ABSTRACT
I was full of hope that after my promotion to office I should be able at once to leave the Capital. But quite unexpectedly I have received an Imperial Decree appointing me to be a Compiler of National History in the Imperial College of Literature. Who can know the feelings of my heart? How can I accomplish any literary work? My Lute-bearer, who has gone with my message, has not yet returned. Not having been able to sleep comfortably or eat and drink with relish for several days, I have been given leave to rest in the official hostel. This morning a physician from the Imperial Medical Institution was sent to see me and give me medicine. But my sickness is one that not even the most famous of doctors could cure. Since I have been separated from my Young Lady, my heart has not had one day’s ease!
