The poems were read. Genji's was so remarkable that the reader paused to comment upon each line. The professors were deeply moved. Since Genji was for the emperor a shining light, the poem could not fail to move him too. As for the empress, she ... reflected on her own misfortune in being so strangely drawn to him.

"Could I see the blossom as other blossoms,
Then would there be no dew to cloud my heart."

She recited it silently to herself. How then did it go the rounds and presently reach me?