[“The Monkey’s Cloak” (Sarumino) was a collection of verse by Bashō and members of his school, published in 1691. In the following, Bashō is struck by the words “skylark of Akashi” because of the graceful allusion to another poem.]
Omokaji ya |
Port the helm! |
Kakei
This poem was being considered for inclusion in “The Monkey’s Cloak.” Kyorai said, “It’s just like the Master’s
No wo yoko ni |
Across the fields |
It should not be included.” The Master said, “The ‘skylark of Akashi’ is not a bad image.” Kyorai replied, “I don’t know about the ‘skylark of Akashi,’ but the poem merely substitutes a boat for a horse. It shows no originality.” The Master commented, “He hasn’t made any advance in the conception of the verse, but you may include it or not as you please on the basis of the Akashi skylark.” We finally did not include it.
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[The art of making a haiku from a trifling incident.]
Kiraretaru |
Stabbed to death! |
Kikaku
Kyorai said, “Kikaku is really a clever writer. Who else would ever have thought of writing a poem merely about being bitten by a flea?” The Master said, “You’re quite right. He deals with trifling matters in a most eloquent way.” This criticism seemed to me to describe Kikaku’s art completely.
